A Muse News

Shop News - 6/28/10

Make & Take

Summer, the 4th of July, parades, BBQs....ahhhh....life's a picnic, isn't it? ;) Come join us this week to make a little picnic basket filled with patriotic treats!

Stop by anytime between 11:30am - 1:30pm, Wednesday or Saturday, to join in on the fun and make this FREE project!

Have a Happy Fourth!

Michele

Around Town - July Classes

The A Muse Instructor Team has some fun July classes coming up!  Simply click on their names to hop over to their class schedules for more information on the events offered in your area.  Instructors with a pink star after their name will be teaching during A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA week in the state listed!

Alabama
Beth Thomas*

Alaska
Donna Hitz

Arizona
Lori Barnett*

British Columbia
Glenda Wyatt*

California
Jill Grace*
Julie Ebersole*
Tracy Falco*

Connecticut
Jenn Shurkus
Sherry Czarnecki*

Massachusetts
Jenn Shurkus*

Newfoundland
Meghan Fahey*

New Hampshire
Liz Ballard*

New Jersey
Cheiron Brandon*
Heather Meeson*

New York
Cheiron Brandon*
Sherry Czarnecki*

Ohio
Jenn Shurkus*

Oregon
Katie Stilwater*

Texas
Geeta Suggs*

Virginia
Melinda Matzen*

Washington
Novell Eckstrom
Rhiannon Christianson*

Wisconsin
Dawn Stein
Kamila Younkman*

  

Guest Designer Lisa Strahl - week 4

Today I have more fun Twilight Saga inspired designs for you from Guest Designer Lisa Strahl!  Before I get to the cards, I bet you'd love to know what she has chosen as the Guest Designer prize - right?!  Lisa's choice is:

• Queen Anne's Lace stamp
• Pack of A Muse Kitchen Green notecards

So make sure to enter by leaving a comment on any of the posts featuring Lisa's work (one comment per post please) for a chance to win!

Forever 17

First up today is this clever birthday card!  Edward as you know is "forever 17" because that's when he became a vampire.  Lisa used Copics to color him along with Spica glitter pen on his skin.  A little masking over the letters allowed her to stamp only a portion of him.   

 
And here is a peek at the inside!  Perfect for a friend who's a Twilight fan (and turning an age that's a little higher than 17, *wink*!)

 

Beware Seattle

Here Lisa combined a computer generated sentiment along with part of the "Greetings from Seattle" stamp to make this clever design.  In the upcoming Twilight movie, Eclipse, the "bad" vampire Victoria creates an army of new vampires (called newborns) that cause trouble in Seattle.

 

Crowded Tent

Another reference to Eclipse, when Edward, Bella, and Jacob have to spend time in a tent together prior to the fight with Victoria's newborn army.  Here Lisa stamped the trees then used the rock 'n roll technique on the moon using yellow and orange inks. Then she masked the moon and airbrushed the night sky with Copics!  She added a torn white layer for snow and mounted the tent on dimensional tape.  A little glitter on the trees and tent give a hint of snow.  Lisa computer generated another perfect sentiment in her twilighty font!  So fun! 

You Stole my Heart

Lisa created this simple but stunning design as an ode to the fourth book in the Saga - Breaking Dawn.  Here Bella finally has glittery skin (and you know that means she is now a vampire!)  Lisa used the Tiny Heart stamped in red and then glittered it with Stickles.  And the sentiment is perfect! 

 

*sigh* - that's it for Lisa's Twilight designs - weren't they fabulous?!  Here are a few more comments from Lisa in response to our word association questionaire: 

• Beverage - Sour Lime Margarita, blended with extra salt on the rim.
• Biggest challenge - Being a girl. I run a little more like in man in that I can't stand drama.
• Can’t live without - Ranger Non-Stick Craft Mat, Ranger Heat It Craft Tool
• Favorite product - Deeply Etched Dark Red Wood Mounted Rubber
• Climate – Overcast...think Twilight!
• Last purchase - Newest Basic Grey 6x6 Inch Paper Pads - Capella, Max and Wiskars and the new Basics Line.  A must have as the scale of the papers are been reduced.  I buy just about any 6x6 pad I see.
• Proudest moment - Birth of my son.  I did that.
• Food - Wish I didn't have to deal with it.  Can we just start eating pills like in the Jetsons?  I do love good food, just don't want to take the time to make it.
• Time of day – After 9pm I do my beset creating.  Then I need to read to fall asleep, no matter how late I go to bed.  Guess who is NOT a morning person?
• Other Hobbies - Reading.  Reading.  Reading.  I can never find enough *good* books to keep me happy.

We hope you have enjoyed getting to know Lisa a little better!  We have one last set of her beautiful Everything's Rosy cards next week!  So stay tuned and be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win!

 

Shop News for June 22nd

Hello Friends,

We hope all our Seattle friends, and visitors, will be able to join us for a fun make & take this week.  We are getting ready to celebrate the 4th of July.  This week we will be making a fun favor that can be filled with all sorts of treats and treasures.

We used our Hourglass Accucut die to create this little favor box.  It is quite roomy inside... we have cry-baby sour gum balls inside.  Tee hee!  The tag uses two stamps from our Hero Mail clear stamp set and also our Sparkler stamp.  Fast and fun!  

FREE Make & Take
Wednesday & Saturday
11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Don't live near us?  We will cut and mail you some boxes.  Just specify the paper you'd like.  12 hourglass boxes for $8.  Email us at orders@amuseartstamps.com to add to your next order.

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We have LOTS of fun new items in the shop.  Check out these fun PAPER straws.  Yep!  Just like in the 'olden' days! LOL!  Hot pink, green and blue.  50 straws for $3.  You'll want one of each!

These are my favorite new item... pear notes!  I spied these a looooooooong time ago but they were only available from Japan and I couldn't figure out how to order them for the store because the website was in japanaese only.  So happy to have them at last!  $5 each.

You *KNOW* how much fun we are having with tape.  This donut tape comes direct from Japan and is so fun! Yummy!

 

We've been on a bit of a paper pom-pom kick of late.  Stop by to see our new 4th of July decorations!

And, be sure to check out all the fun 4th of July items we have in store! We LOVE these dimenional stickers from Jolee's Boutique. Make a quick card or some fun decorations with them.  I also think they would be fun cupcake/cake toppers... just add a toothpick! $4.25 each

Have a beautiful day!

 

 
 

Guest Designer Lisa Strahl - week 3

I have more beautiful "Everything's Rosy" designs for you from Lisa today!  This time let's jump right in and check out her cards.  But keep reading below for more words from Lisa and remember to leave a comment for a chance to win!

Wax Butterfly

If you loved Lisa's Melt Art leaf from her first set of cards, then this one will knock your socks off!  Lisa created a wax butterfly from the largest butterfly on the Flutterby Flock stamp!  Isn't it amazing?!  

Here are some notes from Lisa on how she did it:  "create a Mold 'n Pour Cast from the stamp, pour White Bees Wax in, let it set, rub it with Bronze Perfect Pearls, mist with water to help it set and then brushed with a thin layer of Glossy Accents to make sure it was durable."  Then here is another photo so you can see a closeup of the wax butterfly!  The woodgrain stamp makes the perfect background.  And I love that she added three tiny Pretty Pearls to the center of the butterfly!

Pearl Flower

Speaking of pearls... check out this flower!  I don't know about you, but I tend to want to hoard my pearls but this card makes me want to get them out and use 'em!  So pretty! 

 
Glittered Butterflies

These are so sparkly in person and the color is fabulous!  Lisa inked each of the butterflies in different colors and then stamped.  Then used Glitter Ritz Microfine Glitters with a Quickie glue pen to add the glitter!

 
Here is a closeup of them:

 
*sigh* so lovely!  Makes me want to stamp (*smile*)!   

Here are a few more of Lisa's thoughts in response to our word association questionaire:

• Work space - Piles. Messy. I put everything on my desk away after I have be unable to find three things that I am looking for. I wait as long as I can because once I clean it, my creative energy takes a step backward for a few days. The physical space is two thirds of a single car garage remodelled as a studio. It can function as a classroom for 8 or a creative space for 10. It was modelled after Suze Weinburg's studio (of Melt Art fame), but modernized with entirely Ikea furnishings.
• Perfect day - Two perfect days. Husband, son and 100lb black Labrador Retriever at the lake fishing. Sun up till sun down in my studio creating across from another creative soul and playing off each other's energy.
• First job - Western Wear and Horse Supply Store. The sport of my youth was breeding, raising and showing Quarter Horses.
• Wildest dream - Already living my wildest dreams. Sounds cheezie but it's true. Married to the love of my life, have the single most amazing son in the world, a dog that gives and gives when I need a shoulder to cry on, and a career that allows me to help others find their inner artist.
• Ink - Which one? I recently counted and then stopped after I hit 500 full size pads. They all have their purpose. Single most versatile for a rich and crisp image has to be Ranger Archival in Jet Black and Coffee. If I was on a desert island, these are the two I would take. Pigment ink, it has to be Chocolate Pearlescent Brilliance by Tsukineko.

I have one more set of Lisa's Rosy designs, but stay tuned for the last of Lisa's Twilight designs next week!  And remember to leave a comment (one only please, per guest designer article) to enter your name into the drawing for a chance to win!  

 

Cuppa Time with Julie, 06.15.2010

Hi, ya'all!

Well, I'm back with another Cuppa Time Video--two actually.  Had to break it into 2 segments due to length.  Sorry about the tinny sound--I'm still learning about how to get a better quality video conversion, YouTube and all that yadda yadda yadda!  *chuckle*

In this month's webisode, I answer questions about my camera, Copic shadowing, stamping on ceramic mugs, and how to make those little bitty banners . . .

Thanks for watching!  If you have any trouble watching it here, try viewing it on YouTube directly!

Please keep those questions coming in the Cuppa Time thread over in the Lounge! It really helps me know what YOU would like to know more about! You can find that thread by clicking HERE. Thanks muchly and have a FAB one!

Shop News 6/14/10

Make & Take

I just saw Sex and the City 2 this weekend with a bunch of girlfriends and had such a fun time looking at all that fashion! When I saw Stephanie's darling purse from the Paper Garden blog I knew we just had to do a SATC inspired Make & Take this week!

Using our mango damask shimmer couture paper and the Extra Giga (mint green) Marvy Scalloped Circle punch, we'll make a little purse with chocolate lips inside! So cute and SO girly : )

Come join us this week anytime between 11:30am and 1:30pm, Wednesday or Saturday, to make this {FREE}sweet purse to give to a friend.

Chickie Poo!

Local designer Anne Dunn hand-makes incredible jewelry, bags and other sweet goodies. We are SO excited to now carry her line, Chickie Poo, in the shop!!

Here's Anne stopping by to say hello!

Necklaces!

LOTS of different designs - decorated Domino tiles, Scrabble tiles, glass domed, metal rimmed, pretty beaded ones with vintage clasps and ribbons - so many kinds! For you Twilight fans, there's even one that says I ~heart~ Emmett! $12-$16

Change purses

 

Cute, small zippered change purses in 3 different sizes.  Perfect for stashing money, gift cards or lipstick:)  $10-$14

Decorative bobby pins  $3-$5

Wire wrapped beaded bracelets with silver double sided framed images  $16

 

Flower pin-cushion finger rings so you can look FABULOUS during that sewing project! :)  $10

 

A cute Make & Take and some super cute new stuff. Hope to see you in the shop!

Have a great week,

Michele

Guest Designer Lisa Strahl - week 2

Today we have more of Lisa Strahl's fabulous designs and if you are a fan of Twilight, you are in for a treat!  As you may know, the next movie in the Twilight Saga (Eclipse) comes out at the end of the month, so Lisa created some very clever "Ode to Twilight" designs!  But first, we thought you'd like to get to know Lisa a little better, so here are some of her thoughts in response to our word association questionaire:

• Name - Lisa (but mostly known as Mona to stamping friends) Strahl
• Stamping - Technique Focused. Hello, my name is Lisa and I am a junkie. A mad scientist. A tester. I love to take one stamp and apply 20 techniques to it, just to see how it will turn out.
• Style - Eclectic. I am comfortable up to my elbows in ink, paint, embossing powder, wax, art mediums and anything else that will help get what is in my head, onto the paper or canvas. I love the grungiest mixed media project but also bask in the clean, beautiful and simple world of A Muse. And pretty much everything else in between. I often stamp based on mood or inspiration. As you will see from at least half of my Guest Design projects, I have been *slightly* amused by The Twilight Saga and sketched over 30 ideas originally just on that subject.
• Inspiration - Everywhere. Home decor, movies, nature, the cosmetics section at Walmart.
• Color - Changing. In the past 9 months my color horizons have really expanded. But if I had to pick a color family I would describe it as earthy. My students would answer: the combination of Bronze, Espresso and Stream from the Adirondack Alcohol Ink Collection.

I'll share a little more about Lisa each week, but now... the cards!

Edward Saves Bella

Soo clever! This was inspired by a scene in the first Twilight story, where Edward saves Bella from a run-in with a vehicle on an icy day.  Lisa used lots of Copics on this design - just look at the texture on the truck!  And if you could see it in person, you'd see that there is clear Spica glitter pen on Edward's skin to make him *sparkle* (since Twilight Vampires sparkle in the sun).  Lisa used a fun twilighty font to computer generate her own sentiment - which fits perfectly!  And did you notice the clouds?  She trimmed them out of our Cloud paper! 

 

I {heart} Forks

Gah - so simple, yet stunning!  Inspired by the "I love New York" logo, here Lisa used our Apple Red Shimmer Couture paper along with the Classic Alpha clear set and just the fork from the Flatware stamp!  (If you aren't familiar with the Twilight series, Forks is a town near Seattle where much of the story takes place.)

 

Sparkles & Sunshine

Lisa used a fun Copic technique on this design to color the wool texture in Edward's suit.  First she colored his suit a dark grey, then used lighter shades of grey to dapple and remove color!  To create the sunlight, Lisa masked off the area where she wanted the light and then airbrushed yellow.  Lisa also added details to the sun using Glossy Accents for dimension and clear Spica glitter pen for sparkle.  And of course since Edward is standing in sunlight - he also sparkles with Spica glitter pen!  And how perfect is this sentiment?!  Sooo clever!

Here is a closeup of Edward's suit so you can see the wool texture effect:

 

Phasing

As a fan of the Twilight Saga myself, you know I am totally loving Lisa's whole set of cards (and there are still more to come!).  But I think this one is my favorite of this group!  I love her Copic coloring on the wolf - he really looks furry!  And her computer generated sentiment is *perfect*!  If you are familiar with the series, then you know that when Jacob phases from a wolf back into a human, he is - um... well... in the buff!  LOL! 

See - didn't I tell ya they were fabulous?  Stay tuned for more of Lisa's beautiful work coming on Friday!  If you missed her first set of designs, be sure to check them out --> here!  And remember to leave a comment here for Lisa (one only please, per guest designer article) to enter your name into the drawing for a chance to win!

 

Save the Date!!! It's an A*Muse*A*Palooza Pajama Party!!!

We are SO excited to announce that we will be hosting another online Pajama Party, A Muse style on the Lounge!! That's right, another virtual stamp night full of fun challenges, hosted right in the A Muse Lounge on the first night of A*Muse*A*Palooza!!! :) 

What: An online Pajama Party and virtual stamp night

When: Saturday, July 10th from 6pm - 8pm Pacific time

Where: The A Muse Lounge

Who: Anyone and everyone that loves A Muse

How: Be sure to head to the Lounge to get all of the details!

There will be lots of fun challenges, prizes, chatting, and of course, stamping!! So grab your stamps, get your jammies on, get comfy, and let's party!! :) 

What: An online Pajama Party and virtual stamp night

When: Saturday, July 10th from 6pm - 8pm Pacific time

Where: The A Muse Lounge

Who: Anyone and everyone that loves A Muse

How: Be sure to head to the Lounge to get all of the details!

There will be lots of fun challenges, prizes, chatting, and of course, stamping!! So grab your stamps, get your jammies on, get comfy, and let's party!! :) 

Secret Squares - Winner!

It's time to reveal the answer and winner of our Secret Squares game!  So who was the A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA instructor who was holding the prize? 

The answer is: 

*Meghan*

And the random winner of our game, who posted on Monday at 8:53am:

 
Congratulations Lilian!  Please email me your mailing address and we'll send out your goodies! 

Thank you to everyone for playing!  We hope you enjoyed our game and are excited about A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA!  We'll have more A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA fun here on the blog as we countdown beginning July 5th!

 

Secret Squares - Round 4!

It's the final round of Secret Squares and you have one last chance to play!  Only a few to choose from now!  Of the A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA instructors who are left, who do you think is holding the secret prize?  Friday is the big day as we reveal the final answer and announce a random winner from all correct guesses! 

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your guess (one entry per person per round) before the final round of the game ends tonight (Thursday June 10th) at midnight Pacific time.  Then check back tomorrow to find out who is holding the prize and see if you are the winner!

 

Secret Squares - Round 3!

 
It's Round three of Secret Squares!  A few more photos have been removed and one of our remaining A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA instructors is holding a secret prize.  Who do you think has the prize?  Tomorrow we'll remove a few more photos from the board and you'll get to guess one more time.  We'll reveal the final answer on Friday and draw a random winner from all correct guesses. 

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your guess (one entry per person per round) before this round of the game ends tonight (Wednesday June 9th) at midnight Pacific time.  Then check back on Thursday to play the final round!

 

Shop News 6/8/10

Make & Take

Join us this week to make a super fun card!  Using the Fancy Borders clear set, you'll create a stamped pattern on paper and then turn that paper into a oragami dress shirt!  Add a ribbon tie and.....presto! A cool card to give to a dad, or any man in your life to show him he's the best!

Drop in anytime Wednesday or Saturday between 11:30am and 1:30pm to make this FREE project!

Hope to see you soon,

Michele

Secret Squares - Round 2!

We're on to Round 2 of Secret Squares!  Today we removed a few photos to help you choose.  One of these remaining A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA instructors is holding a secret prize.  Who do you think has the prize?  Each day this week, we'll remove a few more photos from the board and you'll get to guess again.  We'll reveal the final answer on Friday and draw a random winner from all correct guesses.  The winner will receive a fun A Muse prize!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your guess (one entry per person per round) before this round of the game ends tonight (Tuesday June 8th) at midnight Pacific time.  Then check back on Wednesday to play round three! 

Secret Squares Game!

A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA is coming!  Mark your calendars for a week-long stamping extravaganza at a store near you!  Our countdown festivities start here on the blog on July 5th, but we just couldn't wait to have a little fun, so this week we are playing one of our favorite games from previous years - Secret Squares!

What is Secret Squares?  Hollywood Squares – A Muse Style!   We’ve chosen one of our A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA instructors to hold a secret prize.  Who do you think has the prize?  Each day this week, we'll remove a few names from the board and you'll get to guess again.  We'll reveal the final answer on Friday and draw a random winner from all correct guesses.  The winner will receive a fabulous A Muse prize!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your guess (one entry per person per round) before this round of the game ends tonight (Monday June 7th) at midnight Pacific time.  Then check back on Tuesday to play round two!

And don't miss my post from yesterday introducing our Guest Designer - Lisa Strahl!  Be sure to leave a comment on that post for another chance to win!

Good Luck! 

Guest Designer Lisa Strahl!

 

Today I have a special treat for you!  Please join me in welcoming our Guest Designer for June...  Lisa Strahl!  You may know Lisa from her fabulous blog - Petite Palette.  I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa in person at the CHA show in January and am excited to share her designs with you this month! 

Lisa has created beautiful cards featuring our Floral and Everything's Rosy stamps as well as some fabulously clever Twilight inspired designs!  I cannot wait to share them with you!  To get things started, I'll let Lisa tell you a little about herself:   

"My stamping journey began 6 years ago when I grudgingly told a friend that I would just buy her hand stamped cards.  Would I like to learn how to stamp?  No thanks, don't have the time or inclination, I said.  Maybe I will just make some baby announcements, but that's it.  And the rest as they say, is history.

I have had several amazing opportunities over the past 4 years as I have worked as a creative designer, design team coordinator, product designer and art director in this industry.  From being ask to serve on the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Design Team to attending Ranger University in New Jersey to exhibiting at and walking many CHA's - the craft industry's annual exhibition, it has been a whirlwind.

My time "behind the scenes" working for a manufacturer was extremely rewarding and challenging and I loved it.  There came a time however, where I was not doing any creating or teaching due to time constraints.  I am now teaching on a permanent basis at my local all rubber, rubber stamp store (yes, they still exist) and am feeling immensely fulfilled.  The joy that I get to experience each time someone discovers a creative ability that they never new they had, well, that is priceless.  I like to teach in a way that fosters self discovery.  I want my students to make mistakes when I am there to help, so that they can go home and be successful in what they do.  I am also enjoying doing some freelance design work.

This Guest Designer opportunity has quite literally been one of my most enjoyable experiences since taking up this hobby.  The stamps, paper and charm of A Muse really spoke to me and it was *easy*.  I can tell you honestly that there are many times that designing is anything but easy.  Kudos to Linda and the other gals on her team who have build such a unique and lovely company.

I hope you will enjoy my silly sense of humor regarding Edward, Bella and Jacob the wolf.  Can you deny that with my skin I even look like a Cullen?  If you are not a fan of the book or movies, I apologize in advance and made the other designs just for you." 

And now on to the cards!!  Today's theme is Everything's Rosy and Lisa's designs are simply beautiful!

Happy Graduation
Lisa did some clever things with our clear circle stickers on this first design.  She stamped the solid Chrysanthemum on white cardstock, applied a clear circle sticker and ran it gently through her Big Shot to burnish it to the paper then colored over the circle with a Copic marker!  Such a cool effect!  And you'll see there are also beautiful details on this design with the shimmer damask paper, ribbon, twinkles, and pearls!

Florals on Gingham
Lisa described this one layer card as a Five Minute Quickie and "Ode to Julie"!  She stamped several images in different ink colors creating a beautiful floral collage!  And I just love that she used Gingham as the card base!  This is definitely one of my favs of all her designs!

 

Woodgrain Butterfly
Ooo - the "kissing" technique!  Lisa used this fun technique to transfer the pattern from the woodgrain stamp onto the Flutterby stamp.  Don't worry - you don't actually have to kiss the stamp!  If you want to give it a try, simply ink the Flutterby stamp with Pearlescent Chocolate Brilliance, press your CLEAN woodgrain background stamp to it and then stamp to paper!  If you look closely, you'll see that Lisa also inked the "flight" portion of the sentiment in a different color to make it stand out!  And notice that she used pearls on the ends of the butterfly's antennae!

Melt Art Leaf
I've never played around with melt art, but after seeing this I might have to give it a try.  This design is so cool and I LOVE that Lisa glittered the leaf!  Here are a few notes from Lisa on how she created it:  melt Platinum Ultra Thick Embossing Powder (UTEE) in the Melting Pot and pour a pool of it on a Non-Stick Craft Sheet.  Ink stamp with permanent black ink and press into hot UTEE, allow to cool, pull piece away from stamp, fill in design with Turqoise Stickles.

Below is a close-up of the leaf - it's stunning in person!

I hope you enjoyed Lisa's cards today!  Next week, I'll share some of her "Ode to Twilight" designs!  If you are a fan of the Twilight books or movies, trust me - you won't be disappointed!

Now as you may remember, a Guest Designer means that it's also giveaway time!  We asked Lisa to choose a stamp and a pack of notecards to share with one lucky winner!  So stay tuned to find out what Lisa has chosen!  To enter for a chance to win, just leave a comment on this, and on each of the upcoming Guest Designer posts featuring Lisa's designs!  (one comment per post please)

 

2, 4, 6, 8, Who Do We Appreciate Challenge Round-Up!

Hi there! It's time for another A Muse Lounge Challenge Round Up! :) May's challenge was called *2, 4, 6, 8, Who Do We Appreciate?*, and the challenge was to create a thank you card! :) There were lots of amazing creations made!! Our Design Team chose their favorite card this month, and here it is! It was created by Sarah aka criminalgrace!!  

 

And here are 9 more amazing cards created for this challenge! Click on each card to see the entire design on the designer's blog or gallery.

  
 Sarah won a fun A Muse prize for being this month's favorite, and we also drew a prize winner randomly from ALL the participants, and the winner is........snw!! Congratulations Shirley!!

I sure hope you enjoyed all of these fun and fabulous creations!! :) We have a new challenge up for June, and it is called *Taking Off Some Layers*!! The challenge to use your A Muse stamps to create a one layer card! :) There are already some awesome one layer cards posted so be sure to head to the Lounge to check them out! :) I hope you will join in and play along this month too! :)

 

Seattle Classes this week

There's still time to sign up for the wonderful classes we this week.

TGIF Stampin' - Under the Sea
THIS Friday, June 4th, with Linda
12:00 to 1:00 pm
cost: $10

Join me, Linda, this Friday for a fun class using our fun Under the Sea themed stamps.  Here's a sneak peek at one of the cards we'll be making...

Register online or give us a call.  Bring a friend... this is a great class for all levels.

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COPIC 101, with Joyce
Saturday, June 5th at 4 pm
Cost: $25

In this introductory class you will learn the basics about using COPIC markers - which paper and inks will give you the best results, one color shading, basic blending and LOTS of practice!  If you own, or are thinking about purchasing COPIC markers, this is a MUST DO class.  You are welcome to bring your own markers (please label them) or use ours.

Register online or call the store (206-783-4882).

Hope to see you in class!

 

There's Royalty in our Ranks!

Exciting news to share with you all today!

We were all so excited here at A Muse yesterday when we found out that one of our very own,

Michelle Mathey
- a Certified A Muse Instructor in Kentucky & Indiana - 

had been crowned "2010 Stamping Royalty" by Paper Crafts Magazine!

While her winning entry, featuring A Muse stamps, won't be unveiled until their November/December issue, you can see lots of her other lovely creations everyday on her blog! 

Congratulations from the whole A Muse Crew, Michelle! 

 

Shop News 6/1/10

Make & Take

When you don't know what to give a teacher at the end of the year a gift card is always a great idea. I was inspired by Elena's great gift card holder in the Teacher Appreciation blog last week so this week we'll be making one as well to make that gift card look extra special!

Drop in anytime between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, Wednesday or Saturday, to make this FREE project -- gift card not included:)

NEW stuff in the shop!

It's all about shimmer, shine and texture!!

 

Imported German Glass Glitter - many colors! So pretty!  - $6.25

Imported fibers - Red, Light Green and Dark Green

Perfect for adding texture to your creations. I'm thinking fuzzy grass, trees. Can't wait to try it!- $6.25

Glimmer Mist

 

Add a fine glimmer to your crafting projects. Marshmallow and Cherub Pink. 2 oz for $7.25

Crepe Ribbons

Use alone or designed to be spritzed with Glimmer Mist - 4 designs per pack $5.25

Accucut Die-Cutting Machine

Don't forget that when you purchase your 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock from the A Muse shop you may use our Accucut die-cutting machine for FREE!  We have over 40 different dies you can use to create fun favor boxes, cute party banners and chic invitations -- some samples below : )  It's easy to use and you can use it anytime the shop is open.

Look at this simple butterfly card!  It fits right in a 4 Bar envelope.

Paper Posies! So many combinations and sizes with this 4-part die.  

Darling cupcake card die!! The invite slips into the cupcake liner. So sweet!

Lots of banner options! Here's one we have for our back room.

Many favor and small gift boxes - look at the cute bride and groom:) Our shimmer coture papers work beautifully for these!

 

The chair boxes on the top row are also place-card holders!

Hope this gets you inspired!

Have a great week,

Michele

A Muse U!

A Muse U (as in University)!
THE place to learn from the masters of clean & simple design:
The Muses!

Each month you'll find a new "class" in session, taught by some of your favorite A Muse designers!  What do you have to do to participate?  Not a thing!  Just sit back, relax, and enjoy all the tips, tricks, and inspiration!

A Muse U is back in session!  If you've ever struggled to combine different patterns or textures on your projects, we're here to help!  This month Becky, Krystie, and I will help you learn to make combinations that work (and 'wow')! 

Follow Becky over to her blog for more!

 
Follow Heather over to her blog for more!

Follow Kystie over to her blog for more!

A Muse U's summer session continues next month on July 1st!  See you then!