Guest Designer - Jill Kiah-Saslav, November 07

I recently had the pleasure of meeting our latest Guest Designer in person, while teaching classes at the A Muse shop in Seattle.

Jill is a petite little bundle of energy, so full of smiles and giggles.  I'm tickled to be able to share her creations with you over the next few weeks!

As part of our Guest Designer program, we ask each designer to choose a stamp and a pack of notecards to share with one (sometimes more!) lucky winner! In next week's installment, I'll let you know what she has chosen . . . *wink*

How can you win?  It's super easy.  All you need to do is leave a comment on one or more posts featuring Jill's work and you could win. You are welcome to leave comments on each post but only one comment per post, please.

Without further delay, I will let Jill tell you a little more about herself:

Hello everyone!  My name is Jill Kiah-Saslav.  I cannot begin to tell you what an honor it is to be a Guest Designer for A Muse!

I started stamping back in 2002 – one of my neighbors at Fort Benning, Georgia, hosted a Stampin’ Up party.  I was hooked immediately!  My first order was well over $250.00 (don’t tell my hubby!).  I continued to attend monthly make n’ takes with my favorite demonstrator, Lynette, while living in Georgia.  I soon realized my Rubbermaid container was too small to store my growing collection of stamps and card making supplies.  I took over the attic a few months later and things are still out of control!

My favorite demonstrator also got me hooked on a little website called Splitcoast Stampers.  What an inspirational place!  I became a SCS junkie – and found myself attracted to one of its stars very early one.  JulieHRR had this simple and elegant style with a playfulness thrown in for good measure.  And her instructions were fantastic!  But most of all, I was impressed with her collection of stamps and sentiments – where could I find that cute park bench stamp?  Who carried that fabulous martini glass?  After some searching on the internet, I found my answer – A Muse!  There was no going back!  Luckily, I moved to Washington just before this discovery – it was such a wonderful surprise to learn that A Muse was just up the street (well, if I-5 is considered a street and “just up” equals about 60 miles or so).  I was able to attend the opening of the A Muse store and take some classes with my own American Idol – Ms. Julie Ebersole – JulieHRR herself! 

What I love most about stamping and card making is the outlet to be creative while making someone’s day a little brighter with a homemade birthday card or thank-you.  I also love that it is a creative distraction while my husband is away.  Andy is currently a company commander in the U.S. Army and the present day conflicts have him away from home often – either training or deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Stamping keeps me busy and away from worrying and glued to CNN; it gives me something to do when I have that bout of sleepless nights; and, it gives me a community to reach out to when I am feeling a little down.  Finally, it gives me a chance to make some really creative “missing you” cards for my husband while he is overseas.

After finding A Muse, I became a blog addict!  Linda’s postings had me riveted at all the exciting stuff happening at the shop and the new releases.  And I loved the idea that fellow addicts could share their creations with the Reader’s Gallery contests.  After the Mother’s Day Reader’s Gallery contest, Linda emailed me to see if I was interested in becoming a guest designer for November.  Six months later and I am still picking myself off the floor from excitement!  I also figured I had six months to sort out what to make and to find inspiration.  Now, if you know me, I am a bit of a procrastinator – I like to call it working well under pressure.  I started off with lots of gusto and then found it difficult to create cards for fall and winter when it was 85 degrees outside and sunny.  So, this last month was a busy one – making cards and finishing up projects has turned my craft area into creative chaos.  But, my inspiration came from all the wonderful stamps released during A-Muse-A-Palooza and the weather turning a bit colder and damp (a sign that winter is coming in the Northwest).
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A Friend's House

In this design, Jill used a very clever trick to create the effect of a road leading right up to the front steps of this charming house!

After stamping the house on a white panel, she carefully trimmed curving lines from the lower right corners up to the steps, and then matted this to black card stock.

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Flower Pots:

This quick and easy design features a happy little stack of flower pots matted with a scallop oval punch out.  The yellow of the mat layer pick picks up the center of the little daisy, creating a lovely border of contrast against A Muse's new Madeira 4 Bar note in green.

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Garden Journal:

This incredible garden journal is as delightful a labor of love as Jill's garden must be!

The grass along the front bottom cover was trimmed out meticulously, and laid over a circle window.  Jill enjoys computer generating text on many of her designs, and she kerned the title to follow the shape of the circe window, which features an acetate lining.

Inside the cover page, you can see the additional scene she created on the opening page.  It features bed of daisies running along a picket fence line and she created the effect of sky by lightly sponging blue ink.

As you can see, the tiny bees "float" on the acetate window, which creates a wonderful 3D effect.

Every page of the journal features a pocket, made by trimming off the top flaps of A Muse's square envelopes.  Jill tucks garden markers into these pockets to help her keep track of the various plants out in her garden.

What's truly remarkable about this journal, is how each page showcases a photo from her garden, and is accented with stamped images that echo her photography!

Her journaling is computer generated and titles each page.  The book has been spiral bound, to make it easy to flip through the pages.

You could do this with a RubiCoil, if you have one, or stop by your local Kinko's and they can easily perform this service for you.

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The Sharpest Tool:

Jill computer generated the sentiment, "Not the sharpest tool in the shed" to accompany the row of garden tools and gloves!

I loved how such a simple design literally made me laugh out loud when I read it, and the band of multi-colored ribbon picks up the pretty green of the Kitchen Collection Note card.

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The Four Seasons:

This depiction of the Four Seasons literally stopped me in my tracks--the branch is one of my favorite A Muse images, and I thought this was just the coolest way to showcase that stamp!

The White Liquid Appliqué on the Winter tag makes perfect snow, and she trimmed and 3D mounted the hydrangea blossoms, which give the effect of cherry blossoms in the Spring time!

Tiny bird is peeking out from the leaves of Summer, and an apple ripe for the pickin' awaits harvesting in the Fall.

The brown Madeira 4 Bar note card makes a sensational back-drop to this beautiful card.

It's always so fun to have such terrific eye candy to inspire us!  Have a fabulous day, and be sure to leave a comment on this post, so you can be entered into the drawing to win Jill's chosen stamp and note cards and be sure to stop by next week so you can find out what she picked! *grin*

Comments

[Regina Davis]

It is so nice to meet you, Jill. Your projects are all wonderful, but my favorite would have to be Friend's House. I love the road leading up to it. Great idea!

I can't wait to see more.

[Louise]

Wow, what creative cards and ideas! I especially liked the Four Seasons and the Garden Journal. I am looking forward to seeing more of Jill's projects.

[Cheryl]

Fantastic cards! Love the garden journal!

[Jen Daloisio]

These are so great! Congratulations on becoming a guest designer. Can't wait to see more of your creations!
Jen

[ann i]

The Garden Journal is such a clever idea!! Love all the cards, such unique ways to use the different stamps. I'll be checking in for more ideas!

[Nancy in OR]

Your designs are wonderful Jill & very inspiring!! Congrats on being selected as an A Muse Guest Designer :)

[lexi]

wow, jill--awesome cards and book! i especially love the four seasons branches--too too cool! congrats on being guest designer and have fun reading all of the comments! :) lexi

[tami]

THIS CARD IS TRUELY A MASTERPIECE. I HAVE ENJOYED ALL JILL'S CARDS. WOW! THE GIRL HAS TALENT FOR SURE!

[Victoria]

Your designs are wonderful and your work is meticulous. I look forward to seeing more of your creations!

[Tinla W]

My fav is the Four Seasons card....so creative and inventive! Thanks for all of the show stopping eye candy! Can't wait to see more!!
TFS: Tinla

[nicolem]

The road is very eye pleasing and the contrast in colors paired with the postage stamp border make the Friends House card outstanding. The four seasons card - love it! Can't get enough of those new notes either, looking forward to more of your creations Jill.

[Sarah Sheridan]

Great cards Jill! I love your "sharpest tool" card. It is just so bright and cheery. Such a cute idea for the sentiment :)

[Susannk]

Your cards are beautiful. I especially love the cute garden journal. Can't wait to see more of your creations.

[Katie]

The four seasons card is amazing!

[Novell]

Jill, what fantastic little labors of love you have shared with us here. You have great creativity in that little petite frame of yours. I can't wait to see what else is going to be shared with us. Thanks for providing a little insight into the life of a military wife as well. I'm glad you have found an outlet and community that brings you strength in times of worry.

[Susie]

Awesome cards Jill! Your style is unique and so creative. Congratulations!

[Melinda]

Wow! Another amazing artist! I love your garden journal; it's so creative. I also adore your 4 seasons card - again, just so clever of you. I can't wait to see more of your creations. These are just so so cute!

[Cass M]

Wow... and wow. I really, really love your ideas and amazing creativity, Jill!

[Edie]

WOW!
That Four seasons card is truly amazing!! Great work!

[Katie]

Super cute cards!

[Laura]

Jill, I love all the creative and attention to details aspects of your design -- very original! The garden journal is esp. impressive.

[Jennifer]

Jill, Super Fabulous work!!!!!!! Looking forward to more!!!!! :)

[Lynne]

The four seasons card is a work of art!

[cecilia yoshida]

I love your garden journal!

[laura]

your cards are BEAUTIFUL jill! i love the simplicity of the amuse stamps, beautiful papers and sweet little sentiments!!!! thanks for sharing such amazing inspiration with us!! :)

[Ingrid]

Jill, your cards are beautiful! You do a fantastic job, with so many fabulous details! Your branch card is absolutely fantastic - I love it.

[Denny]

I love the four seasons card! Now I know what to do with my branch since most of my birds don't fit on it. Thanks for sharing!

[Mary Duffek]

Wonderful cards!!! Love the versatility of the tree branch, with all 4 seaons!!

[Riza Almanza]

Great cards! My favorite is the 4 seasons...it is really creative! Can't wait to see more your creations. :)

[Connie]

These cards are gorgeous! I love the four seasons card so much, great work.

[Lyndsay Neumann]

Awesome cards, Jill!!

[Gerianne K. Patti]

Jill,
Your cards are fabulous! Congratulations on beingt he new Guest Designer!
Geri

[Molly V.]

Wow, the cards are all great, but the Four Seasons one is amazing! Well done Jill!

[Suestru2]

Congratulations, Jill! Great ideas...keep them coming. I just love the Four Seasons card. Thanks for sharing

[Penny]

Great cards and garden journal!!! Congratulations on becoming a guest designer! Looking foward to seeing more of your work.

[Kim Ross]

Heartiest congratulations to you, Jill. Your work is wonderful... you certainly deserve all these kudos! :)

[lilian]

hi jill! your card creations are gorgeous!! i love the ribbon accent on the garden tools card and your four seasons card is sooo amazing. i am looking forward to seeing your posts!!

[EJ]

Love the cards and in particular the 4 seasons one. I look forward to seeing more crreative cards

[Doreen]

Great to see a new designer...I always enjoy different ideas using my favorite stamps. Welcome!!!

[Betty Ellen and Dennis]

Jill,
Congratulations on being selected as a guest designer. Your family must be very proud of you. Is the "not the sharpest tool in the shed" card a reflection of someone you know? (Like maybe your father). We are looking forward to seeing more of your creations.
Love, Mom and Dad

[Cindy Vernon]

I just love the garden journal! Very cute idea.

[Siobhan]

Jill, what amazing work! Congratulations....I had no idea that there are this many ways to put stamps to use, but this is truly inspiring. I wish we could rewind to college and be roomies again so you could give me lessons. ;) I love the garden journal with pockets. What a great idea for keeping track of your plantings.

[Bryn]

The Four Season card is brilliant! I am so impressed with you creativity! I want to go and put on Vivaldi now! Thanks!

[mamichelle]

Jill, your projects are adorable. My favorite is your flower pots card. SO cute!

[Abbie in CO]

It was so neat to hear your "getting started" story. I am just starting myself... and quickly lrealized that all of the stamps I was buying were A Muse! Your designs are beautiful-- and so creative. I have the "road to a friend's house" stamp. What a great idea on how to use it!

I can't wait to see what else you have in store.

[june g]

you are such a talent! i'm so glad that a*muse found you!! love what you did with the branch and seasons.

[broni]

Absolutely sensational cards! Love your style!

[angie]

I love ALL of these! Beautiful work!!!

[Brenda]

Jill...As always, your cards are gorgeous and inspirational. Oh, how I miss being in Washington -- a trip to Amuse with you would really put me in a good mood!

[Amy]

The sharpest tool card is too funny! Love it!

[maryk]

Oh, how I love your garden journal! I was so inspired by the seasons card that I went out and bought the branch stamp.

[HeatherP]

I love the four seasons branches on tags card. Green and brown is my favorite color combo, and the earthy but whimsical look makes a wonderful combination overall. I can't wait to see more of your cards and ideas! Thanks for sharing.

[Nikki Lawrence]

I LOVE your little garden journal and would love to replicate it for my mother in law who is a crazy gardener! Very creative on the four seasons card too...great ideas!!!

[jailbirdstamper]

How clever to make that road - genius!
I love the four seasons - both are wonderful!

[Lynette Stewart]

Wow! I'm so proud of you, Jill! You have always been one of my most creative and inspiring friends (and customers! ;) Congrats on being a guest designer and sharing your discoveries with us! I am always in awe of your eye for design and wealth of energy you have to get your projects done! We are blessed who call you "friend!" - Lynette

[Molly B]

OH my! So much talent. I am loving all of your work.. IM only sorry it has taken me this long to find you. That garden book is adorable. Best wishes for the future. Molly B

[Julie (Joypup on SCS)]

Jill- fabulous detail! Can't wait to see more...

[Shannon Simpson]

Love your garden journal and the four seasons card! TFS

[Kathy W]

Jill, your garden journal is amazing, and I love the seasons card with the branch on the tags. Very nice work; thanks for sharing.