What could possibly happen if two designers, from two different companies, swapped stamps? Well, a whole lotta stampy goodness, I tell ya'!
My buddy Lisa Spangler and I thought we'd have ourselves some fun with a little switcheroo, and hope you get as much a kick out it as we have!
Lisa Spangler
Hiya! I had a blast stamping these cards using A Muse stamps – ideas
kept popping in my head faster than I could stamp them. I still have a
bunch of sketches planned out, can't wait to give them a go!Here's a little bit about me: I started stamping 14 years ago while in
graduate school, not to make cards, but to decorate envelopes.
Eventually it dawned on me that I could make cards with stamps too –
and I've been doing that ever since!In 2005 I was invited to create card samples for the Hero Arts catalog.
The next year I left my job as a software engineer to work for Hero
Arts full time as a Designer and Senior Web Engineer. I also get to
teach classes and help with product development. It's my dream job!I live in Austin, Texas with Jason, my husband of over 11 years and
our two goldfish, Smiley and Woodfin. When I'm not stamping, I'm
either hiking, riding my road or mountain bicycle, taking pictures of
wildflowers, or tromping around a prairie.One of my favorite foods is sushi, and when Julie asked what stamps I'd
like to use for the samples for our swap, that one was at the top of my list.
YUM.Julie, it's been so much fun working with you on this “designer swap”
-- you are truly amazing. Many thanks to you and A Muse!
Right back at ya', girlfriend! Thanks so much to Lisa and to Hero Arts for this FUN Designer Swap!
And, now, I'm tickled to share the fab cards that Lisa whipped up with ya'all!
Lisa does a lot of her coloring work with colored pencils, and I think the shading she does is terrific!
In this design, she actually stamped with a nice dark brown ink, which sets a softer tone to the finished piece, and really brings out the warmth of the colors she chose to use.
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Flower Filled
Lisa used our Oval Frames set in conjunction with the Marvy Scallop Oval Punch to frame our little flower-filled wheel barrow, and sponged the edges to really make the focal image POP!
Look carefully, and you'll see how the tiny blossoms have been blinged with Micro Dot Twinkle Stickers.
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Just a note
Lisa's a tremendous nature buff--check out her blog, Sideoats & Scribbles to see her stunning photography of the beautiful prairie flowers she films. You will fall off your chair!
I had no idea the Texas prairies were so beautiful, until I saw Lisa's photography.
I loved how she made the little hill by pinking the Madeira Green paper--I am SO trying this! Such a simple touch but, with great impact.
Did you catch the "love" note made with the heart shaped Twinkle Sticker?
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I love out-of-the-box ideas, and this one is no exception--I love how Lisa used an image from the Fancy Borders set to create the "ice cream scoops"!
So stinkin' CLEVER!
The glitter makes 'em all the more delicious, and each one is topped with a little Twinkle Heart "cherry" sticker! SWEET!
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This is just so sweet, to have the flowery Party Lantern dangling from yet another image from the Fancy Borders set.
If you look carefully at the detail photo, you'll see how Lisa used the Clear Twinkle Stickers to create little hanging "crystals".
And check out how she embellished the paper flower in the center with the pink Mini and Micro Dots!
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I literally blurted out "SHUT UP!" over this.
I see fans. Lisa sees fans. And, Lisa sees a FLOWER!!!
Genius.
......................
Lisa used the fan from our Sushi set to create a flower, centered by a clear disc and a button.
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OK, so she sees fans, flowers, AND BUTTERFLIES!!!
Are ya' shaking your head like I was? Same fan, from the same set!
Fantastic cleverness! GET OUT!!!
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Thank you
I started cracking up over this because Lisa and I are *so* much alike--we BOTH SAVE OUR PLASTIC SUSHI GRASS for cards!
ROTFLMBO!
I love how she cut out and 3D mounted the little Tatami sandals from the Sushi Set on this! Just so darn SWEET! And, see how she used the Heart Twinkle Stickers to embellish them?
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I know!!! (--Monica, TV series "Friends")
Check out how she curved the sentiment, along the edge of the sushi circle element!
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Wheely Girl is Lisa's all-time favorite A Muse stamp, and she smartly used the solid stitched image from the Fancy Borders set to create a hill for her to cycle up!
Did you notice what she used to create the windy "trail" behind her?
The STEAM from the Coffee Break Set!
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Lisa, your creations always inspire and delight--thank you for making this Designer Swap such a blast, my friend!
We'd love to share the fun with you, our readers, by havin' a "Lisa's Favorite A Muse Stamp Give-Away":
Wheely Girl
+ Madeira Blue 4 Bar Note Cards
To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment right here on this article!
And, be sure to pop over to the Hero Arts Blog HERE and check out the cards I made! I hear there's a give-away goin' on over there, too!
--Julie
Fun idea to do a designer swap. Both of you have talents! I am now introduced to AMuse which I had never seen before. The sushi set is on my list of "must haves" but winning the cute bicycle would be a treat too.
Posted by: Cheryl S | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:20 AM
I LOVE all of Lisa's awesome samples!! Super ideas, and out of the box creations!! You go girl!! Goin' to check on Julie's schtuff now. ;)
Posted by: Rose Ann | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Cute, cute, cute cards!
Posted by: MaryJo | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Lisa you never cease to amaze us! WOW what an inspiring and FUN set of cards.
Julie I loved your cards too - I'm going to stamplift those ideas!
Posted by: Swanlady | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:28 AM
The result of this exchange shows you both had a lot of fun!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing with us!!
Posted by: Jan | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Love the projects!
Posted by: stampersuzz | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:31 AM
These cards are so cute!! I love them!! I think I might even try my hand at a spinner card! I love this morning... so much inspiration. Gotta go- I am going to go stamp :).
Mary G
Posted by: Mary G. | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:33 AM
What a fun exchange!! I love the different uses for the Sushi set!
Posted by: Kristin Z. | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:33 AM
So stinkin' cute! I love all the cards! That sushi set rocks!
Posted by: Paula Laird | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Great idea for the switcharoo!!
Posted by: Doreen Schostek | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:35 AM
These blogs just have to be the best thing ever!
I love all the cards that Lisa made- and all of those you made on the Hero Arts blog Julie- they are all so cute & inspiring! Thanks for a chance to win some goodies!
Posted by: Lysa | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:35 AM
Thanks for setting up this giveaway for us! And for swapping and sharing your creative ideas!
Posted by: Anne | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:36 AM
It's obvious you each had a lot of fun!!! TFS
Posted by: Jan | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:40 AM
The sushi roll w/ it card made me LOL! I LOVE it!! Fun cards! Lovin' that ice cream one. So cute!
Posted by: kimberlee fiskateer #2494 | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Ahh-h girlfriends and sharing stamping ideas....it just doesn't get much better than this!!!
....Jan
Posted by: Jan Jenitis | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Holy Smokes! She did an increadible job! And WOWIE. Yes..and even SHUT UP! :) I looooved the sushi roll! Thanks for swaping for the good of stamping.
Posted by: Bev | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:48 AM
WOW- Lisa is goooooood! Such clever little touches on her cards. And I checked out her blog and photos - made me feel like goin' for a hike! Thanks for doing the swap - how fun.
Posted by: Marni | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:49 AM
those are adorable cards so much inspiration!! and now I have this craving for sushi :)
Posted by: hannaL | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Really great ideas--shows off her personality. Thanks for the designer swap.
Posted by: elaine | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Love the switcheroo idea!!! so much fun to see other's ideas!!! Love your stuff over at HA too!!!
Posted by: deb | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Ohmigosh! I LOVED how she morphed the fan into a flower (especially with that clear layer) and then a butterfly. Just too stinkin' cute.
Posted by: KellyRae | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:06 AM
WOW - all these cards are FABULOUS!!! Off to check out what you did with the Hero Arts stamps Julie!
Posted by: AmyR | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Love the cards on both blogs! Thanks Lisa and Julie for all your great ideas!
Posted by: Ellen | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Oh wow - how cute! Lisa did a great job; all the cards are adorable. I love that ya'll traded spaces so to speak. What fun for all of us readers!
Posted by: DeniseLynn | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:13 AM
The Ice Cream card... genius! The 'fan' flower.... genius! Coffee Steam for the "dust" behind the bike .... genius! The "roll with it" rounded... perfect... So amazing! Talented, Talented, Talented lady! What a fun "swap"! I can't wait to see what Julie made over at the Hero Arts Blog!
Posted by: Holly H | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:16 AM
What a fun idea to swap! The cards are fantastic!
Posted by: krystie lee | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:16 AM
I have never seen a sushi card.........but man I love yours!!!
Posted by: Tricia Carter | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:19 AM
I admire people who can use things in different ways we all normally do .....
that is talent !!!
Ciao,
Nadia
(Milano - Italia)
Posted by: Nadia (Milano - Italia) | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:22 AM
I really enjoyed these cards and came away with some things I have to try!!
Posted by: Kristin O | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Love the fan turned into a butterfly and the "roll with it" around the curve! So fabulous!
Posted by: Katee L. | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:25 AM
I LOVE her cards! They are all so adorable! My favorite is the one with the party lanterns!
Posted by: Elizabeth B. | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Oh my gosh! These cards are amazing. Great job! Hope to see more of your designs with amuse. Thank you
Posted by: Lacey | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Oh my gosh, what Lisa did with those fans is just amazing! Great projects. Lisa certainly inspires.
Posted by: Barb B. | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Thanks for the chance to win such a cute prize! I've never seen this stamp before and I can definately see why it's your favorite!!!
Posted by: Jenny | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:27 AM
The cards are fabulous, great stamps!
Posted by: Diana | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Ive seen Lisa's work (Im a Hero Arts regular) and these cards are WOW!!!!. she really did a great job of finding other uses for the stamps. Like the BUTTERFLY, never would of thought of that one. I just put A Muse in my FAVORITES. I will be back.
Thanks
Diana.
Posted by: Diana T | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:29 AM
What a neat idea for the designer swap! Lisa's cards are wonderful!
Posted by: broni | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:31 AM
What a fun change-a-roo!! Love all the cards!!
Posted by: Emily | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Wow what fun. First time I've seen A Muse Stamps. Will look for them the next time I go shopping
Posted by: marian king | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Awesome Cards Lisa! And thanks Julie for your beautiful cards over at Hero Arts - they are so inspiring!
Posted by: Lacey | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Wow!!! I enjoy making cards but could never compare to someone who has such a true creative talent!!!
Posted by: shirley wong | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Love Amuse stamps....and all these wonderful ideas! I mix and match my Hero Arts and Amuse stamps on cards I make all the time, so this was fun to look at and see all the great cards you two designed. Thanks!!!
Posted by: Alison | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I enjoy both of these artists and love the idea - Designers swapping amonst themselves - FANTASTIC!! THanks for sharing your creativity with us!
Posted by: Kate Cecil | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:43 AM
What happens when two designers swap stamps? CREATIVITY!!! What wonderful cards and ideas! Thank you Lisa for sharing!
Posted by: Bryn | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Okay the designer swap was genius! Lisa, nice work with the A Muse stamps! Great way to introduce people to other products, too :) Great... now I may have discovered something else to get addicted to... ;)
Oh yeah, and I've been saving my sushi grass, too!!! I never thought to use it on a card, but I'm such a hoarder, I couldn't bear to throw it away! Now I know just what to do with it!!!
Posted by: Dani | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:46 AM
WOW - what a great stamp!
Posted by: Jennifer | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:50 AM
How fun! Now I think I have to get the sushi set and I don't even like sushi :eyeroll:
Posted by: Dawn Phelps | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:52 AM
OMG...this is so fun! I have always been a big fan of Lisa from Hero Arts so it is fun to see what amazing things she has done with A Muse stamps!!
Posted by: Nancy Gagnon | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Woooo - you girls have my dream job for sure!
Posted by: Jen | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:55 AM
THUNK! Please pick me up off the floor now! She's a freakin genious!!! OMG, I love her!!!! Lisa, I love you! Fresh, fun, totally innovative!
Posted by: Novell | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Love the idea of switching! Love your amuse cards Lisa and thanks for sharing! Jessie
Posted by: Jessie | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:58 AM
I am an ardent follower of Lisa, now I have your blog to follow up too Julie. Awesome. Love the beautiful cards that Lisa has made for A Muse and the ones you made for Hero Arts!!
Posted by: Janani | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:59 AM
The arigato card is my favourite, beautifull cards!
Posted by: Hester | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Amazing! Really creative.
Posted by: sarah | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:00 AM
WOW, so creative! I loved the fans for the flowers and butterflies, what at a fun idea! Going to have try some of these.
Posted by: Jody | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:00 AM
The fan into a butterfly is genius!
Posted by: Katie | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Yep! Another big SMILE from all the clever ideas and sweet cards Lisa made with the cool A Muse stamps... thank you for the chance at this Giveaway~ Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Erin Glee | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:04 AM
I wish I had the ability to see butterflies and flowers instead of just fans!
Posted by: MaryBeth | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:08 AM
I think this was such a great idea and really showed the versatility of the stamps! My favorites were the fan cards...so cute! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway.
Posted by: Courtney Waters | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:15 AM
I am inspired! thanks so much
Posted by: Kristin Edwards | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Great cards, thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Angela | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Lisa, your Tatami Sandal Thank You card is adorable. Thanks for a fun week
Posted by: Joan Lay | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:18 AM
The designer swap was such a great idea. Thanks for all of the inspiration!
Posted by: Laura | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Great idea for the old switcharoo! What fun!
Posted by: Jenny | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Wowza! She's a stamping GENIOUS! They're all so incredible!
Okay, now I'm off to see what Julie did with some Hero Arts stamps.
Posted by: Regina Davis | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:27 AM
What a wonderful array of lovely happy cards - well done :)
Posted by: Hev | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Amazing!!! Creativity is spilling out of her head and heart. Beautiful work. thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Sandie McCarthy-Roberts | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Julie & Lisa -
What a wonderful Friday treat! I can't wait to check out Lisa's blog. Amazing things here and what awaits there? Probably just stunning stuff!
Toni
Posted by: Toni | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Fantastic! Love Lisa's creative, out-of-the-box thinking with all the stamps. But to see ice cream scoops out of that border is AMAZING! Thanks for the peek into her imaginative brain :)
Posted by: mnhyrkas | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:33 AM
WOW! Terrific cards!!!!
Posted by: Heather R. | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:34 AM
I love the fans used as flowers and butterflies. I love how those kinds of stamps can be used in different ways! I've never really checked out the Amuse stamps...I think I'm going to have to do some websurfing now...
Jean
Posted by: Jean | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:40 AM
what a great idea to 'blog swap'!!! I love all the cards, especially the 'wheely girl'.
Posted by: Holly | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:41 AM
It's not fair that someone can come up with such amazing alternative ideas for stamps! I so wish I could think out-of-the-box like that!
Sue in Alexandria VA
Posted by: Sue | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:45 AM
I love all the creative way these stamps are used. My favorites are the ones used with the "Sushi" set. Now I REALLY have to get this set! Hugs, Kim :o)
Posted by: Kim Raymundo | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Wow, Lisa you did a fantastic job. I am thinking about making a sushi card too. I couln't find a stamp to make it works. I love sushi too. And the fans, that's incredible. Love them all. Thank you for sharing with us.
Posted by: zeppo | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Great cards! Bright! Cheerful. Like the exchange idea lots!
Posted by: Sherri Long | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Such cool card ideas!! I love what you did with the fan stamp - turning it into a flower and butterfly. And stamping your images in brown ink instead of black - such a simple idea but it really changes the softness of the images.
Posted by: nancy | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Lisa's cards are very inspiring! There are too many to choose from to name a favorite.
Posted by: Pamela Fredrickson | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Oh my goodness. These cards are so stinkin' cute. I just love the different ways she the fans. All I can say is WOW!
Posted by: Lara | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:20 AM
This is a happy day for me to see Lisa and Julie switch and to design such lovely and creative cards. It puts a smile on my face =)looking at all the cards.
Posted by: Ying | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Wow. My brain is filling with ideas after seeing all of this lovely inspiration!
Posted by: kim | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Those cards are terrific! They really made my day, and made me want to run up to my stamp room and start thinking "outside the box." Thanks for sharing them with us. :)
Posted by: Jill | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:25 AM
I LOVE the fact that my two favorite companies are promoting each other's designers, it truly shows a level of comraderie and self-assuredness among the companies and the designers that isn't often seen between "competitors".
Like everyone, I LOVE what Lisa has done with those fans - y'all are too clever for your own good!
Posted by: Meghan | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:28 AM
It's such a treat getting to see new designs and inspirations! Thank you for agreeing to do the Designer Swap with Hero Arts! :)
Posted by: Anne | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:28 AM
I have never heard of A Muse Stamps before now. I am so excited to explore your site!
And Lisa, my goodness . . . you are amazing!!! Great Job!!
Posted by: Victoria | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Great job Lisa- those cards are adorable! Love the "On-a-roll" spinner!!!
Posted by: Rebecca Attwood | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:34 AM
All of the cards are so great! I especially love the fan butterflys...genius! :)
Posted by: aileen | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:39 AM
All of the cards are fantastic! My favorite is the one with the ice cream scoops. How creative is that!!!! Oh, I forgot about the fans...too cute!
Posted by: Lee Anne | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:40 AM
I love getting inspiration here. Great cards!
Posted by: Cassie | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:42 AM
SHUT UP!! These cards are fantastic. OK, I must be the last person on the planet who doesn't like sushi, so I managed to talk myself out of "needing" that set. Ummmm, guess it's going to the top of my list now.:) Love, love, love all the ways the Fancy Borders were used too(again, another set I don't have!) And what a great way to use the Coffee Break steam. Genius!
Posted by: sarah c. (WAstamper on SCS) | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Beautiful cards!
Posted by: Bonnie | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:54 AM
WOW, Lisa, I love your creative, beautiful cards! I especially love your use of colored pencils on the images ~ So soft and pretty! This "Designer Swap" is so fun ~ I'm off to check out what Julie did with the Hero Arts stamps! Thanks for the fun!!
Posted by: Angie | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I love Lisa's creative stamps. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Char- D. | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Lisa, you're a rock star! These are so cute & creative! What a fun challenge! TFS! :D
Posted by: Leah | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:57 AM
The cards are great!! Love all the little details! Thanks!
Posted by: Rachel D | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11:00 AM
These are all so great! I L-O-V-E the use of the sushi grass! Recycling and creating a cute card at the same time? You girls rock! 8^)
Posted by: Samantha P. | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Too too cute and creative! I love it when stamps are used with "outside the box" thinking!
Posted by: RiverIsis | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I love everything here wonderful! Those fan flowers and fan butterflies were ingenious! Love the creativity!
Posted by: paola norman | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Just popping in from the Hero Arts blogspot. Julie did a terrific job there and now Lisa did fantastic here! Such creative minds! A great way to end the work week. Thanks you two!
Posted by: donna | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Lisa, I love all these cards. You always have the best ideas!
Posted by: Mon | Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM