The Old Switcheroo!

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!

Happy, HAPPY Birthday!

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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Ice Cream Note

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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Arigato

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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Flower Fan

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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Sushi Spinner

            

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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Now you're wheely rollin'!

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   

Comments

[Cheryl S]

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.

[Rose Ann]

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. ;)

[MaryJo]

Cute, cute, cute cards!

[Swanlady]

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!

[Jan]

The result of this exchange shows you both had a lot of fun!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing with us!!

[stampersuzz]

Love the projects!

[Mary G.]

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

[Kristin Z.]

What a fun exchange!! I love the different uses for the Sushi set!

[Paula Laird]

So stinkin' cute! I love all the cards! That sushi set rocks!

[Doreen Schostek]

Great idea for the switcharoo!!

[Lysa]

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!

[Anne]

Thanks for setting up this giveaway for us! And for swapping and sharing your creative ideas!

[Jan]

It's obvious you each had a lot of fun!!! TFS

[kimberlee fiskateer #2494]

The sushi roll w/ it card made me LOL! I LOVE it!! Fun cards! Lovin' that ice cream one. So cute!

[Jan Jenitis]

Ahh-h girlfriends and sharing stamping ideas....it just doesn't get much better than this!!!
....Jan

[Bev]

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.

[Marni]

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.

[hannaL]

those are adorable cards so much inspiration!! and now I have this craving for sushi :)

[elaine]

Really great ideas--shows off her personality. Thanks for the designer swap.

[deb]

Love the switcheroo idea!!! so much fun to see other's ideas!!! Love your stuff over at HA too!!!

[KellyRae]

Ohmigosh! I LOVED how she morphed the fan into a flower (especially with that clear layer) and then a butterfly. Just too stinkin' cute.

[AmyR]

WOW - all these cards are FABULOUS!!! Off to check out what you did with the Hero Arts stamps Julie!

[Ellen]

Love the cards on both blogs! Thanks Lisa and Julie for all your great ideas!

[DeniseLynn]

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!

[Holly H]

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!

[krystie lee]

What a fun idea to swap! The cards are fantastic!

[Tricia Carter]

I have never seen a sushi card.........but man I love yours!!!

[Nadia (Milano - Italia)]

I admire people who can use things in different ways we all normally do .....
that is talent !!!

Ciao,
Nadia
(Milano - Italia)

[Kristin O]

I really enjoyed these cards and came away with some things I have to try!!

[Katee L.]

Love the fan turned into a butterfly and the "roll with it" around the curve! So fabulous!

[Elizabeth B.]

I LOVE her cards! They are all so adorable! My favorite is the one with the party lanterns!

[Lacey]

Oh my gosh! These cards are amazing. Great job! Hope to see more of your designs with amuse. Thank you

[Barb B.]

Oh my gosh, what Lisa did with those fans is just amazing! Great projects. Lisa certainly inspires.

[Jenny]

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!!!

[Diana]

The cards are fabulous, great stamps!

[Diana T]

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.

[broni]

What a neat idea for the designer swap! Lisa's cards are wonderful!

[Emily]

What a fun change-a-roo!! Love all the cards!!

[marian king]

Wow what fun. First time I've seen A Muse Stamps. Will look for them the next time I go shopping

[Lacey]

Awesome Cards Lisa! And thanks Julie for your beautiful cards over at Hero Arts - they are so inspiring!

[shirley wong]

Wow!!! I enjoy making cards but could never compare to someone who has such a true creative talent!!!

[Alison]

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!!!

[Kate Cecil]

I enjoy both of these artists and love the idea - Designers swapping amonst themselves - FANTASTIC!! THanks for sharing your creativity with us!

[Bryn]

What happens when two designers swap stamps? CREATIVITY!!! What wonderful cards and ideas! Thank you Lisa for sharing!

[Dani]

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!!!

[Jennifer]

WOW - what a great stamp!

[Dawn Phelps]

How fun! Now I think I have to get the sushi set and I don't even like sushi :eyeroll:

[Nancy Gagnon]

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!!

[Jen]

Woooo - you girls have my dream job for sure!

[Novell]

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!

[Jessie]

Love the idea of switching! Love your amuse cards Lisa and thanks for sharing! Jessie

[Janani]

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!!

[Hester]

The arigato card is my favourite, beautifull cards!

[sarah]

Amazing! Really creative.

[Jody]

WOW, so creative! I loved the fans for the flowers and butterflies, what at a fun idea! Going to have try some of these.

[Katie]

The fan into a butterfly is genius!

[Erin Glee]

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!

[MaryBeth]

I wish I had the ability to see butterflies and flowers instead of just fans!

[Courtney Waters]

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.

[Kristin Edwards]

I am inspired! thanks so much

[Angela]

Great cards, thanks for sharing :)

[Joan Lay]

Lisa, your Tatami Sandal Thank You card is adorable. Thanks for a fun week

[Laura]

The designer swap was such a great idea. Thanks for all of the inspiration!

[Jenny]

Great idea for the old switcharoo! What fun!

[Regina Davis]

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.

[Hev]

What a wonderful array of lovely happy cards - well done :)

[Sandie McCarthy-Roberts]

Amazing!!! Creativity is spilling out of her head and heart. Beautiful work. thanks so much for sharing.

[Toni]

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

[mnhyrkas]

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 :)

[Heather R.]

WOW! Terrific cards!!!!

[Jean]

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

[Holly]

what a great idea to 'blog swap'!!! I love all the cards, especially the 'wheely girl'.

[Sue]

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

[Kim Raymundo]

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)

[zeppo]

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.

[Sherri Long]

Great cards! Bright! Cheerful. Like the exchange idea lots!

[nancy]

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.

[Pamela Fredrickson]

Lisa's cards are very inspiring! There are too many to choose from to name a favorite.

[Lara]

Oh my goodness. These cards are so stinkin' cute. I just love the different ways she the fans. All I can say is WOW!

[Ying]

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.

[kim]

Wow. My brain is filling with ideas after seeing all of this lovely inspiration!

[Jill]

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. :)

[Meghan]

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!

[Anne]

It's such a treat getting to see new designs and inspirations! Thank you for agreeing to do the Designer Swap with Hero Arts! :)

[Victoria]

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!!

[Rebecca Attwood]

Great job Lisa- those cards are adorable! Love the "On-a-roll" spinner!!!

[aileen]

All of the cards are so great! I especially love the fan butterflys...genius! :)

[Lee Anne]

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!

[Cassie]

I love getting inspiration here. Great cards!

[sarah c. (WAstamper on SCS)]

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!

[Bonnie]

Beautiful cards!

[Angie]

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!!

[Char- D.]

I love Lisa's creative stamps. Thanks for the chance to win.

[Leah]

Lisa, you're a rock star! These are so cute & creative! What a fun challenge! TFS! :D

[Rachel D]

The cards are great!! Love all the little details! Thanks!

[Samantha P.]

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^)

[RiverIsis]

Too too cute and creative! I love it when stamps are used with "outside the box" thinking!

[paola norman]

I love everything here wonderful! Those fan flowers and fan butterflies were ingenious! Love the creativity!

[donna]

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!

[Mon]

Lisa, I love all these cards. You always have the best ideas!