Krystie Hersch, Guest Designer!

It's my pleasure to present to you our latest Guest Designer, Krystie Hersch!  I first met Krystie down at the A Muse shop, and her energy and enthusiasm are so contagious--ya' just feel happy bein' around her!

Krystie's very clean, simple stamping style is fabulous and I know you'll find her creations totally inspiring!  You can also visit her blog here:  Cupcake Martini  (With a tasty name like that, I'll bet you're already smackin' yer lips, eh?!  *chuckle*)

Be sure to leave a comment (1 per article only, please), and you'll be entered into a drawing at the end of Krystie's Guest Designer series for her personal favorites:

• Hailey's Snowman (illustrated by Linda's daughter Hailey herself, to raise funds for Scleroderma Research)
• Cabana Blue Square Note Cards

Hello!  My name is Krystie Hersch and I am SO excited to be the Guest
Designer for August!

I am married to a wonderful man named Jesse.  We have a two year old
daughter named Elsa, and we're expecting another child in January.  We
live in beautiful Western Washington.  Prior to staying home with my
daughter, I worked in Office Management and HR.

I discovered stamping almost three years ago as a new
stay-at-home-mom.  I've never been artistically inclined, yet I always
sought a creative outlet.  I finally found a hobby that I was
passionate about when I stumbled upon a stamping catalog.  I ordered a
starter kit and was instantly hooked!

My love of A Muse stamps began when my mom and I signed up for several
of Julie's classes at the A Muse shop.  I left with a ton of ideas and
a huge wishlist.  I've been a big fan ever since.  I'm lucky enough to
live near the A Muse store in Seattle and visit often!

I had so much fun working on my Guest Designer cards, I hope that you
enjoy them!
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To a deer friend

Krystie chose a very soft and subtle palette here to showcase our newest deer, "Fawn", from the A Muse-a-Palooza 08 Release!  Isn't she so sweet in this design?!

She gently sponged some color in the background, and notice how she elected to outline Fawn with color, rather than filling in--a fantastic approach I can't wait to try.

The grass element was punched from white card stock, and also sponged to continue the same soft, subtle effect.

Surprise & Delight

CindyLoo, also from the A-Muse-a-Palooza release, is excited and ready for Christmas, as you can see in this fun design!  Her candy cane and the heart on her little pajamas have been highlighted with red glitter for a tiny touch of dazzle.

Leafy Thanks

In this design, Krystie strayed outside the lines with her coloring to yield a wonderful effect with the mossy green she chose, and finished off the design by using a clear glaze atop the leaves.  It created a wonderfully glossy and dimensional effect that really sets the whole design off beautifully!

A Beautiful Day!

Aaaaaaah, Krystie snagged a bunch of my favorites to use on this creation--lemme count 'em:

1. Gingham
2. "have a beautiful day"
3. green and cyan color combo
4. clear domed stickers
5. daisies
6. white base card

I love how she used the pattern of the cottage green argyle paper for contrast and interest, and how it sets off the trio of daisies--trios or odd numbers of things are frequently very visually pleasing to the eye.

The hint of black makes for a striking, yet not overwhelming color accent, and the finishing touch of the dome stickers really makes the whole design POP!

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Thanks so much for joining me, and I hope you'll come back next week to see more of Krystie's lovely work, and I'll also have some fun tidbits to share about the designer herself!

Comments

[Katie]

How fun to meet the latest guest designer! Congrats, Krystie! All the cards are simple and sweet - my favorite kind! :)

[Jo Ann F.]

I wish I lived by the A Muse store too! Thank you Krystie for your sweet designs. You are an inspiration for keeping things simple.

[Judy Cook]

I absolutely love every one of these cards. I really like your simple style and the way you added something to each card to make them pop. Don't sell yourself short on the creative side. You really are a great designer.

[Dawn]

Love the cards! Thank you for the inspiration!

[Anita Young]

Congrats, Krystie! I can see why you were chosen as a guest designer - your cards are wonderful!!! I especially like the tree thank you card : ) Look forward to more inspiration from you.

[Barn494]

Congratuations! I love these cards-definitely my style! Tracy

[Bev]

I like this style too.

[Keith]

Love the cards. They are simple, clean, and sweet. Thanks for your inspiration.

[Keith]

Love all three cards! They are simple, clean, and sweet (the style that I always want to be). Thanks for your inspiration!!!

[StampinCathy]

Love this cards. They are so inspiring and creative. I really like the simply look. Can't wait to see more.

[Jen]

Congratulations - these are beautiful!

[Louise]

Krystie's cards are lovely. I like the way she outlined the deer.

[Nancy Landauer]

Just love your bee--utiful cards! The designs are so sweet and make you smile. Thank you for sharing with us.

[Jessie]

Love the simplicity of them and yet so classy and beautiful! Looking forwards to what else is in store for the month! Jessie

[Laura O'Donnell]

your cards are gorgeous - thanks for sharing!

[Joan B]

Your work is lovely. It has a way of letting the images and sentiments speak for themselves.

[Amye]

Your cards are beautifully done! I especially love how you highlighted the fawn and the colors you chose for that card.

[Suzy]

Love all the cards but the deer card is t he sweetest thing ever!

[Pam C.]

I love the simpleness and cleaness of the cards.

Congrats on being the guest designer.

[tammy g]

I love gingham of any color and it was the perfect touch to your card. Can't wait to see what is next.

[MichelleH]

Congrats, Krystie! Cupcake Martini is on my list of blogs to stalk. Great job on the cards. Leafy Thanks is my fave, simple, classy, gorgeous.

[Tinla]

What beautiful cards! Love the peacefulness of your cards...so inspirational! TFS: Tinla

[Sharon Knitter]

These are such simple and elegant designs. I love them!

[Elly]

I always enjoy cards that are simple and delicate. I love your creations! Elly

[Konnie Jo]

I LOVE the simplicity of the cards, definitely my style. I also like how my daughter can make these too, something we can share together and she feels proud she made something wonderful. Welcome Krystie. :)

[Kelly Braund]

Congrats! Your cards are all adorable!

[broni]

Yay, Krystie! Glad to see you're here! Congrats! Your cards are so adorable!

[Jen]

I love the softness of Krystie's cards!!! They are all so sweet! I am off to check out her blog!!!

[Dotty]

Ooooh, I LOVE these!! Thanks for the inspiration! :)

[Alana]

Great, fun cards! Congrats Krystie!

[bunny]

Awesome cards! They're all so sweet and cute!

[Paula]

what cute cards. Love them all. Congrats on the guest designer gig. Enjoy.

[Ann I.]

Love the cards following the A Muse Simple and Clean trademark style. Can't wait to see more!

[HeathreP]

I love this soft and simple look - especially the monochromatic cards! The tree card and deer card are my favorite - so pretty. Thanks for sharing!

[Jennifer Moore]

I really liked the tree and fawn cards. The pastel card bases are super soft.

[Doreen Schostek]

I love the soft look to your cards.........thanks for the new ideas Krystie!!!!!

[Erika M]

I adore the cards. I hope you don't mind if I scraplift some of them for my family. Welcome welcome guest designer - we are so happy you are here.

[stefanie rico]

As always, your choose of guest designer is fantastic! I love the simple clean lines and will definitely "borrow" an idea or two from Krystie.

[Tracy]

Congratulations Krystie! Your work is amazing. I am thrilled that Julie brought your talent to share with us all. Smiles, Tracy

[michele h.]

I love your cards because they are so simple, yet so great! Thanks for sharing your great work with us!

Michele h..

[Julie Royer]

Wow! So simple, yet so beautiful. Thanks for some great ideas!

[Danielle]

I love Krystie's style-perfectly A Muse! Adorable cards! Congrats Krystie!!

[Alanna (al_silver2)]

I love how you did the grass on the deer card...gorgeous work!!

[Linda SS]

I LOVE these cards and Krystie's clean, crisp style & the way she shadows her cards. Can't wait to see more of her creations:)

[Jerri Kay]

Krystie, all of the cards are so adorable and perfectly you! Congratulations on your guest designer gig! Hugs, Jerri

[Kathy A.]

congrats I truely love the DEER FRiend card.You do lovely work

[MaryAnn Grove]

I just love the elegant simplicity of these cards. They so MUCH with so little. Thanks so much for sharing Krystie with us. MaryAnn

[Holly]

All of these cards are so cute. I love the simple style of the layouts and the coloring. The tree thanks is my most favorite!

[AJ]

Yea Krystie!! Love these- they are all awesome!!!

[Liz Aguilar]

So refreshing! Enjoy your work!!!

[Becky]

You know how much I love your style! Super cute cards!

[Theresa]

I love your clean and simple designs! So cute!

[Marilynn]

So glad I found your blog through Julie's. I really like your work!! Congratulations for being chosen a guest designer.

[betty lou]

Congrats, Krystie!! Love your cards!!

[Dana Klinkner]

Beautiful cards - love the simplicity! Congrats Krystie! :)

[Erika M]

Welcome - beautiful cards!

[Anne McCreery]

Nice card designs. I like your simple, clean cards. Congratulations on your being guest designer.

[Carol B]

Love your cards, Kristie! Just wonderful!

[Kari C]

Just wow!! You are sooo lucky to be near the store!

[Gail Hermann]

I really love how the cards are simple,but at the same time look so sweet and elegant.Each one I look at ,I just keep thinking simple is more!!

[Angie]

Hooray, Krystie! I love your blog and your work on SCS ~ It's so great to see you as A Muse Guest Designer. Congrats, and thanks for sharing your beautiful work!

[Lara]

I just love these cards. The deer and tree are my favorites. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Elyss Jennings]

All really great cards! Love your work!

Elyss

[Annie Fitzgerald]

So many ideas ... thanks for the tips.

[Annie Fitzgerald]

I just love those soft colours ou use on your cards, they blend beautifully.

[Janet Sisk]

Love your cards! I especially like the dome stickers on the flowers of the last card.