Rhonda Maynard, blog: Crafty Blessings
This month, our featured Guest Designer is none other than Rhonda Maynard! She is *constantly* coming up with such clever ideas, that we thought it would be a total kick to share some of her fab creations with ya'all!
About Rhonda:
I am a wife and SAHM of 3 busy kids and work part-time at the A Muse retail shop for fun! I had been stamping off and on for over 10 years after being introduced to it at a home party, and started spending most of my spare time playing with stamps about 4 years ago. While I'm still figuring out what my stamping style is, I enjoy trying new techniques and tricks.
A Muse first caught my eye about 4 years ago while at a LSS where I bought my first 3 A Muse stamps (Pea Pod, Fishes and Best Fishes). But, it wasn't until A-muse-a-palooza '07 that I finally caught the A Muse wave and ever since then, there's been no looking back!! What appeals to me most about A Muse stamps and products is their unique style, versatility and compatibility. Once I bought a couple, I quickly realized they all go together and needed to have them all! Mixing and matching the cute images with the fun sentiments to come up with clever scenes or witty word plays is my favorite thing to do with them!
We think you'll agree about Rhonda's very clever and witty ideas and I'm *uber* excited to share some of her inspiration today, which features some of our coming Valentine images
Be sure to leave a comment below (only one please) on this, and on each of the coming Guest Designer articles showcasing Rhonda's designs! Your name will be entered in a drawing for her stamp and note card picks, along with some ribbon love!
- *new* Love Shack
- *new* 4 Bar Popsicle Pink Note Cards
And, without further adieu . . . the art:
Fancy Feathers
Rhonda used a striking polished stone technique in the background--deep rich pinks, and purple hues! And, don't ya' just love the FEATHER???!!! Makes me think of feather boas. Notice, too, how she accented the Love Birds with tear drop Twinkle Stickers on their wings!
Ruff U
In this design Rhonda created a wonderful dog bone to showcase the daschunds (Puppy Love), and I thought it was a neat idea to ink and stamp only one row of pattern from the Tin Plate background stamp, beneath them!
A little sumpin' from Victoria's . . .
LOL! Keep your eye on this little boutique (Victoria's)--it will appear each week, during our series of articles on Rhonda's work! I couldn't believe each of the 4 designs she created with this image--each so cute and fun! In this design, Rhonda used her Copic markers to color the white stripes of a Swiss Red Bold Stripe note card, echoing the same motif that runs along the top of the little building!
Candy Heart Card
We *always* get those boxes filled with the little candy hearts--you know the ones! Well, this card is cut in the shape of a heart, and then with the new Be Mine sentiment stamped in the center, it very much resembles those candy hearts! Simple and sweet! Can't you just see this on all our pastel colored note cards?! I love that she added a little pink Heart Twinkle Sticker atop the "i", and gently sanded the edges to give the design added dimension.
Chocolate Postage
I know!!! I know!!! I PIMP'd when I saw this one, too! (shakin' my head in wonderment and chucking) I *adore* chocolate. I *adore* pink and chocolate together. I *adore* faux postage. See the "special delivery" down in the corner? Could she have BEEN any more clever with the new Chocolate image??? (said in my best Chandler Bing voice)
Yup! I done told ya'! She's a witty one, that Rhonda! *wink-wink*
Next week, I'll have a little more to share about Rhonda, and more of her whiz-bang designs!
So, ya'all come back now, ya' here?! 
Yippee! I'm soooooo glad Rhonda is the guest designer - her cards are always my FAVES! She is one talented little mama! :)
Posted by: Katie | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 08:36 AM
Wow! These are darling cards...wasn't ready for hearts and valentines but now I'm there! I love the chocolate stamps! If only the USPS would commission this idea!
Posted by: Elizabeth V. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 08:38 AM
AMAZING! wow, her work is out of this world. she is so creative. these cards are fabulous. thank you for sharing and adding rhonda to the team!
Posted by: Stephanie Jones | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 08:52 AM
RHONDA!!!! Hi Girlie!!!
I Love the Victoria's shop!!! ;)
Posted by: Rachel Hope | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:07 AM
OMGosh, CUTE CUTE CUTE!!!
Posted by: JenMarie | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:09 AM
a-dorable...congrats to rhonda for being the guest designer!!!
Posted by: ~amy~ | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:15 AM
I am absolutely blown away. What great cards - each of them!! Just wonderful work, Rhonda. I love your style!!
Posted by: Lisa Chapman | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:17 AM
Wowzers! these are great cards, TFS!
Posted by: sherry czarnecki | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:18 AM
How cute! I love the postage stamp one.
Posted by: Alison | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:19 AM
You have such cute ideas. I love the lingerie store.
Posted by: Laura | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:21 AM
Oh, those are so stinking cute! Now that Christmas is over (sniff, sniff) I am in the mood to play with some Valentine's stamps! I can't wait.
Posted by: Shannon C | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:44 AM
those are all such clever cards...love the candy heart card the best!!
Posted by: Alanna (al_silver2) | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Oh great cards! I love the postage card with the special delivery message! Perfect in every way. Way to go Rhonda!
Posted by: Karen Vandewalle | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:56 AM
I love Rhonda's creations...she is so uber talented...thanks for sharing these beautiful cards with us! You rock, girl!!!!
Posted by: Tinla | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Super cute! Can't wait to see more!
Posted by: Dawn Nikol | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 10:05 AM
These are absolutely adorable! Especially the faux chocolate postage! So glad to see Rhonda's creativity on the blog.
Posted by: Karen M. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Adorable and so creative. Each of these cards has been thought out so well! Thanks for sharing these with us!
Posted by: pegg | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Love these ideas! The polished stone/feather card is my favorite with the "candy" heart and chocolate postage right up there as well.
Posted by: ~~Tami :-) | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Feathers. Brilliant!
Posted by: Lisa | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 11:02 AM
I just "love" these ideas....you're giving me some great inspiration for Valentines Day!
Posted by: Doris | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Wow...these cards are so adorable! Love how she used the new stamps.
Posted by: NancyL2648 | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 11:41 AM
I LOVE the "be mine" card! So cute and clever!
Posted by: Kelly A. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 11:41 AM
These cards are way cute!! Love the candy heart and chocolate cards. They're all great! : )
Posted by: nancy l. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 11:47 AM
What clever cards! Love the dogs on the dog bone and the chocolate stamps.
Posted by: Louise Glynn | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 12:29 PM
These are fantastic ideas! I cannot wait to get my hands on these new stamps:)
Posted by: Susie P | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Such great cards. My favourite is the first one with the birds. I love the feather!
Posted by: Tamara | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 01:13 PM
Congratulations Rhonda! These are beautiful!!
Posted by: Jen | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 01:13 PM
Oh my! I LOVE them ALL!!! I can't wait until I can get my hands on these STAMPS! the cards are AMAZING!!!! I feel so inspired can't wait!!
Posted by: olga | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 01:18 PM
These cards are just fabulous! I can't wait until the new stamps are released!
Posted by: Sandra B. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Bravo! I love all of your cards Rhonda!! Can't wait for the next batch.
Posted by: Fiola | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 01:40 PM
I love these clever ideas and am so excited to have these cards to help me design something of my own. I went to 2 lss and neither one has the a muse valentine stamps for sale. I will have to struggle and wait until 01/07
Posted by: Denise | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Congratulations Rhonda. Awesome job!
Posted by: Jennifer Moore | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 01:57 PM
Congratulations Rhonda! Love all your cards..especially the chocolate postage stamps!
Posted by: cheiron | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 02:08 PM
more from rhonda? can this week be any better?? kids back in school and yummy fresh eye candy! thanks!!
Posted by: jenn | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Celebrating our "56" wedding anniversary and yes you guessed it ....on Valentines Day. AHHHH! Love any and all Valentine stamps and these are just too cute, can't wait to see them all
Posted by: Annie B. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Just love all of the valentine cards! Very creative and sweet. Looking forward to your other designs.
Posted by: Nancy Landauer | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Thank you for selecting Rhonda as the guest designer! Her creations are fantastic, just like her! I can't pick a favorite, I love them all. Congrats, girlfriend!
Posted by: Victoria | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Rhonda, love all the fun creations you come up with! Congrats on being a guest designer and how lucky for you to work for the fab A Muse store! :o)
Posted by: Tina W | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 02:26 PM
Great job, Rhonda! I love the sneaks. TFS!
Posted by: little.one | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 02:27 PM
Love the cards! Love the sneaks! Love the Guest Designer! Way to go Amuse, you never disappoint!!
Posted by: Pam | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 02:28 PM
OMG! It's THE RHONDA! Awesome cards as usual - she is a genius and a ham (or the whole hog?)I adore her sense of humor and her style. I will be awaiting these posts eagerly. Thank you for choosing such an A Muse prodigy for GD!
Posted by: Ingrid | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 02:46 PM
Oh my goodness! Rhonda, your cards are FABULOUS!!!! You are so creative! I love them all!!! :)
Posted by: PennyH | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 03:13 PM
Great ideas! I really love that shadowing effect on the be mine heart card. Can't wait to try that!
Posted by: Laura Bassen | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 03:41 PM
I love the chocolate bar card and the Victoria card! They are soooo cute! Rhonda is so creative and she's just my style too. Way to go girl! I can't wait to see what you cook up next week!
Posted by: Rachael | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 04:04 PM
Great ideas Rhonda!! I'm ready to move out of the Christmas mode for sure now!!
Posted by: Doreen | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Rhonda's cards are absolutely gorgeous! I need to make some of those cute heart shaped cards, and the dachshunds MUST come to play with me because we have an adorable "weiner doggie"!!! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Sheryl | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 04:11 PM
LOVE the little dogs-so cute together.
Posted by: Marty | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 04:25 PM
Celebrating our "56" wedding anniversary and yes you guessed it ....on Valentines Day. AHHHH! Love any and all Valentine stamps and these are just too cute, can't wait to see them all
Posted by: Annie B. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 04:39 PM
Celebrating our "56" wedding anniversary and yes you guessed it ....on Valentines Day. AHHHH! Love any and all Valentine stamps and these are just too cute, can't wait to see them all
Posted by: Annie B. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Celebrating our "56" wedding anniversary and yes you guessed it ....on Valentines Day. AHHHH! Love any and all Valentine stamps and these are just too cute, can't wait to see them all
Posted by: Annie B. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 04:40 PM
too darn cute!!! I really LOVE the Victoria's boutique. Just what every girl needs!!!
Posted by: xiumaiyuki | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 04:40 PM
How adorable!!! such a talented lady. I love them all. can't wait to see them in my LSS.
Posted by: quinnie V. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 04:41 PM
these cards are amazingly CUTE!!!
Posted by: quinnie V. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 04:43 PM
OMGosh Rhonda!!! These are so breathe taking and fun. I just love your creative style. Thanks for your inspiring and creative ideas.
Posted by: StampinCathy | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 05:11 PM
All of your cards are great, Rhonda. I can't wait for the new stamps.
Posted by: Debbie S | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Just fabulous - really love the card with the dog bone! I'm having to wait for the stamps until Jan. 7 because my LSS doesn't care many stamps.
Posted by: Erika M | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 05:24 PM
I think that Valentines are some of the most fun and whimsical cards out there. I especially love the added feather, the puppies, and all the eye popping color and ribbons. This is why girls just swoon over valentines!!!!
Posted by: Jillian | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 06:09 PM
FABULOUS!! Love the dog bone card and the chocolate postage stamps!! Can't wait to see more :)
Posted by: Dotty | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 06:24 PM
Wow, so many cool ideas!
Posted by: Beth Rang | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 06:31 PM
As a lover of animals of all kinds, I am madly in love with the litte Daschund couple! They are soo sweet! I absolutely adore the simplicity of the "be mine" cand y heart!!! Rhonda is a sweet one for sure!
Posted by: Bryn | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 06:31 PM
So cute! I have a mini doxie so i'm sooo excited!!!
Posted by: Kelly Braund | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 06:35 PM
The candy heart is so cute. I could see several of these bound together to make a book. Can't wait to see more.
Posted by: care-in | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Love the feather!
Posted by: Katie | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 06:48 PM
Yeah for my home girl! You rock Rhonda! I'm so glad you get to show your stuff!
Posted by: Amanda Beers | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 07:00 PM
very cool ideas
Posted by: shirley wong | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 07:37 PM
Rhonda, you've got talent girl!
Posted by: Sharon in NE | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 07:38 PM
Rhonda, you rock! These are so so cute!!!
Posted by: Stevie Leong | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 07:50 PM
How clever and simple are these cards to make? Sheer brilliance! Will have to revisit the faux postage too.
Posted by: sus n. | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Oh My Gosh, Rhonda! These are awesome! You are SO talented and I'm glad that you got to showcase some of your work! Can't wait to see what else you came up with.
Posted by: Joyce | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 08:35 PM
You're amazing Rhonda! I loved how you cut out a bone for the dogs. Now I really can't wait to buy the new Valentine images.
Posted by: Teresa | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Oooohhhh! These are sooo cute! I love the chocolate postage!!!
Posted by: Donna Hitz | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Love the cards- especially the chocolate postage! It's so clever!! Rhonda, you are so talented :)
Posted by: Anita Young | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 12:48 AM
These are gorgeous card samples! I love her style! And I love Amuse stamps! So they're perfect together!
Thanks,
Angie
Posted by: angie | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 02:09 AM
Cute stuff - love the chocolate postage!
Posted by: Kathy D | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 02:32 AM
The cards are wonderful! Candy heart card is simple and clever. Faux chocolate postage is fantastic! Rhonda keep up the great stamping. stamping sue
Posted by: sue wisniewski | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 04:15 AM
Each card is wonderful, but I think I like Victoria's best! So talented...
Posted by: Lisa | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 04:33 AM
I am in love with fancy feathers. Those birds are adorable.
Posted by: karen | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 06:17 AM
Awesome! Thanks for sharing...very inspiring! Looking forward to seeing more of your work here.
Betty-Ann
Posted by: Betty-Ann | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 06:31 AM
I want and adore the PUPPY LOVE! Now can we do one with a Pug? :) There is a whole subculture out there with pug love!
Posted by: nan | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 06:55 AM
Amazing cards!!! The dog one totally stole my heart....
Posted by: Sarah Pendergrast | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 06:59 AM
I just LOVE the candy heart design. It's perfect and I love how perfect the sentiment is. It's like it was made for just that very design. Clever girl!
Chris
Posted by: Chris Hauck | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 06:59 AM
I heart the heart Be Mine card. So simple, but so sweet. Thanks for sharing and the chance.
Posted by: Christine | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 07:11 AM
I just adore the first card with the feather! Clever! I am dying to see more!
Posted by: Jessica | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 07:35 AM
These are all awesome Rhonda! My favorite is the Chocolate Postage card!
Posted by: Pamela | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 08:14 AM
All of these cards are so great! My favorite is the heart shaped one. The little heart shaped crystal for the dot on the "i" is just a wonderful touch!
Posted by: Holly | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Love the Ruff U card. I'm such a sucker for daschunds.
Posted by: Dina | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 08:53 AM
I love the simplicity of the be mine heart card (though it was hard to pick as they're all fabulous)
Posted by: Cathy Whiteman | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Love these cards, Rhonda! You have a great eye for adding just the perfect details to make the cards stinkin' adorable. Love your style - thanks for sharing your ideas.
Posted by: Dana Klinkner | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 09:53 AM
i LOOOOOVE the puppy card:)
Posted by: arimacias | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Thanks for taking the time to share these great card creations with us.
Simply inspiring for the New Year!
Posted by: mary D | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 12:11 PM
These are so darn cute! They inspire me to get back into the stampin' groove. Rhonda has a real flair for design, creativity and variety. I love her style.
The "puppy love" card really shouts out to me. I hope you'll consider doing a Pomeranian stamp sometime soon.
Thank you for inspiring me!
Posted by: Rebecca | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 01:10 PM
I love that card with the birds and the feather! And the Chocolate postage!!! And...oh heck, I just like them all!
Posted by: Kate W. | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 03:13 PM
Congratulations, Rhonda! These cards are great! I especially love the Ruff U card!
Posted by: Leslie | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 03:22 PM
I am salivating at adding another "storefront" to my collection. 's marvellous! Just in time for Valentines.
Posted by: Nancy W | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 04:10 PM
I love the chocolate postage stamp card, please can we have instructions!!!!!
Posted by: EJ | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 05:04 PM
What fun cards, love the stamps. Can't wait to see more!
Posted by: Judith Gowdy | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Yay!!! What a GREAT surprise to see Rhonda as the Guest Designer. I've always loved Rhonda's work - she is a true gem! I love all of these cards. The feather accent on the first card is too, too cute. And the dog bone.... SHUT UP!
I can't wait to see more of Rhonda's stuff!
Posted by: Tracy | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 05:17 PM
Rhonda - you are so deserving of this. All your cards are SUPER cute!!!!! Congrats!
LOSTie Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 05:19 PM
Oh my goodness, these rock. Tear drop twinkles?? Candy box card? I'm loving these cards! And the feather is cracking me up! So clever.
Posted by: Joan B | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Love your cards Rhonda. I love bling and so the little touches like the added rhinestones got me...sooo cute... Love the dog bone idea also...
Posted by: Gwen P. | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 06:58 PM