Guest Designer Lisa Strahl!

 

Today I have a special treat for you!  Please join me in welcoming our Guest Designer for June...  Lisa Strahl!  You may know Lisa from her fabulous blog - Petite Palette.  I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa in person at the CHA show in January and am excited to share her designs with you this month! 

Lisa has created beautiful cards featuring our Floral and Everything's Rosy stamps as well as some fabulously clever Twilight inspired designs!  I cannot wait to share them with you!  To get things started, I'll let Lisa tell you a little about herself:   

"My stamping journey began 6 years ago when I grudgingly told a friend that I would just buy her hand stamped cards.  Would I like to learn how to stamp?  No thanks, don't have the time or inclination, I said.  Maybe I will just make some baby announcements, but that's it.  And the rest as they say, is history.

I have had several amazing opportunities over the past 4 years as I have worked as a creative designer, design team coordinator, product designer and art director in this industry.  From being ask to serve on the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Design Team to attending Ranger University in New Jersey to exhibiting at and walking many CHA's - the craft industry's annual exhibition, it has been a whirlwind.

My time "behind the scenes" working for a manufacturer was extremely rewarding and challenging and I loved it.  There came a time however, where I was not doing any creating or teaching due to time constraints.  I am now teaching on a permanent basis at my local all rubber, rubber stamp store (yes, they still exist) and am feeling immensely fulfilled.  The joy that I get to experience each time someone discovers a creative ability that they never new they had, well, that is priceless.  I like to teach in a way that fosters self discovery.  I want my students to make mistakes when I am there to help, so that they can go home and be successful in what they do.  I am also enjoying doing some freelance design work.

This Guest Designer opportunity has quite literally been one of my most enjoyable experiences since taking up this hobby.  The stamps, paper and charm of A Muse really spoke to me and it was *easy*.  I can tell you honestly that there are many times that designing is anything but easy.  Kudos to Linda and the other gals on her team who have build such a unique and lovely company.

I hope you will enjoy my silly sense of humor regarding Edward, Bella and Jacob the wolf.  Can you deny that with my skin I even look like a Cullen?  If you are not a fan of the book or movies, I apologize in advance and made the other designs just for you." 

And now on to the cards!!  Today's theme is Everything's Rosy and Lisa's designs are simply beautiful!

Happy Graduation
Lisa did some clever things with our clear circle stickers on this first design.  She stamped the solid Chrysanthemum on white cardstock, applied a clear circle sticker and ran it gently through her Big Shot to burnish it to the paper then colored over the circle with a Copic marker!  Such a cool effect!  And you'll see there are also beautiful details on this design with the shimmer damask paper, ribbon, twinkles, and pearls!

Florals on Gingham
Lisa described this one layer card as a Five Minute Quickie and "Ode to Julie"!  She stamped several images in different ink colors creating a beautiful floral collage!  And I just love that she used Gingham as the card base!  This is definitely one of my favs of all her designs!

 

Woodgrain Butterfly
Ooo - the "kissing" technique!  Lisa used this fun technique to transfer the pattern from the woodgrain stamp onto the Flutterby stamp.  Don't worry - you don't actually have to kiss the stamp!  If you want to give it a try, simply ink the Flutterby stamp with Pearlescent Chocolate Brilliance, press your CLEAN woodgrain background stamp to it and then stamp to paper!  If you look closely, you'll see that Lisa also inked the "flight" portion of the sentiment in a different color to make it stand out!  And notice that she used pearls on the ends of the butterfly's antennae!

Melt Art Leaf
I've never played around with melt art, but after seeing this I might have to give it a try.  This design is so cool and I LOVE that Lisa glittered the leaf!  Here are a few notes from Lisa on how she created it:  melt Platinum Ultra Thick Embossing Powder (UTEE) in the Melting Pot and pour a pool of it on a Non-Stick Craft Sheet.  Ink stamp with permanent black ink and press into hot UTEE, allow to cool, pull piece away from stamp, fill in design with Turqoise Stickles.

Below is a close-up of the leaf - it's stunning in person!

I hope you enjoyed Lisa's cards today!  Next week, I'll share some of her "Ode to Twilight" designs!  If you are a fan of the Twilight books or movies, trust me - you won't be disappointed!

Now as you may remember, a Guest Designer means that it's also giveaway time!  We asked Lisa to choose a stamp and a pack of notecards to share with one lucky winner!  So stay tuned to find out what Lisa has chosen!  To enter for a chance to win, just leave a comment on this, and on each of the upcoming Guest Designer posts featuring Lisa's designs!  (one comment per post please)

 

Comments

[Lindsay m.]

Wow!!!!! What gorgeous cards!!!! I love them all!!!! Especially the floral one on the gingham paper!!! Sooooo pretty!!!
And that molded flower card!! Gorgeous!!! I did a make and take with that mold stuff, it's so awesome!!

Thank you so much for sharing!!!! You do wonderful work!!!!

~lindsay~

[Steph in WA]

wonderful designs Lisa!

[Tina W]

Wow Lisa! Love your designs! Congrats on being a guest designer!

[Amy]

Gorgeous cards! Love seeing the variety of techniques you've used... all while keeping it simple :-)

[Emily Fulfs]

these are all really cool!! I love the different techniques!b

[EJ]

What great cards thanks for sharing Lisa.

[jen shears]

Great designs, Lisa! I dig the melt art- may have to try it out!!! :)

[veronica]

i love the stamping on gingham. it is beautiful!

[snw]

Oh MY!!! Love the flora on gingham.

[Sonja]

love all your cards Lisa!! What a cool detailed impression the leaf left!! TFS!!

[Alli Miles]

Have always LOVED sweet Lisa's unique approach to card design. Her cards never disappoint :) So glad she was able to showcase some cards and be a guest designer with A Muse.

[Rachael]

I really like the florals on gingham and the metal art is amazing! Great job! I'm looking forward to seeing what's next. I always love guest designer time. It's a chance to see someone else's point of view and get another dose of inspiration. Thanks again!

[SmilynStef]

How exciting ... love those cards and can't wait to see what else Lisa creates.

[Louise]

It's so nice to see Lisa's work. She is a real gem!

[Cathy]

The flowers stamped on gingham are so pretty!

[leah]

Thank you for sharing her great designs.
They are inspiring. Happy Graduation is my favorite! Love the pink and black together.

[Colleen]

Wow! Love all of these and that last one is stunning! Thanks for the inspiration!

[Alanna (al_silver2)]

oooh that melt art looks like fun!! Love that effect...

[Debby Watkins]

Your cards are beautiful! I especially like the one with the melt art - stunning.

[Bryn]

I have never seen the melt art technique, and now it's all I can think about! And what a great demonstration of the kissing technique! I love having guest designers for just that reason, I always learn something new!

[Sunnysnowflake]

I love your cards! The flowers on gingham is beautiful and I love the molded utee impression. What a great idea. I much try that! I am inspired.

[Karen M]

Great cards! Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

[Tammy W.]

Love your cards...absolutely beautiful!

[Renee]

The colors on the "floral on gingham" are fabulous--that card is my favorite!

[little.one]

Love the cards! I might have to play with some of the UTEE. Thanks for sharing!

[Susie P]

my favorite is the woodgrain butterfly, how cool!!! Thanks for sharing all you fun designs:)

[Michelle]

What fabulous cards! I think my favorites are the butterfly card and the graduation card!

[Su C.]

Beautifully designed cards showing all these different techniques! I have never seen the melt art technique, and now I have to try it! Looking forward to see what's next!

[Judith Gowdy]

Great cards Lisa. I really like the Florals on Gingham - very effective. Judith :)

[Suzie P.]

Fabulous cards. Great new techniques that I'll have to try. Thanks for some new inspiration.

[PennyH]

Beautiful cards! The metal art leaf one is such a cool technique. Congrats on being the guest designer!

[Angel Estes]

Love the cards, and can not wait to see the Twilight inspired ones! I have a few friends that will be getting one of those... ;)

[Mary (Happy Now)]

So lovely!

[Jo Ann]

The gingham floral card is so beautiful - it looks just like a wildflower meadow.

[anababy]

i love the look of the layer on the five minute quickie card - great colors

[Kristin Z]

Such simple, yet elegant designs! Beautiful cards!

[Suzanne]

Love your cards! My favorite is the floral card on the gingham paper - what a great idea!

[LaraHM]

So pretty. Can't wait for the Twilight edition.

[Kelly Massman]

Great projects!

[Nicoleskm]

Great work! Loving all of the techniques used here! Congrats on being Guest Designer!

[Michel E]

Great cards. Especially like the second card-florals on gingham.

[Julie in Edmonds]

That leaf is amazing.

[Lori Frost]

Great cards!

[Ying]

oooh, definitely putting the UTEE on my to-do list. Stickles should be easier to acquire. =) Thanks for great ideas.

[JoAnne Chamberlain]

Such cleaver and original ideas! I love these!

[Rducky]

Great designs, as usual.

[Scrapycandy]

Lisa provided tons of inspiration! Florals on gingham...sooo perfect! I am so grateful for ladies with such creativity. Keep up the good work. Thanks so much!

[Nancy Landauer]

So beautiful.....love the pink damask design!

[Erika M]

Cool cards!

[Brenda]

Welcome!! I love your cards. The Melt Art Leaf definitely caught my eye. Terrific!!

[Beth Rang]

Beautiful cards and lovely ideas. I particularly liked the melt art.

[Nancy W]

Love that "floral on gingham" design. Fabulously springlike unlike the current weather outside my windows.

[Debbie Frose]

Love them all Lisa! But the green Gingham is my fav. Way to go!

[Sherrie]

How fun Lisa....and you look so sweet in that lil' pink T! Your card designs are beautiful as always and stay very true to you! Lovely!

[sue wisniewski]

All your cards are wonderful. Like the one with embossed piece and the one where you stamped on the decorative paper to make a no layer card.
thanks for sharing, stamping sue

[Mary Smith]

Very cute cards:)

[Amy L]

Yay! I love guest designer time! Lisa - thanks for sharing your beautiful cards. Looking forward to the next batch.

[Ann]

Those are some really beautiful & creative cards. I love them!

[Cathy Paradis]

What wonderful cards - I especially love the pink graduation card. How great for a girl!

Cathy

[conniemelancon]

congrats on being the guest designer. Love your cards.

[Julie I.]

Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your talent!

The floral on gingham is an idea design I plan on trying.

[Christina Slaton]

That is one of the coolest things.

[Lin]

Congratulations, Lisa, what a varied bunch of cards you've shown us! Thanks for the wonderful inspiration!

[{vicki}]

Great cards--thanks for sharing

[Deborah]

Beautiful cards! I really like the floral on gingham. Can't wait to see what's next.

[SherylH]

Always love seeing your work Lisa. The floral collage on the mini gingham is outstanding.

[lacyquilter]

Beautiful cards and I love the leaves in the UTEE.

[Tran]

Oooooh, I want to try the melt art too!

[Paulette Still]

They are all gorgeous, but I love love the multi printed floral card and the UTEE impression is so interesting. Great inspiration to kick off summer and some fun card making.

[Carol B]

Just absolutely beautiful cards! Love the flowers and gingham the best, though....

[Fran Weinberg]

Congrays on being a guest designer, Lisa. And thanks for sharing your lovely artwork.

[Cookie]

These are all great! I LOVE the Wood Grain Butterfly!

[Julie (Joypup on SCS)]

Love the stamping on Gingham -- and also the UTEE element. What an eye Lisa has!

[Jenna A]

I love the floral stamped on ginham, what a pretty effect. The melt art is such a great idea. I love the blue glitter!

[Janet]

Lisa,
I've always loved your work - so inspiring and unique.

Great job with the stamps you used in all of the cards, especially the one where you used UTEE - fabulous!

Look forward to checking your blog for more ideas. Thank you for sharing!

Janet D.

[Janell Blackmer]

Wow! I've never seen the melt art before - it's amazing! And I love the floral card on gingham - beautiful!! Kudos to you for being the guest designer!

[Cindy]

I'm speechless. I don't know if my favorite is the gingham card with its amazing inspiration of multi colored flowers or the melt art which could pass for a jewelry pendant. Kudos to you!

[Shelly]

I LOVE the melt art...another new thing on my list to try! Thank you for sharing your beautiful work!!

[Susie N.]

Fabulous cards! I love the gingham card and the UTEE leaf card!

[Raquel]

Your designs are so creative and cute!:)

[Victoria]

Love all the cards but the solid chrysanthemum one is my fav.

[celina]

wow - I can't wait to try the UTEE melt. Thank you for sharing!

[Jessica Davis]

You are so talented and have an awesome eye for design! I never would have thought to put all those flowers together, but they look awesome. Looking forward to seeing more of your work :)

[jean Heming]

your cards are very,very pretty!!!!!!!!!!

[Danielle Barton]

Super pretty!

[Dee]

Oh my! I love the stamping on that gingham paper!

[Carolyn Huston]

Beautiful cards! Thanks for the inspiration!

[toni demme]

Love all the designs!!! Flora on gingham is the one I want to try.

[AngieE]

LOVE the florals-on-gingham card! Just beautiful!!

[Cherie]

FABULOUS gingham card! Love gingham so much! Beautiful work, lovely!

[Maureen]

The gingham background is very nice. The melting leaf is very different I like it.

[Pam]

I absolutely love the latest release by Amuse! Just when I think they can't get any better - they do!!!

Love your cards Lisa!

[Jacilynn]

congrats on the guest spot!