A Muse News

Around Town - November Classes

The A Muse Instructor Team has some fabulous November classes coming up! Instructors who are teaching in November are listed below.  Simply click on their names to hop over to their class schedules for more information on the events offered in your area. 

Alaska
Donna Hitz

Arizona
Lori Barnett

British Columbia
Glenda Wyatt

California
Jill Grace
Tracy Falco

Connecticut
Jenn Shurkus

Massachusetts
Jenn Shurkus
Liz Ballard

Newfoundland
Meghan Fahey

New Hampshire
Liz Ballard

New Jersey
Cheiron Brandon

New York
Cheiron Brandon
Sherry Czarnecki

Washington
Julie Ebersole
Joyce Wheeler
Novell Eckstrom
Rhiannon Christianson

Wisconsin
Dawn Stein
Kamila Younkman

 

Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt - Winners!

It's time to announce the winners of Kristina Proffitt's Guest Designer prize! We randomly chose three names.... so congratulations to:

* Jenna A who posted October 7, 2010 at 9:20am 

* Sue D who posted October 23, 2010 at 6:49pm 

* Penny H who posted October 11, 2010 at 5:32am 

If you lucky winners would kindly email me your shipping address, and we'll send your goodies out to you!

TGIF Stampin' Class this Friday

TGIF Stampin' class this Friday 

12-1pm ~ Give Thanks!

Make 3 projects and be out in an hour. Only $10! Call us to reserve you a spot ~ 783-4882. Here are 2 of the projects we will be making

Join us!

~Michele

Shop News - 10/25/10

Make & Take

I can't believe Halloween is just a week away!  Join us this week to make a spooky  paper lantern with our creepy fence and bat punches! 

Stop in anytime between 11:30am- 1:30pm, Wednesday or Saturday, to make this FREE project!

New in the Shop

American Girl crafts!!

We are big fans of American Girl and their new line of craft projects are fantastic!  Great for the young girl in your life or as a gift!

Pom Pom Scarf Kit - So cute! The set includes one for you to make and one to make for your doll! $19

American Girl Tape - $6, Daisy Design Bracelets (makes 6) - $11, Pearly Beads and Ribbon Bracelets (makes 4) - $9, Bitty Beaded Rings (makes 10) - $9

Paper Posies - $14, Creative Card-Making Pad - $16, Funky Felt Pins (makes 12) - $14 

Sew and Stuff Kit - You get to make one for you and one for your doll! Bear or Owl - $17

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Mark your Calendars for our Holiday Open House

Saturday, November 13th from 11-3! 

We'll make 3 fun projects, FREE with a minimum donation to the Greenwood Food Bank. 10% off purchases that day too!

 

Are you a fan of A Muse on Facebook yet?  We post shop news, class info, samples, and lots more.  'Like' us!  We like you! : )

Have a great week! Hope to see you in the shop!

Michele

 

Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt - week 4

Hiya!  I'm back with the last of Kristina Proffitt's guest designer projects.  But first, we have a *special* announcement!  Please join me in congratulating Kristina on the birth of her new son!  Visit her blog for the full scoop and to see his adorable baby photo!

Let's start off the post today with Kristina's scrapbook page!  I love the bright happy colors - sooo cute!  And very clever how she used the ribbon with the buttons and the scallops!

 
Kristina's next project is a peaceful nature card using our new snowladen tree stamp.  Kristina used liquid applique on the branches for a fun snowy effect!  And a large red twinkle sticker adorns the top of the tree!  

 
Kristina's last design is so fun and clever!  With a little foam tape and a few scraps, she made a Merry Christmas sign for Santa to hold!  

It has been a pleasure sharing Kristina's work this month and I hope you have enjoyed it!  A huge thanks to Kristina for sharing her fabulous designs with us!  Be sure to leave a comment on this post to enter the drawing for a chance to win (one comment per post please).  Winners will be announced next week!

Shop News - 10/18/10

We've got a challenge for you!

It's the Make & Take 10 !

For the next month, bring a friend to our FREE Make & Take and we will give you, and your friend

10% off your entire purchase!

*Customer must be new to A Muse and not in our database. 10% applicable only to that days purchase and not applicable for class registration*

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For this week's project we are making a darling Halloween paper basket you can fill with all sorts of fun tricks or treats!

Stop by the shop anytime between 11:30am - 1:30pm, Wednesday or Saturday, to make this fun, FREE project! And don't forget to bring a friend : )

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Upcoming classes!!

Let’s Smooch! - $25, with Joyce

Friday, October 22nd, 6pm

Have you Smooched!? These pearlescent inks are a great way to add shimmer and sophistication to your projects!   Come learn some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this fun product.  Please bring a basic stamping kit (sharp detail scissors, adhesive, pencil)

Here are 3 of the 5! projects you'll be making:

 

Colored Pencil Holiday Greetings! - $25, with Rhiannon

Saturday, October 23rd, 4-6pm

Come and learn some great Colored Pencil techniques as we get started on our Holiday Greetings!  A great class for those wanting to learn how to use this wonderful technique in your everyday crafting!

 Here are a few of the projects from the class:

 

Call the shop to register for these classes - 206-783-4882, or register online here.

Hope to see you in the shop this week!

Michele

Seattle TGIF Class today!

What are you doing today between 12 and 1 pm?  Coming to A Muse, of course!  Here's a sneak peek at a few things we'll be making in our TGIF Ghoulish Goodies Class today.

Wanna join us... call us and we'll make room!  206-783-4882.  Class is only $10 and we'll have you in and out in one hour. 

This card uses crystal lacquer and a sponge!  Fun!

Come see what we make with this creepy spider...  I used the MS large spider punch and MS black tinsel glitter.  My husband thought this was COOL!  {and it takes a lot to impress him!}

Hope you can come play with us.

Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt - week 3

It's Friday and that means it's time to share the next round of Kristina' Guest Designer cards!  This week, I have chosen three of her designs that are my *favorites*!  I can't wait to share them, so let's jump right in!

All of the cards I selected for the post today are such *HAPPY* designs - I love the color combos!   This first design is so simple, but so fun!  Kristina added the handwritten "to you" at the end of the sentiment that I think ties the whole thing together perfectly.  And did you notice the stitched line on the banner flags?!

 
Kristina made great use of her scraps on this next card and built a house!  If you are a reader of my blog, then you know that I love scenes, houses, and doors... so it will be no surprise that this is one of my faves!  Glitter glue on the clouds make them sparkle and Kristina cleverly used a pretty pearl as a doorknob!

 
And last but certainly not least, is this adorable card featuring our Snow Lady stamp!  I love how Kristina used the snowflake swirl and pearls!  And that little hint of white polka dot ribbon at the bottom is fun too!

I hope you enjoyed Kristina's cards today!  Which one is your favorite so far? 

We are nearing the end of Kristina's designs, but I have one more week for you!  So be sure to stop back next Friday to see the last set including another adorable scrapbook layout!

And let's not forget the rest of Kristina's thoughts in response to our word association questionaire:

• Biggest challenge - Finding time to be creative. After just moving into a new house, having an almost 5-year-old and a baby on the way in just a bit – it’s a challenge to sometimes make the time to sit down and create. It’s something I’m working on.
• First stamp – It was a “thank you” stamp that I purchased at a craft store many years ago. I still have it to this day and actually use it from time to time. I love the cute font it’s written in. You can’t go wrong with a cute thank you stamp
• Can’t live without – My God, my family and my creative time.
• Favorite product – This changes a lot, but right now it’s my Copic markers. Yep, I’m addicted. ;)
• Climate – One word. FALL. I love Fall. The crispness in the air, the leaves changing colors, the smell of pumpkin pie and all things Thanksgiving. Yep, I love Fall and wish it was Fall all year long. Can that please be arranged?
• Last purchase – A house that I LOVE. :-D
• Proudest moment – Giving birth to my daughter.
• Passion – Any and all things crafty & creative.
• Food – Mexican and any and all things sweet.
• The future – Is bright. :)
• Time of day – Early in the morning. I love the start of a new day and all of the possibilities it brings. I’m a morning person for sure.

Before I go today, I bet you'd love to know what Kristina has chosen as the Guest Designer prize - right?!  Kristina's choice is the "Snow Baby & Birdie" stamp and a pack of A Muse Kitchen Yellow notecards! 

So be sure to enter for a chance to win by leaving a comment on each of the Guest Designer posts featuring Kristina's designs!  (one comment per post please)

Shop News - 10/12/10

Make & Take

Join us this week anytime between 11:30am - 1:30pm, Wednesday or Saturday, to make this fun FREE treat!  A sleeve of candies topped with a spooky witch hat : ) What a fun gift or favor for a party!

We also have these clear sleeves for sale in the shop. A pack of 50 for $4.50

 

Upcoming Classes

TGIF - Stampin' - Ghoulish Goodies

This Friday, October 15th, 12-1pm - $10

Come join us for a fun, lunch hour class.  We'll make 3 ghoulish projects and have you out in an hour!

Look at one of the goodies you'll be making! A giant pixie stick with a fancy, wicked topper :)

Copic 201 - $25, with Joyce

Saturday, October 16th, 4pm

In this second class in the series, you will learn more advanced blending techniques along with some special effects. Pre-requisite: Copic 101 Please bring a colorless blender and label any personal markers you bring with you.

Call the shop at 206-783-4882 to register or register for any of our classes online here.

Hope to see you this week!

Michele

 

Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt - week 2

We have more fun cards and a scrapbook page to share from Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt!  Let's jump right into her projects today!

On this first design, Kristina cleverly cut a large speech bubble and then filled it fun holiday sentiments!  This owl has a lot to say - *smile*!  Kristina popped him up on foam tape (stamped him also on the card itself so his feet didn't get left out) and set him on a fun row of pearl stickers!

More fun with pearl stickers on this next design!  Kristina stamped the snow baby & birdie inside our dot oval stamp.  Don't they fit perfectly?!  A red oval and punched heart add a pop of color.      

Kristina is a pro at scrapping and has had her layouts (and cards too!) published many times.  So I was tickled that she created two fabulous pages using our stamps.  I am sharing the first one with you today and you'll have to wait until the last post for the other one!  This page is sooo adorable - I love how she used the lacy oval block and then added the date with a white gel pen!  Another fun detail is the stitching below the photos!   

 
*sigh* - so fun!   That's it for her projects this week, but I have plenty more of Kristina's work to share with you.  You won't want to miss her cards next week - they are my *favorites*!!  

Before we go today, I thought I'd share a little more about Kristina.  We gave her a list of words and asked her to share what came to mind so we could all get to know her better.  Here is a portion of the list and her replies (we'll share the rest in her next post):

• Stamping – Makes my heart happy!
• Style – Simple, sweet and clean-lined.
• Inspiration – Is found everywhere. I particularly love to look online at blogs and in magazines. I find the best inspiration in my daughter’s clothes, too! ;)
• Color – Bright, happy, fun colors. 
• Work space – A little room at the back of our house. It’s bright, filled with all sorts of goodies that make me happy like antique Ball jars full of buttons, twine, etc. and of course there is my “happy board” that hangs on the wall filled with some of my favorite photographs. :)
• Perfect day – It’s fall, the sun is shining, I’m with my sweet family and we’re making wonderful memories – just being together. Oh, and I get a bit of creative time, too!
• First job – Burger King. Worked there all through high school –needless to say I don’t eat there much anymore. ;)
• Wildest dream – To own my own little cupcake shop one day or even a cute little bookstore like in “You’ve Got Mail” only I would hope it wouldn’t go out of business. ;)
• Ink – Ends up all over my hands and my clothes usually. I’m not a neat inker. :-D
• Family – Is so important to me. We’re about to add a son to our family at the end of the month. We are overjoyed and feeling so blessed.
• Beverage – It used to be Dr. Pepper. Gave that up 8 months ago and still crave it, but now I drink mostly water. I do love milk though. Always have. Oh how I miss you though, Dr. Pepper.  Sigh.

Be sure to enter for a chance to win by leaving a comment on any of the posts featuring Kristina's work (one comment per post please).  We'll announce the winners at the end of the month!

 

Class with Rhiannon this Sunday!

2011 Memo Set - $25, with Rhiannon

Join Rhiannon this Sunday, October 10th from 2-4 pm where you will make this amazing gift set!  You'll get to make a coordinating Post-it note holder, memo pad, pen AND an A Muse ringed 2011 calendar!!  A great gift for everyone on your list.

There are a few spots left in the class so sign up now! Call us at 206-783-4882 or register online here.

Shop News - 10/5/10

Make & Take

There's nothing easier (or cuter!) than a lollipop holder! Linda found these great Halloween pops and they make the perfect treat. A shout out to Stephanie at The Paper Garden for the cute idea! You get to choose which one you want to make - either eyeball or pumpkin:)

Join us anytime between 11:30am - 1:30pm, Wednesday or Saturday, to make this FREE project!

 

Lots of Shop News!

We just opened a huge box from Martha Stewart.  So many fun things!!

Test Tube Favor Kit - This is the coolest way to package jellybeans or M&M's for Halloween. Comes with 8 tubes with cork stoppers and 'specimen' labels. $9

Vampire Treat Wrappers - $8  Mad Scientist Favor Boxes - $9

Glow-in-the-Dark Glitter - $3.99 each

This stuff is awesome! It really glows in the dark! Makes the perfect Halloween moon. Look at this 'howling' design from Heather.

 

Autumn Branch Punch - $10.50

Mice Silhouettes back in stock! Set of 12. $6

Look how cute they are in our window:)

Lighted flower garland!! Battery operated - how great is that?! So perfect for a party or even a girls bedroom : )$16, White or Pink

Paper Cupcake Stand $12 - White chipboard stand with lace trim. Easy to put together, inexpensive, adorable!

Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon

 
$1.50 per yard

Chocolates!!

Beautiful foil wrapped chocolates from Gosanko. What a nice treat for a friend, a hostess or a pretty gift topper. $4 each or 3 for $10

Halloween Chocolates - bat, ghost, pumpkin

Seattle and everyday chocolates - salmon, happy face, ferry, slug:)

Upcoming Classes & Events

Intro to Stamping - $15, with Michele

Wednesday, October 6th, 7pm

Join Michele as you learn all the basics of hand-making cards. We’ll cover paper types, envelopes, inks, embellishments, and design basics. You’ll leave with a few cards and lots of information to get you started! 

Call the shop at 206-783-4882 to register

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Anniversary Sale

THIS Saturday, October 9th, from 10am-4pm!

Come celebrate our shop's 4th year anniversary.  Deals galore! A great time to stock up!

- 15% off the entire store

- Super Duper Clearance - BOGO table {Buy one, get one}

- Slice demo - 10am-12pm

- 20% off Slice Machine and accessories

 

Hope to see you at the M&T, in class or at the BIG sale!!

Michele

Seattle Classes with Julie!

 

Julie Ebersole, lead designer and A Muse instructor, will be teaching TWO classes at the A Muse Seattle Store on Saturday, November 6th!  Don't miss this rare opportunity to take a class from Julie! Each class is $28 or take both classes for $50.

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Holiday Smorgasbord
10:00 am

"A Muse has outdone themselves once again with this year's Holiday Collection! Join Julie for a variety of holiday greetings ranging from cute and cozy, to elegant and serene, featuring fabulous images from the A Muse 2010 Holiday Release!"

A Letter Box
1:00 pm

"We'll make a beautifully coordinated correspondence set, from box to notecards and accessories. Whether you give it to a friend or keep it for yourself, you'll enjoy using Julie's custom designed template to make this gift set over and over again."

Register online here or call us to reserve your spot.  Space is limited, so call today! 206-783-4882.

Please bring a basic toolkit to class:  adhesive of choice, precision scissors, and a pen or pencil.

 

Sketch Challenge Round-Up!

Hi there! It's time for another A Muse Lounge Challenge Round-Up!! :) September's challenge was called *Sketch Challenge* and the challenge was to create a card based on the layouts of one of 3 different cards. The creations this month were amazing, and there were SO many!! Members of our Creative Team chose their favorite card this month, and here it is! It was created by PennyinPA!!

 

And here are 9 more awesome cards created for this challenge! Click on each card to see the entire design on the designer's blog or gallery.

 
 

Penny won a fun A Muse prize for being this month's favorite, and we also drew a prize winner randomly from ALL the participants, and the winner is.......stampfanatic!! Congratulations Sonja!!  

I sure hope you enjoyed all of these fun creations!! :) We have a new challenge up for October, and it is called *Fall Favorites*. The challenge to use your A Muse stamps to create a card inspired by your favorite part of fall! :) I hope you will join in and play along this month too! :)

 

 

Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt!

Please join me in welcoming our Guest Designer for October - Kristina Proffitt!  You may know Kristina from her blog:  one happy mama!  Kristina has created fun holiday designs with our newest stamps and I am excited to share them with you. 

But first, I'll let Kristina tell you a little about herself:

Hi there! My name is Kristina Proffitt. I’m from Nashville, Tennessee and I’m SUPER excited to be this month’s guest designer! Let’s see … a little about myself … I’m 32-years-old, married to my best friend for 8 years (this month), I have a sweet daughter who will be turning 5 next month and a little boy who is due in a few weeks! I also have a sweet dog named Maggie. I love any and all things crafty. That includes, of course, stamping, card making, scrapbooking, photography, writing and blog design. I’m a pretty simple gal – love simple design, every day photographs, shopping on Etsy.com, doodling and jotting down memories.

I got into stamping probably about 5 years ago, but only dabbled in it here and there at that time. I was more of a stamp “collector.” In the past couple of years, I have pulled out those stamps and had so much fun stamping. I love to use stamps on scrapbook pages as well. Inking up a stamp is therapeutic and so much fun. I wish I had gotten serious about stamping sooner but I am just thankful that I dusted off those stamps and started to enjoy them and not just collect them.

I want to thank A Muse for this wonderful opportunity!

And now.. her cards!  Kristina used some of our gorgeous shimmer paper on each of today's designs!  It is difficult to capture the shimmer on camera, but if you own this paper then you know how pretty it is!

Kristina paper pieced the owl so that he "pops"!  And black twinkle stickers were the perfect accent on his eyes.  Kristina use our classic alphabet to create the words and also added a handwritten "the" at the top.

On this next design Kristina used Papaya shimmer damask paper along with pink solid for the cardbase.  And the snowflakes are punched out of ocean shimmer and each have a white pearl in the center!

Kristina used more pink shimmer paper on the last design today.  Lots of twinkle stickers are perfect as ornaments on the tree!

I hope you enjoyed Kristina's shimmer designs!  I'll be back next week with more holiday cards and a scrapbook layout!  And now... it's giveaway time!  We asked Kristina to choose a stamp and pack of notecards to share with three lucky winners.  What did she choose?  Stay tuned to find out - we'll reveal the prize in one of her upcoming posts!  To enter for a chance to win, just leave a comment on this, and on each of the upcoming Guest Designer posts featuring Kristina's designs!  (one comment per post please)