Branch and Sky

February Spotlight

2012-02-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

Washi-tape covered pencils & handstamped pencil holders

File boxes, covered and stamped

Beautiful colors, gorgeous stamp sets...I love this month's spotlight: Urban Wildflowers. See full information here!

February Studio Stampers Blog Hop

2012-02-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our February blog hop! If you are joining us in the hop, you should have come from Kathy's blog at www.kathatstamps.blogspot.com. If not, why not start at the beginning with Karen at www.papernstamps.blogspot.com.

I've got a couple more Valentines to share with you today...all products used are A Muse Studio (and actually, that's rare for me - I usually throw in a little this or that with my designs!).

The first card I used a sponge dauber with the 3 blues and a hand cut template to create my waves. Then stamped the fish in green and drew in my tiny heart. The "pucker up" sentiment was tied on with baker's twine to continue with the fishing theme - and popped out with some foam dots. I thought inside it would be fun to attach the "happy valentine's day" sentiment to the "pucker up" with the twine - so there's a tiny hole at the top through which the twine is pulled. I was super happy with the effect!

For my second card, I used my copics to color the owls and the branch. The dies used were the smallest heart from A Muse and the Nestabilities scallop circle. Topped off with bubblegum satin ribbon and a little dimension with pop dots, the end result was pretty cute! And this is one I just sold in my Etsy shop today - woot woot!

See below for the full hop list - and thanks for looking!

Karen Crisp www.papernstamps.blogspot.com
Kathy Hatzke http://www.kathatstamps.blogspot.com/
Kristen Watson http://branchandsky.blogspot.com/ <------you are here
Lianna Vigil http://llamatales.blogspot.com/
Angella Schellenberg http://gypsypaperie.blogspot.com/
Lisa Wakabayashi http://dragonfliesandcats.blogspot.com/

The New 2012 A Muse Studio Catalog Is Here!

2012-02-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

And there are SO many new goodies, my wish list just got a lot longer! Check it out here: 2012 A Muse Studio Catalog Many of the new products are Venetian and vintage inspired! I'm LOVING the new colors available, and the new dies they're offering! I love what they've kept, but more I love what they added!

I think my favorite new stamp sets are "sunny side of life" p. 35, "little peanuts" p. 69, "mod backgrounds" p. 116, and "chevrons" p. 119. The Venetian Patterned Cardstock (p. 126) is AWESOME - I must have some! - and the new chevron ribbon (p. 141) is fantastic!

Let me know what you think...and when you want to place an order. (:

Retiring Products, Too?

2012-01-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

Yep. Read it and weep. I know I did...especially over the twine...and the cranberry products...and the...well, you get the picture. Listed below are the page numbers and the items.

87 a|s cardstock - cranberry

87 a|s pigment ink pad - cranberry

87 a|s pigment ink refi ll - cranberry

88 a|s cardstock - polka dot (all colors)

91 a|s cardstock - mirror silver (5)

92 buttons - cranberry

93 a|s twinkle stickers - clear (shapes)

95 tiny fl owers (all colors)

95 twine - cherry (12 yds)

95 twine - fern (12 yds)

95 twine - french roast (12 yds)

95 twine - navy (12 yds)

95 twine - onyx (12 yds)

95 twine - shell (12 yds)

95 twine - toff ee (12 yds)

95 twine - vanilla (12 yds)

96 copic refi lls (all colors)

97 water brush medium (12mm)

101 nestabilities - labels 2

101 nestabilities - labels 4

103 encore metallic ink pad - champagne

103 encore metallic ink pad - silver

104 glue dots - pop up

104 super-stick double-sided tape (all widths)

105 edge distresser

105 paper trimmer - 8.5”

106 embossing pad kit

106 hammer (6”)

106 ribbon slot punch tool set

107 precision fi le set

108 cello bags - extra large (9” x 12”) 50 pk

109 card frame horizontal - galvanized

109 card frame vertical - galvanized

109 enamel noteboard 12” w/stand - galvanized

Studio Stampers January Blog Hop

2012-01-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Studio Stampers January blog hop! My first hop of 2012! If you are following this hop, you should have arrived from Karen's blog, My Paper Paradise.... Thanks for starting us off so well, Karen!

Check out the 3 cards I made using exclusively A Muse Studio products. Valentines Day is just around the corner, so I wanted to get a jump start on some love-y dove-y designs...what do you think???

For my first card, I used the bird and cage from the Chirrup stamp set on p.47 in the 2011 Catalog. The "love you" sentiment is from Essential Sentiments on p.76. I stamped a faint background in blush using the Script Background stamp from the Holiday catalog. Cherry Baker's Twine and Heart Trio dies (small one used) also from the Holiday Catalog. In addition, the scalloped edge you see is an A Muse exclusive die found on p.99 of the 2011 regular catalog. Papers used: shell, bubblegum gingham, latte, and sugar. Ink used: french roast. Popped the heart and the panel out using 3D foam adhesive.

Card 2
Stamps: Hearts a Plenty, Hand Scripted
Paper: latte, blush
Ink: bubblegum, french roast
Embellishments: sm. scallop die, bubblegum satin ribbon, french roast baker's twine

Card 3
Stamps: Vintage labels, Hand Scripted
Paper: sugar, polka dot cherry, slate, cherry
Ink: Memento Tuxedo black
Embellishments: heart trio die (large), onyx baker's twine

My lighting options this morning were not ideal - but hoping you can still appreciate the details of my cards. Thanks for stopping by! Here's a full list of the blog hop participants...have fun hopping. (:

Karen Crisp - My Paper Paradise

Kristen Watson - branch and sky <-------- You are here

Angela Schellenberg - Gypsy Paperie

Lianna Vigil - Llama Tales

Kari Bell - kari kards

January Spotlight...Can You Say "Valentine?"

2012-01-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Super cute items on sale this month - get ready for Valentine's Day and send chic Valentines to friends & family this year! Or, make Valentines for your child's class instead of buying the usual at your local super-store...after all, Valentine's Day IS all about the love, right? (:

Go here for a complete list of items on sale, and loads of fun ideas from Amuse Studio! Or check here for a look directly at the stamp sets on sale.

Retiring A Muse Studio Sets?!?

2011-12-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

What??? Retiring already??? It can't BE! (OK, OK, just check out the list, and make your own list of must-haves before they're gone, girls!)

A Muse Holiday Sale!

2011-12-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

OK, I know it's been forever since I posted, but between my job, and church, and my family...my business and my stamping have definitely taken a back seat! I wanted to let you know, however, that A Muse has some fantastic items on sale this month. Check them out here: TOP TEN a muse|studio Holiday Must-Haves! It's a great time to stock up on baker's twine or kraft cardstock, or to try out the washi tape. Just contact me if you need any supplies!

Oh, and while I'm at it, I thought I'd post a few pics of the cards we did at my last card making night...super fun!

My First Etsy Sale

2011-10-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family

I’m excited to announce my first SALE at Branch and Sky! I’ve just posted a whole slew of Christmas cards on my Etsy shop to help you get ready for the holidays. In an effort to encourage procrastination avoidance (ha - I’m the best of the best!), I’m offering the following:

Order your cards by October 24th - receive a 20% discount

(use coupon code "christmas20")

Order by October 31st - receive a 15% discount

Order by November 6th - receive a 10% discount

Order by November 13th - receive a 5% discount

In ADDITION, I’m also offering volume discounts. Card sets are not all priced the same, but exceptional savings are available for volume ordering - for instance:

A single card might be $4.75 per card (plus shipping).

The volume discount could look something like this (PLUS, of course you save on shipping when all cards ship together):

$3.75 per card for 10 cards ($37.50)

$3.50 per card for 25 cards ($87.50)

$3.25 per card for 50 cards ($162.50)

So please take a look...the FIRST DEADLINE and most significant savings are to be had THIS WEEK (by the 24th).

http://www.etsy.com/shop/branchandsky

Thank you so much for all your support - and thanks for looking!

Kristen

Studio Stampers October Blog Hop

2011-10-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Studio Stampers October Blog Hop! If you are joining us in the hop you should have come here from Lisa's blog; if not, why not start at the beginning with Karen and hop on down until you get back to me?

I usually try to use all A Muse Studio products when I post on our blog hops, but I wanted to show how incredibly versatile A Muse products are and how easily they can be used with other stamps and products. Check out my creations:

Cardstock - A Muse Studio lichen, sky, and latte

Scrapbook paper - AC

Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black

Bicycle stamp - Stampin' Up!

Shadow stamp - A Muse Studio

Copics used to color the bike

Cardstock - A Muse Studio bermuda, ivory, slate, and onyx

Scrapbook paper - AC

Ink - A Muse Studio slate, and Memento tuxedo black

Stamps - Stampin' Up!

Cardstock - A Muse Studio sugar, Stampin' Up! Kraft & Eggplant Envy

Stamps - hat: A Muse, sentiment: Savvy, background stamps: ??? not sure, they are unmounted ones I've had for a long time and pulled them out to play with!

Onyx baker's twine: A Muse Studio

Purple bling - Paper studio

I haven't gotten any of the A Muse Studio felt just yet (although I've heard a-MAZ-ing things about it!), but I wanted to see how well the A Muse Studio mitten die cut through some felt I happened to have...it worked perfectly!

Mitten die - A Muse Studio

Labels 8 Nestabilities Die

Cardstock - A Muse Studio ivory, Stampin' Up! Real Red & Kraft

Ink - A Muse Studio wasabi and cherry

Stamps - A Muse Studio polka dot patterns, sentiment - A Muse

Next on the hop is Veronica! If you get lost, or if there is a problem with the link here is the complete list:

Karen Crisp

www.papernstamps.blogspot.com

Angela Schellenberg

www.gypsypaperie.blogspot.com

Kathy Hatzke

www.kathatstamps.blogspot.com

Lisa Chapman

www.piesafepapergoods.blogspot.com

Kristen Watson <-----------you are HERE

http://branchandsky.blogspot.com/

Veronica Zalis

http://lk2thestarz.blogspot.com/

Happy Hopping!

September Spotlight Is Here...

2011-09-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

and it's OH so delicious! Check it out here: https://www.amusestudio.com/studio-spotlight-september.asp Remember, you get 10% off the spotlight sets, and there's always a special multi-pack of paper that goes with the spotlight theme! Enjoy...

September Stamp Camp Details

2011-09-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hello stampers!

Just wanted to post the details for the Stamp Camps I'll be holding this month.

Beginner Camp - Friday night, September 16th - 7 to 9:30pm

Intermediate Camp - Friday night, September 23rd - 7 to 9:30pm

Cost is $10. However, if you place a $50 order or more, your camp cost is only $5.

Remember, it's A-Muse-A-Palooza, so there are TONS of specials and new products available right now! We'll work on 3 projects (that you'll complete and take home), a new September Spotlight will be available, and each camper will have a chance to win exclusive door prizes. PLUS, I'm putting together a little something as a thank you for each camper to take home (no hints, but you're gonna' love it!).

Our new Holiday Catalog is available NOW for getting everything you need to make gorgeous Christmas cards this year. I am going to try to have a Christmas card making night sometime the very beginning of November, before all the holiday craziness begins, so now's a great time to order those supplies you'll need to make your cards...we'll talk more about it at the camp.

I sure hope you can make it (and tell your friends - if you sign up with a friend not on my invite list, you get yet another fun take-home)!

Happy Stamping!

September Blog Hop

2011-09-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Studio Stampers September Blog Hop! You should have arrived here from: Krystie Hersch's blog: Clean and Simple Cards

My first card is one I'm planning to teach at my next Stamp Camp. Don't you just LOVE Halloween stamps??? I've used a Nestabilities circle die to cut out a template - then sponged the moon in A Muse Studio papaya ink with a sponge dauber. Next, I used the circle die cut itself to mask the moon and sponged slate ink for the sky. I then created a "hill" using slate card stock (freehand), stamped the tree in Memento black and the jack-o-lantern in orange from the "Spooky Boo Day" stamp set , die cut the bats and glued them on along with the hill, and the finishing touch was the sentiment (also from "Spooky Boo Day" set) in pebble ink.

My second card for this hop is for my sister-in-law. She is wonderful about making specific requests when she orders a card (or bunch of cards) from me...so this is what I came up with for her when she asked for "elegant" and "classy."

Like most of my cards, it's simple, but I loved the finished look. All stamps are A Muse Studio (see p. 29 in the catalog: friend to friend stamp set). The celery satin ribbon is something I've had in my collection for awhile, but it matches PERFECTLY to the A Muse Studio "lichen" ink pad. I used "slate" ink for the sentiment.

Copics (RV19, RV14, R43 and #02) were used in the flower (stamped in Memento black die ink), and of course Nestabilities Labels 8 were used to die cut the slate-framed flower.

Next on the hop: Kathy's blog - enjoy!

Studio Stampers Blog http://www.studiostampers.com

Krystie Hersch http://www.cleanandsimplecards.com

Kristen Watson http://branchandsky.blogspot.com <----- you are here

Kathy Hatzke http://www.kathatstamps.blogspot.com

Karen Crisp http://www.papernstamps.blogspot.com/

Kari Bell http://karikards.blogspot.com

Lisa Wakabayashi http://dragonfliesandcats.blogspot.com/

Veronica Zalis http://lk2thestarz.blogspot.com/

Lisa Chapman http://www.piesafepapergoods.blogspot.com

Lianna Vigilhttp://llamatales.blogspot.com/

Angie Schellenberg www.gypsypaperie.blogspot.com

Halloween Already???

2011-09-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I get so excited about it, but I LOVE Halloween stamps and cards. Every year I make Halloween cards and then neglect to send a single one. I plan to remedy that this year, but in the mean time, you can see my creations here, at World Blend (the coffee shop that's selling my cards here in Keller), and at my Etsy shop. Used both Savvy Stamps and A Muse stamps in these, added a little bling to the witch's hat (how much do you LOVE that hat???) and just can't seem to get enough baker's twine in my cards these days!

I did send two other cards today...a birthday card to my uncle back in Massachusetts (Stampin' Up pennant punch, A Muse Studio sentiment, and leftover denim & bandana paper from little man's 2nd birthday invitations - yes, I keep scraps THAT long!):

And a sympathy card to my dear friend Deb, who lost her mother this week. Sending her love and shared tears and hugs from Texas. Sure wish I could be there in person to tell her how sorry I am.

August Spotlight Available TODAY

2011-08-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

through September 15th...check out the details here: A Muse | Studio August Spotlight. 'Got my order in today!

Fun with my new stuff...and some old stuff too!

2011-08-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

I read a post recently that poked a little fun at stampers - our temptation to buy new goodies when we find "the perfect stamp/ribbon/cardstock..." when we already have so much with which to create. Well, I recently gave in to my temptation and bought these wonderful punches from my friend Annette, who sells Stampin' Up! I'd been looking at so many designs with pennants in them, and been drawn to them, wanting to make my own. I also had received a card awhile back that utilized the ticket corner punch and loved the effect, so when I saw that she had those as well, I ordered one of each.

So, here's my first attempt, using both...I love how they came out! I used A Muse stamps (polka dot patterns, p. 75 and friend to friend, p. 29). And of course, I popped on some Twinery Twine to finish out the look. What do you think?

I was also asked by a local coffee shop if I'd be interested in selling my cards in their shop (a fellow Etsy craftsperson found me and sent me a message). I've met with her a couple of times now, and just dropped off my first shipment of cards to be sold. Check out some of the fun designs I made for them! It's been so much fun to see the reaction of people interested in my work. I'm loving it!

Appropriate for a coffee shop, eh? This is from A Muse Studio's "The Perfect Blend" stamp set. Adorable, huh?

I'm the Studio Stampers Spotlight this week!

2011-08-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

Check out my A Muse team's blog at Studio Stampers and try out my challenge for the week (well, 2 weeks technically)! I just attended a Copic marker certification class a couple of weekends ago and am all fired up about using my Copics. They are professional artist grade markers and if you haven't ever used them, you MUST try them. The shading, technique, and detail you can achieve is incredible. I'm still a beginner at this point, but I'm having loads of fun playing with them. A Muse Studio has a wonderful selection of colors to choose from, so let me know if you're interested in picking up a few!

In fact, if you join the fun and participate in the challenge, you could win some blog candy! Winning isn't everything, but it sure is fun, isn't it???

July A Muse Studio Spotlight

2011-07-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

You're going to love this month's super summer colors and stamp sets on sale. Check out the A Muse Studio Spotlight (when you get there, click on the picture you see above for details about which colors and stamps are on sale) and start your wish list now! If we get a stamp club together by the end of the month, we can submit our order and get some of these great sets on sale. Let me know if you're interested in being part of a stamp club...I've got 3 interested so far and need at least 2 more!

Um, HOW cute is THIS??? I don't have an event where I need one of these, but I think I need to create one!

Check Out the Studio Stampers Challenge!

2011-07-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

My A Muse Studio team, the Studio Stampers, is doing a monthly stamping challenge starting this month. Check out Ronnie's incredible card here at our Studio Stamper's blog. Her challenge is to use this image to inspire your card making mojo!

Post a comment and link your creation to our blog and earn a chance to win a fabulous prize from Ronnie! Enjoy the challenge and let me know if you join the fun.

July Blog Hop

2011-07-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my A Muse team's July Blog Hop! You should have arrived here from Lama Tales Don't you just love what Lianna did with her shell card?

My card this time around is a baby girl card - I realized that I had all these baby boy cards ready for the next baby boy born in my circle, but no girl cards! Maybe it's the fact that I have two boys myself, I don't know, but it was fun to put together something super girlie and feminine (um, totally me!).

All products used in this card are from A Muse Studio...even the ribbon this time around. (: I chose a mod color combination, with the pink and orange, and kept it simple with the sweet pink crib and sentiment, "welcome, little one."

bin

My blog is last on the hop, but feel free to start again at the beginning at Kathy's blog: Bits and Pieces...the soft, subtle colors she used for her coastal themed card are just gorgeous!

Let Freedom Ring!

2011-07-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, my neighbor introduced me to her son, who is in the service and is home from Iraq for a couple of weeks. The proud look on her face, and his upright stance and confident smile made me reflect on the freedoms that are mine that I sometimes take for granted. I often pray for the men and women that are serving in our armed forces, but meeting someone face to face who has made a conscious decision to fight for my freedom is inspiring.

Have you heard of the butterfly effect? The theory that the flapping of a single butterfly's wings can set in motion a series of events that could lead to a meteorological event as large as a hurricane? There have been movies, especially those involving time travel, that reference this theory. And I've heard this term used to cite how a single person can effect huge, mind-boggling change in his own life, the lives of others, the eventuality of a cause.

I was thinking how living in the country that I do, with the freedoms that I have, allows me to set in motion changes that many do not have the opportunity to make. I can be that butterfly because of the freedom I have here in the United States. And that freedom survives and thrives because of people, like my neighbor's son, who make their lives about protecting it.

An appropriate day to post this, I was inspired to make this card for him, and wondered if any of you out there would be inspired to make cards to thank our service men and women who are currently serving our country and protecting our freedom. If you are, I'd love to hear from you - comment, post your card, and link it here so we can see! Thank you...

Look What I Made With A Muse Spotlight Stamps & Paper!

2011-06-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

I was trying to come up with something fun for my guests to create at my A Muse Studio kick-off event on Saturday (at my place - stamp camp style) using the June/July Spotlight stamps and paper. And these two cards are what I came up with!

All (but the vanilla) paper is from the "Seaglass" specialty pack and the stamps are all from the "Life's a Breeze" stamp set.

Twine is Divine Twine from The Baker's Confections (which, by the way, is AWESOME to work with - the shop, not the twine...although, the twine is awesome too)!

A Muse Studio Spotlight

2011-06-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

The June spotlight is NOW available at the A Muse Studio Spotlight. What does this mean? It means savings for you! There are several stamp sets on sale from now until July 15th - a full 10% off. In keeping with summertime fun, the sets available are all beach-y themed (love them!)...PLUS, there is a special assortment of paper A Muse put together called "Seaglass" and includes all the soothing colors of the beach. Check it out! (Be warned, though: it might just make you want a beach vacation...I know I do now.)
(;

Father's Day is JUST Around the Corner

2011-06-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

This post is dual purpose - first, I'm entering this card into Mark's Finest Papers Blog challenge #59...for a Father's Day card. This is my first sale on Etsy (and my subsequent 3 thereafter!), so I thought it might be fun to enter into the challenge.

Second, I wanted to make an offer on my Father's Day cards offered at my Etsy shop - Father's Day is next Sunday, and time is running short to get those Father's Day cards out to Dad. So, if you've got a personal message you'd like for me to include in your card, I can type and print it out (or handwrite it, if you like), and include it in your card. It can then be sent directly to Dad, and your shipping will be free! Start shopping at Branch and Sky today and I'll get your card(s) in the mail tomorrow.

Happy shopping!

(BTW - All stamps used in the above card are from A Muse Studio.)

My First Blog Hop!

2011-06-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

OK, so here it is...the first time I've participated in a blog hop! You should have arrived here from Kari Cards (don't you love her style???) or you may start at the beginning of the blog here - http://cleanandsimplecards.com/.

My card is made with all A Muse Studio products, save the organdy ribbon (I'm realizing now that A Muse Studio ribbon has got to be next on my purchase list - it's so adorable, and I'd like to have some of each kind to demo at my classes).

Stamps - beautiful botanicals (p. 26), loving memories (p. 10)
Paper - sugar, blackberry, heather (p. 86-87)
Ink - blackberry (p. 86)
Embellishments - large A Muse sugar pearl stickers (p. 93) and white organdy ribbon (A Muse's sugar organdy ribbon is found on p. 94), dimensionals
Tools - Big shot (p. 103), labels set dies (p. 98)

I used the queen anne's lace from the beautiful botanicals set, stamping it 3 times, without re-inking. This was stamped on sugar paper - I then cut the flowers into a 2.75" x 4.25" card and matted it against blackberry paper. Tied the white organdy ribbon around it and affixed it to the A2 card (sugar), placing it close to the upper left hand corner. I then cut the label using my dies and Big Shot, and stamped the "with deepest sympathy" sentiment on it. I attached the label using 3D foam adhesive in the lower right hand corner. For a finishing touch, I used the pearl stickers - another first for me. Love how delicate they look and how they draw the eye upwards. Inside is blank. I really enjoyed digging into all my A Muse Studio products...I think I may do this card as a demo for my open house the end of the month.

Next up on the blog hop...check out Ronnie's card at "So Many Stamps, So Little Time". What a sweet little scene she made using all stamps from the A Muse Studio starter kit!

Check out Perfectly Pretty's Great Blog Giveaway!

2011-06-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

Fun blog to check out anyway and Carly is giving away a Shabby Apple lighthouse dress...head on over to Perfectly Pretty and check it out!

I Got My Kit!!!

2011-05-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

I'd been waiting, and waiting, and waiting...OK, so it wasn't really THAT long, but I was so excited to get it that it felt like a really long time. I thought I'd share with you the contents. I got the "deluxe" kit (as opposed to the basic - just a few more goodies that I thought I'd get some good use out of, so I went for it). Check it out:

Sixteen, yes, count them, 16 new, gorgeous colors to work with. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about using the pigment ink, since I've been using dye inks almost exclusively for so long. I'll let you know how it goes, but so far, I'm thoroughly enjoying them. I was worried they wouldn't dry quickly enough, but it hasn't been an issue at all.

The basic kit comes with an assortment of solid card stock, but one of the reasons I chose the deluxe kit was because it also came with the polka dot and gingham assortment. I'm so excited to try them out! It's hard to see the gingham here in this picture, but it's the light pink on the left. Seven Copic markers (6 colors, one blender pen), glittery embossing power, satin ribbon, grosgrain ribbon, stick-on bling in both rhinestones and pearls, plus the prettiest paper flowers to add to your cards!

A Muse send a stamp cleaner and solution - love them. And an adhesive runner as well as a little glue pen. Apparently this can be used for embossing, adhering glitter, dust, etc...I used it today to glue on some tiny little paper pieces I'd done on my "mishap" card. It worked like a charm! Also, pictured here is one of each of the acrylic blocks available through A Muse. I always thought the ones you can get in the craft stores or craft sections of super stores were just as good as any other you might find...I have to say, "Not so!" These blocks are WONderful! I've been using them this week and the thickness of them, the indented sides for gripping, and the weight of them are absolute perfection. I've always leaned more toward wood mounted stamps because I wasn't a huge fan of the acrylic blocks, but I'm totally converted to these blocks! Which leads me to my next discovery...

I should have taken a picture of the stamps themselves (I'll post a picture of the stamps themselves in the next day or so). These are the sets you get with the deluxe kit - the four in back come with the basic kit. It's a great assortment of stamps and I've been having a blast playing with them. What I love about them though, is that they are still made of the red rubber that a typical wood mounted stamp is. The image is just as crisp and clear, and there isn't any of the "wobbliness" that I've experienced with a lot of the clear mounted stamps. In short, I LOVE THEM.

Kitchen Mishaps

2011-05-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

I thought I had it all down - tote my supplies out of my craft room and into the kitchen so that the boys can keep playing in the family room, I can keep an eye on them, and they aren't getting into every little nook and cranny of my stuff while I try to be creative. It's worked pretty well this week, while I try to dig into my a|muse stamps and pump out some great Father's Day cards for my Etsy shop before it's too late to sell them there.

I'd been thinking, "Wow, I'm really close to a lot of different things here in the kitchen that could get all over my card stock, etc..." but I told myself how careful I am. Plus, the counter I'm working on is just high enough that the boys really can't reach it. Well, today, I had my very first stamping disaster...and it's all because I was located in the kitchen, at the counter, just beyond a sink full of dirty dish water. I'd been looking for a little glue pen (one that I just had the pleasure of using for the very first time today - one of my a|muse products that is surprisingly helpful - more on that later!) I needed to complete my cards. I had assembled all the pieces of my cards, but had not actually adhered the pieces to the card itself. So, as I lifted one end of my paper cutter, down slipped the unfinished pieces (that I'd worked SO hard on and was SO excited about!) right into that sink full of nasty water.

Apparently, that would be one of the downsides, or hazards as it may seem, of working on your cards in the kitchen. Sigh. So sad...at least I got to blog about it.

Just Do It

2011-05-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

That's my motto this year...I'm tapping into my creativity, acting on my instincts, and starting something I've never done before. For years, I've thought about what it might be like to open a boutique selling beautiful things, to learn photography well enough to make a living with it, to write and publish a story or poem, to sell the things I create with my hands - art, literature, nature and music being my muses. "How?" has always been my first stumbling block, with lack of time and motivation a close second and third.

Maybe it's the milestone birthday I had not too long ago, or the stay-at-home mom stir-craziness, or the lack of creative outlet I've had the past few years, or just the realization that those so-called stumbling blocks were really just excuses. But I have come to the conclusion that it's time to change. So, here I am: starting a card-making/crafting blog, opening a stamping business with A Muse Studio, and selling my card and craft creations on etsy.com.

I've always thought that my talent was somewhat average, that many people have the same or more talent than I do, so who would be interested in, let alone pay for, MY artwork? But even if that's true, I think I've recognized that no one has exactly the same creative expression that I do and that there's merit in the uniqueness of my own creativity. The innovation and individuality itself is of value. So, the self-assuredness and a-ha moments that come with age are at least a couple of things I can be thankful for as I get older (even if the number of candles on the cake isn't).

This new adventure will allow me to pierce my artistic recesses and draw on all of these passions: the stamping, creating, photography, and writing - I'm excited to get started. Join me. Create with me. Branch out. You've always known the sky's the limit.