A Little Bloom

I made a couple of versions of this card. I'm not sure which one I like better. I think the yellow one is more summery but tweaking a little green into the pink and brown combo is fresh to me.

Class might be cancelled tonight if we don't get another one signed up. That's about two hours away. I'm not worried or sad. I have to be zen about it! But I really think it'll be fun to teach the sandcastle card (the card has been tweaked for tonight). It'll be the first time I'm teaching simple stick and it's such a cool thing!

So, if you're even remotely interested and near Monrovia, come by tonight! Call the store and let 'em know.

Lemonade Stand

The other day, I was driving along and spotted a pre-fab lemondade stand. I was so disturbed by the sight! I can't believe you can buy little stands now. How unclassy! The showy banner and the pre-printed signs for $.25 were extremely disgusting. I could almost imagine the lemonade wasn't even made by the poor little girl behind the stand!

That's why I'm so glad this new A Muse lemonade stand looks just like what I imagine a lemonade stand should be. Handwritten signs and a sweet jug of freshly-squeezed lemonade!

(new summer A Muse images, design by SLD)

Yessss!

One of my favorite Stamping Rock Stars (and fellow SunSpirit Studio Design Team member and A Muse Instructor), Lyndsay Neumann, has joined the ranks of stampy bloggers!

We met long before either one of us started to seriously stamp. I probably have hundreds of postcards from her when we both were in a postcard community. Then we started stamping and now we have hundreds of beautiful handmade cards from countless swaps (I was doing 50+ swaps a year for a few years). Through the years, I've visited her in Minnesota and she's been out to California a few times. It was fantastic when we were both selected to be A Muse instructors and we met up again in Seattle.

I was so happy when our cards were published on the same page in the last Take Ten issue! Our shoe swap was so much fun and I just knew when I mailed off those cards to Stampington, they'd make it for publication!

Here's to a cool stampy chick! I can't wait to read all about her projects and if you're in Minnesota, take one of her classes!

Rock on, Lyns!

summer stamps are here!

Woohoo! I got my box of stamps yesterday and I was ecstatic! I made 6 quick cards almost immediately! Yay, now I can work on my summer II class cards. Here's my favorite of the bunch I stamped yesterday.

I was hoping for a tankini stamp and am so happy A Muse made one for this summer's release! I also love the spiral daisy. So cute!

There are three more in my summer gallery.

...ooops...there is only ONE person signed up for next Tuesday's class. The class will be cancelled if there aren't a few more signed up. Call the store now to reserve your spot! We'll be using A Muse's simple stick and all sorts of nifty fun stuff. Remember, I always give goodies for students. See you then!

Stampin on Cloud 9 Monrovia, CA

Please pre-register in store or call (626) 358-2886 6:30-8:30 PM

A Muse Summer I
Date: Tuesday, May 16
Just in time for summer, you’ll have fun making 6 sizzling hot cards. See all the latest stamps from A Muse’s new summer line. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

Steady as she goes

There's this new song by the Raconteurs that I love, Steady As She Goes. Though the lyrics have nothing to do with the following card, I heard it in my head (still need to go buy the CD) while working on class cards for the summer.

Samples for the Summer I Class 5/16

Samples for the Monogram Class 5/31

Samples for the Summer II Class 6/2

********NEW SAMPLES**********

Samples for the Sparkle Class 6/16

Samples for the Christmas in July Class 7/7

Samples for the Quick & Easy Class 7/25


I'll be bringing the June and July class samples to the store next week! See you then!

pssstttt...class schedule.

Artbar Open House

D'oh! And I just mailed off 14 cards yesterday to Stampington for consideration.

Artbar Open House

Hmm, I have a vague plan to go to Escondido that day for justjohanna's party at Cat's Craft Cupboard but I don't know if I can really drag my friend all around the Southland. It's kind of tough that none of my friends stamp so they're really not that interested in going on stamp store crawls with me.

But I'm so excited the next Take Ten is coming out on June 1. Just maybe I'll get a comp issue before then. *wink*

I really, really hope the new A Muse summer stamps show up today! I'm in major summer mode right now. This card features stamps from last year's summer release. I love all these darn stamps so much- so cute.

I got my newest SU punches yesterday. I can't wait to play with them. And I'm still on a brads binge. I'm expecting a zillion Bazzill brads today from Queen & Co. They're doing a major clearance sale right now. I got a lot of the tiny stars and tiny flowers brads. Love how they come in three matching shades. Aaaaannnnd, I got my SunSpirit Studio package so I'll be working on something special! I have the greatest idea.

Whee, a happy mailbox is a happy me!

Summer II Class at SOC9

Stampin on Cloud 9 Monrovia, CA

Please pre-register in store or call (626) 358-2886

A Muse Summer II
Date: Friday, June 2
6:30 -8:30 PM
Come and play with the new A Muse summer stamps. Create 6 sunny and cute cards. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

Here are the two fun, fun sample cards! I'm now expecting the brand new A Muse summer images early next week--- thanks for your patience! I do promise you'll get to play with them in both the first summer and second summer classes. In the meantime, I still love these older but well-loved summer images.

Baby Flamingo

Hahah! I posted this card on 2peas yesterday and said there are of course, pink birds. A commenter said it was a baby flamingo. I like that!

I was trying something a little different with my new oval handpunch (Fiskars). I fell in love with it at CHA when I used it at the Heidi Grace booth. It took a little while to order it but now that I have it, I'm trying not to use it on everything.

Yep, you guessed it...I opened another roll of ribbon!

I realized last night that my second summer class is just two days after my Monogram class. Eek! I made samples and the class board last night. I'll load the samples in a bit.

Variation on a theme

I don't often repeat myself. But sometimes, when I find I've stamped what I think is a great card, I try it in different colors and see what happens. I like both these cards. I like the pale peach/mint combo because it reminds me of the 70s but so does the orange and brown combo. I remember my dad coming home one day exclaiming he loved the orange and brown uniforms from Burger King (sometime in the 80s). At the time, he was looking for something a little bit different for his staff's uniforms. You guessed it, they got orange and brown. I think they were still wearing those colors 20 years later.

(stamps & notecards by A Muse)

Another blogger!

Yay, Moondaughter started a blog! I'm really excited about all of Elishia's upcoming rubber adventures. I'll be designing samples for her line of goddess themed stamps later this summer. We met in the Goddess Stamps yahoo group a few years ago and have exchanged many pieces of Halloween themed artwork. This is my card was from last year's swap. Halloween is hands down my favorite greeting card holiday.

Devil kitty is from Fusion Artstamps, greeting by Rubber Moon and I believe the phrase is from Limited Edition (I'll have to check on this later). The poison label is from Stampola. Polka dot paper is from DCWV and I think the bat sticker is from Jolie's. Unknown brads.

New Monogram Card-- May SOC9 classes

There are a lucky few who got to see the "G" monogram card! However, due to product not being available yet, the card is being revised for class. In the meantime, enjoy this new sample card, Cupcake.

All classes are 6:30 - 8:30 PM. As always, goodies to all students!

A Muse Summer I Date: Tuesday, May 16	Just in time for summer, you’ll have fun making 6 sizzling hot cards. See all the latest stamps from A Muse’s new summer line. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.
A Muse Monogram Date: Wednesday, May 31	Use a mix of A Muse’s latest acrylic alphabet stamps with favorite wood mounted stamps to create 6 fun and fabulous cards. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided. Stampin on Cloud 9 Monrovia, CA Please pre-register in store or call (626) 358-2886

Little Ellie

Ribbon. I have been opening one roll at a time of my hoarded American Crafts ribbon. I kind of like this card though the colors don't really go together. Actually, they do because I think they do. I did my favorite sort of background alteration- DTP (direct-to-paper) but now I'm thinking I should have put the phrase on the inside.

I got some lovely ribbon over the weekend at Zinnia, a stamp store in South Pasadena. I was lured there for big sales but managed to buy nothing on sale! At least the street fair happening right outside was nice. It was a gorgeous day. It was very nice after a gloomy week and it's gloomy again today.

Still no summer stamps from A Muse yet...ah well..maybe soon. I did play with some ones I bought a couple of weeks ago last night. I even opened two more rolls of ribbon. It feels good to use what I've been hoarding!

I need to go through my class boxes for this weekend. The sushi/stamping workshop might have 15 or so people. I'm a little nervous about getting them all through six cards in two hours but it'll be very helpful to basically have two experienced groups (intermediate and advanced) of stampers to help with the one group of new stampers. I'm debating whether or not to add embossing to the mix.

One of Us

When I was working on this "faux scrap page" (6X6), I heard the song "Freaks" (or as I call it, "One of Us") in my head from my favorite Hedwig and the Angry Inch sound track. I'm looking forward to seeing the LA Rainbow Carnage shadowcast do Hedwig tomorrow night (12 Midnight). I've seen Hedwig many times including live earlier this month with Donovan Leitch. The colors, the music, the dance...I love it! The last couple of months have been kind of tough on me emotionally and it's been coming out in my artwork. Perhaps you can pick up the theme when you see the rest of the cards I created for SunSpirit Studio here.

I don't remember the floral asterisk's paper's maker but the dotted background paper is Basic Grey. The copper embellishment is from SunSpirit Studio as well as the stamps. The people was punched out from KCRW's monthly program guide. The top left corner was slot-punched (I just found my slot punch and have been using it to tie ribbons through!) and finally, I hand-wrote the words and tag. Oh! And the black flat-back crystals are also from SunSpirit Studio. The green square brads are from Making Memories. Inks used are VersaMagic Cloud White and Charcoal chalk fluid ink from Colorbox.

---edit, the Floral paper is from WE R Memory Keepers.

Orangetini

Sometimes, after I unpack from classes I find "interesting" pieces of cardstock. A student must have trimmed off some of this orange card and then stuck it back with the others. I, being thrifty and economical (shocking, I know), saved this piece by trimming the edge with deco scissors and then making a quick card. I could now use a blood orange mojito (okay, orangetini will do too)!

The flat "brads" are actually Scrapworks conchos. They went right through the cardstock easily and were easy to "set" with my bone folder.

Speaking of classes, they went really well last weekend. *waves* I hope to see all of you again! It is so much fun to talk with stampers!

I'm almost prepped for my first summer class on 5/16. I am waiting eagerly for the new summer stamps from A Muse. I can't get wait to get my inky hands on them. In the meantime, I'm excited about my upcoming workshop at a local sushi restaurant. Sushi and Stamping, what could be better? Mmm, someone save me some spicy tuna rolls! Here are the cards I'll be teaching including a new cocktails card. No, no, of course I'm not a lush. (shhhhh....)

Aloha

I like to make birthday cards with the person in mind so I generally don't have a batch of pre-made cards. I always find myself creating the card about 20 minutes before I have to leave for the party. Ooops. Being the "Take Ten" queen that I am, I try to spend a bit more time composing the card for special friends. Here's my card for my buddy Mark (the one who took the fab headshot of me for my website). His birthday was on Monday so I'll give it to him on Saturday just in time for the party. Now...handmade gifts...yikes, that'll take a bit more time! I don't even have an idea yet. Uh oh!

I saved the postage stamps from an envelope that came across my desk about 9 months ago. I have various coworkers who save postage stamps for themselves. It was a bit of a struggle to get these away from them. Hahah! I just got these two scalloped circle punches from Marvy. I love those clever lever punches. The fiber is from my stash and I just got these cool matte finish brads from Lasting Impressions.

New Publications

Oh wow, I got my comp issue of Stampington's Catch Up issue on Friday. I have two cards in there! The first one, Just A Line on page 73, is right next to my good friend Lena's card! And the other card, Onesies, is on page 109.

I put uploaded the two cards along with my other publications today. Oh wow, 20 publications in a year and half...it's making my head spin!

Here's one of the cards. The little copper dangle is from SunSpirit Studio which wasn't credited.

A big huzzah to all those who got published!

May Classes samples- Summer I/ Monogram at SOC9

Here are the two samples for the Summer I class on 5/16

and the two samples for the Monogram class on 5/31.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all!

Here's my favorite card so far from the Summer class. Meet you at the sand castle!

Color secrets revealed

I'll tell you a secret, I don't know what I'm doing sometimes. Whenever someone askes me about my color combinations and if I use a color wheel, I have to say no. It just feels natural to me which colors go together and I am not concerned about matching. I like to use similiar shades (monochromatic) or contrasting colors together. But usually, I pick similiar colors like orange and pink or green and blue. Right now, my favorite combination is pink and green.

Nicole made my day yesterday when she wrote in her blog about my color choices and designs. I usually stick to 2-3 colors but occasionally will go a bit wild and crazy and use every single color I can. For those who want to experiment with color, go through a magazine or color catalogue and pull out things that look interesting to you- design, color, ads, etc. And then start finding the patterns of what you picked out. Did you pick out classic color combinations like red, white and blue or "different' combinations like fuschia and purple? I find inspiration in bright colors like lime, orange and bright pink. One of my favorite things to do is to tweak traditional color schemes for holidays. I might do pink and light green (yum!) for Christmas or bright colors for Easter (instead of pastel yellow and lavender).

I keep a book of magazine tear-outs I've saved and will go through it periodically to be inspired and re-inspired all over again. What I make might that night might not actually be a duplicate of colors I looked at but I often am invigorated to start from that point.

The other day, I had thrown my orange towel and blue pajama pants into the laundry hamper. I thought, "hmm, I love this color combo. I don't use it enough." That night, I made this card. If you look closely, the colors are blue and orange but there's also dashes of green, white and black. These colors almost appear neutral because of the main colors.

Summer's a great time to experiment. You never know when inspiration may strike you. A yellow tennis ball and green grass (like yesterday's card) might find its way to your stamping.

fonts

I love these new acrylic alphabet stamps from A Muse. They stick like crazy to the clear mount. I only wish they cleaned better but that's the price to pay for any acrylic stamp. My Ultra Clean (from Stewart Superior) takes off the toughest stains but not on acrylic. When I spoke with SS at CHA, they said no cleaner on the market will clean stained acrylic. Hmm, I wonder if acrylic stamp manufacturers will make something to repel stains soon.

Oh dear, I want more alphabet stamps now! I'll have to order them soon since I'm developing my Monogram class. That should be fun. I already have some ideas.

Summer Classes scheduled at SOC9

All classes will be held at Stampin' on Cloud 9 in Monrovia, CA from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Please call or visit the store to pre-register.
Stampin' On Cloud 9
403 S. Myrtle Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016
(626) 358-2886


Tuesday, May 16: Summer I
Just in time for summer, you’ll have fun making 6 sizzling hot cards. See all the latest stamps from A Muse’s new summer line. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

Wednesday, May 31: Monogram
Use a mix of A Muse’s latest acrylic alphabet stamps with favorite wood mounted stamps to create 6 fun and fabulous cards. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

Friday, June 2: Summer II
Come and play with the new A Muse summer stamps. Create 6 sunny and cute cards. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

Friday, June 16: A Muse Sparkle
We'll use glitter, Twinkle Stickers and A Muse's fun images to make 6 cards that sparkle and shimmer! Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

Friday July 7: Christmas in July
Don’t buy store-bought cards this year. With A Muse’s adorable holiday stamps, create 6 perfect cards to send to friends and family. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

Tuesday, July 25: Quick & Easy
Need a thank you or birthday card in a hurry? Make 6 perfect cards for any occasion using quick and easy techniques. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

Tuesday, August 8: Hip to be Square
We'll create 6 general occasion cards using creative layouts designed to work with A Muse's delightful square note cards and Pretty Little Papers. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

Tuesday, August 22: Just for Fun
You don't need a special occasion to send someone a smile--these fun, whimsical A Muse designs are sure to evoke happy thoughts, no matter the reason! You'll create 6 just for fun cards. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

**I'll be working on class samples soon. The new summer stamps are shipping this week to instructors. Whee! I can't wait!

Great weekend!

I had a fantastic time teaching at Violet's on Saturday. This is one of my favorite cards I taught. For all the class cards, visit the gallery here.

I have a couple more from the class that I need to scan in and load but you get the gist. :)

I'm looking forward to the upcoming four classes this weekend at SOC9 and Ultimate Hobbies. Check the class schedule here.

There is still PLENTY of room so you don't want to miss them! My classes don't repeat so you'll be seeing brand new ideas!

Classes!

I'm so excited to be teaching at Violet's Rubber Stamp Inn on Saturday. We're going to have a fun and fabulous day. It's not too late to sign up. Check out my classes schedule for more information and you may view class samples here.

I've noticed Stampington uses one of my cards a lot in advertising their Take Ten issues. I finally captured the image for posterity. The bottom middle image is from my Cat's Pajamas card. Love that Sprinkle! I will eventually load scans of my published work in the gallery but until then, here's a little peak.

Cutting it out helps

I was working on class cards but just didn't like how the little knight was looking I had him on the inside peeking out with the castle in the corner. I ended up cutting up the card and redoing this as a "collage." The silver doodles are my own.

I'm not sure I entirely like it but it's definitely more interesting than the original card.

Live and play! I love the artistic process.

Love Your Life

I broke out some patterned paper I had been hoarding. It's from Urban Lily. I've hoarded this paper so long, I heard the company is going out of business! Maybe I should keep hoarding it? Won't it be worth something? Nah! I love the colors of this. Stamps by A Muse.

I'll try to get the three photo corners cards I made over the weekend. Actually, I made a total of 12 cards. They are either destined for possible publication, craft fair or heck, just because. I am glad I had some time to use new and OLD paper from the scraps on my desk. Heh!

Heidi Swapp

I should really use those Heidi Swapp photo corners Sandy of Monkey Love sent me recently. They are the most beautiful combination of orange and pink. I love the color orange but sometimes when I work with it...it's too orange! I think splashes of pink and lime green really makes it pop. Okay, that's my goal this weekend. USE WHAT I HAVE. No more crafty shopping for a while.

Lyndsay sent me this picture of us with HS at CHA recently. I uploaded it and a few others here in my gallery.

Maybe one day, I'll be able to download the pictures from my camera! I have about 60 pictures from CHA, class boards and other assorted goodies. But getting my darn camera to work with the computer has been a major hassel.

Hey Stamp Lady!!!

My website has gone live!


Many thanks to Tracey and Andrea!

simple, SIMPLE

I'm starting to make cards for the craft fair (which I have yet to hear from...eek!). I made 11 of these last night (sending one for possible publication). All stamps by A Muse, paper by Paper Fever, ProvoCraft. Unknown brad, flower. Offray ribbon. Design by SLD.

I'm just way too excited by buying the McGill 2" reach double ribbon punch! I got it this weekend (along with way too many things of ribbon at Ms). Ribbon is $1 for the dots, checks, dashes ribbon and their older style ribbon is on clearance for $1 as well.

Oh, pics!

Sue of Buzz and Bloom uploaded pictures of me and some others at the recent Carson convention.

A Muse Day at Ultimate Hobbies (Orange, CA) 4/22

More samples here!

Classes will be held on Saturday, April 22.

10A-12 Noon A Muse Kids & Friendship
Join certified A Muse Artstamps instructor, Shauna, for a fun filled class featuring the newest stamps from A Muse. You will make 6 cards using the cute home, pirates, kids and birthday stamps. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

1P-3P A Muse Moms, Dads and Grads
Everyone loves a handmade card including mom and dad! Make 6 cards with certified A Muse Artstamps instructor Shauna for Mother's and Father's Day. And don't forget about those grads! Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

3:30P-5:30P A Muse All Occasion
Need a perfect card for any occasion? Published "Take Ten" instructor Shauna will teach you 6 great card ideas using the best A Muse rubber stamps. Great for "thinking of you," "just because," "thank you" and girlfriends cards. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes. Detailed supplies lists will be provided.

Visit or call the store to register for classes. A speciall discount applies if you take all three classes.

Ultimate Hobbies 1536 E KATELLA AVE.
ORANGE, CA 92867
714-538-3111

SSS DT Search update

There's only one more day to apply! The deadline is tomorrow at midnight (PST)! Please send in your entries if you haven't done so!

Details, again.

Ribbon Nut

Oooh, my Maya Road ribbon came! Pretty. I can already feel myself starting to hoard and I haven't even gotten these home yet to their new ribbon home! Uh...Sandy told me five more types are on their way. Oh dear, I have to use these before I order more!

Halloween in March?

I was working on Halloween submissions yesterday. I didn't feel particularly spooky but hopefully, my submissions will show the sweeter side of Halloween. Mmm, candy.

Don't forget I'm teaching at Stampin' On Cloud 9 on April 21st!

I'm calling it a Friday night date with me. Heehee!

Samples for the A Muse Day at Ultimate Hobbies will be posted next week. The samples are at the store though if you want to check 'em out in person. Or if you really can't wait, here's a sneak in my gallery.

My web designer is getting married tomorrow! Hooray for the fantabulous Traypup!

Be sure to check out her artwork. She's also a regular writer and contributor for scrapbooking.com.

Okay, really, here's a pic. I can't have too many pictureless posts! :) It's a birthday card for my buddy Geoff who turned "26" this week (yeah, let's just add another 10 years to that). Hahah.

Stamping ADD

Seriously, I have stamping ADD. In the middle of working on a paper bag book for my March SSS DT project, I started to glue envelopes together to make an envelope book. That was something I wanted to do for February. Next thing I know, I start making this 8X8 "layout" and a card. Oh, and then I made 10 cards for the TSS defintions call. Um, yeah! But it works for me. My poor desk is a mess right now. But the good thing from doing the layout is I finally EZ-Mounted the tiny DF stamps.

I'm excited that I got a pair of Tonic fabric scissors for 50% off yesterday. I stopped in to get a paper trimmer (I had a coupon). I debated whether or not to buy a super duper one to bring with me to classes or just a portable one. I decided that I wasn't going to use it very much so it didn't matter hence buying the Fiskars at Js.

I have a ton of Maya Road ribbon coming in. I'm excited! I'm such a ribbon nut right now.

Have you sent in your SSS DT application yet? :)

Ventura 4/15 Class Samples

These classes will be held on April 15 at Violet's Rubber Stamping Inn in Ventura. Call the store for a special offer if you take all three classes.

2692 Loma Vista Rd.

Suite A

Ventura, CA 93003

A Muse Artstamps All Occasion I

Saturday, April 15

9:30-11:30A

Everyone loves a handmade card. Be ready for any occasion with fresh and delightful designs from certified A Muse instructor, Shauna Der. You will make 5 cards using the latest A Muse stamps. . This class will feature designs different from other All Occasion classes. Detailed handouts will be provided. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes.

Please pre-register in store or call: (805) 648-7610

A Muse Artstamps All Occasion II

Saturday, April 15

12:30-2:30P

Thank you cards? Birthday cards? Just because cards? Go around the calendar with Shauna Der, certified A Muse instructor. Make 5 oh-so-cute cards that can be used for any occasion. This class will feature designs different from other All Occasion classes. Detailed handouts will be provided. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes.

Please pre-register in store or call: (805) 648-7610

A Muse Artstamps All Occasion III

Saturday, April 15

3-5P

Weddings? Babies? We got you covered! Shauna Der, certified A Muse instructor, will teach you 5 cards using the cutest A Muse stamps. The cards gets you ready for all the late Spring/Early Summer occasions. This class will feature designs different from other All Occasion classes. Detailed handouts will be provided. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for notes.

Please pre-register in store or call: (805) 648-7610

*stamps by A Muse Artstamps
* card designs by Shauna Der

Monkey Love

What a cool article about Sandy's store, Monkey Love!

I saw yesterday about how companies have been advertising their products by stamping pillow cases and other stampable surfaces in hotel rooms. I should find that article. I am constantly fascinated by stuff like that.

I've been working on the website (hopefully, it'll be up by the end of the month), SSS DT stuff, classes and now I'm considering applying for a local craft fair. I'm not entirely sure why I'm considering it since it'll be a lot of work. I'll have to bring a good assortment of cards to sell (maybe 100?). I still have a lot of bookmarks and shrink plastic pins left from my last craft fair. If I really had time, I'd also make marble coasters. The craft fair isn't until 5/13 so I do have time. Although, who is to say if I will actually be accepted.

I just mailed out what will probably be the last stamping swap I'm hosting for the year. Oh wait, I did schedule myself to host a rolodex swap in September. I took a break from swaps from April until September of last year and I found that was really helpful in terms of giving myself enough time to pursue other stampy goals (publications, DTs, teaching). So, I think I'm going to call it my annual vacation from swaps.

I'm trying to figure out my next stampy vacation. I usually go in May to some convention or another. I loved the Puyullup one I went to but now I'm thinking maybe I should wait until August to attend the Ft. Collins one. I would love to go to Portland (OR) or Boston but I don't think they have conventions in May. I am attending the Mesa (AZ) one in November to give a demonstration for SunSpirit Studio. Ahhh, I better get started on my samples for the booth.

I have to post the samples for my Ventura classes (4/15) so I'll do that in the next post. I'm visiting Violet's this Saturday to check out the classroom space.

SSS DT Search

Here's a project I just uploaded (along with three others) today to the gallery. It's a little shrink plastic pin. I love shrink plastic.



Keep those submissions and questions for the SSS DT search coming! :)

Recent Class samples

Yes, that's "sushi grass!"

All Stamps by A Muse Artstamps.


Designs by Shauna Der.


Here are the six cards I taught this week at SOC9. I'm looking forward to my next class there- Moms & Dads on 4/21. Join me for a Friday night stamping date!


I just booked April 22 at Ultimate Hobbies as A Muse Day. Three different fun classes; Kids & Friendship (10-12 Noon), Mom, Dads & Grads (1-3PM) and All Occasion (3:30-5:30). I'll add the class descriptions and samples in another post in a couple of days.

Graduation

Oh my goodness, my brother has one more quarter to go. Then he graduates college. Where does the time go? I remember when we were still kids fighting all the time. I realized a couple of months ago he's an actual adult. And we get along now. Wow, it's mind-boggling.

(card stamps: A Muse Artstamps)

breaking news- SSS DT contest

I just found out that Angela from RubberStampMadness will be a guest judge along with myself and the rest of the SunSpirit Studio team! Good luck to everyone! We're looking forward to seeing your designs.

SunSpirit Studio Design Team Call Join the SunSpirit Studio Design Team! SunSpirit Studio (www.sunspiritstudio.com) is looking for a design team member and guest designers from the United States. We love to see what you do with SSS products. However, no purchase is necessary to submit. Submit 3 projects (cards, scrapbook layouts, paper crafts, altered projects). Your use of embellishments and rubber stamping will be judged as well as overall composition, design and use of color. Please, traditional paper crafts only. No digital compositions. Entries are now being accepted until midnight (PST), March 30, 2006 via email. Please email your submissions to drawings@sunspiritstudio.com. Please limit your file size to 2MB. Please include with your submission this short questionnaire. * Name * Address * Phone * Email address * Online gallery and/or website * Current/ prior design teams, if any * Your favorite online posting communities * Favorite materials to work with * Brief description of yourself * Please also tell us why you’re interested in SunSpirit Studio If you prefer to mail your entry, you may do so to: SunSpirit Studio 7289 N Wilderness Trail Douglas, AZ 85607 No projects will be returned. By sending SSS your projects, you grant permission the projects may be displayed at craft and trade conventions, store locations or use in SSS advertising. When mailing, please write your name, address, telephone number and email address on each project. Digital pictures will be taken of the projects and uploaded to the SSS gallery at the end of the contest. By sending SSS your projects via a digital medium, it is understood SSS may use the pictures in future online advertising (if the projects uses SSS products). Digital pictures of the projects will be uploaded to the SSS gallery at the end of the contest. Winners will be announced on or after April 15th. SunSpirit Studio provides: * Materials for projects (within reason) approximately 3 weeks before projects are due * Appropriate compensation per project * Project space in the SSS gallery (instructions will be provided) * Design Team Queen (coordinator) to help with questions and lead the team * Publication compensation or product for your project (with SSS original handmade embellishments or rubber stamps) when published in a national print magazine. Tear sheets must be submitted for compensation. * DT page on SSS when available (picture and bio to be provided by designer) * Discount on SSS products. Designers must complete the first project to receive the information for discounts. Designer provides: * Original projects as needed to be uploaded to the SSS gallery. * Projects must contain at least one, but preferably more, SSS products as provided in the design package. Other materials may be used at the designer’s discretion * Designer must be able to scan or take a digital picture of projects * Projects must be completed within three weeks after receiving SSS materials * Designers are given free reign over their projects but SSS may request projects based on themes * Designers must write short tutorials for uploaded projects * Designers retain artistic copyright to their projects and may feel free to post them on other sites or for publication (SSS retain the copyright for original embellishments and rubber stamp designs) * Posting in online galleries is encouraged by SSS when allowed (please check the website’s TOS or TOU) * Posting in online message boards is encouraged by SSS when allowed (please check the website’s TOS or TOU) * Promotion of SSS in signature lines, online communities, websites, blogs, etc when allowed * Designers may be asked to write short tutorials for online communities, SSS’s newsletter and website * Designers may be asked to contribute towards marketing efforts; i.e. making samples for craft/trade conventions (appropriate compensation to be determined) Team details: * 3-month trial basis—SSS reserves the right to dissolve the contract at the end of the trial * The contract will be reviewed after expiration for renewal. The contract may be dissolved on one-month notice * Guest designers are contracted on a month-to-month basis * SunSpirit Studio agrees design team members may work on other design teams * Projects are to be used by SunSpirit Studio to promote business. SunSpirit Studio may request the physical project after the electronic upload. * Projects will remain in the SSS gallery unless requested by the designer because of publication conflicts Judging: The SSS team will conduct judging from April 1 until April 14. Winners will be announced on or after April 15, 2006. One winner will be announced. In the event the winner decides they cannot join the SSS design team, a runner-up will be chosen. Guest designers will be also selected from the finalists (up to 5 finalists). All contest entries will be placed in the SSS gallery for an indefinite amount of time. Questions? Please email: shauna@sunspiritstudio.com

little girl birthday card

I've been working on my walk series. I just love the idea of being able to connect their hands! Here's one for a little girl. I love the new birthday phrase stamp from A Muse too. It's so fun!

Sneak Preview-- a Friday night date with Shauna!

I'm dropping off my class board to SOC9 on Tuesday with these two cards for my Mothers/Fathers day class on April 21. See them in person if you come to my late Spring class (3/7 at 6:30 at SOC9).

Stampin on Cloud 9
Monrovia, CA
A Muse Mother's/Father's Day
Date: Friday, April 21, 2006
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

$25
Everyone loves a handmade card, especially Mom and Dad. Shauna will
teach you to make 5-6 fun cards with A Muse rubber stamps. Want to
make than you or birthday cards instead? Not a problem! Shauna will
have alternative greeting stamps on hand. Detailed handouts will be
provided. Please bring scissors, adhesive and pencil with eraser for
notes.
Please pre-register in store or call (626) 358-2886

Kicking Back

I'm going to kick back this weekend. Maybe try to organize my stamping corner (uh, really, it's not just a corner). I made three cards last night. Here's one of them. It's the kind of card I would send to my best friend. I feel like I haven't talked to her in a long time. Things kind of changed when she got married and she then had a baby last Fall. As a devout singleton, it's hard to find things to connect about. Maybe I'll ask her if she wants to catch a movie or go shopping this weekend.

Updated ink pad list

Used ink pads for sale. Contact me at heystamplady AT yahoo DOT com

Thanks!

Adirondack (Ranger)-- $3 each (very cool, subtle earth tones)
Stonewashed
Latte
Oregano
Bottle
Butterscotch
Cranberry
Denim
Eggplant
Espresso
Ginger
Lettuce
Pesto
Rust
Slate
Currant
Butterscotch


Sea Brights (Ranger) -- $2 each (very bright, clean colors)
Watermelon Red
Beach Ball Yellow

Sea Shells (Ranger) -- $2 each (very pretty soft colors, I think these are better than Memories shadow inks)
Sandal
Tropical Rasberry
Seashell Pink
Cool Peri
Peach Bellini

Antiquities (Ranger) $2 each (chalk pads that dry quickly and they stamp on dark paper!)
Claret
Rose Quartz (very soft, pretty color)

Stampin Up-- $2 each (old style pad with flip lid)
Taken with Teal
Green Galore

Opalite (Tsukineko) --$4 each (barely used, interference ink for dark paper)
Crystal Blush
Orchid Ice

Oh Domino (made by Stewart Superior, I believe)
Hot Chocolate chalk pad $2

Memories Chalks-A-Lots (Stewart Superior) $2 each (very wet pads)
Blackberry Cobbler
Blue Licorice

Splash Metallics (Stewart Superior) $2 each
Bayshores Teal
Splash Rose
Silver Lamee
Lilac Petals
Black Diamond
Emerald Isles
Copper Essence (needs reinking)

Memories (Stewart Superior) $2 each (great basic dye pad)
Midnight blue
Baby Blue
Chestnut

Memories 5-ink rainbow pad $1 each
Caribbean
Autumn
Rainbow

How does one

...pare down a collection?

It took me a long time to get over my pack rat mentality. I save everything. But I am out of room. I was out of room two years ago. I'm trying to reclaim what was once just a pencil box of stamps on my desk. It's turned into 11 Iris carts and other misc. storage containers. Boxes of supplies everywhere. And there are two desks now. In case one desk gets so messy, I have to use the other one. Heck, sometimes, I stamp on my bed or on the floor!

So, I am taking the plunge, I'm getting rid of stamps I actually still like. And magazines. And ink pads. Here are the stamps I'm selling. Email me at heystamplady at yahoo DOT com if you want the prices. I didn't add any pricing to the stuff I uploaded today. I'm also selling all my Adirondack pads. You can look up the colors at Ranger. I'm selling them all for $3 each except for the pitch black (I'm keeping that- I need lots of black dye ink pads, apparently :). The pads are still very juicy. I take paypal (existing funds or instant transfer only).

And here's a list of magazines for sale.

Artitude Summer 2004 #13 ($2)

Simply Sentiments Aug/Sept 05 ($2)

PaperCraft Inspirations (UK publication) March 05 ($2)

Australian Paper Arts Nov 04 ($2)
Australian Paper Arts Sept 01 ($2)
Australian Paper Arts July 01 ($2)
Australian Paper Arts May 01 ($2)

Scrap & Stamp Arts March 04 ($1)

Paper Creations Fall 04 ($3)

Vamp Stamp News Aug 04 ($1)
Vamp Stamp News July 04 ($1)
Vamp Stamp News June 04 ($1)
Vamp Stamp News May 04 ($1)
Vamp Stamp News July 02 ($1)
Vamp Stamp News March 02 ($1)

Stampington's Inspirations Winter 03 ($3)
Stampington's Inspiration Summer 04 ($3)


The following are all $2 each!
Paper Crafts- February 2004 (Valentines)
Paper Crafts- April/May 2004 (invitations/Easter)
Paper Crafts- June/ July 2004 (Fathers Day/ sewing on paper)
Paper Crafts- August/September 2004 (summer ideas)
Paper Crafts- November 2004 (Thanksgiving/photo cards/scented embossing powder)
Paper Crafts- December/January 2005 (Holiday, Tim Holtz embossing techniques)
Paper Crafts- Februay 2005 (Valentines)
Paper Crafts- March 2005 (Easter/Spring)

Stamp It! 2004 (I think this was the premiere issue)- fun & easy birthday cards, more
Stamp It! Spring 2004 (Spring, stamping on walls)
Stamp It! Spring 2005 (Spring, watercolor, embossing)

Birthday Creations (170 ways to celebrate!)

Red Dot Sale

I'm developing my mother's and father's day cards for my class at SOC9 next month. I came up with this silly card in my mad stamping session yesterday. I like it but you have to understand I'm the ultimate handbag queen. I just love the feeling of finding the cutest purse for a fraction of the cost. Gotta look for those red dots!

Making feminine mom cards is a bit easier for me. I have a couple of good ideas for dad cards so I have to keep working on it. I'm looking forward a good weekend of stamping.

I'm thinking about attending the local LA chapter of the Church of Craft on Sunday. They are mainly knitters and fiber artists. I'm feeling shy about going. There's a new leader for the group so we'll see.

Family

I found some time yesterday to work on an idea for a card I've had for a while. What do you think? I think this is the perfect busy family. :)

All stamps by A Muse.