Another Fun Contest!

Get yourself on over to the A*Muse*A*Palooza blog and check out the Secret Squares game! Guess who has the secret prize and move on to the next level! You have to be registered to play, so be sure to tell 'em that Tisha Welch sent ya!

Challenge #5 - 3rd card

Quick post before I decide that I really don't like this card! I'm struggling with my new camping stamps ... hmm, maybe it is repressed anger from all the trips to the Kansas State Fair when I do days and days of prep work and work my big ole bootie off the whole time we are there (Oh my goodness, I think I am turning into my mother the martyr! I really do like to go to the fair!) ... or maybe not!

Stamps by A Muse, CS by SU!, loving the Glue Pad and silver glitter!

Zombie Dog Walker

Well, it happened - no A Muse stamps anywhere on this card! I'll wipe my tears and move on! One of my BFF's, Aura (get a blog, girlfriend!) went to a great stamp store in St. Louis and picked up a My Favorite Things set for me a couple of weeks ago! Thanks, Aura! I played with it a bit this week - it's so much fun to color it! I had this card sitting on my desk, and my husband came down and said, "What happened to her head?" I explained that she doesn't have a head - that's the fun! Then my 10 year old saw the same card and said "What happened to her head?" Same explanation! Then he said "Cool, Mom, she's the Zombie Dog Walker!" Hmmm - not sure what to say about that!

I am really having issues with my scanner! This looks so much better IRL! The ribbon on the far right is pretty in pink??? WTH! Stamps by MFT, paper by SU!, ribbon by SU! and TJL, brads by Heidi Swapp (picked those bad boys up from Stamping Cottage - on sale and super fast shipping!) There is more bling on here then shows up - SSGP on the polka dots, and all the dogs hats and collars! Looks great, really!

Challenge #5 - 2nd card

Ahh, relax - that sounds like a really good idea! Can you hear the maniacal laughter coming from my kids? Relax? Yeah, right! So, do you think you can make a scene with just one stamp? Okay, two with the sentiment! I think it counts! Card is 4 1/4 square, paper by SU!, punches by SU!, stamps by A Muse, Prima from TJL, bling brad from Joanne's, embossing thanks to the BUG! Thanks for looking! Sorry for the semi-horrible scan - just couldn't get it right with the bling!

Challenge #5 - First card

This is an example of thinking way too hard! Just make cards, Tish! I need to remind myself that just because I am surrounded by genius - did you all see Sarah's super hero card?? It rocks!- doesn't mean that I have to be uber clever all the time too! Sometimes, a tree is just a tree, and a car is just a car!

This card is a normal A2 size - I couldn't quite fit it on a 4 1/4 square! I used an embossing pen and the silver EP from SU! for the camper - going for that Airstream look! Stamps are all A Muse, ribbon from Miss Texas Jody Lynn, paper SU!. Bling rating = low! TFL!

Thursday Already??

My goodness - how time flies when the kids are out of school and you throw in a long weekend!! Where did this week go?? There is much a-foot at the A*Muse*A*Palooza blog! Challenge 5 is up and running - Seeing Scenes -how fun! (I knew I should have waited to post my cute bird and tree card, but oh well!)! Also, did I mention that I am a winner?? See previous post for all my gushing about that one!! Head on over and play in this week's challenge!

I'M A WINNER!!!

Oh my goodness!! I am almost peeing in my panties!! I won a drawing in the A*Muse*A*Palooza Ambassador contest!! Okay, it was just a random drawing, but I am still incredibly excited!! Check out this post to see what I won!! It's not too late to join in on the fun! Go get yourself registered at the A*Muse*A*Palooza website (be sure to tell them that a winner ... I mean, Tisha ... sent you!)! Or play along with the weekly card challenges! I can't wait to see what comes up next week! I was absolutely amazed at the numbers this week - 205 cards entered!! Whoo-hoo! I know that A Muse is the absolute best - it's fun to see everyone else catching on!! Thank you, thank you, thank you to A Muse! Picture me holding a bouquet, doing a little beauty queen wave! Yippeee!!!

I do love A Muse!

I really enjoyed making this card! I don't think that the ideas are all original, but I don't think its a direct case of anyone! Thanks to all who inspire me!! Thank the Lord for the Stamp-a-ma-gig! Why haven't I been using that thing?? I will say that Staz-on might not be the best ink to use on the window thingy, but the Staz-on cleaner with the dauber top will take it right off!! This one doesn't really work for the A*Muse*A*Palooza challenge, but I thought I'd share anyway! Have a great weekend everyone! Thanks for looking!

Details: Stamps by A Muse, CS by SU!, Ribbon from Michael's, eyelet from Papersource - left over from my wedding almost 5 years ago!!

More ...

What a productive day! Actually, I think I've made these over this week, I just haven't scanned them in, so we get it all today! This is one for my husband's cousin who is having a baby soon - her shower is tomorrow, but I have to work (insert sad face here!). I just love how I can whip up a fun A Muse card in no time flat, and it looks so good!! This is another card for A*Muse*A*Palooza challenge #4!! Get those punches out and come play - I'm sure the surprise prize will be AWESOME!!!

Details: Stamps by A Muse, Autumn Leaves swirl, May Arts Ribbon, Punches by Marvy and SU!, CS by SU!.

Another one ...

I was inspired by the SCS color challenge this week ... my first time playing along ... maybe I should actually post this one to SCS (I think I have one card in my SCS gallery!!)! The colors were Vintage Violet, Old Olive and Certainly Celery! I really like this combo! I find myself trying to use my In Colors as much as possible before they go bye-bye!

Details: CS by SU!, ribbon by SU!, stamps by A Muse, punches by SU!

More for #4

Tried out the new Glue Pad for the first time on this one - not bad with the SU! silver glitter! Whipped this one up this morning when my 2 year old miraculously slept until 9:30!!


Details: Stamps by A Muse, CS by SU!, Punches by Marvy, brads by Joanne's.

More challenge cards!

Well, I have come to the conclusion that even when I am not trying to ... I CANNOT make a card without using a punch and at least one A Muse stamp! Not such a bad thing ...!




This is a for one of my bestest friends for her birthday - I don't think she reads my blog ... Erin, if you see this, pretend to be surprised next week!

Details: Stamps by Stamping Bella, A Muse. CS by SU!, designer paper by Basic Grey, corner rounder punch by SU!, ribbon by Martha for Michael's, flowers by Prima. I think I forgot to use my favorite sparkly Sakura pen on this card - DOH!

Another challenge card ...

This is a card from earlier this year that I have never posted! I made some 85 or so of these babies to announce the birth of my amazing daughter Lily! These were quite a bit of work, but they were so worth it! I was so worried that I would look back on her birth announcement in 5 years and go "UGH, what was I thinking??" I think I should be happy with these for years to come! The trifold card was totally CASED from Cambria - just love that layout! It is really quite simple to do. The stamps are from SU! and A Muse, paper from SU!, punches by Marvy and SU!.

Challenge #4 - first card!

I was knocking out some fast cards for Henry's teachers and therapists this morning, and surprise, surprise, one of them will work for Challenge #4! I love it when things work out like that! It's not my favorite card, but it'll do! The bird is the Rhonna Ferrar (?) dollar bird - do like her - and the sentiment is by A Muse. The pattern paper is part of the Glitter Stack by DCWV. Punches by Marvy. Have a great day!

Challenge #4 is up!

Challenge number 4 is up on the A*Muse*A*Palooza blog! This one is all about punches - one of my favorite things! Jump on in and play - the prize is a mystery - could be something very cool!! If you haven't registered yet at A*Muse*A*Palooza, head on over there and "get it done"! Tell 'em Tisha Welch sent ya!! Yeah A Muse!!

Teacher Cards

I am so lucky to be surrounded by creative people that I can CASE!! My friend Sarah came up with this very cute and very quick card using Teachabella, and I jumped at the chance to CASE it! Somehow, I have 10! (yes, 10!!) teacher cards/presents to make this year for my oldest son. If I would just relax, it could be a lot easier, but I want them to be perfect! So, I made these quick cards, then I think I will do a post-it holder, maybe a big paperclip thing, and some chocolate! Hope they like it!


Details: Stamps by Stamping Bella and A Muse, paper by SU! and Die Cuts with a View, ribbon by SU!(white) and some Michael's brand(green polka dot), Punches by SU! and Marvy.

Graduation robe or a bathrobe???

One of my friends from work is graduating this weekend with her Masters in Nursing, so I wanted a pretty card to say congrats to her. I'm not sure, but I kind of think this looks more like a bathrobe than a graduation robe!! I just couldn't bring myself to color it in all black! Oh well, it's still kinda pretty!

Details: Stamps by Stamping Bella, paper by Basic Grey (love those 6x6 pads!) and SU!, SU! ribbon, brads by The Paper Studio. Thanks for looking!

Another one for #3!

Stuck with the same colors ... trying to get ahead for Father's Day ... guess I'm in a masculine kind of mood today! Stamps by A Muse, paper by SU!.

Challenge #3

The latest A*Muse*A*Palooza challenge was a sketch challenge ... lots of fun! I have been short on time and buried in projects this week, so I am trying to multitask! Here's my first entry!


This is a graduation card for a high school boy ... I think it works! Using up some In Color papers ... that's Buckaroo Blue, Cranberry Crisp and Close to Cocoa. Stamps by A Muse.

One of my best creations!

I'm not sure if it is this cold that has held on all week, or PMS, or what - but my mojo is just not there this week! So, I thought I would post a creation that I am proud of to start off today! In order to tie this in to MY GRAND PLAN ... I will just say that this little lady was also able to visit the A Muse store in Seattle and loved, loved, loved being held by Linda while Mommy shopped!



Miss Lily Nicolle - about 4 months old! Time is flying!

Another contest!!

Check out this post at A*Muse*A*Palooza blog! Guess how many stamps are in Jennifer's suitcase and win big! I would just like to point out that this is pretty much how my suitcase looked after my dream trip to the A Muse store in Seattle last March! Hopefully that will give me an advantage and I will win, win, win!! Publish Post

A*Muse*A*Palooza Challenge #3 is up!

I am just a little behind this week (wouldn't it be nice if I had a little behind??) - Things have continued as scheduled over at the A*Muse*A*Palooza blog! Challenge #3 is a sketch challenge! It's a great sketch - very easy to do with A Muse stamps! Check it out and come play! I will post my cards later on today!

Challenge #2 - Much better!!

Ahhh, much better!! I just couldn't let little piggy be at the top of my blog!! I love you, Miss Petunia, but I didn't do you justice!! This card was so easy and fun!! The car and sentiment were stamped with Versamark and embossed with Silver EP from SU! Here's another example of mixing up the sentiments! I had this one out to use with the pig, but thought why not ... drive ...car ... it works!! I'm going to give this one to my one and only! This card is also for Challenge #2 - no black ink- over at A*Muse*A*Palooza!

Stamps by A Muse and SU!, Versamark Ink, SU! EP, SU! & Marvy punches.

By the way ... Tami had asked about the free font that I had used on this card, and where I got it ... There are lots of places to get free fonts on the web - if you just do a google search for free fonts you will get pages and pages of options! The MA Sexy font that I used on this card came from a link on either the A Muse News blog or one of the A Muse gals blogs that I can not find to save my life, but here is the website where I downloaded the font! I am not a computer genius, but this I know how to do! If you click on the font, then save it to your desktop, then open your font folder in your control panel, then drag the font from your desktop to your font folder - Voila - a new fun font!! Clear as mud, right!! By the way, I would have never figured this out if not for the computer prowess and patience of the Amazing Sarah B!! Thanks, pal! MA Sexy was created by Magarete Antonio - the genius behind many of the fonts on A Muse sentiments that we all love!!

Challenge #2!!

I think this card is an example of working when way too tired!! I was trying to do the challenge from A*Muse*A*Palooza (no colored ink), use up some patterned paper that has been laying on my workspace, and pair my A Muse sentiment with a new image ... hmmm ... maybe I shouldn't multitask quite so much!! This will work for the challenge, but that doesn't mean I have to like it!!

Stamps by A Muse, cardstock, pattern paper and ink by SU!

Doodling ...

You know, it wasn't all that long ago that I felt like I was cheating on all my Stampin' Up! stamps when I started to experiment with other stamp companies - oh the guilt!! Now, it doesn't feel quite right to make a card without a single A Muse image or sentiment!! It is kind of amazing how things can change in such a short amount of time - I guess it just goes to show you how fickle I can be ... no, not fickle ... open minded!! I really am enjoying delving into new stamp companies! There are a lot that I am just dying to try - My Favorite Things and Green Grass Stamps come to mind! This card was one I whipped up last night for a friend of mine at work that is leaving us for greener pastures (no weekends, no holidays - can't blame her - we'll miss you, Brenda!). This was the first time that I have tried to watercolor with re-inkers and my aquapainter - I'm relatively pleased with the outcome, but I think I need more practice. It still looks too solid for me ... oh well! I'm off to my craft cave to work on the new A*Muse*A*Palooza challenge - no black ink! Hopefully, I will be able to post that one soon!! Have a great night - can't wait to see who got voted off on AI! I will admit to being a reality show junky!!

Stamps: SU!, Mike's $1 stamps, CS by SU!, May Arts Ribbon, SU! brads

P.S. If you all want more details on my cards, let me know! I could give you step by step, but I think most of my cards are pretty self-explanatory!!

Just sitting here...

dreaming of winning A*Muse*A*Palooza ... oh, the stamps, the T-SHIRT (I want it so badly!!). I am waiting, not so patiently, for the next A Muse challenge ... in the meantime, here is a card that I made recently. I just love the chair stamp - it's so darn cute!! I am up to my eyeballs in Mother's Day Projects and end of the year teachers' gifts - I will post pictures of those soon! Thanks to everyone that has come to visit my little blog - it's so exciting!! I am enjoying myself! Sorry I haven't posted in a few days - I had to work at my "real" job as a nurse over the weekend, and it kind of sucks the life out of me!! Now I am feeling more like myself! Hopefully there will be lots of fun stuff to show you this week!!

Stamps by A Muse, Punches by SU! and Marvy, paper by SEI and SU!

By the way - I have a card in the reader gallery at A Muse News!! You have until midnight tonight to go there and vote (for me, please)! It was a fun Mother's Day Contest! There are lots of really neat cards in the gallery - inspiration a-plenty!!

Stamps by A Muse, tag made using my computer (and the very cool MA Sexy font that you can download for free - used in many A Muse stamps!!), paper by Basic Grey, A Muse and SU!, Punch by SU!

My FIRST Challenge Card!!

Have I mentioned that I want to win A*Muse*A*Palooza?? On the A*Muse*A*Palooza blog, there are challenges and yep, you guessed it - I get points for participating in the challenges - and they are such fun! I have really wanted to participate in challenges before on SCS, but I've never quite gotten it together! But, with my desire to win this contest comes a much stronger motivation to participate!! So, here is my first challenge card. The challenge this week was to use only black ink. I gotta tell you, that's not a huge challenge for me! Lately, I have been doing lots of watercoloring, so I have been using A LOT of black ink, then coloring things in with various markers, crayons, pencils, etc. I decided to push myself a bit more and only use black and white on this card! I had received the pictured gift bag a while back, and have thought that it would make a neat card, so here is my attempt!! Thanks for looking!!




Stamps by A Muse &Autumn Leaves, ribbon from Michael's dollar bins, Marvy punches.


Here is the bag that inspired my card! Thanks Kay Forman!!

A*Muse*A*Palooza

A*Muse*A*Palooza has begun!! The first card challenge is up – hope to do that one today, and the A*Muse*A*Palooza Ambassador contest is also up and running! Check out the link above to learn more about A*Muse*A*Palooza! If you register, I would love for you to tell ‘em you learned about it here! Just tell ‘em Tisha Welch sent you!! Thanks ya’ll!!

Jumping in!!

Here it is!! My first blog post ever!! I have decided to jump in with both feet with a very big motivator, as you see in my blog title … I WANT TO WIN A*MUSE*A*PALOOZA!!! For those of you that don’t know, A Muse is an amazing stamp company out of Seattle. I had the honor and privledge of visiting the store and meeting the owner, Linda, in March. More on that later – I’m envisioning a post entitled “Moments that changed my life.” Anyway – A Muse is looking for their number one fan (ME!) through a contest that I will have a much better chance of winning if I have a blog! So here I go – blogging! I hope that you all will enjoy my little musings on life, with a heavy emphasis on stamping! We will learn as we go – see what works and what doesn’t! I will warn you all – I am not really very computer literate! I’m learning, but the curve may move really slowly, so bear with me!

This card was made with Calamity Jane from A Muse! I just love this stamp (and her boyfriend, Billy the Kid) – comes from that part of me that also thinks Sam Elliot is one of the sexiest men alive! The paisley background is from Stampin’ Up! (you can get that from me!) – stamped with whisper white and embossed with white EP. Colors are Rose Red, Ballet Blue and Whisper White with black stitched ribbon from May Arts (thanks to Jody!). And that is one of the infamous Marvy scalloped punches – carried 5 of those bad boys back in my suitcase with me from Seattle!!