A Muse News

Shop News - 2/7/11

Make & Take

Who doesn't love getting a box of conversation hearts?! Join us this week and we'll show you how to make that box even cuter, using our new frame punch and heart border punch.

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

New in the Shop

New imported vintage inspired goodies!!! Just LOVE this new line!

Little Red Riding Hood stamp set ($18), clock ($7.75), camera and happy birthday($9.75) wood mounted stamps

 

Gorgeous jewel knobbed key and frame stamps ($10.75) and an old school date stamp with stand ($17)!

 

Wood camera box tape dispenser ($18)!

 

Wood letter or display storage box ($25)

 

Long ruler inspired storage box ($14)

 

 

Bookmark clips - tower, bird or telephone ($8)

 

Wood camera photo, greeting card or placecard holder ($7)

 

Wooden camera magnets ($13)

 

New brown or white standard size clothespins

 

Upcoming Classes

Copic 101 - $25, with Joyce - certified Copic Instructor

THIS Sunday, February 13th, 4pm

In this introductory class you’ll learn which papers and inks work best

with these fantastic art markers along with some basic shading techniques.

 

Also....

Have you been to a shoebox swap? You bring a card design and all the components to make your card (you can bring them in a shoebox - or any other container:).  All the other attendees will too. You will then get to make everyones cards and leave with a new bunch! Bring a treat to share and it'll be a super fun night!

Call us to register for any of our classes ~ 206-783-4882.

Hope to see you in the shop!!

Michele

 

 

Shop News - 1/31/11

Make & Take

You may think Valentines Day is all about pink and red, but this weeks Make & Take is a treat for true blue friend:)  A yummy chocolate mini bar is sandwiched between two scalloped rectangles featuring our adorable Whale and True Blue sentiment.

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

Upcoming Classes

TGIF- Stampin'- Be Mine! - $10

 THIS Friday, February 4th, 12-1pm

Join us for this quick lunch hour class focused on Valentine's Day!

 

Valentine Workshop - $30 - with Mary

Saturday, February 5th, 1-4pm

Come to this all encompassing Valentine Workshop! You will create beautiful handmade Valentine-inspired paper crafts, hand-dip accompanying chocolate covered holiday treats and candies, as well as fashion and embellish your own personal cloth heart.

Call the shop to register - 206-783-4882 or register online.

Hope to see you in the shop,

Michele

Shop News 1/24/11

Make & Take

You've got mail! Just couldn't resist this darling idea from the Paper Garden.  A mini valentines mailbox made from 2 Hershey Nuggets!

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

Upcoming Classes

TGIF- Stampin'- Be Mine! - $10

Friday, February 4th, 12-1pm

Join us for this quick lunch hour class focused on Valentine's Day!

 

Valentine Workshop - $30 - with Mary

Saturday, February 5th, 1-4pm

Come to this all encompassing Valentine Workshop! You will create beautiful handmade Valentine-inspired paper crafts, hand-dip accompanying chocolate covered holiday treats and candies, as well as fashion and embellish your own personal cloth heart.

Call the shop to register - 206-783-4882 or register online.

 

New in the Shop

New Valentines Goodies!

~Making Memories - Je t'Adore - Charm Bracelet Kit and banner Stickers

~Martha Stewart Double Craft Punch - Heart Keys and Lock and Key

~K&Co Medallions Kit

~Lace Doilies - circle and hearts

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We're all ready and decorated for Valentines Day! Come see our Valentines Tree:)

Hope to see you around the shop!

Michele

 

 

 

 

Shop News - 1/17/11

Make & Take

We love our white branches we hung our holiday tags on, so we've turned it into a Valentines tree! Many of you have asked how we made our decorative cones, so join us this week for our make and take and learn how!!

 

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

New in the Shop

Baker's Twine - 15 cents a yard - available in red, black and brown. So cute for cards, packaging, tags and more!

  

Classes THIS week!

Sweets for your Sweetie!, $30 

Wednesday, January 19th, 7pm

Join Michele and Barbara for a fun filled evening making some great Valentines gifts for those you love! We'll make a paper wrapped votive holder, a bath fizzie and a box of hand-made chocolates - including a French salted caramel!

 

TGIF Stampin' - Smoochfest!

Friday, January 21st - $10

12-1pm

Join us for this fun, quick lunch hour class learning how to use SMOOCH, a great pearlized accent ink! Tips, tricks and projects:)

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

 

Hope to see you in the shop!

Michele

 

 

Shop News - 1/10/11

Make & Take

Join us this week for our FREE make & take. Using 3 different heart punches, you'll create a cute corner book mark!

 

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

New class schedule!

The 2011 Winter class schedule is available! We've got some really fun classes coming up - a 'Sweets For Your Sweetie' class where we'll make a candle holder, bath fizzie and handmade chocolates!, a new Copic 101 and 201 class, and a new round of our ever popular TGIF-Stampin' classes!

The new schedule is available in the shop or sign up online.

See you in the shop,

Michele

 

 

 

Shop News - 1/3/11

Make & Take

Happy New Year! Join us this week to make a free standing, tear-a-page calendar holder! A perfect gift this week for a friend, client or teacher.

 

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

January Clearance!

Stop by and take advantage of some great deals!

All Christmas items 50% off and Christmas Punches are 25% off.

 
Many holiday wood mounted stamps only $2!

  
Holiday Stamps 50% off, including cling!

 

The new schedule of classes will be up soon and the TGIF Stampin' classes will resume on January 21st! 

See you in the shop,

Michele

Shop News - 12/28/2010

No Make & Take this week

The shop will be closed Wednesday through Friday this week for inventory, so there will be no Make & Take. We will also be closed on Saturday, January 1st.

We're also putting together a great line-up of new classes and TGIF-Stampin' classes and they will be available soon.

In the meantime, get some great year-end deals online!

Have a very Happy New Year and I'll see you around the shop:)

Michele

After Christmas 50% Sale!

 
Get 'em while they're hot!  Our after Christmas sale is in full swing - online AND in our Seattle retail store!  ALL holiday stamps are 50% off (while they last)!

 

Shop News - 12/19/2010

No Make & Take this week

Due to the holiday, no make & take this week.  We'll start it up again in the new year so join us on Wednesdays or Saturdays between 11:30am - 1:30pm.

Stocking Stuffers!

 

Fun pens and pencils! $1-$3

Mini notebooks - $3-$4.25

 

Japanese erasers - $1

Silly Bands - $6

Enamelware

We have some new enamelware pieces in the shop. 4 different sizes of trays, tissue box holders, trash cans, memo boards with easels. The trays are great for holiday entertaining and the small square makes a sweet napkin holder.

Holiday Shop Hours

December 24th - close at noon

December 25th - closed

December 29, 30, 31 - closed for inventory

January 1st - closed

 

Have a great week and a fantastic holiday!

~ Michele

 

Shop News - 12/13/2010

Make & Take

This week you get a choice for the project:) Make a pretty glittery tag using either the Martha Himalayan Snowflake or Vintage Dove punch! And, as a bonus...ALL Martha Holiday punches are 25% off right now!

Join us anytime between 11:30am-1:30pm, Wednesday or Saturday, to make a great, FREE gift tag!

Year-end clearance!

Loads of great items on sale in the shop right now. Martha Holiday Punches 25% off,  Special weekly stamps 50% off, Holiday cling sets 50% off, Special stamp pairs $5, Gift Tag Fixin's sets $6, and more.  Deals only available in the shop, not online.

Cupcakes, Cocoa & a Card 

What a fun event we had in the shop! Thanks to everyone who stopped by! We had yummy treats and we had fun making the fantastic wreath on the door card designed by Novell.

Robby Young, who was sent by his wife to come make the card, won our doorprize:) Congrats Robby!

My A Muse Wish on Facebook

Join us on Facebook and submit your A Muse Wish! We're making wishes come true each day!  Click here for more details!

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

Michele

12 Days of A Muse Christmas Wishes!

Our gift to you this holiday season - a chance to win
an A Muse prize!

What are you wishing for from our website?  We want to know!  Today through December 20th, we will be choosing a winner each day from our Facebook friends who share their A Muse wishes!  Here's how to enter:

*  "Like Us" on Facebook and change your profile picture to our holiday wish badge.  (To change your profile picture, simply right-click on the image above and save it to your computer.  Then upload it to Facebook!)

*   Post your A Muse wish item on your Facebook wall and also on our Facebook wall with a link to the item on the A Muse website. 

It's that easy and you may post one wish each day!  We'll choose a winner everyday and we might even throw in some bonuses too!  So be sure to keep your profile picture up for the whole 12 days!  Can't wait to see all your wishes!

 

Shop News - 12/6/10

Make & Take

Ho, ho, ho! Join us this week to make a Santa matchbox complete with chocolate Santa inside!

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

DEALS in the shop!!

Lots of great deals available in the shop right now!

Weekly special stamps ~ As our holiday gift to you, every week on Wednesday, we've got 15-20 new stamps at 50% off! They're in a little bookcase by the register so come each week to check them out. 

This is what's on sale right now. It'll change on Wednesday so if you see one you want, stop by tomorrow!

Gift Tag Fixins' - $6 ~ 2 stamps and a pack of our pretty little papers cardstock. Instant tags!

Stamp pairs - $5 ~ 2 stamps paired together and packaged in a bag with a bow. A deal for you, an inexpensive kids party favor or a great gift!

All these great stamps deals above are available at our retail store location only. Not available on-line.

Cute Wool Felt Snowflakes! Only $1

Packaging supplies!

We've got you covered for packaging your holiday goodies! Many sizes of cello and paper bags, vinyl wallets, mini plastic purses, clear plastic boxes, clear tins, takeout boxes. Plus, when you buy our paper you can use our die-cut machine for FREE! We have many different box templates for you to use!

Cupcakes, Cocoa & a Card

Friday, December 10th 12-1pm

The holidays are almost here so come celebrate with us! Join us for cupcakes, cocoa and a {free} make & take holiday card. Our gift to you!

Hope to see you in the shop!

Michele

 

 

 

Shop News - 11/29/10

Make & Take

It's time to Deck the Halls! Join us this week to make a fun wrapper for our clear box. We've filled ours with meringues, but these boxes would be great for anything - tea lights, candies, toffee, tea, cookies, peppermint bark, sachets... These clear boxes are availble in the shop for only 25 cents each!

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

New in the Shop

We've got lots of great gifts in the shop for everyone on your list!

Apple shaped box of note cards. 2 note card designs. Perfect for a teacher! ~ $22

Got a road trip coming up? Bring along the Rubberneckers travel card game! ~ $13

Having a get-together? Here's a fun new game!

Haikubes - Create captivating Haiku with the roll of the dice! 60 word cubes offering thousands of possible poems ~ $25

Upcoming Classes

TGIF Stampin' -Tag, You're it!

Friday, December 3rd, 12-1 pm ~ $10

Our last TGIF class of the year! Join us for this quick, fun lunch time class dedicated to holiday tags! Here are a few of the tags we'll be making - the bottom one holds a gift card!

Copic 201 - $25, with Joyce

Sunday, December 5th, 4pm

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

Pre-registration is required for all classes - call the shop at 206-783-4882 or online.

 

Hope to see you in the shop!

Michele

Around Town - December Classes

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

Alaska
Donna Hitz

Arizona
Lori Barnett

British Columbia
Glenda Wyatt

California
Tracy Falco

Massachusetts
Jenn Shurkus
Liz Ballard

Newfoundland
Meghan Fahey

New Hampshire
Liz Ballard

New York
Cheiron Brandon
Sherry Czarnecki

Virginia
Melinda Matzen

Washington
Joyce Wheeler

 

Black Friday Sale! Shop now and SAVE 30%!

BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Save 30% on your entire order November 24-29! Use Promo Code HAPPY30

Applies to online, retail orders only placed between November 24 - 29. Please remember to use Promo Code during checkout. We regret that we are not able to add Promo Code once an order has been placed. Happy Shopping & Happy Thanksgiving!

Shop News 11/22/10

Make & Take

The weather outside is downright frightful right now - perfect crafting weather!! :)  This week we are going to make a cute and useful project! Using one of our Cowboy Frames stamps and our gingham paper we'll make a matchbook 2011 calendar! Great for your purse or for giving as a gift to a friend or a client. I think it'd be really sweet to give as a party favor, especially on New Year's eve!

 
We sell these mini 'tear a month' paper calendars in the shop in 4 different sizes.  A pack of 10 for $3.

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

New in the Shop

Paper Pointsettias - so pretty!

 
Assorted sizes, packs of 5-10, $2.50-$3.50.

Upcoming Classes

TGIF Stampin' -Tag, You're it!

Friday, December 3rd, 12-1 pm ~ $10

Our last TGIF class of the year! Join us for this quick, fun lunch time class dedicated to holiday tags! Here are a few of the tags we'll be making - the bottom one holds a gift card!

 

Call the shop at 206-783-4882 to register or online.

Have a great week, a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday, and I hope to see you around here soon!

~Michele

Seattle COPIC 101 class this Sunday

Don't miss this fabulous introductory COPIC class!

COPIC 101
Sunday, November 21
4:00 pm
with Joyce

In this introductory class you'll learn which papers and inks work best with these markers along with some basic shading techniques.  You are welcome to bring your own COPIC markers or use ours.  Please label your personal markers.

Please call the shop to pre-register.  206-783-4882.

Hope to see you in class!

Shop News - 11/15/10

Make & Take

Don't fear, turkey is near:) Join us this week to make a little turkey to give as a gift or to spice up your holiday table. His body is a wrapped chocolate treat!

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

Upcoming Classes

Copic 201 - $25, with Joyce

Sunday, December 5th, 4pm

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

 

TGIF Stampin' - Tag, You're it! $10

Friday, December 3rd, 12-1 pm

Join us for our last TGIF of the year! A quick, fun 1 hour class dedicated to holiday tags. Leave with a handful of great tags all ready for your gifts and packages.

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

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A Muse Banner Bar!

Do you need a cute banner for the holidays, a birthday, dinner party, your kids room? Step right up to our banner bar ~ we have EVERYTHING you need to make a fantastic banner.

~Choose your sentiment

~Choose your color scheme and paper pack ~shimmer, solid, patterned

~Choose and cut your banner shape with our Accucut machine ~ fancy frame, triangle pennant, tabbed album and more!

~Choose your ribbon for stringing and/or clothespins for embellishing!

~Voila! Custom banner you've made yourself!

 

Here's our banner we whipped up for the holiday party

We're ready for the holidays, are you?! We've made a great holiday area in the store for you to find everything you need!

We have loads of great ideas for your handmade papercraft projects as well as many great gift items for everyone on your list - young or old!

See you in the shop,

Michele

Shop News - 11/8/10

Make & Take

Happy Fall! Join us this week to make a cute mini chocolate bar holder!

 
Stop by on Wednesday anytime between 11:30am - 1:30pm to make this fun project.  We won't be doing the Make & Take on Saturday this week due to our Holiday Open House - details below!

New in the Shop!

Cake Pops cookbook by Bakerella!

New cookbook by the blogger Bakerella. Tips, tricks and recipes for irresistible mini treats!

This book was just featured in Entertainment Weekly on the Must List. ~$20 

Rosie Flo Coloring Books!

Beautifully drawn images that leave openings for your budding artist to fill in the blanks and color.  Just beautiful! 4 different books - Original, Animals, Kitchen and Garden ~ $10

 

Silhouette Art

Have you ever wanted to try your hand a Silhouette Art? This kit has all you need, papers, instructions and patterns for making modern heirlooms ~ $19

 
 

Keep Calm!

Keep Calm Notecards and 2011 Calendar and the new, ever so cute, Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake Journal and Bookmark! So fun!

 

To Do List Notepad  

TODAY I will get some stuff done! 100 page cute, clever and charming fill-in to-do lists! ~ $10

 

Scribble It Postcards! 

A book of 20 postcards from Taro Gomi. Create some doodle art and send them to a friend! ~ $11

 

Upcoming Classes and Events

Intro to Stamping - $15, with Michele

Tomorrow night! Wednesday, November 10th, 7pm

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

TGIF - Stampin' - Let it snow! - $10
Friday, November 12th, 12-1pm

Join us for a fun lunch hour class where we'll make 3 'snowy' creations and have you out within the hour!

 

Holiday Happiness - $25, with Rhiannon

Saturday, November 13th, 4-6pm

Join Rhiannon and use some fun coloring mediums to make fabulous greetings and gifties for the Holiday season.  You'll be using Smooch, chalks and watercolors to name a few!

Call the shop to register for classes - 206-783-4882 or sign uponline.

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Holiday Open House

Saturday, November 13th

11am - 3pm

Come kick off the holiday season - A Muse style! We'll make 3 fun projects - one of them is the Mrs. Claus box below! The projects are FREE with a minimum $5 donation to the Greenwood Food Bank.  Enjoy a 10% discount in the shop, support our local food bank, make fun crafty projects - Yay!

 
 

See you in the shop,

Michele

Fall Favorites Challenge Round-Up!

Hi there! It's time for another A Muse Lounge Challenge Round-Up! October's challenge was called *Fall Favorites* and the challenge was to create a card inspired by your favorite part of fall! There were so many fabulous cards created!! Members of our Creative Team picked their favorite and here it is, this beauty created by stampinak, aka Cynthia! :)

 

Here are 9 more amazing cards created for the challenge! Click on each card to see the entire design on the artist's blog or gallery. 

 
  

 

Cynthia won a fun prize for being this month's favorite, and we also drew a prize winner randomly from ALL of the participants and the winner was....susiekay!!! Congratulations Susie!
 
I hope that you enjoyed all of these fun fall inspired creations! We have a new challenge for November called *Dashes, Dots and Doodles* and the challenge is to use your A Muse stamps to create a card that has something handwritten on it! Join the fun and play along with us this month! :)

 

Shop News 11/2/2010

Make & Take

Wishing you a Happy Autumn! Join us this week and make a darling little Pilgrim shirt!  You can line the bottom with candy or use as table decor. Kudos to Stephanie at The Paper Garden for the cute and clever design.

 

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

***Don't forget about our Make and Take 10 challenge!***

Bring a friend to our Make & Take (must be new to A Muse and not in our database) and you and your friend will receive 10% off your entire purchase that day!

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New in the Shop

Washington Doodles by John Skewes ~ $12.95.  Kids can draw walkers around Greenlake or sketch fish being thrown at Pike Place Market. Fantastic gift for a local or a great keepsake after visiting the Evergreen State!

Thumbprint Notecard Set ~ Create your own thumbprint characters and add them to scenes on each card! 20 notecards and envelopes, inkpad and stickers $17

School Years Book ~ A family keepsake of school memories. A page and pocket for each year from Kindergarten to 12th Grade!  $16.95

Sock Monkey and Friends Kit ~ 9 different fun-to-make sock animal projects! $18

 

Make your own jewelry!

We've got everything you need to make adorable pendants for everyone on your gift list. Make beautiful necklaces with paper, stamps, punches,  glitter, photos, charms, maps or more. You don't need to be a jewelry maker to make these! We have many sizes of pendants, lockets, ball chains, leather cording and ribbon. They are super easy to make and will wow your friends:) Stop by and let us show you how to do it!

Upcoming Classes

Intro to Stamping - $15, with Michele

Wednesday, November 10th, 7pm

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

Holiday Happiness - $25, with Rhiannon

Saturday, November 13th, 4-6pm

Join Rhiannon and use some fun coloring mediums to make fabulous greetings and gifties for the Holiday season.  You'll be using Smooch, chalks and watercolors to name a few!

Call the shop to register for classes - 206-783-4882 or sign up online.

Lots of stuff happening around here as we gear up for the Holiday Season!! Hope to see you around the shop.

Michele

Around Town - November Classes

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

Alaska
Donna Hitz

Arizona
Lori Barnett

British Columbia
Glenda Wyatt

California
Jill Grace
Tracy Falco

Connecticut
Jenn Shurkus

Massachusetts
Jenn Shurkus
Liz Ballard

Newfoundland
Meghan Fahey

New Hampshire
Liz Ballard

New Jersey
Cheiron Brandon

New York
Cheiron Brandon
Sherry Czarnecki

Washington
Julie Ebersole
Joyce Wheeler
Novell Eckstrom
Rhiannon Christianson

Wisconsin
Dawn Stein
Kamila Younkman

 

Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt - Winners!

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

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

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

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

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

TGIF Stampin' Class this Friday

TGIF Stampin' class this Friday 

12-1pm ~ Give Thanks!

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

Join us!

~Michele

Shop News - 10/25/10

Make & Take

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

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

New in the Shop

American Girl crafts!!

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

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

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

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

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

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Mark your Calendars for our Holiday Open House

Saturday, November 13th from 11-3! 

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

 

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

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

Michele

 

Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt - week 4

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

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

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

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

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

Shop News - 10/18/10

We've got a challenge for you!

It's the Make & Take 10 !

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

10% off your entire purchase!

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

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

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

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Upcoming classes!!

Let’s Smooch! - $25, with Joyce

Friday, October 22nd, 6pm

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

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

 

Colored Pencil Holiday Greetings! - $25, with Rhiannon

Saturday, October 23rd, 4-6pm

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

 Here are a few of the projects from the class:

 

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

Hope to see you in the shop this week!

Michele

Seattle TGIF Class today!

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

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

This card uses crystal lacquer and a sponge!  Fun!

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

Hope you can come play with us.

Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt - week 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop News - 10/12/10

Make & Take

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

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

 

Upcoming Classes

TGIF - Stampin' - Ghoulish Goodies

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

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

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

Copic 201 - $25, with Joyce

Saturday, October 16th, 4pm

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

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

Hope to see you this week!

Michele

 

Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt - week 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Class with Rhiannon this Sunday!

2011 Memo Set - $25, with Rhiannon

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

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

Shop News - 10/5/10

Make & Take

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

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

 

Lots of Shop News!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Autumn Branch Punch - $10.50

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

Look how cute they are in our window:)

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

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

Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon

 
$1.50 per yard

Chocolates!!

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

Halloween Chocolates - bat, ghost, pumpkin

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

Upcoming Classes & Events

Intro to Stamping - $15, with Michele

Wednesday, October 6th, 7pm

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

Call the shop at 206-783-4882 to register

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Anniversary Sale

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

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

- 15% off the entire store

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

- Slice demo - 10am-12pm

- 20% off Slice Machine and accessories

 

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

Michele

Seattle Classes with Julie!

 

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

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Holiday Smorgasbord
10:00 am

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

A Letter Box
1:00 pm

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

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

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

 

Sketch Challenge Round-Up!

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

 

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

 
 

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

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

 

 

Guest Designer Kristina Proffitt!

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

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

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

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

I want to thank A Muse for this wonderful opportunity!

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

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

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

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

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

Shop News - 9/27/2010

Make & Take

Beware!!! :) Using our matchbox die-cut and the Martha Stewart Graveyard edge punch, we'll make a darling little box with a 3D Graveyard on top.  Perfect for treats!

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

 

TGIF - Stampin' Class this week!

With Sympathy

Friday, October 1st, 12-1pm

Join us for this quick, fun, lunch-hour class where we'll make 3 sympathy cards. Only $10!

 Call the shop to register - 206-783-4882  or register online here.

 Hope to see you in the shop or in class!

 Michele

 

 

Spread the word...

09/27/2010 - We have a WINNER!  Thanks to everyone that participated in our Spread the Word challenge!  If the 54 people that participated told at least two people, that means 150... and hopefully they will also tell two people, and so on!  

drum roll, please!

The winner of an  A Muse $50 Gift Certificate is Michelle Krumsee who writes:

"I shared the link on Facebook and sent an email out to friends. The story about Charley brought tears to my eyes. I was so touched. I love that you are supporting her fund."

Congratulations, Michelle!  Please email us at orders@amuseartstamps.com and we'll get your gift certificate set up!

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Spread the word suggestions:

• Post a link on your blog
• Post a calendar you have made in a public online gallery
• Send an email to your friends
• Post a link on your facebook page
• Slip it into your conversation with friends over coffee

Come back and let us know how you told two friends... and we'll add to this list!

Thanks for helping us Spread the Word!

Around Town - October Classes!

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

Alaska
Donna Hitz

Arizona
Lori Barnett

British Columbia
Glenda Wyatt

California
Tracy Falco

Delaware
Melinda Matzen

Georgia
Michelle Clark

Indiana
Michelle Mathey

Maryland
Melinda Matzen

Massachusetts
Jenn Shurkus
Liz Ballard

Newfoundland
Meghan Fahey

New Hampshire
Liz Ballard

New Jersey
Cheiron Brandon
Heather Meeson

New York
Cheiron Brandon
Sherry Czarnecki

Texas
Geeta Suggs

Virginia
Melinda Matzen

Washington
Joyce Wheeler
Michele O'Neill
Novell Eckstrom
Rhiannon Christianson

Wisconsin
Dawn Stein

Shop News - 9/21/10

Make & Take

'When witches go riding.....'

Using our "bridal dress" die-cut, we'll make an elegant witch box you can fill with goodies! Check out her hat, it's flocked for extra texture! Super cute!

 

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

Shop News!

PUNCHES GALORE!!!

A Muse is THE destination for punches in Seattle.  We have 24 different Halloween punches in stock!

From Martha Stewart:

Large Double Spider Web-SUPER HOT!Our rep said that we are the only ones around town that have this right now!

Large Iron Fence

Large Spider

Large Skull

Large Jack O Lantern

Large Vampire

Large Witches and Cauldron

Large Witch Hat ( in our M&T above)

Large Trick or Treat

Corner Bats

Corner Spiderweb

Drippy Goo Edge

Mice Edge

Scary Fence Edge

Pumpkin Patch Edge

Graveyard Edge

Splatter

Tombstone

Skull and Bones

Hard Candy

Pumpkin

Bat

Witch

From EKS:

Large Bat

Loads and loads! Come check them out! You can always add anything from the shop to your online order even if it's not on the website.  Just enter the item in the 'comments' section in your shopping cart.

New Slice Cartridges from $39.99 - $49.99

Bon Appetit!, Remember This and Paws & Claws

Spellbound, Spook Alley - Perfect for your Halloween and Fall papercrafting!

 Upcoming classes!

Haunted Halloween Greetings & Gifties! - $25, with Rhiannon

Saturday, September 25th, 4pm

Come and learn how to make some Haunted Halloween Greetings and Gifties, using some of the NEW A*Muse Halloween Images!  Walk away with fabulous ideas for your own haunted celebration or a sweet treat for that special little ghoul or goblin!  Look at some of these cute projects you'll be making!

TGIF - Stampin' - With Sympathy

Friday, October 1st, 12-1pm - $10

Join us for our fun, quick lunch hour class! You'll make 3 sympathy cards and be out in a jiffy:) Here's one that we will be making.

 

Call us at 206-783-4882 to register for these classes or sign up online here.

Anniversary Sale update!

Do you want to be an Anniversary sale VIP?  Join us for our Anniversary Sale Class and get EARLY ACCESS!!

 Halloween Mini Album

Saturday, October 9th,  9-10am - $10

Heather has done it again with this amazingly creative design! Using recycled toilet paper rolls, (yep, you heard me) we will be making this darling 3-ringed Halloween Mini Album.  Once you are finished with your project, you will have special, early VIP access to all the sale goods!!!

 

Space for this class is very limited, so sign up today! Call us at 206-783-4882 to register!

Hope to see you soon!

Michele

 

Calendar Inspiration - Day 6

Welcome to our final day of scheduled Calendar Inspiration posts.  We will continue to post Calendar projects in the coming weeks to spark your creativity!

I'd appreciate it you'll help us Spread the Word about this project.  You could win a $50 A Muse gift certificate just for telling two friends.  Read contest details here.

This first project, featuring the A Muse Mini calendar, was designed by Jenni.

Look at these!! Lunch box notes - how adorable!

"I love making little lunch box love notes for my kids's lunches and I thought the mini calendars would be fun, different element to add to some of the notes, perfect for special days! To create the notes, I normally take half of a 4 bar notecard and fold it in half, and it is the perfect size for a mini card to tuck in their lunch! Having some mini calendars printed up and punched out would make these cards really fast and easy to create anytime you needed a quick note."

                     ~Jennie

To see more of Jennie's clever ideas, be sure to visit her blog Simply Caffeinated.

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This next project featuring the A Muse 4" x 6" calendar was designed by June.  It's such a sweet design... I know you will LOVE it... and be begging her to find out where she got the adorable hanger for her project.  

 

 

 

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Our last Calendar Inspiration project for the week was designed by Glenda.  This is Glenda's 2nd Calendar project to be featured here on the A Muse blog.  Thanks, Glenda!

Glenda features the A Muse mini calendar in this darling project!  I love that she used her scraps to make it! Makes me wanna go rummage through my scrap box right now...

"The mini calendar just screams fun. I decided to use up a bunch of my scraps and pull together this cute mini calendar. Some stamps, die cuts, eyelets, a ring and some ribbon. Easy as pie. This little gem will hang on a hook in my craft room."

Here's a peek inside.  I love how she stamped right over the calendar. 

Glenda is a certified A Muse instructor.  Please check out her class schedule and fabulous designs on her blog Glenda's Papers, Scissors & Rocks.

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Thank you for joining us.  I hope you are inspired to tackle some calendar projects!  Have a great weekend!

 

Calendar Inspiration - Day 5

Wow!  We are up to Day 5 of our Calendar Inspiration posts!  I hope you have found some ideas that spark your imagination and creativity. 

Today, I have three projects to share.

The first project features our FULL PAGE calendar, created by moi (linda). 

My family  used to receive lots of FREE calendars from our local real estate agents - you know, the ones with the pretty photos.  Last year we didn't get any!  Either our real estate agent friends have decided we are never moving or they have decided to spend their marketing dollars on other things.  In any case, I found myself in dire NEED of a full page calendar to keep track of our family activities.

The full page calendar was designed to be FUNCTIONAL but can easily be gussied up to be both functional & pretty!  I have made quite of few of these full page calendars for my girls and as gifts for family.  Here are some fast and easy ways that I have found to bind the calendars together:

• bind-it all with coils
• bind it all holes tied with ribbons
• binder rings
• BIG binder clips (you can find some really pretty ones!)

My favorite way to print the calendar is on the white side of A Muse printed cardstock.  I will usually pick 3-4 colors and alternate them before placing in the printer.  I then add photos or stamped images to the colored/patterned side.  So fast and easy!

 

 

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Emily has been featuring her beautiful A Muse Calendar pages on her blog every month for the past few years.  This year she has decided to mix things up a little bit.

"For my calendar design this year, I printed my calendars on colored pages instead of white. As you know, A Muse has lots of solid cardstock colors in 8.5"x11", so that made it super easy!  And the white core gave a finished look on the back of each page."

Sweet and simple!

Be sure to visit Emily's blog for a monthly dose of calendar inspiration.

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As we have seen, the A Muse team is finding lots of creative uses for our NEW! 4" x 6" calendar. 

Here is another inspiring project, designed by Lori.

"A 4 x 6 calendar AND a black & white version!  This size and neutral color is PERFECT for my design idea.  My hubby and his dad recently went on a fishing trip to Alaska. I knew he would love to have some of his pictures on display.  That’s how I got my idea for a re-usable calendar base that you can change out the month pages and personalize it with photographs. With both the calendars and pictures being 4 x 6, it’s a super easy…no fuss creation.  To help save on paper, I printed on both sides of the A Muse cardstock.  Having 1 side colored and 1 side white gives some variety as well. On the back is a pocket to hold the calendar pages and pictures."

 

I {heart} the pocket.

 To see more of Lori's inspiring projects, please visit her blog Stamp Scents.

I hope you have a great weekend.  Please pop in for more creative calendar ideas.  And, don't miss our Spread the Word contest!

 

Three for Thursday!

This must be a record for us... 3 posts in one day!

We are so happy to welcome the lovely and talented Anna Wight to the A Muse blog again to share some beautiful calendar inspiration.  Anna has supported the A Muse Calendar project for the past three years, wowing us with her creative talent! Thank you Anna for your support!

Anna's calendar is beautiful and practical and would make a great (& inexpensive) gift! 

Anna used the black and white version of the 4x4 calendar for her project.  The b+w files are included with the purchase of each calendar at no extra charge.

Here's a brief note from Anna about her Calendar project with some great tips!

"I chose to use some of my favorite A Muse images to decorate each page, and added lots of glitter for sparkle and shine. I repurposed some light-weight chipboard to create the base of the calendar, and covered it with patterned paper. (A hint about my chipboard: I order sheets of postage stamps from USPS.com -- each sheet comes packaged with a really nice piece of chipboard, perfect for craft projects!) I also repurposed the magnetic strip from the back of a notepad I recently used the last page of, and adhered the magnetic strip to the backside of the calendar base with sticky redline tape. A couple of brads make it simple to change out the monthly pages."

Here's a peek at a few inside pages...

 

Looks like she is a Boris fan. <grin>

Here is a view of the magnetic strip on the back of the calendar page.  You can purchase magnetic tape strips at your local hardware store.

and one last beauty shot for you!

 

Please visit Anna's blog Sweet Miss Daisy to read more about her calendar project.  Be sure to leave her a little blog love in the form of a comment.

Here's a link to Anna's 2009 Calendar projects that is definitely worth a look!

Thanks for stopping by!

Seattle Classes THIS week

We have two great classes that still have space in them this week.

TGIF Stampin' - You've got Male
Friday, Septebmer 17th, 12 to 1 pm
only $10

Join Linda for our fun lunch-hour class series where you will make three cards for the men in your life. Please call the store to pre-register for this class 206.783.4882.

Here's a peek at one of the cards we'll make.

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COPIC 101, with Joyce
Saturday, September 18th @ 4pm
$25

If you own or are considering a purchase of COPIC markers, you *must* come to this introductory class.  You will learn which papers and inks work best with COPIC markers and learn some basic shading techniques.  A Muse pioneered the use of COPIC markers in the stamping world so you will be learning from the source when you take a class from a Certified A Muse Instructor!  Class participants will enjoy a 10% discount on their purchases on the day of the class.

You may register for this class online or call the store 206.783.4882.

Hope to see you in class!

 

Calendar Inspiration - Day 4

Wow!   Heidi was BUSY today processing calendar orders.  Thank you for your support!

I would like to challenge all of you, our stamping friends, to tell at least ONE crafty friend about this great project.  It really is a fun project for all ages and wouldn't it be fantastic if we could build a swingset for Charley?

If you are just joining us, please read more about our Calendar project by clicking on the following links: Charley's Fund, Calendar Details 1, Calendar Details 2.

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OK.  Let's get on with the show!  You are going to LOVE today's calendar projects, created by Julie, Glenda and Lexi!

First up is a beautiful Mini calendar designed by Julie.

"This cute and dainty sized calendar could fit right in your pocket!  The mini size on text weight paper would make the perfect tear-away calendar, too--just staple them altogether at the top and mount to your project!"

                                                        ~Julie

Julie's Mini calendar fits perfectly inside a plastic business card case available here.

Here's a peak at *all* the months.  So pretty!

Please visit Julie's blog Paper Trufflez to view more of her lovely creations!

 

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This next project featues our 4" x 6" Calendar and was cleverly designed by Lexi.  As they say... "necessity is the mother of all invention."   Here's Lexi to tell us about her project:

"My daughter's been begging me for a magnetic calendar for her locker since the first day of school last month, so I knew exactly what I wanted to do when A Muse calendar time rolled around!  She has a full calendar in her planner, so the 4 x 6 size is perfect for getting a quick peek when she opens her locker to gather her books.  Instead of printing on regular paper or card stock, I printed on printable magnet paper--easy peasy!  She helped pick a favorite image for each month and I added some lines so that she can write a few highlights.  She can't wait to hang the first semester up tomorrow!"

To see more of Lexi's clever designs, please visit her blog Confetti.

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Our final project for today was designed by Glenda.  Her classic and useful design makes great use of the A2 Calendar which comes with a FREE perpetual calendar.

"I am addicted to the A Muse calendars and make a few different sizes every year. In particular, I love using the A2 calendar for my day timer at home. This sits beside my phone and I use it for a birthday and appointment calendar. I don't have a binding machine so I simply punched holes, put some rings through and tied on some ribbon. It works really well. Also, the 'tiny' A Muse stamps are perfect to mark birthdays and holidays on these calendars. "

               ~ Glenda

 

Stay tuned, I have more Calendar projects for you tomorrow!

 

 

2011 Calendars now available!

I'm pleased to announce that the A Muse 2011 calendars are now available for purchase and download!  Click here to get yours today!

This year, there are FIVE calendar styles available.  Your Calendar purchase will consist of a digital download (a PDF file) that you may print as many times as you like.  Nothing will be shipped to you.  Please note that we are only able to process orders during our regular business hours (M-F from 8 am to 4:00 pm PST).  Orders placed outside of our regular business hours will be processed on our next business day.

For a detailed description of each Calendar, please click here.

A few notes concerning this year's calendars:

** NEW! - When you purchase your 2011 Calendar file(s) you will automatically receive a black and white version of the same file.  

** NEW! - You may purchase the entire collection of A Muse 2011 Calendars with one button for a minimum donation of $15.  You will receive 10 files in total.

** We no longer offer plastic calendar cases, however, you may purchase them online here.  They offer several styles that coordinate with our calendars.  The 4" x 6" Calendar Case works great with our 4" x 6" calendar.  And, the mini case works beautifully with the mini calendar. 

The proceeds from the sale of the A Muse 2011 Calendar will benefit Charley's Fund.  To learn more about Charley's Fund, please click here.

The minimum donation amount for each Calendar file is $4.  However, if you wish to make a larger donation ($10 or $20), you may select that option at the time of purchase.  Every donation is appreciated!  I would love to raise enough money to build a swing set for Charley!  Together we can do it!

I hope you enjoy your calendar(s).  Thank you for your support! 

Calendar Inspiration - Day 3

If you are just joining us for the first time, please click here to read more about the A Muse 2011 Calendar Project.

Welcome to Day 3 of A Muse Calendar Inspiration.  Today's calendars were designed by Heather, Meghan and Michelle C. and I can't wait to share them with you!

Today's showcase will begin with a colorful 4" x 6" calendar, designed by Heather.  Here are a few words from Heather on the inspiration behind her calendar:

"As I read how Charley's family and friends remembered her on the "Charley's Fund" Facebook page, color seemed to be a recurring theme: in the bright balloons they gathered to release in her memory, her favorite colors, and even as they recalled her vibrant personality.  This year my calendar design is inspired by Charley and her love of color."

The A Muse 4" x 6" Calendar fits beautifully into this nifty calendar case.  Wouldn't this calendar sitting on your desk brighten your day?

I love how Heather has repeated many of the images throughouther calendar pages. 

To see see more of Heather's wonderful designs, please visit her blog One Little Spark.

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Our next Calendar project showcases the 4" square version and was designed by Michelle C.

Michelle no longer uses a paper calendar, she's all digital! However, she has found a clever way to incorporate the A Muse Calendar pages into her scrapbook pages. Michelle writes:

"I wanted to show the versatility of the A Muse calendars. Using the square calendar, I was able to easily create a 4-square layout that can be used for a monthly scrapbook page.You can create pages ahead of time, like I did for October, and just add pictures when you get them. You are guaranteed to have at least one scrapbook page per month."

 

To view more of Michelle's inspiring ideas and read more about her calendar project, please visit her blog Sparkle Designs.

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Our last Calendar project for today features the A2 format, designed by Meghan.  I am always looking for new ways to assemble my calendar projects and I am excited to try this clever solution by Meghan!

Let's have a look:

Meghan shares with us how she put together her calendar:

"The A2 calendar pages are mounted on black cardstock, then perforated with the Scor-Bug 0.5 inches from the top (it's best to go back and forth a few times for extra perforations because there are two layers). The top of the calendar pages were punched with the Crop-a-dile and then taped together with Scor-tape above the holes so you can easily tear away the pages one month at a time. The ribbon is threaded through the back of the calendar out through the lip of the matchbook and tied in a bow.

 The calendart stands up nicely on its own, but as pages are torn away it can be propped up on an easel or even in a cd jewel case."

Perforated Pages... now WHY didn't I think of THAT?!! So clever!!

To read about Meghan's calendar project and see more of her fabulous work, please visit her blog Driven to Ink.

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I hope you have enjoyed today's Calendar Projects.  The A Muse 2011 calendars are now available to purchase from the A Muse website.  Woohoo!  Go get 'em!

I will have even more Calendar inspiration to share tomorrow!  Stay tuned!

 

 

Shop News - 9/14/09

FREE Make & Take this week

Jeepers Creepers! Join us this week to make a Halloween inspired fortune cookie!

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

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TGIF Stampin' class THIS week!

You've Got Male!

Friday, September 17th, 12-1pm - $10

Sometimes it's hard to make a 'not so cutesy' card for a man.  Join us for this lunch hour class and make 3 sleek, masculine designed cards for the special men in your life!

Call us to register at 206-783-4882 or sign up online here.

 

COPIC 101 , with Joyce
THIS Saturday, September 18, 4pm

In this introductory class you will learn which papers and inks work best with COPC markers along with some basic shading techniquest.  You are welcome to bring your own markers or use mine.  Please label your personal markers.

Call the shop to register (206-783-4882) for this popular class or sign up online here.

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NEW in the Shop

TOKYOMILK!

We are so excited about carrying the beautiful personal items from TOKYOMILK! They smell absoultely wonderful and would make very special gifts - even for yourself!

Lip Balm - 6 different flavors, $12 each

 
Parfum Solid -  6 different scents, $20 each

 

Gift Soaps - 3 different designs, $4 each

Max's Mud!

The First Certified Organic Sculpting Dough! All natural and great for kids, especially those with gluten allergies. 8 colors. $4 each.

Here's Max's Mom, the creator of the Mud, dropping off our shipment : )

Hope to see you in the shop!

Michele

Calendar Inspiration - TWO for Tuesday!

If you are just joining us, please read this blog entry to learn more about the A Muse 2011 Calendar Project and be sure to check out the posts below for even more Calendar Inspiration.

Our Bonus project today comes to you from one of our stamping friends - Jody Morrow!  This is Jody's THIRD year supporting the A Muse Calendar project with her fabulous designs. I am so grateful to her for lending her immense talent to this special cause!

Jody used the A Muse Mini Calendar to create this *amazing* Calendar Gift Box. 

 

Here's a closer look at one of the calendar pages.

 
See how nicely they fit inside the box?

 

Jody has a special offer for you so hop on over to her blog Confessions of a Ribbon Addict to see more of her amazing calendar project and read all about it.

Here are links to Jody's past Calendar projects which are sure to inspire you!

Jody's Wall hanging

Jody's Thank you book

Jody's Halloween Countdown Calendar

Jody's Acrylic Frame Calendar

Jody's Chic Perpetual Calendar

Jody's Wildflower Calendar

Thank you, Jody, for your continued support of the A Muse Calendar Project!  Please show your appreciation for Jody's inspiring calendar projects by visiting her blog and posting a comment.

 

 

 

 

 

Calendar Inspiration - Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of our Calendar Inspiration.

If you are just joining us, please read this blog entry to learn more about the A Muse 2011 Calendar Project and be sure to check out yesterday's post for even more Calendar Inspiration.

Let's get started! 

The first projects for today's Calendar Inspiration were designed by Novell.  She used the A Muse Mini Calendar to create beautiful calendar-themed cards.

 

"The A Muse mini calendars are the perfect size for cards, too! Use them to signify an important date like a birthday in January or the first day of school in September!"
                                                       ~Novell Eckstrom

 
This is such a clever idea for a card.  To view more of Novell's inspiring ideas, please visit her blog Mastering the Art of Procurement.

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Our next Calendar project features the A Muse 4" square calendar.  It was our original calendar design and still my favorite!  Michelle likes it too... 

"I love making A Muse calendars!  Choosing the 4" calendar (complete with guide lines for cutting - how easy is that?!) and some delightful A Muse gingham paper enables you to construct a simple, cute and most importantly, practical calendar that I keep in my kitchen year round.  They are so fun to put together and are delightful gifts that any recipient would love!" 

                                                      ~ Michelle Mathey

 
Michelle used the Bind-it-All to keep all of her calendar pages together. 

 
To see/read more about Michelle's fabulous calendar project, please visit her blog Pigment of My Imagination.

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Cupcakes anyone?

Stamping 12 months of a calendar can seem like an daunting task.  It's easy if you stick with one theme, as Cheiron did.  Who can resist CUPCAKES!!  Cheiron stamped a different cupcake theme for each month and the results are simple de-licious!

Cheiron used the A Muse A2 Calendar which includes a FREE Perpetual birthday calendar.  I love how she combined the monthly and perpetual calendar all in one.  What a fun and useful calendar!

 

Please visit Cheiron's Blog What Matters Most to see more photos of her de-licious calendar!

I hope you have enjoyed these inspiring Calendar ideas.  If you like what you've seen today, please show our designer a little blog love by posting a comment here or at their individual blogs.

Stay tuned... I have LOTS more Calendar Inspiration to share!

 

P.S. Calendars will be available for purchase on Wednesday, September 15th at 9 am PST.