Creative Grace

Guest blogger {Sherry} - Good luck

Hi everyone!  So, are you enjoying these fabulous guest bloggers?  I know I am.  I'm proud to let Sherry take over my blog today!  I met Sherry for the first time a couple years ago and my life has never been the same since! :)  She is so full of energy and never fails to crack me up.  She's also someone I've grown to trust and has been a great confidant to me.  She has a fun card to share today:

 

Graduation time is upon us, and I want to say more that congratulations to the graduates, it just doesn't seem to cover the future all of our graduates have before them this year.  I have a fifth grader moving into middle school, an eighth grader moving up to the high school, many cousins moving onto college and a niece moving onto the working world.  As well as a few really terrific friends that,  need a little luck on their side to accomplish all that they have set their minds too.  I know they will all make it, but I wanted to give them a little luck on the side

A little luck sounds great to me!  Thanks for the inspiration Sherry!

Guest blogger {Nora} - scholar

This week is graduation!  Although I still have a few more weeks of work left on the beast (aka my thesis), I'll be walking in the graduation ceremonies this Friday with two of my best friends.  I'm happy that my hubby and close family will be there with me to celebrate the day.  

I thought that today would be a great day to let Nora take over my blog!  I was so lucky to meet her when I was teaching A Muse classes in New Jersey almost two years ago.  We bonded over Twilight and sparkly glitter :)  She is such a *hoot* and an amazingly talented woman.  I also love that she is so supportive of independent companies/shops - be sure to check out the links she shares below!

 

Something Old, Something New

I made this card with some oldies, but goodies. First, the layout is based on a sketch from the March/April 2009 Paper Crafts Magazine. The stamp set is also an "oldie" from Cornish Heritage Farms by Kim Hughes, a great company that unfortunately closed it's doors awhile back. But if you like the art, make sure to check out Kim's new stamp company Paper Smooches.

I was at my sister's shop, Paper Wings, and grabbed the beautiful 6x6 Stella Ruby paper pads by My Minds Eye, and I knew the colors would go perfect with my little owl! I don't usually stray from the standard A2 size card, but I had some fun with this 4 x 9 1/4" one that will fit in a business size envelope.

Good luck with everything you have going on in the coming days/weeks! Remember, one day at a time ;)

Hugs, Nora

Supplies Used:

Cardstock-PTI Vintage Cream 

Stamps-CHF U R A Hoot

DP-Stella Ruby by MME

Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic Markers RV32, RV34, E25, E33, E37, E57, YR16, Y38

Other-Ribbon from my stash, Distres Stickles, Liquid Pearls

 

Nora - thanks for such a darling card!  This will certainly inspire lots of cute graduation cards!

 

Guest blogger {Tracy} - Grad goodness

It's graduation week!  Woohoo!  Although I still have a few weeks of work left to go, I'll be walking in the Spring graduation ceremony in 6 days!  I thought it would be fun to kick off the festivities with this fantastic post by my sweet friend Tracy, fellow former A Muse instructor and someone I've grown to truly appreciate in my life.  I'm still in awe that she was able to come through with a post for me as she is bravely tackling motherhood with a newborn at the moment!  Take it away Tracy:  

 

When Jill asked for some guest bloggers to help her out while she finished her thesis, I knew I wanted to make a card. Yes, I just had a baby a few weeks ago and even though I had not had a chance to stamp since he was born, this would be great motivation to just squeeze in time to do it!  I was panicking since the time just wasn't presenting itself, until finally the baby took a liking to his swing for an hour, I was able to sneak into my craft room (how I've missed you!) and whipped up a much deserved graduation card for Jill's upcoming accomplishment at the end of this month!  Anyone who pursues and achieves a higher education deserves a great big high-five! in my book and hopefully some festive celebrating will ensue for her as well. =)

 

The card was pre-cut with the grad cap which I really liked... I've had the Penny Black hedgehog image for a long time now and although it hasn't seen much use lately, I'm always glad when the occasion arises.  Stamped and colored with copic and spica pens.  Layered on gold and black cardstock.  Perfect line up for the cap on the image to peek through the pre-cut window on the card front. But now, how to keep the card shut? 

A simple band to go around the entire card with a 'congratulations' stamp (michael's) on a strip banner would serve just fine.  Added a few star punches (marvy) and the card goes into the mail to a dear friend on her graduation day. Way to go Jill!  You deserve it!

I imagine Fisher Price has been elevated several notches in your book, as well as mine - UNBELIEVABLE card Tracy!  You are my hero!

Guest blogger {Dawn} - submerged in numbers

Today's special guest is the one and only Dawn Stein! I had the pleasure of being on the A Muse Instructor Team with Dawn for a couple years.  I'm so happy she decided to take the *plunge* and design a card to share with you all.  I chose her card to post today as I had my final for my quantitative analysis (statistics) class this week! Eeek!

As you can see, I love Dawn for her humor her big heart.  Take it away Dawn...

There are so many reasons this card is perfect for my friend, Jill.  You see, she is working hard on her thesis and taking a statistics class all at the same time.  Instead of creating beautiful cards in her spare time, she doesn't have any spare time.  That's where I come in.  She sent a shout out to some of her stamping friends to help her with her blog while she finishes her school projects.  Of course, I said yes.  Her challenge to us was to make a Graduation, Encouragement or Pity Party card.  Graduation, Encouragement cards, got that.  But a Pity Party card?  What in the world is that?  So, that is the card I chose.

Actually once I got started, it seemed quite easy.  Think about Jill, what is she feeling sorry for herself about?  That darn statistics class.  All those numbers swirling around in her head.  Must be making her crazy!  So out came my brand new dominos Cuttlebug folder.  Plenty of numbers on that.  Will make a good background.  What else should I do?  How about using the Submarine stamp?  She loves submarines.  The reason I bought it was because of her.  I know!  I can make the background a swirl of numbers and she can be floating around in them.  Just used the direct to paper shading method and the background was finished.  Used Doodlebug sugared paper for the waves.  Good.  Now what to use for the sentiment?  "Woe is me" was running around in my head the whole time I was thinking of what to do but there isn't a stamp that I know of that says "Woe is me". So, I made my own.  Soon she will make it to the surface in her submarine and be able to claim success over her new degree.  Hang in there, Jill, to the victor go the spoils.

Dawn - I am sublimely thankful for you! :)  I love that sub... *sigh*

 

Guest blogger {Krystie} - swimming!

Today's guest blogger is Krystie!  She's one of the fabulously talented designers for a•muse|studio!  I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to get to know her better this past year as I've oohed and aaahed over her stunning cards (and the fact that she figured out how to work the word *martini* into her blog name! genius!) The floor is yours Krystie:

 

 

This is such a fun idea to help keep Jill's blog active while she's so busy with her thesis!  I was happy to help, 'cuz I LOVE me some Jill!  I wanted to make a card that offered her a bit of encouragement! 

 

All supplies are by a muse | studio.  The stamp set is Keep Swimmin'.

 

Go, Jill, you're in the home stretch!  :)

.

I'm feeling a little under water this week and am happy to get some encouragement!  Thanks Krystie!

 

Guest blogger {Novell} - mastering the art of the graduation card

Hello crafty friends!  

As of today I am busy processing data on the beast (see my announcement here).  Since I'm buried in numbers at the moment, my wonderful friend and talented a•muse|studio designer, Novell, is stepping in as my guest blogger today.  She is such an awesome person, I *LOVE* her talent for making simple and elegant cards, as you can see from this fabulous creation of hers:

 

 

To create this card, cut Onyx cardstock to 4.25 x 9.75"

Score at 5.5"

With the long side across the top, make a small pencil mark at 2 1/8" to the left and right of the score line.

Repeat this step on the other side.

With the short side at the top, make a diagonal score line from the top left pencil mark to the bottom right pencil mark.

Make a diagonal score line from the top right pencil mark to the bottom left pencil mark. 

With the short side still at the top, mark the center with a small pencil mark (again at 2 1/8")

Trim off the left and right corners to create a point in the center by using the center mark as a guide and cutting to the top left and top right score marks.

Fold the center section in. This creates your grad cap.

Create a tassle using embroidery floss or cording. 

Mark the center of the grad cap and attach the tassle with a brad.

Cut another piece of paper to 2 7/8".

Stamp your sentiment and cap image, then adhere to the inside of the card so it covers your brad.

 

Novell, hat's off to you for such a great idea for a graduation and for being so generous with the amazing cards you create!  (Be sure to check out Novell's awesome blog here).  

Special announcement

Hello blog friends!

I have a very special announcement for you today.  Starting tomorrow, I am in a big 8-week stretch to frantically complete my thesis (code name, "the beast") and officially graduate (while working full-time! eek!) The good news is I won't have any time to procrastinate, it should go nice and fast, and I'll be DONE! :) 

I was just a little worried about my blog, soooooooo...... I called upon some of my amazing crafty friends for help who so graciously agreed to be guest designers on my blog during this time to help keep you all inspired - we are all super lucky!

I asked them to make cards with one of the following themes:

1) Pity party card (because, well, you know, I'll be feeling sorry for myself having to work on the beast and wishing I could be doing other things, LOL)

2) Card of encouragement

3) Graduation card

Wait till you see what they worked up for you - WOW!  I've had a blast seeing what they came up with and I know you will too! :)

Check back tomorrow for the first guest designer post!

 

Baby shower gift

*** Interested in winning some a•muse|studio goodness?  Click here ****

 

Hi friends!

First of all, I want to let you all know I have a *BIG* surprise in store for you!  Be sure to check back here on Wednesday to find out what I have up my sleeve :)

Today I share with you a special card for a baby shower.  Turns out, a couple guys I work with are about to become Dad's.  We are having a special staff baby shower for them tomorrow.  

I always make it my challenge to figure out a way to give a baby gift for fellow teachers/staff that students can be a part of.  I found this cool picture on Pinterest a few weeks ago of a unique "guest book" where guests left a thumb print on a canvas.  The prints eventually became leaves on a tree.  I thought this would be a great way to let a bunch of students be a part of a special gift.  Soooo.... with some help from some great peeps, I managed to get some inexpensive canvas, get a tree trunk and branches cut from paper, and have all of the students I teach who know these two gentlemen leave their print on the canvas.  

I have to admit, I LOVED the canvas with just that, but I was encouraged to embellish a bit. Be sure to check out my Facebook page (Jill Grace {Creativegrace} • A Muse Studio)  to see the end products!

This weekend I tackled the baby cards - my goal was for them to match the canvas.  They are a little *different* from your traditional baby card, but I'm not a traditional baby person I guess! LOL  And it gave me another excuse to play with Washi tape ;)

Hopefully this will make the new Dad's happy!

Reach for the sky Joshua!

 

*** Interested in winning some a•muse|studio goodness?  Click here ****

 

If you saw my last post, you know a little about Joshua.  Hopefully this card will do the trick to put a smile on his face.  I don't have a stamp of a tripped out race car, but I do have a rocket!

I remember how much my nieces love interactive cards, so I thought this shadow box card would be perfect.  I wanted to keep the card cheerful and, well, uplifting ;)

Please consider making a card for Joshua and sharing his story.  For more information, click here.  

 

a•muse|studio products were used to make this card (along with some Washi tape and one of my favorite old A Muse sentiments).