Lara loves...

helping people create the life they want!

2012-02-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

There has never been a better time to GET ON BOARD!

Create the life you want! Become an A Muse Studio Creative Consultant!

This is SO exciting! A Muse Studio is a Social Sales business that let's you share something you love--papercrafting--while earning money and doing it alongside having a family and/or another career. If you have been looking for a way to add some income to your budget this may be the thing for you! You can set your own goals and hours. And there is training and support available to you to help you get your business started.

I love what I do....teaching people creative stamping and papercrafting techniques AND offering them the opportunity to create the life they want with an A Muse Studio business of their own.

If you still have month left over when your budget runs out. If you are looking for a way to take your family on vacation or just some additional income. If you want a night out a couple times a month to get crafty with people. A Muse Studio may be just the thing for YOU!

Details for the GET ON BOARD Starter Kit Special: Sign up before May 15th and receive $75 in free product to launch your business, along with your Deluxe Starter Kit! Or get $50 in free product with the purchase of a Basic Starter Kit! {$50/$75 to be used on stamp sets only | good for 30 days from the date of signup | promotion ends 11:59pm on may14th}
See the new Catalog & Inspiration Guide!

To find out more you can email me at lara@amusestudio.com. There is no pressure--just information and a lot of possibility!

a new catalog!

2012-02-02T19:59:00.000-08:00

The new A Muse Studio catalog & inspiration guide is here and WOW! I still can't believe how amazing it is. You'll want to see if for yourself, but just to give you an idea....

There are 46 all new stamp sets that are amazing! Bold images, delicate florals, vintage, whimsical, travel themes, and so much more! Then there are new colors and pattern papers, new dies (that are fun boxes and spiral blossom flowers and cupcake toppers and more!). I haven't even mentioned the new glitter and ribbon and specialty papers...this much crafty goodness needs to be seen and used! Contact me or shop my webstore: www.amusestudio.com/larakalapacs

to bask in the blog love

2012-01-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

A Muse Studio is being featured on eighteen25. Check out this fun crafty blog here> http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/ They've got lots of fun crafty ideas to inspire you AND between now and Sunday they have some A Muse Studio give-away goodies! So drop on by and bask in the blog love!

Valentine's Day

2012-01-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

Who needs a sweetheart to celebrate?! There are plenty of people who touch our lives everyday, with kindness, sweetness, and love! Celebrate them with some of these super cute cards and projects!

Who wouldn't love to get any one of these?

Want to see more? Check out my webstore www.amusestudio.com/larakalapacs or click on the Spotlight tab above for even more photos! I would love to do a workshop with you and your friends and make some of these projects! Email me at lara@amusestudio.com to set up a workshop of your own. The typical workshop includes 2 hands-on projects that you and your friends can each make and take with you, lots of samples and inspiration, tips and techniques, and a seriously crafty-fun time! AND it's FREE for you and your guests. I'll bring the projects, the fun and the A Muse Studio Catalog & Inspirations Guides! Let's get crafting!

ALL products used are by A Muse Studio & these photos were taken by the A Muse Studio designers.

Cheers to a New Year!

2012-01-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!

Welcome to a new year! I am one of those reflective types that gets to the new year and likes to take time to think about the year that was and the year that is just beginning. December 31st-January 1st are a magical space between one year and the next for me. I brief pause to stop and take stock.

There is so much to be thankful for. Even the things that have been hard.... Sometimes I wonder about cold, dark times, only to later realize that it was a winter time and eventually Spring comes and I see a lot of growth and change that would not have come otherwise.

See, I wasn't kidding. I get all moony and reflective and sappy and if I don't watch it I'll be writing bad poetry and no one wants me to go there. So, instead I made a card.

I was in a mood to celebrate the good and the growth of this year and I had seen a cute little card something like this kicking around the A Muse shop a while back. I wish I could give credit to the designer, but I don't know who made the original. With that card in the back of my mind I made this one. I wanted it to be fun and bright and have a festive feel. Here's what I learned... glitter gives champagne a fun bubbly look and in order to make it look right you have to remember to draw a straight horizontal line no matter what angle the glass is at. Liquid in a glass is always going to be perfectly horizontal unless it'd sloshing out of the glass or being sprayed, which would have been a whole other card.

With that I say, Happy 2012!

Cheers to you!

Have a blessed new year!

All products used are A Muse Studio
Stamp Set-a fine wine; Cardstock- sugar, papya, onyx polkadot; Ink- memento tuxedo black; Accessories- Copic Y19; diamond glitter & quickie glue pen, onyx polka dot ribbon, vanilla button.

....a right jolly old elf!

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the best designs are the simplest. A little red cardstock and some white embossing powder and with the wink of an eye you have this super cute card.

A few small pieces of cardstock and and some twine wraps it up like the delightful little Christmas wish that it is. When your December gets a little busy, having this sweet and simple design makes handmade fast, easy and just as full of homemade love as you mean it to be. Love that!

All products by A Muse Studio
Card Recipe: Stamp Set- Santa's Flight; Cardstock- cherry, french roast, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas; Ink-versamark; Accessories- white embossing powder, cherry twine.

www.amusestudio.com/larakalapacs

to switch things up!

2011-12-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

This is a cute little card that we made at the Black Friday Workshop. It uses the December Spotlight stamp sets and is just one of my favorites lately. If you'd like to make it, I am happy to teach it at a workshop of your own!

The simplicity of the color scheme and the little gaggle of snowmen are just too fun. And while I'm guessing not many of you who are in New England are all that eager for the snow to start, I have to say I just love winter and snow and this card just makes me happy! The bermuda ink draws out a little iridescent blue in the diamond glitter!

Recently, I needed to make a quick card for a friend who just had a baby boy so I decided to switch things up a bit and make this sweet little card.

I love a good card layout...

This is one to remember!

I left the ribbon off this time, but I do think the buttons need the little bit of onyx twine. It helps ground the sentiment I think.

The little elephant is one of my favorite stamps and comes from the Mighty Jungle set. If you like him as much as I do you will want to order it asap. The Mighty Jungle is retiring and when it is sold out, it's gone for good.

I hope you spend some time playing with a layout and swapping out the stamps to see what you can come up with. It can be a lot of fun.

To my friends who are new stampers...now you have some ideas, I can't wait to see what you make!

All products by A Muse Studio
Card Recipe: Stamps- winter wishes, polka dot patterns, mighty jungle, sleepy sighs; Cardstock- bermuda, sugar; Ink- bermuda, memento tuxedo black; Accessories- bermuda satin ribbon, bermuda buttons, onyx twine, quickie glue pen, diamond glitter

a little man with a BIG heart!

2011-12-01T18:24:00.001-08:00

Happy December!

I love this little guy! It's one of the easiest projects ever.

(and if you come to the workshop on Saturday you'll get to

make one of your own!) 2 dies and a little twine and you

have the cutest little guy. The only thing better is...

more than one!

All products are by A Muse Studio

Card Recipe: Cardstock- cocoa, cherry; Accessories- gingerbread die, heart trio die, cherry baker's twine

Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:46:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you for visiting my little corner of the web. Today I want to share this little inchie card and my gratitude to all of the friends, old and new, that share their creativity with me. Thank you to my customers and hostesses for spending time getting crafty with me. I appreciate doing the fun business that we do together! Thank you to my fellow A Muse Studio Creative Consultants--working with you is a joy and a privilege. I thank God everyday for the blessing He has given through this creative endeavor and sharing that with people like you makes it all the more rewarding. Many blessings to you.

I hope you like my little card. Inchies are one of my favorite things to make. They are great any time of year with any kind of stamp or style! I'd love to see what kind of inchies you make.

All products by A Muse Studio

Card Recipe: Stamp Set-Turkey Time; Cardstock- vanilla, pumpkin; Ink- memento rich cocoa, french roast; Accessories-copics, 1" square punch

a little inspiration!

2011-11-20T18:46:00.001-08:00

Sometimes we all need a little inspiration. These are some of the things that have been inspiring me lately. These designs are from the A Muse Studio Inspiration Guide & Catalog. This is one of my favorite places to look when I need some ideas. So here's a little something to get your creative self going....

This Warm Winter Wishes card uses a pretty stamp set that's on sale right now through the end of December. I'll be teaching it at my November and December workshops. If you're interested send me an email. at lara@amusestudio.com.

It uses a few of my favorite things: glitter and super stick tape, a stamp positioner (love that tool for lining things up "just right") and candy cane stripe patterned cardstock.

What are you making this Christmas?

And how cute is this tag?

A little cocoa cardstock, a g-man die, a warm felt heart, some bakers twine for a scarf, and little glitter to give it a sugar dusted touch!

I just love this little guy....he will be making an appearance on my Christmas gifts this year. Everyone needs a little man so cute and yummy...makes ya just want to bite his head off. I'm hungry for some cookies all of a sudden. How 'bout you?

What inspires you lately?

All products used are from A Muse Studio. These cards were designed by the talented Creative Muses at A Muse Studio. I did NOT make them....yet.....just was so excited I had to share.

red and white (& the new Spotlight!)

2011-11-14T21:36:00.001-08:00

I am a big fan of red & white. I love to mix these colors any chance I get. And Christmas gives me an occasion to really play with that. So when I saw the new Spotlight projects it was love at first sight. The coasters are adorable and I am going to be making some tomorrow. {Ann, if you are reading my blog, close your eyes! You may be getting these for Christmas!} How cute & easy! Gotta love that....tie them up with some ribbon, add a hot cocoa mix and you've got a cute little Christmas gift good to go. Come to think of it I wonder who else might like this. Hmm... This could be fun! If you haven't had a chance to play and create with the A Muse Studio felt you have been missing out. The colors are lovely and coordinate perfectly with the ribbons, paper, pearls and twinkles. But as you can see, sometimes you don't even need bling (did I really just say that...no sparkle necessary? But look at how cute, fast, and fabulous these coasters are!!). All you need is some felt, some heat'n'bond and some dies. Easy-peasey-lemon-squeezy! Crafty goodness at it's best!

And I love this little tree. SO easy to make! Isn't it great when a simple project gives you that big WOW! factor you're going for?! I may just have to host my own Cookie Swap after seeing all the beautiful and inspiring project for this month's Spotlight. Click on the a|s Spotlight tab about to see more inspiring photos and all of the Spotlight details! And if you really love it, email me and we can set up YOUR VERY OWN WORKSHOP featuring the current Spotlight features or anything else that you'd like to make. I do workshops all over the New England/Seacoast area and New Jersey when I'm in the area. I'd love to get crafty with you and your friends! Email me with your contact info and we will set something up. I have a few spots left but they are going to go soon....don't miss it!

lara@amusestudio.com

...acorns!

2011-11-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

I saw this card at the A Muse Shop and knew that I was going to have to make it myself just because it is so cute! I also live in a place where there are a lot of squirrels and acorns so it feels rather home-y to me.

This is one of those cards where I like to use my stamp positioner to get those acorns all lined up "just so." If you haven't tried this tool yet it is worth playing with. It's easy to use and can save you a headache of what could be "fussy stamping." You can just stamping it quick and get to the copic coloring. So that's my little woo hoo for the stamp positioner and to the creative muse stamping away at the shop.....Love this card! Thank you!

All products by A Muse Studio
Card Recipe: Stamp Sets - woodland friends, autumn beauty; Cardstock - wheat, fern, sugar; Ink - Memento black, french roast, nutmeg; Copics - YG95, YG97, E33, E37, W2

...snow!

2011-10-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

I think there is a frosty pumpkin card in my future.

....leaves.

2011-10-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall! This is my favorite time of the year. I love the changing of the season from Summer to Autumn. I love the changing of the leaves, the riot of color that happens every year. When I first saw this stamp set I knew I would have to have it to play with. It just makes me so happy.

Here's a close up! Don't you just love how the inks play so nicely together and layer like a dream?!

Card Recipe: ALL ingredients are A Muse Studio. Stamp sets: autumn leaves, mesh background, contemporary greetings; Cardstock: squash, vanilla; Ink: nutmeg, squash, pumpkin, toffee
Post or go to www.amusestudio.com/larakalapacs for info on ordering these goodies.

2011-10-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's Spotlight time again!

This month we have a beautiful Autumn Harvest theme. It's perfect for Thanksgiving and any other get together you may be having this fall. I love the inspiration to take my stamping off the card and into so fun decorating.

I am giddy about these sparkling pumpkins! I love the shimmer of the A Muse Studio Diamond glitter in the candle light! What a fun way to add an elegant touch to a Harvest celebration of any kind. I've got my mind on Thanksgiving right now, but I can't help but wonder what in my house will wind up glittered by Christmas. Anything that doesn't move on it's own is in serious trouble!

If you are suddenly in need of some glitter or you're interested in shopping the Spotlight check out my website: www.amusestudio.com/larakalapacs. And if you'd like to host a workshop in the New Hampshire Seacoast area send me an email at lara@amusestudio.com. I'd love to teach you and your friends how to make some of these fabulous Spotlight projects!

...halloween owls.

2011-09-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

I love this little owl! He makes such a perfect wrapping for this halloweenie button bracelet that I made. I first saw the owl as a spotlight project done in blues and yellow, and I knew I was going to have to make an orange and black version of my own.

It was so easy I can hardly stand it! (My favorite kind of project!) Just cut out some circles and an oval with your dies and Big Shot. Stamp some circles in onyx. Trim the top of your mini brown bag to a point. Stick everything down. Add some buttons to finish the eyes and you are good to go!

The bracelet was equally easy, just slip buttons through split rings and link them to a bracelet. It takes a little longer to do than the owl, but it's easy enough.

What a hooot! (couldn't resist!) Happy Halloween crafting!!

All products used are by A Muse Studio:
Stamp Set- rock star; Cardstock- sugar, onyx, pumpkin, papya; Ink- onyx; Accessories- (mini) brown paper bag, onyx buttons, glue dots, pumpkin buttons

Split rings and bracelet were from my stash of crafty goodness, but similar items can be found in craft stores and jewelry making websites.
https://www.amusestudio.com/larakalapacs

...chocolate

2011-08-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

I've been obsessed with dressing up treats for the last little bit and I don't see that ending any time soon. Here are 2 of my latest. Hope you find them inspiring!

It's amazing to me how much fun a simple chocolate bar can look when you dress it well. So much fun to play with! Frightful and delightful indeed!

All Products are A Muse Studio

Treat Recipe: Stampset-too cute to spook, Ink-versamark, onyx, Cardstock-onyx, orange polka dot, Sleepy Hallow, wasabi, slate woodgrain; Accessories-web/swirl impression plates, onyx baker's twine, onyx and white embossing powder, twinkle stickers, nestibilities circle die, tag die, sanding block and score board.

...a funny pun

2011-08-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

If you know me for any length of time, you will learn that I love a good pun. They make me laugh, I can't help it. So a friend sent me this picture from Disneyland of a sign it was called Le Bat en Rouge...I couldn't do anything but go and make a card...

All products are by A Muse Studio.

Card Recipe: Stamp sets-Essential Sentiments and Spooky Boo Day; Ink-slate, onyx, pebble; Cardstock-onyx gingham, sugar, onyx shimmer damask, onyx and cherry; Accessories- red twinkle stickers, spooky fence die, pinking border die, 3d tape, bat trio die (AND a very punny pun!)

...dressing up treats!

2011-08-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

One of the things I like most about Halloween is all of the fun ways to make treats a little extra fun! A Reeses Peanut Butter Cup is a good thing all on its own, but how cute is it when it is all wrapped up in black & white polkadots and a fun halloweenie colors?! I couldn't resist making more than one! I think I like the orange best, but the reverse scallop on the purple is fun too, and I love the new wasabi green cardstock. It's good I don't have to choose. :)

It was easy-peasey-lemon-squeezey to make these just wrapped the polkadot cardstock around the PB cup, added a band of color and used a dot of adhesive to hold it together (don't want to make it too hard to get to the treat afterall). I did a little something different with each of the colors--stamped the green with "trick or treat", reverse cut a scalloped edge on the purple, and wound some onyx baker's twine around the orange.For all three I cut out circles in Sleepy Hallow text Cardstock and stamped and colored the pumpkin. I needed to cut off the top of the pumpkin and then stamped and cut out the cat and stuck 'em all together. So much fun!

What will your treats be dressing up as this year? I've got more ideas coming over the next couple of months so keep an eye out. If you LOVE an idea you see and need more info or would like to know how to get the goodies to make your very own please let me know. You can email me at laralovek@gmail.com.

All Products are by A Muse Studio.

Recipe: Stampset-too cute to spook; Cardstock-onyx polkadot, pumpkin, wasabi, heather, Sleepy Hollow, sugar; Ink- memento tuxedo black, onyx; Accessories- onyx baker's twine, scallop border die, 3d-tape, Copics in Y38, YR16, YR18, E31, E33.

...back to school!

2011-08-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

I just had to share some of these adorable projects. The creative muses at A Muse Studio have out done themselves for this adorable Spotlight.

A cute gift for the teacher!

Love the "punny" notes!

Seriously cute book covers!

And a backpack that I just HAVE TO make! It features our new felt!

Love how easy it is to cut out these shapes with our custom dies.

And this owl is just my favorite! I am making this for some

special teachers as we start a new school year!

All of the stamp sets you see are on sale from Aug 15-Sept 15. I'd love to help you save and stamp at a workshop featuring some of this crafty goodness. email me to set up a stamping workshop of your own. laralovek@gmail.com

Hostess Bonus Days begin Aug 22nd

2011-08-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

Ta-daaa!

A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA is HERE! And with it you can host a workshop and earn increase Hostess Rewards AND a FREE Hostess exclusive, never for sale, gotta host to have it stamp set! How's that for a good deal? Combine all of that with the new Holiday catalog with 32 new stamp sets, and tons of fun, brand spankin' new embellishments and WOW! do we have one awesome time to host a workshop! I would love to get stamping with you and your friends. Contact me today to set up your A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA workshop today! laralovek@gmail.com

...Hostess Bonus Days.

2011-07-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Can you say A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA?! Details coming soon!

...a lovey card.

2011-07-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

Every now and again that lovey-dovey inspiration hits me. I love these little birds and the sentiment. Sometimes it's just best to keep it clean and simple and let the stamps do all the work.

All products are A Muse Studio.

Card Recipe: Stamp Sets-on the wing; Ink- onyx, bermuda, blush; Cardstock-sugar, blueberry gingham; Scallop die

...playing with plaid!

2011-07-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

I have a new favorite stamp set! (I say that every other day, I know, but this is my fav for the moment anyway) The set is called Mad for Plaid and it is just so versatile! Wanna see what I did with it?

I love making patterns and playing with color. It is so simple! Just pick a few ink colors. And stamp away. Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy! I will tell you that I used removable sticky notes to cover the part of the card that I wanted to leave "un-patterned." And I also chose one color for each stamp in the examples you see above.

If you are interested in getting a Mad For Plaid stamp set be sure to let me know. This set is on sale now BUT time is running out. You have until July 15th! You can order this set and any other a muse goodies HERE. I'm happy to help you place your order and answer any questions that you may have. You can leave a comment or email me at laralovek@gmail.com.

Have an a*musing day playing with plaid!

All Products by A Muse Studio

Card Recipe:

"Happy Heart"- Stamp Sets-Mad for Plaid, Hand Scripted; Cardstock-shell; Ink- blush, shell, lichen, grass; Heart Twinkle Sticker.

"Hello" - Stamp Sets-Mad for Plaid, Graphic Sunflower; Cardstock- vanilla; Ink-latte, toffee, french roast, eucalyptus.

...a Yankee Doodle Dandy BBQ!

2011-07-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

Celebrating with friends today and had so much fun making this yummy dessert to bring along.

I couldn't help but decorate it after looking at all of the inspiring Patriotic Party pics

from the A Muse Studio designers.

My Red, White & Blue Trifle is simple, dee-lish, and easy to whip up. Here's what you need:

1 white cake (or pound cake or angel food cake)

strawberries

blueberries

vanilla pudding

whipped cream

Layer cake, pudding, fruit. Cover top with whipped cream and cover with fruit.

My wishes to you for a very Happy 4th of July!

Decorations Recipe: wooden skewers; cherry twine; Cardstock-sugar, cherry, blueberry, Gingham in cherry, blueberry and bermuda, Polka dot in cherry and blueberry; Vintage in cherry and blueberry.

...4 Ideas for the 4th!

2011-07-04T06:03:00.000-07:00

I could not get the half circle idea out of my head. So I started playing with some card layouts.

Idea #4:

And another version:

I love to play with patterned paper. I love the simplicity. I love the sparkle. And it goes together so fast. Cut a strip of paper, punch some circles, cut them in half, stamp, glitter and you're done!

All products by A Muse Studio.

Card Recipe: Stamp Set-birthday builder; mad for plaid; Cardstock-Sugar, blueberry, Gingham in bermuda, cherry and blueberry, Polka dot in cherry and blueberry; Ink-cranberry; Glitter-cranberry; Twine-cherry; Buttons-cranberry; pearl stickers.

...4 Ideas for the 4th!

2011-07-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

In my neighborhood the 4th of July is celebrated for days! Maybe because you can buy and set off fireworks here and it's fun. Or maybe because they take their state motto very seriously: "Live free or die!" Or maybe New England is just a very patriotic place. Whatever the reason, at the moment in sounds as if the War of Independence is raging around me. There are fireworks and firecrackers and well, just a heck of a lot of noise. I like it! There's something about it that is so celebratory. So this idea to make firecrackers out of lifesaver rolls was pretty easy to come by being that the inspiration is quite literally surrounding me. Idea #3:

All products by A Muse Studio.

Card Recipe: Live Savers; Stamp sets-polka dot patterns, birthday builder, woodgrain background; Cardstock-blueberry, cherry, sky, sugar, ocean; Ink-blueberry, cherry, sugar; Accessories-sugar organdy ribbon

...4 Ideas for the 4th!

2011-07-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the 4th of July I start thinking STARS. So when I went to make a card I realized that I didn't have any stars. And then I remembered the starfish in my seashells set.

So here is Idea #2:

As a girl who grew up on the shore this is a card that makes me think of the 4th of July! It's super simple, patriotic, and beachy. Makes me want to go down to the beach to see the fireworks....

Oh, and I really should mention that both of these stamp sets are on SALE right now! But only until the 14th of July. If you are interested or would like to see more of the current a|s Spotlight sale you can email me at www.laralovek@gmail.com. Or you can see it here at www.amusestudio.com/larakalapacs.

All products by A Muse Studio

Card Recipe: Stamp Sets-seashells, mad for plaid; Cardstock-blueberry, sugar; Ink-cranberry, sugar; Accessories-white embossing powder.

...4 Ideas for the 4th!

2011-07-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

Are you getting ready for some fun 4th of July celebrating? I am! I was trying to think of some fun ideas for getting crafty and this is just one of my favorites!

Idea #1:

This idea came from the creative minds at A Muse Studio. They are some crafty chickies over there! I love the idea of making this cute, bunting-like, mini garland! And putting it around the tops of jars and using them as candle holders. I love the dressed up-casual look of this for a BBQ. Now I just have to decide how I want to use it.

...chickens.

2011-06-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

I really do love chickens. They make me laugh. I have a lot of friends who raise chickens so I am lucky enough to get some very tasty farm fresh eggs every now and again. More than actual, walking, laying, crossing the road type chickens, I love these stamped chickens.

I stamped them on sugar paper and then used my 1-inch square punch to cut out the 4 squares. It was fun to play with the angles and the amount of image that got included. If you've never made a card this way, give it a try. You'll start looking at your stamps in a whole new light.

Happy Inchie Making!

Why did the lollipop cross the road? Because it was stuck to the chicken! :)

All Products used are by A Muse Studio. You can get them here!

Card Recipe: Stamp Set-Farm Fun; Cardstock-onyx polka dot, sugar, cherry; Ink-Memento Black; Accessories- 1"-punch, Copics-BG10, R27, Y38, E00

...a pretty party (that's on SALE)!

2011-06-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share this with you! Here is a quick look at all of the ever so pretty things that the creative muses at A Muse Studio have made with the stamp sets and paper that are on Sale right now!

Does it get any prettier than this?

Want a closer look at some of the projects you see here? Use this link to get a little closer!

Some of these ideas are so simple but have such a beautiful sophisticated look and

I can help YOU make them!

It is the perfect time to Host a Workshop!

Book a workshop and spend a couple of hours getting crafty with your friends. My workshops always include 2 total hands on projects that are easy enough for beginners and have something new to offer to stampers with ink in their veins!

I will be showing some of these super cute ideas and you and your friends can get the supplies that you need to make your own at a great price. This sale is going on until July 14th so be sure to book a workshop with me soon and don't miss out on these versatile stamps sets and gorgeous color palette!

Have an a*musing day!

...a wedding.

2011-06-22T12:17:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love a good wedding? Love. Happiness. Promise. Beauty. And a celebration! I love to celebrate and look to do so any chance I get. A close family friend got married recently, and of course I made a card for her.

There was a subtle wedding theme of starfish and I had a lot of fun creating this card with the Sea Shells stamp set. The watermelon paper and ink matched her colors perfectly.

Love you guys!

...her Dad.

2011-06-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Just a little something I made for my dad to say Happy Father's Day. He has the heart of a lion and I love him.

All Products by A Muse Studio

Card Recipe: Stamp Sets-the Mighty Jungle, Essential Sentiments; Cardstock-Grass, Onyx, Sugar; Ink- Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics

...quiche.

2011-06-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

So when I'm not being crafty, I am often cookin' something up in the kitchen. Here is my fav recipe for quiche...it's so good!

And today I just love quiche. Especially when it bakes up so nice and fluffy.

Roasted Red Pepper, Goat Cheese, & Kalamata Olive Quiche

pie crust of choice

7 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup cream

dash of salt & pepper

goat cheese, as much as you like

roasted red peppers, chopped, as much as you like

kalamata olives, pitted, sliced, as much as you like (LOTS!)

goat cheese, crumbled, as much as you like

whip eggs and cream together, add spices. Pour into prepared pie crust. sprinkle other ingredients in. bake at 350 til golden and just firm. Cool for 10 min. before serving

More crafty things on the way soon. But for the moment...I'm in the kitchen.

...to save the best for last.

2011-06-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

You've been very patient with me as I have shared post after post of tic-tacs. I hope you have enjoyed it. Sometimes it's fun to take an idea and play it out multiple ways. This last one (for now anyway) is my favorite!

I love this little chicken! I loved creating a background with my copics! But do you know what I love most of all? I love how the white tic-tacs look like eggs! It makes me so happy! I can't help it I just love it!

Here's a close up of the copics. I used BG10 to create a sky and a little E00 to highlight the chicken's white feathers. YG 20 gave me a nice green field and YG23 added the blades of grass.

And just for some added fun I couldn't help but add this egg and sentiment to the back.

The egg is stamped and then die cut with the egg die. I added a little shadow with my E00.

I have to say that one of the things that I have learned from playing out this idea multiple times and in multiple ways is the idea of a front and a back. It's got me thinking about the inside of my card. From a design standpoint I'm wondering what needs to be on the front of the card and what I can add to the inside. This exercise has me thinking about how to continue the design, the fun, the "joke" from the front of the card into the inside of the card. I'm guessing that my card fronts will be more simplified and those elements that don't quite make the cut just may find themselves a home on the inside.

All products are A Muse Studio

Card Recipe: Stamp Sets- farm fun, egg-stravganza; Cardstock- sugar, cherry gingham (for that farm-y feel!); Ink- Memento black; Copics; egg die; white tic-tacs.

...a whale of a tic-tac gift-y.

2011-06-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

So a few days ago I was playing with my copics and was having fun coloring this little whale. Then the tic-tac madness took over and I simply had to put the two together. So here it is.

I thought it needed a little sparkle so I used my handy-dandy copic multiliner and drew in a little blow hole so I could then draw in the glittery spray.

On the back I continued the spray and glitter. The scalloped edge was made with one of my favorite dies and my Big Shot. The die adds a lovely scalloped edge and if you flip it around it makes perfect little ocean waves.

All Products are A Muse Studio

Card Recipe: Stamp Sets-keep swimmin'; Cardstock-sky gingham; Ink-Memento Black; Copics; Quickie Glue Pen; Diamond Glitter; Tic-Tacs.

...tic-tacs on the go.

2011-06-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

Another take on the tic-tac fun! Wouldn't this be cute left in someone you love's car? Just a little minty love note!

...a little encouragement.

2011-06-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes someone just needs a little lift, and that is what I had in mind when I made this card. I love to be able to send a little encouragement to someone. I love blue and orange together. I love how cheery it is. I don't know if you can see it so well in this picture but I added a little glitter to the striped border.

Another quick and easy card....sure to brighten someone's day.

All products are A Muse Studio

Card Recipe: Stamp Sets-Love Conquers All, Mad About Plaid; Cardstock- Blueberry, Sky, Sugar, Clouds, Orange Polkadot; Ink- Orange, Bermuda, Blueberry; Diamond Glitter; 3D tape.

...kissing.

2011-06-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

Shocking, I know! But really who doesn't love a good smackaroo.

Only, what I was actually talking about in this particular case was kissing stamps. To do this you ink one stamp and then use it as your ink pad for another stamp. Following me? It's lots of fun! I love to get more milage out of the stamps I have. Here's a card I made...with kissing.

All products are A Muse Studio

Card Recipe: Stamp Sets- Lots of Dots, Birthday Greetings, Mesh Background; Cardstock- Lime, Sugar, Onyx, Ink-Ocean, Bermuda, Grass, Papaya, Onyx; Accessories- Scallop border die.

more tic-tacs

2011-06-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Another version of the quick & cute gift-y! I kept this one SUPER simple and then dressed it up just a bit with a pink twinkle sticker for the flower center.

And sometimes the message can be just as simple and straight forward.

All products are A Muse Studio

Card Recipe: Stamp Set-graphic sunflower; Cardstock-sky, sky gingham; Ink-Memento Black, watermelon; pink twinkle sticker; tic-tacs

...inspiration that just keeps coming!

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

I had so much fun making the fish-y gift-y that I made the other day that I made another one and then another one and then, well, you get the idea. So here is tic-tac gift #2. A little fun and a little sassy and quick and cute just as before.

The back is super simple with that little dash of sass that makes it fun..."you & moi? ooh la la!" on a gift of breath mints...hee hee!

So as I said I got kind of carried away with the idea of making these. The possibilities are endless really. So I'm going to be posting some of the others that I made. My favorite one is yet to come! If you have been inspired to make one I'd love to see it. Leave a link to your pics in the comments.

...a birthday party!

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

I had so much fun making a birthday card for a friend's little girl. If you couldn't tell she just turned 4! And what little girl doesn't like pink and glitter? For that matter, what big girl doesn't like pink and glitter?

All products are A Muse Studio

Card Recipe: Stamp Set- Itty Bitty Birthday, Birthday Builder; Cardstock- Sugar, Blush, Bubblegum, Bubblegum polkadot, Bubblegum gingham; Ink- Memento Tuxedo Black; glitter, pink heart twinkle stickers.

...a quick and easy gift-y!

2011-06-08T06:17:00.000-07:00

While I was standing in line at the food store some tic-tacs caught my eye. And all of a sudden I had an idea. So I got home tossed the food in the fridge and started stamping...like ya do! And this is what I made. It was easy-peasey-lemon-squeezey. I just measured out the orange gingham to be sure that it covered the lable. Cut the white cardstock a little smaller. Stamped. Colored. And added a little crystal glaze to give the bubbles some texture.

Not one to leave something half finished I stamped the sentiment and some more bubbles for continuity on the back. Gotta love it when an idea comes together!

All products are A Muse Studio

"Card" Recipe: Stamp Set- Keep Swimmin'; Cardstock-orange gingham, sugar; Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics; Crystal Clear Glaze; Tic-tacs

copics.

2011-06-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since I have sung of my love of Copics. I have been coloring this little whale over and over... I'll show you the cutie-patootie cards that I made with them tomorrow.

pretty & super fast crafty goodness.

2011-05-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

How easy is it to make a card? SUPER EASY. I am a firm believer that easy cards are often the prettiest. Probably because I am a fan of the clean & simple look. Or maybe because it is the simplicity itself that I find attractive. It could be that I have fallen in love with the letterpress look with it's white space and bold colors. Whatever the reasons are...I love this card if I do say so myself.

A little leafy green, some bright sunny yellow, a deep blue and voila! Prettiness!

I added some pearls, but only a few, to add a little diamension to it. Thought about adding lots of other things and then just told myself to stop.

Knowing when to stop is half of design.

The whole thing took less than 5 minutes! I am going to be playing with this look a LOT more in the days to come.

This is a stamp set everyone should have. It is so easy to use, gives you BEA-U-T-ful results every time and can be used with almost every occasion.

Check out Beautiful Botanicals and Beautiful Botanicals 2 at www.amusestudio.com/larakalapacs

little gifties!

2011-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do is to give little gifts to people! I love to drop them in their bag or purse without them noticing to find later. A little surprise to brighten their day.

I had a ton of fun making these cute little twisted boxes. They are big enough to fit a few Lindt Truffles or 6 Hershey Kisses or really any tiny gift. I like that they are well sealed, especially if you are filling it with a little trinket like a pair of earrings or a charm for a bracelet.

I used super stick tape to give it a good seal and I scored it to give the ends a crimped look and to ensure that the tape sealed very well.

They'd make great favors for a party or wedding!

The tag needed just a little something so I added some polka dots with my copic. I love how it brings the ribbon and the blue together.

They were so fun to make that I had to try it again in a different color palette. I am going to have to remember this next Easter. I think I could make an awfully cute carrot box out of this!

The white flowers are stamped in sugar ink and then embossed in sugar embossing powder so they really stand out on the orange.

The color combos are endless....I have a feeling you'll be seeing more of these posted here. I LOVE this little box so much!

guitars & glitter!

2011-05-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

There was a Moxie Fab World challenge a few weeks ago and this card would have been perfect for it. I made it and was about to post it when I saw that one of my favorite Stampers, Julie Ebersole made a card that looked a lot like it (see her blog http://www.papertrufflez.typepad.com/ and look for the April 27 post), and had just posted it. Maybe great minds think alike or maybe I got lucky. Either way, I didn't post it in the challenge because it felt like I was coping, and although I do borrow (and give credit) from other stampers it just didn't seem to feel right for a challenge. Anywho, here is my card. I liked making the double polka dots. It's hard to see in the pics, but the kraft dots were run through my Big Shot and debossed with the mini polka dot impression plate.

I think it ended up being a fun "boy" card and that can be a hard thing to do.

After making the boy guitar card I found myself teaching a class for teenage girls. I had no idea what to design for them and when I asked for some advice on color I was told black and purple. It took me a while but I finally came up with this card. I recycled an old layout (that I got from Julie E. gee she has been helpful lately...may need to start making some thank you cards!) and changed the stamps and colors and what do you know....a whole new look!

Even though I do feel 15 years old when I look at this card I kinda like it!

I'll give you 3 guesses as to my favorite part of this card, but really it shouldn't take more than one!

YES it is the glitter! However did you know? I love the little sparkle that it adds. That is what the girls liked best too! Sometimes I wonder how I ever did anything without a Quickie Glue Pen & A Muse Studio Diamond Glitter. It is just the prettiest, sparkliest, yummiest glitter that I have ever used! I LOVE this glitter!

If you like the look of it and decided that you just have to have some too, let me know. I am happy to place an order for you or you can place one yourself here at www.amusestudio.com/larakalapacs.

to share the blog love.

2011-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

I was wanting to be crafty today and just couldn't get the crafty good inspiration jusices flowing...then I saw this card and I decided to make it. I actually had everything I needed and copied it exactly, right down to the copic colors.

It's such a fun and cheerful little card and it makes me happy. I love the golf ball. I love that it is embossed with polkadots on an angle so that it looks like a real golf ball.

Wanting to give full credit where credit is due, and also wanting to share a little blog love, I will tell you that this card was designed by Julie Dylingowski. I invite you to check out her blog here: http://www.simplyimpressed.blogspot.com/

See the cute little dimples in the ball! Why do they make me so happy? I don't even like golf!

This card makes me think of my grandparents and their love of golf. I think they would have loved to get this card.

Do you notice how great the copics are? I didn't do anything special. No fancy tricks were used...I just love how vibrant the colors are and how perfectly that spark of color really adds something special to this card. It balances out everything else that is going on so that the golfer doesn't get lost in the rest of the card. He looks like he is having a swingin' day!

A special thank you to my friend Julie! I hope you swing on by her blog to check out what she's up to. She's got a good crafty and inspiring groove going on over there!

Have an a*musing day!

a challenge.

2011-05-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday Trigger time over at Moxie Fab World and once again I am playing along. This lovely stack of pyrex bowls is the trigger picture and I have to say that it has been a big inspiration. I have more ideas the longer I look at it. It helps that it is in a color palette that is dee-lish to me! And as it has been feeling more like fall than spring around here I am seriously thinking about baking some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies as soon as I finish posting this.

If you want to play along too (try it, you'll like it!) then follow this link over and get inky with me!

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/05/tuesday-trigger-pyrex-effect.html

This is what I made today:

The pyrex got me thinking about my grandmother (those are her green pyrex bowls in the picture). I have so many fond memories of her, but sometimes I miss being able to make new memories with her.

The inspiration for my card was very much from the picture....the colors and the style. I had fun paper piecing the bottom of the card to look a little like the tablecloth in the picture. I have also been enchanted with the stamped letterpress look lately. Until recently I was not a very big fan of solid image stamps. It seems to be something that I am reaching for more and more! It's lots of fun. Also, I am liking how the paper piecing came out. Not something I would do to make a ton of invitations or something, but I find the optical illusion of the pattern to add a little something to it. What do you think?

I love how bright and cheerful letterpress can look. So simple. So colorful. No clutter. And it's easy peasey lemon squeezey! What's not to love?

Card Recipe (all products by A Muse Studio): Stamp sets- just because; Cardstock- sugar, french roast, cherry, buttercup, orange; Ink- papaya, cranberry; Accessories- corner chomper

...true love.

2011-05-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

This little card is to say "Happy Anniversary" to one of my favorite couples. Scott & Ann, I love you both so much and I am so thankful for the wonderful example of true love that you live out every day. Life is not a fairy tale and it is not easy, but you are a shining example for anyone who doubts that true love, forever love, is real. God bless you both!

The idea for this card was inspired by Scott & Ann's wedding. I helped (and am still helping...) Ann make a quilt with a tree on it that was the guest book for their wedding. Each guest signed a leaf that was then put in the tree. I stitched their intials and the date into a heart and appliqued it to the tree trunk (actually I think I still need to do the applique part...Ann let's finish it soon! sorry!).

The idea came to me the other day while I was thinking of other ideas for recessed window cards. The base is kraft cardstock and the piece of french roast was embossed with the woodgrain pattern and then sanded to show the bark. Then I cut a hole in the bark and mounted the bark onto the card base.

I couldn't resist continuing the theme on the inside, especially since in echos the guest book/quilt so well with the heart carved into the trunk.

Happy Anniversary! I love you!

Card Recipe (All products are from A Muse Studio): Stamp Sets-Essential Sentiments, Love Conquers All; Paper-Kraft, French Roast, Sky; Ink-French Roast; Accessories-Copics E31, E55, E57, Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in Sky, 3D tape, Woodgrain embossing plate, Vintage Labels die.

...a challenge

2011-05-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

It's moxie fab time again, and I so love this week's Tuesday Trigger. Isn't it cute? You can play along at http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/05/tuesday-trigger-some-royal-fun.html

I love the plate, the pink curly-Q cakes, and I love the little "let them eat..." cupcake flags. I know that it is in honor of the recent royal wedding, but the flags, of course, started me thinking about the oft misatttibuted quote:

"Let them eat cake!"

And once my inpiration leads me in the direction of anything French I find my Eiffel Tower stamp in one hand and glitter in the other....did you know that the Tower sparkles? It really does! I didn't think I could love it more and then I saw it sparkle. Love love love it!

As a result, I couldn't help but make this card!

I wanted my card base to reflect the two-tone pink icing. I decided to stamp the Eiffel Tower on sky blue cardstock to pick up the color in the plate. I added the little cake and colored it in with my copics. Since I didn't have a sentiment that I was looking for I just wrote it in with my copic multi-liner--problem solved!

A close up pic shows off the glitter on the icing. Hope you like it and that you play along!

"Qu'ils mangent de la brioche!"

Card Recipe: All products are A Muse Studio--Stamp Sets: Ooh la la!, Oven Joy Harlequin Background; Paper:blush, sugar, and sky; Ink: bubblegum, Memento tuxedo black; Accessories: onyx twine, quickie glue pen, diamond glitter, copics-multi liner, BG10, B21, RV13, R20, R29, 3D tape.

...chocolate.

2011-05-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

I was so inspired by the video. I was bold enough to say that I was going to post what I made...before I had any idea what I was going to make exactly. And then, I got a little stuck. Finally, I came up with something. I don't think it's quite done. It needs a little something at the top, but I'm not sure what. I loved doing the window! I am going to have to keep this idea in mind and see what else I can come up with .

I love this little chocolate! The red heart twinkle sticker fits perfectly on tip to give it a little sparkle. And the sentiment makes me smile.

Card Recipe: All Products by A Muse Studio--Stamp Sets-Love Conquers All, Hearts a'Plenty; Paper-cherry, kraft; Ink-french roast, cranberry; Accessories- 1"square punch, clear embossing powder, red heart twinkle, 3D tape

new techniques!

2011-05-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Check out this video and learn how to make a recessed window card. It's easy-peasey-lemon-squeezey! And step by step visual instructions make it even better!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTNg6iZpw3s

I'm going to be making something using this technique tonight and will post pics of what I come up with.

...the beach

2011-05-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

I was in the mood to enjoy some crafty-goodness the other day, but I could not make a single thing. I had no ideas. NONE! So I was poking around online and I remembered a card that I saw and loved. Sometimes, even when you have no ideas of your own, you just HAVE to make some thing. So I copied a card from a very talented designer, Julie Ebersole. You can see her original card here:

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/03/at-home-with-julie-ebersole.html

and you can read Julie's own blog here:

http://papertrufflez.typepad.com/paper_trufflez/

If you ever find yourself in need of some creative juice, ideas or inspiration....Julie and her blog is a very good place to swing on by! Seriously beautiful and amazing stuff! Julie--I so hope that you don't mind a little shout out....or copycatting! :)

Anywhoo! So this is what I flat out copied from Julie! All the credit goes to her!

I had to make a few changes....I didn't have any craft sand hanging out in my closet just waiting to get used so I ran a piece of toffee paper through my Big Shot with the A Muse Studio tiny polka dot impression plate, sanded the dots to reveal the white core paper hiding just under the pretty toffee color and voila! sand...paper sand! I used a darker blue for my card base, again, that's what I had... I am a HUGE fan of using what ya got! Make it work! :)

This is what I really learned from making this card...coping Julie's technique-white embossing powder is amazing and a little bit of copic makes a big difference!

I love the white embossing powder on the buttercup paper! I love the highlight of the copic and how it adds depth and detail to my little starfish! This is something that I am sure I will be doing again. Note to self (and anyone who's listening): Copics are not just for elaborate coloring on white paper! They can do so much more and this starfish is a great example of that.

Hmmm, now I 've got summer on the brain.... let's see what else I can make....

Don't you just love how sometimes all you have to do is START the crafty-goodness and then it just keeps right on coming...I'm off to see where it leads me. Have an a*musing day!

card recipe: Cardstock-ocean, sugar, toffee; Ink-latte, sky, sugar; Stamp Sets-seashells, contemporary greetings; Accessories-twine in vanilla, polka dot impression plate, sugar embossing powder, 3D tape, Y17 copic (all products are from A Muse Studio)

...a crafty night with friends.

2011-04-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek at one of the cards we will be making at our Night of Crafty Goodness! You will have a variety of sentiments to choose from... Looking forward to getting inky with you!

Have an a*musing day!

...maple sugaring & thank yous

2011-04-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here in New England when the weather starts to warm a magical thing happens. But you have to know where to look. It is hidden inside the sugar maple trees. When the days start to warm but the nights are still dipping below freezing, the sweetwater sap starts to flow in the tree. And if you know how you can draw the sap from the tree and make the most de-lish maple syrup! And that is exactly what we learned how to do....

First tap the tree.

and then collect the sap. It looks like water and at this point only has the slightest maple flavor to it. The sap gets collected in buckets and then the real work begins.

The sap gets cooked down for hours. It takes 40-50 gallons of sweetwater sap to make one single gallon of maple syrup. The sap reduces and must be watched carefully so that it doesn't burn. But I have to tell you that the amazing aroma at this point is beyond my writing ability to describe. It is almost as satisfying as the taste of the liquid amber...almost.

The final product is so delectable! It is not even comparable to the "pancake syrups." It is even better than those jugs of real maple syrup. It is one of the most absolutely DEE-LISH things that I have ever tasted in my whole life!

Isn't it pretty?!

So, I had to thank our friends, Joe & Elaine, for showing us this hidden treasure. And for sharing their sweet syrup with us.

Which led me to make up this card. I wanted to send a thank you to them and knew exactly what I wanted to make. I started with the base, using a woodgrain impression plate to give a nice woody texture to the dark brown card front. Then I stamped and die cut a label and added my sentiment. For the final element, I stamped the tree and embossed it, trimed it out and popped it up.

Makes a sweet thank you don't you think?

card recipe:(ALL ingredients by a muse studio) Stamps-vintage labels, love conquers all, contemporary greetings; cardstock-kraft, french roast, sage; Ink-french roast, sugar;Embellishments-woodgrain impression plate, vintage label dies, sugar embossing powder, 3D tape

...stardust and moxie fab world

2011-04-22T16:33:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday Trigger time again on Moxie Fab World. http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/04/tuesday-trigger-crepe-bouquet.html

This week the challenge picture is this:

And here is my take on it.

I really liked the green and yellow colors and wanted to play with them especially. The washi tape was calling to me and found it's way on to yet another card...

And the a muse studio stardust finishing spray....

...can you see it? I did my best to try and catch its shimmery-glittery-goodness! I am in love! Head-over-heels in love with this stuff. L-O-V-E! Don't stand still near me or you may end up sparkling from head to toe. On second thought....maybe you should...

card ingredients: Stamp set-just because; Cardstock-sugar; Ink-lichen, papaya, lemon whip, sky; Accessories-butterfly trio die, spring washi tape, STARDUST FINISHING SPRAY (have I mentioned how awesome this stuff is?) Leave me a comment if you are interested in any of these goodies...I am an a muse studio consultant & would be happy to hook you up!

to celebrate birthdays!

2011-04-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

One of my very favorite things to do is throw a party so I was thrilled when my friend Ann's husband asked me to help him surprise his wife for her birthday. I love the little detail involved in throwing a party. I especially love to make party favors! Though many have tried to convince me otherwise I simple don't believe that favors are meant only for children. Who doesn't love a tiny something that says in its diminutive way, "Thank you for coming and celebrating with me. I appreciate you." So, this is what I cooked up for my sweet friend Ann.

Cutie-patootie chocolate boxes. They were super easy to make and who doesn't want a little bite of chocolate? Here is a link to direction to make your own chocolate boxes:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/ghirardellibox/

Also, this is the cake we had. If you are ever in Hampton be sure to make your way to the Galley Hatch and ask for the Rosebud Cake. You will not be sorry! I am still dreaming of it....

Have an a*musing day!

a challenge.

2011-04-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

I find myself completely unable to resist playing along with the Moxie Fab World Tueday Trigger. If you want to play along visit the Moxie Fab blog here: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/03/tuesday-trigger-farm-fresh.html I am so in love with the colors of this weeks Trigger pic:

I love all of the white space! I love the orange and blue! I love the simplicity of it! I had no ideas at first because I was determined to use only what I have on hand. So I started pulling things out and then THIS happened:

I love the white space! I love the orange and blue! I love the simplicity! Here's a close up for good measure... Isn't it cute? I think it is if I do say so myself. I love it when my crafty time is productive. Let me know if you are playing along this week. I'd love to see what you made!

Orange ya'Blue Birthday Wishes Card Recipe: Stamps-contemporary greetings; Ink-ocean; Paper-sugar, sky, bermuda, orange, orange gingham; Embellishments- bermuda button, a random bit of twine I found in the bottom of a drawer.

babies (& copics).

2011-04-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

There have been a few new additions around me lately, and a few more are anticipated in the coming months. So in my circles there is a lot of babytalk! I was in my crafty creation space and on the phone hearing all about the latest developments of one sweet little bundle when I found myself making these cutie-patootie little cards.

They are very wee, just 2" x 2", and will be super cute tucked into a little gift. I love being able to get such pretty effects with minimal supplies and almost no time.!

Teeny-weeny cards- Boy or Girl? Recipe: Stamps-sleepy sighs; Ink-Memento tuxedo black; Paper-sugar, sky, blush; Copics-BG10, B21, B24, R20, RV02,Y13 and 0 blender. All products are a muse studio unless noted otherwise.

crafty spaces.

2011-03-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

What's on your worktable right now? Here's mine:

I'm working the copics at the moment. Getting lots done and learning as I go. Of all my tools and supplies I think copics are the one thing that I am always learning more about. Every time I get them out to play (more & more these days!) I learn something new. The more ya use 'em the more fun they are!

Stay tuned to see what I make with all this copicy goodness!

a challenge.

2011-03-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

This is my very first time participating in the Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger Challenge. This is the Tuesday Trigger:

Cute Lime Cupcake Liners

And this is my card! My design is a pretty literal interpretaion of the trigger pic. I used Lime Polka Dot paper and a punch of yellow and orange for the flower. It was the perfect thing to bring a little cheerfulness into an otherwise grey New England morning. I had a friend's little girl in mind when I made it. The Sentiment stamp is one of my favorites. "Dreams come a size too big so we can grow into them."

It was fun to play along. Try it! And if you do, leave me a comment...I want to see what you've made.

Check out Moxie Fab World here: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/03/tuesday-trigger-citrus-celebration.html

My card-All products are from A Muse Studio: Cardstock: Sugar, Sage and Lime Polka Dot; Ink: Papaya and Memento Tuxedo Black; Stamps: Clever Girls; Ribbon: Lime Grosgrain Stitched; Accessories: Orange Twinkle Sticker, 3D foam, clear embossing powder, copic Y38 honey

http://www.amusestudio.com/

paper.

2011-03-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

Really, have you ever seen such pretty colors? Doesn't it just make you want to go make something? Actually...I think I need to go and do just that! But hey, if you are in need of some b-e-a-u-tiful paper let me know. I can hook you up! :)

What are you making today?

crafty time.

2011-03-12T20:37:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have one of those days? You wake up, have your to-do list that you plan on blowing right through so that you can have time to do the things that you really want to do. But some days...things go wrong. Not even BIG wrong, just wrong enough to make that to-do list last forever. I was giving up on being able to spend some time getting my crafty on and then, the clouds parted, the sun came out all shiny and the to-do list was done. I cracked open a brand new stamp set and this is what I made:

I love the sentiment. I know so many people that I want to make things for with this set. Now I just need to find some more crafty time. But I'm thinking it's likely I'll find some time very, very soon. When you get inpired the time just seems to find you. Isn't it amazing...?

recipe: all products are by a muse studio

paper-blush, french roast, bubblegum polka dot, french roast vintage; ink-shell, bubblegum, latte, french roast; stamp set- clever girls; embellishments-french roast grosgrain ribbon, diamond glitter, 3d foam tape

birthdays!

2011-03-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

There are a couple of special birthdays in my family this week so I was inspired to put together this card. It was designed by the fabulous Julie Ebersole. It has been a lot of fun diving in and getting started with A Muse Studio. There's more of that to come. So very many inspiring ideas...

the A Muse Studio Inspiration Guide

2011-03-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

Have you seen it yet? It is absolutely B-E-A-U-tiful! I love it. Most of all I love how inspired to create I am when I'm looking through it. You can look at it on the A Muse Studio site :

http://www.amusestudio.com

Or jump straight to it here:
https://www.securedcontent.net/amuse/pdfs/2011AMuseStudioCatalog.pdf

If you like what you see, send me an email at laralovek@gmail.com. I would love to be your A Muse Studio Creative Consultant.

coffee.

2011-03-03T04:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I am a girl who needs her morning cuppa' joe. The sound of the grinder heralds the start of a new day, the earthy smell promises deep flavors of goodness, the warmth of the mug in your hand is so comforting and finally that first sip...ahhh! What's not to love? Okay so, maybe the caffeine has gone to my head a bit this morning causing me to wax poetic on the yummy goodness of coffee or maybe it's this cute as stamp set.

Here's what I made with it:

I want to say right up from that I can not take all the credit for this little creation. The gift card holder is from the wonderful as design team. I saw someone alter the to-go cup stamp with DD colors ages ago but I can't remember who. I wish I could remember so I could thank them because it was the first thing I thought of when I saw this idea. In my world, the next best thing to a home brewed cup is one from my local DD, but whether you love the orange and pink or you have another fav....there is an as color to help you represent your coffee of choice.

Check out all the new a muse studio goodness here: www.amusestudio.com

or email me at laralovesk@gmail.com

Have a happily caffeinated day!

a muse studio!

2011-03-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

The news is out!

A Muse Artstamps is now A Muse Studio!

And I am very proud to be an A Muse Studio Independent Creative Consultant so I can happily say that we offer on exclusive line of cling-mount red rubber stamps, clear stamps, custom-printed papers with ink, ribbon and embellishments to match! There's so much more that you just have to see it for yourself, and I'm going to be showing it here.

I'll be posting new designs here all month. Paper crafting has never been so inspiring...

...quotes

2011-02-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure where I read this, but I have to say I love it!

I need to learn more of the balance between thinking it over and over thinking. I need to put that full stop in between letting it go and letting it bother me. Between working and over working. Between wanting it right and setting ridiculous standards.

Balance is a good thing.

hoppy little froggies!

2011-02-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

This is a little valentine I made as I was experimenting with pop-ups.

Gotta love an easy-peasey accordian folded center to make poppin' up super fast.

I love the cheerfulness of this little card.

Happy Valentine's Day!

...finding inspiration anywhere & everywhere.

2011-02-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

So there I was, going through the mail and THWACK I was hit by inspiration. My Muse must have been getting bored with all of the housework and directed me straight toward a divine moment of craftiness. So here's what the Muses sent me in the mail:I love this catalog! Inspiration on every page. It makes me want to create things, and shop. I resisted ordering anything (for the moment) and instead got myself busy creating, not wanting to waste a moment of divine inspiration.

So here's what came of it:

My goal was to balance the concentrated bling with some blank space and simplicity. I started with the pink paper and then made the "bling." I painted a piece of paper until I was happy with the color and got the gold and shimmer that I was looking for. And then I added the twinkle stickers. I stamped the sentiment and then punched that out and inked the edges. I decided it needed just a little bit more. The ribbon that I had didn't work at all so I just colored it until I liked the look of it. Pop it all together and this is what I got. So glad I made the time to craft when inspiration thwacked me in the head!

Where do you find inspiration? What inspires you? What do you create when inspired?

Supplies: Stamps- A Muse Artstamps; Paper- naturals ivory cardstock Stampin'Up, pink Paris & Co. by My Mind's Eye; Ink- rich cocoa Memento; Paint- LuminArte twinkling H2Os in pink crocus & autumn butternut; Bling- twinkle stickers A Muse Artstamps; 1/4" pink satin ribbon; Marker- E57 Copic.

One Little Word Project

2011-02-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

Just came across this quote for my project:

"All you need to do is hold on tight...and believe." -Stephen King

This is so how I've been feeling lately. Lots of things going on and sometimes it's all you can do to just hold on and believe.

Check out Ali Edwards' blog- www.aliedwards.com/blog/one-little-word
Or join the class at www.bigpictureclasses.com and look up Ali's class One Little Word.

...Valentine's Day

2011-01-29T10:10:00.000-08:00

I did a lot of baking over the holidays and had some empty spice jars. As I was about to toss them into the recycling bin a little thought popped into my head. These would make cute little spice jars for a play kitchen. And here they are all dressed up in some Valentine-y cuteness. They will make a perfect gift for some special little girls in my life, AND all I used were some scraps a touch of glue and one tiny twinkle sticker! Gotta love saving money and using up scraps while making something super cute! Now all I need is to get my hands on some more spice jars!

...finished projects!

2011-01-22T12:38:00.000-08:00

Wow! It feels good to finish a project, especially when it is one that I have been working on for a few years.I designed this rug for a class I was taking at Green Mountain Hooked Rug School with one of my favorite teachers, Jule Marie Smith. The class was a study of early primitive rug styles with an emphasis on making that style your own.I loved playing with the crazy hit-or-miss boarder which is a common technique of old rugs. It was a great way to use up scraps. I learned a lot about color and movement as I worked. Hit-or-miss isn't quite so willy-nilly as it may seem. There is a lot of careful planning that goes into it to make it look the way it does. I purposefully hooked a few quirks in here and there because that is something that I like so much about the old rugs.

This little house is a favorite of mine. Simple. Wobbly. Primitive. Colorful. This is my kind of house. I would love to live in such a sweet little place. It makes me happy just to look at it. I also really love the background. I had fun dyeing lots of light value yellows to mix together. Swirling them all gives a tone on tone movement that is a favorite of mine.

I love to design rugs and dye wool and hook! And, boy oh boy, do I love a finished project.
It's so freeing...
I wonder what I should start working on next...

www.greenmountainhoodrugs.com/school

A Word for 2011

2011-01-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Like most people I have a tendency to get a little introspective at the end of one year and the start of the next. I used to make resolutions. Promises to myself to change, do, not do.... Promises that I broke before too long. Then I read a blog by Ali Edwards and she was talking about choosing a single word for the year. How freeing I thought! A single word to focus on, learn more about, apply to your life, listen for, and let speak into your life.

And so, at the beginning of 2011, I have been thinking about what my new word should be. It came to me slowly. After considering a lot of possibilities, this word just kept coming back to me. So I think it has chosen me as much as I choose it.

Believe.

I look forward to seeing what this word will come to mean to me over the course of the year. What is your word for the year?

"One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying." -Joan of Arc

"When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably." -Walt Disney

Believe: (verb)

1. To have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof.

2. To have confidence or faith in the truth; give credence to.

3. to have confidence in the assertions of a person.

4. to have a conviction that a person or thing is, has been, or will be engaged in a given action or involved in a given situation.

5. to suppose or assume; understand.

6. to have faith.

Synonyms: accept, accredit, admit, affirm, attach weight to, be certain of, be convinced of, conclude, count on, credit, deem, fall for, give credence to, have faith in, have no doubt, hold, keep the faith, lap up, place confidence in, posit, presume true, presuppose, reckon on, regard, rest assured, suppose, swear by, take as gospel, take at one's word, trust, understand

link to Ali's blog: www.aliedwards.com/2010/12/one-little-word-2011.html