Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Sweet...Sweet Victoria



It's a very *sweet* time again!


Time for another new release week over at

If you've arrived at my blog directly from there,
then you are in the perfect spot!
If not, it's just one stop back to get started on the hop.

Each of the new releases will be available for sale
on Friday, December 2nd and will be at a special
sale price.  Until then, you could win a set by
completing the hop.  More on that in just a sec.


Today's preview is of the new set called 'Sweet Victoria'.
Silhouettes are really hot right now and this beautiful silhouette
is solid and so easy to stamp.
The cabbage roses and leaves are just a few more of the
lovely elements in this lovely set.

I embellished the stamped roses with these miniature
organza roses from Maya Road and of course, used my
favorite inks from A Muse Studio (colors in the recipe below).
These inks are available from my web store HERE.

It's time to get hopping...and here are the details before
I send you on your way.


To be eligible for stamp set a day:
**Make sure to visit each blog on the hop.
There are only 9 blogs each day, so it's a very 'do-able' hop!
**Leave an 'original' comment on each designers' blog.
(no copy and pasting, please)
**Be sure to follow the Sweet Stamp Shop blog and while you're at it,
our designers would love for you to follow them as well

For additional entries:
**Like our FB page
**Share our giveaway & blog hop with your friends
and leave us a note either on our FB page or on the SSS Blog

It is now time to send you on to my very talented friend, 

Have a great time on the hop!


Project Recipe: 
Ink: Grass, Fern, Cranberry, Slate & Current 
all by A Muse Studio
Stamps: Sweet Victoria by Sweet Stamp Shop
Tools:  Beaded Ovals Dies by Spellbinders, Big Shot
Scalloped Border Punch by Fiskars
Embellishments: Gems from Recollections & White Blossom
Organza Roses by Maya Road

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Last Call for the 2012 DT Call for The Twinery




Just a quick post to remind everyone that there is just over
36 hours to submit your application to be a part of
the 2012 Design Team Call for


For all the details, I invite you to stop by The Twinery Blog.
While you are there....you can see the  
rest of this project featured there today!

 

If you are sitting on the fence, just take a look at all
this yummy twine that could be just the beginning of
what you will have at your fingertips if you apply.



We look forward to hearing from YOU!

 

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Possible Technical Difficulties..I'd Like Your Help!



Hi everyone!

I've recently made a change to my blog and purchased
my domain name...but there is a disconnect somewhere
because it is not updating my posts on sights it normally would.
If you get this in Google Reader or any other method,
would you please respond to this test post by commenting
so I can have an idea of what might be happening.

Many...MANY thanks!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

All the Merry Best...



I've got just a quick post to share with you today!
Our Thanksgiving prep is under full steam and I
can't be away too long.

 

You know I love designing for 
and this week, they are sponsoring the
newest sketch challenge over at


Here is the sketch...




...and here is my interpretation....


I turned the sketch on it's side and had fun with
this whimsical set designed by Kaitlyn Ord
for TCM called 'The Merry Best'
I used lots of my very favorite yummy inks
in Slate, Ocean, Grass & Bubblegum

{Check out my special offer if you order HERE}

I embossed the card panel with Swiss Dots from
Cuttlebug and embellished the diagonal layer
using black checked cardstock also from A Muse Studio.
The punch border is from EK Success.

I apologize for the poor lighting...still getting used to
the new light tent and I'm finding white on white is
the hardest to figure out.

Hope you will take the challenge over at Lily Pad Cards 
because you'll have
a great opportunity to win some fabulous stamps


Hey!  Just a quick reminder that 


is having an open design team call until the
end of the month.  I hope if you are considering
applying, that you give it a go!
We are looking for all kinds of:

crafters
party-planners
scrapbookers
cardmakers
mixed media...

you name it
as long as you incorporate bakers twine!

For all of the details, visit The Twinery.

So great to have you stop by today!
I know it's a busy time, so I sincerely appreciate it.


Project Recipe: 
Designer Paper: Black check by A Muse Studio
Stamps: All the Best by The Craft's Meow
Tools:  'Swiss Dot' by Cuttlebug, Big Shot
Arch Border Punch by EK Success
Embellishments: Gems from Recollections

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Big Stamps...Small Spaces



Hi everyone!
I am happy to be sharing a couple of projects
with you today...well, sort of.
I am happy to be sharing over on the 
Market Street Stamps blog today and to see
the finished card above, you'll need to make
a visit over there...and I hope you will!

I love using background stamps with
'faux-paper-piecing'
and that's what I've done with these
projects.  The one above features...

 

The Gingham Background from MSS.


This one features...


The Cane Background from MSS.
 
 
I think we are so used to thinking about using BIG backgrounds
only as backgrounds...and obviously, they fit into small spaces too!
I used the fab 'Autumn Greetings' set which is where this
great pumpkin & sentiment come from.  A hand-cut banner and a couple
of die cuts later, and we are done!

I hope you will make a visit to

 

Market Street Stamps and check out today's post
for all the details of these projects.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
I know it's a very busy week for my U.S friends, so if you
have a sec, please say hello so I know you were here.


Project Recipe: 
Cardstock: Bazzill, American Crafts, Authentique
Stamps: Cane & Gingham Backgrounds, Celebrate Cake & Autumn Greetings
all by Market Street Stamps
Ink: Bubblegum & Orange from A Muse Studio
 Tools: Lacey Circles, Standard Circles  & Labels Four by Spellbinders
Corner Rounder by Fiskars
Embellishments: Gems & mini-brads from Recollections,
mini-roses from Maya Road 



Monday, November 21, 2011

I've Been Promoted...



What an terrific day for me today!

Most of you know that I sell A Muse Studio
stamps, inks, embellishments and tools
and I have really enjoyed it.

Today I was promoted to a Senior Sales Associate
and I am really excited about it!
I have a wonderful group of girls who are on my team
and to watch their excitement about selling A Muse
is contagious!


You know that I am IN LOVE with the A Muse Studio inks
and rarely use anything else.

So I would love to get you on board with using these
silky-soft quick drying (but embossable) inks.
So I have a personal offer for you!

First...here is are the color collections





And now here is my offer...

Place an order for inks directly from my webstore
and when you order $40 or more, I will personally
send you a catalog and inspiration guide (worth $10).
The inspiration guide is full of fun ideas from the
A Muse designers and a must-have.

All you have to do is place your order on my 
webstore here for your inks (and anything else you'd like)
and as long as your order is $40 or more, I will send you
the catalog and inspiration guide.
No need to make note of it on the order.
Just place your order, include your payment information
and I will get notification of your order and will send your
catalog directly to you.

A Muse Studio Straight to Your Door!!

And of course, I'd LoVe to add you to my team.
You can get started for as little as $99 and it's
a great started kit.  The advanced kit is only $149
and gives you additional inks and stamps to
create with.  If you love to demo and have stamping
get-togethers or like to do craft shows and art fairs,
this is a great product to sell...

PEOPLE LOVE A MUSE STAMPS!!!

So if you are interested in being a part of my 
fabulous team, I love to have you!
Just send me a note at julieranae@hotmail.com
with any questions you might have.

OK...it's time check out those yummy inks......

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Sharing a Little Somethin'



Happy Sunday Everyone!

I have just a quick project for you today, but I did
want to share a little exciting information as well.

First...let's get to this sweet little greeting that I created
a couple of days ago.

I love stamps that can give a clean and easy look with very 
little effort, especially during this time of the year and this
stamp from Recollections was perfect.
Just a little coloring and it was done.

The background was created using one of my new
favorite stamp sets from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.
I used my favorite ink from A l Muse Studio in 'Sky'
to stamp the snowflakes and then just embellished
with bling and brads to finish it off.


If you've been a reader of my blog, you can probably guess
that I am in the process of a little 'make-over' right now.
It has been over a year since I re-decorated.
I have my dear friend  
Nicole Rixon of Sweet Stamp Shop
to thank for the fun blog header.
She designed this for me during the summer, but I've just
not had time to get things changed around.
It's a fab change, don't you think?!

I think it's a good thing to re-decorate once in awhile
and I am STILL in the process of moving the furniture,
so I hope you will bear with me.  When you switch from a
3-column blog back to a 2-column, there are a lot of
'bits 'n pieces' that need to find a new home or even...
be deleted.  So I appreciate your patience as things evolve.

OH and HEY!  I also now own the domain name to my blog,
so for those of you who bookmark me in ANY way, you may
want to change my blog name to

It is taking Google a few days to get things all caught up,
but you will always be able to access my blog from my
'blogspot' address.

Well...that's it for me today, but I have some fun news
coming up this week and don't forget, the challenge
over at The Play Date Cafe is a two-week challenge
due to the Thanksgiving holiday, so you have plenty of
time to play along!
The colors are perfect for the week!

 
I say you leave the dinner dishes sit and do some stampin'!

See you soon!


Project Recipe: 
Stamps: Snowflake Flourish by Sweet 'N Sassy
Merry Christmas by Recollections
Ink: Sky from A Muse Studio
 Tools:  Corner Rounder by Fiskars
Embellishments: Gems & mini-brads from Recollections


Friday, November 18, 2011

Cake Wrapped in Bakers Twine



It's a busy day here at The Open Window with lots
of inspiration from a variety of places!

I am very excited to be a part of this fantastic
two-day blog hop and am so very
blessed to be a designer for both companies!


If you arrived here from the
Market Street Blog
then you are in just the right place!
If not, it's only two stops back to start at
the beginning of this amazing inspirational hop.

There are two really wonderful prizes being given away,
but you have to make your way around to each of the
designers' blogs and leave a little love to be eligible.
More on that shortly....


This is one of my favorite sets from Market Street.
It's called 'Celebrate Cake'.
I have always been fascinated with  cake decorating
and love looking through the British magazines
that specialize in sugar-crafting.
When I was in my 20's, I learned the Wilton Method
of cake decorating and once in awhile, I give it a go.
It's kinda like riding a bike!

Anyway...the beautiful designer paper is from 
Simple Stories and of course, 
my cake is decorated....

 

....with bakers twine from The Twinery.


So let's talk about the great prizes you could
win from both of these companies.


The Twinery is offering...


The Ultimate Color Sampler
{retail value $25}

and

Market Street Stamps is offering...  


So spend some time with the designers
of both companies this weekend.
You'll find wonderful inspiration along the way
and have a chance to win great prizes as well!

Don't forget to share a comment before you leave!

The next stop on the hop is one that will surely inspire you!
It's the very talented
Caroline Stender


Project Recipe: 
Designer Paper: Baby Steps by Simple Stories
Stamps: Celebrate Cake by Market Street Stamps
Tools:  'Flower Vine' by Sizzix, Big Shot
Fiskars Corner Rounder punch 
Embellishments: Bakers twine in Buttercream, Honeydew & Blossom 
from The Twinery
Felt Flower by Making Memories, Mini Pearls from Recollections

Honey...You Are Just My...



Ready for a little somethin' 
Clean & Simple?


 Karen came up with the fantastic sketch this week
and she is pulling me over the 'sketch' world
with this one!
 
 

 Been looking for an excuse to pull out my alpha
stickers from Authentique and thought this fit
the bill.  The brown checked cardstock is from A Muse Studios
and gave me the feeling of 'sepia'.


The typewriter image and the sentiment stamps
are from this week's sponsor...
You'll have lots of time to play Clean & Simple
because this is a  
TWO WEEK CHALLENGE.
We know that life in the U.S. is busy during
the Thanksgiving Holiday, so we are giving you
additional time to play along.
I'll see you over at CAS-ual Fridays!


Project Recipe: 
Designer Paper:  Brown Check from A Muse Studio
Ink: Slate from A Muse Studio
Stamps: You are Noteworthy by Tradefish Designs 
Embellishments: Petite Type Stickers from Authentique

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Sending Hugs



It's time again for another beautiful 
color challenge over at

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, this will be a
TWO-WEEK CHALLENGE!


 I love every single color story that Jaclyn chooses
for our challenges and this one is no exception!

Speaking of Jax, she just returned from the
Paper Crafts Magazine Cruise and will be
sharing her photos over on her blog.
It's funny...even though friends like Jax don't live
near me, I still 'miss' them when they are away.
I feel more content knowing she is back : )


I have had the new 'Farmhouse' collection from
Crate Paper for awhile now and have been so
anxious to play with it.  This challenge was
the perfect opportunity because the colors are
so spot on.
It's a fairly simple, straightforward design here.
All the details on what I used are below.

We are sponsored this week by my friend
Kelly Marie over at Lawn Fawn.


Don't forget, this is a  
TWO-WEEK CHALLENGE,
so you have plenty of time to play along.


Project Recipe: 
Designer Paper:  Farmhouse Collection by Crate Paper
Ink: French Roast from A Muse Studio
Stamps: On the Mend by Lawn Fawn 
Embellishments: Chipboard Stickers from Farmhouse Collection 
by Crate Paper,
Copper Seam Binding from Vintage Findings by Making Memories
Tools: Lacey Circles from Spellbinders,
Leaves & Swirls EF from Sizzix/BasicGrey

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Two Turtle Doves + A Studio Clean Out = Creative Stuff for Sale!



Thought I would share a little early
Christmas project with you today.
I bought this Hero Arts stamp set on my last trip
to Archivers about a month ago and have
not had much time to play with it.


 The scene is called 'Two Birds in a Tree'.
I inked the stamp using A Muse Studio ink
in 'Ocean', and embellished from there.
The photos don't show the 'shine' as much as
I would like, but I have lots of bling including
Stickles in 'Stardust' on the trees and to make
a snowy path on the baker's twine from The Twinery.
The fab checked cardstock is also from A Muse Studio.
Hope you found a little inspiration in this card!

On a personal note, I started 'purging' again...
my creative nook, that is and I really have lots
of stuff that I want to pass on to those who
would like to add to their stash at
GREAT SAVINGS!

Postage prices are within $1 of the
actual cost of postage...and 
ALL PRICES INCLUDE US POSTAGE

All of these items are BRAND NEW!!

If you are interested in any of these sets,
please email me at julieranae@hotmail.com
PAYPAL ONLY

I will ship internationally, but you'll have to
contact me for postage rates.

 $20 ( $45+ retail value)

 $12 ($25+ retail value)

 SOLD
$10 (retail $25)
USED ONCE EACH

SOLD
$20 (retail $70+)
THIS LOT WEIGHS OVER 2 LBS...HEAVY

SOLD
$12 (retail $30+)

 SOLD
$18 (retail $40)

 SOLD
$20 (retail $50+)

 SOLD
$12 (retail $30)
SORRY FOR THE HORRIBLE PHOTO
IT'S ALL CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY

 SOLD
$12 (retail $35+)
ALL FROM THE UK
CLEAR & UNMOUNTED RED RUBBER
JUST A FEW USED

$15 (retail $40)
THIS LOT WEIGHS OVER 2 LBS....HEAVY!!
1-Noah's Ark Pipe Cleaner Kit
1-Forest Animals Pipe Cleaner Kit
2- Glittered Photo Mat Card Kits 


That's it for now....
If anything interests you, just let me know!
I will gladly send these on to a new home
and the funds will be going into the
OJS Savings Account for Jan 2012 : ))