Cricut Cuts + Stamps = Awesome!

Seriously am CRAZY about these new A Muse Studio stamps! But how about combining TWO of my favorite things...A Muse stamps and Cricut cuts?! Totally perfect! I thought this cut (from Sweet Treats) and the"Happy Birthday to You" stamp work wonderfully together. Actually, the stamp reminds me of a rub-on because of the super-clean image. Love it!

Love this card too? Why not host your own A Muse Studio workshop and earn the products to create it for FREE!!! Contact me to learn more! Or buy the kit to complete the card on my Etsy shop (COMING SOON). Thanks for visiting!

Some more...

Supplies: Cardstock - Ocean (blue), Lichen (green), Sugar (white), Onyx (black); Brad - Onyx; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black; Stamps - Rock Star

A Muse Studio Samples!

Welcome to the wonderful world of A Muse Studio! If you're a card-maker like me chances are you have heard of A Muse... They previously sold wood-mounted stamps and accessories to independent retail stores. As of March 2011, though, they converted to a home-based company (much to my delight). I was one of the first to sign up to represent the products as an A Muse Studio Creative Consultant! How exciting! Today I had a little time to create samples using the awesome products received in my starter kit. Keep in mind that this is just a SAMPLER of stamps and accessories available. Check out my website to shop online or to learn more: www.amusestudio.com/lauraleland

Supplies: Cardstock - Lichen (green), French Roast (brown), Sugar (white); Ribbon - 1/4" stitched grosgrain in French Roast; Ink - French Roast; Stamps - Beautiful Botanicals 2 (branch) and Loving Memories (sympathy); Other - Twinkle Stickers and Flower (from Meadow Mix collection)

For the LOVE of border punches!

As you probably already have realized, I am totally in love with border punches (and am not afraid to admit it). Yes, they do work fantastically for punch borders...as the name implies...but they are also excellent for creating accent pieces. One of my favorite techniques is creating a "background" by punching various styles in the same or closely related shades of cardstock. In a previous post, I used this technique on a scrapbook page using black on black. I love that look since it gives the page a textured feel while still being subtle and letting the picture(s) shine! I did a similar look on this card. This time, though, I used a much different shade of paper to punch the stripes thereby creating a more patterned background. Adding strips of a Basic Grey patterned paper also brought in some fun color and texture. I absolutely adore this look and will probably continue to use it for years to come! Plus, this is a wonderful way to utilize those scraps!!!