*cutie patootie*

I couldn't resist making a baby card with this cute little rocking horse by A Muse. This adorable little guy can be found in one of several new clear sets designed by the talented Missy Ballance. I opted for non-traditional colors on this design, mostly because I prefer non-traditional colors to the expected pink and blue... but also because I was dying to try out my new copic markers! I was tickled to find a snippet of yellow gingham ribbon that matched my new golden yellow marker perfectly! I love using lots of patterns, and Cuttlebug embossing folders are a fun way to add both pattern and texture. The pattern stands out even more when it's lightly sanded, like you see here.
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A Muse notecard, papers, image, and sentiment. Cuttlebug perfect paisley embossing folder. Stampin' Up scalloped circle punch, 1 1/2 inch circle punch, scalloped border punch, sanding block, and kiwi kiss classic ink. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers and black multi-liner pen. MayArts yellow gingham ribbon.

*you're such a ham*

The Saltbox Studio released 5 new sets yesterday, and if you haven't seen them yet (((gasp))), you can view them here. I *heart* this pig from the new Farm Friends set, and I really like A Muse's brown vintage paper and matching sheer ribbon paired up with a blue tinplate notecard. I will definitely be using this combination again!

There's a contest going on over at The Saltbox Sampler, so be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win the new Summer Banner set! And while you're at it, be sure to check out the new look at A Muse News!
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A Muse notecard, papers, and ribbon. Image and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers and black multi-liner pen. Stampin' Up sanding block. Heidi Swapp edge distressor.

*howdy* - another sneak peek!

I've had this idea in my head for a while now, and I'm tickled that I was actually able to translate it onto paper! The new Farm Friends set is quickly becoming my favorite, and I love these cute farm animals stacked on top of one another! I like to use lots of patterns, and for this design I mixed one of A Muse's new vintage notecards with a piece of red madiera cardstock, and I love the combination! I used my copic markers to create some additional patterns. I started out with garnet polka dots, which was a great finishing touch to the sentiment, but I went a few steps further on the right edge of the card and used a black multi-liner pen to draw a circle around the garnet polka dot. Then I finished it off by outlining the black circle in olive.

The next Saltbox Studio release is scheduled for Monday, July 28th, and I can't wait for you to see all the sets! They are darling... and you're gonna want 'em all!
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A Muse notecard, patterned paper, and ribbon. Images and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. Stampin' Up black cardstock, circle punch, sanding block, and classic inks. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers, clear spica glitter pen, and black multi-liner pen. Scalloped punch by PaperSource. Pop Dots.

*live simply* - sneak peek!!!

It's Day 3 of *sneak peeks*, and today I'm sharing some of the new primitive/folk art images that will be released on Monday. I'm excited that a saltbox is finally available, and for those of you who have been waiting for a truly primitive set, you're gonna love Saltbox Greetings! I mixed things up a bit on this one and pulled images from a few different sets, plus the dotted oval background stamp made by A Muse. The willow tree and saltbox can be found in the Saltbox Greetings set; the folk star is in the new Barn Banner set; and the "live simply" sentiment is from the Deck the House Companion set, a past release. Once again, I've used one of A Muse's new vintage notecards. I can't seem to get enough of them! I just *love* the pattern and the yummy colors!

Beth will be sharing one of my cards over at The Saltbox Sampler today, so be sure to stop by for a peek! The other girls on the Saltbox team have been busy sharing peeks on their blogs too, and you don't want to miss 'em!
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A Muse notecard, papers, and dotted oval background. Saltbox, folk star, willow, and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. VersaMagic tea leaves chalk ink. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers and clear spica glitter pen. Marvy scalloped oval punch. White sharpie poster paint pen. Pop Dots.

*simplify* - sneak peek!!!

Today I'm givin' you a peek at two new Saltbox Studio sets... Saltbox Greetings and Simplicity. Both sets are primitive in style, and the images and sentiments are incredible! I love the new willow tree. It can be used to create a primitive scene, or it can stand easily on it's own like I've used it here.

This is one of my favorite color combinations ever, and I was tickled to discover that Baja Breeze (one of Stampin' Up's new "in colors") matches perfectly with A Muse's new blue vintage notecards! I just slid the edges across the inkpad, and it really made the vintage layer stand out. This is a super simple layout, which is exactly what I was going for... especially since the sentiment is "simplify".

Beth has another sneak peek up over at The Saltbox Sampler, so be sure to check it out!
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A Muse notecard and papers. Image and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. VersaMagic tea leaves chalk ink. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers. Stampin' Up circle punch, scalloped circle punch, scalloped border punch, sanding block, crystal effects, and baja breeze classic ink. Making Memories brads.

*welcome* - sneak peek!

I couldn't bear the thought of not having a sneak peek for you today, so even though I've been out of town for a few days, I managed to squeeze in a little stamping time so I'd have some eye candy to share! This card showcases two new sets by The Saltbox Studio... Farm Friends and Saltbox Greetings. I'm a bit partial to Mr. Rooster. I have a thing for roosters, and I think he's adorable, especially his checkered tummy! I also love the "welcome" sentiment and that you can color it in to match your card. A Muse's new vintage notecards are fabulous! I used one on this card to create a farmhouse country feel. Be sure to stop by The Saltbox Sampler for another fun sneak peek!

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A Muse kitchen notecard, red vintage paper, and black sheer ribbon. Image and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers, black multi-liner pen, and clear spica glitter pen. Stampin' Up scalloped circlepunch, 1 1/2" circle punch, sanding block, black cardstock, and riding hood red classic ink. Pop dots.

*ice cream, anyone?*

It's typical July weather here in Iowa, and what could be better on a hot day than ice cream? A Muse doesn't have an ice cream cart, so I modified the flower cart image by masking off the flowers. Then I made an ice cream sign using my Karen Foster snap stamps. I used a red twinkle sticker for the cherry on top of the sundae and some crystal effects on the ice cream. Any kid would love getting an ice cream card... especially if you tucked a gift certificate from Coldstone Creamery or Baskin Robbins inside!

The Saltbox Studio is about to release 5 new stamp sets! Be sure to check back next week for some fun sneak peeks!

Have a great weekend... and a nice big bowl of ice cream!
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A Muse notecard, paper, twinkle sticker, images, and sentiment. Karen Foster snap stamps. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers and multi-liner pen. Stampin' Up crystal effects. Pop Dots.