Glitz CHA Week- Hoopla

Okay...I am completely smitten with this collection.  Smitten...I tell you.  If it hadn't already been 2am when I was finishing up my projects for CHA...I would have kept on going.  But, I figured I was probably getting a bit too tired and risking ruining a project...so I decided to stop.  But there will definitely be a lot more Hoopla projects in my future...LOVE this line!

Here are the cards that I did with it!  The second card with the circle glitzers was inspired by a card that Glitz DT member Kay Sibley did awhile back.  Thanks for the inspiration Kay!!:

And here is the peek at this line in its entirety:

Make sure that you head over to the Glitz blog, because we are giving away a Hoopla collection to one lucky winner!  The winner will be drawn at midnight...so hurry on over to the blog!

Until later,
~Lea L.

Glitz CHA Week- Love Nest

Today I have cards to share with you that feature another new line by Glitz called Love Nest.  This line is so perfectly Shabby Chic....it is fabulous!!

Here is a peek at the entire collection:

Isn't it fabulous!!  Be sure to check out the Glitz blog today, because we are giving away this collection!  But hurry...the winner will be picked at midnight!!

Until later,
~Lea L.

Glitz CHA Week- Scarlett cards

Hi everyone!  I know...two posts right in a row on the same day!  I have had so much to share in the past few days, that this is the only way I could think to do it!  Anyways...today I have cards to share with you featuring one of the newest collections by Glitz Designs called Scarlett.  So, let's get right to it!!  Here are the cards!

I just love the vivid colors mixed with black, and the vintage feel of it!!  Here is a peek at the full line:

We are also doing some giveaways this week on the blog!!  Up first is the giveaway of the Scarlett collection!  Go to THIS post on the Glitz blog...check out all the fabulous projects...and let us know what you like best about the Scarlett collection.  But hurry....we will be picking the winner tonight at MIDNIGHT!! 

Until later,
~Lea L.

Curtain Call Color Challenge: Act 40

Hi everyone!!  I have this week's Curtain Call Color challenge for you, courtesy of Stacey's Stamping Stage blog!  Here are the colors for the week:

And this is what I came up with for the week:

"Best Wishes" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Just The Ticket) & Kitchen Sink (Plaid Plus) 

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: turquise, scarlet, lime) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) 

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs 

Pen: Zig Millenium

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Instructions:  Fold white cardstock in half to make cardbase, and round the bottom corners.  Stamp the tickets, stars and sentiment to the front of the card.  Add three jewels to the bottom middle of the card.  Pen a black line around the card, meeting at the jewels. 

Be sure to check out what the rest of the gals came up with this week!  ♥♥♥ 

  Amy White

Andrea Roose

Iwona Palamountain

Julie Smith

Marisa Ritzen

Melissa Hubert

Shelley Germann

Sue Kohler

Silke Ledlow

Until later,

~Lea L.

The month of July is when America celebrates its independence.  But, we wouldn't have that independence without the sacrifice of our armed forces, and their families.  For this month's technique post, I chose to focus on cards that honor those in our military.

The technique that I am sharing with you is by no means a new one, but one that maybe you haven't visited in awhile.  I seem to forget how much texture and detail sanding can add to a project, and paired with the beautiful texture of GCD Studios papers....it is a sure winner.

The supply list is pretty basic.  All you need is some sandpaper, your patterned paper block, and an old surface that you don't mind getting scratched up.

When I sand paper block, I start by sanding the edges first.  It brings out that nice white core to the paper, and adds a great border to the paper block.

I don't normally sand inside of the paper block....but GCD Studios paper just screams for it to be done.  Check out how much texture and detail the sanding brings out of the paper block:

And here is a little side by side comparison to some unsanded GCD Studios paper.  They are both gorgeous....

And here are the two cards that I came up with.  My first card was meant for sending to wherever your soldier might be located.  I read somewhere online that you don't want to ever send cards that have glitter on them to a soldier, because glitter makes them visible at night if it gets on them at all.  So, I made sure that I didn't use any type of paper with glitter on it.  I also made the card very flat, so it would be easier to send, and wouldn't possibly cause any mail problems.  Look at how much texture the sanding gives the card, even with the card being so flat in nature.

This next card is meant to give to your soldier once they get home.  This one is chalk full of glittery paper, jewels, dimension, sanding, texture....you name it.  Soldiers coming home deserve all the decoration in the world....so why shouldn't their welcome home card be the same?

All of the papers on these cards are from the Independence collection by GCD Studios.  This is a completely fabulous paper set, and works with so many different themes....but especially patriotic themes.  They are a perfect addition to your scrapbooking paper collection!

Thanks for honoring our soldiers with me this month!

Until later,
~Lea

CAS Blog's 100th Sketch Celebration!!!

I was very excited this week when I received an email from Natasha at the Clean & Simple blog, asking me to take part in their 100th Sketch celebration!  I love that sketch site, and I use the sketches often for the cards on my blog.  Here is the card that I came up with for the 100th sketch!!

  "Wishing You All the Best" supplies: 

Cardstock: The Paper Company

Paper: K & Company and Papertrey Ink

Stamp/Ribbon/Button/Die: Papertrey Ink (YOF: Sweet Peas set) 

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) 

Twine: Darice Inc. 

Glitter: DecoArt

Colored Pencil: Heidi Swapp

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Fold green dotted paper in half to make card base, and round the bottom corners.  Cut a scalloped border to a cream cardstock block using a Cuttlebug and medium scallop die.  Stamp the floral image directly to the cardstock block, color in the greenery, and then stamp the sentiment to the front.  Stamp the floral image to pink patterned paper, and cut out just the flowers.  Glitter them, and piece them on top of the existing stamped image.  Adhere the entire block to the front of the card base.  Tie ribbon across the top, and add a button to the middle of the bow using twine.

For the celebration, the Clean & Simple blog is doing a blog hop with some amazing card designers!!!  Here is the list, starting at the Clean & Simple blog.  If you came to my blog for other purposes, I would love for you to check out the blog hop!  It is sure to be amazing!!  Here you go, and have lots of fun!  ♥♥♥

Clean & Simple- http://cleanandsimplestamping.blogspot.com/

Angie Tieman- http://schwooo.blogspot.com/

Becky Carafa- http://www.lakeshorestamper.com/

Harriet Skelly- http://allycatcards.blogspot.com/

Heather Pulvirenti- http://heatherpulvirenti.blogspot.com/

Iwona Palamountain- http://ipalamountain.blogspot.com/

Jen Carter- http://jensinkspot.blogspot.com/

Julie Ebersole- http://papertrufflez.typepad.com/

Julie Lacey- http://stampsandtaxes.blogspot.com/

Kelly Jo- http://kjsstamppad.blogspot.com/

Lea Lawson- http://leascupcakesandsunshine.blogspot.com/ (that's me!)

Natasha Trupp- http://palmtreesandpogosticks.blogspot.com/

Silke Ledlow- http://silkeledlow.blogspot.com/

Susan Raihala- http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

I hope that you have a wonderful Friday evening, and weekend!

Until later,
~Lea

The elegance of pink, gray & white....

This is such a beautiful color combination....perfectly complimenting each other.  The OTWC #16 challenge happens to be these colors...so I decided to make a few cards for it.  I also did them with the "Classy & Elegant" Moxie Fab challenge in mind.

My first card features this beautiful chandelier stamp.  And while the colors are non-traditional, this would make a beautiful Valentine for someone special.  I think it would also be great for anniversaries, weddings, and any love occasion you can think of. 

"Be Mine...Always & Forever" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: My Mind's Eye

Stamps: Gina K Designs (Fine Furnishings set) 

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: antique pewter) 

Rub-ons: Basic Grey (be mine) & Creative Imaginations (always & forever) 

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Flowers: Zva Creative

Pearls: Kaiser Craft 

Border Punch: Fiskars

Instructions:  Fold gray cardstock in half to make card base.  Adhere rub-on sentiments to the bottom of a white cardstock block.  Stamp the chandelier to the middle of the white cardstock block, and accent with pink pearls.  Adhere a bow to the top of the chandelier, and accent the middle with white paper flowers.  Punch two border strips from pink dotted paper, and adhere to each side of the white cardstock block.  Adhere the entire block to the front of the gray card base using dimensional adhesive. 

I am not sure if it is because I have either photographed or attended some weddings recently, but I have been in a wedding card making mood lately!  Love must just be in the air, or something.  Tee hee!

"I Do" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics 

Stamps: Renaissance by Design (Darling Damask set) 

Ink: Tsukineko (Chalk: pixie dust) 

Ribbon: Michael's brand

Flowers: Recollections

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Tie The Knot by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Fold pink cardstock in half to make card base, and round the bottom corners.  Round the bottom corners of a white cardstock block, and stamp a damask pattern to the front of it.  Tie ribbon around the top, and accent the middle of the bow with paper flowers.  Adhere the white cardstock block to the front of the card.  Cut the tag at 2 1/4" using the Cricut Expression and Tie The Knot cartridge.  Cover the back of the tag with pink cardstock, and adhere it to the front of the card, tucking the top part underneath the bow.  Accent the three damasks underneath the tag with pearls. 

This card could be used for so many different purposes.  It would make a wonderful graduation card for a young woman graduating from any type of school.  It would be great for someone who recently got a new job or a promotion.  It could also just serve as an encouragement card for someone.  So many great reasons to send a card with a sentiment like this!

"Success & Dreams Come True" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: My Mind's Eye

Stamps: Papertrey Ink (A Little Argyle & For The Graduate sets)

Ink: Tsukineko (Chalk: pixie dust) & Clearsnap (Pigment: antique pewter) 

Ribbon: Webster's Pages (bloomers) 

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Instructions:  Fold gray cardstock in half to make card base, and round the bottom corners.  Stamp an argyle pattern to a white cardstock block.  Cover the top and bottom with pink dotted paper, and round the bottom corners.  Adhere bloomers ribbon right above the argyle pattern, and adhere the entire block to the front of the card.  Stamp the sentiment above the bloomers, and then accent the card with pink & silver pearls.

This is the lovely inspiration photo that was posted on the OTWC blog.  Hmmm...maybe that is part of where I got the wedding inspiration.  Tee hee!

How about a movie post?  I haven't done one of those in a little while!  Here is what we have watched recently: 

  REALLY loved Invictus.  And even though I am going to Kenya, and not South Africa....it made me even more excited for the mission trip.  Very inspiring and amazing movie.  Valentine's Day was HILARIOUS.  We both laughed so much...especially at the Taylor/Taylor scenes.  They made the whole movie.  And When in Rome was okay.  Not my favorite movie of all time, but cute enough.  I won't ever watch it again....but it was cute enough to watch once.  

Well, there you have it.  Cards and movie info...hope that you have enjoyed the post!   

Until later,

~Lea

Taylored Expression "Blast from the Past" Blog Hop

Happy Tuesday morning, everyone!!  I hope that your day is going well so far!  I am joining in on the Taylored Expression "Blast from the Past" blog hop fun this month...and I loved breaking out TE stamps for it!!  I am also entering it into the "Shabby & Vintage" Moxie Fab challenge! So....let's get right to it!!  Here is my card for the hop!

"Time for Tea" supplies: 

Stamps: Taylored Expressions (CreativiTEA set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut & Chalk: ice blue) 

Cardstock: The Paper Company

Paper: My Mind's Eye

Paper Frill: Doodlebug Designs

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Lace: vintage craft supply

Flowers: Recollections 

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Fold cream cardstock in half to make card base.  Adhere a block of blue flocked dot paper to the front of the card.  Add a blue paper frill to a brown damask paper block, and adhere to the left side of the card.  Layer lace and ribbon over top of the seam on that paper block.  Cut the scalloped circle at 2 1/2" inches from patterned paper using the Cricut Expression and the Storybook cartridge.  Adhere it to the lower right corner of the card.  Tie a bow from brown dotted ribbon, and adhere to the upper right part of the scalloped circle.  Cut a circle at 2" from cream cardstock and ink the edges.  Stamp the sentiment to the bottom and adhere to the middle of the scalloped circle using dimensional adhesive.  Stamp the teapot to cream cardstock and cut out.  Adhere the teapot off center to the sentiment circle, and accent with pearls.  Add two cream paper flowers to the middle of the bow. 

We were given a sketch by Sankari Wegman that we could use if we wanted to...and you all know me!  I love a good sketch...so of course, I used it.  Here is the sketch so you can try it out if you like!! 

And don't forget to check out the rest of the "Blast from the Past" blog hop creations as well...it is sure to be a treat!! ♥♥♥ 

I hope that you have a really wonderful day!!  

Until later,

~Lea

Curtain Call Color Challenge: Act 39

Well, it isn't Sunday...but I am bringing my color challenge card to you on Monday instead!  I just had a super busy weekend...I mean, SUPER BUSY, and was behind on pretty much everything craft related.  So, here is the color challenge courtesy of Stacey's Stamping Stage blog. 

Love the fabulous earth tones that Stacey chose for this week!!  I also used Clean & Simple Sketch 99 for my card....which was perfect for the stamping that I wanted to do!! Here is my card!

 "Eternal Summer..." supplies: 

Cardstock: The Paper Company

Stamps: Renaissance By Design (Roots & Wings, Roots & Wings add-on) & Papertrey Ink (Through The Trees) 

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut, fresh green, dune & Chalk: ice jade) 

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Instructions:  Fold kraft cardstock in half to make card base, and round the right side corners.  Round the right side corners of a white paper block, and adhere a strip of ribbon to the left side.  Stamp the tree layers and sentiment to it, and accent with green pearls.  Adhere the white paper block to the front of the kraft card using dimensional adhesive.

Don't forget to check out what the other gals came up with this week!! ♥♥♥

  Amy White

Andrea Roose

Iwona Palamountain

Julie Smith

Marisa Ritzen

Melissa Hubert

Shelley Germann

Sue Kohler

Silke Ledlow

My busy weekend was all about Casey, and football!  He played in the East West Shrine game in Butte, which is an all-star game that chooses the best of the best players from all classes and benefits Shriner's hospitals.  We had the banquet on Friday night, a parade on Saturday morning, and the game on Saturday night.  He played on the West team, and they won 34-18!  Casey was put at a wide receiver spot, and he played a little on special teams.  He was only thrown the ball once, and it was in the 4th quarter.  But let me tell you...the kid capitalized on that one pass....and he ran it down field for a 91 yard touchdown!!!  Which also broke a Shrine game record...so his name will be in the record books as well.  SO proud of him!  His recruiting coach from Carroll happened to be at the same end of the field that Casey scored, so we were very excited that he was able to see it!  Casey had an amazing week with players from all over the state in all of the different classes (Class C-Class AA).  And a lot of money was raised for the Shrine Children hospitals.  It was a really great weekend!

I hope your weekend was as great as mine!  I will be back tomorrow for Taylored Expression's Blast From the Past blog hop!  I hope you will come back and check it out!!

Until later,
~Lea L.