Sparkle & Cheer....{& giveaway winner!!}

....is what I hope your Friday has been full of today!!  Tee hee!!  Today is our last night in Sheridan...and the guys are out hunting for the last time tonight.  So far they have been skunked, which is very unusual for this area.  Josh is going to see if he can go out around Missoula on his days off to try and get his elk still...I sure hope he does!  We take Josh's dad to the airport early tomorrow morning, and then will head on our way home.

I have a card to share with you today, and the winner of the Grunge stamp set.  First up is the card.  This is for CPS Sketch 190, where we were sponsored by Taylored Expressions this week.  I was asked by TE to help out this week, and use one of their stamp sets.  Here is what I came up with!! (I forgot to load the rounded corner image to my laptop...I will change them out when I get home.)

"Beautiful Moments" Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper: Basic Grey
Stamps: Taylored Expressions (Sparkle & Cheer)
Ink: Clearsnap (rose coral, ice blue, chestnut) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Twin: Darice Inc.
Pearls: Kaiser Craft & Darice
Button: Doodlebug Design
Glitter: DecoArt
Border Punch: Fiskars
Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft

I ADORE this stamp set by Taylored Expressions...it has so many fabulous images!  I see myself using it often in the coming months!!  It is full of whimsical images and beautiful sentiments...just love it!!

I also have the winner to announce of the Skipping Stones Design "Grunge" stamp set from my Tuesday post!  Without further ado...here is the randomly picked winning comments!!

Yay Christi...congrats!!  Email me your address information to jnllawson @ bresnan.net...and I will get the stamps sent out to you!! 

Well, that is all I have for you!  Have a wonderful rest of your evening! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Spooktacularly Witchy....

....say that fast 10 times in a row, phew!  Tee hee!!  I hope this post finds your middle of the week going well!  I have a couple of cards to share with you today, and I am really happy with how they turned out!  Do you know that feeling when a design or two just clicks?  That is how I felt when putting these two together.

The first card uses Waltzingmouse Sketch #20, and Curtain Call Color Challenge #53.  It has been awhile since participating in the color challenge, and I miss it!!  I did substitute whisper white for cream....it just worked better for my card. 

"Witch's Brew" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: Making Memories

Stamps/Die: Papertrey Ink (Friendship Jar Fall Fillers) 

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black), Clearsnap (Chalk: charcoal) & CTMH (Pigment: vanilla cream)

Jewel: Doodlebug Designs

Glitter: Ranger Stickles

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug & Cricut by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft 

Ribbon/Colored Pencils: craft supply

Instructions:  Fold orange cardstock in half to make card base, and ink the edges.  Ink the edges of a gray paper block, and adhere to the front of the card.   Cut the label from text paper at 3 1/2" and from cream cardstock at 3" using a Cricut Expression & Storybook cartridge.  Ink the edges of the larger label, and tie ribbon around the middle of it.  Adhere this label to the front of the card.  Ink the edges of the smaller label, and stamp the witch image to the front of it.  Color it in with colored pencils, and adhere it to the front of the card using dimensional adhesive.  Diecut the tag from orange cardstock using a Cuttlebug, and stamp the outline and sentiment to it.  Adhere it underneath the thin black bow, and accent with a yellow jewel.  Add glitter Stickles to each yellow star in the witch image.

This next card uses FTL #113 from the Clean & Simple Stamping blog this week.  I seriously LOVE these Halloween stamps from PTI...and they look all the better glittered!  Tee hee!  Love it! 

"Have a Spooktacular Halloween" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: Martha Stewart Crafts

Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Been Boo'd)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black, Dew Drop Dye: dandelion)

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Glitter: DecoArt

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Instructions: Fold kraft cardstock in half to make card base, and round the bottom corners.  Ink the edges of 3 patterned paper squares, and adhere to the bottom of the card.  Tie ribbon around the middle of the card, just above the squares.  Add two strips of 1/8" Scor-Tape to the top of the card, and cover with glitter.  Stamp the moon, bats & star to white paper and cut out.  Cover them in glitter using spray adhesive, and adhere them to the top of the square paper blocks.  Stamp the sentiment to the bottom of the card, in between the moon & star accents, and add three jewels to the upper right corner.

Don't forget that I am giving away the new "Grunge" stamp set from Skipping Stones Design on THIS POST.  Be sure to leave a comment about my card on it, and which of the backgrounds in the set is your fave!!  I will draw the winner this coming Friday....so please get to commenting!! :) 

Skipping Stones Design is also teaming with Paper Crafts Magazine in another giveaway.  Four lucky winners will win 4 SSD stamp sets....so CLICK HERE FOR THAT GIVEAWAY. 

I downloaded Taylor Swift's new album off of Amazon this week for $3.99!!  I am not the biggest fan of Taylor live, but I love her in a studio and I think she is an amazing song writer.  Plus...I think she is a young female celebrity that young girls can actually look up to.  She is growing up gracefully and beautifully, and full of class.  CLICK HERE for the link to this awesome deal on Amazon.  I don't know how long they are going to offer it this way, so get to purchasing if you want her album!!  :)

Well, that is all I have for today!  I hope you have a wonderful evening!  ♥♥♥ 

Until later,
~Lea L.

Skipping Stones Design Sketch 48

Happy Tuesday, friends!!  Today I have my SSDS48 card to share with you, and a giveaway!!  I have had a lot of fun guest designing for Skipping Stones Design the past couple of months!  Today I am featuring the Grunge set again...and I just LOVE the woodgrain stamp!  That is what I featured on my card today:

"Thank You" supplies:

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: Hambly Screen Prints

Stamps: Skipping Stones Design (Grunge set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut) 

Embossing Powder: Stampendous (clear)

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Fold aqua cardstock in half to make cardbase.  Round the corners of a kraft cardstock block, and stamp a woodgrain background to the center of it.  Cover the woodgrain stamping in clear embossing powder, and set with a heat gun.  Cut the label and its layers at 2" using a Cricut Expression & Storybook cartridge.  Layer together, punch a hole in the top, and tie ribbon through it.  Adhere the entire sentiment label to the front of the card, and top with a bow.  Accent below the woodgrain stamping with three jewels.  

Be sure to check out what all the other ladies on the SSD design team, and guest designers have created with the sketch too!

Karen Giron- http://kgiron.blogspot.com/  {Guest Sketch Artist}

Shannan Teubner- http://withfeathersandsequins.blogspot.com/ {Guest Designer}

Kandi Phillips- http://kraftykandikrafts.blogspot.com/

Amy Tsuruta- http://tsurutadesigns.blogspot.com/

Ann Kranitz- http://stampwithme-ann.blogspot.com/

Barb Turpin- http://barbsboys123.blogspot.com/

Brenda Weaver- http://sweetpapertreats.wordpress.com/

Gladys Chia- http://gladyschia2010.wordpress.com/

Jennifer Ingle- http://justjingle.blogspot.com/

Tammie Beaton- http://alwaysinking.blogspot.com/

Wendy Jordan- http://papertherapy-wendy.blogspot.com/  

I am also giving away a Grunge set to one lucky winner!!  Here is the image of the set so you can check it out: 

All you have to do is leave me a comment about my card, and which of the backgrounds in the stamp set are your fave!!  Can't wait to read your comments! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,
~Lea L.

Papertrey Ink October Blog Hop

Hi everyone!!  I had the chance to get a couple of cards done this morning for the PTI Blog Hop today!  Here is the challenge that was issued this time around:

Let me first note that I am editing these images on my laptop, and the screen is not color calibrated.  So, I have no idea if the coloring is right on with these images...I will end up redoing them when I get home!

My first card I decided to go with a winter theme.  I did use Color Cue 9 from the WPlus9 blog this month.  Pink, grey & white...one of my FAVE combos!!

"Chill of Winter" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: My Mind's Eye

Stamps/felt/Die: Papertrey Ink (Friendship Jar Holiday Fillers, On Ice) 

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: antique pewter) 

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Glitter: DecoArt & Ranger Stickles

Corner Rounder: EK Success 

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug 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 paper block, and cover the top with a pink houndstooth paper block.  Stamp the hanging snowflakes to the right side of the block.  Cut a scalloped border from white felt, and adhere right above the stamping.  Tie ribbon around the seam between the patterned paper and felt, then stamp the sentiment below the bow.  Adhere the entire block to the front of the card.  Accent the snowflake centers with jewels, and add glitter Stickles to the stars. 

For my next card, I went with a Hanukkah card.  I had to mix some stamps, so I used both PTI and Lawn Fawn to create this one.  I love how it turned out!!  I used Laura's Sketch 64 from 2 Sketches 4 U for this one. 

"Happy Hanukkah" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics 

Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Merry Little Christmas) & Lawn Fawn (Happy Hanukkah)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut, eggplant, antique pewter, evergreen, lilac, black)
Embossing Powder: Stampendous (clear)
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Jewels: Doodlebug Designs
Corner Rounder: EK Success

Instructions:  Fold purple cardstock in half to make card base, and tie light purple ribbon around the middle of it.  Round the top corners of a white cardstock block, and stamp the scene to it.  Cover the dreidels in clear embossing powder, and set with a heat gun.  Accent two of the tree stems with purple jewels, and adhere the entire block to the front using dimensional adhesive.

We are having a good time in Sheridan, MT so far with my parents and Josh's dad.  My mom made the yummiest quiche for dinner last night...it was your normal spinach quiche, but in place of regular bacon we added turkey bacon, and in place of swiss cheese we added a cheddar blend.  It was YUMMY!  I am definitely going to make that more when I am at home! 

Well, I better get going for now!  Enjoy your Monday! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Dry Embossing Patterned Paper with GCD Studios

Hi everyone!!  Today I am going to share a technique that I love!  Dry embossing cardstock is done a lot in paper crafting, and it is a great way to add some texture and dimension to your card.  I also love to dry emboss patterned paper, and it can add so much to your project.

First cut your block of patterned paper, and run it through your embossing machine with your embossing folder or plate of choice.  (I used a Cuttlebug with the Flourish Fun folder for my card.)

When you have run the paper through the machine, this is what it will look like.  Most machines will make a nice impression that is very easy to see.

I normally go one step further, and lightly sand over the embossed image to make it stand out even more.  Plus, patterned paper has a white core to it...so sanding will really bring the image out.

Then just finish putting your card together.  This is how my card turned out:

You can also do the same technique on diecut items.  On this card, I did the same process to this diecut & emboss leaf set.

I used a bunch of product from the Urban Artsy collection for these cards.  I just love how warm and comfy the colors are.  Even though the collection is not technically a "fall" collection...I think it works perfectly for this time of year!

Until later,
~Lea L.

Taylored Expression October "Blast from the Past" Blog Hop

Happy Friday, everyone!!  Today I am participating in the October "Blast from the Past" Blog Hop with Taylored Expression.  The theme this month is Christmas/Holiday/Winter, so without further ado...here is my card:

"Peace on Earth" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: GCD Studios

Stamps: Taylored Expression (Christmas Blessings set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut, chianti) 

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Pins: Making Memories

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Circle Punch: Marvy Uchida

Sandapaper

Instructions:  Fold light brown cardstock in half to make card base, and round the bottom left and upper right corner.  Round the same corners of a red paper block, and sand the edges.  Sand the edges of a striped paper strip, and adhere it to the right side of the red block.  Add a a strip of ribbon to the top of the striped paper, and tie a bow to the top of it.  Adhere this entire block to the front of the card, and add two pins in the ribbon.  Stamp the image to a sheet music paper block and cut out.  Stamp the sentiment to brown paper, and punch out in a circle.  Adhere the sentiment circle to the stamped image, and adhere the entire block to the front of the card using dimensional adhesive.  Accent the lower right corner with three brown pearls.  

Can I just say how much I love the texture in the stamping?!  I was a little worried about how it would turn out because the patterned paper has such a defined texture...but the minute I picked the stamp up a huge smile spread across my face.  It was exactly how I wanted it to turn out!

We were given a wonderful sketch by Sankari Wegman again this month, and I did use it for my card.  Here is the sketch:

Be sure to check out all the other blog hoppers, as well!  I am about to sit down with some coffee and do the same! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Candy Corn, yum!

Happy Thursday, friends!  I think I may have a fever or something...because I have posted every day this week!  AND you are going to get a post on Friday too!  Tee hee!

Today I have my card for CPS Sketch 189.  If you follow my blog in even the tiniest amount, you know that I am not much of a coloring person when it comes to stamping.  So, getting the Friendship Jar Fillers from PTI was a bit of a gamble for me...but I think the concept of this set is so fun, and I really wanted them!  Well, I also got some American Crafts stamping markers in a goodie box awhile back...and they have just been sitting in their packaging on a shelf.  When I decided I wanted to base this card around the candy corn image, I chose to break the markers out and give it a whirl.  So, what do I think?  Well, the jury is still out.  I think the card looks pretty good, but am not sure it has anything to do with my coloring skills.  And maybe I would like it better with Copics, but let's face it...they are EXPENSIVE!  And not really in my budget.  So- I will have to make due with what I do have on hand.  Without further ado...here is my card:

"Candy Corn" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper: Martha Stewart Crafts
Vellum: The Paper Company
Stamps/Dies: Papertrey Ink (Friendship Jar, Friendship Jar Fall Fillers, For The Graduate)
Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) & Clearsnap (Pigment: orange)
Markers: American Crafts
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Jewels: Doodlebug Designs
Glitter: DecoArt
Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug & Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft

 Instructions:  Fold kraft cardstock in half to make card base.  Round the top corners of an orange dot paper block, and adhere to the front of the card.  Cut the labels from black cardstock at 4 1/4" and white cardstock at 4" using the Cricut Expression & Storybook cartridge.  Layer the labels together, and stamp the jar & candy corn to it, then color in the candy corn.  Diecut the jar ruffle from striped paper using a Cuttlebug and PTI die, and then stamp the outline image to it.  Cover the ruffle in glitter and then adhere to the stamped jar on the label.  Punch a hole though the top of the label, and tie ribbon through it.  Adhere the entire label to the front of the card.  Diecut the sentiment label from orange paper, and stamp the outline and sentiment to it.  Adhere it to a strip of vellum, and stamp the border lines to it.  Wrap the vellum strip around the bottom of the card, and accent with jewels. 

So I wasn't very tired the other night, and decided to watch a movie that had come from Netflix.  My mother-in-law recommended it, because she thought it was very sweet and heartwarming.  So...I checked it out:

It was pretty cute!  The ending was a tad over the top in the cheese factor for me....but up until that point I thought it was a decent movie.  If you like super mushy gushy cheeseball endings...then this is right up your alley.  If you are a chick flick fan...you will at least enjoy it.  That is where I stand with it...even if I kind-of gagged during the ending.  Tee hee! :)

Well, that is all I have for now!!  I hope that you have a super wonderful Thursday! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

{Lawn Fawn + It's in the Bag} get together

Happy Wednesday, my friends!  I hope the middle of the week finds you in good spirits so far!!  Today the Lawn Fawn team has joined up with etsy shop "It's in the Bag" to bring you some fabulous holiday treat ideas!

Michelle Philippi is the owner of It's in the Bag, and she is joining us as well, using some fabulous Lawn Fawn product!  So, be sure to check out her blog too!  I chose to use the Black Paper Lunch Bag for my project, because I decided Halloween was the theme I wanted to use!  The day is right around the corner, and this cute little decorated bag and matching card could easily be made in mass for your kid's class, your workplace, or for any party you might be throwing or attending!

Hallween Treat Set supplies: 

Bag: It's in the Bag etsy shop

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Heebie Jeebies set) 

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)  & Clearsnap (Chalk: charcoal)

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper/Glitter: Making Memories

Jewels: Glitz Designs (large black) & Doodlebug Designs (small black) 

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Adhesive Tape: Scor-Tape

Here are a couple more images of the set.  {I also did this set for the Just Us Girls 55- color challenge, and the Splitcoast Stampers CAS89 challenges.}: 

Be sure to check out the other Lawn Fawn designers and see what they came up with as well!!  

Danni Reid- http://dannisdoodles.typepad.com/

Lynnette Kauffman- http://nettersnotables.blogspot.com/

Mariana Grigsby- http://marianagrigsby.wordpress.com/

Teri Anderson- http://terisplace.wordpress.com/

Tiffany Johnson- http://tiffguam.com/ 

Kelly Alvarez- http://lawnfawn.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoyed my cute little Halloween treat set today!!  I am going to get going for now...I hope you have a wonderful day! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.  

Skipping Stones Design Sketch 47

Happy Tuesday, friends!!  I hope this post finds you having a great week so far!!  Today I have my card for Skipping Stones Design sketch 47.  I have been loving my guest design stints with SSD, and using all the fun sketches every week!  We are featuring the new stamp set called "Grunge" this week....and I LOVE this fun set.  LOVE it!! I haven't done a rainbow themed card in a long time, and this set was just CALLING for it!!  Here it is!

"Happy Birthday" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Stamps: Skipping Stones Design (Grunge set) 

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: scarlet, orange, canary, lime, aqua, violet, lilac)

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Glitter: DecoArt

Adhesive: Scor-Tape

Circle Cutter: Creative Memories

Instructions:  Cut and fold white cardstock in half to make your card base.  Stamp the scalloped border to the left side of the card in a rainbow gradient.  Cut a circle from white cardstock, and stamp the sentiment to the middle of it.  Adhere a piece of 1/8" Scor-Tape above the sentiment, and cover in glitter.  Ink the edges of the circle and adhere it to the front of the card.  Accent it with a red bow, and a rainbow line of jewels.

Be sure to check out what all the other ladies on the SSD design team, and guest designers have created with the sketch too!

Karen Giron- http://kgiron.blogspot.com/  {Guest Sketch Artist}

Shannan Teubner- http://withfeathersandsequins.blogspot.com/ {Guest Designer}

Kandi Phillips- http://kraftykandikrafts.blogspot.com/

Amy Tsuruta- http://tsurutadesigns.blogspot.com/

Ann Kranitz- http://stampwithme-ann.blogspot.com/

Barb Turpin- http://barbsboys123.blogspot.com/

Brenda Weaver- http://sweetpapertreats.wordpress.com/

Gladys Chia- http://gladyschia2010.wordpress.com/

Jennifer Ingle- http://justjingle.blogspot.com/

Tammie Beaton- http://alwaysinking.blogspot.com/

Wendy Jordan- http://papertherapy-wendy.blogspot.com/ 

Josh and I went and saw a movie in the theater {gasp!!} recently.  We haven't gone to a movie in so long...it was nice!  We went to a matinee so it wouldn't be so darn expensive, and it was well worth it!  We saw this: 

It was really good!  We watched the original Wall Street on Netflix instant watch a couple days before going to the movie...I recommend watching it before hand.  It isn't completely necessary, but definitely worth it.  It will make parts of the movie a lot more witty and funny if you do.  

Well, that is all I have for now.  Except this...can you believe that I leave for Kenya in 7 weeks?!  Time has just flown since I made the decision to make the trip...and I can't wait!! I have one more travel clinic visit to get the rest of my shots, and some purchases to make at REI to further guard myself from mosquito carried illnesses...but other than that, I am ready!!  We had a meeting yesterday about the trip, and every time I think about it I get more excited.  I can't wait to share with you what God does on this trip for us and through us...it is going to be such a blessing. ♥♥♥ 

Until later,
~Lea L.  

Peace Within...

Good afternoon, my friends!!  I hope that the start of your week has been a wonderful one so far!!  My week started yesterday afternoon with a senior portrait session.  This time around I photographed a young man named Dillon from Hamilton, MT.  I have had all girl seniors so far this year, so it was a nice change!

I have a clean & simple card to share with you today!  I feel like I haven't had any time to create something "just because" lately...so I decided to make a little time for myself today.  I looked at some of my favorite sketch blogs, and found that Waltzingmouse challenge #19 fit what I had in mind.  Here is a look:

"Peace Within makes Beauty Without" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Vellum: The Paper Company

Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Through the Trees set) 

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white, cranberry) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) 

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Button: Jenni Bowlin Studio

Glitter: DecoArt

Adhesive: Scor-Tape

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Instructions:  Fold kraft cardstock in half to make your card base, and round the bottom corners.  Stamp the trees to the upper left corner of the card with frost white ink.  Add a strip of 1/8" Scor-Tape to the top of a vellum strip, and cover in glitter.  Wipe the glitter from the bottom of the vellum, and adhere the strip to the front of the card.  Stamp the sentiment on the vellum strip using onyx black Versafine ink.  Adhere a strip of ribbon to the bottom of the card, and add a rhinestone button to the right side.  Stamp the two birds in the trees using cranberry ink, and then very lightly sprinkle a tiny amount of glitter over the trees.

Josh and I watched this movie together last week on a recommendation from his dad...

It was pretty good- a little cheesy in parts, but filled with action and a pretty sweet love story.  I am glad we didn't spend the money to see it in the theater, but it was definitely a good pick for a Netflix movie.  So, if you Netflix or RedBox...check this one out!  

Well, I need to get going for now.  Have a wonderful rest of your Monday! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Crinkle, Crinkle go the leaves....

Trees fascinate me in the fall.  So far I have seen trees that have already changed colors, the leaves have fallen off, and they look like they are ready for winter.  There are trees that are right in smack in the middle of that BEAUTIFUL color change and the leaves are just starting to fall.  And some trees that are at the beginning stages of turning.  It is my reminder that everything happens in due time...when it is ready.  I have to remind myself of that A LOT, especially with my business.  It is hard starting out...with limited finances and trying to find the best way to get some exposure that doesn't cost a lot.  It is hard.  But, I will persevere.  I will get there.  I will keep plugging away and doing the very best I can for every client that I do get.  Because they are my most valuable resource.  A client that is happy will talk.  And I just have to remember.....I will get there.  I will get to the place I want to be.  It will happen...all in due time.

Anyways...moving on from the introspective.  I do have a card to share with you today!  It is my card for this week's sketch at the CPS blog, but it didn't make it onto the blog this time around.  I was super busy last week, and got it done a bit too late.  I also did it for the CAS "Crinkle" challenge at SCS this week...thus the basis of my post title.  :)  Without further ado, here is my card:

 

"Happy Thanksgiving" supplies: 

Cardstock: The Paper Company

Paper: GCD Studios, Making Memories & October Afternoon

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Harvest Season set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut, moss green) 

Ribbon: Michael's brand

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Colored Pencil: Advantus

Border Punch: Fiskars

Instructions:  Fold kraft cardstock in half to make card base, and adhere a blue paper block to the front.  Punch two borders from orange paper and adhere to the top and bottom of a cream cardstock block.  Stamp the pumpkin directly to the left side of the cardstock block, and color in the stem with a colored pencil.  Tie ribbon around the top, and adhere the entire block to the front of the card.  Stamp the pumpkin and leaves to patterned papers and cut out.  Piece together on the card, and accent with jewels.  Finish by stamping the sentiment to the bottom of the card.   

I haven't shared any movies or such with you lately.  So, today I am going to leave you with a song from the Eclipse soundtrack that I keep wanting to play over and over on my iTunes playlist.  Love it! 

Well, time to get going for now.  Got some college football to watch, and later on I am going on a scouting mission for a senior portrait shoot tomorrow afternoon.  Should be fun!  Have a wonderful Saturday! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Skipping Stones Design Release Day Blog Hop

I feel like the worst blogger in the world!!  I haven't posted since last Wednesday!  I have been super busy editing photos lately, and now I am getting everything ready to completely revamp my website...and all of that takes a lot of time.  My card making has had to take a bit of a back seat.  BUT...I do have a card to share with you today for the Skipping Stones Design Release Day blog hop!  Two new stamp sets will be released today, Cancer Schmancer & Grunge.  Today we are featuring the Cancer Schmancer stamp set on our cards for the blog hop.  SSD will be donating $4 to the Komen Foundation for every Cancer Schmancer stamp set that is sold during the month of October...so be sure to pick it up if the set tickles your fancy.  Without further ado, here is my card for the blog hop:

"Feel God's Love..." supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: Cosmo Cricket

Stamps: Skipping Stones Design (Cancer Schmancer set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: torquoise, razzberry) 

Paper Frill/Button: Doodlebug Designs

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Twine: Darice Inc.
Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft

Alright...now to the deets on the blog hop.  For a complete list of the blog hop, head on over to Skipping Stones Design.  Great for if you get lost along the way!

You should have arrived on my blog from Shannan's blog.  If you didn't...go to step one to start the blog hop!

After commenting, you are on your way to Karen's blog to continue with your hop! Enjoy!  ♥♥♥ 

Until later,
~Lea L.

"Winter Bunny" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peek!!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!!  It feels good to have the first half of the week over, and inching closer to the weekend!  Today I have the last October sneak peek before all the sets are released by Lawn Fawn.  This one is called "Winter Bunny"....and let me just say, he goes VERY well with the "Frosties" set.  {Hint, hint. ;) }

I used Unscripted Sketch #75 for this card, and it fit the cute Winter Bunny image just perfectly!  Here is my cute little wintry card:

"Happy Winter" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: Imaginisce

Paper Frill: Doodlebug Designs

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Winter Bunny & Frosties) 

Ink: Clearsnap (pigment: frost white, cranberry) 

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Button: craft supply

Pearl: Kaiser Craft

Felt: Papertrey Ink

Glitter: DecoArt

Circle Cutter: Creative Memories

Instructions:  Cut and fold patterned paper in half to make card base.  Stamp a snowflake background to kraft cardstock and ink the edges.  Stamp the sentiment to the lower left corner and adhere the block to the front of the card.  Adhere a blue scalloped paper frill to a striped paper strip, and adhere to the middle of the card.  Tie ribbon around the seam, and accent the bow with a snowflake button and blue pearl.  Cut a circle from blue snowflake paper.  Cut a hill shape from felt, cover in glitter, and adhere to the circle.  Adhere the entire circle to the front of the card.  Stamp the winter bunny image to kraft cardstock, white cardstock, and striped patterned paper.  Cut out the necessary elements and piece together.  Adhere the finished winter bunny to the glittery snow hill. 

Be sure to check out the other Lawn Fawn designers and see what they came up with as well!!  

Danni Reid- http://dannisdoodles.typepad.com/

Latisha Yoast- http://crafteebee.blogspot.com/

Lynnette Kauffman- http://nettersnotables.blogspot.com/

Maile Belles- http://mailebelles.blogspot.com/

Mariana Grigsby- http://marianagrigsby.wordpress.com/

Teri Anderson- http://terisplace.wordpress.com/

Tiffany Johnson- http://tiffguam.com/ 

Don't forget about all the giveaways going on at the Lawn Fawn blog as well!  Here is a post list: 

The Big Giveaway (all 4 releases)

Bows and Holly Giveaway

Happy Hanukkah Giveaway

Frosties Giveaway

Winter Bunny Giveaway

All of these new Lawn Fawn stamp sets will be available tomorrow at 12:01am eastern time!!  You are going to love using these stamps, so be sure to grab the ones you love!! 

I hope that you have enjoyed my first month of Lawn Fawn sneak peeks!!  It has been a lot of fun, and I love being part of the Lawn Fawn team!!  I am sure you will see more of these stamps in my projects in the next few months....so be on the lookout!!  Have a wonderful Wednesday! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Skipping Stones Design Sketch 45

**Please scroll down or CLICK HERE if you are looking for my "Frosties" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peek post!  Thanks!!**

Happy Tuesday {again}, my friends!!  As you can see, I have another post for today!!  That is because I am staying on with Skipping Stones Design as a guest designer for October as well.  I am very excited about that!  So, here is my card for this week's Skipping Stones Design Sketch 45:

  "Boo!" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper/Pins/Felt: Making Memories

Stamps: Skipping Stones Design (Happy Halloweenie/Boo set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white) 

Ribbon/Trim: Michael's

Button: Doodlebug Designs

Jewels: Prima

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Sandpaper

Instructions:  Round the corners and sand the edges of a patterned paper block, and adhere it to the front of a black card base.  Round the bottom corners and sand the edges of an orange paper block, and wrap black lace around the bottom.  Adhere the block to the front of the card.  Cut a circle from black cardstock and ink the edges with white ink.  Print the sentiment to cream cardstock, trim down, and round the top corners.  Adhere the sentiment to the black circle, and adhere the circle to the front of the card.  Tie ribbon over top of the seam, and accent the bow with a button and jewel.  Add the bat trim below the ribbon, and adhere two pins through the bow.  Add a felt ghost over top of the sentiment, and accent with jewel flourishes. 

**I used the digital images of the stamps for this one, but if you have the stamp set....you could easily stamp it out and color it in!** 

The sketch artist this month is Karen Giron, and here is the sketch she provided for this week:

As you know, I was a guest designer for SSD last month as well.  We did the big "Blogs 4 Boobies" blog bounce and auctioned off our cards to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  The owner of SSD also gave a certian amount of dollars for every stamp set sold during the week of the blog bounce as well...and the total that was raised is $1108.99!!!  That is pretty amazing, and thank to everyone who participated and made this amount possible!!  And a special thanks to my lovely mama, who ended up being the winning bidder on my card!!  

Well, time to get going again!  Thanks for coming back and reading my second post of the day! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

"Frosties" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peek!

Happy Tuesday, my friends!!  Today I have another fabulous sneak peek to share with you from Lawn Fawn.  This stamp set, called "Frosties", is awesome!!  I absolutely LOVED playing with it, and I see many more cards in my "frosty" future.

I used Twisted Cards sketch #27 for this card, which is a really fabulous sketch.  Be sure to check it out!  And since I used the wintry themed colors of blue and silver yesterday...I decided to go a little different today.  What do you think of red, kraft & green for a winter card?  I think it works fabulously!  Tee hee!

"Let it Snow" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: Imaginisce

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Frosties) 

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white, dune, cranberry) 

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Metal: craft supply

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Felt/Eyelet Lace Die: Papertrey Ink

Border Punch: Fiskars

Diecut Machine(s): Cuttlebug & Cricut Expression by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Cut and fold patterned paper in half to make card base.  Stamp a snowflake background to kraft cardstock, and ink the edges with white ink.  Punch a border from red snowflake paper and adhere to the right side of the kraft block.  Cut the label from red & white cardstock at 2 3/4" and 2 1/2" using the Cricut Expression and Storybook cartridge.  Layer the labels together, and stamp the snowflakes and sentiment to the top.  Adhere the sentiment label to the kraft block.  Tie ribbon to the block, underneath the sentiment.  Accent the bow with a metal snowflake & a red jewel.  Adhere the entire block to the front of the card.  Diecut the eyelet lace border from felt using the Cuttlebug and border die. Adhere it to the right side of the ribbon, and accent with red jewels.

Be sure to check out the other Lawn Fawn designers and see what they came up with as well!!  

Danni Reid- http://dannisdoodles.typepad.com/

Latisha Yoast- http://crafteebee.blogspot.com/

Lynnette Kauffman- http://nettersnotables.blogspot.com/

Maile Belles- http://mailebelles.blogspot.com/

Mariana Grigsby- http://marianagrigsby.wordpress.com/

Teri Anderson- http://terisplace.wordpress.com/

Tiffany Johnson- http://tiffguam.com/ 

Don't forget about all the giveaways going on at the Lawn Fawn blog as well!  Here is a post list: 

The Big Giveaway (all 4 releases)

Bows and Holly Giveaway

Happy Hanukkah Giveaway

Frosties Giveaway

Don't you just LOVE this adorable stamp set?!!  I can admit...it makes me smile. :)  Well, that is all I have to share with you today!!  I hope that your Tuesday is a great one!  ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

"Happy Hanukkah" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peek!

Happy Monday, friends!!  Today brings my SECOND day of Lawn Fawn sneak peeks.  This little set is a darling Hanukkah must have.  I'm not Jewish, nor do I know many people that are...but it is always good to have a set like this on hand in case you need it!

I used sketch 110 from the Clean and Simple Stamping Blog this week...it was a perfect fit for how I wanted to use these stamps!  Here is my card:

"Happy Hanukkah" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: American Crafts & GCD Studios

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Happy Hanukkah) 

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: silver, frost white) 

Embossing Powder: Stampendous (clear) 

Chipboard: Rusty Pickle

Button: Doodlebug Designs

Twine: Darice Inc. 

Pearls: Kaiser Craft 

Paint: Plaid Enterprises

Glitter: DecoArt

Border Punch: Fiskars

Instructions:  Cut and fold silver dotted patterned paper in half to make card base.  Punch two border strips from blue patterned paper, and adhere to each side of a white cardstock block.  Stamp the menorah to the front, cover in clear embossing powder and heat set it.  Adhere the stamped block to the front of the card.  Stamp the sentiment to a blue cardstock strip, and adhere to the front of the card.  Paint a chipboard star, cover it in glitter and adhere it to the left side of the sentiment strip.  Tie a bow through a button using twine, and adhere to the top of the star.  Accent the twine bow and the stamped menorah with pearls. 

Be sure to check out the other Lawn Fawn designers and see what they came up with as well!!  

Danni Reid- http://dannisdoodles.typepad.com/

Latisha Yoast- http://crafteebee.blogspot.com/

Lynnette Kauffman- http://nettersnotables.blogspot.com/

Maile Belles- http://mailebelles.blogspot.com/

Mariana Grigsby- http://marianagrigsby.wordpress.com/

Teri Anderson- http://terisplace.wordpress.com/

Tiffany Johnson- http://tiffguam.com/ 

Don't forget about all the giveaways going on at the Lawn Fawn blog as well!  Here is a post list: 

The Big Giveaway (all 4 releases)

Bows and Holly Giveaway

Happy Hanukkah Giveaway

I really hope you are enjoying my Lawn Fawn sneak peeks so far!!  Have a wonderful Monday!!  ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.  

"Bows and Holly" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peek!

Happy Sunday everyone!  Did you have a wonderful WCMD?  I sure did.  I only got a couple of cards done, but I also watched college football with my hubby and did a senior portrait shoot during the evening.  All three of our teams won today...so YAY for the Auburn Tigers, Montana Grizzlies, and Carroll College Fighting Saints!!

Today I have my very first Lawn Fawn Sneak Peak to share with you!!  The stamp set is called "Bows and Holly", and it is a SUPER cute Christmas stamp set!  I can't wait to sit down and use it some more!  Here is the card that I came up with for today:

"Merry Christmas" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics & The Paper Company

Paper: GCD Studios

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Bows and Holly) 

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) & Clearsnap (Pigment: cranberry) 

Twine: Darice Inc. 

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Corner Rounder: EK Success 

Instructions:  Fold kraft cardstock in half to make the card base, and round the bottom corners.  Round the bottom corners of a red cardstock block, and adhere to the front of the card.  Stamp the presents and sentiment directly to a white cardstock block.  Stamp the presents to green & striped patterned papers, and to red cardstock.  Cut out and paper piece each present as shown.  Adhere the stamped white cardstock block to the front of the card.  Tie three bows from natural twine, and adhere to the top of each present.  Accent each twine bow with a lime green jewel.

Be sure to check out the other Lawn Fawn designers and see what they came up with as well!!  

Danni Reid- http://dannisdoodles.typepad.com/

Latisha Yoast- http://crafteebee.blogspot.com/

Lynnette Kauffman- http://nettersnotables.blogspot.com/

Maile Belles- http://mailebelles.blogspot.com/

Mariana Grigsby- http://marianagrigsby.wordpress.com/

Teri Anderson- http://terisplace.wordpress.com/

Tiffany Johnson- http://tiffguam.com/ 

 I hope that you have a wonderful Sunday! I will be back soon with another Lawn Fawn sneak peek, and probably some other things too!  Tee hee!  Have a great day! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Happy World Card Making Day + Fun Announcement!

Happy Saturday everyone!!  And maybe even more important....happy World Card Making Day to you!!  Hope that your day is filled with whatever makes you happy.  My day is filled with lots of my favorite things...college football, card making, and photography!!  Yay!!

Well, on this lovely day the world celebrates card making....I am having my own little celebration!  This card gives a little hint as to what that might be... (It was also done for the Moxie Fab "Offset Scallop Gallop" challenge, and for Taylored Expression sketch 130.)

"While You Were Out..." supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics & The Paper Company

Paper: My Mind's Eye & Teresa Collins Designs

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Just My Type & Just My Type, Too)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: magenta) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) 

Ribbon: Renassiance by Design

Pins: Jenni Bowlin & craft supply

Flowers: Recollections

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft 

Scallop Die: Papertrey Ink

Instructions:  Adhere a heart paper block to the front of a pink card base.  Stamp the typewrite and sentiment to a white cardstock block, round the corners, and adhere to the front of the card.  Cut scalloped strips from three patterned papers using a Cuttlebug and large scalloped die.  Adhere them to the left side of the card in an offset placement, and then pull up on the scallops to give them a little dimension.  Tie ribbon around the last scallop and accent with paper flowers and pins.  Add pink jewels in place of the keys on the stamped typewriter.  Inside:  Round the corners of a white cardstock block and adhere to the middle.  Stamp the sentiment and hearts to it, and accent with pink pearls. 

Well, if you haven't already guessed it....and if you haven't already read the Lawn Fawn Blog...my fun news is that I am now part of the Lawn Fawn Design Team!!  

I am very excited to be part of this fun stamp company!  My first sneak peek of one of the new stamp sets will be up tomorrow!! 

The latest post at the Lawn Fawn Blog announces my joining of the design team, and it also announces the October guest designer...the fabulous Maile Belles.  I just ADORE her work, and can't wait to see what she does with the Lawn Fawn stamps this month!!  It is also where you have the chance to win ALL FOUR NEW Lawn Fawn stamp sets this month!!  Be sure to read to the bottom, and read how you can get the chance to win!!  

Well, I better get going for now!  I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Glittery & Pearled Flowers...

...that is what I have to share with you today!  It is my card for this week's CPS Sketch 186, and I loved using the sketch this week.  I took a bit of creative liberty with it, but I still think you can tell that my card derived from the sketch.  Here it is:

"Together" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper: Making Memories
Rub-on: Creative Imaginations
Flowers: Recollections
Pearls: Zva Creative
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Glitter: DecoArt
Corner Rounder: EK Success

Instructions:  Fold aqua cardstock in half to make card base, and round the bottom corners.  Round the bottom corners of a pink floral paper block, and adhere it to the front of the card.  Round the bottom corners of a cream cardstock block, and add the rub-on sentiment to the bottom of it.  Coat the flowers in spray adhesive and cover in glitter.  Shake off the excess glitter, and adhere the flowers to the top of the card.  Accent the flowers with pearls.  Tie a bow from dotted ribbon, tuck in between the flowers on the right side, and accent the top with a pearl.  Add three pearls to the rub-on sentiment.   

You may have noticed, but I changed my blog color back to white.  Even though my images look better on black, I just prefer the clean look of a white background.  So- I will just deal with it!! Tee hee! 

I also have a winner to announce for my Skipping Stones Design "Wise Men" stamp giveaway.  Drumroll please....the winner is:

  So, Kelley...the random number generator picked you...picked you!  Tee hee!  Email me your address information to jnllawson @ bresnan.net.  (Sorry about the spaces...but I get enough junk mail as it is!)  

Well, that is all I have for today.  Tomorrow is World Card Making day...and I will have a fun announcement and a card to share with you.  So, hop on back over!!  ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Pretty Tags with GCD Studios

Hi everyone!!  Today I have some fabulous tags to share with you!  Our theme for this month at GCD studios was to make a Fall tag and a Halloween tag using the ChipArt tool and chipboard.

First up is my favorite of the two...the Halloween tag!  How cute is the black glittered bird, and I gave him a wing using the ChipArt tool and a flourish stamp.

Up next is the Fall tag. I used one of the vintage chipboard labels from the Homespun Chic line for this one, and stamped the lettering using the ChipArt tool and the Peacock letter stamps.

Tags are a fun, super small canvas to work with.  And they make great additions to gifts and presents you might be giving out during this fun fall and holiday season!  Enjoy!

Until later,
~Lea L.