"Fly Free" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peek!

Hi there!  Another day means another Lawn Fawn sneak peek!!  Today we are featuring a new set called "Fly Free".  This is a fairly small set, and I would daresay that I used all the stamps in it. ;)

I went with some teeny, clean & simple cards for this stamp set.  I think they are so cute to hang on packages, or just set around your house in their teeny tiny size!  Here are my cards:

"Fly Free" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Stamps/Trim: Lawn Fawn

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white) 

Pearls: Darice Inc. 

Corner Rounder: EK Success

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

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

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

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

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

Tiffany Johnson- http://tiffguam.com/

Because I am in Kenya, I can't update all the giveaway links.  So be sure to visit each post during the sneak peeks in order to be eligible for each giveaway! 

Lawn Fawn Blog 

Until later,

~Lea L.

"My Silly Valentine" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peek!

Hi there!  Today brings another Lawn Fawn sneak peek!  Yay!  Today we are sharing a new Valentine's set with you!  It is super cute and full of puns...you will just love it!

Here is my card using My Silly Valentine:

"Some Bunny Loves You" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: My Mind's Eye

Stamps/Twine: Lawn Fawn 

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) 

Ribbon/Button: Papertrey Ink

Puff Balls: Darice Inc. 

Glitter: Ranger Stickles

Colored Pencils: Heidi Swapp

Border Punch: Stampin Up 

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

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

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

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

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

Tiffany Johnson- http://tiffguam.com/

Because I am in Kenya, I can't update all the giveaway links.  So be sure to visit each post during the sneak peeks in order to be eligible for each giveaway! 

Lawn Fawn Blog 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Stamping Texture Paper with GCD Studios

I have written about this before, but the texture in GCD Studios patterned paper is to die for!!  I just adore it!  A lot of the techniques that I have done in the past are about this textured paper, and I have yet another one for you!!  This month, I want to show you how stamping on this textured paper makes for a different and beautiful looking image!  I used the new GCD Studios "Joyful Peace" collection for my cards today...and they were just perfect for the stamps!!  

First up, gather the few supplies you will need.  I have a piece of textured patterned paper, the stamp I want to use on a clear block, and the ink I want to use.

 Ink the stamp up so it has an even, thick layer of ink on it.  I choose to use Clearsnap pigment ink (chestnut) when doing this technique.  This is because it doesn't dry super quickly, so you have enough time to get it on the paper.  And on the textured paper...it actually does dry pretty quickly when you are done stamping.  Be sure to add even, but fairly heavy pressure to the stamp when you are stamping it to the paper. 

 This is what the stamping looks like when you are done.  Doesn't the texture give it such an amazing look and feel?  I just love it! 

After that, design and decorate your card.  Here is what I came up with using this fabulous stamped image above.

Notice that I have also stamped the sentiment onto patterned paper using Vanilla Cream pigment ink.  This paper is the backside of a GCD Studios patterned paper, so there isn't as much texture.

Here is another card using the same technique!

So, I challenge you to break out your favorite textured GCD Studios paper, and your favorite stamps...and try this technique out!  It definitely works on a silhoutted image better than any other type, so try to stick with that type of stamped image.  This technique also works with clear stamps, so don't feel like you need to use rubber stamps.  It works wonderfully with both types!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

P.S.  All stamps on these cards are from the Taylored Expressions "Christmas Blessings" set.

"Lawn Trimmings" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peek!

Hi everyone!!  Today starts the Lawn Fawn sneak peek, and up first is a new item that Lawn Fawn is introducing.  It is called "Lawn Trimmings", and they are the cutest little packages of ribbons and trims all bundled together!  They are super cute!

Here is my card using the Lawn Trimmings!

"Wedding Wishes" supplies: 

Cardstock: The Paper Company

Paper: K & Company

Stamps/Trim: Lawn Fawn (Sophie's Sentiments set) 

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: cranberry) 

Sticker: Bo Bunny

Metal Tabs: Making Memories

Ribbon Charm: craft supply

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Scalloped Die: Papertrey Ink

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft 

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

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

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

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

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

Tiffany Johnson- http://tiffguam.com/

Because I am in Kenya, I can't update all the giveaway links.  So be sure to visit each post during the sneak peeks in order to be eligible for each giveaway! 

Lawn Fawn Blog

Until later,

~Lea L.

Warmest Wishes Mr. & Mrs.!

Happy black Friday, everyone!  I hope that today means you also had an amazing Thanksgiving as well!  Sorry I have been so sparse...just been getting ready to go to Kenya.  Can you believe that my flight leaves Missoula tomorrow at 8:10am?!  I am so excited, and a little nervous.  But, I know it is going to be amazing.

Today I have my card for CPS Sketch 194 to share with you.  We were sponsored by Kitchen Sink Stamps this week, so I broke out one of their fun sentiment sets!!

"Warmest Wishes Mr. and Mrs." supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper: Glitz Design & Hambly Screen Prints
Stamps: Kitchen Sink (Never a Loss 4 Words)
Ink: Tsukineko (versamark)
Embossing Powder: Ranger Adirondack (espresso)
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Flowers: Recollections
Pearls: Kaiser Craft & Zva Creative
Button: Basic Grey
Corner Rounder: EK Success
Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridge: Tie the Knot by Provo craft

Well, that is all I have to share with you for now.  I have a TON to get done, so this post is going to be super short and sweet!  The next time you will see a card posted on this blog...I will be in Kenya doing who knows what!  I will update you all on the trip when I get home! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Welcome Christmas

{Sigh} I just love that sentiment...even though I am not a fan of winter, I always welcome the spirit of Christmas in my life.  The birth of my Savior....a time to reflect on that....a time to be with family and friends....giving & receiving...such a wonderful time of the year.  I will be in Kenya for a large part of the "getting ready" holiday time...and I think it is just going to be amazing.  I think it is going to put a lot of things into perspective for me.  And I know that I am going to be blessed and changed beyond measure.  Can you believe that I leave in less than 9 days?  Wow.

Today I have my card for CPS Sketch #193.  I also happened to come upon the mother load of Cricut challenges the other day...which is awesome!  My card also fits the current "Cooking with Cricut" Holiday challenge. 

"Welcome Christmas" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper: Making Memories
Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Wreath for All Seasons)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: moss green, cranberry, Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) & Ranger (Tim Holtz distress ink: antique linen)
Twine: Darice Inc.
Jewels: Kaiser Craft
Corner Rounder: EK Success
Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridges: Easter 2010 & Storybook by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Make card from cardstock.  Round the corners of a paper block and adhere.  Cut the scalloped circle at 4" {with the real dial size option selected) from green cardstock using the Cricut Expression & Easter 2010 cartridge. Cut a circle from patterned paper and adhere inside the scalloped circle.  Adhere the entire piece to the front of the card.  Cut the label at 2.75" from cream cardstock using the Storybook cartridge.  Distress ink the edges, and stamp the wreath & sentiment to it. Accent with a twine bow and jewels, and adhere to the front using dimensional adhesive.  

{Cricut Tip of the Day} Never be deceived by the title of a Cricut cartridge.  The Easter cartridge had the exact cut I needed to make this Christmas card come out how I wanted it.  Be sure to explore all of your cartridges to see what they offer to you...especially the licensed character cartridges.  They have many cuts on them that don't pertain to the actual character(s).

I don't have an image to go with my gratitude post today...but I am just thankful for this amazing crafting community that I have been part of for the past 7 years.  It is awesome to think of all the people I have met, the opportunities that I have gotten, and the fun that I have had.  Here is to many more years of fun!!  ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

I've Been REALLY good this year...

....tee hee!  While I like to think that, it is also just the title of one of my cards to share with you today! So, how have you been on this fine Tuesday?  It has been gloomy and gray out all day long....so I holed up in my room drinking some hot peppermint coffee and making some cards.  Mmmm....like a little bit of heaven.  :)

I have been working on a lot of things in advance, trying to get ready for my trip to Kenya.  But today I wanted to make a couple cards to share with you TODAY!  Tee hee!  It is funny how your style tends to change over the years.  Today I went back to my card roots, and did up two cards that have zero stamping on them.  I used to be so SCARED of stamping!! And now you would be hard pressed to find a card on my blog that doesn't have stamping of some sort on it...until today. :)

First off, both cards fit Crazy 4 Challenges #63, which is an easy one this week...to create a Christmas card.  This first card also uses Twisted Cards sketch #33...which is an awesome clean & simple sketch if you are searching for one this week.  Be sure to check it out!  

"I Have Been Really Good This Year" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper/Stickers/Diecut/Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Instructions:  Make card from pink cardstock.  Tie ribbon around a patterned paper block and adhere to the front.  Embellish a white cardstock block with stickers and diecut sentiment and adhere to the front.  Accent with clear jewels.

This next card uses the Mojo Monday 165 sketch.  The original sketch has the middle part at an angle...but I just couldn't do it.  I very rarely angle anything anyways, but it also just didn't work for my card.  So- I made the sketch work for me instead...tee hee!  It is a really great sketch too, so be sure to check it out!!

"No Peeking!" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper/Stickers/Diecuts/Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Ribbon: Michael's brand

Instructions:  Make card from cardstock and adhere patterned paper to the front.  Cover the bottom of a white cardstock block with glittered paper and border stickers.  Tie ribbon around the bottom and adhere to the front.  Accent the top of the block with the scalloped circle die, santa sticker, and three jewels.

How CUTE are those Doodlebug products that I used?!  I got them in a goodie box recently, and just LOVED how cute and fun they were!  I couldn't wait to use them, and today I got the chance to.  I realized today that Doodlebug has been making some of my favorite products for a LONG time now.  I can't live without their jewels...they are just amazing!

Today I am grateful for my photography clients, and how much they make me enjoy my job.  This is from a wedding that I photographed this past September...two of my favorite detail shots. 

Weddings are my absolute photography love.  Senior portraits come in a very VERY close second.  I am so happy that I took the jump and went to photography school.  Starting a business is not an easy thing to do, especially when you live in an area saturated with photographers.  But every time I am on a shoot, I am reminded of the joy that it brings me.  I feel alive when I am behind that camera capturing the story of a wedding day, or the true essence of the person in front of me.  

Well, I need to get going for now.  I hope that you have a great night! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Bless this Nest

Happy Thursday!!  I hope that your week has been a wonderful one so far, and that it is even better now that we are so close to the weekend!

I have my card for CPS #192 to share with you today.  CPS is being sponsored by Paper Pretties this week, and they let me pick out a cute little set to make my card with.  I just LOVE the cute little bird nest, and there are a couple more sentiments that fit it perfectly in the set.  This one just fit on my card better than the others! My card also uses some of the newest Glitz Design product from the Hoopla collection.  LOVE it!  The tulle...and new addition to Glitz this time around.  Isn't it fabulous?!

"Bless this Nest" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper/tulle/jewels: Glitz Designs

Stamps: Paper Pretties (Everyday Miracles set) 

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)
Colored Pencils: craft supply
Glitter: Ranger Stickles
Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft
Scalloped Border Die: Papertrey Ink

Instructions: Make your card base from cardstock, and layer background paper to the front of it.  Stamp the image and sentiment to a cream cardstock block, and color in the image with colored pencils.  Cut a scalloped border from dotted paper using a Cuttlebug, and adhere to the top of the stamped block.  Tie tulle around the seam, and accent the tulle bow with a large jewel. Adhere the entire block to the front of the card, and glitter the stamped eggs with Stickles. 

I just love this little card....it is one of my latest faves! 

In keeping up with my attitude of gratitude, today I want to share how thankful I am for my dad.

In terms of flesh and blood, he isn't my biological father.  But in terms of unconditional love and care...he is more my dad than anyone will ever be.  For awhile I didn't understand why God chose for me to be born of my biological father, but raised and loved by this man.  But I get it now.  You see, I have the best of both worlds.  On my biological father's side, I have the most amazing grandparents, aunts and cousins in the world...and my life wouldn't be the same without them.  And when God delivered Rob into my life...I not only got a person who would love me as if I were his own.  I also got another amazing grandparent, and more wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins.  For that...I am truly blessed.  Blessed beyond all the hard parts...

On that note...it is time for me to get going.  I hope you have a wonderful day! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.  

Give Thanks

Hi all!  Sorry I haven't been around...been a little bit busy with some things.  All good things though...I promise.  I will catch you up after my card!

I got a card done this evening that I want to share with you.  I used 365 Cards: Sunday Sketch, OTWC #32 color challenge, and OCC "Attitude of Gratitude" challenges as inspiration to get it done! Here is my card:

"Give Thanks" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Paper: Making Memories 

Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames #7) & Lawn Fawn (Harvest Season)

Pigment Ink: Clearsnap (frost white, orange, moss green, chestnut) 

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Border Punch: Fiskars

Steel Die: Papertrey Ink

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Make card base from kraft cardstock.  Layer patterned paper and border strips together, and diecut the frame from it.  Trace where the cut-out goes on the card base, and stamp the frame border and sentiment inside of it. Tie ribbon through each side of the cut-out.  Adhere the entire block to the front using foam adhesive.  Stamp the leaves to kraft cardstock and cut out.  Layer to the corner of the frame, and accent with jewels.

Here is the inspiration photo for the OTWC Color challenge!  

I also have the 6x6 GCD Studios "Christmas Sleigh" winners to announce.  Sorry for the wait...but without further ado...here they are! 

Congratulations, ladies!  Please email me your mailing address to jnllawson @ bresnan.net...and I will get them in the mail to you! 

Continuing on in my days of gratitude...I am grateful for my mommy. {Yes...I'm 30 and I still call her mommy sometimes. Deal with it! Tee hee!} 

She is just all around awesome.  She is so thoughtful and loving, and the best mom in the world.  She understands me, and my inner workings, and how I think.  And it always seems that she brings me a little gift exactly when it is needed...if I believed in that kind of stuff, I would almost think she was clairvoyant.  Tee hee! :)

Well, do you want to know what has been keeping me busy the past few days?  I updated my photography website, and I started a blog for my business as well!!  It has been a lot of work, but I think the site looks SO much better, and I am going to enjoy having a photography blog as well!!  Here are the links to them if you want to check them out.  Would love to know what you think! 

Website- http://ellephotographymt.com/

Blog- http://ellephotographymt.blogspot.com/

Well, that is all I have for you for now!  I hope to be back in the next day or so with another card to share!  Have a great evening! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Just for you....

...an Autumn colored any occasion card!  Happy Thursday, everyone!!  I hope that you are having a great day, and getting excited for the weekend!!

Today I have my card for CPS #191.  We were sponsored by Stampin' Up courtesy of Catherine Pooler, and she sent me a little goodie bag to make my card with.  This is what I came up with!

"Just for You" supplies:
Cardstock, Paper, Stamp, Ribbon, Twine: Stampin' Up courtesy of Catherine Pooler
Ink: Clearsnap (Roussillon, dark brown)

Button: SEI
Flowers: Recollections
Jewels: Michael's brand
Corner Rounder: EK Success
Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Fold cardstock in half to make your card base.  Round the corners and ink the edges of a brown paper block, and adhere to the front of the card.  Cut two 1 3/4" circles from brown cardstock using a Cricut Expression and Storybook cartridge, and adhere to the front.  Cut two 1 1/2" circles from patterned paper, and ink the edges.  Thread twine through buttons, and tie around the circles.  Adhere both circles to the top of the brown circles.  Cut a 2 1/2" scalloped circle from green paper, ink the edges, and adhere to the middle.  Cut a 2" circle from cream cardstock, and stamp the sentiment to it.  Ink the edges of the circle, and adhere to the top of the scalloped circle using dimensional adhesive.  Tie a bow from brown ribbon and adhere to the corner of the sentiment circle.  Accent the middle of the bow with three paper flowers.  Add strips of jewels to the front of the card to finish it.

On day 4 of November I am grateful that I live in such a beautiful state.  In my eyes, it is the most beautiful state in the country.  We are called Big Sky Country for a reason, and here is just one small one: 

Not bad for a girl that doesn't normally shoot landscapes, right?  This was at sunrise on our way to Yellowstone last week.  We came upon this while curving around a corner and out of the middle of two mountainous areas....and it took my breath away.  And I almost told Josh not to stop, so we wouldn't lose time in getting to Yellowstone.  Well- I didn't take a photo any more beautiful that this in Yellowstone, so I am glad that we stopped.  :) This photo is cropped in a 10x20 format, which is a great print size for landscape images.  Just to give you a little printing tip! 

Well, I better get going for now.  I am on my way to Ronan to get my hair done, and hope to see some of my family while up there.  I hope that you have a wonderful day!! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

"Jessie's ABCs" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peek

Happy Wednesday!  Today is the last sneak peek before the latest Lawn Fawn stamp release!! Today we have a new alphabet set to share with you, and I chose to use it with "Harvest Season" again.  I am just in a Thanksgiving mode right now!  I am pretty sure I used every single leaf stamp in the set, and both of the cute flourishes!  The best part...Jessie's ABCs goes so well with all of the different Lawn Fawn stamp sets...so it is definitely a must have!

I used FTL #114 from the Clean & Simple Stamping blog...such a great sketch!  It is supposed to be a single layer card...but I did change that part up a little.  And added a bow.  Tee hee! :)

"Give Thanks" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Stamps: Lawn Fawn

Ink: Clearsnap (chestnut, chianti, roussillon, amber) 

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Twine: Darice Inc.
Button: Basic Grey

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Instructions:  Fold red cardstock in half to make card base, and round the bottom corners.  Round the bottom corners of a white cardstock block.  Stamp the leaves, swirls and sentiment to the front.  Tie ribbon around the top of the card, and add a button to the bow using twine.  Adhere the entire stamped block to the front of the red card base.  Add three clusters of jewels to finish the card.

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/

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 3 sets) 

Critters in the Snow
Hats Off to You

Jessie's ABC's

Don't forget that I am also giving away two 6x6 sets of GCD Studio's "Christmas Sleigh" patterned papers!  Go to THIS POST and leave me a comment!  Two winners will be picked this coming Friday!!

On this third day of sharing my gratitude, I have to bring up this guy- the little bro.  Even though there are times I want to either strangle him or smack him upside the head for things he says and does...I take a step back and realize that I have been there and done that.  He is just starting to spread his wings and find his own path in this world, and that is a good thing!

That is his good friend, Tara, that he met at Carroll this year.  Isn't she a darling?!!  This was after the freshman scrimmage that I drove over for.  It was nice to get to watch him play a little bit of football that day!  Here is another cute photo of him:

He is such a goof...and I wouldn't have it any other way! I love him to pieces!

Well, I better get going for now!  I hope that the middle of the week brings you happiness! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

"Hats Off to You" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peak

Happy Tuesday, everyone!!  Today I have another card to share with you using a new Lawn Fawn stamp set that will release this week.  It is called "Hats Off to You", and it is so super cute and versatile.  There are about a million things you can do with it!  And while I didn't combine it with "Critters in the Snow", it compliments the set very well! ;)

I used Taylored Expression Sketch #132 for my card, as it fit perfectly with what I wanted to do with the stamp set.  I did combine this new set with one of the small leaves from "Harvest Season".

"Happy Thanksgiving" supplies: 

Cardstock: The Paper Company

Paper: Making Memories & October Afternoon

Stamps: Lawn Fawn 

Ink: Clearsnap (chestnut, amber, moss green) 

Ribbon: Papertrey Ink

Twine: Darice Inc. 

Button: Basic Grey

Pins: Making Memories
Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Border Punch: Fiskars

Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft

Sandpaper

Instructions:  Fold kraft cardstock in half to make card base.  Sand the edges of a light blue paper block, and adhere it to the front of the card.  Punch two border strips from brown dotted paper and lightly sand the edges. Sand the edges of an orange paper block, and adhere a border strip to each side.  Adhere the entire block to the front of the card.  Cut a 3" circle from cream cardstock using a Cricut Expression & Storybook cartridge.  Stamp the sentiment to the bottom of the circle.  Stamp the hat to patterned papers, cut out, and layer together.  Stamp the leaves to cream cardstock and cut out.  Adhere them above the stamped sentiment, and accent the middle with jewels.  Adhere the hat over top of these items with dimensional adhesive, and then ink the edges of the circle.   Punch a hole in the top of the circle, and thread ribbon through it.  Adhere the entire piece to the front of the card, and accent above the bow with pins. 

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/

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 3 sets) 

Critters in the Snow
Hats Off to You

Don't forget that I am also giving away some 2 6x6 sets of GCD Studio's "Christmas Sleigh" patterned papers!  Go to THIS POST and leave me a comment!  Two winners will be picked this coming Friday!!

For my day 2 of sharing what I feel thankful for and blessed by...I am being a tad bit jovial and silly.  I feel so blessed to have two of THE cutest dogs in the world {who SERIOUSLY need haircuts. No worries...they have an appointment on Wednesday!} Tee hee!

First I will answer the question that you may be asking if you checked out yesterday's gratitude part of my post.  Yes- I do wear my white North Face fleece all of the time.  I ♥ it so much!  It is warm, and cozy, and soft...and I don't feel like I am 800 pounds when wearing it.  :)

So, Halloween night I helped out at the Trunk or Treat party that my church put on with another church from the valley, and when I got home I just had the urge to dress up my little pups and take some photos.  Josh obliged me, and photographed me with them too! Aren't they the cutest little moose and bee you have ever seen?!!  I love them to pieces!!

I also received a question in my comments yesterday, and I thought I would share it and the answer with you...in case anyone else was wondering as well.  First up...here is the question:

And here is the answer to that question....an adhesive that I couldn't live without.  I had a can of it break on me at one point while I was crafting late at night....and I am pretty sure I was on the verge of tears.  Seriously...I need it that much when applying glitter.

Well, I hope that you have a wonderful Tuesday!!  ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Candy Cane Cocoa Gift Idea with GCD Studios {& a giveaway!!}

**This is post #2 for the day....please scroll down to see my Lawn Fawn "Critters in the Snow" sneak peek!!** 

Happy November everyone!!  Can you believe that Christmas is just a little under 2 months away!  Craziness, I tell you.  Well, today I have an inexpensive and easy gift that you can make for your neighbors, co-workers, or acquaintances.  This little set goes perfectly with the fun and whimsical colors and patterns in the GCD Studios "Christmas Sleigh" paper collection...which is what I used here!

Adding the ingredients into the pretty cellophane was very easy!  Just cut a piece, and curve it into your cup.  Add 4 tablespoons of cocoa mix, 4 mini candy canes broken up with a hammer, and a hand full of mini marshmallows.  Tie it all up with some ribbon, and then cut the top off in order to even it out.  I added some tissue paper into the bottom of my cup so that the cocoa mixture would sit higher in it, as it is a pretty deep cup.  Then make a cute little tag and card to match, and you have a super easy gift to give out that the receiver is sure to love!!

{GIVEAWAY} info:

GCD Studios is also doing a giveaway on the blog!  One lucky person is going to win both of the latest GCD Studios Christmas paper collections, "Christmas Sleigh" & "Joyful Peace".  So, head on over to THIS POST and leave a comment.  But wait before you go...I am going to give you another chance of winning a prize!!  Leave a comment on my post here, and two lucky winners will receive a 6x6 paper set of "Christmas Sleigh"!!  This will be perfect for some holiday card making!!  I will draw a winner this Friday...so get to commenting!!

Enjoy this November, and I hope you have a wonderful time creating all those fabulous handmade gifts this time of year!  ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

P.S.  All stamps used on this project are from Lawn Fawn's "Bows and Holly" set.

"Critters in the Snow" Lawn Fawn Sneak Peek!!!

Happy November 1st, everyone!!  The beginning of the month means it is time to share some projects with the Lawn Fawn new releases!!  This set, "Critters in the Snow" is SUPER cute and I think you are going to love it.

Here is my card that I did using the set.  This is a little one, coming in at 4x4 in size!  It also uses the "Frosties" set, which I think coordinates perfectly with it!!  This little thing was a bit of a bugger to photograph, so sorry for the not so perfect job!

"You're So Cool!" supplies: 

Cardstock: Wausau & Bazzill Basics

Stamps: Lawn Fawn 

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

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Button: Doodlebug Designs (blue glitter) & craft supply (snowflake) 

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Instructions:  Fold aqua shimmer cardstock in half to make card base, and round the bottom corners.  Stamp the snowflake trails to the left of the card using white ink.  Tie ribbon around the top of the card, and add a button to the bow using twine.  Stamp the igloo to white cardstock, cut out, and cover in glitter.  Stamp the sentiment to the front of the card, and then adhere the igloo above it using dimensional adhesive.  Accent the top of the igloo with a snowflake button and 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/

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 3 sets) 

Critters in the Snow

This first day of November also reminds me that this is a month all about gratitude and Thanksgiving.  So, all month long I am going to share with you the blessings in my life.  Here is numero uno...my husband.  The person I consider my best friend.  The one who believes in me when I don't believe in myself.  And the one who pushes me, even when I don't really want to be pushed.

We made a quickie trip over to Yellowstone last week with Josh's dad while we were in Sheridan.  I am holding my baby (the D700), and Josh's dad took this photo of us with my back-up (the D90) after setting up the exposure for him.  This photo is straight out of the camera, other than a quick unsharp mask and the rounded corners! I am really trying to get better about the fact that my everyday snapshots don't have to be edited to perfection...I'll get there.  Tee hee! :)  

I hope that you have a wonderful first day of November!! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.