Design School: "I Pine for You"

Hey there, everyone!!  I have something fun to share with you today....I was asked to fill a guest spot for this week's "Design School" post at 2Peas!!

I had to create a project with the design principle of "repetition" in mind.  I knew that I wanted to create something simple and easy to reproduce....but I also wanted it to be something that could be changed for any theme as well.  The Echo Park papers from this month's Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit caught my attention, and ended up just being perfect!  I also used the pink twine from last month's kit...and they fit together perfectly!! Here is what I came up with!

"I Pine for You" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft)

Paper: Echo Park (Country Drive: Border Stripe)

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Critters in the Forest & Plus One set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white)

Twine: My Mind's Eye

Button/Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions:  Make card from kraft cardstock, and round the upper right corner.  Cut a strip of tree patterned paper, and close to the bottom, leaving about 3/4 inch of cardstock showing.  Wrap pink twine around the top of the paper, tying a double bow to the left side.  Add a button to the middle of the bow using the same twine.  Stamp the sentiment to the lower right corner, and then accent with two pink jewels to finish.

I hope that you enjoyed my card for Design School at 2Peas this week!!  I had fun making it!!  Have a wonderful rest of your day!! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

A Christmas to Remember

Hey there, everyone!  I hope this morning has brought you happiness so far, even if it only came in the form of your morning cup of coffee.  I know that coffee definitely makes me happy...tee hee!  Especially my girly coffee that has a good dollop of half & half and splenda...yum!  And not the fake half & half...that stuff is chalk full of chemicals.  The real stuff is the only way to go....

Anyways, I have a card for Stamper's Dream to share with you today.  It is also my card for CPS Sketch #233, where we are being sponsored by Clearsnap this week.  They sent us some fun Smooch Spritz & Smooch pearlized accent inks to play with, and I used them on my flower accent!  My card also fits the following challenges:  2011 Christmas Card Challenge Week #39 (to use a photo), and Christmas Cards All Year 'Round August challenge (ribbon, inking, stamping, textured paper).  Here is what I created!!

"A Christmas to Remember" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (metallic green) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper: GCD Studios (Joyful Peace: Tis the Season)

Stamps: JustRite Stampers (Christmas Trimmings set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Smooch Spritz: holly berries, Smooch Accent Ink: lettuce, Pigment: evergreen)

Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz (Antique Linen)

Doily: Wilton

Vintage Image: Crafty Secrets

Flower: Prima Marketing

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Twine: May Arts (Natural Burlap)

Button/Colored Pencils: craft supply

Jewels: Glitz Design

Tag Die: My Favorite Things

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Make card from green metallic cardstock.  Cut text paper slightly smaller, distress ink the edges and adhere.  Cut a doily in half, distress ink, and adhere.  Cut and adhere the vintage image to the upper left corner.  Spray a white paper flower with holly berries Smooch Spritz, and then cover the leaves in the pearlized accent ink.  Adhere the flower to the bottom right side of the vintage image.  Tie a bow from gold ribbon, add a button to the middle using twine, and tuck into the side of the flower.  Diecut a tag from vintage cream cardstock, stamp the sentiment to it, and adhere to the middle of the tag.  Stamp the holly leaves to vintage cream cardstock, cut out and color in the leaves with colored pencil.  Add three jewels in place of the berries, and adhere to the sentiment tag to finish. 

I am so excited for the holidays to come, and the "normalcy" that I feel like they will give me this year!  I am already busy planning fun things for us to do, and doing what I can to make it a Christmas to remember.  This card and the sentiment just make me even more excited for it!!  And on that note... I hope that you have a wonderful day!  ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Let Go & Thank God

Happy Monday, everyone!!  I hope that you had a wonderful weekend!  We celebrated Josh's birthday on Friday night at The Pearl Cafe with our closest friends, Grant & Meagan.  Josh's parents graciously paid for the dinner as Josh's present, and we couldn't have been more grateful.  We have wanted to eat at The Pearl for quite awhile, it just hasn't ever been in our budget.  We all ordered different items (with the exception of one appetizer), and passed bites along to each other so we could really taste everything.  It was fabulous!!

Josh's actual birthday was on Saturday, when I had a wedding to shoot.  Josh came along, and helped me shoot so that we could be together.  Our couple, Justin & Ashley, were just SO fun, and so awesome to be around...it was just a great day all around.  They put us up at Fairmont Hotsprings for the night, which was a nice treat.  Once we got back to the hotel after the wedding....we headed out to the pools and just soaked for awhile.  It was awesome!  We drove home yesterday morning after waking up and having some breakfast....and then spent the day with Meagan before hosting our church small group that evening.  It was a busy weekend, and a really great one as well.  I hope that yours was too!

I have a card to share with you for Stamper's Dream today.  I used Clean & Simple sketch #155 to help with the design of it.  The Clean & Simple blog is also playing with ColourQ Challenge #100 to use a past color combo, so I decided to choose one for my card as well...I went with ColourQ #55 (basic black, regal rose, pretty in pink, pink pirouette, vanilla) for mine!  I also created it for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #132, which is about focusing on the sentiment of your card.  Here is what I came up with!

"Let Go & Thank God" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (pink) & Papertrey Ink (smooth white)

Paper: Teresa Collins Designs (Welcome Home: chandelier, Crush: houndstooth)

Stamps: Flourishes (Country Charm Labels set) & JustRite Stampers (Greetings from Paris set)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black, Versamagic: pixie dust) & Clearsnap (Pigment: dune)
Lace: Making Memories

Twine: May Arts (Natural Burlap)

Flower: Recollections

Buttons: craft supply

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Instructions:  Make card from pink cardstock.  Cut chandelier paper slightly smaller, ink the edges, and adhere to the front.  Ink the edges of a houndstooth paper strip, and adhere to the top of a white cardstock block.  Stamp the Fleur de lis border to the bottom of the block, then adhere to the front.  Adhere black eyelet lace across the seam, and then stamp the sentiment to the houndstooth strip.  Tie twine through two pink buttons, adding a bow to the middle of the smaller one.  Adhere to the right side of the sentiment, along with a pink paper flower.  Add a pearl to the middle of the twine bow, and below the left side of the black lace to finish.

I was immediately drawn to this sentiment when I pulled out this Flourishes stamp set.  It happens to be where I am at in my life right now, and I knew that I wanted to use it for this card...and I really love how it turned out!  I hope that it brings a smile to your face as well.  

Well, I better get going for now.  I really hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day!! God Bless! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Happy Thoughts

Hi there everyone!!  I hope your day has been going well so far.  I don't have much to post about....just been cleaning my house like crazy and trying to get everything else done that is needed.  I was home so sporadically for about three weeks, and was so busy before that....it has definitely taken its toll on my house.  I am working on get that rectified...I am not a fan of living in a messy home.  Yuck!!

I have a card to share for Stamper's Dream today.  I also used Mojo Monday #205 again to help with my card design. I don't typically use a sketch twice...but this one seemed to call my name again.  I also used CR84FN #36 (yellow, kraft, neutral)...such a FUN color combo!  I love it!  Here is what I came up with:

"Happy Thoughts" supplies: 

Cardstock/Scalloped Border Die: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper: Glitz Design (Scarlett: polka, Love Nest: stripe) & Jillibean Soup (Talk Soup: cup of yak) 

Stamps: JustRite Stampers (Forever Friends set) & Glitz Design (Distressing Set 3)

Ink: Clearsnap (Mixed Media: honey, Pigment: dune) & Tsukineko (Momento Dye: dandelion)
Ribbon: Bo Bunny

Twine: May Arts (Natural Burlap)

Button: Fancy Pants

Flower: Prima Marketing

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Tag Die: Custom JustRite by Spellbinders (Nested Sentiment set)

Sewing Machine: Brother

Thread: Coats & Tails

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock, and ink the edges with dune pigment ink.  Cut yellow paper slightly smaller, and ink the edges.  Diecut a scalloped border from striped paper, and adhere to the right side of a scripted kraft paper block.  Ink the edges of the paper block, and adhere to the upper left corner of the yellow block.  Stamp the postcard image to vintage cream cardstock, ink the edges and cover in glitter.  Adhere directly below the kraft block, and then zig-zag stitch along the edge of the two paper blocks.  Adhere ribbon around the seam.  Tie a bow from matching ribbon, and a double bow from twine.  Thread the same twine through a yellow button, and then layer on top of the two bows.  Wrap the threaded twine around the bottom of the bow, and then adhere the entire piece to the front.  Wrap the remaining twine around the top of the card.  Stamp the sentiment, diecut & emboss the tag, and adhere it below the bow.  Accent the right side of it with pearls.  Add the flower to the card front to finish.

I kind-of love the sentiment...it makes me think of Peter Pan.  Tee hee!  ;)  And it is a good reminder to try and think happy thoughts everyday.  I think that is important. 

Well, I better get going for now.  I hope that you have a great rest of your day. ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

"Turkey Day": Lawn Fawn Inspiration Week

Hey there, everyone!  Welcome to the last night in the Lawn Fawn inspiration week!  Today we are featuring a new mini stamp set called "Turkey Day".  I always love the little mini sets because of their versatility.  I used this one by itself tonight, but they can often be utilized with other Lawn Fawn stamp sets, giving you more stamping possibilities!

I used Mojo Monday sketch #205 to help with the design of my card.  I also created this for the ColorQ Challenge #99 (pumpkin pie, crushed curry, old olive, island indigo + neutral).   Here is what I came up with!

"Happy Turkey Day" supplies:
Cardstock/Scalloped Border Die: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper: Basic Grey (Marrakech 6x6 paper pad) & October Afternoon (orange dot)

Vintage Image: Crafty Secrets

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Turkey Day set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: amber, Dye: chocolate)

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Twine: Darice Inc.

Button: craft supply

Pins: Making Memories (yellow) & Maya Road (clear)
Pinking Shears: Fiskars

Circle Cutter: Creative Memories

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut orange paper slightly smaller, and adhere.  Cut a floral paper block, and adhere to the upper left corner.  Diecut a scalloped edge to strip patterned paper, and adhere to the right side of a green paper block.  Adhere the green block right next to the floral block.  Cut the edges of a vintage pumpkin using pinking shears, and adhere to the bottom of the top papers. Tie ribbon around the seam, and then tie a double bow from twine and adhere to the middle.  Thread twine through a button, then adhere the button to the bow middle and adhere the twine strings to the top.  Add two stick pins through the ribbon.  Cut a circle from vintage cream cardstock, ink the edges and stamp the sentiment & turkey to it.  Stamp the turkey to patterned papers, cut out and layer together.  Adhere the turkey to the side of the sentiment, and then adhere the entire circle to the card to finish.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Lawn Fawn gals have come up with using "Turkey Day"! ♥♥♥

Chan Vuong
Julie Campbell
Latisha Yoast
Lea Lawson  {You are here!!}
Lynnette Kauffman
Teri Anderson
Tiffany Johnson

Nichol Magouirk

And as always, there will be lots of giveaways on the Lawn Fawn blog this week!!  Click on these links and follow the comment instructions for your chance!! 

Win ALL nine new sets!!

Happy Haunting

Many Thanks

Harvest Season/Heebie Jeebies 

Turkey Day 

Until later,

~Lea L.

I don't know what to say....

...I messed up.  I have always known that you need to fess up and ask for forgiveness when you make a mess of things.  It is written repeatedly throughout the Bible.  We are imperfect people, and we are going to mess up.  We are going to hurt others, whether intentional or not.  We are going to make wrong decisions.  But what makes us Christlike is when we recognize what we've done wrong, ask for forgiveness (not only from the Father, but from who we might have hurt in the process) and turn from what we've done.  It isn't a hard process, but it isn't an easy one either.

I think that is probably what hurts us the most when we feel we have been wronged by another...when they don't feel like they need to ask your forgiveness.  The truth is...they might never ask for it.  But we have to freely give it, which trust me...I know is so hard.  I keep reminding myself that forgiveness is NOT for the person you are forgiving, it is for yourself.  My mom has this written on her Facebook page, "Forgiving someone else does not make what they did to you okay.  It helps to make you okay!"  Through the heartache that I have suffered these past months I am learning to be quick to genuinely apologize when I hurt someone.  And I am trying to be quick to forgive....although this will always be a struggle for me.  I have found that forgiveness in my heart is a daily thing for me....I have to consciously choose it every single day.

Alright...I guess I should move on.  Now, I did create a card that triggered all that I just wrote, I promise!!  This is my card for CPS Sketch 232, where we are being sponsored this week by The {Stamps} of Life.  I got this stamp set that had this sentiment included in it...and I was just drawn to it.  I also used Embellish's Embossed Flowers Color Trends challenge (red, cream, green, kraft) for my card.  Here is what I created!

"I Messed Up" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft, vintage cream) 

Stamps: The {Stamps} of Life (Type4Background & Daisies2Garden sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: moss green), Close To My Heart (Pigment: vanilla cream) & Tsukineko (Versamark)

Embossing Powder: Ranger Industries (Red Pepper)

Ribbon: Papertrey Ink (red) & Renaissance by Design (green, cream)

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs (red) & Glitz Design (clear)

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions:  Make card from kraft cardstock and round the bottom right corner.  Stamp the texted background to the front of the card.  Round the top left and bottom right corners of a vintage cream cardstock block.  Stamp the flowers in Versamark, cover in embossing powder and heat set.  Stamp the stems in olive green pigment ink.  Add three ribbon tabs to the left side of the stamped block, and then adhere the entire block to the lower right corner of the card.  Stamp the sentiment to a red cardstock strip, cut a banner end to the left side, and adhere to the front.  Accent the flowers with red jewels, and underneath the sentiment with clear jewels to finish.

This card is pretty simple, and it wouldn't be hard to recreate quickly or to just make a bunch of them to have on hand.  Sometimes it is easier to break the ice with a card when you have hurt someone's feelings.  Sometimes it is hard to verbalize what you want to say when asking for forgiveness.  Using a card like this is definitely a great starting place....I need to make sure that I have some on hand for when I screw up!

So, do you guys want to see a pretty crazy photos?  We went to a community group meeting at 6:00pm, and left at 8:30pm to see this.  Totally hadn't started before we headed into our meeting....

  Please note...I didn't take these photos.  I changed the white balance to daylight before handing the camera over to Josh, and he went to town.  Landscapes are his thing, and he is better at them than I am...and I can totally admit that!  Tee hee!  They have my logo on them for protective purposes...and hey, he is the other owner of the company.  Here are a couple more:

This is the view of the fire from our house.

This is the view from the curve that takes you into East Missoula.

This one, and the first one I showed you were taken from the post office in Bonner, MT.  We also trekked closer to the fire in Bonner, back behind the post office.  The fire is extremely close to many homes, and I am just praying that none are lost to this.

Well, I better get going for now.  I hope that you have a wonderful day!  If you are looking for any of my Lawn Fawn inspiration week posts...just scroll down a bit!! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

"Harvest Season": Lawn Fawn Inspiration Week

Hey there everyone!!  I am back tonight with another post for Lawn Fawn inspiration week.  We are doing something a little special tonight, and reintroducing two sets called "Harvest Season" & "Heebie Jeebies".  Although previously released, these are still current stamp sets and can be found in stores, as well as the Lawn Fawn website.

I am on the list for "Harvest Season", which is probably one of my very favorite Thanksgiving themed stamp sets ever!  I just adore the leaves that are included in it, and I love that the sentiment I chose can be used for any time of year...not just at Thanksgiving.

I used Viva la Verve! August 2011 Sketch #4 to help with the design of my card.  And I also used the Just Us Girls color challenge #98 (chocolate chip, deep yellow, riding hood red, olive green).  This is what I came up with!

 "You Are a Blessing to Me" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (red) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper: Making Memories (Autumn Splendor collection)

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Harvest Season set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut, cranberry, moss green & Chalk: yellow cadmium)

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Twine: Darice Inc.

Lace trim: craft supply

Felt Leaf: Me & My Big Ideas

Button: Papertrey Ink

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Border Punch: Stampin Up

Instructions:  Make card from red cardstock.  Cut brown scripted paper slightly smaller and adhere to the front.  Cut a green damask square paper block and adhere.  Cut a yellow paper strip, punch a scalloped border to the bottom and adhere.  Make two ribbon tabs, and adhere them underneath the top right side of the yellow paper block.  Accent the ribbon tabs with three brown jewels.  Stamp the sentiment to a vintage cream cardstock block, and adhere to the top of the yellow strip.  Wrap lace around the seam, and then adhere a felt leaf to the lower left corner.  Stamp the large & small leaves to cardstock and cut out.  Adhere the three larger leaves to the felt leaf.  Tie a bow from twine, adhere to the leaf accent and then add a brown jewel to the middle of it. Adhere the two smaller stamped leaves to the left side of the sentiment, and then top them with a button & twine to finish.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Lawn Fawn gals have come up with using these two stamp sets! ♥♥♥

Chan Vuong
Julie Campbell
Latisha Yoast
Lea Lawson  {You are here!!}
Lynnette Kauffman
Teri Anderson
Tiffany Johnson

Nichol Magouirk

And as always, there will be lots of giveaways on the Lawn Fawn blog this week!!  Click on these links and follow the comment instructions for your chance!! 

Win ALL nine new sets!!

Happy Haunting

Many Thanks

Harvest Season/Heebie Jeebies 

Until later,

~Lea L.

"Many Thanks": Lawn Fawn Inspiration Week

Hey there everyone!!  Welcome to another day of Lawn Fawn inspiration!  Tonight we are showcasing the new stamp set called "Many Thanks".  You are going to just LOVE this set...so many fabulous sentiments all centered around thanks.  I just know you are going to love it!!

I created this card to fit a few challenges as well!  I used Lawnscaping Challenge #16 to use one paper layer, CAS-ual Fridays #16 to emboss, and Crazy 4 Challenges #101 to use brads, embossing & make a square card.  This is what I came up with!

"Thanks for Being Sweet" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft)
Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Many Thanks set)
Ink: Tsukineko (Versamark) & Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white)
Embossing Powder: Stampendous! (detail white)
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Button: Fancy Pants
Twine: The Twinery
Brad: Doodlebug Designs
Jewels: Kaiser Craft
Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions:  Make card from kraft cardstock, and round the bottom right corner.  Stamp the sentiment to the lower right corner using Versamark, cover in embossing powder, and then heat set.  Ink the edges of the card with frost white pigment ink.  Wrap twine around two of the stamped lollipop tops, and then accent with a jewel.  Add a brad to the third lollipop top.  Tie ribbon around the top of the card.  Wrap twine in a circle in the middle of a button, accent with a jewels, and then adhere to the middle of the bow to finish.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Lawn Fawn gals have come up with using "Many Thanks"! ♥♥♥

Chan Vuong
Julie Campbell
Latisha Yoast
Lea Lawson  {You are here!!}
Lynnette Kauffman
Teri Anderson
Tiffany Johnson

Nichol Magouirk

And as always, there will be lots of giveaways on the Lawn Fawn blog this week!!  Click on these links and follow the comment instructions for your chance!! 

Win ALL nine new sets!!

Happy Haunting

Many Thanks

Until later,

~Lea L.

"Happy Haunting": Lawn Fawn Inspiration Week

Hey there, everyone!  It is that time of the month, and also that part of the year....where Lawn Fawn introduces all NINE new stamp sets for fall/winter, and we introduce three of them to you this week!!  Today we are showcasing a new holiday set called "Happy Haunting"....which of course, is all about Halloween!!  This is going to be a must have if you love creating fun Halloween cards and goodies!

I was immediately drawn to the house because of how fabulously it can be paper pieced!! I really love how the house turned out, and the sentiment is just super cute!  I used Card Patterns Sketch #129 to help with the design of my card....here is what I created!

"Happy Haunting" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (gray) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper/Pin/Felt Ghost: Making Memories (Spook Alley: Words, Foil Brocade, Flocked Spider, Icon Stripe, Witches Feet)

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Happy Haunting set)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Diecut Tag: My Mind's Eye
Lace: vintage craft supply

Twine: Darice Inc.

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs (large black) & Kaiser Craft (small black)

Colored Pencils: Heidi Swapp

Sandpaper

Instructions:  Make card from gray cardstock. Sand the edges of a slightly smaller words paper block, and adhere to the front.  Sand the edges of a diecut tag, and adhere to the middle. Sand the edges of a brocade paper strip, and adhere to the middle.  Add a strip of black lace to the bottom of the brocade paper layer.  Cut a circle from flocked spider paper, sand the edges, and adhere. Stamp the house to three different patterned papers and a cream cardstock block, and cut out.  Layer together, color in the trim, and then adhere the house to the right side of the spiderweb circle.  Stamp the sentiment to a vintage cream cardstock strip, and cut a banner end to the left side.  Wrap the sentiment strip around a ghost topped pin, and adhere to the left side of the house.  Tie a bow from twine, adhere it below the sentiment strip, and then accent the middle with a large black jewel.  Accent the top of the brocade paper strip with tiny black jewels to finish.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Lawn Fawn gals have come up with using "Happy Haunting"! ♥♥♥

Chan Vuong
Julie Campbell
Latisha Yoast
Lea Lawson  {You are here!!}
Lynnette Kauffman
Teri Anderson
Tiffany Johnson

Nichol Magouirk

And as always, there will be lots of giveaways on the Lawn Fawn blog this week!!  Click on these links and follow the comment instructions for your chance!! 

Win ALL nine new sets!!

Happy Haunting

Until later,

~Lea L.

August Key Ingredients Blog Hop!!

Hey there everyone!!  I hope that you are having a wonderful Saturday so far!  Today marks our first official Key Ingredients blog hop, as last month we joined along with the Blast from the Past blog hop!!  It is sure to be a treat, and I can't wait to see what everyone came up with.

Did you happen to see the projects from the inspiration week this month?  If not, be sure to head on over to the Key Ingredients blog or the Key Ingredients gallery and check them all out!!

So, let's get down to the details of my card!  CASE Study Challenge #53 gave me the opportunity to find a card from Chupa, and create something inspired by hers!  So, I chose the card she created for her own Sketchbook Saturday Challenge #24....and this is what I came up with!

"You Brighten My Day" supplies: 

Cardstock/Paper/Ribbon/Jewels: Taylored Expressions August Key Ingredients kit

Stamps: Taylored Expressions "A Year of Sweet Sentiments" set

Ink: Tsukineko (Momento Dye Ink: Rosebud)

Flower substitute: Prima Fairytale Roses (Buttercup & Orchid)

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions:  Make card from yellow cardstock.  Adhere a strip of yellow honeycomb paper to the bottom of a floral paper block, and round all of the corners.  Cut a 3" circle from pink paper, and adhere to the right side of the card. Tie ribbon around the right side, and adhere the entire block to the card front.  Round the top corners of a white cardstock block, and adhere a cut-out honeycomb to it.  Stamp the sentiment below the honeycomb, then adhere the block over top of the ribbon.  Tie a double bow from matching ribbon, and adhere at the bottom of the stamped block.  Accent the middle of the bow and the honeycomb with paper flowers.  Cut out two paper bees, and adhere on each side of the honeycomb.  Accent the card with jewels to finish.

BOGO Half-Off Special Offer for New KI Subscribers!

Become a KI subscriber before August 31 and in addition to receiving the August kit you will also receive our July KI kit for 50% off (while supplies last)! To take advantage of this Buy One Get One Half-Off special offer you must purchase a 6 month KI subscription using your credit card. Click HERE to take advantage of this special offer by selecting the appropriate BOGO subscription!

 Don't forget to check out what the rest of the Key Ingredients team came up with for the blog hop today!  I know I can't wait!! ♥♥♥

• Corinna McGregor
• Jessica Diedrich
• Lea Lawson
• Monika Davis
• Rachel Sztonyk
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor Van Bruggen

Until later,
~Lea L.

You Really are Sew Special

Holy cow....two posts in a row!!  I think my heart is finally able to let crafting back in after weeks of not really wanting anything to do with it.  I have been hurting so much that I have just felt uninspired... overwhelmed by everything... and maybe even a little sickened by the sentiment of it.  My heart is not healed by any means, but I feel like I can actually find comfort in this thing that is so familiar to me...this craft that has captured my heart for so long.  And it is finally becoming therapeutic, where it just wasn't for those few weeks.  Thank you for being on this journey with me...even though you don't really know what is going on in my life.  Thank you for the prayers, even though you really don't know what you are praying for.  God knows, and He hears them.  And He is faithful, no matter our circumstances and outcomes.  I thank you from the bottom of my broken heart, and know that you all are a part of my healing process. 

Moving on....I have my card to share with you for CPS sketch 231, where we were sponsored by My Favorite Things this week.  I also created this card for the following challenges:  Embellish Coloring Color Trends challenge (yellow, pink, green, kraft), The Pink Elephant #112 to use stitching, and The Shabby Tea Room #75 to use polka dots.  Here is what I created: 

"You Really are Sew Special" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (yellow, metallic pink) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream, kraft)

Paper: Cosmo Cricket (UpCycle 6x6 paper pad)
Stamps/Dies: My Favorite Things (Sew Nifty and Stamp set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut, Chalk: yellow cadmium) & Tim Holtz (Distress Ink: antique linen)

Ink Blending Tool: Tim Holtz

Doily: Wilton

Vintage Lace/Button: craft supply

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs (pink, yellow) & Darice Inc. (clear)

Pin: Maya Road

Twine: Darice Inc.

Flower: Recollections

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sewing Machine: Brother

Thread: Coats & Tails (off-white)

Instructions:  Fold cream cardstock in half to make card base.  Adhere a strip green lace to a polka dot paper strip, and then adhere to the left side of a green paper block.  Zig-zag stitch along the edges and down the seam of the polka dot strip, then adhere the entire piece to the card front.  Distress ink a white doily, and then adhere to the top of the card.  Diecut the dress form from vintage cream cardstock, and then stamp the image to it.  Stamp the same image to pink patterned paper, cut out just the body of it, and adhere to the stamped cardstock image.  Wrap a piece of lace around the waist, accent with jewels and adhere to the left side of the card.  Stamp the sewing machine to vintage cream cardstock, cut out, and adhere to the right side of the dress form, overlapping a little bit.  Stamp the sentiment to a grid-line paper strip, cut a banner end and then wrap around the bottom of a clear topped pin.  Add a button below the sewing machine, and then adhere the pin banner sentiment to the top of it.  Tie a bow from natural twine and adhere to the top of the pin.  Diecut two thimbles, adhere to the center of the bow, and then accent the top with a pink flower.  Diecut the scissors, then add a clear jewel to them and the stamped sewing machine to finish.

I am really loving how this turned out...the sewing theme is so fabulous, and I just love the fun dies that MFT added into this set.  I love that quite a few of them don't actually have a matching stamp...it allows for super fun accenting!!  Well, I hope that you guys enjoyed two days of posting from me!  I hope to continue on in this fashion, because I have some catching up to do!! :)  Have a wonderful rest of your day! ♥♥♥ 

Until later, 

~Lea L.

Enjoy the Moments....

Well, hello there everyone!!  I know...I am probably a stranger to you by now!!  You know that I have had some struggles going on in my personal life, and those are still there.  But, I have also just been BUSY!  I went to Tennessee for a week, chaperoning a youth missions trip.  I had to go to a funeral right when I got home, and then booked a last minute wedding....which means I have barely been home in the past two weeks.  I think I am finally home for a bit...and can get back to work.

I have a card to share with you for Stamper's Dream.  I have used the Viva la Verve August Week 2 sketch to help with the design of the card.  I also created it for the Moxie Fab: Fabulous Felt! challenge, the Shabby Tea Room #75: polka dots, & Color Throwdown #155 (early espresso, rose red, barely banana, kiwi kiss).  Here is what I created:

"Enjoy the Moments..." supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (black) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper: Making Memories (Mistletoe: Diecut Icon Stripe, Icon Dot)

Stamps: JustRite Stampers (Merry & Bright set)

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

Felt/Ribbon: Making Memories

Twine/Jewels: Darice Inc.

Button: Fancy Pants

Ornament Die: Spellbinders (2010 Heirloom Ornament)

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sandpaper

Instructions:  Make card from black cardstock.  Sand the edges of a dot paper block, and adhere to the front.  Sand the edges of a border paper strip, and adhere to the top, popping the bottom off the card using foam adhesive.  Stamp the ornament and sentiment to vintage cream cardstock, and diecut.  Adhere to the upper left side of the card, and accent with felt mistletoe.  Tie a bow from black gingham ribbon & natural twine, then adhere the two together.  Tie a bow around the middle using twine, then adhere to the top of the stamped ornament.  Add three jewels to the lower right corner to finish.

This Christmas themed paper is at least two years old, and it is still some of my very fave!!  I keep every little scrap of it, and plan on using it until it is gone.  I don't really care that it is no longer available...I just love it!!

Well, I better get going for now.  I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lawn Fawn & Denami Design Blog Hop: Day 2

Hey there everyone!!  Today marks day 2 of the Lawn Fawn & Denami Design collaboration blog hop!!

It was a lot of fun combining our stamps together!!  For my first card I created a baby card...but not just any baby card- one about twins!  I love the fun color combo, and the mix of aqua and pink! 

How cute is that?!  Totally love the colors, and those cute houses go perfectly with the Lawn Fawn stamps!!

For my next card, it is all about the love!!  I love the sweet little sentiments with the cute Lawn Fawn heart stamp!! 

These sweet little stamps just go together perfectly!  It was like they were meant to be...tee hee! :)

And since all blog hops need a list...here it is to keep you on track!

Lawn Fawn blog- http://lawnfawn.blogspot.com/

Julie Campbell- http://stampedinhisimage.blogspot.com/

Amber Daigre- http://damasklove.blogspot.com/

Tiffany Johnson- http://tiffguam.com/

Ayana Posadas- http://www.ayanaposadas.typepad.com/

Chan Vuong- http://humblechan.blogspot.com/

Britta Swiderski- http://brittaswiderski.com/

Lea Lawson- http://leascupcakesandsunshine.blogspot.com/

Lisa Petrella- http://bellalistona.blogspot.com/

DeNami Design blog- http://denami.blogspot.com/

Until later,
~Lea L.

WPlus9 August 2011 Group Post

Hi there, everyone!  Today marks the funnest day of WPlus9 release week....group post time!!  I always love the group posts for some reason...especially when I see them all together on Dawn's blog.

I made a fun love card using Very Vintage Greetings, and I love how it turned out!!  I loved showing that you don't have to have a shabby chic style for this stamp set...it is very versatile!!

"I'll Always Love You" supplies: 

Cardstock/Buttons: Papertrey Ink

Paper/Ribbon: American Crafts

Stamps: WPlus9

Ink: Close To My Heart & Tsukineko

Lace trim: vintage craft supply

Pin: Maya Road

Twine: Darice Inc.

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Glitter: DecoArt

Don't forget to check out what the rest of the WPlus9 DT has come up with!  I am sure it will be amazing! ♥♥♥ 

• Dawn Woleslagle
• Elise Durenberger
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jinny Newlin
• Kerrianne Gwin
• Lea Lawson
• Savitri Wilder
• Jean Martin - taking a few weeks off, but be sure to stop by and leave her some love anyway

Until later,
~Lea L.

WPlus9 August 2011: Very Vintage Greetings

Hey there, everyone!  Welcome to day 3 of the August release for WPlus9.  Today we are featuring a new stamp set called "Very Vintage Greetings", which also includes a matching Label Layers die as well!  Here is a bit of info on them:

Very Vintage Greetings

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 14 stamps; 3 flower images, 9 sentiments, and 2 frames
• will be available for purchase August 5th for just $19

Coordinating with Very Vintage Greetings is the Label Layers 3 die.
Label Layers 3 Die

• coordinates with Very Vintage Greetings stamp set
• measures approx. 3" x 2"
• will be available for purchase August 5th for just $6

I used Chupa's Sketchbook Saturday challenge #22 to help with the design of my card.  I also used the CR84FN35 color challenge (lavender, celery, gray) & Timeless Tuesday #129 (favorite flowers) for my card.  Here is what I created:

 "With Sympathy"supplies: 

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper: Bo Bunny (Back to Backs: Heather Dot), Cosmo Cricket (Upcycle: Relove) & Webster's Pages (Nature's Storybook 6x6 pad)

Stamps/Label Die: WPlus9 (Very Vintage Greetings, Label Layers Die 3)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: heliotrope, antique pewter, moss green) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Lace trim: vintage craft supply

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Button: Doodlebug Designs

Twine: May Arts

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Scalloped Border Die: Papertrey Ink

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock.  Diecut a scalloped border from purple dotted paper, and adhere to the bottom of a green flourish paper block.  Adhere the entire block to the middle of the card, and then stamp the flowers at the top.  Adhere a strip of gray patterned paper to the left side, then cover the seam with purple lace.  Add a strip of green dotted ribbon slightly overlapping the lace trim.  Tie a bow and add a button around the middle with twine, and then adhere to the top of the ribbon strip.  Diecut the label from vintage cream cardstock, then stamp the border and sentiment to it.  Stamp the flower to cardstock twice, and cut out the necessary parts.  Layer together, and then adhere to the stamped label.  Accent with pearls to finish.

Be sure to check out what the other WPlus9 design team members have come up with tonight!  I am sure it will be a treat!  ♥♥♥ 

• Dawn Woleslagle
• Elise Durenberger
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jinny Newlin
• Kerrianne Gwin
• Lea Lawson
• Savitri Wilder
• Jean Martin - taking a few weeks off, but be sure to stop by and leave her some love anyway

Until later,
~Lea L.

WPlus9 August 2011: Le Cirque

Hey there, everyone!  Sorry that I missed out on the first day of the WPlus9 release, but it was unavoidable.  I am joining in tonight as we continue to feature the new set called "Le Cirque", which is a super fun Circus themed stamp set.  Since I wasn't able to post yesterday, here is a little bit of info on the set, and matching dies.


Le Cirque

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 21 stamps; 8 images, 11 sentiments, 1 banner image and 1 scalloped oval frame
• will be available for purchase August 5th for just $19

Le Cirque Die

• coordinates with Le Cirque stamp set
• cuts 4 coordinating shapes
• will be available for purchase August 5th for just $9

Scalloped Oval Die

• coordinates with Le Cirque stamp set
• measures approx. 2.25" tall x 2.75" wide
• will be available for purchase August 5th for just $7

I think you are going to really love this set!  I used CardPatterns sketch #126 to help me with the design of my card.  Here is what I created!

"Happy Birthday" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (orange) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper/Jewels: Glitz Design (Afternoon Muse: floral, banner) & GCD Studios (Funhouse: Come One, Come Al)

Stamps/Dies: WPlus9

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: mango tango, old rose, canary, moss green) & Close To My Heart (vanilla cream) 

Ribbon: Michael's brand

Border Die: Papertrey Ink (tickets)

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sandpaper

Instructions:  Make card from orange cardstock.  Sand the edges of a slightly smaller floral paper block, and adhere to the front.  Sand the edges of a pink paper strip, and adhere to the middle.  Diecut ticket patterned paper, sand the edges, and adhere at an angle below the pink paper.  Trim off the excess edges, and sand the cut edges.  Diecut the scalloped oval from vintage cream cardstock, and stamp the border & sentiment to it.  Adhere the scalloped oval to the top of the card.  Diecut the circus characters from patterned paper, and then stamp the images to them.  Adhere to the right side of the scalloped oval.  Tie a bow from orange dotted ribbon, and adhere below the circus characters.  Accent the middle of the bow with a large pink jewels, and underneath the sentiment with three clear jewels to finish.

Be sure to check out what the other WPlus9 design team members have come up with tonight!  I am sure it will be a treat!  ♥♥♥ 

• Dawn Woleslagle
• Elise Durenberger
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jinny Newlin
• Kerrianne Gwin
• Lea Lawson
• Savitri Wilder
• Jean Martin - taking a few weeks off, but be sure to stop by and leave her some love anyway

Until later,
~Lea L.