WPlus9 February 2012 - Folk Art Florals

Hey there, everyone!!  It is the beginning of the month, which means it is time for WPlus9 release week!!  We have some beautiful stamp sets and matching dies to share with you, which have a folk art feel but can be used for so much more!  Here is a little bit of info on the stamp set and matching dies that we are sharing with you today:

Folk Art Florals

• is a 4x6 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 24 stamps; 20 images and 4 sentiments
• will be available for purchase February 5th for just $14

Folk Art Florals Die

• compliments the Folk Art Florals stamp set
• designed to be used as stand alone images
• comes on a single die that can be easily snipped and separated
• will be available for purchase February 5th for just $12

I created a cute friendship card for you today, utilizing both the brand new stamp set & dies, plus some previously released dies that are great for layering!!  You might already have these dies in your stash, and they will come in super handy when using this fabulous stamp set!  Here is what I created!

"Friends Like You..." supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper: My Mind's Eye (Love Me 6x6 paper pad)

Stamps: WPlus9 (Folk Art Florals set)

Dies: WPlus9 (Folk Art Florals, Label Layers 2, Scalloped Oval)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: antique pewter, chiffon) & Tsukineko (Dye: rosebud)

Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz (antique linen)

Twine: May Arts

Button: American Crafts

Pin: Maya Road

Pearls: Michael's brand

Pinking Shears: Fiskars

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sewing Machine: Brother

Sandpaper

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock.  Cut grey doily paper slightly smaller, distress the edges and adhere.  Cut a cream paper strip and a plaid paper block, distress the edges and layer to the front.  Diecut the label from patterned paper and the scalloped oval from vintage cream cardstock.  Distress the edges of both diecuts, then adhere the label to the right side of the card.  Diecut the birdhouse from cardstock & patterned paper, distress the edges and layer together.  Adhere to the middle of the scalloped oval, then stamp the leaves & flowers above and below the birdhouse.  Cut a banner from patterned paper, adhere to a heart topped stick pin, and adhere coming out of the right side of the house.  Accent with small cream pearls, then adhere the entire scalloped oval to the top of the label with foam adhesive.  Stamp the sentiment to a strip of doily paper, distress the edges and cut the left edge with pinking shears.  Adhere the sentiment banner to the front using foam adhesive.  Tie a double bow from twine, thread a button around the middle of it, then adhere it to the left side of the sentiment banner.  Cut a tiny banner from patterned paper, adhere to the top of the card, then stamp the floral image above it.  Zig-zag stitch along the banner, then accent the stamped flower with a pearl to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-Inspirational Card Sketch #149

-Ribbon Carousel #38- paper piecing

-Stamptacular Sunday #149- diamonds or pearls

-One Stop Craft challenge #167- stitching

-Crazy 4 Challenges #121- lots of layers

-The Friday Mashup! #43- something new (stamps)

Be sure to check out Dawn and the rest of the WPlus9 designer's blogs to see what they have created with this fabulous stamp and matching die set!  Dawn is also going to give it away to one lucky winner, so be sure to follow the commenting instructions on her blog post!

• Dawn Woleslagle
• Elise Durenberger
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jinny Newlin
• Kerrianne Gwin
• Lea Lawson
• Savitri Wilder
• Jean Martin

I hope that you have a wonderful day, and be sure to come back tomorrow when we share another new stamp and die set! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Cupcake Thank You

Happy Monday, everyone!  I hope that you had a wonderful rest of your weekend, and a great start to your week so far!!  If you haven't checked them out yet, please scroll down after this post and check out my CHA projects using the new Glitz Design collections.  I posted them all over the weekend, and I know that blog surfing isn't as prevalent because everyone is out having fun!!

Today I have a fun shaped card to share with you!  It has been awhile since I have done anything cupcake themed, and I wanted to do it with lots of fun layers and embellishments!  Here is what I created!!

"Thank You" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper: My Mind's Eye (Lost & Found 2 Blush, Sunshine & Breeze 6x6 paper pads)

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Sophie's Sentiments set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Donna Salazar Mixed Media: honey)
Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz (antique linen)

Buttons: SEI & Fancy Pants

Pins: Making Memories (yellow) & Maya Road (pink)

Charm: Jesse James & Co.

Pearls/Flowers: Michael's brand

Seam Binding: The Cat's Pajamas

Twine: May Arts

Lace: vintage craft supply

Glitter: Doodlebug Designs

Pinking Shears: Fiskars

Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Sweet Treats by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Cut the cupcake shaped card from vintage cream cardstock at 5 1/2" using the Cricut Expression & Sweet Treats cartridge, then fold in half.  Cut the cupcake layers at 5 1/4" from patterned papers.  Distress ink the edges of each layer, then adhere the pink cupcake top to the striped bottom, leaving the scalloped edge adhesive-less.  Cut the edges of the eyelet lace using pinking shears, then adhere underneath the scalloped edge.  Cover the heart paper layer in glitter, then adhere to the top of the cupcake cut.  Adhere the entire cupcake cut to the shaped card front.  Tie a double bow from seam binding and adhere to the left side of the scalloped edge.  Stamp the sentiment to patterned paper, cut a banner edge and wrap around a yellow topped pin.  Stick the sentiment into the bow, then add another pink topped pin with a charm in front of it.  Thread three yellow buttons with twine, and adhere two of them to the bottom of the cupcake and the other to the heart.  Accent the heart with a paper flower and large pink pearl.  Add a strip f pink pearls to the bottom, then accent the scallops with white pearls.  Add a blue flower to the middle of the bow to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-Mojo Monday #226- sketch (I used a shape in place of the circle)

-Color Combos Galore #216- blue sprinkles, banana cream pie, vanilla ice cream, pink fondant

-Stampin' Sisters in Christ #124- show your style

-Secret Crafter Saturday #170- ribbons

-Challenge Up Your Life #61- thank you

-Totally PaperCrafts  challenge- pearls & lace

-PaperPlay 2012 #4- lovely lace

-Dutch Dare Card Challenge #149- buttons galore

-Inky Impressions #43- hearts

Well, that is all I have to share with you today!  I hope to be back soon, creating for some more fun card challenges!  Last week I got a bit busy getting stuff ready for CHA, and then having to get everything posted for Glitz Design, etc.  I hope that you have a great rest of your night! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Glitz Design's "Happy Travels"

Hey there, everyone!  Just a quickie post today, because I have got to go get ready for the cheer competition of my friend's daughter!!  But today we are revealing our CHA projects using the new collection "Happy Travels" by Glitz Design!  Here are the cards I created....I am in love with the first one!

Don't forget to check out the Glitz Design blog to see projects from some of our other designers as well!  They are amazing!!  Have a great rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Glitz Design's "Pretty in Pink"

Happy Saturday, everyone!  I hope that your weekend has been a great one so far!!  We had friends over last night for drinks and a movie....we watched "Bad Teacher".  Completely inappropriate, but really funny.  Definitely an adults only movie though.  Tee hee!

Today I am continuing the posts of my CHA projects for Glitz Design.  Today we are sharing our projects using the new Pretty In Pink collection, which has definitely been a hit to our customers!  I have created some cards with the new collection, and I hope that you enjoy them!  Here you go!

I just love the soft pinks in this collection, along with the chocolate brown!  You are going to LOVE using this new collection!  Be sure to check out all of the other Pretty Ink Pink projects on the Glitz Design blog today!

Also, we have named the Top 5 Winners from the January 2012 Glitz Design Blog challenge.  Be sure to head on over and check them out!  If you didn't get a chance to participate in the challenge last month, the February challenge starts tomorrow!  So be sure to head on over to the Glitz Design tomorrow for the details!  Have a great rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Glitz Design's "French Kiss"

Hey there, everyone!  I have just a quick post for today to share the cards that I made for Glitz Design's new collection "French Kiss".  This is a stunning collection full of gorgeous neutrals and a theme from old time Paris.  You are going to just LOVE it!!

We were able to get some of the new product to a few of our designers in order to create projects for the Glitz Design booth at CHA as well.  Today we are showcasing the projects they have created with the French Kiss collection on the Glitz Design blog so that everyone can see them, not just the CHA attenders get the chance to see them!  Be sure to check out the Glitz Design blog to see all the fabulous French Kiss projects!!  The designers worked so hard, and the projects are fabulous!

I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day!! &hearts,&hearts,&hearts,

Until later,
~Lea L.

Filled with Love

Hey there, everyone!!  How have you all been?  Sorry it has been awhile since I posted last...I was busy busy working on my CHA projects for Glitz Design and Lawn Fawn!  I will start sharing the Glitz Design projects tomorrow on my blog, and it will go all weekend long...so please make sure you come on back.  Before I get to today's card, I want to make let you know that there is still a little bit of time to leave comments on the full reveals of all three Glitz Design collections....here are the links!!

Pretty In Pink

French Kiss

Happy Travels

Did you notice that the Glitz Design blog has a new look?  I was so excited the morning that I clicked on it to make sure that the day's post looked fine....and it was totally transformed!!  Loving it!  

Anways...moving on to my card for today {which, by the way, features the brand new Pretty In Pink collection}!  This is my card for CPS Sketch #252, where we were sponsored by Taylored Expressions this week.  Taylor is giving away a free stamp set of choice to one lucky participant this week, so hopefully you will have some time to create a fun card and link it up!  Here is what I created: 

  "Filled with Love" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper/Stickers/Transparency: Glitz Design (Pretty In Pink collection: Stripe)

Stamps/Die: Taylored Expressions (Rose Wreath set)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz (antique linen)

Ribbon/Twine: May Arts

Flowers/Pearls: Michael's brand

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Colored Pencils: Heidi Swapp

Instructions:  Make card from cream cardstock.  Cut sheet music paper layer slightly smaller, round the corners and distress ink the edges.  Cut a block of striped paper, round the corners and distress ink the edges.  Adhere the strip block to the middle of the sheet music paper layer, then wrap cream satin ribbon around the middle.  Adhere the entire block to the card front.  Layer a transparent frame, cardstock sticker and clear sticker to the middle of the card.  Stamp the wreath to cream cardstock, diecut and then color in with pencils.  Adhere the wreath to the middle, then accent with a twine double bow and paper flowers.  Cut a banner edge to a cream cardstock strip and distress ink the edges.  Stamp the sentiment to it, then adhere it to the bottom right corner of the card.  Add a strip of striped paper to the bottom of the sentiment banner, then accent with pearls.  Add pearls to the transparent frame to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-The Shabby Tea Room #98- photo inspiration + cream/silver/pink

-Creative Belli #136- frames

-Creative Inspirations #147- anything goes

-Simon Says Stamp challenge- anything goes

-The Sisterhood of Crafters challenge- striped paper

-Charisma Cardz challenge #3- pretty in pink

I also wanted to share something pretty fun and exciting about Lawn Fawn too!  Check out this video:

How cute is that?!  And how exciting that Lawn Fawn is coming out with a paper line, matching alphabet stickers and twine, along with 10 new stamp sets.  It is a good day for all the Lawn Fawn lovers out there!  Kelly is giving away the entire collection to one lucky winner, so be sure to CLICK HERE and follow the commenting instructions!!

Well, that is all I have for you today!  Come back on over tomorrow when I start to share projects with all the new Glitz Design collections! Have a wonderful rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Mon Cher Ami

Happy Saturday, everyone!  I hope you have had a wonderful start to your weekend so far!  We have been a bit lazy so far today, which is pretty typical for us on a winter Saturday.  It is just crazy to see all the snow out there right now!  I haven't yet taken my camera out to capture it, but I am sure I will sometime soon.  I don't think the snow is going anywhere for now!  Tee hee!

I have a shabby little card to share with you today!  I did this for the current My Mind's Eye card challenge on their blog, plus some others which will all be linked below.  I had so much fun stamping, fussy cutting, distress inking and such on this card...and I am loving all the sweet little details.  Here is what I created!

"Mon Cher Ami" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper/Brads/Twine: My Mind's Eye (Lost & Found 2 "Blush" & Love Me 6x6 paper pad)

Doily: Wilton

Stamps: WPlus9 (Ce'st La Vie set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Bernard Dye: chocolate, Donna Salazar Mixed Media: chiffon)

Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz (antique linen)

Flower: Making Memories

Seam Binding: The Cat's Pajamas

Button: craft supply

Glitter: DecoArt

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock.  Cut pink gingham paper slightly smaller, distress the edges and adhere.  Distress ink a doily, and adhere to the front.  Cut a tag from striped paper, distress the edges and adhere to the right side.  Fussy cut the banners and adhere to the front.  Tie a double bow from seam binding, attach a button around the middle using twine and adhere to the top of the tag.  Fussy cut a doily, attach a rhinestone brad to the center, then adhere it below the birds on the bottom banner.  Add a rhinestone brad to the top banner.  Attach a fabric flower to the card front.  Stamp the crown, cut out and cover in glitter.  Cut a banner edge to a patterned paper strip and distress ink the edges.  Stamp the sentiment to it, then add a brad to the left side of it.  Layer the glittered crown and sentiment banner to the top of the fabric flower to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-My Mind's Eye Card Challenge #31- sketch + new theme (I used new product)

-Stampin' Sisters in Christ #122- use something new

-The Pink Elephant #131- use your favorite colors (aqua & pink)

-Fab N Funky challenge #104- BINGO card (handmade embellishment, neglected stamp, vintage)

-Clearly Inspired #44- pastel colors

-Raise the Bar #88- circles

-Sugar Creek Hollow- go girly

As I said yesterday, we decided to just stick around home for most of the day due to all the snow.  While watching the movie "The Help" (which was fantastic by the way...I totally recommend watching it), I made this yummy goodness: 

This is Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn, which I found the recipe for on Two Peas and Their Pod.  This was really easy to make, and SO yummy.  Great for movie or game night!!  If you haven't checked out this website, it is a must.  Lots of super yummy and super easy recipes...I will be visiting frequently for more recipes! 

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

Until later,

~Lea L.

January Key Ingredients Blog Hop

Happy Friday!!  Well, winter has officially arrived in Missoula, MT.  We are buried under at least 1.5 feet of snow, and expecting more....plus freezing rain at some point.  So, Josh and I have made the executive decision that we are going to stay home all day long (except for a quick trip to the Walgreen's RedBox that is just a few blocks away) and stay OFF of the crappy streets & roads.  I think that sounds like a pretty grand idea....tee hee!

Today is the January 2012 Key Ingredients Blog Hop!  We have a theme this month, which is "Classroom Treats".  For my project I made a card with a decorated bag of Sweethearts.  This would be perfect for a teacher, or for a teen to give to their favorite friends!!  The fun papers and embellishments in the January Key Ingredients Kit are perfect for these Valentine goodies....you will have a lot of fun creating with them!  Here is my cute little treat set:

"Loads of Love" Treat Set supplies: 

Cardstock/Paper/Stickers/Ribbon/Buttons/Pins: Taylored Expressions January Key Ingredients kit

Stamps: Taylored Expressions (Kid at Heart set) 

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) 

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Dies: Spellbinders (Lacey Circles)

Punch: Fiskars (scalloped heart)

Sandpaper

Card Instructions:  Make card from pink cardstock.  Cut lined paper slightly smaller, sand the edges and adhere.  Cut a block of heart doily paper, sand the edges and adhere to the left.  Cut a banner edge to two strips of paper, sand the edges and adhere together.  Then adhere the layered banner to the left side of the card.  Wrap ribbon around the middle, tie a double bow and adhere.  Diecut a lacey circle from brown patterned paper and sand the edges.  Layer a circle sticker to it, then adhere to the right of the ribbon using foam adhesive.  Stamp the sentiment to a label sticker, then cut out.  Fold the left edge and adhere around a heart topped pin.  Stick into the bow along with another heart tipped pin.  Sand the edges of a ticket sticker and adhere below the sentiment.  Accent the front with heart buttons to finish.

Treat Instructions:  Fill a plastic bag with Sweetheart candies.  Cut a blog of heart doily paper, and slightly fold in the two edges.  Fold the entire piece in half, then staple the back half to the plastic bag.  Add a little bit of hot glue underneath the front flap and adhere.  Diecut a lacey circle from brown paper, and punch a scalloped heart from lined paper.  Layer together and adhere to the treat topper.  Sand the edges of the sticker tag and adhere to the right side of the punched heart.  Add a heart button to finish. 

Card Challenges Used: 

-Mojo Monday #224- card sketch
-Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #152- anything but a card (treat bag)

-Drunken Stampers #81- love

-Crafty Creations #153- valentine's day

-PaperPlay 2012 #3- ribbon

Did you know that this kit is still available for purchase?  That's right...if you haven't subscribed yet and would really love to get this kit, just make sure you do subscribe by January 31st.  You still have plenty of time before Valentine's day to get it, and create lots of cards for those that you love!  CLICK HERE to be taken to the Subscription Page!!

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Key Ingredients team has created for this "Classroom Treats" blog hop!  It is sure to be super yummy!! 

• Taylor VanBruggen
• Corinna McGregor
• Debbie Carriere
• Jessica Diedrich
• Jessie Rone
• Monika Davis

I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your Friday!  I think I am going to go cozy up on the couch and watch some movies with my hubby! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Together We Can....

Happy Thursday, everyone!  I hope the past couple of days have been good for you!  We are getting snow just dumped on us...I would say we have at least a foot and it isn't stopping.  Winter has finally made it to Montana!! 

I have a card to share with you today that is pretty clean and simple!  It is my card for CPS Sketch 251, where we were sponsored by Sweet N Sassy Stamps this week.  And considering the weather right now, the stamps were a perfect fit for my week!  Tee hee!  Here is what I created:

"Together We Can..." supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (smooth white) 

Paper: Glitz Design (Vintage Blue: Rose)

Stamps: Sweet N Sassy (Snowflake Flourish set) 

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: sky gray, midnight)

Ribbon/Jewel: Bo Bunny

Twine: May Arts

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Buttons: American Crafts

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from white cardstock.  Cut blue paper slightly smaller and sand the edges.  Tie ribbon around the bottom of the card, then adhere the entire block to the card front.  Stamp the snowflake flourish and sentiment to a white cardstock block, then accent with pearls.  Adhere to the left side of the card using foam adhesive, then accent the bow with a large clear jewel.  Add two ribbon tabs to the left side of the stamped block.  Thread two glittered buttons with twine, and adhere to the top of the tabs to finish.

Card Challenges Used: 

-Stampin' Sisters in Christ #122- use something brand new (stamps)

-Truly Scrumptious #72- use something forgotten (ribbon/jewel)
-Crazy 4 Challenges #119- monochromatic blue

-Secret Crafter Saturday #168- use mainly blue

-Sisterhood of Crafters- winter

-Fussy and Fancy Friday- let it snow

I also wanted to let you know that we are revealing all the new Glitz Design collections this week on the blog, and we are giving away one of each of the entire collections!  Just click on each image below to take you to the full reveal! 

We have one more reveal that will be on the blog tomorrow at Noon PST.  Be sure to check back for your chance to win that one as well!  I hope that you have a great rest of your day...if you are getting hit with snow like we are, please be super safe!!  ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Thank U

Happy Tuesday, everyone!!  Lordy...I had quite a morning.  Not divulging any details because they aren't my details to tell.....but it has just been one of those starts.  Everything is okay though, and I will be continuing on with my day normally. :)

I have another card to share with you today!  Can I just say that I am kind-of in love with this card right now.  I adore the colors, and the gorgeous collage of images on the main paper block.  My Mind's Eye really does a great job of designing beautiful patterned papers.  Here is what I created!

"Thank U" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 

Paper: My Mind's Eye (Lost & Found 2 "Sunshine" 6x6 paper pad)

Stamps: My Favorite Things (Notched Tag set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Bernard Dye: chocolate)

Buttons: American Crafts

Brad: Creative Imaginations

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Pin: Maya Road

Seam Binding: The Cat's Pajamas

Trim/Twine: May Arts

Flowers: Michael's brand

Border Punch: Martha Stewart Crafts

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories
Sandpaper

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock.  Cut plaid paper slightly smaller and sand the edges.  Cut a doily paper strip, sand the edges and adhere to the bottom of the plaid block.  Punch a lace border to blue paper, and adhere to the middle, overlapping the doily paper by a bit.  Cut a collage patterned paper block, round the top corners, sand the edges and adhere to the front.  Wrap seam binding around the paper seam, then adhere the entire paper block to the card front.  Add a bit of trim to the top of the seam binding.  Tie a double bow from matching seam binding, then layer a rosette, the bow and two paper flowers to the right side of the card.  Cut a banner flag from patterned paper, stamp the sentiment to it, and wrap around a clear topped pin.  Stick the pin into the fabric flower, then accent with pearls.  Thread two buttons with twine and adhere to the upper left corner of the collage paper block, then finish the accenting with a pearl brad.

Card Challenges Used:

-My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club #54- sketch

-CASE Study #73- card inspiration (I was inspired by the colors & sentiment)

-Papertake Weekly challenge- buttons, bows, bling, blooms)

-Pollycraft Monday challenge #123- BINGO card (flowers, punches, pearls)

-The Friday Mashup! #41- thank you &/or patterned paper (I did both!)

Well, that is everything I have to share with you today!  I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day, and I will be back again soon! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Cozy Winter Birthday

Hey there, everyone!  I hope that you had a wonderful rest of your weekend.  The rest of mine was nice and laid back...just what I like!  It was a fun birthday weekend, with a lot of relaxation too!

I have a card to share with you today in celebration of my birthday this past weekend.  It is also ice skating themed, which is probably because I REALLY wanted to go on Friday night...but the rink cancelled open skating that night.  It made me sad, but we made up for it by playing a really fun game with all our friends.  And we are definitely going to be planning a skating night with our friends when they DON'T cancel it!  Tee hee!  Here is what I created:

"Cozy Winter Birthday" supplies: 

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft, vintage cream) 

Paper/Paper Layers/Transparency/Epoxy Stickers/Jewel: Glitz Design (Beautiful Dreamer: Houndstooth, Floral, Polka, Toile)

Stamps: Papertrey Ink (On Ice set) & Glitz Design (Beautiful Dreamer set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white, Donna Salazar Mixed Media: honey, chiffon & Stephanie Bernard Dye: chocolate)

Ribbon/Twine: May Arts

Seam Binding: The Cat's Pajamas

Button: American Crafts

Flowers/Pearls: Michael's brand

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Dies: My Favorite Things (doilies) & Papertrey Ink (skate)

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Sandpaper

Instructions:  Make card from kraft cardstock, round two opposite corners, and ink the edges.  Cut houndstooth paper slightly smaller, round the same corners, sand the edges and adhere.  Cut a strip of floral paper, round the upper right corner, sand the edges and adhere.  Cut a strip of heart dotted paper, round the lower left corner, sand the edges and adhere.  Cut banner edges to a strip of aqua ribbon, adhere to the left side of the card, fold the top over, and tie together with a piece of twine.  Diecut the doilies from paper, and stamp the doily image to the smaller one.  Layer together and adhere to the front.  Add the transparency across the middle, then ink the edges white.  Add a jewel to the middle of the doily, then an epoxy sticker to the right of it.  Diecut and stamp the ice skates, thread with a piece of twine, and adhere.  Tie a double bow from seam binding, add a button to the center with twine, and adhere to the top of the folded ribbon.  Accent the skate with pink flowers, and the top of the card with pearls.  Stamp the sentiment to the lower right corner to finish. 

Card Challenges Used:

-The Kraft Journal #54- stamp it pretty

-Cupcake Craft challenge #175- winter birthday

-Our Daily Bread #92- WINTER word play (ink, twine, ribbon)

-Stampin' for the Weekend #24- out with the old

-Annabelle Say It With- anything goes

-Charisma Cardz #1- birthday

-Sisterhood of Crafters- winter

-Tuesday Throwdown #80- winter

That is the card that I have to share with you today!  I want to start another fun little feature on my blog, where I share some things that I am personally loving at the moment.  It is like getting to know me a little bit, and you never know when I might share something that you really want.  I know that I love finding new things from other people's blogs, so hopefully I might offer up something to my readers on occasion! 

1. Jou Jou Houndstooth Coat:  Josh got this coat for me for Christmas, and I just LOVE it.  It is a bit thin, but we are having a super mild winter right now...so it has been a perfect layer over top of my clothing.  And because it is thinner, I will be able to wear it all the way throught Spring!  (And I am dying over the price of it right now...pretty sure Josh didn't get THAT deal! Tee hee!)

2. No link to this one....because my amazing husband crocheted this for me in just a couple hours the other day.  I have been wearing it a ton...and I just love it!  It is my super cute, flowery Griz hat!

3. Maurice's Lace Tiered Tank: My little brother got this for me for my birthday.  It is SO cute with a pair of jeans, and I have the perfect gray sweater to go over it for winter.  And this summer, I can wear it by itself!

Well, there you have it!  Three things that I am loving right now!  I hope to do this on my blog a couple times per week....and hopefully you will find some things that you love too! 

Until later,

~Lea L.

P.S.  My January Key Ingredients post went live on the blog yesterday!  Click the detail shot below and it will take you to the full post, so you can see the card in it's entirety!!  Hope you like it!

Be My Love

Happy Saturday, everyone!!  I hope that your day has been a great one!  Today is my 32nd birthday, and we celebrated last night with a bunch of friends!  We BBQ'd, ate cupcakes, drank a little wine, and played "The Game of Things".  It was a blast!!  Today Josh and I have been super lazy, just enjoying some movies and hanging out together.  I did have some 50% off coupons for Michael's, and a little bit of birthday money...so we went and picked up a couple of Spellbinders sets that I wanted....so that was nice!!  {Thanks Grandma Penny...those are what you got me with the money you sent!  Tee hee!}

I was a card winner at CardPatterns awhile back, which made me the guest designer for CardPatterns Sketch #148 this week.  I decided it was the perfect sketch to use with this month's Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit and the Inspiration Sheet!  This is also release week at the Key Ingredients Blog, so you should check out what all the talented designers have come up with so far this month!!  I will be the finisher for release week tomorrow, so be sure to check back then and see what else I have done with the kit!  Here is my card for today!

 "Be My Love" supplies:
Cardstock/Paper/Stickers/Twill Tape/Pins: Taylored Expressions January Key Ingredients kit

Stamps/Dies: Taylored Expressions (Fly Your Flag 2 set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Bernard Dye: Strawberry)

Flowers: Recollections

Sandpaper

Instructions:  Please see the January 2012 Key Ingredients Inspiration Sheet. :)

Card Challenges Used:

-CardPatterns Sketch #148

-CAS-ual Fridays #35- use scallops

-One Stop Craft challenge #165- dots & ribbon

-Pixie Dust Studio challenge #109- hearts

If you haven't heard of the Key Ingredients kit, and would like to find out more information about them...please CLICK HERE for the FAQ page.  If you would like to subscribe to the Key Ingredients kit, please CLICK HERE.  Just to give you a little tid bit of info....the Key Ingredients kit is made solely for card makers, featuring 8.5x11 cardstock, 6x6 papers, and matching embellishments &/or stickers.  Each month your kit arrives in your mailbox in a great plastic holder, which helps keep each kit organized and easy to reach for when you want to use it.  You will love getting this little bit of fun in your mailbox each month!!  It is a great kit for both beginner and experienced card makers, and matches all kinds of styles.  I hope you will consider subscribing! 

Well, I better get going for now!!  I want to go hang out with my hubby for the rest of the day!  Have a great one! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

i.love.u

Hey there, everyone!  Sorry for the little bit of a break I took from my blog.  I had a wedding fair to get ready for this past weekend, and it had been taking up most of my time.  The wedding fair was definitely a success, and I had a lot of great compliments on my photography {and on my super cute booth.  I will try to remember and share a photo of it once I get them uploaded!!}

Today I have two cards to share with you, both based on CPS Sketch #250.  If you frequent my blog at all, you will know that I love both CAS and extremely layered cards.  I have used the sketch to create both types of cards, and I hope to do this on my blog more often in the future!!  For my first card, I used lots of fun papers, diecuts and embellishments...here is what I created!

"i.love.u" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (pink)

Paper/Diecuts: My Mind's Eye (Love Me 6x6 pad/diecut sheet)

Stamps: WPlus9 (Heartfelt Mix & Love You More sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Donna Salazar Mixed Media: black, chiffon)

Metal Charms: Making Memories

Pins: Maya Road

Flower: EK Success

Seam Binding: The Ribbon Reel

Twine: May Arts

Bells/Jewels: Michael's brand

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Sandpaper

Instructions:  Make card from pink cardstock.  Cut banner paper slightly smaller, and sand the edges.  Cut four 1.75" squares from different papers, round the opposite corner on each one and sand the edges.  Arrange and adhere to the middle of the banner paper block.  Add three metal charms to the upper right side, and adhere the entire block to the card front.  Cut two banners from patterned paper, and adhere to the top and bottom of the card.  Add a fabric flower to the middle of the card, and accent the middle with a pearl ribbon charm.  Tie a double bow from seam binding & twine, and tie together at the middle with two pink bells.  Adhere the entire ribbon accent to the left side of the pearl ribbon charm.  Adhere the sentiment flags to pins, and stick into the top of the flower.  Stamp the word "4 EVER" right below the striped paper square.  Add heart diecuts to the fussy cut banners, then stamp the pins to the top of each one.  Accent the hearts with clear jewels to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-Moxie Fab Cool Tools Week- the Die Cutting Challenge

-Clearly Inspired #43- valentine's day

-One Stop Craft challenge #164- bingo card (distressing, diecuts/punches, charms/pins)

-The Ribbon Reel challenge #19- inspiration photo + polka dots, pink, & ribbon/twine 

-The Pink Elephant #130- hearts

-Simon Says Stamp challenge- spots &/or stripes

-Inky Impressions #41- red, pink, white

For my second card, I did a very clean & simple version for the same exact sketch.  I bought these Valentine's diecuts on Tuesday, and I felt like they were just perfect for this card!!  I really love how it turned out!

"Be Mine" supplies: 

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft)

Diecuts: K & Compan

Stamps: WPlus9 (Love You More set)

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

Jewel: Doodlebug Designs

Letter Sticker: Glitz Design

Instructions:  Make card from kraft cardstock, then ink the edges.  Adhere the diecut tickets to the middle of the card, then accent the middle with a jewel.  Stamp "today, tomorrow, forever" right below the ticket on the end.  Cut a letter sticker "x" to size, and adhere inside the box next to the word "yes" to finish.

Card Challenges Used: 

-Crazy 4 Challenges #118- use something new

-The Kraft Journal #53- favorite colors

-The Paper Players #77- Love

Well, I hope you enjoyed my one sketch, two styles post today!!  As I continue doing this feature in the future, I hope it makes sketches easier for everyone to interpret...regardless of their style!! Have a great rest of your day!! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lea's Top 12 of 2011

Hey there, everyone!!  So, for my first post of 2012, I wanted to do a year in review!  Instead of picking my favorite 10 cards like I did last year, I thought I would change it up and pick one card that is my favorite from each month!  So, this is my Top 12 of 2011!

January 2011- Wishing You a Cozy Winter Birthday

February 2011- Thank You for Touching My Life

March 2011- You're A Star!!

April 2011- If I Didn't Have You as a Mother...

May 2011- Sisters Are...

June 2011- Any Man Can be a Father

July 2011- Spread Your Wings and Fly

August 2011- Happy Thoughts

September 2011- A+ Well Done!

October 2011- Happy Haunting

November 2011- Cozy Winter Wishes

December 2011- I Love You More...

Well, there you have it!  My favorite cards of 2011!  I will back back in the next day or so, with new cards for 2012!  Thanks for visiting my blog, leaving nice comments, and I hope that I can continue to inspire you in the coming year!

Until later,
~Lea L.