WPlus9 February 2012 Release Week - Day 1

Happy Friday, everyone!!  How has your week been going?  Are you looking forward to the weekend?  I've had a good week so far!  I had a salon day this week...it takes a lot of work to keep this curly hair straight.  Ha!!  I also researched and found a new place to workout, and I am SO excited about it.  My current gym membership is at an actual gym, and I only do Oula (which is dance fitness).  My current gym doesn't offer as many Oula classes as I would like, and they are at inconvenient times.  Enter Downtown Dance Collective.  Oula every single day, better times....LESS MONEY.  Can't even tell you how excited I am!  Tomorrow we are heading to Butte to see my family....who is taking us out to dinner for my birthday at Lydia's.  YUM!  Probably going to have to head to the Acoma for martinis too....

Well, today starts release week for WPlus9, and we have some fabulous stamp sets & dies to share with you....and this just in- some INK!!  Here is the information on what we are sharing today:

Chantilly Trim

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• 9 high quality photo-polymer stamps; 6 lace trim border images, 1 lace background block and 2 floral accent images
• will be available for purchase February 5th for $21

Scalloped Border Die

• coordinates with the Chantilly Trim stamp set
• cuts a continuous border in a scalloped pattern
• will be available for purchase February 5th for $6

Very Vintage Florals

• is a 4x6 clear photopolymer stamp set
• 19 high quality photo-polymer stamps; 4 sentiments, 1 frame and 14 images
• will be available for purchase February 5th for $14

Very Vintage Florals Companion Die

• coordinates with the Very Vintage Florals stamp set
• contains 7 individual shapes wired together that can be easy separated if desired
• will be available for purchase February 5th for $8

 I created a pink & brown card filled with cute layers of flowers!  These matching stamps & dies make layering really easy, and adds beautiful dimension to the card without too much bulk.  This card is definitely flatter & more simple than most of my cards...but I love it!  Here is what I created!

Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from kraft cardstock.
2. Cut stripe paper and adhere to the middle.
3. Stamp the floral border to the top, and the lacey scallop border to the bottom.
4. Stamp the chantilly lace trim to pink chevron paper, then diecut the scalloped border to it.
5. Trim to fit the card, then layer to the front with a folded doily.
6. Diecut the label from kraft carstock, then stamp the frame & sentiment to it.
7. Layer the stamped label to the middle of the card, then accent with stickers.
8. Diecut and stamp all the flower & leaf layers, then layer to the card front as shown.
9. Accent each flower with a tiny pearl to finish.

Challenges:
-Tuesday Morning Sketches #183 - Sketch
-Charisma Cardz #4 - Pink & Brown
-Inky Impressions #95 - Bingo Card (flowers, kraft, dies)
-Simon Says Stamp  - Anything Goes

The white ink that I used is a new pigment ink that WPlus9 is releasing...and it works fabulously!  It covers beautifully, doesn't over-saturate your stamps....LOVE it!  You are going to want this white ink...I promise!!  The other two inks that aren't listed in my link list above are Tsukineko aloe vera and Colorbox berry pigment, which was a limited edition ink.

I love the sweet lacey borders & beautiful flowers that these stamp sets include!!  Be sure to check out what the rest of the designers have created for you today!

• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Elise Durenberger
• Jean Martin
• Jinny Newlin
• Kerrianne Gwin
• Lea Lawson
• Sarah Martina Parker
• Savitri Wilder
• Christina MacLaren - Guest Designer

And don't forget....you can comment to win each day of the release on Dawn's blog!  Read her blog post each day for commenting instructions!! I hope you enjoyed me sweet little card today!

Until later,
~L.

♥♥ Thanks ♥

Happy Wednesday, everyone!!  I can't believe it's the middle of the week...it feels like it is just flying by right now!  Yesterday was a pretty quiet day at home, other than meeting for my weekly Bible study with my friend Laurie.  We discussed 2nd Peter 3, and then of course...our conversation veered off.  That's okay though, because it was a meaningful and wonderful talk...most likely exactly what we were supposed to be talking about. :)  Speaking of Bible study....I am going to get back to sharing my notes on my blog.  December & January were so crazy busy, but I should be slowing down a bit now.

I also spent a lot of time updating my FOR SALE tab, and there is a ton of stuff in there now.  So- check it out!  Lots of great stamps for great prices and all in great condition!

Today I have a fun card to share with you!  I was asked to guest design for Precious Remembrance Shop, using their new Thanks Stamp Set.  I absolutely adore every sentiment in this set, so I very eagerly said yes!!  The Precious Remembrance Shop Blog has a ton of super cute projects using this stamp set, and you will fall in love with it once you see them all!  And thankfully, they are willing to work around my crazy busy blog schedule...so I am very happy about that!  Here is my first card using this awesome stamp set!

 Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from kraft cardstock, then round the bottom right corner.
2. Cut a decorative envelope from vellum. {I used my Cricut, but you can use a Silhouette or even freehand it!}
3. Add a little spray adhesive to the inside, then sprinkle sequins on it.
4. Adhere the envelope to the card front, then zig-zag stitch along each edge.
5. Adhere a diecut heart to the corner of the envelope, then accent with a gem.
6. Stamp the sentiment below it in black ink.
7. Scatter some sequins to the upper left and lower right corner.
8. Accent with pearls to finish.

Challenges:
-Runway Inspired #28 - Carolina Herrera Fashion Inspiration
-Tuesday Throwdown #132 - Bling
-Sentimental Sundays #139 - Thank You

I hope that you enjoyed my sequin filled thank you card today!  {Just an FYI- the sequins are from Michael's, and were found just in their normal sequin section.  That's why they aren't on the link list!!}  I hope you have an awesome rest of your day!

Until later,
~L.

Smitten & Type It

Good morning, everyone!!  Did you have a great Monday?  I certainly hope so!  I had a pretty normal day, then worked out this evening....and then we went over to Grant & Meagan's for dinner.  Not much else on my home front.

Just wanted to add a quick note that I have updated the "For Sale" tab on my blog.  There is A LOT on it, and good prices....so be sure to check it out!  

Today I have the rest of my projects for my guest design spot with Mama Elephant this month!  For the first card I am featuring the Mama Elephant "Smitten" stamp set, which I think might be my FAVE from this release.  It has the sweetest sentiments, and super trendy accent images to go along with them.  I combined the stamp set with Glitz's new "Color Me Happy" collection....and it was just the perfect fit.  Here is what I made!

Instructions:
1. Make an A2 card from red cardstock.
2. Cut chalkboard paper slightly smaller, sand the edges and adhere.
3. Cut a strip of rainbow people paper and adhere to the middle.
3. Round the corners of the text paper, then adhere to the left side.
4. Add a strip of washi tape to the right side.
5. Stamp a feather to cardstock, cut out and adhere to the right side.
6. Cut a banner edge to chalkboard paper, sand the edges and stamp the sentiment to it.
7. Cut a circle from woodgrain paper, and stamp the hands to it.
8. Layer the sentiment banner & stamped circle over top of the feather accent.
9. Tie a double bow from twine, and adhere with a rhinestone to the front.
10. Add a pin to the sentiment cluster to finish.

Challenges:
-Moving Along with the Times - Bling
-There She Goes #192 - Woodgrain
-Pile It On #4 - Washi Tape
-Frosted Design Fabulous Friday - Music (my card is inspired by a song!)

My next card uses the new Mama Elephant "Type It" stamp set.  This stamp set includes the cutest little typewriter, and some really fabulous sentiment possibilities.  I chose to go with a love theme since Valentine's Day is so close...and it paired perfectly with these Pink Paislee "Secret Crush" papers.  Here is my card!

Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from light grey cardstock.
2. Cut floral paper slightly smaller, round the corners and adhere.
3. Cut a grey polka dot paper strip, round the right hand corners and adhere.
4. Line the back of a diecut card with pink cardstock and heart paper, then adhere to the front.
5. Stamp the typewriter & sentiment paper to cardstock and vellum, cut out and adhere.
6. Add a diecut heart & pearl to the top of the sentiment.
7. Add a diecut arrow and ticket to the card, then accent with pearls.
8. Add heart confetti to the top right corner to finish.

Challenges:
-Just Add Ink #150 - Sketch
-The Pink Elephant #184 - Hearts
-Loves Rubberstamps #37 - Have a Heart

I have seriously loved guest designing for Mama Elephant this month.  I just adore their sweet and fun stamp sets, and the fresh style that Kryssi has brought to the stamping world.  I hope that you've enjoyed my projects this month using these new stamps, and I can't wait to see what you all start creating with them as well!  Have a great rest of your day!

Until later,
~L.

Cinderella-esque Love Card

Hey there, everyone!!  Welcome to my second post today....I obviously don't have a lot to update for you, considering I just posted this morning.  So, why don't we just get right to it!

Today is my last week as the January guest designer for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday challenge, and I have had so much fun this month!  Thank you to Amanda and Flourishes for having me hang out this month!  Today's challenge is to create a vintage card, so I grabbed some beautiful Webster's Pages papers & accents and combined them with Flourishes "Wedded Bliss" stamp set...one of my faves!  Here is what I created!

Instructions:
1. Make an A2 card from light brown cardstock.
2. Cut pink paper slightly smaller, and wrap trim around the bottom of it.
3. Adhere the block to the card front, then adhere a strip of paper over top of the trim.
4. Layer a paper doily, crochet doily and a vintage image to the top of the card.
5. Accent the wheels on the vintage image with buttons.
6. Adhere flowers & a zipper accent to the upper right corner of the image.
7. Cut a banner edge to a vellum strip, adhere to the card front and stamp the sentiment to it.
8. Accent the left side of the sentiment strip with heart accents, then finish with gold star confetti.

Challenges:
-Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #205 - Vintage
-Sketchbook Saturday #88 - Sketch
-Color Q #173 - Color Challenge (dusty durango, apricot, blush, kraft, vanilla)
-Really Reasonable Ribbon #64 - Love
-Sweet Stampin' - Ribbon
-Sugar Creek Hollow #46 - Lots of Layers

I hope you enjoyed my wedding card that, if I do say so myself, would be fit for Cinderella herself.  Tee hee! Be sure to check out what the Timeless Tuesday team has created for the challenge as well!

Allison Israels
Amanda Havon
Broni Holcombe

Denise Marzec

Maki Jones

Until later,
~L. 

Cosmic Stars & Starry Nights

Happy Monday!  Did you all have a wonderful weekend?  Ours was pretty fun!  On Friday night we went out and watched a band play at a local bar with some friends....and we were supporting a friend from church who is in the band.  We had a great time, and they did a great job covering rock music from all genres.  Saturday was pretty quiet, just cleaning the house and prepping for the dinner we were having with friends that night.  And after a small butter burning/raging flame incident....dinner went off without a hitch!  Ha!  On Sunday I had an engagement session to shoot of the sweetest couple and their super cute yellow lab.  It was so fun, and we had a great time during the shoot....I can't wait for their wedding next fall!

So, for the next couple days I'm going to be sharing my projects with you for my guest design spot at Mama Elephant this month!  They released four new stamp sets this month, and they are all fabulous!  For my first card, I used both Cosmic Stars & Starry Nights, and created this sweet friendship card!!  I just love how personalized you can create with these sets!

 Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from red cardstock.
2. Cut white cardstock slightly smaller, then wrap rainbow washi tape around the left side.
3. Add a strip of Scor-Tape next to the washi tape, cover in glitter, then adhere to the card front.
4. Stamp the images and sentiment to the front, then accent below the sentiment with jewels.
5. Layer a strip of washi tape, two stickers & a jewel to the upper right corner.
6. Layer a photo corner, two stickers, a confetti star and jewels to the lower left corner to finish.

Challenges:
-Clean & Simple FTL #225 - Sketch
-Moxie Fab World Challenge - 10 Different Embellishments
-Addicted to CAS #5 - Heart
-Pile It On #4 - Washi Tape
-One Stop Craft #213 - Sparkle & Bling

This next card uses the Cosmic Stars stamp set, along with sentiments from Smitten and On Target....which allowed me to turn it into a Valentine's Day card by combining it with My Mind's Eye "Lucky In Love" collection!!  And a Valentine isn't complete without pretty pink, doilies & cupid....:)  Check it out!

Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from vintage cream cardstock.
2. Cut pink paper slightly smaller and adhere.
3. Cut a doily in half, and layer to the card front with two scalloped paper strips.
4. Ahere a strip of texted paper over top of them, then stamp the sentiment to it.
5. Add a thin strip of patterned paper to the middle of it.
6. Stamp the cupid image to cardstock, cut out and adhere to the front.
7. Color in the hair & dress with colored pencils.
8. Cut an arrow from patterned paper, and adhere to the stamped cupid.
9. Layer a fussy cut heart balloon and two paper flowers above the sentiment.
10. Layer a bit of doily & paper pieces to the upper left corner, then top with a stamped sentiment strip.
11. Accent the card with gold star confetti & pearls to finish.

I hope that you like my two cute little cards using Comic Stars & Starry Nights {plus some others....}!  Come back tomorrow when I showcase my next projects using the other two new stamp sets from Mama Elephant!  Have an awesome rest of your day!

Until later,
~L.

Happy Anniversary, Cupcake ♥

Paper Smooches is showing off their CHA release during the entire month of January.  37 designers are participating along with the PS DT, so there will be a ton of projects to inspire you this month.  Paper Smooches is known for their fun and whimsical hand-drawn stamps.  They decided that it was time to broaden their product line to include DIES and wood mount stamps! 

I have a project to share using the new Cupcake Die that releases on February 1, 2013 at www.papersmoochesstamps.com along with many retail stores around the globe.

You will find a new blog link (or two) to follow every day in January at the PS Blog. 

Paper Smooches is giving away $500 worth of product!  Hidden on FIVE of the participating blogs is a prize package worth $100 each. The prize includes a variety of stamp sets, wood mounts and dies.  Comment on as many blogs as you can to increase your chances to be one of the five winners.  The deadline is January 30^th – winners will be announced on the PS Blog on January 31^st.

I created a sweet Anniversary card using the new Cupcake Die and Paper Smooches "Good Gab" stamp set.  It also uses the brand new collection by Prima Marketing called "Lyric".  I love the soft & romantic feel that this card has, even when it features something as sweet & fun as a cupcake!  Here is what I created!

 Instructions:

1. Make an A2 card from light orange cardstock.

2. Cut wood paper slightly smaller and adhere.

3. Cut a strip of burlap, and adhere to the left side.

4. Diecut the cupcake layers from patterned papers.

5. Add strips of crochet trim to the bottom layer, then adhere to the front with the cupcake top.

6. Layer together the cherry cut & leaves, add a twine threaded button & adhere the entire piece to the cupcake top.

7. Accent the left side of the cupcake with flowers, a butterfly and pearl flourish.

8. Add two pins to the right side of the cupcake, then add the two banners to the each one.

9. Adhere two stickers to the upper right corner of the card.

10. Accent the card with rhinestones to finish.

Challenges:
-Freshly Made Sketches #70

-Inky Impressions #94 - Celebrate

-Simon Says Stamp challenge - Paper Piecing

-Word Art Wednesday #64 - Anything Goes

I hope you enjoyed my cute little cupcake card, and remember....this brand new die will be available for purchase on February 1st!  Thanks so much to Kim for asking me to be part of her fantastic CHA festivities & reveals!!  I hope you have a fabulous rest of your Saturday! 

Until later,

~L.

Oh Snap ♥ We Click

Happy Thursday, everyone!  Sorry I have been a little bit quiet in terms of posting...I've been working in advance on some projects, and have just kind-of run out of time this week!  It happens.  How has your week been so far?  Mine has been normal...but busy.  Trying to get some crafty stuff done in advance, photography related stuff....been contemplating the fact that I want to digitally scrapbook.  It seems like a lot of work, but I think I am going to just start from this year on, and leave a gap in my scrapbooks since I quit paper scrapping.  At least for now, anyways.  It is a bit of a jumble in my brain right now, and something that I just don't want to think too much on.  Ha!!

I have a super fun, super colorful card to share with you today!  It is a rainbow of goodness (my FAVE color combo, BTW) using the new Glitz Design "Color Me Happy" collection.  I just ADORE this collection...probably my fave from this year's new release.  I love bright, happy, & colorful things...and this fits that description just perfectly.  Here is my card!

Instructions:
1. Make 2 card from red cardstock.
2. Cut chalkboard paper slightly smaller, then add a striped paper strip to the left side.
3. Add a strip of Scor-Tape to the left side, cover in glitter, then adhere the entire paper block to the front.
4. Cut a banner edge to a heart paper strip, then adhere to the right side.
5. Stamp the camera to white cardstock, cut out and add a small piece of rainbow washi to it.
6. Layer the camera with a tabbed cardstock sticker to the front, then accent with a strip of washi & a number sticker.
7. Cut a banner edge to a chalkboard paper strip, then stamp the banner & bottom sentiment to it.
8. Add the top sentiment to the stamped banner with rainbow alphas.
9. Adhere the sentiment stamp to the front using foam adhesive, then accent with a heart rhinestone to finish.

Challenges:
-CAS(E) This Sketch #12
-Fab N Funky #155 - Favorite Colors
-City Crafter #143 - Hearts
-Word Art Wednesday #64 - Anything Goes

I only have a couple Instagram photos to share with you today, as I haven't been as active about posting non-card photos this week.  But, I did get these two cuties of my sweet pups.

The first one, my little Sadie REALLY wanted my attention.  So- she jumped up on my lap while I was working at my craft desk.  She may only be 20 pounds, but she pretty much scattered what I was working on...good stuff.  Ha!  The second one was them curled up with me as I did my Bible study...I call them my Bible study partners.  Although...they don't really challenge me much on my thinking, considering they sleep through the whole thing.  Apparently they are learning through osmosis.  ;)

Well, that is all I have today!  If you want to see my Instagram photos before I have the chance to post them on my blog, just find me @ltllea23.  I would love to have you as a follower!

Until later,
~L.

A Happy Hello

Hey there, everyone!!  How has the start of your week been so far?  After a super fun weekend up in Seeley Lake, I am just getting back to my normal routine!  We had a blast with our friends! Lots of great food & drinks, snowmobiling, an epic game of Apples to Apples, and we finished the weekend with a guac-off & margaritas while watching the Falcons/49ers game on Sunday.  Some of my Instagram photos will be posted below!

Today I have my latest Flourishes Timeless Tuesday card to share with you!  This month is flying by SO quickly, and I have been having a lot of fun creating for these challenges in advance!!  Today's challenge is to use 4 pearls, a circle & a fishtail flag.  For my card, I decided to use up some more of my stash while I wait for everything from CHA to release.  Lots of older Dear Lizzy, some Crate Paper & Prima flowers used.  I paired them with the Flourishes "Sentimental Favorites" stamp set, and it was the perfect match! Here is what I created.

Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from vintage cream cardstock.
2. Cut strawberry paper slightly smaller, round the corners and adhere.
3. Round the bottom corners of a chevron paper strip, then adhere to the bottom.
4. Layer two flowers to the right side of the seam, then add a circle sticker to the top.
5. Cut a banner edge to a grid paper strip, then stamp the sentiment to it.
6. Adhere the sentiment strip over top of the seam, slightly tucked in under the flower.
7. Cut a banner edge to a green paper scrap, then layer with a pink strip to the upper right corner.
8. Thread a button with twine, adhere to the top, then add a strip of washi to it.
9. Add a strip of washi coming from underneath the sentiment banner.
10. Accent the card with pearls to finish.

Challenges:
-Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #204 - Recipe Challenge
-Clean & Simple FTL #224 - Sketch
-The Shabby Tea Room #150 - Photo Inspiration
-Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Washi Tape
-Word Art Wednesday #63 - Anything Goes

I hope you enjoyed my sweet little strawberry card today!  I love how this one turned out, and it used up some more of my stash!  That is always a good thing! Be sure to check out what the Timeless Tuesday team has created for the challenge as well!

Allison Israels
Amanda Havon

Broni Holcombe

Denise Marzec

Maki Jones 
Here are some of my Instagram shots from the weekend!  If you are an Insagrammer, and would like to follow me....just search for user @ltllea23.  I would love to have you!

The first photo is two baby hats that Josh crocheted for one of his employees who is expecting.  They are Griz fans, so we thought the grizzly cub hat in Montana colors was fitting.  The second photo was one of the gorgeous view from snowmobiling up the mountain.  The third one is of our sunset view from the deck of the condo, and the last photo is from th guac-off.  We decided that Christy & Josh tied, because they both had a completely different taste.  YUM!

Well, that is all I have for now.  I hope you enjoyed my blog post today, and I will be back in the coming days with more cards to share!  Have a great day!

Until later,
~L.

You Anchor Me

Happy Friday, people!  How are you doing today? After I write this blog post, I've got to start getting ready to leave for our weekend at Seeley Lake with friends!  Should be a fun weekend full of relaxing and playing in the snow!  I am not much of a winter girl, but it is fun to get out there and enjoy it at least once. It looks like it is supposed to be fairly decent in terms of weather....like, not negative at least!  Tee hee!

Today I want to share a card with you using the new Glitz Design collection, "Uncharted Waters".  This collection may have been the hit of the show this year....every where I go in crafty land, people are talking about it!  There is a reason why....it is fabulous!  Beautiful colors, a unique nautical theme, and perfect for any occasion....not just vacations!  Here is one card I've created with the collection so far!

Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from teal cardstock.
2. Wrap anchor washi tape around the left side of a journal card, then adhere to the front.
3. Cut a strip of scalloped edge paper, layer the notes sticker to the right side and adhere to the front.
4. Add a transparent frame to the front, then cut off the excess.
5. Add the anchor diecut to the right side, then accent with a paper garland.
6. Round the top corners of the transit ticket diecut, then add to the left side of the card.
7. Cut the sentiment from chalkboard paper, then layer over top of the transit ticket diecut.
8. Embellish with a giant rhinestone to finish.

Challenges:
-Inspired By #58 - Inspiration Photo
-Crafts and Me #116 - Something New
-Little Red Wagon #168 - Repeated Shape (anchors)
-Word Art Wednesday #63 - Anything Goes
-Make My Monday - Diecuts/Punches

I have a couple Instagram photos to share with you that I took yesterday.  If you want to follow me on Instagram, just search for user @ltllea23....I would love to have you!

The first photo was the soup I had for lunch yesterday.  We have this diner in Montana that has been around forever.  It closed down in a few locations, but there are still a couple around the state.  Anyways...they make the most amazing creamy tomato soup, and thankfully the recipe is also available online.  That is pretty much the exact way I make it....except I use real butter, not margarine...and I add a bit more onion than that.  Let me know what you think if you ever try it out!  The other two photos are from last night's sunset.  I thought the first photo was going to be it...that the sun was going to go down quickly and quietly.  I ran to the post office to mail something, and when I walked out...the second photo had transpired....and stayed that way until I got home.  Sigh- just beautiful.

Well, that is everything I have for you today!  I hope that you have an awesome weekend...and I might post if I get a moment!!  Have a lovely Friday!

Until later,
~L.

Amazing.

Happy Thursday, everyone!!  I hope that your week has gone well so far!  It's been a good "normal" week for me....and we are getting ready to head up to Seeley Lake this weekend for some winter fun!  Very excited for that....and I am sure I will have lots of fun updates next week about that!

I have a really pretty card to share with you today that uses the new Prima 6x6 paper pad called "Introspection", and  new flower sets called "Joulee"& "Mini Sachet".  This card is extremely feminine, but with a purple/blue/green color combination....which you don't see much of these days.  Prima featured a Flowers & 6x6 Pad blog post the other day, which this card and MANY other inspirational projects were included on....so be sure to check it out.  The new flowers & 6x6 papers are fabulous!  Here is my card!

Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from purple cardstock.
2. Cut green paper slightly smaller, sand the edges & adhere.
3. Cut a floral paper strip, sand the edges and adhere to the right side.
4. Cut a scallop border from pink paper, sand the edges and adhere along the bottom.
5. Sand the edges of a sentiment sticker, and adhere where the floral & pink papers meet.
6. Wrap crochet trim around the scalloped border, then add a strip of rhinestones to the top of it.
7. Tie a double bow from twine, add a button to the center, and layer with a wooden butterfly below the sentiment.
8. Cluster flowers to the top of the card, then add two small paper roses to the left of the sentiment to finish.

Challenges:
-Loves Rubberstamps #35 - Button(s)
-Word Art Wednesday #63 - Anything Goes
-Daring Cardmakers - Frill
-Divas by Design #77 - Girly
-Creative Inspirations #197 - For The Girls

I have a couple of fun Instagram photos to share with you today!  If you want to follow me on Instagram to see my fun photos quicker, just search for @ltllea23....I would love to have you!

The first photo is the blooms I had to cut off my miniature rose plant because they froze next to one of our windows.  Sad face.  The second photo was my outfit yesterday- that shimmery houndstooth burnout tee is one of my FAVES from Christmas....along with the houndstooth scarf.  And the last photo is just a typical evening at the Lawson household.  Ha!

Well, that is everything I have to share with you today!  I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your Thursday, and are getting ready for an awesome weekend!

Until later,
~L.

Mama Elephant January Stampede

Happy Tuesday, everyone!  Welcome to the January Mama Elephant Stampede!!  I am so happy to be joining in this month as a guest designer for Mama Elephant, and today is my first post joining in!!  All of the brand new stamp sets are now released and available for sale at the Mama Elephant Shop, so be sure to head on over there and get your favorites!  **If you are looking for the Nina B Design's Blog Hop post, just scroll down or click here!  If you are looking for my Flourishes Timeless Tuesday post, click here.**

The January Stampede is a blog hop, and you should have arrived here from Mariana Grigsby's blog.  If not...never fear!  When you scroll to the bottom of my post I will have a list of all the participants, and you can start from the very beginning at the Mama Elephant blog!!  You are definitely going to want to join in on this blog hop, because Mama Elephant is giving away (3) $20 gift certificates to the shop....comments will be chosen randomly from all the blogs on the hop, so the more you comment, the higher your chance of winning!  But please, only one comment per blog!  :)

I chose to use the new stamp set called "Smitten" for my card today.  This is a super fun love themed stamp set with trendy sentiments and a really trendy feather.  Totally loving it...and how my card turned out.  Check it!

Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from white cardstock, then round the lower right corner.
2. Layer diecuts, stickers, a rhinestone circle a strip of washi & a piece of doily above the rounded corner.
3. Cut a banner edge to a polka dot paper strip, then stamp the sentiment to it.
4. Stamp th feather to patterned paper, then cut out.
5. Layer the banner sentiment, feather and a tab sticker together, then layer to the front with foam adhesive.
6. Tie a bow from brown twine, thread a button around the center, and adhere to the sentiment banner.
7. Add a scattering of confetti stars, jewels & pearls to finish.

Challenges:
-CAS(E) This Sketch #10
-The Play Date Cafe #164 - Color Challenge
-CAS-ual Fridays #85 - Round of Applause
-Runway Inspired #27 - Photo Inspiration

After leaving me a comment, your next stop is Pearl Liu's blog!  And just so you have it...here is the entire blog hop list!

Mama Elephant

Alice Wertz  

Cheiron Brandon  

Leigh Penner 

JJ Bolton   

Mariana Grigsby  

Lea Lawson 

Pearl Lui  

Savannah O'Gwynn

Betsy Veldman

I hope that you have enjoyed the Mama Elephant January Stampede! I will be back later this month sharing some projects with more of the newly released stamps...so be sure to check back!   

Until later,
~L.

Nina B Designs January Blog Hop

Welcome to the NinaB Designs* first team blog hop of 2013! We hope you have had a relaxing holiday break and ready to join us for another year of inspirations and prizes!

*NinaB Designs is a product designer for a few paper crafting companies including Spellbinders, Want2Scrap and Penny Black, and The Craft's Meow.

For this month's hop, Nina challenged the team to create a project with the LOVE theme, which can be interpreted in many ways: Valentine, Anniversary and Friendship.

Instructions:

1. Make A2 card from pink cardstock.

2. Cut polka dot paper slightly smaller, then sand the edges.

3. Adhere a strip of lace to the left side, then adhere the entire paper block to the card front.

4. Cut a striped paper strip, diecut a circle from the top of it and sand the edges. Adhere to the middle of the card.

5. Diecut a heart from book paper, accent with a rhinestone and adhere.

6. Tie a double bow from pink twine, then layer with a felt flower to the right side of the circle.

7. Cut a strip of chalkboard paper, cut banner edges to it, then stamp the sentiment.  Adhere to the left side of the card.

8. Add a piece of washi tape and accent with epoxy dots to finish.

Challenges:

-Clean & Simple FTL #223 - Sketch

-Totally Gorjuss #166 - Polka Dots

-Allsorts #189 - Dies/Punches

Here are the Nina B Designs products I used for my card:

The Craft's Meow stamps - Telegram

Spellbinders Dies - Home Sweet Home

The NinaB Designs team is giving away these TWO PRIZE PACKAGES: Prize Package #1 includes Spellbinders Venetian Accents and Motifs:

 

Prize #2 includes 2 retired sets from Layers of Colors stamps:

 

Winners will be picked randomly from 2 of the designers' blogs:

Nina Brackett * Beate Johns * Beatriz Jennings * Clare Buswell * Heather Jensen * Jennie Harper * Julie Overby * Lea Lawson * Linda Lucas *Viola Mahr

Everybody is welcome to comment and be eligible to win. The winners will be announced on  January 22 on Nina's Blog, where you will also find all the relevant info regarding the giveaways. Finally, please consider liking the following Facebook pages that are represented on today's hop, so you don't miss the latest news and happenings:

NinaB Designs

Spellbinders Paper Arts

The Craft's Meow

Penny Black Inc.  Want2Scrap 

Thank you for joining us today!

Until later,
~L.

Love You So Much

Hey there, everyone!!  Welcome to my third post as a guest designer for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday challenge this month!  I have been having so much fun creating for these challenges, and am so happy that Amanda asked me to join in on the fun this month!

This week's challenge is a color challenge, and we were asked to create a card using poppy red, emerald green & espresso brown.  I've been so immersed in using all the new Glitz & Prima goodies for CHA...that I decided to dig in my stash for this card and use up some older goodies.  I also used one of my favorite Flourishes sentiment sets called "Tag Lines"...if you don't have this set it is definitely a must have!  I couldn't completely stay away from the new stuff though, so I stamped the sentiment on some of the new woodgrain patterned paper by Glitz.  LOVE it!  Here is what I created!

Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from green cardstock.
2. Cut red chevron paper slightly smaller and adhere.
3. Cut a strip of book paper and layer across the top.
4. Layer two brown stickers together with foam adhesive, then adhere to the left side of the card.
5. Add a printed rhinestone to the top of the tag accent.
6. Adhere flowers to the upper right and bottom left of the card.
7. Stamp the sentiment to a banner edged paper strip, then adhere above the flowers.
8. Accent the sentiment banner with a rhinestone bow, then add a strip of red jewels to the top to finish.

Challenges:
-Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #203 - Color Challenge
-Viva la Verve! January Sketch #3
-There She Goes #190 - Love
-Inky Impressions #92 - Add a Sentiment
-The Corrosive Challenge #165 - Out with the Old

The supply list is as complete as I could make it...the stores available for linking from didn't have everything listed on my card.  If you are wondering about anything not shown, leave me a note in the comments and I will let you know!

Be sure to check out what the Timeless Tuesday team has created for the challenge as well!

Allison Israels

Amanda Havon

Broni Holcombe

Denise Marzec

Maki Jones 

I hope you've enjoyed my stash filled love card today!  Thanks for stopping by!

Until later,
~L.

Prima Sneak Peek: Lyric

Happy Monday, everyone!!  How has your day been so far?  Well, today is birthday #33 for me....and it has been a great day so far!  I've been getting birthday messages all day long (starting at midnight) via text, Facebook, phone calls & email.  My family sent me flowers, and my husband got me some of my favorite tea & new boots!  I got a phone call from some of my favorite people at CHA, and they sang Happy Birthday to me on the show floor.  Ha!  (And then proceeded to ask me to work....on my birthday.  They're lucky I love them.  Tee hee!)  We are going to dinner tonight at my favorite restaurant, The Pearl...and then this weekend we head to Seeley Lake with some friends for a weekend full of wintry fun.  All in all....I would say I am having a pretty amazing day!

Another fun part of my birthday?  I have a card to share using another one of the brand new collections from Prima!  The collection is called "Lyric", and it might be my favorite of this release.  I know I said "Hello Pastel" was....but now I'm just not sure!  Tee hee!  Maybe it's a tie....we'll go with that!  Here is a look at the collection:

Isn't it just to die for?!!  LOVE it!  Prima has a Lyric Blog Post up today, and there are a TON of beautiful projects included on it, plus a giveaway!  So, be sure to check that blog post out too!   Here is the card that I created for it!  (If you happen to be at CHA, you can also check it out there in person!  Oh how I wish I could!!)

Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from black cardstock.
2. Cut woodgrain paper slightly smaller, then adhere.
3. Cut pink paper block, punch a lace border to the bottom and adhere.
4. Cut chandelier block and layer to the top.
5. Cut out a banner from patterned paper and adhere across the seam.
6. Layer the flowers, a cream bow & a wooden button to the left side of the banner.
7. Add a banner sticker & butterfly to the upper right corner.
8. Stamp the sentiment to a conversation bubble sticker, then adhere next to the flowers to finish.

Challenges:
-Sketchbook Saturday #87
-Totally PaperCrafts #149 - Ribbon
-Our Creative Corner - Shabby Chic Style
-Red Carpet Studios #19 - Butterflies
-The Pink Elephant #182 - Red, Pink, White

So- I knew that this post was going to go live on my birthday, so I kind-of created that card for me.  Tee hee!  Although I will probably end up either submitting it for publication or giving it away to someone....it will always originally be created for myself.  I love the sentiment, and the beautiful floral accents.

Do you want to see some Instagram shots that I've taken of my birthday so far?  Here they are!

There is a little peek into my day so far!!  If you want to follow me on Instagram, just search for @ltllea23....I would love for you to do so!!

I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day!!  I can't wait for dinner tonight....yum!!

Until later,
~L.