Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine

Love Me card set

2012-02-12T01:34:00.003-07:00

Hey there, everyone!! So, I am light nighting it...and just finished taking some images of this cute Love Me card set! I used up a bunch of my scraps and a few more full sheets of my 6x6 Love Me pad from My Mind's Eye, and used up the majority of the fun matching diecuts as well!

I did this card set for Papertrey Ink's 5th Anniversary Day 7 challenge...to use hearts on your project. As you will see on all 4 cards...they all have hearts in some shape or form!! I also used the sketches from the previous day's PTI post, which I was unable to get to at that time. Here is the first card:

"Happily Ever After" supplies:
Cardstock/Stamps/Buttons/Felt/Dies: Papertrey Ink (Love Lives Here set)

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

Doily: Royal Lace

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Twine: May Arts

Pearls: Michael's brand

Pinking Shears: Fiskars

Sewing Machine: Brother

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut grey doily paper slightly smaller, and adhere to the card front. Layer a heart doily to the right side. Cut a banner edge to a block of love paper, and adhere to the middle. Fussy cut a banner, and adhere it to the upper left corner. Zig-zag stitch along the fussy cut banner, and the right side of the love paper block. Stamp the sentiment across the top of the hearts. Diecut the circle & heart from vintage cream cardstock and pink felt. Stamp the inside of the circle, adhere the felt to the center and then adhere in place of the "O" in LOVE. Thread three buttons with twine, and adhere below the stamped sentiment. Accent with pearls to finish.

Card Challenges Used:
-CropStop #57- wedding/anniversary

-Daring Cardmakers challenge- hearts & doilies

-Simon Says Stamp challenge- love is in the air (all cards in this post qualify for this challenge)

-Stamp with Fun #147- love

-Oh La La Creations #98- be my valentine

My next card is all about sending sweet love notes and letters! I loved this cute little mailbox diecut from MME, and it matched perfectly with these PTI stamps!

"Love Notes" supplies:

Cardstock/Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Friendship Jar Spring Fillers set)

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

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black & Dye: london fog)

Jewels: Kaiser Craft (blue) & Westrim Crafts (red heart)

Twine: May Arts

Colored Pencils: Crayola

Sewing Machine: Brother

Die: WPlus9 (tag)

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut love paper slightly smaller, and adhere to the front. Cut a block of striped paper, add a pinked edge to the top of it and adhere to the middle. Stitch along the top of the striped paper. Stamp the letters to vintage cream cardstock, color the top letter, and then cut out. Cut a line in the top of the diecut mailbox, then adhere the stamped letters into it. Diecut a tag from vintage cream cardstock, then stamp the sentiment to it. Wrap twine around the stamped letters, adhere the tag to the twine, then top with a twine bow. Add a blue jewel to the bow, and a red heart jewel to the center. Adhere the entire mailbox to the card front. Add the honeycomb border to the bottom of the mailbox, and stamp the two teeny sentiments to it. Accent the lower right corner of the striped paper with jewels to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-Fussy and Fancy Friday challenge #56- with all my heart

-Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday- love is in the air

-PaperPlay 2012 #6- love letters

-Creative Inspirations #149- lots of love

-Creative Belli #136- hearts/valentine's

For my third card, I just went a little bit crazy layering! Lots of circles layered here and there, along with other diecuts as well!!

"Kisses $.05" supplies:
Cardstock/Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Friendship Jar Spring Fillers set)

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

Doily: Wilton

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Ribbon/Twine: May Arts

Pin: Maya Road

Pearls: Michael's brand

Dies: Spellbinders (circle, scalloped circle) & Papertrey Ink (heart)

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sewing Machine: Brother

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut numbered paper slightly smaller, then adhere to the front. Adhere a red doily to the middle. Diecut a scalloped circle from doily paper, and adhere to the middle. Fold ribbon as shown, and adhere across the scalloped circle. Fussy cut a doily from matching paper, then diecut a circle from vintage cream cardstock. Layer together, and adhere to the scalloped circle with foam adhesive. Layer together the love diecut with the circle & heart diecuts, then zig-zag stitch along the top seam. Adhere the entire piece to the circle, then accent with pearls. Cut a banner edge to pink paper, stamp the sentiment to it and adhere to a heart topped pin. Stick the pin into the paper, then add a twine bow to the bottom of it. Adhere a diecut banner across the top of the card to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-The Shabby Tea Room #100- candy hearts

-Truly Scrumptious #73- love & hearts

-Friendship Garden's challenge #9- it's a love thing

-Delightful Challenges- love

-Tuesday Throwdown #84- be my valentine

And last, but definitely not least...a card that's design is based completely around using that fun bingo card diecut! Not to mention...lots of other diecuts and fussy cut banners!

"Love You" supplies:
Cardstock/Stamps/Buttons/Ribbon: Papertrey Ink (Botanical Silhouettes set)

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

Vellum: The Paper Company

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Jewels: Kaiser Craft

Twine: May Arts

Glitter: Doodlebug Designs

Sewing Machine: Brother

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut vintage paper slightly smaller, then adhere the bingo card diecut to the middle. Cut a strip of vellum, add a strip of glitter to the bottom, then wrap around the bottom of the card. Wrap ribbon from the top to the bottom and secure in place. Tie buttons around the top and bottom pieces of ribbon, then adhere the entire paper block to the card front. Stamp the sentiment to the vellum strip, then accent with jewels. Fussy cut the banners, and adhere to the top & bottom of the card. Layer together the diecuts shown on the left, and stitch a fussy cut banner to the bottom of it. Adhere the entire diecut piece to the upper left corner to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-The Sisterhood of Crafters- valentine's

-Papercraft Star #83- hearts

-For Fun challenge- love

-Fab N Funky #107- love is in the air

-Cupcake Craft challenge #178- red & pink

Well all...I better get some shut eye! I hope that you enjoy perusing my cute little Love Me card set!! Have a great rest of your weekend! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

February Key Ingredients & Baker's Dozen Blog Hop

2012-02-10T09:00:00.004-07:00

**This is my second post of the day. If you are looking for my CPS 5th Anniversary post, please scroll down or CLICK HERE. Thanks!!**

Key Ingredients Info and Inspiration - February 10-15 - learn all about this fantastic kit club and see samples from the Key Ingredients Design Team and the Baker's Dozen! Click here for all the info and start at Taylor's blog each day for all the inspiration.
February Key Ingredients featuring My Mind's Eye Lost & Found - Rosy begins shipping February 15th. Enroll now!
Exclusive Vintage Dreamer Stamp Set - find out how you can get your crafty little hands on this stylish new set at 50% off for a limited time!
Win a Key Ingredients Kit - you can win the March Kit to try out, or have a month added on to your current subscription. See Taylor's blog for all the details and to enter to win! It's easy!

Here is an image of the February Key Ingredients kit, and the matching stamp set, "Vintage Dreamer".

If you are not familiar with the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit, let me give you a little bit of information! It is a kit that is completely taylored to card makers, which includes 8.5x11 cardstock sheets, 6x6 paper, ribbon, and wonderful embellishments each month. Each kit is perfectly coordinated to take the guess work out of matching, and enables you to create 16 or more cards with each kit! If you aren't already a subscriber, and would like to be, just CLICK HERE to get started.

The February Key Ingredients kit is no different then what I shared above, but this month we also have a matching stamp called "Vintage Dreamer". This stamp set will only be available to Key Ingredients subscribers, and is going to be offered at 50% off through 3/10/12!! How amazing is that?! While this stamp set will be available throughout 2012, it will only be at the discounted rate for this short time. So if you like it, be sure to act fast!! On 3/11/12 the price will go to its regular $21.95.

Because the kit includes the wonderful My Mind's Eye "Rosy" 6x6 papers, I decided that it would be perfect for the current My Mind's Eye Card challenge #32 going on at their blog right now. It is a lovely sketch, with the theme of "You"...which kind-of fit my card perfectly. ;) Here is what I created:

"You're My Type" supplies:

Cardstock/Paper/Ribbon/Flowers/Pearls: February Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit

Pin: January Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit

Stamps: Taylored Expressions (Vintage Dreamer set)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: Onyx black)

Border Punch: Fiskars (upper crest)

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from red cardstock. Cut black gingham paper slightly smaller, distress the edges and adhere. Cut a block of lined paper, distress the edges and adhere to the right side. Cut a strip of graphic paper and dotted paper. Punch a border to the dotted strip, distress the edges of both strips and layer together. Adhere the entire strip to the card front. Tie a double bow from yellow ribbon and adhere it to the front. Cut a banner edge to a paper strip, distress the edges and stamp the sentiment to it. Wrap the sentiment around a pin, and stick into the bow. Accent the top of the bow with two flowers, and then add the pearls to the card to finish.

The super fun part about this month, is that the Taylored Expressions design team is joining us for a lovely blog hop today! So, be sure to check out what everyone has come up with using this amazing kit and stamp set!!

I hope that you have a fun time hopping...be sure to leave some love along the way! Have a great rest of your day today! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

CPS 5th Anniversary - Day 13

2012-02-10T06:00:00.003-07:00

Hey there, everyone! How has your week been so far? It has been a good one here...kind-of same old, same old, which is always nice. We did end up getting our television replaced via our service plan from Best Buy because our old one had burn in on the screen. So- the comparable plasma is one inch larger, and is 3D. Which, I couldn't care less about...I can't stand watching movies with stupid glasses on. But, the hubby is happy because the burn in (which I pretty much never saw unless the screen was bright white) drove him crazy...

On a more exciting note {for me anyways....tee hee!}, I am the host for day 13 of our awesome CPS 5th Anniversary Event! My day is being sponsored by Clearsnap, who has to be one of the most generous sponsors ever! I would say I use some type of Clearsnap ink on about 95% of my projects, because I just love their ink quality. For the anniversary event, each designer picked a past CPS sketch favorite, and used it again. I chose CPS Sketch #121, and here is what I came up with:

"Here's to a Wonderful Life" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper: My Mind's Eye (Lost & Found 2 "Blush" 6x6 pad) & Pink Paislee (Butterfly Garden 6x6 pad)

Doily: Wilton

Stamps: Flourishes (Wedded Bliss set) & Glitz Design (Distressing Set 3)

Ink: Clearsnap (Donna Salazar Mixed Media: black & Limited Edition Pigment: wheatgrass)

Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz

Ribbon/Twine: May Arts

Flower: Prima Marketing

Pins: Maya Road

Pearls: Michael's brand

Lace/Button: craft supply

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut pink paper slightly smaller, then distress ink the edges. Cut a cream damask paper block, distress ink the edges and adhere to the bottom of the pink paper. Adhere the entire paper block to the card front. Stamp the post card background to the top of the pink paper. Distress ink a white doily, then adhere to the front, wrapping the right side around the card edge. Wrap pink lace around the middle, then tie black gingham ribbon around the lace. Thread a button around the bow's center using twine. Adhere the flower and pearls to the card front. Cut a banner edges to a scripted paper strip, then stamp the sentiment to it. Wrap the sentiment around a clear topped stick pin, then adhere into the flower along with a heart topped pin to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-Flourishes Release Week Noon challenge #1- pinter-inspiration

-The Pink Elephant #134- use pink

-Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger- Fancy Schmancy

-Ribbon Carousel #39- anything goes

-CropStop challenge #57- wedding/anniversary

If you haven't checked out the amazing anniversary celebration we have going on at the CPS Blog, then you really should! There are a lot of great sponsors, chances to win prizes, and one amazing GRAND PRIZE for one person who completes each sketch that we have done for the anniversary event. Check each anniversary post for the details on how to win!!

Well, that is all I have to share with you for now! Check back soon, because we are having a special Key Ingredients blog hop today! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

PTI 5th Anniversary: Day 2

2012-02-06T17:37:00.003-07:00

Hey there, everyone!! Did you have a fun Superbowl Sunday? We had our small group from church over for the game, and ate lots of yummy football food! {Which basically means lots of chips & dip and appetizers. It was fabulous!} I didn't care at all about the teams playing in the game, but it was definitely at least a good one! And of course, I enjoyed watching the commercials. My favorite is a tie between the first Budweiser commercial about prohibition ending, and the slingshot baby Doritos commercial. What about you?

This week Papertrey Ink is celebrating their 5th anniversary, which is such a great milestone! I didn't get a chance to take part in the day 1 activities, but on today's 5th Anniversary Post there were some digital freebies offered up, and I created two cards with them! Here is my first card:

"Happiest of Birthdays" supplies:

Cardstock/Digital Stamp/Stamp/Felt: Papertrey Ink

Paper/Brad/Tag: My Mind's Eye (Lost & Found 2 "Blush" 6x6 pad)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz

Buttons: My Mind's Eye (black) & Papertrey Ink (pink)

Seam Binding: The Cat's Pajamas

Twine: May Arts

Dies: Papertrey Ink (ric-rac border), Spellbinders (circle) & WPlus9 (circle stacker)

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sewing Machine: Brother

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut black dotted paper slightly smaller. Cut three tags from patterned paper, distress the edges and adhere to the black dotted paper. Zigzag stitch along the edges, and in-between the tags, then adhere the entire paper block to the card front. Tie a bow from seam binding, and adhere it to the top of the middle tag. Thread three buttons with twine, and adhere them to the top of each tag. Diecut the doily and digital circle sentiment, distress the edges, and layer together. Stamp the sentiment to a banner diecut, adhere to the sentiment circle with a brad, then adhere the entire sentiment to the card front using foam adhesive. Cut two pieces of felt using a ric-rac die, then twist together to make two felt roses. Adhere them to the side of the sentiment circle to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-Flourishes Bring Back Beautiful #19- Beauty of Love

-Color Throwdown #177- black, melon, white

-Fab N Funky #106- use a digi image

-Creative Inspirations #148- make a tag

Since my first card was pretty detailed, and full of layers....I decided to go clean and simple with my second card. I think it turned out so cute!!

"Bee Mine! Sweetie" supplies:

Cardstock/Digital Stamp: Papertrey Ink

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

Twine: May Arts

Punch: Fiskars (scalloped heart)

Die: Spellbinders (circle)

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft
Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions: Make card from kraft cardstock. Diecut a circle from the upper left corner, then adhere the digitally printed sentiment underneath it. Punch a scalloped circle from striped paper, and adhere to the side of the circle. Add the diecut sentiment banner, then adhere a twine threaded button to the top of it. Adhere a diecut number border to the bottom of the card, and tie twine across the top of it. Fussy cut a banner, then zigzag stitch below the red numbers. Adhere a circle diecut to the middle of the red numbers using foam adhesive to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-One Stop Craft Challenge #168- for the one I love

-Annabelle Say It With- hearts

-Truly Scrumptious #73- love & hearts

-The Pixie Cottage #106- clean & simple

-Little Red Wagon #118- valentine's day

-Creative Belli #136- hearts/valentine's

-Top Tip Tuesday #69- valentine's

Well, that is everything that I have to share with you for now! I hope that you've enjoyed my cards, and that you enjoy your evening! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

WPlus9 February 2012 - Group Post

2012-02-04T22:01:00.004-07:00

Hey there, everyone! I hope that you had a wonderful Saturday! We went over to Spokane to watch a cheer competition with some friends whose daughters were competing in it. AND, my sweet cousin Molly was also competing with her gym in Spokane...so I got to see her cheer too! It was a fun time! If you are new to visiting my blog, you might not know that I cheered for 12 years of my life....from the age of 8 as a Pop Warner cheerleader, to the age of 20 at University of Montana. Cheerleading was a HUGE part of my life, and I really hope that if we ever have a daughter, she will be interested in it too. I was painfully shy before joining Pop Warner, and cheerleading brought me out of my shell, helped me make friends easier, and was just a really positive part of who I became as a person.

Anyways....moving on! Tonight is group post night, ending the WPlus9 release week! This is my favorite part of the week...because I love to go over to Dawn's blog and see all of the design team's projects together in one post. It is always so fun to see how each person used the new product so differently! I decided to focus mainly on the new dies, and paired them up with items from the last release to make a fabulous Valentine's day card! here is what I created:

"Be Mine Valentine" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft, vintage cream)

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

Doily: Wilton

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

Dies: WPlus9 (Timeless Tags, Love Notes, Hearts & Clouds)

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

Ribbon/Twine: May Arts

Jewel: Westrim Crafts

Buttons: American Crafts & SEI

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Sewing Machine: Brother

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions: Make card from kraft cardstock, then round the bottom corners. Fold a doily in half, and adhere to the right side of the card. Stamp the bird's wire to the card front. Diecut the tags, hearts, bird & envelope from cardstock & patterned papers. Cover the back of the diecut bird with cardstock, and adhere to the top of the line. Cover the back of the envelope with dotted paper and adhere to the card. Adhere two of the diecut hearts to the larger tag, and stitch down the middle. Add dimension to the top heart, then adhere the tag next to the envelope. Stamp the smaller tag and then accent with a heart jewel. Adhere the tag next to the larger tag. Add a tiny diecut heart to the larger heart, then add a twine threaded button to the corner. Adhere it next to the smaller tag. Stamp the tops of each item hanging from the line with a clothespin. Cut the mini banners and adhere them in between each hanging item. Tie a bow from striped twill, stitch a button around the center of it with twine and adhere to the end of the bird's line. Stamp the sentiment to the bottom, and then add a twine threaded button to the other side of the line to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-The Kraft Journal #56- so romantic

-The Shabby Tea Room #99- love is in the air

-CAS-ual Fridays #38- on the red carpet (my card is inpsired by the movie "You've Got Mail")

-Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday- ribbon &/or twine

Be sure to check out Dawn and the rest of the WPlus9 designer's blogs to see what they have created for our group post this month!

Don't forget to check the Winner's Post to see if you might have won some of these new stamps and dies! {You could only win if you commented on Dawn's blog...so keep that in mind for the next release if you didn't do that!} The other great part about group post is that it means the new stamp sets and dies are available for sale!! So, head on over to the WPlus9 Website and be sure to pick up the must haves on your list!!

I hope that you have a wonderful day, and be sure to check back tomorrow when we do our design team group post! It is my fave part of the week! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

WPlus9 February 2012 - Full Reveal

2012-02-03T21:30:00.004-07:00

Hey there, everyone!! Tonight is the night that Dawn shares the full reveal of this month's stamp set and die release! You will be able to see each stamp set & die in its entirety, and chose which ones you want most...I am thinking you will just want all of them. Tee hee! This has been a really great release!

Before you head on over to Dawn's blog to check out the full reveal at midnight EST, I have another card to share with you. I mixed one of the new stamp sets with an older set and it worked perfectly for my vintage looking card. Here is what I created!

"Celebrate Today" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

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

Stamps: WPlus9 (Folk Art Florals & Very Vintage Greetings sets)

Dies: WPlus9 (Circle Stackers 1)

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

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

Ribbon: May Arts

Flower: Prima Marketing

Lace: craft supply

Border Punch: Fiskars (apron lace)

Circle Punch: Marvy Uchida

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sewing Machine: Brother

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut a block of vintage collage paper, and distress ink the edges. Punch an apron lace border to striped paper, adhere to the bottom of the collage paper and zig-zag stitch along the edges. Adhere a piece of lace to the top of the paper block, then adhere the entire block to the card front. Cut a banner edge to three strips of patterned paper, then distress ink the edges. Adhere to the upper left corner of the card, then zig-zag stitch along the top of them. Diecut the two circle layers from patterned paper, distress ink the edges, and layer together with foam adhesive. Punch a circle from vintage cream cardstock, and distress ink the edges. Stamp the floral accent and sentiment to it, adhere to the circle stack, then accent it with a pearl. Adhere to the entire circle stack to the card front using foam adhesive. Tie a bow from black gingham ribbon, then layer to the card front with a flower to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-CardPatterns #150- sketch

-Charisma Cardz #4- vintage

-Our Craft Lounge #103- up in the air (trapeze graphic on paper)

-Sisterhood of Crafters challenge- striped paper

-Inky Impressions #44- pearls & /or bling

-Stamptacular Sunday #149- diamonds or pearls

Be sure to check out Dawn and the rest of the WPlus9 designer's blogs to see what they have created this week with the new stamp sets and dies!

Don't forget to check the Winner's Post to see if you might have won some of these new stamps and dies! {You could only win if you commented on Dawn's blog...so keep that in mind for the next release if you didn't do that!} Also...you still have time to win the ENTIRE RELEASE! Head over to Dawn's blog (linked above) and comment on her full reveal post by 10:00pm EST TONIGHT!

I hope that you have a wonderful day, and be sure to check back tomorrow when we do our design team group post! It is my fave part of the week! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

WPlus9 February 2012 - Easter Greetings

2012-02-02T22:01:00.003-07:00

Hey there, everyone! Welcome back to day three of our February WPlus9 release. Today we are featuring a new stamp set called Easter Greetings and a layered butterfly die set. You are going to LOVE the layered butterfly...it just has so many possibilities! Here is a little bit of information on each item:

Easter Greetings

is a 3X4 clear photopolymer stamp set
contains 4 stamps; 3 images and 1 sentimet
will be available for purchase February 5th for just $6

Layered Butterfly Die

contains 4 stackable shapes to build a layered butterfly
comes on a single die that can be easily snipped and separated
will be available for purchase February 5th for just $7

I went long and skinny for my card this time around, which is a bit unusual for me. But, I love the cleanness of the left side, and then the fun cluster of items on the right side! {Plus....I wanted to use this awesome sketch that will be linked below.} Here is what I created!

"Easter Wishes" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper/Book Paper/Stickers/Lace Trim: Glitz Design (Dance In Sunshine: Birds, Raindrops, Damask)

Stamps: WPlus9 (Easter Greetings & Spring Tags sets)

Dies: WPlus9 (Layered Butterfly, Circle Stackers 1 & Timeless Tags)

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Bernard Dye: chocolate) & Tsukineko (chalk: spring pansy)

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

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Twine: May Arts

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs (purple) & Kaiser Craft (aqua)
Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from cream cardstock, then round the bottom corners. Cut a strip of bird paper, round the bottom corners, distress the edges and adhere. Cut a strip of purple paper and a strip of aqua paper, round the top corners, distress the edges and layer together. Adhere to the top of the card, then add a strip of lace trim over the seam and accent with three purple jewels. Diecut the circle stackers from patterned paper, distress the edges and adhere together. Stamp the egg to cream cardstock, cut out and distress ink the edges. Adhere to the circle stack, then add a sticker bow to the egg. Adhere the entire circle stack to the right side of the card. Tie a bow from purple dotted ribbon, and add a button to the center using twine. Adhere the bow to the lower right side of the circle stack. Diecut the tag from patterned paper, distress ink the edges and stamp the sentiment to it. Tuck the tag slightly under the button and adhere. Diecut the butterfly layers from purple patterned paper and book paper. Distress the edges, and layer together. Add a ribbon sticker to the middle, then accent with three aqua jewels. Adhere to the upper left corner of the circle stack to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-Freshly Made Sketches #20

-Flutter By Wednesday #188- anything goes

-Cute Card Thursday #202- buttons & bows

-Catered Crop Recipe Swap- use book paper

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 set and new dies! Dawn is also going to give them away to one lucky winner, so be sure to follow the commenting instructions on her blog post.

I hope that you have a wonderful day, and be sure to check out Dawn's blog tomorrow for the full reveal of the WPlus9 February 2012 release! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

WPlus9 February 2012 - Spring Tags

2012-02-01T22:01:00.004-07:00

Hey there, everyone!! Welcome to day two of the February WPlus9 release! Today we are sharing another new stamp set with you called "Spring Tags", along with two more die sets that you are going to just die for!! Tee hee- pardon the pun! :) Here is a little bit of info on each item:

Spring Tags

is a 4x6 clear photopolymer stamp set
contains 15 stamps; 3 (1.75") circle tag images, 4 sentiments, and 8 accent images
will be available for purchase February 5th for just $14

Circle Stackers 1 Die

contains 3 stackable round shapes
coordinates with the Spring Tags stamp set
comes on a single die that can be easily snipped and separated
will be available for purchase February 5th for just $15

Timeless Tags Die

a classic tag shape in 3 graduated sizes
comes on a single die that can be easily snipped and separated
will be available for purchase February 5th for just $11

I created a sweet spring card with this charming folk art stamp set! The colors are a bit non-traditional, but they still screamed Spring to me, especially when combined with this cute stamp set. Here is what I created!

"Happy Spring" supplies:

Cardstock: The Paper Company (kraft) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper/Lace: Glitz Design (Happy Travels 6x6 paper pad)

Doily: Wilton

Stamps: WPlus9 (Spring Tags & Folk Art Floral sets)

Dies: WPlus9 (Circle Stackers, Timeless Tags 1), Spellbinders (Lacey Circles) & Papertrey Ink (Medium scallop)

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Bernard Dye: strawberry, chocolate & Pigment: turquoise)

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

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Twine: May Arts

Button: American Crafts

Flowers: Recollections

Pearls: Want 2 Scrap

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions: Make card from kraft cardstock, then round the right hand corners. Cut a floral paper block, round the right hand corners and adhere to the middle. Stamp the floral accents to the right hand corners of the card. Diecut a scalloped border to red paper, then wrap lace around the left side of it. Cut a strip of striped paper, stamp the heart motif to the left side of it and distress ink the edges. Adhere the striped paper to the scalloped border, then adhere to the left side of the card. Distress ink a doily and adhere to the front. Diecut a lacey circle from red paper, then adhere to the doily. Diecut the lacey circle and regular circle, then distress ink the edges. Layer together, then stamp the images to it. Layer on top of the lacey circle using foam adhesive. Tie a bow from aqua dotted ribbon, tie a button around the middle with twine, and adhere. Diecut a tag from floral paper, stamp the sentiment to it, and add to the front of the card, slightly tucked under the button. Accent the stamped tag & circle with pearls, then add two flowers to the bow to finish.

Card Challenges Used:

-Frosted Designs Card Sketch #11

-The Sisterhood of Crafters challenge- used striped paper

-Papercraft Star #82- rustic

-Inky Impressions #44- use pearls &/or bling

-Crafty Creations #155- home sweet home

-Tuesday Throwdown #83- use hearts

-Pollycraft Monday #125- favorite things

-Drunken Stampers #82- something new

-Fussy and Fancy Friday #55- polka dots

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.

WPlus9 February 2012 - Folk Art Florals

2012-01-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

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!

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

2012-01-30T18:38:00.001-07:00

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"

2012-01-29T13:00:00.002-07:00

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"

2012-01-28T13:00:00.004-07:00

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"

2012-01-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

2012-01-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

2012-01-21T11:39:00.001-07:00

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

2012-01-20T09:00:00.004-07:00

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!!

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....

2012-01-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2012-01-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

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

2012-01-16T14:26:00.002-07:00

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

2012-01-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

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

2012-01-12T12:00:00.002-07:00

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

2012-01-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Penny Black Christmas & Winter cards

2011-12-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Hey there, everyone!! So- are you ready for Christmas yet? I have been pretty much done for awhile now, but did have a couple things to pick up this week and get wrapped. It has been nice to not be rushing at the last minute....that is for sure! Now- my brother's birthday is the day after Christmas...and I haven't finished shopping for that yet. Not sure when that is going to happen...tee hee! I'll get it done though...I always do!

I was given some stamps from Penny Black from this year's Christmas release, and today I am going to share those cards with you!! I don't typically share more than one card in a blog post, and today there is going to be FOUR! So, bare with me....because this post might be just a little long. I hope you will enjoy it! Also- I have created each card for some challenges...and those will be linked after each card, rather than how I normally add them at the end of the post.

This first card is a winter card, and I just love the beautiful landscape of this stamp. I wanted to keep the colors of this card fairly muted, so I went with neutrals...and a more monochromatic feel. Here is the first one:

"Winter Wonder" supplies:

Cardstock: Penny Black (black) & Papertrey Ink (kraft)

Stamps: Penny Black (Snowscape & Winter Wonders set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Mixed Media: black) & Close to My Heart (Pigment: vanilla cream)

Ribbon/Twine: May Arts

Chipboard: Rusty Pickle

Glitter: Making Memories

Jewels: Bazzill Basics

Bells: Michael's brand

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions: Make card from black cardstock, then round the bottom right corner. Cut kraft cardstock slightly smaller, then round the same corner. Stamp the snowscape scene to it, then tie ribbon around the top. Stamp the sentiment to the front, then accent with black jewels. Adhere the entire block to the card front using foam adhesive. Cover a chipboard star in glitter, and adhere to the middle of the bow. Tie together two bells with twine, then adhere to the glittered star to finish.

Challenges Used:

-Stampin' Royalty #103- winter/Christmas

-Fussy and Fancy Friday #52- monochromatic & sparkle

-Simon Says Stamp challenge- bingo card (ribbon/twine, gems, glitter/sparkle)

For my next card, I went a little more shabby chic, but still kept it pretty simple. I love the vintage looking paper in the background, and distressing the edges with both ink & sanding gave it a little something extra. Here you go!

"Joy, Hope and Wonder" supplies:

Cardstock: Coredinations (red) & Penny Black (cream)

Paper: Melissa Frances (Deck the Halls 6x6 pad)

Vellum: The Paper Company

Doily: Wilton

Stamps: Penny Black (Adornment & Joy Hope)

Ink: Clearsnap (Mixed Media: leather & Stephanie Bernard Dye: strawberry)

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

Ribbon/Twine: May Arts

Buttons/Felt/Holly die: Papertrey Ink

Circle Die: Spellbinders

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from red cardstock, then sand the edges. Cut patterned paper slightly smaller, sand the edges and adhere. Distress ink a paper doily, and adhere. Stamp the wreath to a cream cardstock block, then diecut & emboss a circle around it. Adhere the stamped circle to the middle of the doily. Wrap vellum around the bottom of the card, then stamp the sentiment to it. Diecut the holly leaves from felt, then adhere to the right of the sentiment. Thread three red buttons with twine, then adhere to the top of the felt leaves as the berries. Thread another red button with twine, tie a bow and adhere to the stamped wreath. Add a strip of ribbon to the left side of the vellum, and add green pearls to the wreath to finish.

Challenges Used:

-Sweet Sunday Sketch #148

-The Play Date Cafe #112- colors (red, light green, dark green, neutral)

-Ribbon Carousel #33- Twine

-The Friday Mashup! #37- Distressing

-Top Tip Tuesday #65- Christmas

My next card is another clean & simple design, but the stamps definitely pack a fun little punch! I also love how the ribbon & chunky button look like Santa's belt....or Santa's hot wife's belt anyways! I think any man would love to give this card to his other half, or receive it....as long as it had a sassy little sentiment to go along with it. Tee hee!

"Fashionable Christmas" supplies:
Cardstock: Penny Black (white)

Paper/Button: GCD Studios (Scandia Jul: Hop Holiday Stripe)
Stamps: Penny Black (Mademoiselle Noel & Winter Wonders set)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Glossy Accents: Ranger Industries

Ribbon: Michael's brand

Puff Balls: Darice Inc.

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Colored Pencils: Heidi Swapp

Instructions: Make card from white cardstock, then round the bottom corners. Stamp the girl directly to the card, and to red dotted paper. Cut out the dress & hat, and layer to the stamped image on the card. Accent the white parts with black puff balls. Stamp the sentiment to the right of the girl's boots. Tie ribbon around the top of the card, then accent the middle with a button. Color in her boots with a colored pencil, then cover in glossy accents.

Challenges Used:

-The Pixie Cottage #101- for someone special

-Drunken Stampers #80- glittery holiday

-Dutch Dare Card challenge #144- shimmer

-Creative Belli #133- Christmas

-Charisma Cardz #50- anything goes

And last but not least, I wanted to focus on this main image because it was so large. I though it would look great in the background, with embellishments all around it! Here is what I created:

"Very Merry Christmas" supplies:

Cardstock: Penny Black (cream)

Paper: Melissa Frances (Deck the Halls 6x6 pad)

Stamps: Penny Black (Snowflake and Holly & Winter Wonders set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Mixed Media: honey & Pigment: cranberry)

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

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Flower/Leaves: Prima Marketing

Pins: Making Memories (green star) & Maya Road (clear top)

Pearls: Darice Inc. (large red), Kaiser Craft (green) & Want 2 Scrap (small red)
Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from cream cardstock. Cut red paper the same size, sand the edges and cover the front of the card. Cut a strip of green snowflake paper, sand the edges and adhere to the bottom. Add gold ribbon over the seam of the two papers. Distress ink the edges of a cream cardstock block, then stamp the main image to it. Adhere to the card front, and then accent with pearls. Adhere the leaves & flowers to the left side of the card. Tie a bow from matching ribbon, and adhere to the middle of the flowers. Cut a banner edge to a cream cardstock strip, then distress ink the edges. Stamp the sentiment to it, then adhere it to a star topped pin. Tuck the sentiment pin at an angle inside the flowers, then add a clear topped pin to the left of it to finish.

Challenges Used:
-Mojo Monday #220- sketch

-Cupcake Inspirations #141- cake inspiration photo

-Little Red Wagon #112- Christmas decor inspiration photo

-Inky Impressions #38- Christmas cheer

-Creative Inspirations #143- anything goes

Well, those are all the cards I have to share with you today!! I hope that you made it through this post, and that you have come to the end of it at least a little bit inspired!! And I hope that if you are still bustling around getting your Christmas shopping done...that you are spreading a little bit of Christmas cheer to those around you! Retail is a really hard job right now, and even a nice little smile can make someone's day better! Have a great one! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

December Key Ingredients Blog Hop

2011-12-20T09:00:00.001-07:00

Hey there, everyone!! Welcome to the Taylored Expressions December Key Ingredients blog hop!! This kit is full of bright and cheerful papers from the Christmas Wishes collection by Bella Blvd, matching cardstock, ribbon, and snowflake brads & buttons! You are going to love this fun kit!!

I have created a clean & simple card, which can be used for either Christmas or New Year's! And really....who doesn't need a merry little cocktail at some point during the season (even if it is a mocktail for those that don't drink....)! :) Here is what I created:

'Have Yourself a Merry Little Cocktail" supplies:
Cardstock/Paper/Button/Brads: Taylored Expressions December Key Ingredients kit

Stamps: Taylored Expressions (Merry Little Cocktail set)
Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Instructions: Please see the December Inspiration Sheet for instructions to re-create. Be sure to check out all the inspiration while you have it up!

If you aren't a subscriber to the Key Ingredients kit yet, I would recommend it completely! The kit is taylored completely for card makers, and you can make dozens of cards with just one kit!! Here is a link to the Frequently Asked Questions, and to the Subscription page in case you are interested!!

Be sure to check out what the rest of the KI design team have come up with this month!!

Taylor VanBruggen
Corinna McGregor
Jessica Diedrich
Monika Davis
Rachel Sztonyk
Stephanie Kraft

Have a great rest of your Sunday!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:
-Just Us Girls #115- color (red, olive, white/kraft)
-Dutch Dare Card challenge #143- bingo card (pearls, stamped image/sentiment, ribbon/twine)
-Really Reasonable Ribbon #38- anything goes + ribbon
-Totally PaperCrafts #97- time to party
-Secret Crafter Saturday #165- new year's/celebration
-Charisma Cardz #49- Christmas
-Papertake Weekly- Christmas
-Top Tip Tuesday #65- Christmas

The Shabby Tea Room #93- A Krafty Christmas

2011-12-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hey there, everyone! I can't believe that this is my third week as the monthly guest designer for The Shabby Tea Room! Goodness...I really can't believe that Christmas is in one week!! I am ready for it....but time has really flown! TSTR #93- A Krafty Christmas has a great inspiration photo, and the challenge is to create a project using red, kraft, newsprint, silver and a star.

I loved the silver, glittery stars in the inspiration photo....so that was the jumping off point for my card. The details just kept getting added from that point on!! Tee hee! Here is what I craeted:

"Merry Christmas" supplies:
Cardstock/Buttons: Papertrey Ink (kraft)

Paper: My Mind's Eye (Lost & Found Christmas 6x6 pad), October Afternoon (5&Dime: Wax Bottles) & GCD Studios (Scandia Jul: Hip Holiday Stripe)

Ribbon/Rope/Twine: May Arts

Chipboard: Rusty Pickle

Jewels/Sticker/Glitter: Making Memories

Snowflake ornament/Bells: Michael's brand

Instructions: Make card from kraft cardstock. Cut newsprint paper slightly smaller and adhere to the front. Cut a block of red dot paper and adhere to the lower left corner. Cut a reverse scalloped border to a star paper strip, and adhere to the upper right. Tie rope around the middle of the card, then accent the reverse scallop with an epoxy button & jewels. Accent a snowflake ornament with a bow, glittered chipboard star and twine tied button. Add a rope hanger and accent underneath it with bells. Adhere the entire snowflake ornament to the left side of the card to finish.

Be sure to check out the regular designers for The Shabby Tea Room and see what they have created for the week!!

I hope that you have a great day!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:
-Really Reasonable Ribbon #38- anything goes + ribbon
-One Stop Craft challenge #162- Christmas Sparkle
-Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday- ribbon
-Crazy 4 Challenges #117- Santa
-Annabelle Say It With- Christmas
-Sisterhood of Crafters- Christmas
-The Pixie Cottage #100- Christmas
-Little Red Wagon- Christmas
-Ribbon Carousel #33- use twine

Lawn Fawn + Glue Arts Week! - Day 3

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there, everyone!! Lawn Fawn and Glue Arts have combined forces this week, bringing you inspiration using our products together, and of course, some giveaways!! Be sure to check out the Lawn Fawn blog and the Glue Arts blog for your chance to win some fabulous prizes!!

For my card today, I used a few different adhesives from Glue Arts. For adhering down all the papers, I chose the GlueGlider Pro with Permatac adhesive. I can admit...the tool was a bit intimidating to me when I looked at it....but once I grabbed it and started applying adhesive to my papers, it was easy as pie to use!! You will love it! I used the 1/2-inch ExtremeTac adhesive squares to adhere the snowflake, and the 3D Combo Pack (U Cut It foam sheets) to add the sentiment banner. Here is what I created (all challenges are linked at the bottom):

"Bright Christmas Wishes" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (red) & Papertrey Ink (smooth white)
Paper: GCD Studios (Scandia Jul: Scandie Bird Pink, Sparkle Lattice Light Green, Hip Holiday Stripe, Scandinavian Holiday Stripe)

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Critters in the Forest, Cozy Christmas, & Sophie's Sentiments sets)

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

Ribbon/Snowflake ornament: Michael's brand

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs (green) & Westrim Crafts (star)

Steel Dies: Papertrey Ink (medium scallop) & Spellbinders (Labels Eighteen)

Instructions: Make card from red cardstock. Cut pink patterned paper block and matte on white cardstock. Cut a scalloped border from green dot paper, and adhere to the bottom of the pink block. Adhere the entire block to the card front. Add a strip of stiped paper across the middle. Diecut a label from white cardstock, trim off the bottom of it and adhere. Glue a green bow to the top of a snowflake ornament, and adhere to the label. Stamp the tree to its different paper layers, cut out, and layer together. Adhere the tree to the snowflake middle, and then accent with green jewels. Cut banner edges to a white cardstock strip, then stamp the sentiment to it. Adhere the sentiment banner below the tree using foam adhesive.

Nichol Magouirk is my partner in crime today, and she has a gorgeous card plus video for you today!! Be sure to check it out! I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-Sketchbook Saturday #41- sketch

-ColourQ #115- color challenge (real red, glorious green, green galore, regal rose, white)

-Stamptacular Sunday #142- Christmas Glitz

-Wee Memories #79- Holiday

-Stampin' for the Weekend #22- Christmas

-Raise the Bar #86- Christmas

-Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday- Glitter

-Pixie Dust Studio #104- Glitter & Bling

-Cute Card Thursday #194- anything goes

The Shabby Tea Room #92- The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney with Care

2011-12-11T22:01:00.002-07:00

Hey there, everyone! Welcome to my second week of being the December guest designer at The Shabby Tea Room! TSTR #92- The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney with Care has a lovely inspiration photo, and the challenge this time around is to create a project inspired by the photo and must include a STOCKING.

I just LOVED the colors in this photo, and the beautiful bits & baubles on the mantle...and that is what inspired my card. And of course, it has the lovely stocking....who wouldn't want a houndstooth embossed stocking? I am loving it! I created this for some other challenges as well, and those will all be linked at the bottom of the post. Here is what I created!

"Peace & Joy" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper/Diecut: Melissa Frances (Deck the Halls 6x6 paper pad)
Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Holiday Photo Finishers set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Bernard Dye: chocolate)

Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz (antique linen)
Seam Binding: The Cat's Pajamas

Ruffled Ribbon: May Arts

Flowers: Recollections

Berry Sprig: Michael's brand

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Glitter: DecoArt

Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Christmas Cheer by Provo Craft

Embossing Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Embossing Folder: Houndstooth by Provo Craft

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut green snowflake paper slightly smaller, sand the edges and adhere. Stamp the sentiment to the bottom of the card. Cut a block of green paper, distress ink and sand the edges. Wrap a strip of seam binding around the top, and adhere it to the front. Add ruffled ribbon along the bottom of the paper block, above the sentiment. Tie a double bow from matching seam binding, then adhere to the upper right corner, accenting it with a berry sprig & flowers. Diecut a stocking and its layers at 3.5" using the Cricut Expression & Christmas Cheer cartridge. Dry emboss the bottom layer with a houndstooth folder, and then distress ink the edges. Cover the green layers in glitter, layer together and then adhere to the card front. Accent with pearls to finish.

Be sure to check out the regular designers for The Shabby Tea Room and see what they have created for the week!!

I hope that you have a great day!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:
-CardPatterns #145- sketch
-Drunken Stampers #80- glittery holiday
-Clearly Inspired #41- Christmas
-Simon Say Stamp challenge- Christmas photo montage inspiration
-Inky Impressions #36- use ribbon
-For Fun challenge- Christmas sparkle
-Creative Belli #132- winter & Christmas
-Crafty Creations #147- Christmas sentiments
-Tuesday Throwdown #77- celebrate the season
-Creative Card Crew- tis the season

"Love 'n Breakfast": Lawn Fawn Release, pt. 2

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there, everyone!! I hit a couple of glitches yesterday, and wasn't able to get my "Love 'n Breakfast" post up, but never fear, because it is going up today instead!! It is also my card for CPS sketch 247, where Lawn Fawn is sponsoring the prize this week! Be sure to play along it you would like to win!

Love 'n Breakfast is a super cute and whimsical stamp set that Lawn Fawn typically puts out. But what people might not realize is that often the sentiments can be used for something less cutesy. That is what I chose to share with you today.....you don't have to love the cutesy theme to love this stamp set, because the sentiments are fabulous and in a beautiful handwritten script! Here is what I created:

"I Love You" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper/Bloomers: Webster's Pages (Let's Celebrate, All About Me & Western Romance 6x6 pack)

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Love 'n Breakfast set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Bernard Dye: chocolate)
Trim: May Arts

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut blue paper slightly smaller, round the upper corners, sand the edges and adhere. Cut a yellow floral strip, sand the edges and adhere. Cut a white lace block, round the upper corners, sand the edges and adhere. Wrap crocheted trim around the seam. Stamp the sentiment to the white lace paper, then cut out a paper cupcake and adhere above it. Cut out two fabric bloomers and adhere to the front with pearl middles. Accent the yellow patterned paper strip with pearls to finish.

So, I hope you like the one extra day of Lawn Fawn inspiration!! I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:
-Card Positioning Systems #247- sketch

-Moxie Fab Card Creations: Get Inspired by Home Decor challenge- globe (colors)

-The Ribbon Reel #16- anything goes

-Papertake Weekly challenge- anything goes

-Cute Card Thursday #194- anything goes

"Love 'n Breakfast": Lawn Fawn Release Week

2011-12-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hey there, everyone!! This week is Lawn Fawn release week for December, and though it is a smaller release week with just one set.....that will probably be a little easier on your pocketbook during the holidays, and something small to put on your Christmas wish list!! It's a win-win situation for everyone! Tee hee!

This week we are showcasing the new set called "Love 'n Breakfast", which is full of smiley faced breakfast food & untensils, and punny sentiments! If you love everything Lawn Fawn, then you will love this stamp set!! It is the epitome of cuteness!!

I kept my first card for the week super clean & simple....it is actually a 5 minute card. You can bust this card out in just minutes, and then tuck it into a lunch, jacket pocket, or add it to a little gift for a friend. While this would definitely work for the love of your life....I actually think it would work great for your best friends too! I know that I love my best friend, and we are definitely a good fit. {Otherwise, we wouldn't be best friends...duh! Tee hee!} Here is what I created (all challenges are linked at the bottom):

"We Go Together" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft)

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Love 'n Breakfast set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Bernard Dye: chocolate)
Jewel: Westrim Crafts

Scoring Tool: ScorPal

Instructions: Make card from kraft cardstock. Score a square to the middle of the card. Stamp the images and sentiment to the middle. Accent with a red jewel to finish.

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

Chari Moss
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!!

December Big Giveaway Post

Love 'n Breakfast #1

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-Stampin' for the Weekend #21- friends

-Papertake Weekly challenge- anything goes

-Wee Memories #78- free for all

-Simon Says Stamp challenge- anything goes

The Shabby Tea Room #91- Magic of Christmas

2011-12-04T22:01:00.004-07:00

**This is my second post of the evening. Please scroll down to see my WPlus9 Group Post.**

Hey there, everyone!! For the month of December, I will be the guest designer at The Shabby Tea Room! I love playing along with that fun challenge whenever I get the chance, so I am super excited to be on board for this month! My first challenge for the month is called "The Magic of Christmas", and is inspired by a beautiful photo that you will see on The Shabby Tea Room's #91 blog post....so be sure to check it out! The challenge is to create a project inspired by the photo using pink, gold, neutrals, flowers & snowflakes.

This card probably seems a little bit bulky. But, the fun part about it is the snowflake is only slightly adhered. This way it can be pulled off the card front, and made a Christmas ornament once the receiver is done showcasing the card as is. I think that is a fun idea, and a great way to add a little gift! I created this card for some other challenges as well, and those are all linked at the bottom of the post. Here is what I created!

"Christmas Joy" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper: American Crafts (Merry Christmas: merry & bright) & Glitz Design (Beautiful Dreamer: stripe)
Doily: Wilton

Stamps: Crafty Secrets (Vintage Christmas set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Bernard Dye: chocolate)

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

Snowflake Ornament/Ribbon: Michael's brand

Flowers: Recollections

Glitter: Doodlebug Designs

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut gold dot paper slightly smaller and adhere. Cut a floral block and adhere to the bottom. Cut banner edges to a striped paper strip, and adhere right above the floral block. Distress ink the doily and adhere to the top of the card. Stamp the sentiment below the doily on the floral block. Tie a bow from gold ribbon, adhere to the top of the ornament and accent with pink flowers. Glitter a larger pink flower, and adhere to the middle of the snowflake. Adhere the entire ornament to the top of the doily with non-permanent adhesive for easy removal.

Be sure to check out the regular designers for The Shabby Tea Room and see what they have created for the week!!

I hope that you have a great day!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:
-Papercraft Star #73- sketch
-Sugar Creek Hollow- non traditional Christmas
-Really Reasonable Ribbon #37- silver & gold w/ ribbon
-One Stop Craft Challenge #160- let it snow
-Totally PaperCrafts #95- let it snow
-Raise the Bar #86- Christmas
-Clearly Inspired #41- Christmas
-For Fun Challenge- Christmas

WPlus9 December 2011- Group Post

2011-12-04T22:01:00.001-07:00

Hey there, everyone! Tonight marks my favorite part of WPlus9 release week....the group post night! I love seeing all the projects together on Dawn's blog, and seeing how different we all create using the same stamps!! Tonight also means these new stamp sets are available to purchase, and I can't wait to see what YOU create with them once you receive them!!

For tonight's card I wanted to use the other larger sentiment from "Love You More", as I haven't had a chance to use it yet. The sentiment has a special meaning to Dawn, which she wrote about on her blog this week. It is so nice that she shared that with us, and gave us a fabulous sentiment stamp for it! I did create my card for some challenges, and those will all be listed at the bottom. Here is what I created!

"I Love You More...." supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper/Sticker/Jewels/Lace Trim: Glitz Design (Beautiful Dreamer: polka, floral)

Stamps/Die: WPlus9 (Heartfelt Mix & Label Layers 2 die)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: pink)

Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz (antique linen)
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Flower: EK Success

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock, and brush distress ink along the edges. Cut heart dotted paper slightly smaller, and distress the edges. Wrap ribbon around the bottom, then adhere to the card front, rolling the upper right corner a bit. Sand the edges of a pink sticker, then adhere to the right side of the card. Cut a floral paper block and distress the edges. Wrap lace around the bottom, then adhere to the left side of the card, rolling the same corner. Diecut the label and distress ink the edges. Stamp the sentiment to it, and adhere. Add the flower to the lower left corner, and pull off the rhinestone accent. Tie a bow from matching ribbon, adhere to the middle of the flower, then add the rhinestone accent to the top of the bow. Add three pink jewels to the sticker to finish.

Be sure to check out what Dawn and all the other design team members have created for the group post tonight. I know that it will be full of eye candy!!

I hope that you have enjoyed WPlus9's December/January release....we can't wait to see what you create with these new stamp sets! Have a great rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:
-Just Us Girls #113- sketch
-CR84FN #44- color (coral, light pink, aqua)
-Wee Memories #78- free for all
-Simon Says Stamp challenge- anything goes

WPlus9 December 2011- Full Reveal

2011-12-03T22:01:00.002-07:00

Hey there everyone! Well, day 4 of the WPlus9 December/January release marks the full reveal of the new stamp sets and dies! Be sure to check out the WPlus9 blog to see the sets in their entirety. I think you are really going to love all three of the sets and matching dies, and they can easily be added to your Christmas wish list!!

For today's card I used all three of the new stamp sets together, plus the Love Notes die set. I once again went with a super clean & simple design....almost one layer, except for the diecut love letters. All challenges I created this for are linked at the bottom of the post. Here is what I created!

"Sending You Love Notes" supplies:

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

Stamps/Dies: WPlus9 (Heartfelt Mix, Love You More, A Pocketful, Pocketful: Valentine, Love Notes dies)

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Bernard Dye: chocolate, strawberry)

Flowers: Recollections
Jewels: Glitz Design

Pearls: Darice Inc.

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions: Make card from kraft cardstock. Stamp the bird wires twice to the card front. Diecut three love notes from vintage cream cardstock, and line the back with red. Adhere the diecut letters as shown, then stamp the clothespin to each one. Add a jewel to each clothespin, then accent the top wire with two paper flowers. Stamp the sentiment to the lower left corner of the card, and accent with red heart pearls to finish.

Be sure to check out what Dawn and all the other design team members have created with our latest releases. I know that it will be full of eye candy!!

Be sure to join us again tomorrow night when we have our fun group post! Have a great rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger- Red & Rustic

-Ribbon Carousel #31- kraft, red, brown

-Crafty Creations #146- photo inspiration

-Simon Says Stamp challenge- anything goes

WPlus9 December 2011- A Pocketful: Valentine

2011-12-03T00:01:00.001-07:00

Hey there, everyone! Welcome to day three of the WPlus9 December/January release. Today we are showcasing a set that is the latest addition to the "Pocketful" family of stamps and matching dies, called "A Pocketful: Valentine". This series was wildly popular when it first released, so WPlus9 is adding to it for Valentine's Day! I really love stamp sets that are in a series like this, and I hope that this set goes over like last time. Here is some information on this new stamp set & dies:

A Pocketful: Valentine

is a 4x6 clear photopolymer stamp set
contains 15 stamps; 1 pocket image, 3 pocket filler images, 5 accent images, and 6 sentiments
will be available for purchase December 5th for just $13

Love Notes Die

compliments the A Pocketful stamp series (these dies are meant to coordinate with the pockets and stamped images from the Pocketful series, not to be stamped onto)
comes on a single die that can be easily snipped and separated
will be available for purchase December 5th for just $7

I once again kept my card pretty clean & simple, but with some fun details here and there! On day 1 I featured a Valentine's day card that had a more masculine color theme of aqua and chocolate brown. Well, today I focused more on the girly side of things, and paired different shades of pink with kraft & cream neutrals- one of my FAVE color combos! The challenges that I created this for will all be linked at the bottom of the post. Here is what I created:

"Be Mine" supplies:
Cardstock/Felt: Papertrey Ink (kraft, smooth white)
Paper: Glitz Design (Beautiful Dreamer: stripe)
Doily: Wilton

Stamps/Dies: WPlus9 (A Pocketful: Valentine, A Pocketful Die, Love Notes Die)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black, Momento Dye: rose bud)

Ribbon: Michael's brand

Lace: May Arts

Glitter: DecoArt

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from kraft cardstock. Cut a pink striped paper block slightly smaller, then trace a curve to the bottom of it and cut out. Sand the edges and adhere to the card front. Cut a banner edge to pink ribbon, and adhere to the middle of the card. Stamp the letters directly to a doily, then adhere it to the middle. Tie a bow from matching ribbon, and adhere to the bottom of the doily. Diecut and stamp the pocket to white cardstock, then cover in glitter. Diecut the tiny heart from felt, and adhere to the lower right corner of the pocket. Add a strip of lace to the top of it, then adhere below the stamped letters. Stamp the sentiment to white cardstock, cut to a very thin strip and adhere above the felt heart to finish.

Be sure to check out what Dawn and all the other design team members have created for "A Pocketful: Valentine" & dies. I know that it will be full of eye candy!!

Be sure to join us again tomorrow night when Dawn shows the full reveal of all the new stamp sets, and I will have another cute card that uses all three of the new sets and/or dies! Have a great rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-CASE Study #68
-CAS-ual Fridays #30- bingo card (pink, kraft, stripes)

-Drunken Stampers #79- monochromatic

-Creative Card Crew- monochromatic

-Totally Gorjuss #108- sparkle

-Oh La La Creations #94- a lot of sparkle

-The Ribbon Reel #16- anything goes

WPlus9 December 2011- Heartfelt Mix

2011-12-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hey there, everyone! Welcome to day 2 of the WPlus9 December/January release! Today we have a fun stamp set called "Heartfelt Mix" to share with you, along with the matching dies for it and for a previously released stamp set, "Love Birds". And guess what? Heartfelt Mix works PERFECTLY with Love Birds....you are going to love it! Here is a little bit of info about each new item:

Heartfelt Mix

is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
contains 24 stamps; 12 images and 12 sentiments
will be available for purchase December 5th for just $19

Hearts & Clouds Die

coordinates with Heartfelt Mix stamp set
comes on a single die that can be easily snipped and separated
will be available for purchase December 5th for just $7

And we have a coordinating die for one of our very first releases. This die, takes Love Birds to a whole new level of fun!
Love Birds Die

coordinates with Love Birds stamp set
comes on a single die that can be easily snipped and separated
will be available for purchase December 5th for just $9

My card yesterday was pretty layered and gussied up, so I decided to channel my CAS side for the card today. I think it turned out really cute, and I hope you think so too! I have created it for some challenges, which will be linked at the bottom of the post. Here is what I created:

"Congratulations to the Happy Couple" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft, vintage cream)

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

Stamps/Dies: WPlus9 (Heartfelt Mix, Heartfelt Mix dies, Love Birds dies)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: cranberry), Close to My Heart (Pigment: vanilla cream) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Twine: May Arts

Button: craft supply

Jewels: Kaiser Craft

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions: Make card from kraft cardstock, then round the bottom corners. Stamp the bird's wire and sentiment to the front in black ink. Stamp the clouds in vanilla cream ink to the front. Diecut the birds from patterned paper, and adhere to the right side of the stamp bird's wire. Diecut the heart from vintage cream cardstock, then stamp the polka dotted heart to it. Adhere the stamped heart above the birds using foam adhesive. Tie a double bow from twine, thread a button around the middle and adhere. Add three jewels to the sentiment to finish.

Be sure to check out what Dawn and all the other design team members have created for "Heartfelt Mix" & dies. I know that it will be full of eye candy!!

Be sure to join us again tomorrow night when we introduce another new stamp set....which is an addition to a WPlus9 favorite! Have a great rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-Moxie Fab World 365 Cards Week Random Fun challenge- button(s)

-Cupcake Inspirations #138- photo inspiration

-Stampin' Sisters in Christ #117- birds

-Wee Memories #77- woodland animals

-Charisma Cardz #47-polka dots

-Sisterhood of Crafters- polka dots

-The Ribbon Reel #16- anything goes

-Simon Says Stamp challenge- anything goes

WPlus9 December 2011- Love You More

2011-12-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

Hey there, everyone! Welcome to the December/January release for WPlus9! We are going to be featuring some really fabulous love themed projects this week, which will give you plenty of time to get inspired for Valentine's day....while still being able to put them on your Christmas wish list!!

Tonight we are featuring the stamp set called "Love You More". Here is a little bit of information about the set:

Love You More

is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
contains 19 stamps; 2 word art images and 17 mix-and-match sentiments and images
will be available for purchase December 5th for just $19

I went with a non-traditional color scheme for my card, and chose different tones of aqua, plus some neutrals. While these happen to be my favorite colors, they are also perfect for that special guy in your life....I am sure he will appreciate not getting something in pink & red! :) I have created this for some challenges as well, which will be linked at the bottom of the post. Here is what I came up with!

"Love Montage" supplies:

Cardstock/Buttons: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper: My Mind's Eye (Lost & Found Two: Breeze 6x6 paper pad)
Stamps: WPlus9 (Love You More set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Mixed Media: leather)

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

Seam Binding: The Cat's Pajamas

Twine: May Arts

Flowers: Recollections

Jewel: Doodlebug Designs

Glitter: DecoArt

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Steel Dies: My Favorite Things (doily), Papertrey Ink (scalloped border) & WPlus9 (heart)

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut aqua damask paper slightly smaller, then adhere to the front. Cut a strip of aqua dotted paper and adhere to the right side. Cut two doilies from ledger paper, then cut one of them in half. Cover them in glitter, and adhere to the polka dotted strip. Thread three buttons with twine, and adhere to the middle of each doily cut. Cut a tag from vintage cream cardstock, then distress ink the edges. Stamp the sentiment montage to the tag front. Cut the heart from houndstooth paper, then stamp it and add a jewel. Adhere the heart accent to the stamped tag. Cut a scalloped edge from matching houndstooth paper, then layer a strip of lace to the top of it. Adhere the entire strip to the right side of the tag, then adhere the tag to the card front using dimensional adhesive. Tie a double bow from cream seam binding, and adhere to the top of the tag. Accent the middle of the bow with three aqua flowers to finish.

Be sure to check out what Dawn and all the other design team members have created for "Love You More". I know that it will be full of eye candy!!

Be sure to join us again tomorrow night when we introduce another new stamp set....that can be mixed beautifully with a previously released set. Gotta love when you can freshen up the older product in your stash!! Have a great rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:
-CPS Sketch #246
-Moxie Fab World Card Creations Challenge- Get Inspired by Fashion
-There She Goes #132- Photo Inspiration
-Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #146- flower, ribbon & a tag
-ColourQ #113- night of navy, marina mist, bashful blue, sahara sand, white
-Drunken Stampers #79- monochromatic
-Totally Gorjuss #108- sparkle
-Oh La La Creations #94- lots of sparkle
-The Sisterhood of Crafters- polka dots
-The Ribbon Reel #16- anything goes
-Fab 'n' Funky #101- anything goes
-Simon Says Stamp challenge- anything goes

A Year of Kindness

2011-11-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope that your week has been going well so far. It is the last day of the month, and I realized that I still had one post left to do for the November Key Ingredients kit! This month has completely gotten away from me, if that isn't completely evident in the lack of blog posts all month long!

So, I whipped up this CAS card with a little bit of vintage flair for this Key Ingredients inspiration post. I just love the papers in this month's kit....and they were perfect for this Christmas thank you note! I created this for some challenges as well, and those will be linked at the bottom of the post! Here is what I created:

"Thank You for a Year of Kindness" supplies:
Cardstock/Paper/Ribbon/Diecut: Taylored Expressions November Key Ingredients kit

Jewels: Taylored Expressions August Key Ingredients kit

Stamps: Taylored Expressions (Peaceful Poinsettia set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Mixed Media: leather)

Twine: May Arts

Instructions: Make card from cream cardstock. Cut a 4" block of brown paper, and adhere the diecut button card to the front of it. Stamp the sentiment to the bottom of the diecut, then wrap ribbon around the middle of it. Add a button to the middle of the bow using twine. Adhere the entire piece to the front using foam adhesive. Stamp the two flowers to red starburst paper and cut out. Give them some dimension, then layer together. Add yellow jewels to the middle, then adhere the flower to the front. Add three jewels to the top of the diecut card to finish.

As I have said before, the Key Ingredients kits are tailored towards card makers...and you can make dozens of cards with just this one kit! Here is a link to the subscription page if you would like to get started!! Every month Inspiration Sheets are provided for the kit, which is complete with supply lists and instructions...so you can recreate the very same cards if you like!! This kit has something for everyone...beginners, all the way up to those who have been making cards for years.

That is all I have for you for now! Please check back tonight, as I will have my first post up for the December/January WPlus9 release. This new release is one of my faves yet....just wait because you are going to love it!! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-Sketchbook Saturday #39

-CAS-ual Friday #29- sketch

-Clearly Inspired #40- flowers

-Pixie Dust Studio #102- thank you

-Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger- red & rustic photo inspiration

-Ribbon Carousel challenge #31- red, kraft, brown

-Crafty Creations #146- photo inspiration

Lawn Fawn + May Arts Week! - Day 2

2011-11-29T09:00:00.001-07:00

Hey there, everyone! This week Lawn Fawn has paired up with May Arts to bring you a week of eye candy and prizes!!

Be sure to check out the Lawn Fawn blog, and the May Arts blog for their giveaway posts!! There will be lots of yummy ribbon and stamps to be won...so head on over (after checking out my post...tee hee!).Plus- they have a super cute pom-pom tutorial on the May Arts blog today...I can't wait to try it out!

I created a Christmas card for my project today....and it is a Christmas card meant for someone special!! I love that by mixing Lawn Fawn stamps you can create the perfect, custom Christmas sentiment for everyone on your list!! Here is what I created (all challenges are listed at the end of the post):

"Kiss Me, It's Christmas!" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft, vintage cream)

Paper: Webster's Pages (Botanical Christmas 6x6 pack)

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Bows and Holly, Sally's ABCs, Smitty's ABCs & Sophie's Sentiments sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Dye: chocolate)

Ribbon/Trim: May Arts (1.5" satin pleats, 7/8" crochet, & 3/8" double faced satin)

Pearls: Want 2 Scrap

Jewels: Darice Inc.

Bells: Michael's brand

Colored Pencils: Heidi Swapp

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock, then round the bottom corners. Round the bottom corners of a slightly smaller green paper block, and adhere. Cut a strip of kraft cardstock, round the corners and adhere. Wrap pleated ribbon around the top. Thread green ribbon through crocheted trim, and wrap around the middle of the pleated ribbon. Stamp the mistletoe to cream cardstock, color it and cut out. Accent with red pearls and adhere to the front. Tie a bow from matching green ribbon, adhere to the front, and accent with red bells. Stamp the sentiment below the cut out mistletoe, then stamp the holly to cream cardstock. Color it in, cut out and accent with red jewels. Adhere it below the sentiment to finish.

My partner in crime today is Latisha Yoast, so be sure to head on over to her blog and check out what she created as well! It is sure to be a treat!! I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day today! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-The Deconstructed Sketch #28

-Delightful Challenges- red & green

-Little Red Wagon #108- Christmas

-Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday- metal

-Totally Papercrafts #94- Christmas

-Stamptacular Sunday #140- anything Christmas

-Pollycraft Monday #120- Christmas fun

-The Ribbon Reel #16- anything goes

-The Kraft Journal #47- Christmas cards
-Tuesday Throwdown #76- masculine Christmas card

November Key Ingredients Blog Hop

2011-11-20T09:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Sunday, everyone! The snow has arrived in Missoula, Montana and I woke up to a beautiful white covering outside. Too bad it is so dang cold outside....brrrr!

Today is the November Key Ingredients blog hop, and you will be able to see what all the KI design team members have come up with for this gorgeous card kit! My card also fits some challenges, which will be linked below. Here is what I created!

"Hem Your Blessings..." supplies:
Taylored Expressions November Key Ingredients kit (cardstock, papers, ribbon, diecuts)

Taylored Expressions October Key Ingredients kit (brads)
Sandpaper

If you want the instructions to this card, you can find them on the November Inspiration Sheets, along with other inspiring projects!!

Be sure to check out what the rest of the KI design team have come up with this month!!

Have a great rest of your Sunday!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:
-ColourQ challenge #111- colors (crumb cake, pear pizzazz, pumpkin pie, rich razzleberry, white)
-Creative Card Crew- thankful
-Papercraft Star challenge #71- a special thank you
-Simon Says Stamp challenge- thanksgiving/thanks
-The Pixie Cottage challenge #96- family thankfulness
-The Sisterhood of Crafters- giving thanks
-Our Craft Lounge #92- thank you

Lawn Fawn Holiday Inspiration Week: "Ornate Ornaments"

2011-11-09T22:01:00.001-07:00

Hey there, everyone!! Welcome to day 4 of A Very Fawny Holiday!! I goofed up a bit, and wrote down the wrong date for my post....so Kelly graciously moved me, and you are getting an extra dose of "Ornate Ornaments"! Part of my sentiment is from "Cozy Christmas", which is on the docket for tonight's inspiration as well...so at least I {kind-of} fit in. Tee hee!

Alright...so a couple of quick notes about this week. First off, we are doing giveaways on each inspiration post this week, so be sure to check out all the posts on the Lawn Fawn blog and read the commenting instructions! You could win the coordinating stamps from each post! Two Peas in a Bucket is also doing a Holiday Card Making event all month long, and this week is Lawn Fawn week! They are doing a giveaway as well...so be sure to hop on over to the event blog and check it out! Lots of chances to win some Lawn Fawn this week!! Yay!

With all of that being said, I guess it is time to share the card I created for tonight! I have created it with quite a few challenges in mind, which will be linked at the bottom of this post. So, I pretty much love how the upper crest border makes this accordion folded medallion look like a wreath! Nothing revolutionary by any means, but I am loving it! Here is what I created:

"Cozy Christmas Wishes" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream, kraft)

Paper/Pin: Webster's Pages (Botanical Christmas 6x6 paper pack) & GCD Studios (Scandia Jul: Sparkle Lattice)
Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Ornate Ornaments, Cozy Christmas & Sophie's Sentiments sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: leather, cranberry)

Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz

Ribbon/Lace Trim/Twine: May Arts

Buttons/Flower: Making Memories

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Bells: Michael's brand

Border Punch: Fiskars (Upper Crest)

Glitter: DecoArt

Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Christmas by Provo Craft

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock. Cut red paper slightly smaller, distress the edges and adhere. Cut & sand the edges of a paper strip, add lace trim to the bottom of it and adhere. Cut a tree and its layers at 4" using the Cricut Expression and Christmas cartridge. Glitter the white cuts, and then layer on the kraft tree. Adhere the tree to the front, and top with a white resin flower. Cut a 1.5" x 12" strip of green dotted paper and punch an upper crest border to one side. Scor at a 1/2" interval, accordion fold, and adhere the ends together. Fold the paper inward to create the medallion, glue to a piece of cardstock and adhere. Stamp the ornament to patterned paper & kraft cardstock, cut out and layer together. Accent with green pearls and adhere to the front of the medallion. Tie a bow from twill and adhere to the top of the ornament. Tie two bells with natural twine and adhere to the top of the bow. Cut a banner end to a cream cardstock strip, and distress ink the edges. Stamp the sentiment to it, then wrap the left side around a stick pin. Adhere to the front, tucked slightly behind the ornament. Thread two buttons with twine and adhere to the upper right corner to finish.

Some of the other Lawn Fawn designers have come up with some fabulous holiday projects as well! Be sure to visit their blogs for some lovely inspiration!

Julie Campbell
Latisha Yoast
Tiffany Johnson

Nichol Magouirk

Thanks for joining us for a Very Fawny Holiday!! We hope that you have enjoyed this week of inspiration!! On a more personal note...I downloaded the Breaking Dawn soundtrack this week and have been listening to it nonstop! Totally loving it...the Bruno Mars song is fab, but I am most in love with the song "Turning Page" by Sleeping At Last. LOVE!! Have a great rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I've Used Today:
-Cards & Things challenge #95- sketch

-Moxie Fab World challenge- Championing Award Medallions

-Flourishes Release Week challenge- Snowy Delights

-Simon Says Stamps challenge- Photo Inspiration- poppy field

-Inky Impressions #32-Glitter It Up

-Paper Issues- Snow Day!!

-Really Reasonable Ribbon challenge #35- Christmas

-There She Goes #129- Holiday Projects

-Papertake Weekly Challenge- First Christmas

-Top Tip Tuesday #59- Christmas

Lawn Fawn Holiday Inspiration Week: "Making Frosty Friend"

2011-11-07T11:24:00.002-07:00

Hey there, everyone! Sorry I haven't been around much in the past week. I have been busy with a couple of engagement shoots, and getting ready for my mom to come home. My little brother came over on Friday night, and my mom's flight arrived Saturday morning. We spent the rest of the weekend together, and Casey went back to Sheridan this morning for work. BUT, he will be back in Missoula permanently soon...which makes me SO happy. My house is going to be full of people, but also full of love...and I am so excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

In place of a new release in November, we are doing an inspiration week using all of Lawn Fawn's holiday stamp sets. There are so many great stamp sets for this time of year, and because they have already been released...we don't want them to be forgotten!!

For A Very Fawny Holiday Day 1, I am showcasing "Making Frosty Friends", which has to be one of my favorite of the latest releases! I decided to focus on the sweet friendship sentiment in the set, and use it with some of my favorite product as of late! While this isn't exactly "Holiday" themed...it does match my Christmas decor!! Tee hee! I have created this card for some challenges as well, which are linked at the bottom of the post. Here is what I created!

"Friends Warm the Heart" supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft, vintage cream)

Paper/Stickers/Lace/Jewel: Glitz Design (Beautiful Dreamer: Stripe, Polka)

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Making Frosty Friends set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Mixed Media: leather)

Seam Binding: The Cat's Pajamas

Brad: GCD Studios
Flowers/Leaves: Prima Marketing

Chipboard: Maya Road

Pearl: Darice Inc.

Glitter: DecoArt

Paint: Making Memories

Instructions: Make card from kraft cardstock. Cut striped paper slightly smaller and adhere. Adhere a cardstock sticker to the bottom of the card. Tie seam binding around the left side of the card. Adhere a matching cardstock sticker to the top of the card. Add a matching bow to the top of the card, and accent the middle with a brad medallion and large pink jewel. Adhere the pink flower to white paper leaves, then adhere both the aqua & pink flowers to the card front. Paint the wings with white paint, and cover the heart with patterned paper. Glitter the wings, then layer both pieces together. Adhere the heart accent to the bottom of the flowers, then accent with a pearl heart. Stamp the sentiment to a vintage cream cardstock strip, then cut banners to each edge. Add a strip of pink lace to the right side of it, then adhere the entire strip to the front using dimensional adhesive.

Please check out the other Lawn Fawn designers who have created some projects using "Making Frosty Friends" & "Bows and Holly"!

Chari Moss

Tiffany Johnson

Teri Anderson

I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~ Lea L.

Lovely Challenge I Used Today

-Viva la Verve! November Week 1- sketch
-Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger- beads & baubles (photo inspiration)

-The Ribbon Reel challenge #14- color (hot pink, turquoise, cream)

-Colour Create challenge #83- color (deep pink, torquoise, ivory)
-Christmas Stampin' All Year Long- favorite sketch (linked above)

-Truly Scrumptious #69- bingo card (Two Rows: Lace/Brads/Glitter & Lace/Flowers/Ribbon)

-Secret Crafters Saturday challenge #159- flowers, ribbon, & lace

-Challenge Up Your Life #156- friendship

I Wish I Could Backspace

2011-10-27T09:59:00.000-06:00

Happy Thursday, everyone! I hope that you have had a great morning so far! Josh & I spent the day together yesterday, then went to church last night. Our close friends who have just recently gotten engaged have both sets of their parents in town right now, so we went over to their apartment to hang out with everyone and have some yummy pizza! It was a great day!

I have my card for CPS Sketch #241 this week, where we are being sponsored by My Favorite Things. I adore this stamp company, and their stamps & dies are amazing!! I have created my card for some other challenges as well...which will be linked at the bottom. Here is what I created:

"I Wish I Could Backspace" supplies:

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (raven, kraft) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

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

Tag: Making Memories
Stamps/Dies: My Favorite Things (Just My Type set)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

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

Ribbon: Pebbles Inc.

Twine: May Arts

Button: craft supply

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Instructions: Make card from black cardstock. Cut texted paper slightly smaller and adhere to the front. Cut a strip of damask paper, and layer to the left side. Distress ink the edges of a tag, and adhere to the middle. Distress ink a doily and layer on top of the tag. Diecut the typewriter and paper, then distress ink the paper cut. Stamp the image & sentiment to each piece, then adhere them together. Layer the stamped image to the top of the doily. Tie a bow from brown ribbon, and a double bow from twine. Layer the two bows together, then thread a button around the middle using twine. adhere the bow to the right corner of the typewriter. Add three pearls to the lower left corner of the typewriter to finish.

Well, that is everything I have to share today! I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-CPS Sketch #241

-ODB Shining The Light challenge #81- use three different shapes

-The Kraft Journal #42- anything goes

-Creative Belli #129- 1234 (1 button, 2 bows, 3 pearls, 4 paper layers)

-Inky Impressions #30- anything goes

-Simon Says Stamp challenge- anything goes

Let Us Be Grateful...

2011-10-26T10:29:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope that you are having a great middle of your week! My hubby has the day off today instead of his usual Friday, so we are going to hang out together and do some errands/fun things. That should be nice!

I have a very clean and simple card to share with you today! I love that the sentiment on this card can easily be used for friendship, but it also has a "give thanks" feel to it for this fall season. I also picked colors that were appropriate for the season as well. Here is what I created!

"Let us be Grateful..." supplies:

Cardstock/Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Dot Spot & YOF: Morning Glories sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: violet, amber) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Twine: Darice Inc.

Flowers: Recollections
Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions: Make card from white cardstock, then round the bottom corners. Stamp the three dotted circles to the front, then stamp the sentiment below them. Tie a twine bow and adhere it to the middle. Add three opposite colored flowers to each stamped circle to finish.

Well, I better get going for now! I want to go and spend the day with my hubby! Have a great one! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-Clean & Simple FTL #163- sketch

-Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday challenge- color (orange, purple)

-Crazy 4 Challenges #110- one-layer, CAS

-One Stop Craft challenge #154- no designer paper

-Creative Inspirations #135- color (orange, black, purple)

Brrr...Warm Wishes!!

2011-10-24T16:09:00.000-06:00

Hey there, everyone!! I hope that you had a wonderful rest of your weekend and a great start to your week! There is definitely a chill in the air and the fall colors have settled in up here in Missoula. The colors are beautiful, and I will be shooting some engagement sessions in them very soon (like- this week or it isn't going to happen! Tee hee!). I also hope that the colors will last just a couple more weeks until my mom is home, because I want to get some family photos of us all together. We shall see if that happens or not...the fall colors go QUICKLY in this area!

I know this is something that many don't want to hear, but winter is definitely on its way. So, I decided to break out one of the winter collections from last year and create a lovely card all about this season! I have created it for some challenges as well, and those will be listed at the bottom. This card is actually fairly flat....it is rare that I create a card that can fit in an envelope!! Tee hee! Here is what I made:

"Brrr...Warm Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season" supplies:
Cardstock: Coredinations (blue) & Papertrey Ink (smooth white)

Paper/Chipboard: Bo Bunny (Midnight Frost 6x6 paper pad)
Stamps: WPlus9 (Winter Wishes & Christmas Wishes sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: midnight, smoke blue)
Lace: craft supply

Jewels: Glitz Design

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions: Make card from blue cardstock, then round the bottom corners. Cut white paper slightly smaller, then round the bottom corners. Wrap lace around the middle, then adhere to the card front. Cut a strip of white cardstock, then round the bottom corners. Stamp the sentiment to it, then add the chipboard letters below. Adhere to the card front, and then accent the corner with chipboard snowflakes. Stamp the snowflakes to the top of the card, then add the bigger chipboard snowflake to the middle. Accent with jewels to finish.

Well, that is everything I have to share with you today. I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day!! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-Bo Bunny Card Challenge Tuesday- sketch

-Creative Inspiration challenge #134- monochromatic

-Wee Memories challenge #73- free for all

-Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge #112- show time in some form (seasons)

-Cupcake Craft Challenge #165- denim & lace

Witch's Brew

2011-10-22T10:04:00.001-06:00

Happy Saturday, everyone!! I hope that your weekend is off to a good start so far. We have a good friend of ours in from Salt Lake City right now, and last night we had a bunch of his family over and ate tons of Papa Murphy's pizza, chatted, and had a movie on for all the kids. It was a great night!!

I have my card to share for CPS Sketch #240 this week, where we were sponsored by Clearsnap. This week we featured their new Colorbox Premium Dye ink by Stephanie Bernard. The prize this week is a collection of 8 colors of these dye inks....and you still have time to create a card with the sketch and link up to it!! The winner is normally picked when the next sketch goes up...so get to creating!! Here is the card that I created...all challenges it is for will be listed at the end of the post!

"Witch's Brew" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (black) & Papertrey Ink (kraft, vintage cream)

Paper: Echo Park (The Apothecary Emporium 6x6 paper pad)

Vellum: The Paper Company

Stamps/Dies: Papertrey Ink (Friendship Jar & Friendship Jar Fall Fillers sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Dye: licorice)

Lace/Button: craft supply

Ribbon: Bo Bunny & Michael's brand

Twine: May Arts

Flowers: Recollections

Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions: Make card from kraft cardstock, then round the opposite corners. Cut two squares of paper, round the opposite corners and adhere to the front. Wrap black lace around the middle. Cut a square of black cardstock and round the opposite corners. Do the same to a slightly smaller block of damask patterned paper, add two ribbon tabs to the top of it, and adhere to the black block. Adhere the entire block to the card front. Diecut & stamp the jar to vellum, then adhere a black label to the front of it. Adhere the jar to the orange block. Stamp the lid to dotted paper and cut out. Wrap lace around the bottom of it, and then wrap twine right above that. Stamp the tag & sentiment to cream cardstock, cut out and adhere to the lid. Tie a double bow from twine, thread a button around the middle and adhere to the top of the tag. Adhere the entire lid to the top of the jar, and then accent with fabric bats. Add two paper flowers to the bottom of the jar to finish.

Well, I am going to go enjoy some college football with the hubby! I hope you have a wonderful Saturday!! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today:

-CPS Sketch #240

-The Kraft Journal #41- spooky stuff

-Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #140- Halloween

-Papertake Weekly challenge- spooky hues

-Inky Impressions #29- Halloween Spooky

-Papercraft Star #67- trick or treat

-PaperPlay challenge #42- use black

-Raise the Bar #80- orange & black

-Stampin' for the Weekend #19- spooky

Friends Warm the Heart

2011-10-21T11:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday, everyone!! We have made it to the weekend!! Yay!! It is a gloomy, rainy day here in Missoula... our fall is going quickly and before you know it, winter will be upon us. I love winter for the first little bit...and then it just starts to get old. Tee hee! I love Montana though, and will take the winters so I can have the summers.

I am back today to share a card I did for the Two Peas "Stamping A to Z" event. My card is for today's letter.... "L is for Lawn Fawn". I created a cute little winter themed friendship card using "Making Frosty Friends", which went perfectly with some Glitz Design "Beautiful Dreamer" papers. I created this for some challenges as well, and those will be linked at the end of the post. Here is what I made!

"Friends Warm the Heart" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (smooth white)

Paper/Lace/Pom Trim: Glitz Design (Beautiful Dreamer: floral, polka, houndstooth, stripe)

Doily: Wilton

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Making Frosty Friends)
Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

Twine: May Arts

Button: craft supply

Glitter: Doodlebug Designs

White Poms: Darice Inc.

Colored Pencil: Advantus Inc.

Sewing Machine: Brother

Thread: Coats & Clark

Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft

Diecut Cartridge: Plantin Schoolbook

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from white cardstock. Cut pink paper slightly smaller and sand the edges. Cut a 4" circle from aqua heart paper using your Cricut Expression. Cut the circle in half, sand the edges and layer to the bottom of the pink block. Fold a doily in half, and adhere to the top of the pink block. Zig zag stitch along the seam, and then adhere the entire block to the front. Cover a chipboard heart in houndstooth paper, and sand the edges. Then cover it in chunky glitter, and adhere to the front. Stamp the snowman to white cardstock, cut out and color in the nose. Stamp the scarf and hat to patterned papers, and cut out. Layer to the snowman, then adhere it to the card front. Accent the hat with a twine bow, button and pink pom. Cut banner edges to a strip of striped paper and then sand the edges. Stamp the sentiment to it, adhere a strip of lace to the bottom of it, and then adhere to the front. Accent the sentiment banner with white poms to finish.

I will be back tomorrow with my CPS sketch card for the week!! I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day today. ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I used Today:

-Viva la Verve October Week 2- sketch

-Ooh La La Creations challenge #91- let it snow

-Top Tip Tuesdays challenge #56- layer it

-Fan 'n' Funky challenge #95- distressed or torn

-Christmas Stampin' All Year Long- sparkles

-Clearly Inspired challenge #38- pink

-Totally PaperCrafts challenge #89- layer upon layer

October Key Ingredients Blog Hop

2011-10-20T09:00:00.004-06:00

Happy Thursday, everyone!! It is the 20th of the month, which means it is time for the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients blog hop!! The October Key Ingredients kit is full of gorgeous Crate Paper "Farmhouse" collection, and the rich colors & patterns are perfect for the fall season we are in right now. But the great thing about the papers is that they are very versatile, and can really be used for any sentiment and theme.

The kit also includes a fabulous strip of frilly orange blooms...and those are probably my FAVE part of the kit this month. They come on a strip of netting, but as you will see on my card...you can easily cut them off the netting and use each bloom by itself. That way they can make multiple cards, rather than just one or two.

I have created my card for some challenges as well, and those will be listed at the bottom. Here is what I created!!

"Give Thanks" supplies:
Cardstock/Paper/Ribbon/Flower/Brad: Taylored Expressions October Key Ingredients kit

Stamps: Taylored Expressions (Celebrate Life set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: leather)

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

Instructions: Make card from light green cardstock. Cut floral paper slightly smaller, and adhere a strip of orange paper to the bottom of it. Tie ribbon around the seam, and then adhere a flower & brad to the center of the bow. Cut a banner end to cream cardstock, then distress ink the edges. Stamp the sentiment to the banner, and then adhere slightly tucked into the floral accent. Adhere the entire floral block to the card front using foam adhesive.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Key Ingredients designers have created for today's blog hop...it is sure to be a treat!

If you aren't subscribed to the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit and would like to, be sure to head on over to the Subscription Page! I hope that you have a great rest of your day!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I used Today:
-Sketchbook Saturday challenge #33
-The Ribbon Reel challenge #13- pretty pastel florals
-Wee Memories challenge #72- holiday madness
-Stamptacular Sunday challenge #134- anything goes

Taylored Expressions October "Blast from the Past" Blog Hop

2011-10-19T09:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday, everyone!! Can you believe that it is the middle of the week already?! I feel like time has flown so far this week!!

Today I am participating in the October "Blast from the Past" blog hop by Taylored Expressions! I used the October Key Ingredients kit for it, which was a perfect fit! It is such a fun little kit to get in the mail every month, and even better...it is completely geared towards card makers!!

The theme for this blog hop is Trick or Sweet, but I had to fudge just a little bit. I don't have a Halloween stamp set from Taylored Expressions, but I do have a fall/Thanksgiving theme set, and a sentiment set that allowed the card to be considered a Halloween card. Nothing spooky, but still a pretty little pumpkin and sweet sentiment to match! I have created it for some other challenges as well, and those will be linked at the bottom. Here is what I came up with!

"You're the Pick of the Patch" supplies:
Cardstock/Paper/Brads/Ribbon: October Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit

Buttons: September Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit

Jewels: August Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit

Stamps: Taylored Expressions (Celebrate Life & A Year of Sweet Sentiments sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: leather)

Twine: May Arts

Border Punch: Fiskars (Upper Crest)

Instructions: Make card from cream cardstock. Cut orange patterned paper slightly smaller, then adhere a block of cream cardstock across the middle of it and green leaf paper to the top. Punch an upper crest border to white patterned paper, adhere below the cream cardstock and then cover the seam with orange ribbon. Cut a banner edge to white patterned paper, and then stamp the sentiment to it. Adhere to the left side of the cream cardstock block, going slightly over the left edge of the card. Stamp the pumpkin directly to the card front, and to orange patterned paper. Cut out orange pumpkin layer, and adhere to the card front. Cut two green leaves from patterned paper and adhere to the bottom of the pumpkin. Tie a bow from twine, thread a button around the middle and adhere to the top of the leaves. Accent the pumpkin swirls with jewels. Cut three pennants from brown patterned paper, and then adhere a brad to the middle of each one. Thread the pennants onto a string of twine, and adhere to the upper left corner of the card. Add two bows to each corner, and then accent the middles with small brad tops to finish.

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I used Today:

-Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge #139

-City Crafter challenge #79- harvest festival

-Little Red Wagon #103- fall themed

-Really Reasonable Ribbon challenge #34- fun 4 fall

Stamper's Dream Final Blog Hop

2011-10-18T05:00:00.004-06:00

Good Tuesday morning, everyone!! I hope that you had a wonderful rest of your weekend, and a great start to your week!! Today's post comes with a little bit of sadness, but also happiness for the owner of Stamper's Dream. Michelle has decided that it is time to focus more on living her life, and will be closing down Stamper's Dream. I have had a great time being a team member this year, and I wish Michelle all the best in the future!! This will be the last blog hop that we participate in, so be sure to hop along and leave everyone a little bit of love!

Everything in the store is 20% off with the coupon code Farewell2U. Just enter on the checkout page in the coupon section and it will take 20% off the lowest marked price of the items in your shopping cart! There is a $20 minimum to activate the coupon, and there will be no free shipping during the liquidation.

I decided to create a festive Christmas card for this blog hop! Of course, I have created it for some challenges...and those will be listed at the bottom! Here is what I created!

"Tis the Season" supplies:

Cardstock: Coredinations (red) & Bazzill Basics (kraft)

Paper: My Mind's Eye (Lost & Found Christmas 6x6 pad) & GCD Studios (Scandia Jul: Scandinavian Holiday Stripe)

Stamps: JustRite Stampers (Deck the Halls & Merry and Bright sets)

Ink: Close to my Heart (Pigment: vanilla cream) & Clearsnap (Pigment: truffle)

Ribbon: Michael's brand

Felt embellishment: Making Memories

Button: Fancy Pants

Twine: May Arts

Glitter: Doodlebug Designs

Ornament die: Spellbinders (2010 Heirloom Ornaments)

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions: Make card from red cardstock. Cut text paper slightly smaller, and adhere to the front. Cut a strip of red dot paper, and adhere to the right side of the card. Stamp the ornament to kraft cardstock, then diecut. Pull the button off the snowflake, glitter it, then adhere the button back to the middle. Adhere the entire snowflake accent to the middle of the stamped ornament, then adhere it to the right side of the card. Tie a bow from dotted ribbon, thread a button around the center of it with twine, then adhere to the top of the ornament. Cut a banner edge to a strip of text paper, stamp the sentiment to it and adhere it slightly tucked under the left side of the ornament.

Don't forget to go hopping along to each designer's blog for some lovely inspiration!!
Michelle Rodgers
Becca Feeken
Tosha Leyendekker
Denise Marzec
Laurie Schmidlin
Carolyn King
Amy Sheffer
Arlene Cuevas
Teresa Kline
Jessica Diedrich
Mariana Grigsby
Lea Lawson {you are here!}

Jo Thompson

I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day! I will be back tomorrow with another blog hop...so be sure to come on back! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I used Today:

-Clean & Simple FTL #162- sketch

-CR84FN #40- color challenge (red, brown, kraft)

-Creative Belli #128- chunky glitter

-Christmas Stampin' All Year Long- use polka dots

-Crazy 4 Challenges #109- create for an upcoming holiday

-Wee Memories challenge #72- holiday madness

-Cupcake Craft challenge #164- buttons and bows

-Ooh La La challenge #91- let it snow

A Girl Should be Two Things....

2011-10-16T11:03:00.000-06:00

....classy and fabulous!! Coco Chanel...I couldn't agree with you more. And I don't think this just pertains to the way we dress...I think it is also important in how we act, speak, present ourselves, and treat others. And it doesn't mean being perfect either...because none of us will ever be that. Anyways...I just love that quote, and you will see it on my card today! ;)

Two Peas in a Bucket has an event going on called Stamping A to Z right now, and I am one of the guests for today's post, G is for Glitz Design & Glossy Accents. Of course, I did a project using Glitz Design product for them. You could be one winner of some amazing Glitz Design product (and more!!) this week...just check out the 2Peas event blog that I linked above for details!!

Here is the card that I created for this event. I did create it for some other blog challenges too, and those will be linked at the bottom!

"A Girl Should be Two Things..." supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper/Ephemera/Tulle/Lace/Stamps: Glitz Design (Beautiful Dreamer: Floral, Stripe)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: honey) & Tsukineko (Chalk: pixie dust)

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

Flower: Prima Marketing

Buttons: Doodlebug Designs

Twine: May Arts

Doily die: My Favorite Things

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock, and distress ink the edges. Cut a pink paper block slightly smaller, distress the edges, and adhere to the front. Cut a smaller vintage cream cardstock block, and distress ink the edges. Sand the edges of butterfly ephemera, and adhere a strip of lace to the left side of it. Tie tulle around the bottom of it, accent the middle of the bow with a button, and then adhere the entire piece to the cream cardstock block. Cut a very thin strip of striped paper, and adhere to the right side of the butterfly image. Accent the lace edge with a strip of pink pearls, then adhere the entire block to the card front using foam adhesive. Diecut a doily from vintage cream cardstock, stamp the doily to the middle of it, then distress ink the edges. Thread a button with twine, and adhere to the middle of the doily cut. Adhere the entire cut to the card front, along with a pink flower. Stamp the sentiment label to vintage cream cardstock, cut out, and adhere to the card front as shown. Accent with pink pearls to finish.

So, what do you think?! Beautiful Dreamer pretty much just takes my breath away every time I use it...so gorgeous, and my favorite colors. Sigh- I love it! Tee hee! Well, that is all I have to share with you for now. I will be a guest for this event again this week, so be sure to check back!! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I used Today

-Viva la Verve! October Week 3- sketch

-Ribbon Carousel challenge #24- sparkle & bling

-Tuesday Throwdown #70- think pink

-Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday challenge- fancy trim

-If the Shoe Fits challenge #93- all about women

-Raise the Bar challenge #79- pink is in

-Totally Gorjuss challenge #102- bingo card (flowers, buttons, bows)

Happy Haunting

2011-10-13T10:05:00.003-06:00

Happy Thursday, everyone!! So- can you feel it? The weekend? It's almost here....YAY!! Time for some college football, and staying cozy & warm at home! Hopefully I will get some crafty time in too...weekends seem to be hit or miss with me these days.

I have a fun little Halloween card to share with you today! It is my card for CPS Sketch #239, where we were sponsored by Want 2 Scrap this week. Of course, I created this card for some other challenges, and those will be listed at the bottom. Here is my card!

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

Paper: Echo Park (The Apothecary Emporium 6x6 pad) & October Afternoon (5 & Dime: Wax Bottles)

Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Been Boo'd set)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

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

Ribbon/Twine: May Arts

Lace: craft supply

Ribbon Charm/Jewels: Want 2 Scrap

Pin/Felt ghost: Making Memories

Button: My Mind's Eye

Flowers: Recollections

Embossing Tool: ScorPal

Instructions: Make card from black cardstock. Cut spiderweb paper slightly smaller, and distress ink the edges. Wrap lace and ribbon around the middle of it, then adhere to the front. Cut a 1" by 12" strip of star paper, scor in 1/2" increments, and fold together. Adhere the ends together, then fold into itself and glue to a peice of cardstock to create the larger accordion flower. Do the same steps with a 1" by 6" strip of orange dotted paper. Layer the two accordion folded flowers to the right side of the card, then accent the middles with a felt ghost and twine threaded button. Tie a bow from matching ribbon, thread a jeweled ribbon charm through the middle, and adhere to the left side of the accordion flowers. Cut a banner edge to a cream cardstock strip, distress ink the edges and then stamp the sentiment to it. Wrap the left side around a pumpkin topped pin, and then stick into the top of the bow. Accent the side of the bow with two paper flowers, then add black jewels to the spiderweb paper to finish.

I kind-of love how this turned out. The felt ghost is just so sweet and cute...he reminds me of Casper, the friendly ghost. Tee hee! Well, that is all I have to share with you today! I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day!! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I used Today

-Card Positioning System #239- sketch

-Scor-Pal October challenge- "sweet treat" theme

-City Crafter challenge #78- black & cream

-The Pixie Cottage challenge #91- dark & spooky

-Creative Card Crew- spooky fun

-Cupcake Craft Challenge #163- Halloween

-Wee Memories challenge #71- Hootin' Halloween

-Drunken Stampers challenge #76- Halloween

-Challenge Up Your Life #54- Halloween
-Paper Issues challenge- 31 Days of Halloween
-Simon Says challenge- Halloween or Goth
-Top Tip Tuesday challenge #55- designer paper & handmade flowers

Thankful for You

2011-10-12T11:12:00.003-06:00

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope that your week has been a good one so far! Looks like we are half way to the weekend, which is always a good thing! It is inspiration week for the Taylored Expressions October Key Ingredients kit, and my post went up this morning on the Key Ingredients Blog. If you haven't heard of Key Ingredients, it is a kit geared towards card makers, and comes with beautiful 6x6 patterned papers, matching 8.5x11 cardstock sheets, ribbons, and a package of some type of matching embellishments like brads, buttons, chipboard, etc... You can check out the FAQ Page to answer any questions you might have, and you can Subscribe Here if you think it is a kit that you would like to get every month!!

The October kit features papers from the Crate Paper "Farmhouse" collection, which are full of rich color and beautiful patterns. They work wonderfully for Fall or Thanksgiving themed projects, but would also work for so many other occasions. I love it when patterned paper can serve many functions...it gives it even more value. And in this economy...value and "bang for your buck" is a good thing! Here is the card that I created...and the challenges that I've created it for are listed below.

"Thankful For You" supplies:

Cardstock/Paper/Ribbon/Flower/Brad: Taylored Expressions October Key Ingredients kit

Stamps: Taylored Expressions (Celebrate Life set)
Border Die: Taylored Expressions (Medium Scallop)

Buttons: Taylored Expressions September Key Ingredients kit

Jewels: Taylored Expressions August Key Ingredients kit

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: leather)

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

Twine: May Arts

Felt: Papertrey Ink

Pin: Maya Road

Instructions: Please see my Key Ingredients blog post.

I really love how this card turned out...especially because I broke out of my norm of Fall themed cards using mainly oranges, yellows and browns only. Well, that is all I have for you right now! I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day!! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today

-Mojo Monday #210- sketch

-The Shabby Tea Room #83- inspiration photo (use colors & flowers)

-PaperPlay challenge #40- autumnal colors

-Fussy and Fancy Friday challenge- fall or halloween

-Stampin' for the Weekend challenge #18- colors of autumn

-For Fun challenge- pumpkins, no faces

-Fab 'n' Funky challenge #94- fall colors
-Papercraft Star challenge #66- include a leaf

"My Cup of Tea": Lawn Fawn Inspiration Week

2011-10-11T22:01:00.002-06:00

Good evening, everyone! Welcome to the last night of October's Lawn Fawn inspiration week! Tonight we are showcasing the new set "My Cup of Tea"....I am sure you can guess the theme. Tee hee! I combined the set with two others in order to really customize the sentiment.

I should preface this by saying that my mom loves ALL dishes. I don't think she has ever met one she didn't like...well, unless it had a chip. Tee hee! She also LOVES beautiful teapots and matching teacups and/or mugs, depending on the style. When I saw this stamp set, I immediately thought of her. So, I wanted to make this card in honor of my wonderful mama...so the sentiment had to be just for her!

The challenges that I created this for will be listed and linked at the bottom of my post. Here is what I came up with!

"Love You, Mom!" supplies:

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

Paper: Glitz Design (Dance in Sunshine: Polka, Damask)

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (My Cup of Tea, Say Cheese Too! & Sophie's Sentiments sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: eggplant, marigold, leather)

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

Lace/Button: craft supply

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Twine: May Arts

Flowers: Recollections

Jewels: Doodlebug Designs

Glitter: DecoArt

Label die: Spellbinders (Fancy Tags Three)

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions: Make card from purple cardstock. Cut damask paper slightly smaller, then cover the top with yellow dotted paper. Wrap green crocheted lace around the middle, then adhere to the front. Fold ribbon ends as shown, then adhere to the middle of the lace. Diecut the label from cream cardstock, distress ink the edges and adhere to the middle. Tie a double bow from twine, thread a button around the middle and then adhere to the lower left corner of the label. Stamp the teapot to cream cardstock, cut out and cover in glitter. Adhere the teapot to the label, overlapping the twine bow, then stamp the hearts coming from the spout. Cut a banner edge to a cream cardstock strip, distress ink the edges and stamp the sentiment to it. Adhere below the label, and then accent the left side with two paper flowers. Add purple jewels to the label to finish.

So, this stamp set begs the question... what is your favorite kind of tea? I live in Montana, so I am a lover of hot drinks when it is cold outside- which is a LARGE portion of the year. Apparently I am very "British" when it comes to how I prefer my tea...because unless it is mint or orange tea- I prefer cream and a bit of sugar (splenda) in mine. My latest tea fave is this cinnamon tea I picked up in Kenya. There aren't many just plain cinnamon teas out there that I fancy...but I LOVE this one. I will be so sad once it is all gone...which means I will just have to plan another trip to Kenya! Tee hee! I have this coconut chai tea that really love too, and it is decaf. And I can't forget the one forever favorite- Constant Comment orange tea. My girlfriends and I used to sit in Perkins for hours, just chatting, eating a slice of pie and making as many cups of tea possible with the one teabag we each had. Such good memories from high school and college.

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

Chari Moss

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!!

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today

-Frosted Designs Card Sketch #3

-Stampin' Royalty challenge #92- color (old olive, more mustard, so saffron, elegant eggplant)

-Lawnscapings challenge #19- add dimension

-Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge- recipe (yellow, ribbon/lace, flowers, buttons)

-Ribbon Carousel challenge #24- sparkle & bling

-The Stamping Boutique challenge #17- someone special (my mom!)

"Sally's ABCs": Lawn Fawn Inspiration Week

2011-10-10T22:01:00.000-06:00

Good evening, everyone!! Welcome back to day 2 of the October Lawn Fawn inspiration week!! Tonight we are showcasing a new alphabet set called "Sally's ABCs". This alpha set is perfect for Christmas and holiday cards...it just has that certain feel to it!! It also works really well with the other alphabet stamp sets in the Lawn Fawn collection, as you will see on my card!!

I did create my card for some challenges, and those will be listed at the bottom of the post. Here is what I came up with using "Sally's ABCs" stamp set!

"Jesus is the Reason" supplies:

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

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

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Sally's ABCs and Smitty's ABCs sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: evergreen, alabaster)

Distress Ink/Blending tool: Tim Holtz

Vintage Image: Crafty Secrets

Flowers/Vine: Prima Marketing

Lace: craft supply

Jewel: Doodlebug Designs

Doily die: My Favorite Things

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from red cardstock and ink the edges. Distress ink a strip of lace and then wrap around the bottom of the card. Cut green damask paper slightly smaller and sand the edges. Diecut the doily from cream cardstock, distress ink the edges and adhere to the bottom of the paper block. Sand the edges of the vintage image and adhere to the top of the doily. Adhere the silver vine to the right side of the image, then cover the bottom with a floral accent. Add a jewel to the middle of the flower. Cut a banner edge to cream cardstock, distress ink the edges and stamp the sentiment to it. Adhere right below the vintage image, with the right side tucked into the flowers. Adhere the entire damask block to the card front using foam adhesive to finish.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Lawn Fawn gals have come up with using "Sally's ABCs"!! ♥♥♥

Chari Moss

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 THREE sets!!

Winter Fox

Sally's ABCs

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today

-Sketchbook Saturday challenge #32- sketch

-Stamptacular Sunday challenge #133- distressing

-Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge #110- anything goes

-One Stop Craft challenge #152- anything goes

Hello, My Friend

2011-10-10T15:45:00.000-06:00

Hey there, everyone! So- I created a card this afternoon that isn't for any DT work & such....and decided that I needed to share it right away! For one, I created it for some challenges that will be ending soon, and second- I don't often have a lot of time to create something "just because" these days. I always seem to be working on some assignment or deadline...so it was kind-of nice to just take a minute to grab whatever I wanted to use and go to town!

Like I said before, I did create this with some challenges in mind...and those will all be listed at the bottom. Here is what I created with some of my extra time today!!

"Hello, My Friend" supplies:

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (black) & Papertrey Ink (kraft)

Paper: October Afternoon (Cherry Hill: cookie jar)

Doily: Wilton

Stamps/Dies: My Favorite Things (Just My Type set)

Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)

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

Ribbon/Twine: May Arts

Button: Papertrey Ink

Flowers: Recollections

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions: Make card from black cardstock. Cut kraft cardstock slightly smaller, distress ink the edges and adhere. Cut dotted paper slightly smaller, distress ink the edges, wrap black lace around the top and adhere. Distress ink a doily and adhere to the upper left corner. Diecut and stamp the typewriter to kraft cardstock, and adhere to the doily. Tie a gingham bow, thread a button around the middle with twine, and adhere to the upper right corner of the stamped typewriter. Add two flowers to the lower left corner of it. Cut a banner from kraft cardstock, distress ink the edges and stamp the sentiment to it. Adhere the sentiment banner to the lower right corner of the card, then accent with black pearls to finish.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and checking out my card!! I hope that you like it! If you are looking for my Lawn Fawn inspiration week post, it is the post right after this one....so just scroll on down!! ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I used Today

-My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club #40- sketch

-CASE Study #60- card inspiration (inspired by colors minus the blue, & distress inking)

-The Kraft Journal Make It Monday #40- use a die cut

-Creative Inspirations challenge #132- friendship

"Winter Fox": Lawn Fawn Inspiration Week

2011-10-09T22:01:00.003-06:00

Hey there, everyone!! Today starts inspiration week for Lawn Fawn!! Today we are showcasing the little mini set called "Winter Fox", which is super cute!!

This set is similar to one we released last year called "Winter Bunny", and could actually be used together in a really cute way! I decided to focus only on "Winter Fox", and here is what I came up with! {Challenges will be posted at the bottom.}

"Warm Winter Wishes" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (red, blue) & Papertrey Ink (kraft, white)

Paper: Prima Marketing (North Country 6x6 paper stack)
Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Winter Fox and Frosties sets)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white, cranberry, antique pewter)
Chipboard star: Rusty Pickle

Twine: May Arts

Button: Papertrey Ink

Jewels: Creative Imaginations

Paint: Making Memories

Glitter: Doodlebug Designs

Doily die: My Favorite Things

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions: Make card from red cardstock. Cut kraft block slightly smaller, then stamp sentiment and snowflake background to it. Adhere a dotted strip of paper to the left side, and then adhere the entire block to the card front. Diecut the doily from blue cardstock. Stamp the fox to the doily, and all the paper layers needed. Cut out each section, layer together, and adhere the fox to the doily. Adhere the entire doily to the front of the card, just above the sentiment. Paint a chipboard star, cover in chunky glitter and adhere to the front. Tie a double bow from twine, thread a button around the middle, and adhere to the middle of the star. Accent the fox's mug and the top of the dotted paper strip with jewels to finish.

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

Chari Moss

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 THREE sets!!

Winter Fox

Until later,

~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I used today

-Freshly Made Sketches #5

-Papercraft Star challenge #65- color (red, blue)

-Raise the Bar challenge #78- furry friends

-Totally PaperCrafts challenge #87- animals

-Our Daily Bread "Shining the Light" challenge #79- make your own embellishment (the star)

-Secret Crafter Saturday challenge #155- sparkle

WCMD Halloween Challenge winner!!

2011-10-09T17:31:00.000-06:00

Hi there everyone! Just a quick post today to reveal the winner of my Halloween challenge for WCMD, and of the "A Pocketful: Halloween" WPlus9 stamp set! Without further ado, the winner is......

Congratulations Christine MacLaren!! Please email me your shipping information to jnllawson @ bresnan.net (sorry about the spaces, but I don't need to get any more spam than I already do), and I will get your stamp set sent on to you!

Thanks for everyone who played along...I loved seeing your creations!! And thanks to Dawn & WPlus9 for offering up this fun stamping prize!

Until later,
~Lea L.

Many Thanks

2011-10-06T19:33:00.001-06:00

Hey there, everyone!! Have you had a great day so far? I certainly hope so! We had to get up EARLY to do our monthly mission's fundraising project this morning in the icky rain...and ever since then I have been exhausted. So- needless to say, it hasn't been the most productive day for me. But that's okay...everyone needs to have days like that!

I have my card to share with you for CPS Sketch #238, where we were sponsored by The Cat's Pajamas this week. I also created my card for some other challenges, and those will all be listed at the bottom of this post. Here is what I created!

"Many Thanks" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper/Epherma: Glitz Design (Dance in Sunshine: Birds, Polka, Floral, Damask)

Stamps: The Cat's Pajamas (Nesting set) and Lawn Fawn (Many Thanks set)

Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: honey, lilac, celadon)

Distress Ink/Blending Tool: Tim Holtz (antique linen)
Seam Binding/Banner Dies: The Cat's Pajamas

Flowers: Recollections

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Buttons: Basic Grey

Twine: May Arts

Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Sewing Machine: Brother

Thread: Coats & Clark

Sandpaper

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock, then distress ink the edges. Distress ink the edges of a purple paper block, and three strips of patterned papers. Adhere the three smaller strips to the middle of the card. Zig zag stitch along the edges of the purple block, and along each seam of the paper strips. Adhere the entire stitched block to the card front. Distress ink the edges of a texted paper block, and stamp the nest to the lower left corner. Adhere the stamped block to the top of the card. Diecut the banners, sand the edges of each piece and layer together. Adhere each banner to the bottom of the heart epherma, and adhere to the top of the card. Thread three buttons with twine, and adhere to the hearts. Stamp the silhouetted bird to cardstock, cut out, and adhere to the right side of the stamped nest. Tie a double bow from cream seam binding, and adhere to the lower left side of the stamped nest, then accent the middle with paper flowers. Cut a banner edge to a vintage cream cardstock strip, distress ink the edges and stamp the sentiment to it. Accent with three pearls, then adhere to the card front to finish.

Time is running out on the WCMD Halloween themed card challenge taking place on my blog as well!! You have until 11:59pm tomorrow to participate, and up for grabs is a WPlus9 stamp set!! CLICK HERE for the challenge post and details!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today

-Card Positioning Systems #238- sketch

-The Sisterhood of Crafters- silhouette style stamps

-Truly Scrumptious challenge #67- distressing

-Little Red Wagon challenge #101- thank you sentiment

-Fab 'n' Funky challenge #93- diecuts or punches

-Ribbon Carousel challenge #23- anything goes

WPlus9 October 2011- Group Post

2011-10-04T22:01:00.003-06:00

Hey there, everyone!! Well, today is the day! You can purchase all of the new WPlus9 stamps, and don't forget about the free "Dear Santa" set with a $30+ purchase!! Such an awesome deal...you won't want to miss out. For the final day of release week, we have our group post...which I just LOVE! I love seeing a project from each DT member on Dawn's blog together...so many different styles encompassed!!

I did create my card for some challenges, but I have decided to change my post format and share them at the bottom. That way it will be easier to see each challenge, and click on the links. So, just scroll down to see which ones I used!!

For my card- I wanted to combine two of the new stamp sets again- "Fair Isle" and "Winter Wishes". I get just smitten with winter themed stamps, especially ones with cute little mitties. Living in Montana, I wear winter clothing far longer than anything else...so I am all about owning super cute outerwear! So, I love that these stamps emulate how I feel about that!! Tee hee! Here is my card:

"Sending Warm Winter Wishes" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)

Paper/Lace Trim: Glitz Design (Beautiful Dreamer: houndstooth)

Stamps: WPlus9 (Fair Isle & Winter Wishes sets)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: truffle, sky blue) & Tsukineko (Pigment: pixie dust)

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

Ribbon: Renaissance by Design

Twine: The Twinery

Pearls: Kaiser Craft

Puff Balls: Darice Inc.

Glitter: Doodlebug Designs

Instructions: Make card from vintage cream cardstock, then distress ink the edges. Ink the edges of a brown paper strip and adhere to the left side of the card. Ink the edges of a pink houndstooth paper block, and adhere to the right side. Cut a strip of vintage cream cardstock and distress ink the edges. Stamp the border to it, adhere lace trim to the left side, and then adhere to the middle of the card. Diecut the doily from vintage cream cardstock, stamp the inside and adhere to the front. Add three pearls to the snowflake border, and a pearl to the middle of the doily. Stamp the sentiment to the lower right corner of the pink paper block. Tie a bow from brown dotted ribbon, and adhere to the left side of the doily. Cover a pink flower in glitter, and adhere to the middle of the bow. Stamp the mittens, cut out, and cover the tops with glitter. Adhere each mitten to a piece of pink twine, put a twist in it and adhere below the bow. Add two pink puff balls to the mittens to finish.

Be sure to check out what the other girls have to share for the group post...I know each project is going to be fabulous! I can't wait to check them out!

I also have a WCMD Halloween themed card challenge taking place on my blog as well!! You could win a WPlus9 stamp set just by participating, so I hope to see some Halloween projects from YOU on the link list!! CLICK HERE for the challenge post, and I can't wait to see what you create!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Lovely Challenges I Used Today
-Pollycraft Monday Challenge #113- sketch
-Cards & Things Color Challenge #90- baja breeze, chocolate chip, blushing bride
-Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge- fussy cutting
-Dutch Dare Card Challenge #132- Bingo card (ribbon, flowers, die cuts)
-Ribbon Carousel Challenge #23- anything goes
-Papertake Weekly Challenge- anything goes