...well, to me anyways!  I have a couple of cards to share with you today!  For the first one, I used FTL 70 from the Clean & Simple Stamping Blog.  I am so happy I found this cute little blog...the sketches are fabulous, as are the projects!  I didn't do a lot of stamping on this one- just the sentiment because I wanted to focus on this cupcake cut from one of my new Cricut cartridges!!  It is called "Sweet Treats", and it is awesome!!  I can't wait to use it more!

Card Instructions: Round the right corners and ink the edges of a block of heart paper with warm red chalk ink.  Adhere to the front of a white card and round those right hand corners.  Ink the edges of a strip of striped paper and adhere to a white cardstock block.  Round the right hand corners of the block and adhere to the front.  Add pink paper frill and aqua dotted ribbon over top of the seam, and accent the top with a bow.  Cut the cupcake layers at 2.5" using the Cricut Expression and Sweet Treats cartridge.  Ink the edges of the frosting and heart cuts.  Layer the cuts together to the white block.  Accent the heart with a glittery brad and the bottom of the cupcake with three jewels.  Stamp the sentiment directly below the cupcake cut with Ladybug pigment ink. 

My next card is made completely from scraps and product that I have been sitting on for awhile!  I think it is always good to focus on using up the scraps in my scrap basket, so I am going to try and make one card per week using only that basket.  My card completes Crazy For Challenges Week 13 to use punches, and it is based, albeit loosely, on Sketch Saturday #79.

Card Instructions: Punch two Apron Lace borders to yellow dotted paper and adhere to the top & bottom of a kraft card base.  Adhere a block of white cardstock to the front.  Round the corners of a block of green dotted paper and adhere to the left side.  Cut rainbows from patterned paper and adhere to the front.  Round the corners of a block of blue dotted paper and white cardstock, and adhere together.  Affix to the front of the card, and stamp the sentiment to it in Scarlet pigment ink.  Stamp the sun above the rainbow paper using Canary pigment ink and adhere a yellow jewel to the middle of it.  Accent with a chipboard cloud and rainbow colored jewels. 

My hubby and I watched this last night:
It was so funny, and has a really sweet ending.  It is a bit crude though, so just to warn you.  If you can get through the crudeness...it is a really great movie!

Still listening to my Christmas music...loving it!  If you haven't heard the song "Mistletoe" by Colbie Caillet...here it is on youtube.  Loving this song!
Hope you like it....love her voice! ♥

Until later,
~Lea

....that I am completely addicted to jewels, and have been for a long time!  Tee hee! :)  Lots of jewels used on this card, and I love it!  I did this for the Caardvarks "Color It!" challenge, and it is also based on The Sweetest Thing Sketch #46.  I decided to paper piece my stamps rather than color them in...I think these stamps look better that way.
"Holiday Cheer" Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper: Bo Bunny
Jewels: Doodlebug Designs, Heidi Swapp, MAMBI, & Prima
Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms (Kim Hughes Collection- Heart Warmers)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment- Brown & Dusty Plum, Chalk- Pink Pastel)
Ribbon: Michael's brand
Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft (circle, scalloped circle)
Embossing Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft
Embossing Folder: Snow Dots by Provo Craft 

Card Instructions: Round the corners and ink the edges of the pink snowflake paper block with pink pastel chalk ink.  Adhere the block to the middle of a white card base.  Dry emboss a block of white cardstock with the Cuttlebug machine and Snow Dots embossing folder.  Round the corners and adhere to the front.  Cut a 4" scalloped circle, and a 3.5" circle using a Cricut Expression and the Storybook cartridge.  Ink the edges of the scalloped circle, adhere to the front, and add a strip of ribbon to it.  Stamp the tree images to the circle with brown pigment ink.  Stamp the same image to two different patterns and cut the tree tops out.  Adhere them to the circle image.  Stamp the sentiment below the trees using Dusty Plum pigment ink.  Adhere the circle to the scalloped circle using foam adhesive to give it some dimension.  Add a bow to the right side of the circle, and accent the entire card with jewels.

As you can see...I am adding something new to my blog- the instructions to my cards.  Not that I think you can't figure it out for yourself, but it might help to know what size diecuts are, which ink I use, etc...  It is also for my benefit...in case I submit them!  So, even if you don't ever use it....I hopefully will! :)

I downloaded this album from iTunes this weekend:
And I have added all my Christmas albums into my iTunes catalog....and have been listening to them all day!  Christmas is my very favorite holiday.  I can't wait to decorate my house, get some baking done, spend time with family and friends....I just love it.  ♥

What are some of your favorite Christmas albums?  I am really enjoying the one above, and I really like the Wow Christmas compilation albums.  I would love some others to check out, so let me know!

My hubby just got home from work, so I am going to go spend some time with him!  I hope that everyone has a wonderful rest of this Sunday! ♥

Until later,
~Lea

Happy Friday evening!  To all you brave black Friday shoppers...I hope your day was blissful.  Mine was...just a lazy day in the quiet comfort of my home.  I don't do well with really large crowds of people, so I don't consider black Friday shopping a fun thing.  Instead, I got my kitchen all cleaned up from our Thanksgiving feast, spent a little time in my craft room, and watched a movie with my dad.  My poor hubby is working from 9a-11p, and then goes back in tomorrow from 8a-8p.  This weekend is always killer for him...I hate that part.  

I have a couple more Autumnal items to share with you before I start getting into Christmas and winter mode!  First up is a card based on Get Sketchy #16.  ANOTHER great sketch site I found while blog surfing...totally loving all the great challenges I am finding! As you can see...I am a little obsessed with this sentiment stamp.  I just adore it!! 

Supply List: 
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper: Basic Grey & Scenic Route
Paper Frill/Jewels: Doodlebug Designs
Stamps: Renaissance By Design (Leaf from Strictly Sentiments, small leaf from Happy Halloween, sentiment from Roots and Wings, & swirlies from Bee-Mail)
Ink: Clearsnap Pigment Ink (Old Rose, Amber, Brown) & Chalk Ink (Maroon, pink pastel)
Ribbon: Renaissance By Design (Chocolate Brown Satin Dot) 
Twine: Darice Inc. 
Buttons: Basic Grey & SEI
Corner Rounder: EK Success

I also did this cute little project for my home.  I have had this cute frame for I don't even know how long...and it has never had anything in it.  I am notoriously bad about that...buying frames and then never putting anything in them.  (This from a photographer...SO bad!)  
Supplies:
Frame: Target
Paper: Basic Grey & Scenic Route
Stamps: Renaissance By Design (links above)
Ink: Clearsnap Pigment Ink (Old Rose, Merlot, Brown) 
Button: Basic Grey
Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft (scalloped square)


I have a couple more little blessings that I am thankful for to share with you.  This may seem odd, but I am so thankful for my experience at Rocky Mountain School of Photography this year.  It was such an amazing five months.  I grew so much as a person, I made so many wonderful friends, and learned more than I think I ever have in such a short time period.  I will forever be changed for the better because of my experience, and I am so grateful for the school, its staff and instructors.  I was lucky enough to make it into the catalog this year, which I included the cover image of (I am not on the cover, I am inside.)  If you go to this link and look at the right side of the page...that is what I have on the inside of the catalog. 
We all did have a little chuckle when we saw the photo they chose from what I submitted.  I am SO not a landscape photographer....and it is the only landscape photo that was part of my submission.  Oh the irony.....


And while being so busy during school, I had totally forgotten that I had some cards in this: 
My designer's copy came in the mail this week, and I was so surprised!  It was a nice surprise though, and the book is gorgeous.  Full of amazing talent....so honored to be a small part of such an amazing group of cardmakers in this world! 

Well, I am going to get going for now.  I hope that your Thanksgiving day was fully blessed.  We had a nice and quiet day...other than heading to Michael's.  I know...I know...but there were two Cricut cartridges that I had to have.  And the crowd wasn't bad at all....I could handle that one! ♥

Until later,
~Lea

Due to a very early cold spell, Montana didn't get much of an autumn.  We normally have a few weeks of beautiful and rich colors, daily changing as the temperature slowly drops.  Unfortunately, the cold snap just caused all the leaves to die and fall off the trees.  But, I am grateful that I was able to travel to the east coast to photograph my friend's wedding, because I got a small glimpse at the beautiful colors of autumn.  It was such a blessing, and it was so gorgeous.  

The card I have to share with you tonight is inspired by the Autumn that I missed in Montana this year.  It is just a reminder to be patient for next year, because the beauty will return!  It is also inspired by this lovely sketch #32 at Unscripted Sketches.  Another fabulous sketch site I found while blog surfing the other day...it is awesome, so check it out! :) 

"Autumn Is A Second Spring..." supplies: 
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper: Basic Grey, Hambly Screen Prints, & Scenic Route
Stamps: Renaissance By Design (Happy Halloween & Roots and Wings)
Ink: Clearsnap Pigment Ink (Merlot, Old Rose, Amber, Brown) 
Ribbon: Renaissance By Design (Sherry Dots)
Twine: Darice Inc. 
Jewels: Doodlebug Designs
Button: Basic Grey 
Pins: Making Memories & craft supply
Corner Rounder: EK Success
Border Punch: Fiskars (Apron Lace)

Alright...I am barely squeaking in to make time on day 3.  Tonight I am going to chat about how grateful I am for these two: 
Our parents.  They say that when you become a parent...you wear your heart on the outside of your body.  I don't think I truly understand this yet, considering I don't have children.  But, I can see that it is true.  Our parents have shared in our joys and triumphs, and felt the pain of our heartaches our entire lives.  We wouldn't be the people we are today without them, and I know I am so very thankful to have them.  
Here we all are at Christmas last year: 
They make holidays special, no matter how big or small.  And they support us in everything we do.  You can't ask for much more, but it seems like they give so much more.  I love them and am so thankful for the blessings that come in the form of my mom and dad.

I have a song to leave you with tonight....it is awesome.  Hope you like it.


Well, I better get going for now.  I hope that if you celebrate Thanksgiving, it is full of love and blessings.  And if you don't...I hope you have a wonderful normal day! ♥


Until later,
~Lea

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I started feeling a bit under the weather yesterday, but today it has decided to hit with full force.  So- my cup runneth over with Day and Nyquil, and I am just going to grin and bare it!  :)  

I have a Thanksgiving card to share with you today.  It is based on Kazan's sketch #40 at 2 Sketches 4 U this week.  Lots of fabulous inspiration this week (as always), so be sure to check it out! 
Here is the card that I came up with.  After rounding the corners and adding the strip of Sassafras paper, I stamped the border at the edge of the paper with vanilla pigment ink.  I set that aside to dry so I wouldn't smudge it, and proceeded to cut a 2" circle and 2 1/4" scalloped circle using my Cricut Expression and the Storybook cartridge.  I stamped the leaf image onto the circle cut using two shades of chalk ink, and then adhered the two circles together.  Added it to the front of the card and accented with ribbon, a bow, and some jewels.  Added the rub-on sentiment...and voila.  Done!

"Blessed & Thankful" supplies:
Cardstock: Scenic Route
Paper: Sassafras & Scenic Route
Stamps: Renaissance By Design (Borderlines & Strictly Sentiments) 
Ink: Close To My Heart (pigment- vanilla cream) & Clearsnap Chalk Ink (warm brown, rose coral, amber clay) 
Ribbon: Renaissance By Design (Raw Silk taffeta edge)
Rub-ons: Creative Imaginations
Jewels: Westrim Crafts
Corner Rounder: EK Success
Diecut Machine (circle, scalloped circle): Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft

On day #2 I am thankful for....Nyquil.  Tee hee!  But every day of my life I am thankful for this guy: 
This might be hard to believe now, but I wanted nothing to do with him when my mom told me she was pregnant.  I was 10, and wanted to be an only child.  Man, was I a selfish little thing, or what?  But then he was born, and I met him...and I fell in love with him.  Life as I knew it would just become better once he was born.  He has made me less selfish, more loving, and so thankful to be his older sister.  I just love this kid.  Often people tell me that Casey is so lucky to have a sister like me.  Honestly...he makes it pretty easy.  And I think I am pretty lucky to have a brother like him.  As you all know...he is an amazing football player.  Here are a few of my favorites from this season of football. 
Nothing like a little thing called "magic light". :)
"And the heavens shined down and declared....yes, you will be an amazing football player."  I would like to say that I just have skill, but the light shining down on Casey was a happy accident.  
I just love the little bit of eye peeking out, right before he took this guy down.  
And this one just shows how FREAKING cold it was that night, and it is a pretty cute pic of the bro.  :) 


So, now I am going to brag on him a little bit.  So far- five colleges in Montana have contacted him about playing football next year.  I think three of the schools are actively recruiting him.  And I am so excited for him!!  His #1 pick is the University of Montana Grizzlies, which also happens to be my Alma mater.  It is his dream, and it is my dream for him that it comes true.  He absolutely has the skill, and has now put in a very successful football season that the coaches have been reading about and watching game film of.  So, now we wait.  And I am certain we will be hearing some good news come the first of they year!  

So, what are some things you are thankful for?  I would love to know!  Well, I am going to get going for now.  I think Nyquil is calling my name.  :)  Hope your night and morning are filled with happiness! ♥

Until later,
~Lea 

I also have a non Thanksgiving themed card to share with you.  My brain has been throwing around this idea with these stamps for awhile now...but I couldn't get the idea to come to fruition.  While blog surfing...I found another keeper of a site called the "Clean & Simple Stamp Blog".  They posted FTL #69 on Friday....and the lights went on! ♥  Love it when that happens!
I used Kitchen Sink's "Plaid Plus" stamp set to stamp the heart stripes on each side of the card.  And then finished off the sentiment with Hero Art's "Sky's The Limit" stamp set.  (One of my faves...BTW.)

Alright...so now to get down to what I am grateful for, day #1.  It is going to sound obvious and cliche...but this year couldn't have happened without it.  I am so grateful for my wonderful husband's support this year.  
We made the decision together that I would attend photography school in January of this year.  It was a leap...emotionally, financially...every "ally" word you can think of.  He was right on board with me from the beginning.  He kept me sane during all the crazy hours I kept.  He cooked for the big BBQ bash we had at the end of summer intensive.  He took care of the dogs at lunch time, which had always been my thing.  He has financially supported us 100% since June.  There is so much more, and he has never batted an eye at any of it.  He did it willing, and in full support of my dream.  What an amazing person I married.  I am so lucky that 7 1/2 years ago I got to say "I do" to him.  Now that I am out of school, he is keeping me motivated on my website, and getting my name out there.  

He also got me this: 
(Not from that place...I took the image off the internet.)  So, here is the story.  When Josh was in Turkey he told me that my Christmas present would arrive while he was gone.  Sure enough....two boxes found their way to my doorstep.  About three days after Josh got home from Turkey, he tells me that they actually aren't my Christmas presents and he wants me to open them.  I declined at first, stating that we didn't need to keep spending money on me.  It would be my Christmas present.  Then he says that what is in the boxes was actually free.  I give him the "whatever" look, but he persisted.  I finally relented, because I knew he would just keep at it.  The boxes opened to reveal a Nikon D700 and battery grip.  I cried.  And I told him that they were not free, because I know full well how much they cost.  He reveals that he cashed in some of his stock options to pay for it, so thus it actually was "free".  And I cried a lot more.  It makes me a little teary just typing it.  Seriously...the man is just amazing.  And I am SO grateful to God that I have him in my life...I am so not worthy.     


And the last thing I am going to leave you with tonight is a music post.  I can admit...I am way behind the times on this one, but I was introduced to a band that I am loving right now.  They are called Augustana, and they rock.  You can totally let me know how behind I am...because you have probably heard their music for forever now! I'm okay with that...I deserve it! ♥  This is one of my favorite songs so far. 


Alright...I am going to get going for now!  Sorry my post is forever long.  I had a lot to say tonight!  Hugs & ♥ to you!

Until later,
~Lea

Well, I was hoping to get some cardmaking done this week...but I have been so busy getting some of my business stuff done instead.  Working diligently on my website....I feel like it is coming along quite nicely.  Can't wait to be able to share it with you!!

So, today I decided I would share the cards that were in the September 2009 issue of Cards Magazine since I don't have anything new to share.  It has been awhile since you have seen them...so hopefully they will still be a little inspiring! :)


Just wanted to give out a little reminder to the winner of my Glitz giveaway to email me.  I haven't heard from Nancy G. yet....so please send me your address so I can get your prize off to you.  If I haven't heard back by this coming Monday...I will draw another winner.

And my little brother, Casey, played his last football game of his high school career last Saturday afternoon.  Unfortunately, they lost to Wibaux last week.  We are SO proud of Casey's season, and really all 4 years of his high school football career.  He has made quite a name for himself in Montana Class C football, and has been noticed by many.  We know that we are going to see Casey out on that football field again at the next level!  Now we wait to find out if he makes All-Conference and All-State.  He should make both...so we are waiting for the good news!!

Well, I have to run to the post office and to Target...so I better get going for now.  I have a senior portrait session in Sheridan tomorrow...should be fun!!  I photographed his older brother last year.

Until later,
~Lea

Thank you all for participating in my Glitzy giveaway last week!! I loved reading which line is your favorite! So without further ado:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

53

Timestamp: 2009-11-16 15:32:06 UTC

Which means this comment is the winner:

Nancy G. said...

Your cards are great. I really like the Olivia line. It's like vintage techno.

November 13, 2009 8:50 AM

Congratulations Nancy G.! Email me your address at jnllawson at bresnan.net. (Sorry...don't need any more junk than I already get.)

I will have another post later today, or tomorrow! Have a great day!

~Lea

Happy Friday everyone! Hope your week has been a wonderful one! I took some senior portaits in Bozeman this week....like hours before it started to snow there- so we got them done right in time! We are going to be leaving for Sheridan in a couple hours for Casey's game tomorrow. This is the semi-finals of the playoffs...and it is going to be a very hard game. But I have faith that they can win it...and make it to the state championship next weekend!! So- if you can, keep my brother and his team in your thoughts the next couple days. Kickoff is at 1pm tomorrow afternoon!

Well, I have wanted to focus on one of Glitz's latest lines today called Plum Crazy. I just adore this line...plum is all the rage these days, and they used it beautifully in this line. Speaking of Glitz Designs...don't forgot that I have a BIG giveaway going on at THIS POST. Be sure to read it and leave a comment in order to win all of the latest Glitz releases. All comments must be made by Sunday at 11:59pm MST. I actually had time to play at 2 Sketches 4 U this week!! This is my card using Kazan's sketch 39...still loving these sketches even though it has been such a long time.


And then I have a small detour....using the Glitz Design's "Detour" line on this card. :) I know...I know. Anyway...this uses the current sketch from the CPS blog, sketch 141. Hop on over and check out all the other cards....they are fabulous!!
Well, I need to get going for now. Have a fabulous weekend, and be cheering for my Panthers if you feel so inclined! :)

Until later,
~Lea

Tonight I have a really fun announcement to make. These cards using Glitz Designs product will give you a little hint....
Well...if you haven't guessed, each of these cards use one of the latest releases by Glitz Designs. And I am here to say that ONE LUCKY WINNER is going to receive a prize to beat all prizes. This lucky winner is going to get two sheets of each paper in the collections, and one sheet of each rub-on and sticker pack. That is a whole lotta prize, if you ask me! :) Here is some eye candy of the Glitz prize....




Have you become a fan of Glitz Designs on Facebook yet? If not, now is your chance! Head on over to the Glitz Designs Facebook Page, and become a fan! It's the best place to find all of the latest Glitz information! You can also find lots of inspiration at the Glitz Designs blog, so be sure to check that out as well.

Now, in order to be eligible for this great prize...all you have to do is leave a comment telling me which of these paper lines is your favorite! No worries though...the lucky winner is getting all of them! I just like to know what everyone else loves! :)

You have until this coming Sunday, November 15th until 11:59pm to leave a comment. I will pick a winner and announce them the next day! Can't wait to hear what your favorite is! In the mean time...keep coming back this week. I have a lot more Glitz-y items to share with you!!

Until later,
~Lea

....how I love thee. :) I don't really purchase or subscribe to any magazines any more, but thank goodness for the internet. What a beautiful cover. And just for a little more pure eye candy...here is an outtake from the same VF shoot. Oh to be the one behind that camera. Something I could totally get used to. Can I apply to be Robert Pattinson's personal photographer? I promise to do a REALLY great job! Tee hee!
And the verdict is in on my favorite song off the New Moon soundtrack! Of course, I love the main song, "Meet Me On The Equinox" by Death Cab For Cuties. But, I always prefer to find a favorite on the album that ISN'T being played all over the radio and television and internet. So, my favorite on the album is called "Possibility" by Lykke Li. The Twilight series lovers all know that this book is all about heartbreak and heartache. I don't think this song could capture that any more perfectly. There is a part of the song that goes, "So tell me when you hear my heart stop. You're the only one that knows. Tell me when you hear my silence. There's a possibility I wouldn't know." I think if you have suffered deep heartache in your life, you totally get those lyrics. Anyways...do you want to hear it? Here is a Youtube video of it...listen to it fast- it probably won't be up for long!

Okay- now onto some crafting stuff. So- I am totally LAME, and didn't get my cute Halloween cards photographed until today. I know, I know. I am SO lame...I totally admit it. But, I don't want to not share them, so here they are.
"October 31st" Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Paper (Basic Grey/Making Memories/My Mind's Eye), Rubons (American Crafts/K & Company), Jewels (Kaiser Craft), Circle Punch (Marvy Uchida), Corner Rounder (EK Success), Ink (Clearsnap).
"For You" Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Paper (Making Memories), Jewels (Basic Grey/Darice), Stamps (Renaissance By Design), Ink (Tsukineko/Clearsnap), Corner Rounder (EK Success).
"Spooky Jack-O-Lantern" Supplies: Paper (Basic Grey/Making Memories/My Mind's Eye), Diecut (My Mind's Eye), Stickers (Making Memories), Chipboard (Maya Road), Button (Doodlebug Designs), Ribbon (Michael's brand), Twine (Darice), Pearls (Kaiser Craft), Ink (Clearsnap), Corner Rounder (EK Success), Sandpaper.
"Halloween Night" Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Paper/Paper Frill/Stickers/Jewels (Doodlebug Designs, Ribbon (Offray).
"Trick Or Treat" Supplies: Cardstock (Prism), Paper/Felt Sticker (Basic Grey), Diecuts (SEI), Jewels (Zva Creative), Ink (Clearsnap), Corner Rounder (EK Success).
"Magic" Supplies: Paper (Making Memories/My Mind's Eye), Diecuts (Little Yellow Bicycle/My Mind's Eye), Rubons (We R Memory Keepers), Jewels (Zva Creative/Westrim Crafts), Ribbon (Renaissance By Design), Ink (Clearsnap), Circle Cutter (Creative Memories).
"Double, Double, Toil & Trouble" Supplies: Paper (Making Memories), Stickers (Glitz Designs), Chipboard (Heidi Swapp/My Mind's Eye), Jewels (Doodlebug Designs), Tulle (craft supply), Ink (Clearsnap).
"Spooky" Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill Basics), Paper (Little Yellow Bicycle), Stickers (Darice/Little Yellow Bicycle), Rubons (Basic Grey), Jewels (Westrim Crafts), Ink (Clearsnap), Corner Rounder (EK Success).

So, forgive me for not posting these BEFORE Halloween! Really.....I am just trying to keep the spooky sweetness going for a bit longer. Tee hee! Enjoy your day!

Until later,
~Lea

PS: Make sure you check my blog this coming Monday. I am having a GINORMOUS giveaway....one lucky winner of a huge lot of new product. More details to come....