Penny Black Christmas & Winter cards

December 22, 2011

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

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
-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

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

December 20, 2011

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

December 18, 2011

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

December 14, 2011

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)
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:
-ColourQ #115- color challenge (real red, glorious green, green galore, regal rose, white)
-Stamptacular Sunday #142- Christmas Glitz
-Raise the Bar #86- Christmas
-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

December 11, 2011

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

December 8, 2011

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
-The Ribbon Reel #16- anything goes
-Cute Card Thursday #194- anything goes

"Love 'n Breakfast": Lawn Fawn Release Week

December 6, 2011

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"!! ♥♥♥

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:
-Wee Memories #78- free for all

The Shabby Tea Room #91- Magic of Christmas

December 4, 2011

**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

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

December 3, 2011

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!
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:
-Ribbon Carousel #31- kraft, red, brown
-Crafty Creations #146- photo inspiration

WPlus9 December 2011- Heartfelt Mix

December 2, 2011

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:
-Cupcake Inspirations #138- photo inspiration
-Wee Memories #77- woodland animals
-Charisma Cardz #47-polka dots
-The Ribbon Reel #16- anything goes

WPlus9 December 2011- Love You More

December 1, 2011

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

November 30, 2011

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:
-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

November 29, 2011

 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)
Ink: Clearsnap (Dye: chocolate)
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:
-Delightful Challenges- red & green
-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

November 20, 2011

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!! 

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!! 
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"

November 9, 2011

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! 
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
-Simon Says Stamps challenge- Photo Inspiration- poppy field
-Inky Impressions #32-Glitter It Up
-Paper Issues- Snow Day!!
-There She Goes #129- Holiday Projects
-Papertake Weekly Challenge- First Christmas