Wedding Mini Card Set

June 30, 2011

Hey there everyone!  I know...two posts in a row!!  I am definitely working on getting my mojo back!!  I have a cute little card set to share with you today.  These cards are 3.5" square, and are often how I decorate gifts for the weddings I attend.  They are also one of the small tools that I use when differentiating myself as a wedding photographer.  I use these mini cards to thank brides that have inquired with me, and I also attach them to the box that the handmade albums are presented in that I include in my high end wedding packages.  These little cards don't cost me much, they don't take much of my time...and I love the handmade feel that they give.  Clients love them!!

I created these cards for a couple of challenges as well.  First up is the Moxie Fab Stamp It! Cards Week challenge, which is to predominately use stamping on your card(s).  Even though these are all very clean and simple cards, they are definitely pretty much all stamping other than the ribbon treatments!!

I also did them for the CAS-ual Fridays Challenge #8: Get Edgy.  While I didn't go crazy creating an edges to my card, the one rounded corner is one of my favorite parts of these teeny cards.  It is a little design element that I often include when doing minis, as it just gives them a little something extra.

And lastly, I created this for Pals Paper Art #100: what's your technique challenge.  I can get carried away layering, accenting, embellishing, etc...on my cards.  So, I LOVE coming back to this one layer, CAS stamping technique to remind myself that not every single card needs to have a world of product on it!!  Without further ado...here are the three cards in this wedding mini set:
 Wedding Mini Card Set supplies: 
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Happily Ever After set)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white)
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Buttons: Jenni Bowlin
Jewel: Glitz Design
Glitter: Ranger Stickles (Star Dust)
Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Instructions:  Make (3) mini cards from kraft cardstock.  Round the bottom right corner of each one.  Tie ribbon around the top of each one, and accent with either a button or jewel.  Stamp the image & sentiment to the lower right corner of the card, and then accent with glitter Stickles to finish. 

Look at that...easy as pie, quick, and beautiful!  I don't know about you...but I am awful about waiting until the last minute to purchase a gift, wrap it and create a card.  These cute little cards take no time, and the couple will love the handmade touch.  

Don't forget that I have a giveaway running until 11:59pm on July 3rd.  Please CLICK HERE to take you to the post where you can follow the commenting instructions, and get the chance to win ALL three of the most current Glitz Design collections!!

I better get going for now!  I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your Thursday!! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,
~Lea L.

Life is Better with Friends

June 29, 2011

Happy Wednesday, everyone!! Wow...I definitely didn't mean to let a week go by without posting anything, but I have felt so uninspired lately.  Which sounds ridiculous, because I have so much wonderful product to work with right at my fingertips.  But my lack of inspiration really has nothing to do with the product, etc...I think it is just me.  I think I just needed a week off.  Which considering above all, even though I work for some amazing companies, this is my hobby...I think taking some time off is okay!  :)

I have a card for Stamper's Dream to share with you today.  It is also my card for CPS Sketch #224, which I am completely LATE getting done.  Please see above for the reason why....  I also used The Shabby Tea Room's challenge #68 {use your fave paper & embellishments} & The Ribbon Reel Challenge #5 {two trims, a brad, summer fruit} as inspiration for it as well!  Here is what I created:
"Life is Better with Friends" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream)
Paper/Paper Layer: Glitz Design (Love Nest: Damask, Polka) 
Stamps: JustRite Stampers (Spread Your Wings & You Are the Best sets)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut, old rose) & Tim Holtz (Distress Ink: Antique Linen)
Ink Blending Tool: Tim Holtz
Doily: Wilton
 Ribbon: Making Memories
Trim: Webster's Pages (rose) & vintage craft supply
Pins: Making Memories &  Maya Road
Brad: vintage craft supply
Pearls: Kaiser Craft
Sandpaper

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock.  Sand the edges of a red polka dot paper block and a pink damask paper block, and layer together.  Distress ink a white doily, and adhere to the top of the paper block.  Sand the edges of a paper layer block, and adhere to the top of the doily.  Wrap cream crocheted trim around the seam, and then adhere the entire block to the card front.  Cut three roses from ribbon trim, and adhere to the bottom of the card.  Tie a bow from cream silk ribbon, and adhere to the middle of the roses.  Add the strawberry brad to the middle of the ribbon, and then accent with two pins.  Stamp the sentiment and banner flag to patterned paper, and then adhere it to the front, tucked in slightly under the strawberry. 

Before I head out, I also wanted to post a little reminder that I have a big Glitz Design giveaway going on at THIS POST.  Be sure to follow the instructions, and get the chance to win all three of the latest collections from Glitz!!

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

Until later,
~Lea L.

Holy 700 followers- giveaway time!!

June 22, 2011

Hey everyone!!  I couldn't believe when I looked over at the followers section on my sidebar, and saw that I have 701 of them!!  I don't really push the whole following thing, and I don't actually pay attention to it much either!  Never in a million years would I have ever thought that I would have over 700 followers of my blog, and it is really flattering.  Humbling.  And I am a little bit awestruck by it.

This whole crafting industry has really made my heart happy.  I love all the amazing people out there who share in this wonderful hobby with me.  I love having "friends" all over the world, and I really hope to be able to make it to another industry show someday so I can meet even more of you in person.  I love all the amazing manufacturers out there, who create this fabulous product that I get to use day in and day out.  Whether I get it via a design team, or I purchase it...I love it all the same.

So, since I am being all sappy...I figured a giveaway would be in order too!!  How about one of every item from all THREE of the latest Glitz Design collections:
 Pretty awesome giveaway, huh?!!  So, how do you go about winning this lovely package?  It is easy peasy!

1.  Since this post is all about Followers...make sure you are a follower of my blog.
2.  Leave me a comment on THIS post telling me what you like most about my blog.  {If you aren't a frequent visitor, then you can just tell me what you like most about the giveaway! Hopefully you will become a more frequent visitor now! Tee hee!}

The comments will stay open until 11:59pm MST on July 3rd.  Since July 4th is a major celebration day for my country, I will post the winner in celebration on July 4th at 12:00pm MST.  All are eligible to win this prize, including international entrants.

Please only leave ONE comment on this post in order to be eligible for the prize.  Multiple comments will be deleted, and not eligible to win.

And once again...thank you for coming along with me on this crafty journey!!  I am happy to have you by my side!!

Until later,
~Lea L. 

You're Simply Amazing

June 21, 2011

Happy Tuesday, everyone!! I hope your day is going wonderfully so far.  I have TWO cards to share with you today!!  I normally don't put more than one card in a blog post, and I should probably just hold on to one to share tomorrow or something...but I just love them both and want to share them NOW!  Tee hee!

My first card is for Stamper's Dream.  I was looking through all my JustRite stamps, and found two sets that I hadn't used yet.  And I LOVE them, so it is a pity that they haven't been inked up yet!!  The sets will be named and linked below, and if you love them...it looks as though there is just ONE of each set left in the store.  So, be sure to head on over and pick them up if you want them!!

It is also my card for CPS Sketch #223 this week, and I also used the Ribbon Reel Challenge #4 (inspiration photo + blue/kraft/black/grey or silver).  Here is what I came up with!
"You're Simply Amazing" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 
Paper: GCD Studios (Ella Blue: Hallie, Tara) 
Stamps: JustRite Stampers (You Inspire Me and Fancy Nested Frames sets)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white, peacock) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black)
Kraft Envelope: Maya Road
Flowers: Making Memories & Prima
Ribbon: Michael's brand
Pearls: Kaiser Craft
Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft
Sandpaper

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock.  Cut three blocks of patterned paper as shown.  Distress ink and sand the edges, then layer to the front of the card.  Ink the edges of a kraft envelope with frost white ink.  Stamp flourishes to the top of the envelope, and in the rounded corners of the flap.  Adhere the kraft envelope to the card front, and then adhere ribbon through the top of it, leaving the flap hanging over it.  Hinge the envelope together, and then accent with pearls.  Tie a bow from the same ribbon, and then cluster together with a brown tulle and white velvet flower in the upper corner of the envelope.  Cut a 2" circle from vintage cream cardstock using the Cricut Expression and Storybook cartridge.  Distress ink the edges, then stamp the flourished circle and sentiment to the middle of it.  Accent the tag with pearls, and then adhere it to the card, tucked up into the flowers & bow.   

My second card of the day uses My Favorite Thing's Wednesday Sketch #24 to help with the design.  I also created it for The Shabby Tea Room #67 (inspiration photo + polka dots and/or gingham).  Here is what I created!  And I had to come in and add a little something..when I showed this to my husband this afternoon, he said it looked like Strawberry Shortcake!  I love that!!  And I definitely loved Strawberry Shortcake when I was little....and now I wish the card smelled like her! Tee hee!
"Do You Know How Much I Love You" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 
Paper: My Mind's Eye (So Sophie: Consistent Ledger and Quite Contrary: Engaging Gingham)
Stamps: My Favorite Things (Clearly Sentimental about Mothers and Notched Tag Die & Stamp sets)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: old rose, cranberry) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black and Versamagic: pixie dust) & Tim Holtz (Distress Ink: antique linen)
Ink Blending Tool: Tim Holtz
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Twine: May Arts
Flower: Prima 
Felt: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) & Provo Craft (leaves) 
Pearls: Kaiser Craft
Doily: Wilton
Lace Trim: vintage craft supply
Steel Dies: My Favorite Things (Dienamics Butterflies) & Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames #4)

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock.  Distress ink a paper doily, and adhere to the right side of a red gingham paper block.  Cut a block of polka dot paper, and adhere to the left side of the doily.  Add a strip of off-white crocheted trim to the bottom of the card, and then tie ribbon around the seam.  Stitch a button around the bow center using twine.  Adhere the entire block to the card front.  Diecut a label from ledger paper, stamp the sentiment to the bottom of it and adhere over top of the ribbon.  Diecut a tag from vintage cream cardstock, and then stamp it.  Diecut a heart from the middle of it, and then adhere the tag tucked slightly into the bow.  Adhere the diecut heart to the middle of the sentiment label and accent with pearls.  Adhere the felt leaves and flower to the upper corner of the sentiment label.  Diecut a butterfly from vintage cream felt, adhere next to the flower, and then accent with pearls to finish.

Well, I hope that you have liked the two cards I had to share today!!  And I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!! ♥♥♥  

Until later,
~Lea L.

{WPlus9} All Eyes On...You!

June 19, 2011

Hey there, everyone!  Sorry I have been absent in blog land lately, after how crazy the beginning of last week was...I just kind-of lost my mojo and haven't felt like being in my craft room!  I finally felt the inclination to create something, which is definitely a good thing!!

For the June "All Eyes On" feature at WPlus9, we have chosen a card from the WPlus9 Flikr gallery, and "cased" it!!  The gallery is FULL of amazing projects, and I chose THIS little lovely by Sarah Martina Parker.  I obviously took some creative freedoms, but I think you can still tell that my card is definitely inspired by it!!  I also used the Play Date Cafe Challenge #86 for the colors of my card {Hollyhock, Sky Blue & Orange}.  The inspiration photos (both Sarah's card and the PDCC graphic are at the end of the post if you want to check them out!
"For a Special Aunt" supplies: 
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (aqua) & Papertrey Ink (smooth white)
Paper: Glitz Design (Laced with Grace: Floral) & My Mind's Eye (Penny Lane: Uniquely You) 
Stamps: WPlus9 (A Special Lady set)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white, chestnut, old rose)
Transparency: Glitz Design
Flowers: Prima (champagne roses) & Recollections
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Lace: Making Memories
Pin: Maya Road
Pearls: Kaiser Craft
Sewing Machine/Thread

Instructions: Make card from aqua cardstock, and ink the edges in frost white.  Ink the edges of a pink block and an orange block of patterned paper with frost white.  Adhere the two papers together, and zig zag stitch along the edge.  Ink the edges of a rose paper block, and adhere to the bottom half of the stitched block.  Wrap white eyelet lace around the seam, and then adhere the entire block to the card front.  Ink the edges of a transparency in frost white, and then adhere to the front.  Tie a bow from aqua dotted ribbon, and adhere to the bottom right side of the transparency.  Cut a banner shaped end to a white cardstock strip, and then stamp the sentiment to it.  Wrap the sentiment banner around the base of a pin, and stick through the bow.  Accent the middle of the bow with a paper rose, and the sentiment banner with pearls.  Add two fabric roses to the upper left corner of the transparency, and then accent the middles with pearls to finish.

What I love about this stamp set is that it allows you to create custom cards for ALL the special women in your life!  I am blessed in this life with many wonderful, amazing, and super special aunts...and I am so happy that I can create a custom card just for them.  These are women I have looked up to my whole life...women who I still look up to.  Creating this card makes me want to create a custom one for each aunt....just so she knows how much I love her!  Guess I better to get on that...it could take me awhile (seriously...I have 8 aunts)!! Tee hee! :)

Don't forget to check out what all the other WPlus9 gals have created!!  It is sure to be a treat!

Well my friends, I better get going for now!  I think my mojo is coming back, so I am sure my posting will be back on schedule now!! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,
~Lea L.

Inspiration Photos

"Blissful Botanicals": Lawn Fawn Inspiration Week!

June 14, 2011

**If you are looking for my WPlus9 Color Cue {16} post, please CLICK HERE or just scroll down a bit.  Thanks!**

Hi there everyone!!  Well, this posts ends inspiration week at Lawn Fawn for the month of June.  Haven't all the projects been amazing thus far?!!  Loving them!  Tonight we are showcasing the set, "Blissful Botanicals" for you, and it is one that I just LOVE!!  It is so pretty, and has so many amazing possibilities for it!!

I created this card with a couple of challenges in mind as well.  First up, Lawnscapings Challenge #11 is all about clean and simple design.  Well, my card is pretty much the epitome of CAS this time around!!  I also created it for CAS-ual Friday Challenge #6, which is a tic tac toe grid where you choose a row of items to use on your card!  I chose gems, dies or punch, & flowers for this one.  Here is what I created!
"Thanks" supplies: 
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft) 
Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Blissful Botanicals set) 
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: violet, lilac, frost white) 
Pearls: Kaiser Craft
Corner Punch: Creative Memories

Instructions:  Make card from kraft cardstock.  Stamp two rows of leaves to the left side of the card, and one row to the right side.  Add a flower to the top of the second leaf row, and then stamp the sentiment towards the bottom of the card.  Accent each row with purple pearls, and then round the upper right and lower left corners of the card to finish.

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

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.

WPlus9 Color Cue {16}

Hi there, everyone!!  Are you still keeping up with me right now?  I know that I have posted SO much stuff this week, and tonight is no exception.  I have two posts right in a row for you, so be sure to check them both out.

First up, we have a new Color Cue challenge up at the WPlus9 Blog and it is a fantastic color combo!  You are going to just love it!!  Very vibrant and gorgeous!
I did choose to use these fabulous colors in conjunction with quite a bit of neutral, and I love how it turned out.  I also used the Mojo Monday Sketch #195 to help with the design of my card!  Here is what I created:
"For A Special Grandmother" supplies:
Cardstock: The Paper Company (purple) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 
Paper: Webster's Pages (Seaside Retreat 6x6 paper pad)
Stamps: WPlus9 (A Special Lady & Filigreed Frames sets)
Steel Die: WPlus9 (Label Layers 1)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut, turquoise, eggplant) 
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design (red dot) & Webster's Pages (green rose) 
Flowers: Recollections
Jewels: Doodlebug Designs
Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Make card from purple cardstock.  Cut a patterned paper block slightly smaller and adhere to the front.  Adhere a strip of green rose trim across the middle of the card.  Diecut a label from vintage cream cardstock using a steel die and Cuttlebug.  Stamp the flourish frame and sentiment to the label cut, and adhere to the middle of the rose trim.  Tie a bow from red dotted ribbon, and adhere to the lower left corner of the label cut.  Add two paper flowers to the middle of the red bow.  Adhere three coordinating jewels to the upper right corner to finish.

I know that this probably isn't a typical paper you would use on a card for your grandma, but as I kept looking through my paper supply I kept coming back to this piece.  I think because all of my grandma's would love it, and it made me think of them every time I picked it up.  So- I used it!!  Tee hee!!

Here is a list of the rest of the WPlus9 designers, so you can check out what they have created for this fabulous Color Cue challenge!! 
 I hope that you enjoyed this creation, and all the others that I have been posting like crazy this week!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

You're Not Old...You're Vintage

Happy Tuesday, everyone!! Are you hanging in there with me this week?  I know that I have had a ton of stuff posting!!  So, if you are looking for my latest Lawn Fawn Inspiration week post, CLICK HERE.  If you are hopping along on the Stamper's Dream & Friends blog hop, please CLICK HERE.  Or, you could just scroll down and not miss my latest creations at all!!  Of course, that is what I would LOVE for you to do!!  Tee hee!

Today I have my card for CPS Sketch #222 to share with you.  We are being sponsored by My Favorite Things this week, and I got to pick a stamp set that I was dying to get when it first came out!!  I can't tell you how excited I was that we ended up being sponsored by them, and I was able to get it!!  Yay!!  I also used OTWC Challenge #55 colors/photo as inspiration for my project as well.  {The inspiration photo is at the end of the post.} Here is what I created!
"You're Not Old...You're Vintage" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 
Paper: Teresa Collins (Welcome Home: Chandeliers)
Stamps/Die: My Favorite Things (Just My Type set)
Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) & Tim Holtz (Distress Ink: antique linen)
Ink Blending Tool: Tim Holtz
Ribbon/Tag: Making Memories
Lace/Button: vintage craft supply
Twine: May Arts
Pins: Jenni Bowlin & Maya Road
Flowers: Recollections
Pearls: Kaiser Craft
Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock, and apply distress ink to the edges.  Cut a chandelier paper block, distress ink the edges, and adhere to the left side.  Distress ink the edges of a paper tag, and adhere to the right side.  Tie a double bow from ribbon, and stitch a button around the middle using twine.  Adhere to the top of the tag, and then stick two pins through the middle of the bow.  Diecut the typewriter and paper cuts from kraft and vintage cream cardstock.  Stamp the typewriter to the kraft diecut.  Distress ink the edges of the paper cut, and then stamp the sentiment to it.  Adhere the sentiment paper cut to the typewriter cut, and then adhere to the card front with foam adhesive.  Accent the bottom left of the sentiment with two paper flowers, and then add three pearls to finish. 

So, I pretty much LOVE how this card turned out!  I adore the sentiment...vintage is so much more fabulous than "old".  And that typewriter is just amazing!!  The greatest thing about MFT stamps is that many of them come with matching dies- which is becoming a must have in my book.  I am a perfectionist by nature, and love when things are cut perfectly.  Matching diecuts helps me achieve this needed perfection in my crafting life....tee hee!!

Well, I better get going for now!  I hope that you have a really wonderful day! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

Inspiration Photos:

"Schoolhouse Backdrops": Lawn Fawn Inspiration Week!

June 13, 2011

Hi there, friends!!  So, what did you think of the "On The Mend" inspiration posts yesterday?  Weren't the projects fabulous...loved all the cute googly eyes and how everyone used the set!  Today we have another new set to share with you called "Schoolhouse Backdrops".  This is a super versatile background stamp set that will be a must have in any stamper's stash.  And as you will see on my card...it works wonderfully with the different sentiment and lettering sets that Lawn Fawn has to offer.

I used the Clean & Simple Stamping Blog FTL #144 to help with the design of my card.  It has been awhile since using one of their sketches, and I remembered how much I love them!  Here is my card!
"Thank You, Teacher" supplies: 
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (green) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 
Paper/Die: October Afternoon (Cherry Hill: New Apron, Cookie Jar, Diecut Shapes)
Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Schoolhouse Backdrops, Smitty's ABCs, & Sophie's Sentiments sets)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: robin's egg, cranberry, moss green) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) 
Felt: Sassafras
Jewel: Doodlebug Designs
Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft
Steel Die: Papertrey Ink (Spiral Notebook Page)

Instructions:  Create card from green cardstock.  Add a strip of block dotted paper to the top.  Cut an apple paper block slightly smaller, and adhere to the front, leaving the upper right corner adhesive free.  Adhere a scalloped border diecut to a striped paper block, and adhere to the front.  Curl the upper right corner of the apple paper block, and adhere with a black jewel.  Diecut the spiral notebook page from vintage cream cardstock, and then stamp with paper lines.  Cut a banner strip from vintage cream cardstock, and stamp the paper lines to it.  Stamp the sentiment to it, and then layer both items together to the card front.  Add the felt apple accent to the left side of the sentiment banner to finish. 

This stamp set has so many different possibilities!!  I just love it!!  Be sure to check out what the rest of the Lawn Fawn gals have come up with using "Schoolhouse Backdrops"!

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.

Stamper's Dream & Friends June Blog Hop!!

Happy Monday morning, everyone!!  I hope that you are having a wonderful day so far!  I have a busy few days in terms of crafting this week...so if you are looking for my Lawn Fawn post, either scroll down or CLICK HERE

Today we are doing a Stamper's Dream blog hop with the dream team, and other crafty friends of the store!  I used the Viva la Verve! June Week 1 sketch to help with the design of my card.  And I used the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger: Cosmopolitan Neopolitan as inspiration...the colors were just perfect for what I wanted to create!!  Here is what I created!
"Cheerful Thoughts" supplies: 
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream, kraft) 
Paper: Webster's Pages (Life's Portraits 6x6 Paper Pad)
Stamps: JustRite Stampers (Fancy Labels & Just Because Mini Sentiments sets)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: chestnut, old rose & Chalk: creamy brown) & Tsukineko (Versamark) 
Embossing Powder: Stampendous! (detail white) 
Trim: Maya Road (white floral) & vintage craft supply (pink lace) 
Flowers: Recollections
Leaves: Prima
Pearls: Kaiser Craft
Glitter: DecoArt
Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft
Steel Dies: Spellbinders (JustRite Custom Nested Sentiment & Labels Eighteen)

Instructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock, and ink the edges with cream brown chalk ink.  Cut a patterned paper block slightly smaller than the card, and ink the edges.  Wrap pink lace trim around the middle, and then adhere the entire block to the card front with foam adhesive.  Adhere a strip of white floral trim right above the pink lace trim.  Stamp the label to kraft cardstock, cover in detail white embossing powder and then heat set.  Stamp the medallions to the middle, and then diecut the label using a Cuttlebug and steel die.  Adhere the label to the card front using foam adhesive.  Stamp the sentiment to vintage cream cardstock, then cut and emboss.  Adhere to the lower right side of the label, and accent with a pearl.  Cover a flower in glitter, and adhere to 2 leaves.  Adhere the entire flower to the bottom left side of the label, and then add two brown paper flowers to each side.  Accent the stamped medallion middles with pearls to finish.

A blog hop isn't complete without a prize, now is it?  Michelle, the owner of Stamper's Dream, is offering up this fabulous prize to one lucky commenter! 
The winning comment could be pulled from any blog on the hop, so be sure to comment on each one to heighten your chance of winning!!  Michelle will post the winner of the prize on her blog the evening of Thursday, June 16th!  

Now, just in case you need it...here is the designer list of the blog hop!  I have marked my blog, so you will know where to head next!!  
Michelle Rodgers
Laurie Schmidlin
Amy Sheffer
Denise Marzec
Tosh Leyendekker
Mona Pendleton
Cindy Lawrence
Silke Ledlow
Arlene Cuevas
Charmaine Ikach
Mariana Grigsby
Lea Lawson- YOU ARE HERE!!
Joan Ervin
Teresa Kline
Jeanne Streiff
Kellie Fortin
Christina Fischer
Jo Thompson

 I hope that you have a super fun time hopping along!  I know that I am excited to sit down with a cup of coffee and see what everyone has created!! ♥♥♥

Until later,
~Lea L.

"On The Mend": Lawn Fawn Inspiration Week!

June 12, 2011

Hey there, friends!!  Tonight marks the June Inspiration week for Lawn Fawn!!  As we noted last month, Lawn Fawn is now releasing their full season of stamps all at once...which was last month!  But, we are still doing an inspiration week every month, which will include never before seen projects using these new stamp sets!!

Today we are featuring "On The Mend" which is an oh so cute set for all your get well wishes needs!!  If you haven't already picked up the set, it has some of the CUTEST little images to go with some super sweet sentiments.  It is definitely a must have, as it is one of the first cute get well stamp sets that I have seen!

I created this for a couple of challenges as well!  First up, I used Sweet Sunday Sketch #121 to help with the design of my card.  The clean design yet fun elements really helped me showcase the stamp set well!!  I also used Embellish's Background Stamping Color Trends Challenge for it, which allowed me to use Lawn Fawn's "Teeny Tiny Backdrops" set as well!!  Here is what I created!
  "I'm Here for You" supplies: 
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (kraft) 
Paper: Bo Bunny (Ad Lib: Scribbles, Improv, Vertigo, This N That)
Vellum: The Paper Company
Stamps: Lawn Fawn (On The Mend & Teeny Tiny Backdrops sets)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: frost white) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) 
Twine: The Twinery (mandarin) & May Arts (natural) 
Buttons: Doodlebug Designs (aqua), GCD Studios (red) & Papertrey Ink (green) 
Jewels: Kaiser Craft
Corner Rounder: Creative Memories
Diecut Machines: Cuttlebug & Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridge: Storybook by Provo Craft
Label Die: Spellbinders (Labels Eighteen)

Instructions:  Make card from kraft cardstock, round the bottom corners, and stamp the heart background to it.  Cut a scalloped circle from white grid paper at 3.5" using the Cricut Expression & Storybook cartridge.  Cut a regular circle from green tablet paper at 3", and then layer with the scalloped circle.  Adhere the entire piece to the front.  Diecut and emboss the label from aqua dotted paper, and adhere to the card front, overlapping part of the scalloped circle.  Cut two strips of patterned paper, layer together, and cut a banner shape to the end of it.  Stamp the sentiment to the strip, and adhere to the card front.  Accent the left of the sentiment with three jewels.  Stamp the box of tissue to patterned paper and to vellum.  Cut out the appropriate pieces, and then layer together to the top of the label cut.  Squish three small strips of vellum into little wads and adhere around the tissue box.  Tie twine through three buttons, and adhere below the tissue box.  Tie twine around the top of the card, and cover the middle with a button to finish. 

Do you want to know what I love about this one?  It has more purposes than just "Get Well".  You could give this to someone who is going through a rough spot in their life as well.  The tissue box stamp does have a smiley face inside of it...but I chose to mask it out on this one as it didn't seem completely appropriate.  Masking it out was very easy...and I just put a little piece of tape of the spot, inked it up, and then took the tape off.  Easy as pie!! 

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Lawn Fawn gals have come up with using "On The Mend"!

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.

Thanks So Much!

June 10, 2011

Happy Friday, everyone!!  I hope you have had a wonderful day so far!!  I have been editing some photos today, and also going through all of my photos from Africa and trying to get them organized so I can actually post them online finally.  I will let you know when I post them, but I imagine it will be next week some time. 

I have a card to share with you today.  It is my card for CPS Sketch #220 that I haven't posted yet...I had too much going on last week and never found a time for it.  So, I am finally posting it now!  My card also fits CAS-ual Fridays Challenge #6, which is a Tic Tac Toe board!!  You pick a row of items, and they have to be used on your card.  I picked the row with gems/dies or punches/flowers.  It also fits Pals Paper Arts #97, to showcase your signature style. 
"Thanks So Much!" supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 
Paper: Glitz Deisgn (Love Nest: Damask & Hoopla: Frames) 
Stamps: Gina K Designs (The Giving Tree set)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: dune, turquoise, dusty plum, chestnut)
Trim: Maya Road (flower) & craft supply (crocheted)
Twine: Darice Inc.
Pearls: Kaiser Craft
Corner Punch: Creative Memories

Intructions:  Make card from vintage cream cardstock.  Cut pink damask paper slightly smaller, and adhere to the card front.  Round the corners of an aqua paper block, and just the top corners of a vintage cream cardstock block.  Layer the two together, then stamp the tree image & sentiment to it.  Adhere the entire stamped block to the card front.  Add a strip of crocheted lace and floral ribbon over top of the seam.  Tie a bow from twine and adhere it to the second flower on the ribbon strip.  Accent the stamped bird's nest and the bow middle with pearls to finish.

In other photography news, I posted a maternity session that I did on my business blog this week!!  It is my first maternity shoot, and would love to hear what you think!  Just click on the photo and it will take you to the blog post....leave me a comment there if you have a moment as I would love to hear your thoughts!! 
Well, that is all I have to share with you today!!  I hope that you have a wonderful weekend...and hopefully I will get a chance to create so I can post over the weekend!!  ♥♥♥ 

Until later,
~Lea L.

You're Like a Sister to Me

June 7, 2011

Happy Tuesday, everyone!!  I hope that you have had a wonderful day so far!!  Right now I have a cute little yorkie sitting in my lap as I try and type this.  He just came in and gave me a little paw to my leg...apparently he is feeling a little neglected.  Tee hee!  Trust me...he is far from it- just spoiled like crazy!!

Well, after a couple posts of masculine cards..I have a very feminine card to share with you today!!  It is one of my monthly cards for Stamper's Dream, and I used a beautiful stamp set by JustRite Stampers for it.  The sentiment reminds me of one of my closest friends right now.  We haven't been lifelong friends by any means, as we have really only known each other for a couple of years.  But, she has really become like a sister to me...and she is one of my best friends.  We are so different from each other, but that is what I think makes our relationship special and unique.  Just like I would think a sister would be...

I created this for a few challenges as well!  First up, it is my card for CPS Sketch #221 this week.  I also used the colors from CR84FN31 (light pink, medium green, neutral), and the challenge from The Shabby Team Room #65 (Use Embossing- wet or dry).  Here is what I created!
"You're Like a Sister to Me" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (pink) & Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) 
Paper: Pink Paislee (Butterfly Garden 6x6 pad) 
Stamps: JustRite Stampers (Because I Care set)
Ink: Tsukineko (Versamagic: pixie dust, aloe vera) & Tim Holtz (Distress Ink: antique linen)
Embossing Powder: Stampendous! (clear)
Ink Blending Tool: Tim Holtz
Doily: Wilton
Chipboard: Tattered Angels
Vintage Image: Crafty Secrets
Ribbon: Renaissance by Design
Twine: Darice Inc.
Button: Making Memories
Jewels: Glitz Design
Pins: Maya Road
Flower: Prima
Glitter: DecoArt
Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft 
Diecut Cartridge: Plantin Schoolbook by Provo Craft
Sewing Machine/Thread

Instructions:  Fold vintage cream cardstock in half to create card base.  Cut three strips of patterned paper, distress ink the edges, zig-zag stitch around each strip and then adhere them to the front of the card.  Distress ink a white doily and adhere to the front.  Cover a chipboard frame in glitter, adhere a vintage image to the back of it, and adhere to the front.  Stamp, cover in clear embossing powder, and then heat set the label image.  Cut two ovals from cream & pink cardstock at 1" and 1 1/4" using the Cricut Expression.  Layer together and stamp the image to the smaller cream oval.  Adhere the sentiment oval to the middle of the wet embossed label, and then accent each edge with pink jewels.  Adhere the label to the bottom of the card, slightly overlapping the bottom of the chipboard frame.  Tie a green dotted bow, and stitch a button around the middle using twine.  Adhere to the left side of the frame & sentiment label.  Add two heart topped pins to the upper right corner of the frame, and then add a flower to it to finish.

Holy cow...I didn't realize how much stuff I put on this!!  That is a forever long supply list!!  Tee hee!  It doesn't seem like that much when you look at the card (well, to me it doesn't anyways)...but I thought I would never stop typing!! 

I also wanted to let you know that Christian Paper Crafts is sponsoring the weekly prize at CPS this week.  They are giving away a set of Spellbinders Nestabilities Eyelet Circles to one lucky winner this week!!  So, if you've got the time, be sure to create a card using this week's CPS sketch and get it linked up to the blog!!
 

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

Until later,
~Lea L.

Any man can be a father...

June 6, 2011

...but it takes someone special to be a DAD.  There couldn't be any truer words.  And the great thing about this life is that a dad doesn't have to be biological.  It can be a step-dad who raises you from the age of 4, loving you unconditionally and never making you feel like you weren't really his.  Because you are his in every way except by blood...and that just doesn't really matter.  Maybe you had a grandfather that raised you, or an uncle.  Maybe it was a big brother, or even just a close friend.  This card was meant for all of them.  The ones who took on the role of dad when they didn't really have to. 

I created this for a couple of different challenges as well.  First up, I used Mojo Monday Sketch #194 to help with the design of it.  I also used Embellish's Text Color Trends challenge for the colors of it.  I am also entering this into the June MFT Guest Designer Contest, which is about "Getting Personal".  I don't think you can get much more personal than what I wrote in the paragraph above...especially considering the first scenario is my own.  Here is what I created!!
"Any Man Can be a Dad..." supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper/Paper Layers/Transparency: Glitz Design (Love Games: Damask, Stripe)
Stamps: My Favorite Things (Clearly Sentimental about Fathers set)
Ink: Clearsnap (Chalk: charcoal) & Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) 
Ribbon/Button/Scalloped Die: Papertrey Ink
Twine: Darice Inc.
Brad: K & Company
Jewels: Glitz Design (small black) & International Greetings USA (clear)
Diecut Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft
Sewing Machine/Thread

Instructions:  Fold green cardstock in half to make card base.  Ink the edges of a texted paper layer & houndstooth paper block, and layer together.  Cut a large scalloped border from damask paper, ink the edges, and adhere at the seam.  Tie ribbon around the middle of the seam, and stitch a button to the middle of the bow using twine.  Zig zag stitch along the edges of the entire paper block, and then adhere to the card front.  Stamp the sentiment to the lower right corner of the stitched paper block.  Create an accordion fold medallion from striped paper, and then adhere a fabric brad through the middle.  Adhere two ribbon strips to the bottom of the medallion to make it look like a ribbon award.  Adhere the entire medallion to the left of the bow.  Cut the transparent "1" out, accent with a strip of small black jewels and adhere to the right side of the medallion.  Accent the right scallop with 3 clear jewels to finish. 

I really love how this card turned out!!  I tend to create cards that are more feminine in nature...but I love the masculine colors and feel of this one!!  It definitely has some feminine touches here and there...but I am not sure what you expect when a women is creating it!! Tee hee!  

I have another recognition to share with you tonight as well!  I created a sweet little baby card last week, and it was picked as a Tea Time Terrific Top 3 at The Shabby Tea Room!! Thanks ladies...I appreciate it!!
Well, that is all I have for now!  I need to take the hubby some dinner at work, so I need to get going for now!  I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your Monday night!! 

Until later,
~Lea L.

For My #1 Dad

June 4, 2011

Happy Saturday, everyone!!  I hope this post finds you having a great weekend so far!  It is {finally} beautiful today, and is supposed to be the same tomorrow.  And then...it is supposed to get crappy again...yippee!  I am pretty much just sick to death of cold, icky weather right now...and ready for it to just be summer already!!  I guess I should really treasure these next two days, huh?

Today I have a card to share with you for Stamper's Dream.  It seems that the stamp set I used is currently out of stock, but I am sure that it will be in the store soon!! For now, I am going to give you a link to all the JustRite Stamper's product available at Stamper's Dream, as that is where it will be once available!!

I also created this as a sample for the "Get Your Glitz On" Challenge #3, which is a fabulous sketch this time around!!  We are offering up a fabulous prize, so be sure to grab your Glitz goodies, print out the sketch...and get to creating!!  It will be lots of fun, I promise!!  Wee Memories Challenge #59 is a free for all, so I am also including that challenge for this card as well!!  Here is what I created!
"For My #1 Dad" supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (black) 
Paper/Stickers/Transparency/Diecut: Glitz Design (Love Games collection)
Stamps: JustRite Stampers (You Are The Best set) & Glitz Design (Distressing set 3)
Ink: Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) & Clearsnap (Pigment: scarlet) 
Jewels: Doodlebug Designs (yellow) & Glitz Design (red, black)
Pin: Maya Road
Trim: craft supply
Twine: Darice Inc. 
Sandpaper

Instructions:  Fold black cardstock in half to make card base.  Sand the edges of a slightly smaller paper block, and adhere to the front.  Adhere the transparent image to the upper right corner of the card.  Sand the edges of a calendar sticker and a vintage diecut image, and layer together over top of the transparency.  Adhere the yellow glitzer sticker to vellum, cut out, and adhere to the bottom left corner of the card.  Adhere two strips of trim to the bottom of the card.  Stamp the banner and sentiment to patterned paper, cut out and adhere together.  Fold the left side of the pennant over the base of a stick pin, and then adhere to the yellow frame.  Adhere two pennants and banner glitzer stickers to vellum, cut out and adhere as shown around the sentiment banner.  Add three yellow jewels to the top left of the vintage diecut.  Tie a bow from twine, adhere to the pin, and then cover the middle with a red jewel.  Add a strip of black jewels to the #1 in the sentiment. 

Thanks for taking the time to check out my latest creation!!  I hope you've enjoyed it!  Now...it is time for ME to go and enjoy some sunshine while we've got it!!  Have a great day! ♥♥♥ 

Until later,
~Lea L.

P.S. I have also had a couple of my cards recognized in some challenges lately!  All of the images link to the proper post, so check it out if you like!!