American Crafts Studio Blog: Guest Designer of the Week: Lea Lawson

I'm excited to introduce the Guest Designer of the Week: Lea Lawson!

She totally rocked the Elements on her cards, layout, and altered project!

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Ladybug (71028) – AC Cardstock, Many Splendored Paper (35180) – Love, Love Tags (85111) – Bits, Fancy (42706) – Remarks, Eternal (72005) – Delights, Love Ribbon (89384) – Ribbon, True (43381) – Minimarks, Fantastic White (53110) – Thickers, Love Buttons (85509) – Elements, Love Mini Pearl Brads (85508) – Elements

Lea says, “I really wanted to think of a cute and not so generic sentiment for this card. By cutting out just a portion of one of the Love rub ons and adding Thickers to the mix I was able to do what I wanted!”

Supplies: Lady Winifred Paper (35254) – Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Wise Tortoise Paper (35268) – Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Refined Percy Paper (35259) – Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Hyacinth (78041) – Details, Hardcover Brown Sugar (53137) – Thickers, Enchanted Fabric Brads (85520) – Elements, City Park Buttons (85518) - Elements

“When I need a perfectly straight line of brads I actually cut off the prongs on the back and just adhere the flat tops to my card. This way you can’t possibly mess up your perfectly straightline of brads!” What an awesome tip - thanks Lea!

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Rocky Road (71466) – AC Cardstock, A Wrinkle in Time Paper (35301) – The Classics, The Classics Buttons (85523) – Elements, Love Ribbon (89384) – Ribbon, Library Pearl Brads (85527) – Elements, Sweet Bermuda (53090) – Thickers

“I wanted to use the buttons in a unique way that wasn’t present in my other projects. So I strung the buttons and formed them into the shape of a wreath which was a great way to dress up a simple card!”

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock White (71081) - AC Cardstock, All That Matters Paper (35176) – Love, Can’t Get Enough Paper (35181) – Love, All You Need Paper (35171) – Love, Love Tags (85111) – Bits, Lovely (89290) – Ribbon, Tenderness (78034) – Details, True (43381) – Minimarks, Charming (82301) – Mementos, Fancy (42706) – Remarks, Eternal (72005) – Delights, Sweet Bermuda (53090) – Thickers, Love Buttons (85509) – Elements, Love Mini Pearl Brads (85508) – Elements, Fred Brown (43185) – Minimarks

“It has actually been quite awhile since I have scrapbooked, but it is a bit like riding a bike! The minute you get back on, you remember why you loved doing it! I loved using all the little bits and baubles on this layout and the buttons and brad Elements gave everything that extra special touch!”

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Ladybug (71028) – AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cardstock White (71081) – AC Cardstock, True (43381) – Minimarks, Love Buttons (85509) – Elements, Enchanted Brads (85521) – Elements, Love Ribbon (89384) – Ribbon

“I was having a hard time figuring out what to do for my altered item… that is, until I found this cute frame in the clearance Valentine product from Target. This frame came together quickly once I started working on it, and now I have a pretty decoration for my home and I think it can be displayed for more than just Valentine’s day!”

Here are some fun things you may not have known about Lea:

How did you get started scrapbooking?
My aunt Amy gave me a scrapbooking kit for high school graduation and I scrapbooked my entire summer as it went by. I have been hooked on paper crafting ever since.

What would you say your scrapbooking “style” is?
Hmmm… this is a hard one for me, but I will give it a try. I would say that I have a clean and graphic style, with touches of whimsy and shabby chic to give my projects some dimension!

What is your favorite technique?
I am actually not a technique oriented paper crafter. I am much more product oriented and I love to find ways to mix all of it together!

When do you find time to scrap?
I am a total night owl so most of the time you will find me paper crafting into the wee hours. I also have the advantage of working from home so I can normally squeeze some crafting time in during the day too.

On average, how long does it take you to complete a project?
Layouts take me about 2 hours to finish, from sketching out the design to adding that very last element. Cards really vary, but tend to take me about 30 minutes to finish.

What is your favorite thing about American Crafts?
What isn’t there to love about American Crafts? I love all the amazing papers that they create for each and every new collection. I love that the papers can be used on both layouts and cards alike. So many 12x12 papers are coming out that don’t work very well for card making. I love all the amazing embellishments that come with each collection, and how often you can actually mix and match between collections. And I just love the rose ribbon….{sigh}…it is my favorite!

Lea's blog is filled to the brim with inspiration so make sure to check it out!