LilyBean's Paperie

Oh, here I am...

Sorry to disappear...but I'm back...with a sunburn and a smile :)

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend---ours has been toasty and nice.

I feel like  I have so much to share, but don't know quite where to start.  SO....we'll start with my beloved little Emma's Paperie site and projects.

I altered this little container to hold some freshly baked goodies.  All supplies used for this can be found at Emma's along with the next project.  You MUST check out what the other girls created too---you'll love each and every bit!

And, the team was challenged to create background paper using stamps for our second project.  Here is my take on this---hope you'll try one of your own---it's so FUN! 

And...the last thing for tonight is my card for the CPS blog.  I created this using my Scor-Pal once again.  Lots of Basic Grey here---delicious stuff, and such a fun sketch as usual from Tami.

Well...time for bath and stories.

Night.

Melissa

not a creature is stirring...

my house is so quiet---not really sure what to do with myself.  My little girl is having a sleep over at grandma's and grandpa's house---and I'm alone....there are little echos sounding throughout my house---I better make it a productive day dontcha think!

I thought I'd share a project of two I created using products from the Melissa Frances Thankful line.   This particular line was created by Melissa in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.  I always find it quite special to work with this line as it is so very close to Melissa's heart.  If you ever get your hands on her paper called "Thankful" you'll notice that it's full of script---and these are all things that Melissa considered herself to be very thankful for as she was battling breast cancer herself---it's very tender and spiritual I think.

SO...here we go.

This is a little Gratitude Jar I created with a grouping of tags  to journal thoughts on.

And lastly...continuing on with my love affair for tussie mussies...

I hope you are all having the best day ever---thanks for everything!

Melis

sweet and sassy...

My Lime Tart projects are loaded into the gallery, so I thought I'd share a few of them today.  You must take a minute to check out the complete gallery HERE--the girls are so amazingly creative---lots of sweet things for you to enjoy.

And, the Sketch This blog is having a celebration because we are up to the 50th sketch!  So...play along and you might win a chunky little RAK.  Here is my card for the week.  I used Melissa Frances, paper, rubons, vintage label, trim, stamp, and buttons on this.

I think that's all the news I have for you today---be sure to check out Emma's Paperie blog to meet the new Guest Designer and enter to win a bunch of here favorite goodies!

Enjoy your Tuesday.

Melis

like sunshine in the morning...

What a sweet day yesterday was....it me warmed through and through.  The highlight was most definitely the song my little girl sang to me along with the other Primary children singing to their mother's on Mother's Day---I can't hold back the cheesy grin and tears when she sings---always the loudest, always at the top of her little lungs, but oh, just....perfect.

This morning before I get too busy I thought I'd post a little All Occasion card---for nothing in particular, but for many, many things at the same time.  I used Worldwin cardstock, Heidi Grace, Making Memories, and Basic Grey paper, a Making Memories journaling die cut, an Autumn Leaves chipboard element, Making Memories, Prima, and Bazzill flowers, Little Yellow Bicycle fabric brad, Doodlebug gems, Creative Cafe rubon, and Wright's twill tape.

And, another little peek at a Lime Tart project or two.  The gallery should be up in just a couple of days. 

I hope you all enjoyed your weekends---have a wonderful day today as well!

Melis

short & tweet...

It's been a busy, happy day today...so I'll keep this short.  Up in the morning early for a run---time to take better care of myself, but I think I'll enjoy it.

Just a couple of little numbers tonight.  The first is my card for the Card Positioning Systems blog.  Our sponsor this week has been Scor-Pal---what an incredible tool---you have to check out all of the things you can do with it.  Many of the CPS girls have used it to create things other than cards--I love it! 

And, now just a wee little peek at one of my Lime Tart projects.  I have to say this kit makes me smile---it's adorable and fun and has been such a pleasure to work with.

The birdie stamp is from Kim Hughes and Cornish Heritage Farms---I couldn't resist using it with this kit.

Well...in case I'm not back this weekend--Happy Mother's Day!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Melis

 

"If Life Were Easy...

It Wouldn't be Hard."  Yesterday I received a sweet package from my mom in the mail.  Inside the box I found a book which I started reading today at lunch.  Not even half-way through the first chapter and I begin to sniffle and get teary---the title of the book is the title of my post today.  It's a book by Sheri L. Dew.  If you are in need of a little pick-me-up, perhaps a warm hug from the pages of a book, maybe you would like this book as much as I do. 

My mom always seems to know just what I need, when I need it.  She teaches me so much.

Another card for the HGTV blog---you can check out the instructions here.

And, sweet Melissa Frances has the most delicious give-a-way on the Melissa Frances blog---I won't spoil it for you---hope you'll check it out and give yourself a chance to win some wonderful goodies.

Lime Tart is having a birthday and has a fun challenge for you with a give-a-way too---check it out here.

One more thing---Miss ElizabethB--the winner of my Friendship gift set---I have lost you and I want to get the gift mailed out to you---can you please email me with your address----THANK a bunch!

a beautiful name...

that would be "Mother".  I adore this special occasion to think of my mother, my mother-in-law, my grandmas who are no longer here and of course my little one who has made it possible for me to be a mother.  Still very tender-hearted about being a mom, and feel so lucky and fortunate.  So...got lots on my mind.  I'm sitting here listening to her play with her little friend and can't stop giggling at the happy things she says and does---my home and heart are so full.

The other day while we were in the city, my husband stopped at my favorite scrapbook store---I didn't even ask him to--he just did.  Anyway, I was in there for no more than 11 minutes because he was with me or outside waiting as patiently as a guy can---but I enjoyed every last second---found me some original little trinkets.  I've decided that it's dangerous to be rushed---I just start grabbing and stuffing and hoarding as I'm rushed to the cash register, haha---no time to rethink things---but hey, he took me there, right?

Just a little card that kind of goes along with my mood--so happy and loved.

Hope you're all having a wonderful day.

Melis

may flowers...

mine unfortunately are dying---it got so cold here after I planted them---I must have jumped the gun.  But, we did have the most beautiful rain shower last night---right after a delightful little T-Ball game.  So much fun!  I love the way things smell as it rains---here the smell of sage brush becomes so strong and sweet---I CRAVE that wonderful smell.   I love to watch the clouds roll in and the sky become dark---everything seems more brilliant and deep as a storm approaches, and we don't get many of them---that's why they mesmerize me.

Before we venture out for a bit I wanted to post a couple of things.

Janelle has a new sketch up on her blog HERE.  It's a fun one! Here is my card for the week. 

I used lots of Creative Cafe here--the paper, die cut flowers and library card,  felt flowers and brads.  The stamps are Art Warehouse.

Next a crazy little Halloween card for Provo Craft--I used the Stretch Your Imagination and Celebration cartridges on this. 

And lastly---what would a post in May be without a Halloween card AND a Christmas project, haha.

Another project for Provo Craft---I used the Joys of the Seasons cartridge on this. 

Hope you all have a great Tuesday---enjoy your day.

Melis

then sings my soul...

sigh....a just-what-I-needed kind of Sunday.  We had such a wonderful lesson in Relief Society today---it just touched my heart and lifted me in a way that I really needed.  Isn't life wonderful---I know it isn't all of the time, but I truly believe that if we focus on all of the sweetness...all of the blessings...all of the gifts that we have been given, that we are happier.  Miracles happen all around us each and every day...they are reminders of the hand of the Lord in our lives---I am so happy and thankful---no need to be down.  I hope you all enjoyed your Sunday too.

I'm running out of steam tonight, but wanted to check in and thank those of you who took on my Sending a Hug card challenge.  I sure hope I got to all of your beautiful creations---I never want to miss a one!  They are sweet and beautiful and will most certainly be loved by someone special.

Now...a little somethin' somethin' for my Mother Dear!  I'm a guest blogger over at the HGTV Craft Blog---so you can check out this card and the instructions to make it HERE.  Another Mother's Day idea will be posted soon.

Good night--sleep tight!

Melis

and a hug around the neck...

Good morning girls!What do you have on your agenda today?
If you happen to have a little time for yourself, I have a National Scrapbook Day challenge for you.  All day today and tomorrow, CreativeXpress is having games and challenges---prizes all day long just for being online.  You can check out all of the details here.

My challenge is underway and I wanted to include as many of you as possible.  Here is what you you have to do:
1. Create a card with someone specific in mind.
2. The theme of your card must be encouragement, gratitude, or friendship.
3. Card must contain BUTTONS.
4. Card must contain a TAG (any size--doesn't have to be traditional--I created my own from a sticker)
5. Card must have a BOW.
6. Card must have a BUTTERFLY on it somewhere---could even be printed on your paper, embossed, a button, etc.
6. The tricky part of this challenge is that when your card is done, I want you to stick it in the mail (doesn't have to be today) and send it off to cheer someone or to thank them for their friendship!
You can begin now and we'll end at midnight on Sunday, May 4th. I'll choose a winner randomly Monday morning to win a $20 Gift Certificate to the CX store! You have to be logged in to the CX community, but that's not hard at all---then post your card on your blog, or anywhere and post a link to it in this thread---that's it!

Here is my little diddy for someone I I've been thinking about lately--gotta get it in the mail, don't I?

Bazzill cardstock, Melissa Frances paper, vintage label, tag, and rubons, Making Memories paper, Wright's twill tape, Provo Craft Cuttlebug butterfly die cut, Making Memories buttons, Ranger ink, and Delta acrylic paint. Flowers and hemp from craft supply.
Let me know if you have any questions---can't wait, can't wait to see what you'll come up with!

And, this is for Miss Wendy Sue, hehe.

Poppyseed Chicken

1 cup sour cream

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

1 Tablespoon Poppy seeds

4 cups diced cooked chicken

1 1/2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs

1/2 cup melted butter

**In a large bowl, combine 1st three ingredients, mix well.  Stir in chicken.  Spread in a greased cooking dish.  Combine cracker crumbs and melted butter to create a topping.  Sprinkle over casserole and bake uncovered 30 minutes and 350 degrees.  I serve this over warm rice.  Enjoy!

Happy Friday everyone!

Melis

a bushel and a peck...

Feeling so great today!  I've had a pang or two for summer, but have to keep reminding myself how long summer lasts here---it gets so hot for so long---so I'll enjoy the chilly spring while it lasts.

A few things to share today.

My card kit and mini album kit are up for sale at The Scrappy Gourmet.

Here are a couple more peeks for you. 

The card kit comes with supplies and instructions for 8 cards, 1 tussie mussie, and 2 tags.

Pink or blue ribbon is available depending on whether you're making this little mini album for a boy or girl.  There a a few added cards and extras to this kit as well.

Next, my projects for Emma's Paperie are up and so are some of the cutest ideas from my fellow designers--how I love these girls and their creative minds.  Check them all out HERE!

We were challenged to take this hinged window tin and create our own unique gift out of it.

My take is a little keepsake box to house baby bracelets, headbands, bows, etc.  I made this for myself and my little girl, but it would be so fun to give to a new mother. 

And a little spring card---to celebrate butterflies, and fresh spring breezes, and all of the fun things associated with this season. 

I think that's it for me today.

If you feel like a challenge, tomorrow I will be posting a challenge to celebrate National Scrapbook Day in association with CreativeXpress.  There will be lots of games and challenges, AND lots of prizes---good prizes, haha!--So come by in the morning for the scoop!

I hope you're all having a great day.  We just pulled brownies out of the oven and are getting ready to start Poppyseed Chicken for dinner---it's YUM!

Have a great night!

Melis

take time to watch the grasshoppers...

such a busy, busy mama right now.  Life is sweet though, and lucky for me, I have a little shadow that I get to take with me wherever I go.  Today...as I'm rushing from the Post Office, back home to fix lunch to take to Dad, back outside....this little one of mine kept finding a grasshopper that she was fascinated by.  And...of course she wanted me to sit and watch them hop....and they just don't hop on demand...so, life took on a different pace as we sat and waited for each new grasshopper to hop.  I love my little girl...each day is the best day with her.  It's nice to slow down and take a peek at life through the eyes of a 4-year old. 

A little something for you tonight.  This is my card for the Sketch This blog. 

I used some sweet chipboard cherries from Heidi Swapp that were given to my by a friend (thanks again), and Basic Grey paper, Melissa Frances trim, Doodlebug posies and rubons, and SEI twill.

And...a couple of little Easter cards---perhaps I'll send them out next year, haha.  I still can't believe how fast Easter came and went this year.  BUT---I adore the Making Memories stickers far too much to stash them away for too long.

And lastly, a page for Provo Craft all about my little grasshopper lover.

I'm super excited about a little something that should be coming up soon involving the HGTV Craft Blog---I'll fill you in soon.

Have a great night!

Melis

immeasurable...

What a week...nothing like a wedding and baby blessing to get me all mushy and melty!  These 2 events are HUGE and always turn me into quite the sap.  But, the wedding was glorious--so beautiful, and I am lucky enough to be the aunt of the most beautiful baby boy I have ever laid eyes on.  He is so perfectly sweet and such a powerful reminder of my Heavenly Father's love.  After all...it was only a few short weeks ago that he was actually in His arms before he was lovingly placed in the arms and lives of his dear parents.  I love reminders like this---can you tell I'm still a bit mushy today? 

I hope you don't mind a few older projects until I can play catch up and get going on some new projects.  I have taken a whole week off to focus on life and family, so here are a few things for you that I created a while ago.

And...since I'm trying to play catch-up...if you have emailed me recently and haven't heard back from me...please try again.  I'm sorry to have ignored you---didn't mean to....so ask me your questions again, and I'll get back to you this week!

Enjoy your Monday!  I know I'm looking forward to T-Ball and a BBQ tonight---how nice!

Melis

and so it goes...

breathing a happy sigh of relief today---slowly getting back to normal (normal is my friend), and jumping in here today to give a little something away.

I randomly drew a name this morning and the winner of my Friendship Gift Set is:  ElizabethB!

Will you please email me your address, and I'll get this shipped out to you---THANK YOU everyone for participating---we'll do it again soon.

A couple of seasonal cards for you today---crazy to be thinking about Halloween and Christmas this time of year isn't it---but that's the way it goes in this little card business, haha.

I still remember when my box of beautiful new Melissa Frances fall items arrived on my doorstep a while ago---I fell in love with the paper you see here immediately---and I love the name too---Ramona---isn't that sweet---maybe that's why I love it so much--love the name.   The cardstock stickers are also from Melissa Frances.

This card uses another favorite product from Melissa Frances and that is the Vintage Label---I adore these things!  The red paper, cardstock sticker and glitter chipboard are from Melissa Frances as well.

And, a little card using a sweet stamp from Kim Hughes and Cornish Heritage Farms, along with a Melissa Frances stamp, Basic Grey and Making Memories paper, Jenni Bowlin journaling card and alphabet stickers.

Well...today is beautiful---so sorry for those of you who are still experiencing snow--what a naughty word.  I'm off to water the flowers and soak in a bit of sun---not to rub it in or anything---but my farmer's tan is looking pretty good, haha!

Happy Friday!

Melis

little bits...

popping in very quickly tonight to tell you all THANK YOU and I'll be back in a couple of days.  I will pick a winner randomly on Friday morning sometime when life settles a bit.  So if you still want to play in the LUNCH SACK challenge...continue on until Thursday night.  I adore the cards I've seen---they make me ooooh and aaaahhhh!

I flunked this week getting my CPS card done in time to go on the blog, so be sure you check here to see all of the pretties made by the CPS design team.  Here is mine----a wee bit late.

  I used some delicious SEI Dill Blossom--such beautiful stuff.

And, my card for the new Sketch This blog---Janelle is combining layouts and cards based off of one sketch and it's so fun.  Basic Grey paper, buttons, chipboard, and Crate Paper rubons.

Off to bed--take care!

Melis

just keep swimming...

This week is going to kick me in the rear...not once but probably many times.  Thank goodness for a Sunday like today---we'll just take one day at a time, right?

First---I just adore the cards I have seen come in for my Lunch Sack challenge---how fun.  I think I might make another just because it was so fun.  And also the cards for the sketch challenge are all so sweet too---thank you, thank you.  Remember you still have until Wednesday night to link me to your lunch sack cards and then I'll pick a winner randomly and send out my goodies.

I have a little something to share tonight---I have been working my little fingers off on these projects, but they are finally done and will go up for sale in kits at The Scrappy Gourmet the first part of May. Here are just a couple of peeks for you.  I can show you more later. 

This is a little mini album created with the Hush 'A Bye line from Melissa Frances---lots of Melissa Frances goodies in this.

And also a card kit created with the Thankful line from Melissa Frances---with a few tags and a tussie mussie as well.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  My little one and I escaped small town life for a day and went on a road trip.  It was so much fun---we bought way too many flowers, but had a blast picking them out---now to plant them tomorrow.

Enjoy your Monday!

Melissa

Just Johanna Earth Day Blog Challenge...

Happy Saturday!  I have a fun challenge for you to help Just Johanna Stamps celebrate Earth Day.

My challenge is the Lunch Sack Card Challenge and here is what  you'll need to create:

1.  Create a card using a brown paper bag as part of your card, (base, flowers, paper, etc.)

2.  Card must have buttons.

3.  Card must have a bit of stamping (please note, that you do not have to use Just Johanna stamps.)

That's it!  Link me to your card--you can load it into the Just Johanna gallery if you'd like and your name will go in for a random drawing of oodles of Just Johanna goodies.  You have until midnight on April 20th to enter this challenge and as many of the others as you'd like.   Let me know if you have any questions and I can't wait to see what you'll come up with.

The card above uses a lunch sack, acrylic paint, vintage trim, Just Johanna stamps, K&Co. adhesive pearls, Basic Grey paper, flowers and hemp from the craft store, and Scenic Route paper.

**My own little give-a-way is this little friendship gift set from my previous post.  All you have to do is complete the challenge above, but I'm giving you until Wednesday night to link me to your card---then I'll choose a random winner and send you off my goodie.

Have a wonderful day!

Melissa

share your heart...

Hi friends!

Quite a few things to share today...I hope I can remember everything I've got to report.  I hope you're enjoying the challenge this week---I sure am.  I feel so spoiled sitting back and watching all of your beautiful, heartfelt creations come through---I enjoy looking at each one.

Just a couple of things to share today.  The first is a project from Paper Crafts magazine Gifts from the Heart special issue now on sale. 

This little gift set is featured in this publication---and it's loaded with my favorite Melissa Frances goodies.

This issue is one of the sweetest, funnest things.  Lots and lots of little gift for every occasion.  You can check it out here.

A super fun sketch is up and waiting for you to try at the CPS blog.  Here is mine for the week. 

And...I'm just wrapping up 2 kits for The Scrappy Gourmet.  It's been a while since I've put anything together for them...but I have loved each minute of creating for next month.  Let's see....I can tell you a little bit about it and then give you a peek in a day or so.  Melissa Frances...Thankful...Hush 'a Bye...mothers...babies...friends...hope...gratitude...buttons...lace...glitter....

I'll give you more details in a bit.

AND....come back on Saturday for a big whopping challenge.  I'm hosting a challenge on my blog form 12:00-3:00 Saturday the 19th in conjunction with Just Johanna stamps.  Myself along with many others will be hosting blog challenges throughout the day in celebration of Earth Day.  And....the giveaways from Just Johanna are HUGE!  Check here to read more about it, or see information below.

Have a great Thursday!

Melis

Earth Day Extravaganza Earth Day is almost here! We'll be celebrating a few days early, on April 19. This all-day event hosted by our designers will begin this Saturday at 6:00 AM PST. Design Team members will post challenges, share inspirational samples, and give away free justjohanna goodies!

Schedule and Time Conversions  Every hour, beginning at 6:00 AM PST, one of our designers will be posting a blog challenge. These challenges will all be centrally located in the Earth Day forum on the justjohanna message board. Click here to go to a site with an excellent time conversion utility that can help you figure out when exactly the challenges will begin in your time zone.

Register on the Forum Throughout the event, there will be challenges to create Earth Day related projects. You can post them in the Earth Day gallery. It might be busy during the event, so you are encouraged to register early if you don't already have an account. Click here to go directly to the forum homepage.

Prizes!  The participants from each of the blog challenges will be entered into the grand prize drawing for the following items: One (1) grand prize of a $250 justjohanna shopping spree. One (1) second prize of a $50 justjohanna gift certificate. Five (5) third prizes of 25% off coupons for the justjohanna online store. One (1) limited edition Al in Space (isn't he cute?) rubber stamp for the winner of each of the individual challenges.

project day...

at Emma's Paperie--just like candy to me.  I can't wait to see what the other girls come up with and this month I keep going back to look at them all again---you have to go peek HERE!

One of our challenges this month was to use trims on our projects.  So...here is a little something I came up with using some wide ric rac from Melissa Frances and some fun striped ribbon from May Arts. 

I made this for my little girl's room--she helped me pick out the colors and away we went.  Right after I snapped these pictures she scooted upstairs to find the perfect spot for it in her bedroom. 

Step-by-step instructions on how to make this are on Emma's Paperie blog.

And, one more little item for Emma's is this little purse card.  Everything you see on these projects can be found in the shop. 

Time to go work on ABC's.  Hope your all having a great week.

Melissa

good for the soul...

Last night I laughed so hard I was crying---T-Ball practice does this to me.  My husband wonders why I sit through practices....truth is, I can't imagine missing out on watching my little girl grin from ear to ear for an entire hour while she is chasing balls, playing tag because she thinks that is what the coach means when he says "tag him", and running around the bases in the biggest pink helmet I have ever seen--one that is certain to pull her down to the ground at any given moment because it's heavier than she is...and listening to her squeal as she plays---I wouldn't want to miss a minute of that.  So...one more day and we get to do it again---I know I'll be needing another good laugh by then.

How about we start our Wednesday challenge a little early this week.  I was asked to host a challenge at Split Coast Stampers and also to guest blog at the Pursuit of CraftYness...so, I thought I'd combine it into one and include lots of people on the process.

It involves this little card here...and this card HERE!    My card is based off of my friend Teri's butterfly card---all you have to do is create your own based off of Teri's card as well, and then link me---you can check out all of the details here at the Pursuit of CraftYness. 

I used Bazzill cardstock, Making Memories paper, flowers, and buttons, My Mind's Eye paper, Basic Grey stamps, and a Craft Secrets vintage label on this card.

And..one more little diddy for you today---then it's time to clean or something lame-O  like that, haha. 

Lots of Melissa Frances here---cause I love it so...Melissa Frances paper, cardstock stickers, trim, and rubons, Pressed Petals metal frame, Basic Grey brads, Wright's twill tape, Stampin Up hemp, and K&Co. adhesive pearls.

I have received oodles of email from ladies wanting to know where to purchase Melissa Frances products.  I have two great online sources for you.  They are:

Emma's Paperie

and

The Scrappy Gourmet

I hope you can find what you're looking for!

That's it...hope you have a wonderful, wonderful day today!

Melis

sending love...

just a few things for you tonight---a little of this, a little of that---then off to relax I go!

The Lime Tart gallery is up and so sweet!  I hope you'll check out what the other DT girls have come up with---they are so wonderfully amazing and I just love each of them--maybe someday we can meet over on your side of the world, huh?

This card is based off of one of my card sketches---give it a try--super simple and quick, and be sure to show me, PLEASE!  It will be up here very soon, so check back if you'd like to.

And, finally tonight, a new little bloggity for you to pop on over to if you'd care to.  It's a group of friends of mine who once made up the Paper Salon team---you can read about the once part here, haha.  Anyway---we're sticking together and having a bit of fun on our own now at the Pursuit of CraftYness.  Our first challenge and entry is a card sketch from Julia---and it's a fun one.  We will do lots of other things just for the fun of it---so check in with us, and show us your creations too!

This is my card for the sketch. 

And, there are so many creative girls hanging out there--so be sure to take a peek at their cards!

Hope you've had a great weekend---life is great.

Melis

a happy mess...

My kitchen is a happy, messy disaster---flour, chocolate chips, fabric, glitter, buttons, brown sugar, ribbon...I'll fill you in.

Some of my sister-in-laws (I have 11, just a little side note) and I are throwing a Bridal Shower for another sister-in-law tonight.  It's an "All Through the House" theme---and I needed something to tie balloon bouquets to, and so I've been in my kitchen making cookie mixes in jars.    I've got some that are Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin Spice, Peanut Butter Cut, and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip---so fun and easy.

Quickly I just wanted to post a card I made for Dani's challenge.  The challenge was to make a card that used chipboard, paint, polka-dots, and a butterfly---I love Dani's work and wanted to play along just for fun.   

Well...gotta run.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Melissa

comfort, friends, and a challenge...

Your Wednesday challenge on a Thursday--makes no sense, I know---but hopefully you're all getting used to  "Melissa Time", haha.

This week is going by so quickly---but I do have a new challenge for whomever is ready to play.

First off, the sample and a few things about it.

My friend Cindy sent me some of the most beautiful tags I have ever seen, let alone hold in my own hands.  I wanted to create a card with one so badly, and had a bit of time last night.  The tag on this card was NOT created by me, but by my new friend Sherri from the Antique Paperie.  You can purchase her beautiful tags and other things here and check out her blog here!  Check out her Tussie Mussie today---holy cow---it's simply beautiful!

I used Foof-a-la paper, Melissa Frances trim, My Mind's Eye die cut strip, old sheet music, and my Cuttlebug flower die to cut the flowers.

So, for the challenge this week...

Create a card using:

1.  the colors BLACK, RED, GREEN, and CREAM.

2.  any occasion OTHER than Christmas.

3.  make your own FLOWERS.

4.  include TRIM.

That's it---I can't wait to see what you'll come up with.  I just adore the cards created for the challenge last week---they are all so beautiful and inspiring once again!

That sums up the challenge and friends---I have met so many wonderfully talented and charming friends through this little journey or mine---I truly feel so luck each day to get to associate with you and learn from you.

The comfort comes in now, as I'm about to go start on a Chicken Pot Pie for dinner--I have never made one, but my sis-in-law makes one that is to-die-for---and I want to try it.

So, tell me...what is one of  your favorite comfort foods?

Melis

my oh my...

it's a beautiful day--perfectly blustery for kite flying.

A first has occurred this week in my life----it's a doosie too.  I'm a T-Ball mom!  I can't tell you how excited I am---more for my little one I suppose.  We had our first practice Monday evening, and she did not stop smiling---so adorable.  Not one ball was caught...not one ball was thrown in the desired direction...she was hit in the head and hit others in the head...BUT---the bunch of giddy4 and 5 year- olds were perfectly happy and content.  So fun!

A couple of things today before we go work on her throwing skills.

I've been dying to use this little chic and "happy spring" stamp for so long---you can find it at Emma's Paperie if you love it too!  Basic Grey and Making Memories paper, 7gypsies tag, Melissa Frances clear stamp, Making Memories buttons and sticker, Memory Box stamp, and May Arts ribbon.

Here are a couple of peeks of a few of my projects for Lime Tart this month.

And, one more quick Art Bar project for Creative Cafe.  You can whip this up in a snap next time you visit for Happy Hour.

Well...apparently no one is going to wash the dishes this morning, haha---gotta go have fun!

Melis

"live in the moment"...

My favorite new quote---heard it this weekend from Elder M. Russell Ballard---and it was just what this mommy needed to hear.  It encompasses so much and is a gentle reminder to me to savor and grasp onto these sweet, early childhood days of my best buddy.  I'm sure it will grow to mean even more things to me as she gets older.

Very quickly tonight---as I'm tired and ready for my pillow---just  a couple of things to brighten up this little blog of mine.

Bunches of delightful Melissa Frances products on this.  Ambiente paper, ticket stub, stamp, tag, button, and trim---I adore that cake!

And, from the digi shabby queen herself, this card was created using Shabby Miss Jenn Designs paper and elements---from the Miss GreenThumbs pack.  I created this for the CPS blog this week.  Our challenge was to go hybrid, and it was FUN!  Hope you'll pop over to check out all of the other designs from the DT girls.

Sleep tight.

Melis

home at last...

18 hours...over 600 miles...1 4 1/2 year old....and only 1 come-apart---2 if you include daddy's, haha.  Me...I was a calm, cool, cucumber...most of the time.

A little road trip for the 3 of us yesterday.  We had fun--it was beautiful--and long--home was certainly a beautiful sight.

I was able to meet up with some sweet friends and have lunch with them.  Thank you to each of them for making my visit so special.  I fear I was too nervous to thank them properly before I left---and apologize for rambling and not making a whole lot of sense, haha.

I have a couple of Creative Cafe projects I've created for the Art Bar to share with you tonight.  If by chance you have access to an Art Bar in your scrapbook store, here are a couple of things you can make very simply.