LilyBean's Paperie

ordinary...

I love ordinary life.

Nothin' wrong with ordinary.

I was just thinking tonight how much I love my simple, ordinary, little life.  My husband out mowing the lawn, my little one running in and out of the house, waiting to throw the steak on the BBQ, a rainbow, beautiful dark clouds, the sound of my washing machine---nothin' special---but so special to me, and I love it all.  The sounds and activities that make up life around here.

I finished up a couple of projects from CreativeXpress and thought I'd start posting them.

This is one of them---and for this assignment we were challenged to  use 5 photos that make up a story or show an event.  These are pictures I took of my little girl.  She ventured out into this beautiful field of flowers, and it was fun to snap shots of her as she tried to take it all in---in the end she wanted OUT!   I loved this challenge and will be repeating it for sure.

I'm off to bed---hope you all had a great day!

Melis

Just me and my Coca Cola...

It's happy hour for me, lol.  Isn't bedtime wonderful?

Here is a simple little card I wanted to post prior  to my not-so-simple week ahead.  Gonna be fun, but a wee bit hairy too---love those kind of weeks.

Some Rob & Bob paper, Doodlebug Sugar-Coated cardstock ( I totally want to lick this stuff I tell ya---it looks like candy sprinkles), some Doodlebug embossed cardstock,  Around the Block chipboard heart, Doodlebug rubons and posies, and EK Success stickers.

So...got a busy week ahead?  Hope it's going to be wonderful for you!

Melis

Good Saturday mornin'...

I've been CAMPING for the last couple of days!  It feels good to be home, but I had such a great time.  It was WONDERFUL!  Just what my little family needed---I can already tell we've made some lasting memories for sure and we'll be craving it again next year.  The dutch over cooking was HEAVENLY!  I was so excited for Sierra to get to play with her cousins in the mountains, fish, get dirty, get wet, sleep in a tent---all of that, and it was just perfect. 

So...I've got clothes washing thought I'd pop in and post a couple of things before I got busy again.

Just some things I've been working on lately---I snagged me some of the newer Making Memories paper, and I think I've just about used up every inch of it---love that stuff.

Well...I have oodles to do today---gotta run, but Happy Weekend!

Melis

Thank you...

for sharing your stories about quilts that either you have made, or that have been given to you.  It's so interesting to me how so many of us have similar hobbies and interests.  I hope you'll keep posting links to your quilts---I've loved looking at them.  I can see there are lots of you out there who have a fetish for paper and fabric just like me---and I love that.

Here is my card for the CPS blog this week---- I need to stop using RED---but I love it so, lol.

This is a fun sketch, so I hope you'll try it.  My Mind's Eye paper, Rusty Pickle paper, Chatterbox paper, Cosmo Cricket die cuts and chipboard, Making Memories button brads and ribbon, Deja View rubons, and Maya Road velvet rick rack.

And...I quickly snapped a picture of the quilt my Grandma Great, as I used to call her, made.  My mom had about 3 of these quilt tops all pieced together, and I was lucky enough to be given this one all finished---it's truly a treasure.

I also wanted to tell you about a Design Team call for one of the teams I am on.  CreativeXpress is looking for some new designers and if you check this link, you can get more details.

CreativeXpress Design Team Open Call

It's such a gerat site to work for---can't say enough good things about them.

Well, the night is still young here and so I'm off to play a bit before bed.

Hope you all had  a great day!

Melissa 

**I forgot to mention this earlier, but the acrylic star from the baby boy card is from Heidi Swapp for those who asked, and the gingham flower from the CPS card sketch from last week is from Prima.

I *heart*...

• the RAIN! 
• the smell of RAIN!
• the way the sagebrush smells after it RAINS!
• watching Sierra dance in the RAIN!
• the sound of tires splashing in the puddles left from the RAIN!
• the way the birds flutter their tiny wet wings after it RAINS!

Yep---it rained yesterday, and we've got the most beautiful storm clouds looming around today.  It feels wonderful!

Just wanted to share a little card I made for a boy babe!  This uses Paper Salon paper, stamps, ink, and cardstock stickers.  Loving that little airplane.

And....humor me a minute while I post a baby quilt I made for my little one before she arrived.

I wasn't too keen on the traditional baby girl colors when we were waiting for her, so I made a quilt in my most fave colors, ( and those are little pieced houses, if ya can't tell, lol). Now of course, she has a purple quilt, flowers, and butterflies---ya know the whole bit.  Anyway---dragging this out makes me want to start quilting again---ohhhh I love fabric!

Do any of you quilt---and if so, send me a link to your treasures---I'd love to take a peek.  I'll post my Great-Grandma's quilt tomorrow after I snap a shot of it---it's just like candy to me!

night.

Melis

the best job in the world...

Just have a full heart tonight---motherhood is the most wonderful, tiring, sweet, rewarding, emotional, and spiritual experience.  I'm sure I'm feeling this way because my little one just wasn't herself tonight and I'm worried she may wake up sick later tonight---she didn't want stories, bath time, snuggles, songs---nothing but her bed, and an hour early at that.  So here I sit waiting for......well, you know...the fun to begin, lol.

I created this layout a month or so ago for CreativeXpress and it just tugs at my heart each time I see it.  Our assignment on this was to create a layout based on words we live by and for me it's "milk & snuggles" requested by my little one each night.  I love her stack of blankies with her tattered teddy bear and of course a full sippy cup just waiting for bed time.  I need to take more pictures like this just to bring back floods of memories later.

I hope you all had a wonderful Monday---if that is in fact possible, lol.

night.

Melis

let's dish...girlfriend to girlfriend...

hehe---

I had 5 whole minutes to myself yesterday so i ran to the grocery store.  My basket was plump and full and I was headed to check-out...until...I spied a box of Chocolate Cookie Crisp cereal.  I didn't hesitate---nope--threw a box in, checked-out, came home and hid it, lol.  have ya tried this stuff yet?  It's heavenly---and just the right size to pop in my mouth about 100 times a day---don't even need milk for these babies.  I've got the perfect hiding spot---and it's OK--really it is.

So...my question for you all is, what do YOU hide?  Hmmmm...don't be shy...your secret is safe with me and I won't even raid your cupboards looking for it either?  Chocolate makes me happy and it's a priority in the secret to a happy life---Melissa style.  So share!

Just a little card to share with you today---I feel it fits my personality and my post and fear that I am a little too unique sometimes, lol.

I'm off to mash the spuds and make some gravy---it's roast beef and taters today, oh and some Cookie Crisp when everyone's having a nap later, lol.

happy Sunday!
Melis

d-lightful...d-lovely...d-licious...

Rest assured, hehe, I'm just a little ray of sunshine today and I'll tell ya why.

• my little one slept for 12 hours last night (she was a little ray of sunshine today too).
• i slept in!
• my husband had the day off.
• we spent the entire day together.
• it was a bit cooler today.
• i listened to some cooking shows today (one of my most favorite things to do--hardly ever sit and watch, but I love to have them on while I buzz around the house).
• i watched a broadcast on the Pioneers--beautiful music, wonderful thoughts---it was just something that made me happy.
• i went outside tonight and listened to the crickets---not much else to say--just sweet.
• ohhh...my Card Creations 5 from Paper Crafts came today ---love a little package on my doorstep from time-to-time!

Thank you all for  your links and ideas for home decorating---I've already checked some of them out and will continue to do some surfing.

Here is another wee little creation using some of the new Mulberry Hill line from Melissa Frances--- wish I could be at CHA with all of my team mates---but---a little face needs scrubbed here--a lot, I'd miss terribly singing that little one to bed each night---daddy doesn't know how to put piggy tails in her hair, and who would feed my my sweet husband anyway?  He certainly can't live off jerky for too long can he, lol? It's a tough job, but I LOVE it---especially after I've had a good night's rest, lol.

I also need to thank Mara-May and Amber for nominating me as a Rockin' Blogger girl---you are all too good to me.  So...now I want to direct you to some other Rockin' Blogger girls---hang on---and sit down---I love my little findings.

Diane --just one peek at her blog and you'll be hooked---it's pure heaven!

Vicki --ohhhh gracious!  Her work is so vibrant and full of happiness and joy---love the life in her gorgeous pictures too!

Andrea Singarella--I just felt like I was "home" when I happily stumbled upon her blog---it's truly wonderful and beautiful in every way!

Miss Tammy T--she ummm...well...is GOOD!  Always just speechless when I run upon one of amazing altered creations---and her blog is adorable too!

Cupcakes Take the Cake--This blog is owned by 3 rockin' blogger chics!  I HAD to link you all to this site--I love, love, love it and my little mouth waters like non-other---just go have  a peeksie!

Also, if you feel like a challenge this weekend, be sure to check out CreativeXpress.  I'm hosting one of many challenges over there---so it should be fun.  Here are the specifics of my challenge:

Create a card using the following:
1- stripes
2- plaid
3- a heart
4- ribbon
5- a rubon

---feel free to play along and please link me so I can be sure to get a peek of your work that always inspires me.

Happy Saturday!

Melis

nigh...night...time..

This is what my little one calls bedtime and it's just one of those sweet things I don't want to forget about her.

Just wanted to say THANKS to Danni, and Robyn, and Penny for my nomination as a Rockin' Girl Blogger.  I'm on the hunt for some nominees myself, but I must put myself to bed tonight.  Apparently I've been a real "peach" to live with today---Ummm...just so ya know, my husband did NOT tell me this---I just know I have been.  He would NEEEEEVER say such a thing, hehe---just a wee bit edgy, so I'm going to try and get a few extra winks.  Come back tomorrow and I'll have my nominations ready.

I'll leave you with my take on the CPS sketch for this week---LOVED this one and hope you'll try it.

I used loads of the new Scenic Route on this---or new to me anyway since I just got my hands on some. 

I'm gonna wake up on the right side of the bed tomorrow---promise.

night.

Melis

still kickin'...

My floor is shiny clean, the bathroom--clean, projects are done, tummies are full, bills are paid, house is tidy, laundry---done---pheeeew!

So, now I find myself here...checking in with you all---hoping that you've all had a great week so far.

Just wanted to share a random little somethin' with you before I hit the sack.  I had some left over Foof-a-la and some of the latest Rusty Pickle hanging around and loved how they looked together---just a little goodie box.

I've got to get back into the creating spirit again---I miss it, but It's been nice to take a small break.

I've got decorating on my brain right now and wanted to see if you'd share your most favorite home decoration sites with me---I'd love to know where you all go surfing.

have a great night.

Melissa

today...

was a good day.  VERY hot, and is still hot.  I'm ready for bed, but there isn't much relief from the heat just yet--maybe in a couple of hours.

Did I mention I love Fall?  It could be Fall all year long, and I'd be happy as a lark, and then those Applesauce Chocolate Chip cookies would taste even better---I can't bring myself to bake in the heat---but we stocked up on Otter Pops today---Sierra was devastated to learn we had to put them in the freezer for a looong time before she could have one---it's tough being 3, lol.

Are you going to CHA?  I'll be around still---I'm a bit of a home-body and would miss my little family terribly.

For now, I'll finish up posting my Provo Craft assignments for this month.

Good night everyone---hope you had a great Monday too!

Melissa

Oh sugah....

I'm finally getting around to posting the Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe---just in time for a Sunday treat.  Sorry for those who have been waiting---but I promise, these little darlings are worth the wait.  I had never had one until I married my husband.  His grandma Bernice used to make these all of the time and he loved them.  So....one day he brought me home the recipe and I took it as a not-so-subtle hint to get crackin'....made them....and love them just as much as he does.  We think about her every time the house starts smelling like cinnamon and cloves---just like grandma's house.

APPLESAUCE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Mix together:

1 cup shortening

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

Add in:

2 cups applesauce

2 tsp soda

4 cups flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. cloves

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. nutmeg

Mix together and stir in:

1 bag of chocolate chips ( i love to use Ghiradelli Bittersweet Chocolate Chips)

1 cup nuts (optional)

Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes

I think I'll have to make some tomorrow too.

I'll leave you with one of my Provo Craft projects for this month.

I was assigned a Coluzzle project and chose to use my circle template to create arches in the rainbow and then my bookplate set to frame the sentiment.  And....I'm slightly addicted to felt lately so added a bit in for clouds.

have a great Sunday!

Melissa

Because i love ya...

I'm back again---gosh I'm like a bad, spooky, reoccurring dream, huh?  About as bad as the boogie-man.

I just wanted to share a few juicy things with you---some are pics, and the other is tidbits of info.

The Lime Tart gallery for July is up and oh, so beautiful.  I hope you'll pop over and browse through it when you have some time.  My goodness---I love what the girls come up with.

Here are my projects using the Half Tart (and I loooooooved working with this kit).

  

I just about fell over when I opened my kit to find the beloved Amy Butler line from K&Co.  I've been secretly wishing to hold some of this stuff in my hands---so, thanks Philippa.

Next item on the agenda is a super sale on Sizzix.  For any of you that love this system, CreativeXpress is having a big, old, blow-out of a sale.  Here are the juicy details:

Sizzlit alphabets $38.61 (They get cheaper in a Build a Kit too)
Sizzlit sets of 4 and borders $4.86 - $5.15
Steel Rule dies $2.43 - $3.86
Alphabar #'s $7
Alphabar Alphabets $20 (Ransom is $25)
Embossing Folders $1.74

So check the store out and go shopping, after all, you deserve it, huh?

I think that's it for tonight.  I'm off to tinker in my scrapbook room, oh wait, I mean my kitchen---and watch some reruns of CSI Miami---gotta love that red-headed Horatio, lol.

Hope you all are planning for a relaxing weekend.

melis

happy.happy.joy.joy...

Go get a cup o' hot cocoa...a cozy blanket...and here we go with the last sneak peek from Melissa Frances.

I have always found the holiday collections from Melissa Frances so endearing...they just have a way of melting me....and then I saw the newest collection and fell head over heals in love again!

Here is an altered wooden bag using 3 of the newest papers from this line, and some sweet vintage trim, cardstock stickers, glitter chipboard, and metal buttons.

This card uses one of the new papers mixed with a previous release--I love the versatility of Melissa Frances products and how easy it is to mix things up. Also shown on this is one of the new cardstock stickers, glitter chipboard, and more vintage trim--of course, lol.

More new paper here mixed with some from a previous release and my most favorite of all---check out those cardstock stickers------good glory!

Here ya have it---my most favorite of the bunch I think....ummm...don't make me choose...but I love that aged, olive green, newspaper print stuff......and the stripe, and the cardstock sticker...and...and...OK I can't choose.

This is an open up album (love these) covered with the latest and greatest from Melissa Frances.  Love Sherelle's rubons on the tabs on the side of the album.

And lastly...a simple card using the sweet stripe!  Glitter chipboard, tag, trim, buttons, and cookie cutter are all from Melissa Frances.

Thanks so much for looking---I appreciate you all stopping by and for your sweet comments---they make my day!

Happy Friday!

Melis

are you sitting down...

ya better---

I don't think I've ever seen a wedding collection put together so perfectly---This is the new Wedding Collection from Melissa Frances and it is such a pleasure to work with---papers, cardstock stickers, glitter chipboard, and more---it is so easy to use and creates such an elegant, sweet, and dramatic effect.

  Thanks so much for looking---come back tomorrow won't you---one last collection from Melissa Frances to show!

have a great day!

Melis

It's time!!

Mmmmm....did you know Fall is my favorite season?  Yep---and this new line from Melissa Frances just hits the spot.  Apple pie, Pumpkin pie, crunchy leaves, bright orange pumpkins in my garden----I neeeed it to be Fall now, but this will have to do.

The first line I get to show you today is called Mulberry Hill.

Here are a few projects I've made using papers from this collection.

Check out the larger resin frame here too---beautiful!

Love the antique trims Melissa Frances offers too.

A new shaped flip-album using the new papers--cute, eh?

And, just sporting a new cardstock sticker here with some of the later paper lines.

More from a different collection tomorrow!

Happy Fall, y'all!

Melis

Where do I start....

seems like I have lots to tell you, but I'm not sure where to start...

OK----now I know.  Let's start with some sneak peeks at the Lime Tart, Half-Tart for July.  You might just drool a little at the gorgeous papers...and it's really OK.

I'll post the full projects once they're loaded into the gallery at Lime Tart.

Now...you'll never guess!  Melissa Frances sneak peeks will start tomorrow.  Over the space of three days, we'll be posting projects using her new lines---so check back tomorrow in the a.m.  I can almost guarantee you I'll be up from about 3:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. with my use-to -sleep-so-soundly 3 year old---but I'll be back much laaaaater!

And...would ya look at what sweet Kim did?  Creative Blogs

She featured me and my frumpy little blog on her site.  You have to check out her blog---such a great idea and lots, and lots, and lots of other great blogs to check out.  Thanks so much Kim---what a wonderful surprise!

Well...I'm gonna head back to work.  Soooooo hot today---the worst yet I think.  I just opened up the windows to try and get a cool breeze and the temperature inside started to rise---gonna be tough sleepin' tonight.

Night everyone.

Melis

eh...who needs sleep?

I should be sleeping...but instead I'm playing with some gorgeous new Melissa Frances products for CHA---gotta get my groove on I tell ya...times a tickin'.  Can't wait to show you the goods...but for now I'll quickly post my card for the Card Positioning Systems blog.  This has to be one of my most favorite sketches YET!  Tami does such a great job---so give 'er a whirl, huh?

Can't think of much else to say, except Sierra caught 7 tato bugs and 2 caterpillars tonight---not the cute fuzzy-turn into a butterfly kind of caterpillar---we're talking the little pests that are eating our garden alive---so I'm not too sad she's capturing them.  She is keeping them snug and tight in her bug keeper that grandma gave her.  Pretty sure they won't be looking so perky in the morning, and I'll have some explaining to do--better think on that a bit.

Night everyone.

Melis

Sweet Sundays...

I love them!  It's the only day it seems where my little family and I can be together.  Naps, big dinner, church, and I just pulled my first batch of zucchini bread out of the oven---Yum!  Thanks mom for the recipe.

I just thought I'd pop in and share another oldie.  This was published in CARDS a while back, and it's been enough time that I can share it online again.

Just a little something for a new babe, or a new mom. 

I was asked a question regarding my little book of red treasures.  The question was what font I had used throughout my book, and it's 2Peas Weathervane.  You can download it from twopeasinabucket.com.

I hope you're all having a great Sunday too!  Chat later.

melis

I love old stuff...

For my birthday, my mom bought me a replica of an old scale--you know the kind you might find on a counter at on oldie type of mercantile---it's barn red, beat up and a BEAUTY---I was so happy to carry it home with me---thanks mom.  Let's see---ohhhh, I also received an old, metal frame, painted sage green, beat-up with a beautiful, dusty, old primitive star in the center---it's hanging in my kitchen and makes me happy too----so, I have a thing for old stuff, and that's all I have to show you for a bit---just some of my old stuff---can't show you what I've been working on for a while, so I hope you'll enjoy some of my junky treasures, lol.

This is a little book I made for CreativeXpress a few months ago, that documents my love of anything old, red, and priceless.

Paper Salon....

is here...at my little house... making me verrrry happy!  They have come out with some adorable, new, clear stamps that I LOVE.  Also, new paper collections for Fall and Winter---so, I can give you some peeks at just a few things I've been working my little fingers to the bone doing for CHA.

This is from their new Spice Collection, using the new Fall Frolic stamps.

This card uses the new Wishes clear stamp set.

And, one more for tonight, so I don't put you all to sleep---this card uses the new Just a Note clear stamp set---super sweet stuff.  I'll post more tomorrow.

And, stay tuned for some of the most mouth-watering new Melissa Frances stuff you've evah seen.  I think I seriously dream about it--just gorgeous---but we'll just have to hang on a bit longer.

Hope all is well!

Melis

Happy July!!

I'm back home and just wanted to pop in quickly this morning seeing as how I promised to choose a random winner today.  I've been gone for quite a few days, and just want you all to know how much I have enjoyed the cards I've seen.  I PROMISE that if you haven't received a comment or an email from me---you will---I just have lots of catching up to do.  But, let's get to the fun stuff.....

The winner chosen randomly is............................

Vanessa!  You can see her card here.  It's just adorable!

And...thank you all for playing along!

Vanessa, please get me your address and I'll get something in the mail to you.

For those of you still waiting on your RAK's from the last contest....I didn't get them mailed out before I headed out of town---so they'll be coming to you shortly.

OK---I'll just leave you with my card for the CPS blog this week---such a fun and easy sketch--hope you'll give it a try!

And, be sure to check out the Sketch This Cards blog---Janelle posted the first contest for this site and it sounds like so much fun---so get going!

Have a great day!

Melis