LilyBean's Paperie

gypsies....

to the beach...to the beach...to the beach, beach, beach!  Did I neglect to tell you I'm heading to the beach with my little fam?  We are packing the truck like traveling gypsies and off we go on Saturday and will be gone one glorious week----don't want you to think I'm ignoring you.

This may be my last post before we head out...so grab your Coke and sit back for a bit---I promise not to be too long-winded.

Have I mentioned my love affair with my scraps?  Here is one example:

I created this layout for Provo Craft using some scraps left over from a Paper Crafts special assignment----then had a feeeeeew more scraps left over to make this card-----got a fetish for those tiny bits of paper and these are extra special bits of paper cause they're Jenni Bowlin----it's a sin to toss Jenni in the trash...truly :)  I used the Indie Art cartridge for the butterflies, and the Home Accent cartridge for the title.

Let's see.....lots of Emma's tonight. This first card was for our July sketch assignment----sweet bunches of Making Memories here.

This second card was for our Crazy for Circles assignment----mmmmm...such fun American Crafts paper here.  Have you noticed how happy AC paper is?  Just a random thought.

This next little group is for the Lavender assignment----love lavender in it's original form and the color too---reminds me of my mom for some reason...maybe an English perfume she used to wear....anyone know more about what that might have been?  See....my memory was just sparked by this assignment...fun. I used Melissa Frances and Making Memories paper here, along with Heidi Grace flocked stickers, a Cavallini stamp, and those sweet boxes--all from Emma's.

And, lastly.....since I'm heading into the sand and sun, I thought I'd leave you with this fun little feller---I used aKim Hughes Cornish Heritage stamp on this along with Kaisercraft, Autumn Leaves, and Webster's Pages paper, the bling is from MAMBI, and the glitter is Stickles.  This was created for the Pursuit of Craftyness blog.

OK----Off I go...I need to make muffins tonight for my husband....poor guy has been getting up so early to work on the house and I want to make sure he has a little something to grab on the way out. 

Hope you're all having a great week.  I'll see you in a few days.

Melis

get on with it already....

my apologies girls--I am so sorry to keep you all waiting.  We had some cute, little cousins come to town and spent the day at the park, swimming pool, pizza parlor, the sandbox, and at Granny's---now we are home baking a cake for a friend's birthday surprise tonight---so.....since I've been neglecting you all....I had my little one randomly select 2 names instead of 1. 

The winner of the 1st goodie package that I've been showing you pictures of is....................Linda at ahappyscramper.com!  Congratulations Linda---thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us!

And.....the winner of the bonus goodie box....I'm sending you a copy of Paper Crafts magazine August/September issue and some extra trinkets as well........................congratulations to RaeAnn Skerret with THIS card.  Congratulations!

Please email me with you addresses and I'll ship these out to you.

Thank you to everyone who played along---do you know what makes me happiest about all of this???  The fact that I know some of you are just getting started and had the courage to go for it and create something you love---now just keep it up and enjoy something you love as much as I do.  I promise this won't be the last challenge.

I'll be back later tonight or in the morning with some cards.

Melis

all tucked in....

I was thinking last night how at the end of the day, when the house is quiet---my little one is sleeping, my husband snoring, and me tucking in the house for another night, that I find so much fulfillment in being a wife and mother.  I breathe a sigh of relief---some days a bigger sigh than others---but relief knowing that another day has gone by and that I have tried my hardest to take care of the people that I have been given the opportunity to love in this life.  I love drifting off to sleep with the dryer going---as in my mind that means clean clothes for my little family---my dishwasher humming--as that means happy, full bellies---the night light on and glowing from upstairs as that means safety and security for my little girl---and the list goes on and on.  I am truly blessed as are we all---I live for the simple moments in my life because they make me feel so grateful.

I have a few things to share tonight---hope I can keep you all awake :)  This first card I created for the Sketch This blog.   I used Webster's Pages, Making Memories, and SEI paper, my Provo Craft Cuttlebug machine and flower die----I embossed each of these flowers and then coated them with glitter---I like how it makes them look a bit puffy and quilted---Heidi Grace flower brads, Jesse James jewels,  October Afternoon rubons, and Melissa Frances trim.

This next card was made for fun----I have felt in such a rut lately---so I try and let myself go a bit and create a few just for fun things to get myself back to where I like to be.  I used Graphic 45 paper (LOVE THIS STUFF) along with some beautiful Webster's Pages paper, a Maya Road chipboard scroll coated with paint and glitter, an Imaginisce rubon, Making Memories chipboard flowers, pewter brads, and trim.

And---are you still with me????  Need to go grab a Coke???  I don't blame you :)

I created this for fun as well..... I seriously wanted to chuck it as far as I could about three times---but hung onto it and kept working with the colors.  Look at those darling cupcakes!!!  These stamps are from My Favorite Things---sweetness, paper from Basic Grey, trim from Melissa Frances, stickers from Making Memories, office sheer from Maya Road coated in Joann's glitter, and some Martha Stewart ribbon.

Lastly---a funky little numbah---for the CPS blog--- I am so ready for fall and pumpkins and spookables---this will most certainly not be the last time you'll hear me say that :)---Our most generous sponsor this week was Just Rite---PLEASE go check out their blog and website---I'm hooked and drooling over all of the things I can't possibly have---but it's a fun, fun company.  I used my Provo Craft Cuttlebug die and embossing set for the tree and moon, Melissa Frances glitter, Karen Foster paper, American Crafts ribbon, and Doodlebug gems.

I think that's it---remember that voting for the next Paper Crafts Gallery Idol is underway.  I always wait with anticipation as Monday approaches and I know new cards are going to be loaded into the contest gallery----what amazing crafters we have amongst us---I don't believe in choosing my favorite person or crafter to win this---or to vote for each week---I go in looking for the card that leaves me speechless and takes my breath away----it is so much funner for everyone involved this way---just wanted to say that and congratulations to all who are involved.  I am planning on playing along too---this week the challenge is monochromatic cards---how fun---wanna play?  I thinking red.....mmmm...in honor of my new, red hot, cookie makin' machine :)

I'm off to figure out what to make for dinner----Lucky Charms totally sound good to me tonight----don't ya think?

Have a wonderful night.

Melis

quick as a wink...

I thought I'd better update you on the goodie pot---it is ever growing.  I added a sweet box of note cards from WRMK, my favorite bling from Making Memories, more bling from Queen & Co., and my most favorite scissors---big old jumbo scallops from Provo Craft.  I'm off to the pool with my little fish----be back later tonight with some cards for you!  Keep creating----I won't get around to posting a winner until about 12:00 noon MST tomorrow----so go, go, go---and for those of you who don't know what in the world I'm talking about---it's THIS CARD SKETCH CHALLENGE---everyone is welcome!

Melis

let's have a cookie....

my husband was sweet enough and observant enough to understand just how badly mama needed a Sunday nap today---so, he took Sierra outside to entertain while I snoozed.  Sweet, huh?  Since I owe him now, I told him to name a cookie...any cookie...and I'd make him a bunch----PLUS I didn't tell you what he brought home for my birthday---THIS beautiful little gem and in my very favorite color too---he is so thoughtful---I have to be very careful what hints I drop around him because he listens and delivers---kind of makes me feel guilty---so I don't say much :)  Oatmeal Raisin it is for the day and that's what is in my oven right now----mmmmm...love the smell of those little bundles baking.  So, while they bake I thought I'd come chat for a minute.

Here are a couple of cards using some tools from Provo Craft. 

The first card uses THIS 2x2 circle die for the posies, and THIS Olivia alphabet die for the sentiment.  Such a fun card---I added Making Memories velvet brads and Kaisercraft adhesive pearls for the centers along with sheet music for stems and a bit of glitter of course.  The paper is from Graphic 45, Basic Grey, Sassafras lass and 7gypsies.

On this next card, I used THIS Olivia alphabet die for the tiny flowers and the sentiment, THIS 2x6 flowers die to cut the large flower from felt, and THIS Perfectly Paisley embossing folder.  The paper is from Basic Grey, the jewels and glitter from Doodlebug (they have the most wonderful glitter---it coats so well), the wide ribbon from SEI, and the flowers are from Imaginisce, Prima, and the craft store.

I'll be back tomorrow with another picture of what's being added to the goodie pot for my SKETCH CHALLENGE.   I love watching what has been created---it truly is so much fun for me and I thank you all for sharing  your talent and inspiration with all of us!  Keep them coming---plenty of time left still.

Happy Sunday everyone!

nature's majesty...

Such a perfect day yesterday...my husband had the day off and wanted to head to the mountains for a picnic---ummmm...who was I to say no to an offer like that??  It was so much fun----a picnic under the pines on a soft bed of needles--it smelled heavenly and was so peaceful.  On our way back down the mountain, the clouds rolled in, the thunder roared, and it poured down---we were happily soaked.  I made chicken ka-bobs we sat on the porch swing while it rained and sighed a happy, exhausted sigh....love days like this and am so thankful for them .

Well.....how are your cards coming for the sketch??   I've decided to add a little to the goodie pot every day....why not make this lots of fun.  Let's celebrate.  Here is a pick of what I've got set aside so far---thanks to Just Johanna and Philippa for donating the darling stamps.  Those along with a WRMK Crop-a-dile, and an extra Cuttlebug die cut and embossing butterfly set---this is one of my favorite dies---so I want to share. 

I have a couple of sketch cards to share with you today.  The first is for the Sketch This blog this week. 

I used all Crate Paper goodies here--paper, rubons, and die cuts, along with a Maya Road chipboard bookplate, Melissa Frances glitter, Martha Stewart adhesive pearl, and Heidi Swapp bling.  I just love the colors in this collection.

And, for the sketch this week at the CPS blog, we were sponsored by Kitchen Sink stamps---they are SO cute!  Here is my card using their stamps along with lots of Webster's Pages paper.

Hmmmm...did I mention Crate Paper---yep....how about a little peek at a couple of their new collections---sit down because they are BEE-UTIFUL!

And...I wanted to point you to some beautiful blogs with gorgeous projects----you just have to visit them---they'll make you happy.

Christine's blog

Linda's blog

sigh....so beautiful, huh?

Alright---off to get swim suits on and head to the pool.  Then it's lunch time and off to the store to decorate for fall----I'm almost done and will post some pictures soon----it's adorable.  I've got a shabby old table set up with an OLDER than the hills bike hanging above it and loaded with quilts, fabric, garlands, and fall goodies----love to decorate.  Then it's playtime with a friend---should be a busy, happy day.

Happy Friday.

Melis

get your sketch on....

I have oodles to share today....more new Melissa Frances, some Lime Tart, and a challenge at the end.  

This is a little garland I made from Styrofoam stars purchased at the craft store.  I used new Melissa Frances paper, a ticket, trim, resin, and Christmas chipboard---and of course a little glitter---all from Melissa Frances 

And, a shabby tree I made using new Melissa Frances paper, my Cricut machine, Melissa Frances cardstock stickers, glitter chipboard, and Christmas chipboard.  This was so much fun.

One last creation for Melissa Frances is this simple card made using new Melissa Frances paper, some glitter, Christmas chipboard, trim, and a rubon.

For Lime Tart this month I was given the A La Tarte to enjoy and create with.  Here are a few things made with this kit.

A layout of my little September Blue babe---love her. And a tussie mussie using those fun Just Johanna banner stamps---which are up for grabs in my challenge for you below.

I'll let you visit HERE to view all of the amazing creations in the Lime Tart gallery----HONESTLY---I have never seen such beautiful and fun work---3 galleries to check out for you this month.

OK---so my challenge for you is to create a card using this sketch!

That's it---you can stamp or not---choose whatever theme you'd like----let your shabby come tumbling out, or your funky self---whatever you'd like as long as you follow the sketch.  Make it your own and enjoy.  I will be giving away the stamps included in the Lime Tart July A La Tarte---I'll take a pic and post it in a bit----but you have until next Tuesday night----I'll pick a winner randomly on the morning of Wednesday the 23rd---sound easy enough?
Please play and let me know if you have any questions---feel free to enter as many as you'd like.  I can't wait to see your cards.

Melis

criss-cross applesauce....

on the ceiling, on the carpet, in the hair, smeared across the tile, oh...and don't forget the wall.....she didn't do it though.....bet you've heard that one before.  So....hear I am....putting off mopping the floor...it can wait a bit longer can't it.....just in case we drop a carton of yogurt or something like that, right?

So...sorry to leave you all for a bit---I'm back though and with some fun things to look at.  I am feeling so great right now.  It has been a busy last couple of weeks, but as of yesterday....the pressure is off and I am breathing easier---I even crashed on the couch last night just after getting my little one down for bed.  A few hours later,  my husband told me to go climb in bed and I scowled at him and said nope---I didn't want to move for another hour or so....I love naps on the couch before bed----I've missed them, but am feeling rejuvenated today!  Ok---'nough chit chat.

Melissa Frances has some new papers and a ticket booklet to add to her Christmas collection-----they are GLORIOUS in every sense of the word---how I love her style.  Here are a few little items created using these new papers---more tomorrow.

Don't forget to check out the Melissa Frances blog over the next few days as there are many, many GIVE-A-WAYS coming...starting today.

Webster's Pages.....mmmmmm.....Webster's Pages....love their new lines.  I've been able to work with the Reflections of Nature collection....and I just love it----the purples and oranges are so sweet and versatile---i can see pumpkins and flowers together at the same time.  Here are a few things I've created using this collection. 

You can check out some other creations using more new products here.

Let's see.....while CHA is in full swing...you'll want to check out The Scrappy Gourmet----everything in their store is 40% off for the next 2 days...excluding the kits----so, you know....treat yourself!

And, guess who just knocked at the door...Mr. Brown himself...poor guy was asking for directions...which always makes me a wee bit nervous....but he had a package of new CRATE PAPER!!!  Guess what I get to play with tonight???  No napping on the couch for me...I'll show you some peeks as soon as I can.

I promise we'll have some fun here while CHA is happenin'---so check back for a challenge or two!

Alrighty----time to go mop the sticky, applesauce-y floor.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Melissa

sweet smell of rain....

rain in the desert....sigh....it's glorious, and just makes my day.  Beautiful, beautiful---I'm crafting my little heart out as my little one plays with cousins today---can't wait to show you all new Melissa Frances, Webster's and Crate Paper goodies---butcha gotta wait.

I'll quickly share a project I made for the Melissa Frances blog--grab your picnic blanket and your flip flops :)  You can find supplies and information about this project there.

And....my card for the Card Positioning Systems blog this week----something about cherries and berries lately---they are so fun.

That's it for now----gotta keep crackin' before my time is up.

Enjoy your weekend.

Melis

lucky girl....

if your name happens to be......ELIZABETH B. JENSEN.....you now have a new decoration for you home!!!   Congratulations----my little one drew your name this morning to be the lucky lady who gets to take home the painting by Stephanie DosReis.  Please contact me and I'll be sure to pass along your information and this will arrive on your doorstep soon!

Now.......stay-tuned, because I have another fun challenge with a give-a-way planned.  I've got an extra set of the Just Johanna banner stamps designed by Miss Teresa Abajo and I have been given the go ahead to do with them what I would like.  So.....come back in a few days---I need to wait for the Lime Tart gallery to go up and for the card sketch to be posted and we'll get started then---but I just wanted you to know there will be more good stuff going on soon.  Here is a peek at the Lime Tart kit that has these particular stamps so you know what is up for grabs----just in case you need a little something else to tempt you...

Now.....for some sneak peeks of my Lime Tarties-----then I'm headed off on an adventure with my little one.

This kit is FUN!!!

Have a wonderful day!

Melis

wait for meeeeee....

this phrase seems to adequately describe my life right now :).  What a whirlwind...but a great one at that.  I am busily waiting the arrival of some beautiful new goodies to create with for CHA---right around the corner it seems---can't wait to show you, but for now I'll share a few other things.

Paper Crafts magazine has a special issue out called Paper Crafting with Kids.  It's full of ideas for you to create with your kids, big and small.  I can share one of my projects with you---I was assigned a quiet book and this is what came of it. 

And, my card for the Sketch This blog for the week:

I used Amy Butler/K&Co. die cuts and a fabric brad, Martha Stewart adhesive pearls, 7gypsies and Melissa Frances paper, and then some odds and ends from the craft store. 

I think that's it for this blistery, hot summer day.  We're headed off to the pool yet again.  Crossing my fingers that typepad allows this to go through---I've been trying for 2 days now and kept loosing all of my data---so maybe, just maybe today is the day :)

Happy summer girls.

Melis

yawn....

ummm...sorry to leave you all with this sleepy little blog of mine.  I've been playin'----being irresponsible---you know.  I did WOG yesterday---do you WOG???   That is Melissa terminology for running a 5K yesterday morning----it was the Firecracker 5K after all----WOGGING is what I do best---a little walking---a little jogging----it was fun and I'm glad I did it----my little hips are screaming at me today, though-----that's what 30 something is doing to me, sigh......

I have a bazillion cookies in the make right now----dinner on the stove waiting for my dirty-licious, house builder, husband---and a little girl running around playing Cinderella.  So----I will make this quick.

I made this card just for fun---had some Melissa Frances scraps laying out---also a beautiful resin key from Melissa Frances staring at me---my piano music---a fabric brad that I've had for ages--Rusty Pickle I believe---just enough Prima trim---so here she is:

And, this is my card for the CPS blog this week:

Our sponsor is Rubbernecker Stamps---so fun.  The background and butterflies are both from them. And....that little tag is from Cavallini....mmmmmm..... 

I think that's it until next time--I won't be long.  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and your 4th of July if you're here in the US like me.

Night.

Melis

from my window...

Well...for my birthday today, my husband broke ground on our property.  The building process is finally underway, and he started excavating this evening.  This is a dream come true for us and I couldn't be happier or more frightened all at the same time---such a big undertaking, but I am going to be positive about it because that makes it easier and more enjoyable.   So, my little one and I took up a pizza tonight to eat on the tailgate for dinner and to see what had been happening during the----he was starting excavation in the area where our Master Bedroom will be and my view from my bedroom window is so beautiful.  Tonight I saw desert cactus just about ready to bloom----the sun setting---mountains----pine trees, cedar trees, sagebrush , wild horses, and not one single house.   We are building in the mountains just outside of town here and I am thrilled---now to be patient, right :)

Thank you all so much for your sweet birthday wishes---I feel so honored to have been spoiled by you all today---you truly made my day so special!

Tonight I have a fun little project to share with you---and one glorious word too----say it with me now---Cavallini....mmmmmm....have you seen this stuff?  Emma's Paperie is now carrying many Cavallini goodies----I snatched me some as soon as I could.  Our challenge as a design team at Emma's was to use the tall tea tins in either the square or round shape and dress them up to our liking---I just love what the girls came up with---you've got to go peek.  Here is my take on the challenge. 

I used Webster's Pages paper, Cavallini labels, October Afternoon rubons, Prima flowers, and May Arts ribbon.

And, then tonight I'll leave you with my card for the SketchThis blog.  I am certainly in a patriotic mood---and enjoyed creating this card for our celebration coming up here on the 4th. 

I used Melissa Frances paper, glitter chipboard, die cuts, and rubons, Martha Stewart daisies, and Jenni Bowling alpha stickers.   

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

Melis

happy july...happy me...

I love this month---my birthday is ummm....tomorrow....I'm 30 something ;)---my husband knows the exact number-----but who really cares---not so much fun to keep track of anymore is it?  My brother's birthday is today---Happy Birthday Scot...I love you---and of course we have the 4th of July right around the corner followed by the 24th of July for any of you Utahns out there---I love the combination of these holidays---so much to celebrate and be ever so thankful for.

In conjunction with my birthday, I'm hosting a challenge for Webster's Pages.  You can view the details of the challenge HERE.  I fun little goodie package is up for grabs---so I hope you'll check it out and knock me over with your creativity!

Here is my card for the challenge---to get those creative juices flowing.  It all started with my favorite color RED---that sweet flower---a bit of old sheet music, which I love and save every tiny scrap of---and a party, party, party theme...

And lastly, a little page about me---I created this for Provo Craft and for the Pursuit of Craftyness blog.  Our challenge was to create a photo project---this is an 8x8 page---such a great size--I like the small scale of this.  I used Cuttlekids die cuts for the flowers and then shabbied it up a bit with tulle and then of course that darn sheet music crept in again too :)

Also, I have received a few questions regarding this HAPPINESS card.  The die cut with those darling little girls and the butterfly are from Amy Butler and K&Co.  I think they are only available at a Michael's store---but I'm not 100% sure on that---ohhh, the flower at the bottom is from this same line as well :)  Hope that helps.

I think that's it for tonight---I'll have a more to share tomorrow.

Enjoy your JULY!

Melis