LilyBean's Paperie

FABULOUS favorites...

Here I am ...back to celebrate with you.  Happy, Happy 2nd Anniversary Papertrey Ink!  I am still so honored and tickled to be part of this amazing design team....it's a dream come true for me and I want to thank Nichole for having enough confidence in me to invite me on board, and would also love to thank each of my fellow design team members for including me so wholeheartedly as they have.  I am truly so happy and crazy in love with this wonderful team and company!  So let's celebrate along with the rest of the team, shall we?

  Nichole asked each of us as design team members to pick our very favorite stamp set and give it away to kick off the festivities.  I am a sucker for hearts, berries, and sweet sentiments and so I had to choose the darling stamp set called My Punny Valentine to share with one of you.  All you have to do is post a comment here on my blog.  A name will be chosen randomly as the winner of my favorite set and will be posted HERE on Nichole's blog and in the PTI forum.  You have until 12am EST February 2nd to leave a comment.  AND.....be sure you visit each of the design team member's blogs and leave a comment for them to be eligible to win their favorite stamp sets too...not to mention they have left you beautiful samples to enjoy as well.  HOW FUN and have fun!

Becky

Debbie

Heather

Lauren

Mish

Nichole

Geny

Dawn

Niki

Betsy

Papertrey Ink supplies used: 

Stamps:

My Punny Valentine

Paper: 

Summer Sunrise

Kraft

White

Vellum cardstock

Ink:

Ripe Avocado

Summer Sunrise

Pure Poppy

Berry Sorbet

Ribbon:

Berry Sorbet

Ripe Avocado

 

midnight snack...

In just a few hours, Papertrey Ink will be begin the celebration of it's 2nd birthday and you won't want to miss everything Nichole has planned.  Come back tonight at 12:00 am EST to find out about some fun, delightful, adorable, and inspiring giveaways.....so much planned throughout February all starting tonight at midnight :)

For now, a little stampin' something or other for you and then I'll see you later.

  I love this color combo....chocolate is just the perfect addition to any color isn't it....chocolate dipped everything :)

I used Papertery Ink's Polka Dot Basics, Simply Stationary, and Boards and Beams stamp sets along with Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, and Ocean Tides cardstock, Dark Chocolate, and Vintage Cream ink, and Dark Chocolate Grosgrain.  The patterned paper is from SEI, the acrylic heart from Heidi Grace Designs, and the big old honkin' button is from my stash...I love my stash. 

Off to finish yummy Corn Chowder.

Melis

a little bit blond....

welllll....perhaps all the way blond.  I was just informed....ever so politely, that I have taken it upon myself to come up with my own name for the beautiful, new Melissa Frances line "Fresh Twist"...it is NOT "French Twist".....sorry....see what happens when I get all excited about new product...I stop reading and just look at the pretty pictures :)  Actually....that is pretty much what I have been doing for the last 5 years....looking at the pretty pictures.  So, call it a blond moment....or a mommy moment....I don't think I'm to the senior moment quite yet, although there are days when I feel it creeping up on me.  I apologize and hope I haven't caused too much confusion...you can read all about it for yourself AND look at the pretty pictures HERE on the Melissa Frances website...all of the beautiful papers are listed with the embellishments for your viewing pleasure :)

A few images for you tonight of the make and take I created for the Melissa Frances booth at CHA....thanks to Melissa's wonderful idea :)    I used new Attic Treasures paper on this L.O.V.E banner along with a bit of new Thankful paper.  I am crazy about the Melissa Frances Crystal Clear stamps...I used them for the letters and borders...they are simply elegant and so versatile.  If you were able to stop by the booth and make one for yourself, I'd love to hear from you! 

The sun is growing weary here...it's starting to dip behind the mountains and I am thoroughly enjoying the sounds of our house right now.  It's quite...no television, the washing machine churning quietly, the fireplace gently roaring, and my little one chattering to each of her stuffed animals as she puts a flower behind their ear...she has my flower stash dumped thither and yon this afternoon and I love it....happy, beautiful messes.

Enjoy your evening.

Melis

en·er·gy...

1.  Vitality and intensity of expression

When I think of another of my favorite card artists, this word comes to mind immediately....her cards are full of life, energy, and happiness....and I have yet to see one I don't love.  I have known Roree Rumph for a long while...I think we began this little paper-crafting journey around the same time and I am so happy to still be working with her.  Check out her crafy little spot on the web and enjoy your time looking through her cards...I know you'll be inspired.  Say "hey" for me when you stop by too :)  The card I would like to focus on as a piece of inspiration is THIS card.  I adore those buttons in all of the different colors she's used...of course the heart and circular shape of the card...every inch of this is wonderful and playful and perfectly Roree.  So....create away and show me how her card inspired you.  I'll share mine when I get it done.

I have my Kristina card to share with you today....I was inspired by the turquoise blue and the bright contrast of pinkish red of her beautiful heart.     I used more Melissa Frances French Twist and Thankful paper here along with a Maya Road ribbon flower and chipboard frame.  The hearts and sentiment are from Papertrey Ink's Heart Prints, Heartfelt Basics, and Men of Life stamp sets.  I also used Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist grosgrain,  and ink in the colors Sweet Blush and Berry Sorbet.  Thank you Kristina for the inspiration...I look forward to many more of your beautiful cards.

One last somethin' or other before I go.  The CPS blog is having a big party in celebration of it's 100th sketch....I love this blog and am so happy it is loved by so many.  One sure place to always find inspiration.  We have several sponsors this week, and I was able to use stamps sponsored by Cornish Heritage Farms.      The Vintage Butterflies stamp set is so beautiful....very timeless and sweet.  Thank you to CPS and Cornish Heritage Farms for the fun!

Hope you're enjoying your Thursday....tomorrow is Friday!

Melis

some sunny day baby...

The sun is warm on my shoulders and neck today....it makes me happy through and through.  My little one is home from school for the day...the house is filled with her again, and I love it.  Next year she will be gone all day from me and I already miss her...it will kill me...I don't quite know how I am going to handle that, so for now I am going to soak in each minute with her.  She started Cheer Camp last night and is loving it...I laugh as I watch her...tongue sticking out, serious little expression on her face as she concentrates, and then she jumps and bounces giggles all over. 

I have a few more Melissa Frances projects to share with you today.

The first is a new baby mini album with shaped pages....I love the layered look and sweet, vintage images.      This is just a sampling of a few of the pages....I hand stamped the damask and floral images, the date, etc. using Melissa Frances Crystal Clear stamps.  I incorporated an Attic Treasures Postcard Kit, cardstock stickers, glitter chipboard, and rubons as well...I love this album.

Melissa also has a new Attic Treasures mini album making it's debut with the same adorable shaped pages.      I incorporated resin, rubons, cardstock stickers, flashcards, glitter chipboard, more stamps, and a Postcard kit in this as well....Melissa Frances has so many new and exciting things just released at CHA....adhesive pearls, tinsel, bottle brush trees, Mica, rhinestones, new chipboard, books....I am so excited about it all.

A few Papertrey Ink projects to share from this month's release.  I love these new sets.  These little monogram cards use the new Fresh Alphabet stamp set along with the Simply Stationary set.  I made these for my mom....she's always sporting a cute handbag, so these just had to be for her.  I used Raspberry Fizz paper and a Sizzix die for the purses.

Sorry for the crumbs :)  I used the new Around and About Sentiments set for this little combo.    Cardstock, ribbon, ink, stamps...everything from Papertrey Ink.  I used the Sizzix Take-Out box die for the container...so fun and then embellished with Making Memories buttons and such.

Well....will you come back tomorrow?  I have a wonderful card artist to share with you and I can't wait.  I am in the process of working on my Kristina card....can't wait to finish that either...perhaps when it's lights out around here :)

Enjoy your day.

Melis

beau·ty

1. The quality that gives pleasure to the mind or senses and is associated with such properties as harmony of form or color, excellence of artistry, truthfulness, and originality.

2. An outstanding or conspicuous example

More loveliness for you today....I have long admired Kristina Proffitt and her happy, sweet, irresistible cards.  Her blog is filled with her wonderful creations and there is one piece in particular that I just love.  You can see it HERE.  I love the depth of the color red she has used and the mass of dimension it adds...the colors are beautiful and the design very simple as in true Kristina style.  So much to love about her :)  So....let this little piece inspire you to create something of your own...I can't wait to get started.  Link me please to show and tell :)

Today I have my Mary card to share with you.    I love how Mary used white on white and so I was inspired to add a creamy white to stark white to create this wedding card...I used Papertrey Ink's With Sympathy stamp set along with Around and About Sentiments set.  I used my favorite Vintage Cream ink and then embossed those little blossoms to raise them up a bit.  The ribbon is Vintage Cream satin.  I used a bit of new Thankful Melissa Frances paper along with cardstock stickers from the Wedding collection and a tag from the Ambiente collection.  Thanks so much for your inspiration Mary!

Some more Pink Pailsee goodness to share.  Today I'll share a few things created with the Captivating collection...I do so love it...plaids, scallops, florals....cute stuff.  Here is my little bean....the one who captivates me :)                 sigh....how I love her.

I had better get....things to do, and just one me to do them.

Melis

count your joys...

it's been a good, busy day....I'm working on organizing little by little and it makes me feel so good.  Unlucky for me...I haven't an ounce of organizational skill in me....but I try.  So....I'm done with my list for the day, with my little sidekick bouncing along beside me...she still thinks this list stuff is fun :)  Now I have a minute to post and then it's time to make dinner and plan our family night.  How about you?  Hope you didn't have one of those ucky Mondays...if so, hope your day gets better.

Here is my Dawn inspired card for you tonight...  I was inspired by the colors in her card...the glitter of course, silly...and her stampin' :)  I used my Papertrey Ink Background Basic: Stars stamp set here along with Heart Prints sentiments and my Recipe Box Label set.  The ribbon is Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream satin, and the ink is Dark Chocolate.  Paper is from Melissa Frances French Twist and Thankful collections and the chipboard frame is from Maya Road.  I'll be back tomorrow with my Mary card and a new favorite card artist for you to enjoy :)

Before I go, here is another peek at one of Pink Paislee's new collections...Fascinating....it's LOVELY and happy and wonderfully fun to work with.

  Love, love, love the colors and patterns in this line.

Off I go....enjoy your night.

Melis

crea·tivi·ty

 1. Having the ability or power to create

2. Productive; creating.

3. Characterized by originality and expressiveness; imaginative

 

Happy, happy, drizzly, rainy, beautiful, puffy-clouded Sunday...I LOVE rainy days....it makes me feel like throwing all of the windows open and letting out the musty days of winter.

 

I just finished my Dawn inspired card...too late to take a good picture of it, so tomorrow I'll share it with you.  Thanks so much Dawn for sharing your creativity with us...she has oodles of beautiful things on her blog right now to inspire you.

Today....I get to share another of my most favorite artists with you...I accidentally ran across her blog yesterday morning and was so happy to have found her....I have admired her work for years and I know you will too....my new friend, Mary Macaskill and her adorable blog, Very Mary!  Be sure to send a little "hi" Mary's way and be prepared to be inspired.  THIS is the card that made me gasp out loud.....I can't wait to create something using either those brilliant and stark colors, the simple design, or just look at how those clear buttons add the perfect finishing touch...not to mention the scallops and pom pommies...she's adorable, don't you think?  I can't wait to make a Mary card.  Thanks for letting us take a peek Mary :)  Be sure to link me when you have your card done...you know how much I love your creations!

 

So...today I finally get to begin showing you my Pink Paislee projects for CHA...I don' t know what to start with as I just love each of these new collections...

  It's true...I'm completely enchanted with the Enchanting collection....it's shabby and gorgeous...and there's wood grain paper to boot....yep...wood grain, ohhh and those luscious green and brown roses....    Rubons, cardstock stickers, fabric brads, CHIPBOARD....oh my!

More tomorrow.

Tonight I'll leave you with s'more French Twist from Melissa Frances and a GIVEAWAY on the Melissa Frances blog....can't miss this one :)

          Pheeeeew...did I wear you out :)

It's been a wonderful Sunday....I feel so happy and full of gratitude.  Now it's time for popcorn and a movie with my little fam.

Have a wonderful night.

Melis

in·spire

a. To stimulate to action; motivate

b. To affect or touch

c.  To draw forth; elicit or arouse

d.  To be the cause or source of; bring about

e.  To breathe life into

Beautiful definitions of a most lovely word....

I thought it would be fun to take you on a little walk for the next few days and introduce you to people who inspire me...and while we're at it have some fun creating cards. 

Inspiration today comes from my friend Dawn McVey....she has the most creative sense of color and the cards that are born from her color combos are just amazing...I am drawn to them and to her clean style.  My challenge for you today is to create a card based on THIS card of hers.  Let the colors inspire you...the design...the use of glitter...the scallops with the gems in the center....whatever it is that inspires you about this card....create something from it and share it with us. 

There is no time frame....there aren't any prizes...not much fame...but hopefully you'll enjoy the process of creating and love what you come up with.  Just be sure to link us to your creation by posting here and make sure to leave Dawn a little lovin' too.

Tomorrow, I'll take you on another little inspiration walk.

A couple of cards to leave you with tonight....more Melissa Frances deliciousness :)

New Attic Treasures paper and cardstock stickers here and a bit of new Thankful paper as well. 

  This was created for the CPS blog this week as a surprise for sweet Tami Mayberry in celebration of her beautiful baby boy, Logan...congratulations my friend!  Be sure to check out the CPS blog to learn about the big party CPS has planned for it's 100th sketch celebration!  Melissa Frances paper, stamp, rubon, cardstock stickers, and resin used here along with a sweet Maya Road chipboard house and glitter, glitter, glitter :)

Well....I'm off to make THESE for my little crew tonight (thanks to Miss Bakerella and Betty C.)...then some homemade pizza...then it's time for the bedtime routine to begin ;)  I've decided I am the luckiest mama in the whole world and the fact that I am sleep deprived because my little one is all of the sudden calling me to snuggle her in the middle of the night countless times is really OK...afterall....this won't last much longer and she kisses me all over when I snuggle in tight next to her....she smooths my hair and touches my face and tells me she loves me and it melts my heart...it's just the bags under my eyes and the never-ending yawning throughout the day that bug me :)  I love mama-hood.

I owe MANY of you emails with answers to questions...I am going to start getting back to you tonight...so thank you for your patience...I'll chat with you very soon.

Have a wonderful night.

melis

foodie thursday...

    Some happy little cupcakes and wrappers for the Melissa Frances booth.  The wrappers use new additions to the Thankful line from Melissa Frances...I love this line.  I used my Sizzix die cut machine and die to create the wrappers....I love this die!    My little love....more new Thankful can be seen here along with vintage paper and cardstock stickers from the new Attic Treasures line.    More new Attic Treasures paper and cardstock stickers here along with the Attic Treasures Post card kit and oodles of Melissa Frances goodies. 

More to come...but I promised you a challenge, didn't I?
I've been one day ahead of myself all week, and I was thinking today was Friday (darn)----so....tomorrow we'll kick off the weekend with a challenge! 

Enjoy your Thursday!

Melissa

ohhhh honey....

just one of the sweet and silly phrases I hear floating around my house today as my 5-year old and her friend play....it's fun to be a snoop and listen in :)
I am a happy, happy girl today...as of 20 minutes ago, every last project for CHA has been mailed and I am FREEEEE!  FREEEE I say!!!  I'm all giddy inside....not about the floor that needs to be mopped, or the laundry waiting to be folded, or the piles of scraps and buttons, and ribbon that need to be tidied up....but nonetheless, happy to create with those scraps and buttons and SUCH.  I just visited my friend Mish's blog and she has once again inspired me with her Valentine Station....I'm doing this tonight and will post a pic tomorrow...and lucky me, the FedEx man just delivered some new Making Memories Love Story and a few Martha Stewart Valentine punches!  Emma's Paperie is loaded with Valentine goodies galore!

I don't quite know where to start here today...but I do have a few things to share and I better spread them out a bit to keep you all from falling asleep.

Tattered Angels has the most beautiful new Glimmer Chip Alpha shapes debuting at CHA.  Here are a couple of cards created using these delightful products.    This card was made with Tattered Angel's new Glimmer Chip Framed Font Butterflies....I love 'em, I love 'em, I love 'em.  I used Garden Fairy, Sea Glass, and Gold Glimmer Sprays to color the chipboard.

  This card was created using another style of Glimmer Alpha Framed Fonts.  I used Scarlet and Key Lime Pie Glimmer Mist on this...I love how brilliant the color is with these sprays....every shade is available and all so beautiful.

And lastly, a mini album using a new album from Tattered Angels.  This is actually a kit that includes everything you see here...album, 3 Glimmer Mist sprays, a Glimmer Screen, Glimmer Chip Framed Alpha, adhesive pearls, ric rac, trim, flowers, and paper.  I added the stamping and the twill tape on my own.        I created 12 pages to record baby's first year.  So much fun...love those screens and sprays.

Well....how about some more Melissa Frances tomorrow, and a CHALLENGE for all of you not heading off to sunny Cali. for the show?  We'll have lots of fun, I promise.  So come back tomorrow for more details.

For now I'll leave you with some new Pink Paislee......mmmmm...these are the collections that have been shown so far....you know what that means....more coming tomorrow and they are all beautiful.  I can't show you my projects just yet....but check out the Pink Paislee blog for some sneak peeks :)

Off I go to mop or somethin' ridiculous like that.

Melis

one little duck went out to play...

over the hill and far away...

But my little duck is back now, and I am enjoying the scattering of Polly Pockets spread here and there, listening to her go on and on and use big, new, exciting words, and certainly enjoying my home filled to the brim with her spirit once again.  I have to tell you what a wonderful mother I have.  She has been my best friend for as long as I can remember...we've never fought...I've never raised my voice at her....we talk at least once a day....and she is so supportive and thoughtful.  I feel that very same way about my dad as well.  The two of them came and whisked my little one away for the whole weekend.  They went to the movies, the dinosaur museum, the swimming pool, on scooter rides, and who knows how many trips to McDonald's....I love the way they love her.  My mom even moves out of her bed and sleeps right beside my little girl whenever she comes to stay....I am so thankful for this sweet relationship.  They spoil me rotten...as I was unpacking her suitcase last night, I found myself getting all teary, as I had found my mom had washed every ounce of clothing, so it was perfectly clean when I picked her up...I could see her smiling as she folded little jammies, socks, and shirts ever so gently...remembering when she did this for my brothers and me when we were her age.  I love her so much and am so thankful for her example.  So...now we're back together again and I am back in momma mode.

I just mailed off 2 boxes today in preparation for CHA and will mail another 2 tomorrow...I so love the excitement surrounding the debut of new products and having the opportunity of creating with such amazing and inspiring product.  I am super happy to report that Melissa Frances sneak peeks are underway!  You can check the Melissa Frances homepage for a few tidbits, and the blog has oodles of products using the new collection called French Twist....it's juicy, shabby, and oh, so lovable!

Here are a few things I created using this most delicious line.            Isn't it beautiful...if you're going to CHA, hope you'll stop by booth #4077 to see it in person.

That's it for now....time to put the chicken in the oven.

Night.

Melis

little bits...

A Tattered Angels peek for you today :)

 

This card uses new Alpha Glimmer Chips----they are beeeutiful in every, every way.  I used Cherry Blossom Glimmer Mist to coat the chip shapes, then inked them with Amaretto Quick Quotes Powder Puffs ink, then coated the time piece chip shape with glitter, then added just a bit of Walnut Gold Glimmer Spray to make it a darker shade than the alpha chips.

I'll have more later :)

Melis

love spell...

I haven't much ooomph left in me tonight.  I have been busy, busy working on CHA projects which I will be able to show you soon. 

For now, just a little something I created using my Papertrey Ink Heart Prints and Heart Prints sentiments stamp sets.  I have really been enjoying finishing the inside of cards with a handmade touch or two.        I love Papertrey's Raspberry Fizz cardstock, ink, and ribbon mixed with the soft Vintage Cream cardstock.   This combo reminds me of raspberries and chocolate...it seems food inspires me, especially the sweet stuff :)  I created a little gift set by making up a card and matching tag that I simply tied to a glassine bag filled with some yummy sugar cookies.  Easy, sweet, fun...

Hope you're enjoying your weekend :)

Melis

extra sprinkles...

    Have I told you all how much I love Valentine's Day...it's true...it must be the pink, the jumbo scallop hearts I remember from Elementary School, the heart shaped sugar cookies, the shoe box decorated with my mom to take to school and stick all of those sweet love notes in....

The little Miss and I set out to make some yummy sugar cookies the other day...she makes them extra special.  She sticks her finger in to taste the flour, salt, baking soda, sugar...you name it.  I have to stop her from dipping into the egg.   I created this for Emma's Paperie this week.  This was so much fun to make...perfect for Valentine treats, or to hold Sierra's Valentine's from friends.  So many darling ideas are waiting on the Emma's Paperie blog along with supplies to create  you own.

It's almost the weekend!

Melis

looking in the window...

I had the most amazing experience today....it was unexpected, but leaves me feeling so full of emotion and tenderness.  I serve in the Relief Society presidency in my ward here, and one thing we really enjoy doing as a presidency is going out and visiting with ladies we may not know too well, or that perhaps are sick, or just need a little company.  So, today we set off to visit a cute, elderly lady here in town who has been having some health problems.  I have seen her on and off for years since moving here and she is always just darling...perfectly dressed and very well taken care of...always with a sweet smile and twinkle in her eye.  Well, that is as far as our relationship has gone after all of these years...until tonight.  I walked in her home....it was just as perfectly cared for and tidy as she appears, and gave her a little squeeze and felt like I was walking into my Grandma Boley's house.  My grandma died when I was just 18...she was my last remaining grandparent...so, I have missed having her presence, along with my other grandparents, in my life for 16 years.  I remember everything about her....I don't think I have a better memory of anyone that has ever come and gone from my life....but this very special lady reminded me so much of her.  She told us stories of how she helped her mother raise her 7 siblings after her father was killed in an accident....she taught us about baking bread and cinnamon rolls from scratch...she taught us of the importance of keeping a tidy home and garden....I was just in awe, soaking in everything she had to say and missing my grandma so much.  It was a very special experience for me....I felt like I was watching through her window and seeing the life she had lived right there in that very house and knew that there was love and laughter each and every day, accompanied by the tears of life as well.  It's funny how people come into our lives unexpectedly and leave with us such wonderful examples to follow....I am thankful for all of those examples.

Tonight is a fun night....lots to celebrate.  It's Papertrey Ink release night and the Design Team girls have been so hard at work creating inspiring projects to share with you.  I can begin sharing my projects tonight, and so I'll post my favorite.

The new Simply Stationary set is so much fun and so different than anything I have ever seen....the possibilities with this set just don't end.  We were assigned a stationary set with this stamp set and were encouraged to show ways of packaging the set using any Papertrey Ink packaging supplies.  Here is what I came up with:         

I used a Papertrey Ink paint can to contain and present this stationary set of thank you cards.  I tucked in glassine envelopes behind, added a little glassine bag containing stamps, and then topped a pen with a flower for writing.  I also added a few treats inside the can just to make it a little bit sweeter :)

Be sure to check out the Papertrey Ink Design Team gallery for more ideas using this stamp set....I know you'll love what the girls came up with as much as I have.

I thought I'd leave you with a quote I found from one of my most favorite women, Marjorie Pay Hinckley.  She has such a positive way of expressing herself that I just love.

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

 

 Happy Thursday.

Melis

shake your groove thing...

CHA is approaching...wish I could go...but happy to be the tucker-inner, the hair do-er, the p-nut butter and toast maker, the macaroni and cheese cooker, the bumps and bruises kisser, and the bedtime story teller.  I'm also thankful I get to take part in some small way, that of working my little fingers off from home.  So much to do....not a lot to share...yet!

I can tell you that the new Melissa Frances is my MOST FAVORITE YET!  That's all you're getting from me.

I can tell you that the new Pink Paislee is heading my way and I am beside myself to see it and bury myself silly in it creating :)

Tattered Angels is well......so elegant, timeless, versatile, and inspiring.

And...new Papertrey Ink stamps coming your way soon...very soon :)  For now you can pop over to Nichole's blog for some of the most delicious projects I have seen.  How I love her work....

So, now that I have my second wind and it's times to get back in the groove for the night, I wanted to share with you my Emma's Paperie project for the week...pardon my fetish for butterflies once again, darned things ---I've hidden the butterfly punch for just a while.

    The color of the month at Emma's is turquoise and so here is my little number incorporating all things turquoise.  I took a postcard from a Melissa Frances postcard kit and altered it a bit creating this card.  All supplies can be found at Emma's along with beautiful projects from the other designers.

Off I go....just me and my Coca Cola :)

Melis

versatility with sympathy...

This month our challenge as a Design Team for Papertrey Ink was to use one of the new sympathy stamp sets to create a sympathy card, then show the versatility of the set by creating a second card using the same image, colors, and design, and mixing it with any of the other stamp sets from Papertrey Ink.  What a fun challenge...so many possibilities with these stamps and a wonderful way to show how easy it is to mix the sets up a bit to fit the proper occasion.

  I used Papertrey Ink's With Sympathy stamp set, which will be released on January 15th, for this card.  I love those sweet, wispy flowers, and thoughtful sentiment.  Wait til you see this complete set...it's just perfect for helping you express your love and caring when someone is going through a difficult situation.  You'll notice I'm using my favorite color combination again for this...appropriate for a card of this nature. 

  On this second card, I created an everyday card which could be used for many different occasions.  I used the very same images from the With Sympathy set and switched the colors to something a bit bolder, and then used the Men of Life stamp set to create the general sentiment at the bottom.  So fun and what a great challenge...one I never would have thought of on my own, but will certainly remember now.

I have lots of links for you to check out so you can enjoy work and ideas from the other Papertrey Ink Design Team members.

Niki Estes, Nichole Heady, Mish Wooderson, Lisa Johnson, Lauren Meader, Heather Nichols, Geny Cassady, Dawn McVey, Betsy Veldman, and Becky Oehlers.

Papertrey Ink supplies used on these cards are:  Lavender Moon and Vintage Cream cardstock, Lavender Moon, Spring Moss, and Ripe Avocado ink, Spring Moss and Vintage Cream satin ribbon.  Paper used is from K&Co./Amy Butler, Swiss Dots embossing folder from Provo Craft, gems from Doodlebug Design, and butterfly punch from Martha Stewart.

Well...the night is young....my husband and little girl are snoring and dreaming, so I'm off to create.

Enjoy your week.

Melis

my favorite place...

sitting, snuggling with my little one...I think I haven't taken enough time to enjoy these moments with her lately.  It seems there is always something that we mommies need to be doing, and to slow down and snuggle for a while is a task in itself...but one I enjoy so much more than anything else.  Daddy is gone for a while, so last night we piled the pillows and blankets on the floor, popped some popcorn, and watched Peter Pan together....it's so much fun to have special mommy/Sierra moments with her....time is slipping away so quickly and I'm not ready to say goodbye to my little buddy yet.

After she fell asleep last night, I worked late and enjoyed some stamping, some glittering, and some paper-goodness :)  Another new favorite color combo here.  I love charcoal...not quite black, but still dark and deep...it's a very elegant color.  It's so beautiful combined with cream and light purple-y pink.  I used Papertrey Ink Polka Dot Basics stamp set here along with the Heartfelt Basics stamp set.  The cardstock is beautiful Papertrey Vintage Cream and Silver Shimmer.  I used Papertrey Lavender Moon ink to stamp and create the fun sentiment and happy polkas, and some Spring Moss satin to top if off.  Also seen here is a Tattered Angels Glimmer Chip butterfly coated with clear glitter and sprayed with Cherry Blossom Glimmer Spray...these sprays create the most beautiful colors.  They are so much fun to use.  The paper is a new favorite of mine from Amy Butler/K&Co., and then my Fiskars scalloped scissors to create the decorative edge.  Fun and easy.

Today brings a beautiful, melty, soggy, sunshiny day.  Hope you're enjoying your weekend.

Melis

Happy National Bubble Bath Day...

I'm sure I am the last one to know about this ever important holiday....but just in case you didn't know...I thought you'd like to set aside a little time for yourself tonight and induldge :)  My little one celebrates this occasion every single day... I however can't remember the last time I soaked my weary bones and it most definitely won't happen too soon either.

I've heard that Laura Mercier Chocolate Truffle Honey Bath is a little slice of heaven on earth....have you tried it?  I won't be sharing this with anyone...nope.   This article from Studio 5 has more bubble bath favorites for your to enjoy as well. 

Today I have a couple of little items to share.    Kinda got a little thing for these colors lately...oh, and cupcakes :)  I used a stamp set from Sweet 'n Sassy stamps called Love Blooms to stamp my background of roses here, and then piled on the goodies. Paper from October Afternoon and Sassafras Lass, cupcake from Martha Stewart, chipboard from My Mind's Eye, rubon from Basic Grey, trim from Maya Road, cherry from Heidi Swapp, and ribbon from May Arts.

This week on the CPS blog there is a darling sketch and our sponsor is Sweet 'n Sassy stamps.  So here you'll see the stamp set being used again for the sentiment and the background paper.  Just for fun....for someone special.

Well...off to scrub something or other...I'm thinking that the suds in my kitchen sink are as close to a bubble bath that I'll get.

Enjoy your day.

Melis

avenues...

So fun to explore new things...makes me feel like a kid again and like there are endless possibilities when it comes to creativity. 

I feel like I've been a stuffy old shirt lately, so today---no serious stuff,  just fun.  I've been given the green light to start sharing a few of the new CHA product for Tattered Angels....I don't really even know where to begin other than to say.....BEAUTIFUL!  I am truly so excited for the things they'll be releasing....must see, have, and touch kind of stuff :)

I created this card using some new stamps from Tattered Angels along with a Glimmer Screen in the same design.  I used Starfish Glimmer Spray to create the juicy background, then added some fun Crafty Secrets vintage images to top it off.    A little different from what my mind normally dreams up....but oh, so much fun!  I can't wait to try another and another!  You can view the Tattered Angels 2009 catalog HERE.

And, because this site makes me happy....I just have to make sure you've visited because it is bound to brighten your day as well.  Inspire Co.---such a treat!

I need to be responsible for a bit.

Hope you're having a great day.

Melis

remember...

a beautiful, powerful word full of grace and gratitude. 

We are surrounded by inspiring individuals.  Those who have the ability to make us appreciate, grow, and aspire to something more than we feel we are capable of.  I have enjoyed following Ali Edward's blog and consider her such a great example.  I love to see our little scrapping world follow her and her challenges because they are wonderful and so meaningful.  Thank you Ali for sharing your passion for life and creativity with us.  Her "One Little Word" challenge of 2009 has been floating around in my head and I decided to take the time to act upon it.  I enjoyed the process of filtering through some of my most favorite words...those that seem to have a great impact on me personally, in order to come up with the word I want to focus on this year.  "Remember" is the word I have chosen and for so many reasons which I will enjoy and act upon throughout the year. 

Today "Remember" goes hand in hand with gratitude and joy.  I have been taught that we can see the hand of the Lord in our life each day if we will take the time to recognize simple miracles...blessings...and to remember what has been done for us.  I can't help but be happy when I remember special experiences each day where I have seen my Heavenly Father's love for me.  Sometimes it is found in the smile or tears of my little girl.  Sometimes in the kind act or thoughtful words of someone else.  Sometimes in the laughter I share with my husband.  I love to remember...it's a special word to me.

Lots going on here this morning while me little one is at school.  I'll share more details a bit later, but for now how about a card or two?

I found me a darling butterfly punch from Martha Stewart...and I can't stop using it...so forgive me for the flock of butterflies you may see for a little while :)      I used Melissa Frances paper, die cuts, rubons, and a cardstock sticker on this along with the butterfly punch from Martha Stewart, and a bit of glitter. 

I have been having a lot of fun playing with brighter colors lately, and so here is a little something along those lines.      I used the new Papertrey Ink stamp set called Forest Friends and Forest Friends sentiments on this along with Pure Poppy ink, Aqua Mist Grosgrain,  and my favorite Stamper's Select White Papertrey cardstock.  Also used here is a bit of SEI Poppy paper, and Jenni Bowlin Navy Dots paper, a Maya Road chipboard bookplate covered in paint and glitter, some K&Co. paper ribbon, a Martha Stewart butterfly, and my Provo Craft Forest Branches embossing folder. 

It seems my time is up....a few little friends heading over to play today :)
Happy Tuesday.

Melis

compassion and creating...

Today I am happy....this morning I wasn't...I woke up confused and weary as it seems that I have had so much on my mind and one very irritable and emotional 5-year old to somehow grow to understand....I haven't recognized my sweet little girl for the past few days and it has worn me out and caused me a lot of worry and tears.  But, it has also caused my heart to grow, and I realize that there are no limits to the amount of love our heart can hold...what a gift.  So, off we went to church, frowns, tears, and all....and as I sat down to listen in Relief Society, I heard the most beautiful lesson ever...one that spoke directly to me and lifted my heavy heart.  I would love to share it's contents with you if you find you have a minute and need a little boost.  We as women are so lucky in many, many ways.  We have been blessed with the incredible gift of compassion and love....our hearts and hands are wonderful tools for good and can bring so much happiness and joy to those we encounter.  The lesson was an answer to a prayer I have had for quite some time now.  Anyway....a sweet experience today and one I would love to share with each of you special women.  Here is a link for you to read and enjoy if  you'd like.   

I love to create....it brings me such happiness and fulfillment.  It is very therapeutic....it is a breath of fresh air on a stormy day....and it allows to me reflect on all that I have...cranky and adorable 5-year old and all.  I love to make projects that center on her because they are very personal and cause me to reach inside and express my love for her in a different kind of way.  This week we were challenged at Emma's Paperie to create with  Mint Tins.  What a fun assignment and the blog is loaded with creative ideas...sweet and inspiring.  Here is what I created using the larger hinge top tin.               So happy to see her sweet face and be reminded of my love for her....this is just one reason why I love paper-crafting so much.

I'd love to share with you a quote or two  from today:

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.

Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.

Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty..."

"You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us.  The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter."  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Can you see why this lesson was so special?  For many, many reasons.

I would also love to share with you something my good friend Lisa Pace is setting out to do.  It's called Cupid's Workshop and you can begin enrolling now.  Check out her blog for sweet sneak peeks at what you'll be making.....CAN'T WAIT.

Off to hang with my two favorite people :)

Enjoy your Sunday.

Melis

kisses and cupids...

What a wonderful, beautiful day....the sun is shining and smiling and coaxing us outside to sled before it melts away.  I had such a fun afternoon and evening with my family yesterday....they rejuvenate me and make me so happy.

Much to do today...but perhaps I'll blow it off one more day and enjoy the last days of the holiday break. 

A fun sketch this week at Card Positioning Systems....Tami's sketches are always so inspiring.  Here is what I came up with.  I used some darling chipboard from Maya Road here along with Melissa Frances rubons, Prima paper, Martha Stewart glitter, and Scenic Route border sticker.  I covered a button for the cherry on top by wrapping it in felt and then wide trim.  Those darn, irresistible, addicting cupcakes once again :)
Enjoy your day!

Melis

 

spice of life...

Good morning and Happy New Year!  I love the beginning of a new year....it's a wonderful time to contemplate and think back on what made the last year so wonderful and what we can improve upon to make the coming year even more so.  I'm happy to be where I'm at in life, but know that I have so much more I could be doing for others and myself of course.  So, I'm going to keep plugging away at learning the lessons of life and becoming a better me.  The focus of my life is my little family, our home, and basing everything on and around what my Heavenly Father has sent me here to do.  Life is wonderful....rich, full of joy and happiness around each corner, and it also never stops teaching us important lessons, does it?

Still enjoying the lazy after-Christmas days here.  I will be sad all over again to send my little one off to school.  It's amazing how 2 short weeks can feel like such a long time with someone you love.  We've fallen right back into our comfortable routine.  We made Pumpkin Cranberry Bread yesterday, and I wanted to throw in some orange zest because one of my good friends had baked us a loaf with this wonderful flavor hidden inside.  It's amazing what a little of this zest can bring and add....kind of like each of us.  We each bring something wonderful and valuable to life and that's what makes it all the more sweet and meaningful. 

Just a little share for you today and then I'm turning the computer OFF---this is at the very top of my list this year----OFF with the computer :)  I created this using some things I just love and that make me happy.  The color RED of course, glitter, chipboard, sequins, and suede from Maya Road, and my Papertrey Ink stamps---how I love 'em.    I used Papertrey Ink's Heart Prints and Heart Prints Sentiments stamp sets along with my favorite Pure Poppy ink and ribbon.  I also used my Graphically Speaking Cricut cartridge and Stylized Flowers embossing folder. 

I hope you each enjoy your day....mine will be a great one for sure.  And a heartfelt thank you to each of you for your visits, your thoughtful and kind comments, and for your friendship.  I appreciate you more than you know.

Melis