LilyBean's Paperie

once upon a Saturday...

  What a happy, happy day today has been.   I sent my husband off to work on the house, my little one was still sleeping and I was not my normal self.  I was ummm...born with a genetic imbalance called worry-about-everything-for-no-reason-at-all :)  Maybe you have this too...it haunts me...but I am very good about controlling this imbalance...most of the time.  This morning though, my mind was racing with thoughts about anything and everything and I just wasn't my normal content self, until I read a small excerpt from an article by Thomas S. Monson called "Come unto Him in Prayer and Faith."  This is what I read and what made my heart sigh with relief.

 "We live in troubled times. Doctors’ offices are filled with individuals who are beset with emotional problems as well as physical distress. Divorce courts are overflowing because people have unsolved problems. Human resource administrators in government and industry work long hours in an effort to assist people with their problems.

One human resource officer assigned to handle petty grievances concluded an unusually hectic day by placing facetiously a little sign on his desk for those with unsolved problems. It read, “Have you tried prayer?” What he may not have realized was that this simple counsel would solve more problems, alleviate more suffering, prevent more transgression, and bring about greater peace and contentment in the human soul than could be obtained in any other way."

I love this wonderful gift we all have...that of prayer...it does work miracles, you know?  It worked one in my heart today.  And the day only got better from there....lucky for us, we had one of the cutest nephews here to play today....I so enjoy watching my little one interact with her cousins...it's a very special feeling and I am thankful for the chance to get to know each one better as they visit.

So....if  I've bored you to tears, I'm sorry...sometimes I'm a little chatty...it has to do with the 5-year old chatterbox I love and adore...and listen to...each minute of the day...my poor husband, I had to explain to him tonight why I talk so much when he gets home :)

A little something glittery and shabbily loved to leave with  you tonight.  This was created for Emma's Paperie this week.     

I had so much fun creating this...and I've officially come to the conclusion that CREAM is my most favorite color....everything looks so lovely when paired with this gentle color.    Little bits of Jenni Bowlin, Crafty Secrets, Basic Grey Porcelain, Making Memories....the complete supply list and step-by-step instructions can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie blog.  And, those crazy talented designers have come up with the most adorable projects for you as well. 

OK---off to talk my husband's ear off :)

Hope you've all had a wonderful day.

Melis

apron strings and pretty things...

I have a friend named Nichole Heady and today is a day all about her and a day to thank her for the many wonderful things she brings to this industry.  She truly has a way of making the world a more beautiful place through her willingness to share her creativity, her time, her attention, and herself with all of us.       I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with her and most of all get to know her, as she is truly such a special friend and person....thank you Nichole for every little thing, every thoughtful touch, every minute you take to devote yourself to so many others.  I appreciate you so much and created this small piece of myself just for you.  Hope you know how much you mean to so many.

 

Isn't creating fun....so much to love about it and creating comes in so many forms.  Perhaps you love to cook, bake, paint, photograph, decorate, paper-craft, quilt, sew, crochet, craft with your children, write, organize, create warmth and love, etc.....each of these forms of creativity bring beauty to the world...and I for one am so thankful to be part of such a beautiful world and know such amazing individuals. 

So, today, let's celebrate with a challenge....a sweet Jillie Willie challenge.  Here is what is up for grabs girls!    Sigh....have you seen anything as cute as this?  It's called the Nine Pockets Apron...perfect for you scrappy, crafty, baking, girls....perfect for anyone.

 

Here is the challenge...it's called a recipe challenge since our focus here is this darling apron.

Create a card using the following ingredients:

 

1.  A pocket of some sort (note how the flower pots in the above card were created to hold tags.)  Let your creativity go crazy with this....many possibilities.

2.  Buttons

3.  Ribbon

4.  Stripes

5.  the color PINK

 

You have until Saturday, March 7th, 11:59 p.m. to create a card and link your creation through this post.  I'll choose one winner by Monday, March 9th, and will lovingly package up this apron and send it off! 

Thank you, thank you Jill, for once again inspiring us and for bringing smiles to our faces through your lovely creative products....I adore everything you create!

 

I am so excited to see what you'll create!  Have fun!

Melis

 

If Friends Were Flowers card

Supply list:

Papertrey Ink Green Thumb stamp set, Vintage Cream cardstock, New Leaf buttons, Sweet Blush satin ribbon, Dark Chocolate, Melon Berry, and Vintage Cream ink.

Pink Paislee and Basic Grey paper, Maya Road sequin trim, and tea-stained tags.

 

 

 

love notes to my daughter...

sigh....today....one of those days...not going to complain though...we are happy, healthy, and just plugging along through life.

So, since creating is one thing that makes me happy, I thought I'd stop in a share a little something with you that I created while my sleepy house was quite and peaceful last night.  I used pretty much everything I love in this little tag book for my Sierra....I love to jot down fleeting thoughts about her and thought this would be the perfect spot to do so...one day I'll give this to her and hopefully she'll get a glimpse of what life was like when she was 5 sweet years old and just how much her mommy loved her.  Sure wish I could freeze time and enjoy her more in each stage of her life....it's one of those hurts that goes straight to the center of your heart...watching them grow and change and become wonderful little individuals....it happens so quickly.               

I used new Porcelain paper and stamps from Basic Grey here....such sweet, sweet stuff...If I could wallpaper my little girl's room in this....I certainly would :)  I also used Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips and Glimmer Spray, Melissa Frances stamps and paper, Maya Road trim, Making Memories and Papertrey Ink buttons, a Prima flower, Doodlebug glitter, and a feather and posies from the craft store.

So...enough about me :)

How are you today?  Leave me a message and tell me what makes you happy when you need it most?

Make sure to come back tomorrow......I'm excited to launch another fun Jillie Willie challenge....you won't want to miss this giveaway!  Thanks so much to Jill for sending me another treat to share with my friends.

Melis

robin eggs and apricot trees...

no jackets today....sweet warmth in the air...the smell of the earth....it's a perfect day :)

A spring-y card for you today.    I used the Beyond Basic Borders stamp set from Papertrey Ink along with Melon Berry grosgrain and ink, Vintage Cream and Kraft cardstock and a New Leaf button.  The paper is from Making Memories new Flower Patch collection and I added pom pom trim, blossoms, and gems to finish it off.

Happy Spring :)

Melis

talk to your chocolate :)

I noticed my little girl talking to some chocolate chips that I had placed in a baggie for her to snack on during church.  One by one, she'd take them out, look at them, whisper to them, ask them each what they tasted like, and then pop them in her mouth....I was trying not to laugh, but it was too adorable.  Do you talk to your chocolate :)  Chocolate IS our friend...what's the harm, eh?

It's a soggy, rainy, puffy clouded, Monday here...most definitely beautiful.

    Just a sweet, little nothing here using some of my most favorite things.  Not only do I save my paper scraps, but also my favorite fabric scraps as well.....the sweet, floral, flannel here was saved from a baby quilt I made for my little one....I can't throw a stitch of it away and I'm always so happy to use it in my card making.  I also used Melissa Frances paper, cardstock stickers, and a rubons, Maya Road chipboard, Martha Stewart Mica flakes, tea-stained twill tape, and a Making Memories button.

And more fun at Emma's Paperie this week.  Each of the Design Team members made a card based on a sketch and here is my take.      Lots of curves....lots of glitter and paint...some fluffy textured felt and buttons of course.  All of the supplies can be found listed on the Emma's Paperie blog. 

I've got to get busy, busy!

Hope you'll all have  wonderful Monday.

Melis

skip to my lou...

today my little buddy and I:

slept in

stayed in our jammies until noon

skipped

snuggled

watched a movie

had popcorn

felt spring in the air as we took a walk

and smiled lots :)

Hope you're enjoying your Saturday.

One lonesome little contribution for you today...I have been working away, but not on much I can show you for a while.  This I can show you and it was created for the CPS blog this week.    Melissa Frances paper and rubons used here along Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips,  Imaginisce brads, Papertrey Ink buttons, and Wright's tea-stained twill tape.

Today I have some fun links for you....I want to introduce you to the sweet and creative lady behind the candy ka-bobs....I found her, or perhaps she found me....and now I have some serious linkage for you to enjoy.  Her name is Janet Eyring and here are her 2 fabulous blogs:

Living on Less

Slow Cooker 101---on a side note....I now know what to make for dinner tonight, thank you Janet :)

And, because her candy ka-bobs are so much cuter than mine...I have a direct link to her taping on Studio 5 so you can see these darling things. 

Back on mommy duty.

Night.

Melis

spotted, brown and beloved...

I have a very bad habit of chucking out my old, brown bananas whenever possible....my nose doesn't like the smell...but today, I decided to start being more resourceful and give those spotted, mushy things some lovin', and I must say I owe all of those thrown out and unloved bananas an apology.  Today I made Cream Cheese Filled Banana Muffins....and I truly have never smelled a more heavenly smell in my life....I floated around my house feeling like Betty Crocker, and I owe it all to the sweet woman who shared this recipe here on her site called Pinch My Salt....thank you, thank you!

Today I have a birthday project to share with you...one created for Emma's Paperie for their 1-year Anniversary celebration.        I can't take credit for these fun candy-ka-bobs....I first saw them on Studio 5 and my mind started racing.  They are so easy, cute, and inexpensive.  All of the supplies used for the card, and to embellish the container and candies can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog along with the most beautiful projects from the other designers....Happy, Happy Birthday Emma's....thank you Cindy for letting me be part of your adorable site.  Lots of birthday festivities coming on the 28th of February....one very special Guest Artist too ;)

And, one last touch of winter as I hear the birds chirping this afternoon....it's getting warmer here :)    I used some Melissa Frances paper and a cardstock sticker, some Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips and Glimmer Mist in Patina, Maya Road chipboard, Papertrey Vintage Cream buttons and Ocean Tides Grosgrain, and Doodlebug glitter. 

So......off to figure out dinner....again :)

Night.

Melis

posies for your thoughts...

Good morning....it's very quite here....my little one just scooted out the door to school with her daddy, I am listening to the sounds that make me feel warm, happy, and thankful....my washing machine churning, the fire in my fireplace whistling, the wind howling a bit, all the while wrapped up inside my cozy little home.  I love so many things about the sounds that the quiet makes :)

Today is my day to post my first Pink Paislee project on the blog....you can read about supplies I used and how I created the following project there.  I was given the Wacky Wednesday challenge, and had to stretch my mind a bit to come up with something out of the ordinary.

I created this little notebook as a place to record happy memories or meaningful thoughts that cross my mind in a given day.  I used the packaging from the Fascinating Collection sticker book, and then piled on some clear stamps, chipboard, rubons, paper, and stickers from Pink Paislee....and of course some little blue posies to top the whole thing off.

      This was so much fun to make....I can't wait to try another and another.  Please visit the Pink Paislee blog for more information and let me know if you have any questions!

One more thing before I head out the door....another card created the Friends 'Til the End Quick Kit from Papertrey Ink.    LOVE this little kit....Nichole works her magic with everything she touches!

Free time is UP!

Have a great day!

Melis

sweet lemonade...

Hello Tuesday and to each of you!

Forgive my disappearance.....I've been enjoying some down time while taking extra special care of my little girl lately....she's had the GOOP that has been going around here lately, and I decided to lock us indoors and take life a little slower in hopes that she'd get over it finally....and today seems to be a better day than yesterday.  I am always sorry when she's sick, but have found that it certainly is sweet having her around....I let her sleep in....let her hang out in her jammies til  bath time late in the day....hold her and try to get my fill of snuggles....and we read together....then, before I know it, she's certain to be bouncing out the door to school again :)

One little tidbit to share with you today before I get back to thinking about dinner....does anyone else continue to run out of ideas for dinner???  It haunts me I tell you :)

  I've been missing my Melissa Frances time lately...so today was the day to indulge....I used Melissa Frances paper and cardstock sticker, a gorgeous little Tattered Angels Glimmer Chip and Purple Pansy Glimmer Spray---this stuff makes my mouth water...I still have lilacs on my brain and this color is so lilac-y beautiful :)  I coated the chipboard with Doodlebug LilyWhite glitter and then sprayed it, added some Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream satin ribbon and Kaisercraft adhesive rhinestones.

Hope you're all enjoying your week so far....kinda feelin' like tacos again....can you really ever have too many tacos in one week?  I didn't think so :)

Melis

feelin' the love....

lots to love about today.....we're back after a quick trip out of town....a movie with the little one, heart shaped muffins for breakfast, a treasure hunt for a Valentine treat, a stop for a Happy Meal of course, and lots of fun together.

Another thing to love about today is that it's Papertrey Release Day.  I have enjoyed the anniversary celebrations and the countdown so much....it's all been very exciting, as have the beautiful new stamp sets available this month.

I don't quite know where to start....but it sure is fun seeing my own handwriting turned into a stamp, so why don't we start with the Handwritten Notes stamp set.        Both of these cards use sentiments created with my own handwriting....such a crazy reality...but so much fun.  Thanks to Nichole for involving me in this.  Love the handwritten sentiment stamps from the other designers too.....such a great collection. On a side note, I wanted to mention the adorable handcrafted daisy.  These came all the way from Sandie in Australia and I just love them.  They are available to purchase and come in every color under the sun.  Thank you Sandie!

     The introduction of Dawn McVey's first stamp set, Damask Designs, was so wonderful and this stamp set is certain to be a favorite of mine.  The cards above use this set. 

     Cute, cute Heather Nichols and her adorable Beyond Basic Borders stamp set.....so much to love about this set.....love Heather's classic style and all of her versatile stamp sets.

  And lastly.....Background Basics:  Retro designed by Melissa Bickford is SO much fun! Love the designs and their possibilities....another favorite stamp set. 

Be sure to stop by the Papertrey Design Team gallery to view all of the wonderful creations from the Design Team.

Unfortunately.....I have 2 baskets of laundry waiting for me, some ironing, and a few things to prepare in order to be ready for my busy Sunday.....so happy for my little getaway with my Sweethearts today though...it's nice to just drop everything and slow down for a bit.

Night.

Melis

Papertrey Bunny Hunt.

Welcome to one of the *official* stops on the Papertrey Bunny Hop!

Look closely and you may find
a hidden bunny that's one-of-a-kind.
Perhaps there are more than one or maybe even none!
The challenge is yours, enjoy and have fun!

If you are starting out here, make sure that you stop by Nichole's blog to read about all the details along with the GRAND prize affiliated with this fun contest!

 

(click on photo to enlarge)

Happy Hunting! 

I wanted to create something crafty and fun to celebrate spring and to introduce this new stamp set from Papertrey Ink called Tags for Spring, so I found this cute and easy Easter Sweetie Bird idea at familyfun.com.  I had to alter it a bit due to lack of availability of supplies here, but this is something you and your little ones could have a lot of fun with.  

    

I also used Spring Moss, White, and Summer Sunrise cardstock, Ripe Avocado, Vintage Cream, and Summer Sunrise ink, Polka Dot Basics stamp set, Polka Dot Parade paper, satin ribbon in Fresh Snow and Spring Moss, and a new Papertrey Ink button in Ripe Avocado.  The bird chick is nestled inside one of the Round Clear Top Tins. 

Be sure to stop by the other designer's blog to continue the hunt:

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

Melis

 

love muffins...

busy, busy day....tired, tired night....happy, happy memories.

I've been enjoying my little one so much lately.  Trying to take more time to truly look at her and listen instead of perhaps looking past her and being too preoccupied with what I need to do that I miss out on HER and the way she is growing and changing.  My goodness, my heart melts a hundred times a day.  It seems it doesn't take much to turn me into a puddle of tears lately....I'm just so thankful for so many things....lots of little things that create so much happiness.

Since I've had my nap tonight :), I'm here and ready to post and then play in my stamps for a bit.

I have just one word for you....KRAFT....not the cheesy kind, but the ever so glorious kind that I love and adore.  Our assignment for Emma's Paperie this week was to use the color of Kraft in our projects and so I have a little something to share tonight. 

      Just some little love muffins for my love muffin :)  A complete supply list can be found HERE on the Emma's blog along with sweet projects from the other designers.

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?  Not me....I love dragging this fun day out, so I would love to have about one more month to enjoy the preparations and things, but it seems the 3 of us will be taking a little road trip to buy more lumber...don't get too excited....perhaps grab a steak, and take the little Miss to a movie....I think it will be a fun day in the city for my sweethearts and me.

Here are just a few projects for Provo Craft for January.            Hope  you're all enjoying the week....they sure fly by in a hurry.

Night.

Melis

re·mark·a·ble

1. Worthy of notice.

2. Attracting notice as being unusual or extraordinary.

 

Hi and happy very late Monday night to you.  I apologize for taking so long to post the special announcement today....I have been reminded of how much I dislike choosing one winner when it comes to challenges I offer....I don't ever want anyone who participates to feel like because they weren't chosen, that their creativity  was lacking, because that's not what about creating art is about....my purpose in hosting the Jillie Willie bag challenge was to get you creating in hopes that you would enjoy how it felt...the whole process of creating something beautiful....and hopefully you will continue creating.  I have to say I just asked my husband to help me decide and immediately told him to go watch TV...he's not so helpful :)

SO.....remember I love ya...but I must choose one card tonight, and the card I have chosen is THIS card by JESS.  I have continued to look at this card a number of times and just had to mention how adorable, creative, happy, sweet, and inspiring it is.  Have you ever seen a cupcake like that before?  Jess, you have inspired me to try something new and I appreciate you for that.  I love the colors, the polka dotted ribbon that stands out from the rest, the way the cupcake wrapper has been folded to add dimension, and of course those loopty loos :)

Congratulations Jess, please email me with your address and I'll get the most adorable bag ever shipped your way.  Also thank you to Jillie for sharing this sweet bag with us.

Please take note that Miss Jill also mailed me another fun item from her store...I won't be telling you quite what yet...but we'll have another challenge coming up shortly and it's gonna be F.U.N.!

 

Thanks so much for playing along!

 

Now for some Papertrey F.U.N.!!

You have to see what Nichole is giving away for this next contest...here it is!     Each of us Papertrey Ink girls created a handmade ATC for this beautiful little piece of art.  They are each signed by us and all you have to do to be eligible to win this for yourself, is to go to Nichole's blog and look through the cards she has posted today introducing the new Handwritten Notes stamp set and guess which of us designed the handwritten stamps on the 3 card samples shown.  Fun, huh?  I love this thing....wish I had one for myself...but I promise to be happy for you if ya win it :)

Here is a close-up of my contribution for this:  I used Papertrey Kraft, Lavender Moon, Vintage Cream, and Spring Moss cardstock, Polka Dot Basics and Heart Prints stamp sets, Lavender Moon ink, and Vintage Cream satin ribbon. 

So.....did you catch onto the fun news...the Handwritten Notes stamp set....yep....each of us has a stamp or 2 or 3 of our own handwriting coming out in a stamp set introduced this month...in just a few days....this is a fun one for sure!

 

Thanks for visiting....one tired mama checking out and heading off to craft the night away.

 

Night.

Melis

 

Friends 'Til the End Card Kit...

Another fabulous concept from Nichole....I love how her mind works.  Papertrey Ink is introducing a new Card Kit, the first being, "Friends 'Til the End" and it is gorgeous.  Visit Nichole's blog to see all of the wonderful details.

Our challenge as the Papertrey Design Team was to come up with our own original card using this kit.  Here is mine:    The focus of this kit is to celebrate friendships....friends we have met, and more specifically those wonderful friends of ours whom we have never had the privilege of meeting.  My eyes have been opened to so many wonderful women throughout this journey of mine in the paper-crafting world.  I am thankful for the friendships I have made and hope to continue.  I can't help but name a few very meaningful online friends....my friend Sharon who lives in the UK, who just adopted a beautiful baby girl...I'm so touched that she has shared her story with me, keeps me updated, and plants a little hope in my own heart for the opportunity to adopt again.  My friend Cath, whom I have met, and who feels like a friend I have had forever....I love her and the sweet friendship we have developed...she is the best listener.  My new friend Jill....we have emailed each other every day since the fun Jillie Willie bag challenge and I just adore her....she makes me smile.  My friend Teri Anderson....a true sweetheart in every sense of the word....she makes cards from the heart and is such a charming soul....never met her, but I feel a connection to my fab friend.  And, my friend Ali in Ireland (who I need to check on because I haven't heard from her in a while)...talk about supportive friend.  She makes me laugh with each email I receive....she is full of life and love for others....my little one adores my Irish friend as well and has some wonderful show and tell items from Miss Ali.  Then there's my BFF Susie O.  She is so adorable and charming.  My other friend Jill from The Scrappy Gourmet....love this woman....love to chat with her on the phone and always feel that she would be there for me if I ever needed her.  And my Cindy, from Emma's...she is MY Cindy and I think the world of her....she is a great example of patience, support, brilliance, and true friendship. My long-lost sister Wendy J.....I just love ya, and am so happy you found me.  My Aussie friend Mel, who puts up with my horrible keep in touch skills....she is so talented and kind...I adore our friendship....and I promise I haven't forgotten to make you a batch of tea-stained twill tape :) I could go on and on and I should never have started to list names as I never want anyone to feel forgotten or left out....believe me, you're not....my point being, that each of you are my friend and I thank you for taking the time to visit me and share your hearts with me, you've each added something to my life.

This kit is special because of the many sweet sentiments that can be put together with the most beautiful stamp set I have seen....for any occasion, from hugs, to miss you, to grateful for you, to one of a kind....it's perfect, and don't you just love the color combination?  Nichole has put together a document containing cutting instructions and assembly for this card as well as cards from each of the Design Team members, so now you can make your own and ship it off to make the world smile a bit brighter :)

I must go now....it's been fun visiting with you.

Melis

fruit loops and "hoolie" hoops...

a couple of favorite things around here the last couple of days....my little one puts the "hoolie" in the hoop I tell ya...and it's the most adorable thing....being 5 is fun....being the mother of a 5 year old is truly wonderful.  It's been a very sweet Sunday with my little family.  Church, Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes, a movie, popcorn, relaxation....and in just a few minutes warm Chocolate Chip Cookies.

I have a bit of exciting news to share tonight as the 2nd anniversary of Papertrey Ink is still underway.  It involves my most favorite of all embellishments...BUTTONS....check out Nichole's blog for the complete announcement.  I've been including Papertrey buttons on my last few cards to offer a few hints...but now you get to look at them in their entirety.  Be sure to get your guess in for the wonderful giveaway!

For a few of my favorite ways to paper-craft with buttons, I put together a tutorial for the CPS blog a while back that shows oodles of fun things to do with these delightful little gems :)

Papertrey ink is also our sponsor at the CPS blog this week....and a few of us used a special anniversary stamp set...it's wonderful.  You can see what the other girls did HERE on the CPS blog.  Here is mine.    The only additions to Papertrey products here are the gems from Doodlebug, my Cuttlebug butterfly die and embossing combo, and the Martha Stewart heart border punch you see at the bottom.  Such a great idea.  Contents used from Papertery Ink are:  Ripe Avocado, Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, and Raspberry Fizz cardstock, Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain, Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz, and Vintage Cream ink.  Stamp sets used are Friends 'Til the End and Polka Dot Basics. 

COME BACK in a few hours because at the stroke of midnight, a very special Papertrey Ink group post is going up and it's going to be so much fun.

Until then, here are a few things I have neglected to post this week.  The first is for Emma's Paperie.  Our challenge was to create something with these fun Creative Imaginations Patsy Boxes.      This is a super quick and easy Valentine gift idea.  I just sprayed the box using a fun color of Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels called Bubblegum pink, adhered some paper and added lots of fun embellishments.  The chocolate peppermint patties are wrapped in tulle and embellished with a heart punch, button, hemp, and ribbon.  For detailed instructions on this project along with the other designers, please visit Emma's Paperie blog.

And, lastly, my card for the CPS blog for last week.  My sponsor was Kitchen Sink Stamps and so this card uses a couple of sweet sets from them.  Thank you Kitchen Sink for your adorable stamps.    The cookies are callin'!

Night.

Melis

lilacs and lavender...

Just a touch of spring fever today....my little one has been telling me the past few days as we step outside that it smells like dirt and cucumbers :)  I can smell them too.  One of my most favorite spring smells has to be the lilacs....ohhh the sweet, heavenly smell floats through the air and through my windows...not to mention the way nature creates so many beautiful shades of purple in these little masterpieces....is it time for lilacs yet?

What a fun week for card-making....and there is so much more to look forward to.  Nichole has another fun challenge involving a sketch up on her blog with more fun news....you'll love what she has to share tonight, I know I do....you know...I'm a lover of all things polka dotted.

So....for the sketch challenge, here is my card and I can't wait to see yours too.    I turned the sketch on it's side for this and used the following Papertrey Ink supplies:  Green Thumb stamp set, Berry Sorbet, Vintage Cream, and Kraft cardstock, Lavender Moon, Sweet Blush, Ripe Avocado, and Spring Moss ink, and Vintage Cream twill.  I used sweet paper from Melissa Frances along with a cardstock sticker, Kaisercraft adhesive pearls, and vintage sequin trim from Maya Road. 

Hope you'll play along and thank you to all who are playing in the "a girl and her bag" challenge...this is so much fun!

Melis

the color of my joy...

Color is my friend...I love everything about it...it's happy, friendly, soft, caring, thoughtful, emotional, deep, bright, and everything in between.  Have you every thought about what color your love is????  I need to ask my little girl this to see what her answer is, but I know the color of my love is pink...deep pink, soft pink, pale pink, warm pink, the all wrapped up in grandma's arms pink....sigh...what about you?
Today I have another fun challenge for you with the most joyful color combination I think I've ever seen...I love it.  Head over to Nichole's blog to see what's going on today...the prize for this challenge.....CARDSTOCK....all of the beautiful Papertrey colors....nothing better that that!

Here is my card for the challenge.      I used Papertrey cardstock in Ripe Avocado, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, and Ocean Tides, Papertrey ink in Ripe Avocado and Spring Moss, and Papertrey Ocean Tides Grosgrain.  The stamp set is Green Thumb from Papertrey as well.  Other supplies used are a Provo Craft Cuttlebug embossing folder, Marvy Uchida scalloped circle punch, Kaisercraft rhinestones, Scenic Route paper, and old book print.

I hope you'll play along and come back tomorrow for more and more and more Papertrey fun.

Melis

little bitty love thing....

Another fun challenge going on over at Papertrey Ink....this one is all about the "bag"....read all about Nichole's exciting news on her blog and get your scissors, stamps and glue dots out to play along in the bag challenge.  All you have to do is alter a bag of some sort, link your creation to Nichole's post and you'll be entered into the drawing for.....a one of kind embroidered Papertrey Ink shopping tote and $100 Gift Card.

I decided to use the small glassine bags from Papertrey Ink and alter them a bit to fit right inside a handmade Valentine.  I love to make these fun little bitty cards that are wrapped up with a gift right inside.        I used  different Papertrey stamp sets here:  Heart Prints, Love Songs, and Out of the Box.  I used Papertrey Kraft, Pure Poppy, and Sweet Blush cardstock, and ink in Pure Poppy and True Black.  Of course I tied these little bundles up with Vintage Cream satin ribbon also from Papertrey.  Other supplies used here are some Maya Road velvet flowers and Making Memories Love Notes paper. 

To go along with this challenge, Mish Wooderson has the most adorable handmade bag up for grabs on her blog....I adore it and you will too I'm sure!

A couple new items added to my etsy shop to share with you today.   I'll be putting up the above Valentine Gift Cards in just a bit.     I used some of my favorite Melissa Frances scraps for this double heart card, and lots of fun touches on the "So Special" card.   

Before I go, I wanted to let you all know how much your thoughtful comments mean to me....I have been truly touched by all of your support and kindness....thank you!

Annnnd.....don't forget the "a girl and her bag" challenge.....I hope you're having fun creating...I am having fun looking at your amazing creations!

Melissa

yellow daisies and gray flannel...

My friend Cath from Paper Crafts magazine and moxiefabworld.com introduced me to the color combination of yellow and gray a few months ago.  I have to say it didn't work it's way into my heart immediately as I tend to be drawn to softer, more pale colors in pinks, aquas, creams...you know...my comfort zone colors.  Well...last night, I decided to break out of my mold and try my hand at Cath's color combo....and I *heart* it very, very much...it's fun to be challenged and to try new things.  Little did I know that when I checked her blog this morning that she'd have a color combo challenge up and running focusing on my new beloved colors.  So....if you're up for another challenge to get you creating....check out Cath's blog.  Not only is it fun to read, but she always has the most inspiring projects and links available for you to enjoy.  Thanks Cath!

Here is my card created in the wee hours of the morning....love those hours :)

    I used some sassy new Black & White Basics paper from Papertrey Ink, Lemon Tart cardstock and grosgrain ribbon, Silver Shimmer cardstock, a flourish from the With Sympathy stamp set, and Fresh Snow ink.  The cardstock sticker is from Heidi Swapp, the acrylic paper from KI Memories and the flower and pin from Mara May's etsy shop. 

Remember there's another fun giveaway today going on at Papertrey Ink....free stamps for a year!

And, one last card for you....made with from scraps from my stash and my favorite cream felt...love this stuff.        I used Pink Paislee paper, Prima chipboard, Making Memories trim and buttons, Doodlebug gem, and Papertrey Ink cardstock and ribbon.

Don't forget the "a girl and her bag" challenge.....I am loving what I've seen so far...just make sure to have FUN!

Melis

a girl and her bag...

 Are you ready????  I have a challenge for you....it's just the best thing since polka dots :)

I have a new friend, Jill from Jillie Willie, who is sponsoring a fun contest here on my blog for all of you card-making, irresistibly cute bag loving gals out there.....HERE is what you're shooting for!

It's the Zipper Bottom Gathering Bag from Jillie Willie and I truly think it's the cutest thing I have ever seen.  I want one for myself just to stare at and enjoy....what a treat and a smile all wrapped up in one, don't you think?
For this challenge all you have to do is create a card inspired by this bag....let your funky polka dot loving self come shining through....enjoy the whole process and have fun.  If you've never created a card before, let this be your first time. 

You have until Saturday, February 7th at 10:00 pm MST to create your card, post it on your blog or in your online gallery, and then link me to it by posting to this thread!  I'll choose a winner and will post the lucky girl's name on Monday, February 9th.  Please let me know if you have any questions and I CAN'T wait to see your sweet creations!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Jillie Willie for sponsoring this fun challenge!

Here is my card inspired by her bag:    I used Pink Paislee paper, rubons, stamp, and stickers here along with Doodlebug gems, and a Maya Road velvet flower.

I believe it's time to get some Chicken Noodle Soup goin'.

Night :)

Melis