LilyBean's Paperie

october song...

I wait all year for October to come around again....cooler nights...mornings that need sweaters....afternoon sunshine warming up rosy cheeks...pumpkins saying hello on porches, in patches, and filling up warm, spicy muffins...cinnamon and apples...rich, earthy colors dotting the landscape...the smell of firewood in the air...soup bubbling happily on the stove...long afternoon shadows that speak of fall's arrival...extra quilts spread out on beds...the planning of family gatherings soon to come...football and chili...fall wreaths on doors to celebrate the season...low clouds and fall rain storms...I love you October.

 

 
My new favorite obsession....Papertrey Ink's Wreath for All Seasons was used on this card along with Sugar Plum paper, and the Mat Stack 4 die.  The scrunched seam binding is from This Good Day and the flower from Martha Stewart.

Off to get my soup going for dinner...we're having Ham and Bean soup with some warm bread...how 'bout you?
Night friends.

Melis

p-nut butter and kisses...

 
Just a quick note today....I'm filling my etsy up with a few Autumn Goodies Bags containing treats to tempt you.  Peanut Butter Cups....Kisses...wrapped up in cellophane bags with hand stamped, tea-stained doily tags, scrunched seam binding, Baker's Twine...a perfect little sweet for someone special.

 
 

I used Papertrey Ink Rustic Branches, Friendship Jar Fall Fillers, Background Basics:  Text Style stamp sets on the doily tags from Martha Stewart.  They were sprayed with Tattered Angels Crushed Shells Glimmer Mist.....which beautifully creates a tea-stained feel.

 
 

For a little Halloween twist, I made these goodie bags using a stamp set from Crafty Secrets called Costume Cuties. 

 
 
 

Unfortunately, these have all sold out, but send me a note if you're interested in some Halloween Goodie Bags, and I'll make you some.

I used scrunched seam binding from Memrie Mare in Gypsy Charms, Black Magic, and Summer Lily. 

Enjoy your day!

Melis

hug the sky...

 
In the early mornings...when I'm out walking in the hills, I see the green meadows below my home, I see the sun rising, the sprinklers watering the farms....and I want to reach out my arms and hug the sky.  In the evenings, as the sun sets, I see these very same things, but as shadows pass over the fields, as the moon peeks up over the mountains all beautiful, orange, and glowing...it's all just as beautiful to me, and I want to reach out my arms and hug the sky.  I love the gifts that nature brings to us....in pretty packaging of theirown...simple, complicated, gentle, powerful, graceful, and majestic...all at the same time.  I love how different seasons can transform the same things I see out my window into unique masterpieces only to be enjoyed for a short time....

 

 
Well....I'm trying my hand at Copics...don't laugh....I should have jumped on the band wagon long ago, but I didn't need a new addiction :)  I LOOOOOVE them...I need to teach myself how to use them properly, but I have some wonderful examples...Mish Wooderson, for one....Debbie Olson for another....Carolyn Peeler is so inspiring with her sweet Copic cards, and I recently discovered a wonderful Copic tutorial in a new book out called 175 Fresh Card Ideas authored by Kimber McGray. 

 
I was asked to contribute a few cards to this book and as I was browsing through it the other day, I found a tutorial by Sharon Harnist nestled within its pages...it's amazing and so helpful to beginners like myself. 

Along with fabric and vintage trim bits, scrunched seam binding, buttons, a glittered Maya Road chipboard heart, and paper, I used Papertrey Ink's Flutterby Friend stamp set. 

In other news...and I can't stress enough how important this is....

 
 

Why didn't any one tell me??? 

 They come dipped in chocolate now???   

You have got to be kidding me...it's like a dream come true....I'll make a special trip to the big city to get my hands on some....I bet they're even better with an icy cold Coke.

Night.

Melis

inspired by...

 
(Photo from Countryliving.com)

I love Country Living mail day....and have been savoring the sweet silhouette cupcakes that grace the cover...my mind has been spinning with ideas ever since this issue landed in my mail box.

 
I've had this silhouette stamp from Studio Calico for several months....it's a shame I've ignored it...but I brought it out as I was certainly inspired by the cupcakes...then added a hand cut witch's hat to make her a bit halloween-ie.  The sentiment and bat stamps are from Papertrey Ink's Been Boo'd set.  The curly font has won my heart....love this set.

 
 
 
 
This card was made for Emma's Paperie this week....based on a sketch of mine...you can find it on the Emma's Paperie blog along with a supply list to make your own.

G'night.

Melis

 

 

 

chocolate chip cookie comfort...

I'm a comfort seeker....and I have my favorite things that bring me that sense of....ahhhh, all is well...you can do it....we'll get through it...tomorrow is a new day....things like a cold Coke....I wish I didn't love it so...Enya...a comfy quilt....a house full of people I love all tucked in and safe for the night...and warm, gooey cookies.

 
Today was one of those days....too much on my mind...a list that never-ends...unsettled matters here and there....does my day sound similar to yours ;)  That is one thing that brings me comfort...I know I'm not alone...anyway....as soon as my little one was home from school today, I knew what I needed...what we needed...warm, homemade chocolate chip cookies...I didn't want to make them without her....it's always so much more enjoyable when she's here...her little spirit filling our home with noise...I love her noise.

 
 

I've unearthed an old love for fabric....how I've missed it...I'm not going to let it get stashed away ever again....little bits on this pocket card...on the tag inside and on the sweet Maya Road cupcake...with sprinkles of shabby, chunky glitter.

 
More fabric here....accompanied by the Papertrey Ink stamp set called Fall Elegance.  The die cut is the Mat Stack 4 die, scrunched seam binding from This Good Day...and then other assorted goodies. 

 
Lastly...a little taste of fall...cause I love it so...and have you taken a peek out your window tonight.....I see the most beautiful Harvest Moon tonight....sigh...it speaks comfort as well.

 
 
 
 
 
More fabric....mmmmm....I love you fabric....and sweet wooden houses which I purchased from my friend Kim Hesson....a little village created for the Maya Road blog...you can read about the supplies I used HERE.

Happy Harvest Moon!

Melis

 

beautiful abundance...

 
just me....

so much to make me smile today...

things that make my heart swell until it feels there isn't any room left in it...

but there always is....a lovely thing I like to call a miracle...

 

 
This card was created for Emma's Paperie this month...our challenge was to recycle an item...go green....be creative...I had fun.  The die cut tag was made using packaging from Graphic 45 ribbon...you can read about it and find the supplies HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.

 
 
 
Next up...a little something created for a very special someone...sweet and beautiful Melissa Frances goodies used here...plenty more beauties created by the Melissa Frances Design Team can be found HERE. 

And lastly...

 
 Lots of Papertrey Ink goodies used on this including:
Dotty Biscotti paper

Background Basics:  Botanicals (stamped on the doily)

and Daily Designs Sentiments.

Hope your day was wonderful...what made you smile?

Melis

 

 

 

crafty secrets "halloween" design team challenge...

Hi all!  I hope your Monday is wonderful so far...I've got a sick, little girl home with me today and I'm playing Dr. Mama....so my post will be quick...I've got a few things prepared for you.

 

I adore the Crafty Secrets Double-Sided Halloween Greetings scraps....they are a source of endless creativity and fun...all of the images used in today's projects come from this collection.

 
 
The stamped sentiment is from Crafty Secrets Costume Cuties stamp set, scrunched seam binding from Memrie Mare, chipboard frame from Tattered Angels, and paper from WRMK and Graphic 45.

 
This tag uses the same creative scrap image...just the top portion of it....they are so much fun to snip, paste, and dress up.  Paper from Graphic 45, and glittered pumpkin from Making Memories.

 
 
This card uses the sweetest little vintage image...I love all of the details...you can find it in the Halloween Greetings collection.  Paper from My Mind's Eye, frame and Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels.

If you're up for some fun....here are oodles of links for you of participating Design Team members:

Vicki Chrisman---Design Team Leader

Pam Hooten
Heidi Blankenship
Marisa Grosson
Linda Duke
Michele Kovack
Flo from France
Julie Campbell
Mary Hamer

Heartwarming Vintage Blog

Crafty Secrets website

Before I go...a project created for Ally Scraps...

 
 
 A pocket full of greetings....so easy and fun...a perfect Halloween treat.  You can find a complete supply list and instructions HERE on the Ally Scraps blog.

Happy Monday Fall Friends!

Melis

 

weekend spooks...

Just a few spooky treats to share with you today....seeing as how it's the most beautiful September Saturday...my porch is decorated with pumpkins, Indian corn, berries, and squash (oh, and 2 black, mischievous kittens)...my inside decorated with garlands, lanterns, wheat bundles, and wreaths....it's a wonderful day.

 
 This first card uses sweet Graphic 45 Halloween in Wonderland paper....I can't seem to get enough.  The Prima flower is layered with black satin wings from Memrie Mare, vintage trim, and a vintage button.  Scrunched seam binding, also from Memrie Mare is wrapped and tied in a bundle with a sweet sentiment tag stamped using Papertrey Ink Friendship Jar Fall Fillers set. 
 

This card uses new My Mind's Eye paper....I couldn't resist snagging me some, a Glimmer Misted frame from Tattered Angels, vintage image from Crafty Secrets, and another stamped tag using the Boo to You stamp set from Papertrey Ink.  The glittered star and seam binding are from Memrie Mare.
 

Next, a candy bar bag complete with stamped images from Papertrey Ink's Spooky Sweets stamp set and a tag stamped a different sentiment from the Friendship Jar Fall Fillers set. 
 

 Lastly...a little something created for Emma's Paperie this week, using one of my most favorite color combos... 

 
 
Some Crate Paper, Tim Holtz, and Melissa Frances going on here....a complete supply list is provided for you HERE.

Enjoy your September Saturday.

Melis

 

homespun berries...

I give you fair warning....you'll be seeing lots of twiggy wreaths with berries here...not only do I adore Papertrey Ink's new stamp set, Wreath for All Seasons....but I have long love, love, loved, twiggy, wreaths...they speak to my heart and say "welcome home", "home sweet home", "love lives here", "country, cozy, homey", etc....

 

 

This card uses Kraft and Rustic Cream cardstock, Vintage Cream buttons, Mat Stack 4 die, Scarlet Jewel, Dark Chocolate, and True Black ink. 

Now....a few more Papertrey Ink release projects for you....

 
 
This card is finished on the inside and outside....it uses the Inside & Out:  Holiday stamp set....soooo very, very essential for all of you bulk, handmade Christmas card-makers :)  You can also spy the new Christmas Tree die that coordinates beautifully with the Tree Trimming Trio stamp set. 

 
 

This tag set uses the new Trees with Trimmings stamp set....a-dor-a-ble...the Tag Sale #1 die is also used here as well as the Seeing Stars die, and Fillable Frames #4 die, and the Eyelet Lace Border die.   

Lastly....Lisa's Johnson's new Background Basics:  Christmas stamp set....love it so.

 
 
I also used the Seeing Stars die again here, the new Sugar Plum paper, and the die and sentiment from the new Fillable Frames #8 set.

I think I've covered them all.....happy shopping, stamping, and creating.

Oh....and if I haven't said it before...happy, happy fall!

Melis

lucky stars...

I love life....I feel so thankful...so much to make me happy and sometimes I find it's easy to forget the good stuff...but today, my heart was filled with goodness, I was reminded of my blessings...I know where those feelings come from and I am thankful...

I have so much to share with you tonight...been a busy girl here, but I get to do what I love...right here in my cozy home, caring for my family, and I will never take it for granted...and I am thankful for the busyness...and the opportunity to share and be creative.

I am thankful for each of you too...how can I ever thank you, my sweet bloggy friends...I made a little something for you...just for you...cause I don't say it enough...

 
This card was made using one of the many new release stamp sets from Papertrey Ink...this is the Year of Flowers:  Morning Glories stamp set....in my mind and heart, I have the sweetest memories of Morning Glories...but not the actual flower per se, but a beautiful, stinky hot pot in Yellowstone National Park that was always my mom's favorite...called Morning Glory Pool.  She told us story upon story growing up about her favorite hot pot as a child....as we went back and visited Yellowstone one year with her as adults, we hunted down that darned hot pot and found it...it was a hike, but one that I'll always treasure.  I now have a picture of her holding baby Sierra in front of her favorite, crystal clear blue pool.

 
This card also uses a new die cut from Papertrey Ink...and be still my heart...it's a TAG!  It's called Tag Sale #1...I already love it to bits.  It is embossed using another new Impression Plate from Papertrey Ink called Background Basics:  Diamonds....I fell in love instantly and couldn't quite put my finger on what it was that drove me wonderfully nutty about it, until I realized that the impression reminds me of a puffy, soft, quilt....mmmm I adore it.

Next up....another abosulte fave of mine...this one will go down in history as my very, very most loved stamp set....I'm sure of it.

 
A WREATH stamp....sigh....a twiggy, berry, floral-y cute as pie wreath stamp!!!

 
Smitten....simply smitten.  The set is called Wreath for All Seasons....you better go get one now I think...You can also sneak a little peek at a new paper collection called Sugar Plums on this card as well...it's yummy.  I've got all of the supplies I used on this card listed for you in the PTI gallery.

Moving on to a little bit of Christmas for you now....

 
This card was made using Heather Nichols' adorable new set called Peace Be Still...coordinating snowflake and dove dies are also available and will most definitely get a workout here...love 'em. 

 
 
 
This next card set also uses the Peace Be Still stamp set along with the new Holiday Spirit Sentiments set. 

 
 
Seeeeee....isn't that dove adorable??

Now another set that I find so fun and exciting.....kind of a new thing for me, but I really, really love it....

 
This card was made using the Framed stamp set....sooo much fun to work with....I've seen so many incredible ideas from the design team using this set....it's one that spurs on your creativity and I love that!  You'll also notice that there is now a Stocking Prints die to coordinate with the Stocking Prints stamp set...and a new stars die cut set called Seeing Stars. 

 

It appears that typepad is going to give me fits tonight...so I'll be back to post the rest tomorrow.  Lots of goodies waiting for you in the Papertrey Ink gallery.

See you soon!

Melis   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

everyday treats...

Back again for another Papertrey Ink group post!

This time we're focusing on a sweet new stamp set called Everyday Treats which celebrates gift-giving and makes it fun, versatile, and filled with love.

 

I created a ensemble for the new baby to help show the versatility of the set....it can easily be used for Christmas, fall, every day, weddings, babies, spring, Halloween, etc....so many reasons to love it.

 
I used the Everyday Treats set along with sentiments from the Cupcake Collection and Mega Mixed Messages stamp sets.  A thick border of Vintage Cream felt with scallops cut using the Small Scallops Border Die layered over patterned paper and trim, create a soft, delicate feel perfect for baby.

 
For the coordinating gift, I used one of Papertrey Inks irresistible metal paint cans to hold a sweet headband. 

 
I found the cutest etsy shop and have been buying headbands for my little girl there, including the one shown above.  The shop is called Briar Claire...you'll love it. 

 
I created a mini baby banner to wrap around the paint can using the cupcake image from the Everyday Treats stamp set, Fresh Alphabet, and the frame from the Friendship Jar Fall Fillers stamp set and the coordinating Jar Label die. 

Visit the other designer's blog for many more ideas using this wonderful set:
Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Debbie Olson, Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson, Niki Estes, Kim Hughes, Maile Belles, Erin Lincoln, and Nichole Heady. 

So glad you stopped by....release day is right around the corner!

Melis

calendar basics...

I'm so excited about tonight's Papertrey Ink group post....as you may know, I have a thing for creating Birthday Books....simply put, a beautiful place to record birthdays so that you've got them handy...well, Nichole's latest stamp set goes right along with what I already love to create, but in an easy and doable  way....and then some.
 

I chose to focus on February for my project, but have a die cut page ready to go for each month of the year, all bundled up and waiting in an album.  The set includes sweet stamps to mark important monthly dates such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc.  Two different sizes of pre-printed calendars are available and are just waiting to be dressed up and made beautiful, and then of course a coordinating page die complete with tabs to hold the smaller pre-printed calendar, and rounded corners which add such a wonderful finishing touch.  In addition to the Calendar Basics set I also used the Embellishments set and coordinating die to add a coordinating flourish. 
 

I punched holes in the bottom of 12 glassine bags and will use them as pockets to hold a list where I can write birthdays for each month.  I used Papertrey Ink's white notepad for this simple addition. 
 

This set can easily go from creating calendar pages to creating cards for special occasions that come up each month.  I made a matching anniversary card that can be used anytime I need a little something for someone special.  The Simple Valentine paper pack created by Heather Nichols is perfect for anniversaries, weddings, babies, and Valentines Day. 

 
And....a peek at what I did the January calendar for my album...

 

I'm itching to finish this up....just for me...unless I give it to my mom :)  I know for sure though that I will reach for this set over and over again.  Love it....thanks Nichole!

There are many more ways to use this set and the other design team members are ready with their ideas:
Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Debbie Olson, Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson, Niki Estes, Kim Hughes, Maile Belles, Erin Lincoln, and Nichole Heady. 

Stay tuned for more Papertrey Ink goodness coming over the next few days!

Melis

simmering pot...

Really...truly...is there anything more comforting, cozy, and welcoming than a simmering pot of soup?  Mmmmm...don't think so.  It speaks love.  Mine is simmering now....

 
It's a delicious 70-something outside right now...the sun is setting, the windows open, and my little one and husband wandering around outside caring for the animals.  School picture day today....she looked/looks so cute...can't get her out of her little get-up...she's full of life, that one.  A pink, orange, and cream pleated skirt with a matching cardigan...big flower in her hair...pink sparkly shoes...totally girlie, girl...and I just caught her outside laying in the dirt nose to nose with one of her kittens....sigh....I love her.  What's a mama to do, but quietly watch out the window and memorize the moment.  Who cares about the clothes...

 
 

Just something a little autumn-ish today using some older Melissa Frances paper and cardstock stickers...I will always, always love this collection, and Papertrey Ink's Leaf Prints and Friendship Jar Fall Fillers stamp sets, Vintage Cream felt sprayed with Glimmer Mist, and the Leaf Prints coordinating die. 

Before I go, my friend Hilary Kanwischer has a wonderful giveaway up on her blog for a $100 gift card voucher to teacollection.com.  Ohhhhh my goodness...I see my little girl in those CLOTHES...especially this... And...this... Good glory...not sure I could let her roll in the dirt in either one of those :)

 All you have to do is stop by her blog and leave her a comment to be eligible for the giveaway.

Enjoy your night.

Melis

autumn shoofly...

It's a beautiful, not-a-cloud-in-the-blue-September-sky, extra blustery, dusty autumn day today....it seems that this is what happens each year as summer disappears and fall blows in.  We've been sleeping with the windows wide open at night...just how my husband likes it, and I've been piled under 3 blankets with socks on...such a change, but a welcome one at that.  I hung up my fall wreath on my red front door this morning and I've been smiling all day.

 
For some reason, I always get in the quilting mood as autumn rolls in...I found this delicious kit today....the Autumn Shoofly Quilt Kit....I'm very tempted...I'll let you know if I give in or not.

And...I really, really want this book... Pretty sure I won't be able to talk myself out of it.  A simple pleasure, don't you think?  My little crew will benefit from it...I need it...we need it...it's a purchase for the team!!!

 

Today I've got a shabby, little house for a sweet, baby girl's room...nothin' sweeter, huh?
 
Some vintage rhinestones, resin appliques, paper, and stickers from Melissa Frances....

 
 
Some glittered buttons, posies, tea-stained twill tape, and flowers and trim from Maya Road.

 
And then a foil crown and glittered heart to top it off....every princess needs a crown.

 
And lastly, a card created for Emma's Paperie for the Bo Bunny product spotlight...I love the Peacock line...and those frilly flowers from Webster's Pages, and of course the glitter charm from Girls' Paperie...you can find all of the supplies used on this HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.

 

Enjoy your day and thank you, thank you from the bottom of my little heart for your wonderfully, thoughtful comments...they mean so much!

Melis

 

 

just little old me...

Here I am....back at it.  I didn't mean to leave you all hanging, but I have been off traveling and having some alone time with my husband, then back home for some together time with our little girl as she just turned 7, and then a little more family time in the mountains to top off the Labor Day holiday.  I'm so happy to be home, but very thankful for the time I had to enjoy my little family.  It felt good to step away from everything for a while...gain a whole new perspective, and focus on "us" for a bit. 

 

The routine begins again tomorrow....the old, loved, and familiar routine that we are all accustomed to around here...there is something very comforting in the every day comings and goings, and I'm happy to have our feet planted at home once again.

 
While traveling home today, my husband pointed out the Rabbit Brush and how it is in bloom....it turns a warm, brilliant gold...makes me sneeze, but means that fall is sneaking up on us....love it.

 
 
I asked my little one to pick her favorite dinner and I'd make it for her tomorrow night....she chose homemade Chicken Noodle Soup...another cozy reminder that fall will be here soon...I love soup season.

 
Just a few things to share with you before I head off for the night...the first couple of cards were created for Ally Scraps...using sweet chipboard pieces from Maya Road, paper from Kaisercraft and other finishing touches as well.  A complete supply list and instructions to make your own can be found HERE on the Ally Scraps blog.

Lastly, a couple of cards created for Darkroom Door using two beautiful new stamp sets.

 
 
This first card uses the new Tour Eiffel stamp set....oh, how I love the images in this collection. Scrunched seam binding can be purchased at Memrie Mare's etsy shop and the pin and foil crown were purchased at the Little Pink Studio.

 
 
And, this last card uses beautiful images from the Montmarte stamp set.  There are more details about both of these projects and some lovely examples from the other designers waiting at the Darkroom Door blog.

Happy, happy September everyone...we are jumping into my very most favorite time of the year!

Melis