This is going to be a long post as I have a lot of catching up to do....but first wanted to say thank you to all of you sweet, thoughtful individuals out there....what a wonderful support system I have and I am thankful. My mom called and left me the sweetest message yesterday...I've listened to it 4 or 5 times now as she is my biggest cheerleader and I can't imagine my life without her. I feel great....a weight has been lifted and I am so happy...I'm on a journey involving simplifiying and creating my own happiness. That's what I choose at this point in my life and I am so very glad to have arrived there. There is so much to love about life....dont' get me wrong, there are just as many bumps in the road, but I will not dwell on them...we aren't supposed to or we are held back and can't move forward...so I choose happiness :)
I haven't shared my Papertrey Ink projects with you and I would feel so badly if I didn't enable you all and set you on your way to some crafty shopping...this latest release has been one of my most favorite.
This first project using Heather Nichols' new Holly Jolly set....and I must admit that I can't help it, but I can't stop using it...those bitty holly berries and leaves are so much fun.
I purchased the little wooden houses from my friend Kim Hesson...I adore them and have a stash of them to pull out and dress up just for fun. The scrunched seam binding and glass glitter star are from Memrie Mare.
This next card uses the Friendship Jar Holiday Fillers stamp set created by Mish Wooderson and Nichole Heady....it's just as sweet as can be.
And...I COPIC-ed again...weeeeeeeee....it's fun, I just wish I knew what I was doing :)
Of course, a little fabric added in to feed my fabric fettish...I just love this set...hope you do too.
This next card uses the Merry Little Christmas stamp set....sigh...it's heartwarming.
I used the Holly Jolly set on this as well.
The Big & Bold Holiday Wishes set is a definite must have...I love the flowing script and flourishes.
Next, we have the Mini Scrapbook Series: Journaling Circle set...
More Holly Jolly used of course....see, I told you so.
This card uses the Holiday Sparkle set....so playful and unique.
I also used the Limitless Layers dies, Mat Stack 1, and the new Distressed Dots paper here. The ribbon is a new color called Pinefeather....isn't that a perfect name for this color? The new Christmas Prints paper was also on this card...designed by Heather Nichols.
Lastly, this fun set is called On Ice, designed by Dawn McVey....adorable, adorable!
A coordinating die is also available with this set....and you'll notice more Limitless Labels here as well. The rusty jingle bell was purchased at Frost it Pink...be careful, they're just like candy I tell you.
Moving onto something a bit more October-ish....a new project for Emma's Paperie...just in time for Halloween.
My friend Melissa made these divine Coconut Cupcakes...she's such a good cook.
All of the supplies used on these Spooky Sweets bags are listed for you HERE. There are many other ideas waiting for you there are well.
Before I go, I wanted to share with you a quote I ran across yesterday that has helped put everything in perspective...it's by President Thomas S. Monson:
"God, our Father, has entrusted precious little ones to our earthly care. To them may we teach prayer, inspire faith, live truth, and honor God. Then we shall have heavenly homes and forever families. For what higher gift could we wish? For what greater blessing could we pray? None!"
Happy Wednesday everyone.
Melis
I love it; this is not just showing a few projects... this is an art gallery! And it captured my heart.
Thank you Melissa; for your lovely story and creations. Do what's best for you. I am glad to read that you feel less pressure. Enjoy the simple things in life and take good care of yourself and your beloved ones.
Have a wonderful day!
Stella
Posted by: Stella | October 20, 2010 at 02:11 PM
Yay for you Melissa!! Happy is good....haha. This was a beautiful post, I just love that little mason jar, it's my favorite! Thanks for the inspiration and the beautiful quote.
Posted by: becky halfhill | October 20, 2010 at 02:31 PM
What a wonderful quote. Yes that centres things doesn't it. In the busyness of life, that's what really matters. I love how you love the little things and cherish your little one, motherhood and the little moments that make life special. Your creations do sooo inspire. Might have to get some of that scrunched seam binding...LOL
Posted by: Sally | October 20, 2010 at 02:32 PM
Oh Melissa, all the Christmas cards/projects you made for this go round are stunning! I {heart} all the mica flakes you've used! Note to self ... stop hoarding my mica flakes and use them up :)
Posted by: Debbie Marcinkiewicz | October 20, 2010 at 02:46 PM
Love Love all yout sweet projects and I bought almost all of this months release.YIKES, I tell you!! But all of the designers at Papertrey are so talented AND enabling lol!! Happy Wednesday Melis!
Posted by: Char | October 20, 2010 at 02:55 PM
I'm so glad that you are feeling content. That's what is important. These projects are so gorgeous. I'm probably one of the few that loves winter and would be happy with the cooler weather all the time!
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | October 20, 2010 at 04:15 PM
You make everything look so wonderful! I didn't order this release because I didn't see the visions you saw when you made these fabulous cards. I love each and every single one of them. I just might have to order after all. ;)
Glad you feel better about your choices now. Have a wonderful week.
Posted by: Heather | October 20, 2010 at 04:18 PM
moms are good to have for so many things. glad she's there for you. treasure her.
love the projects. wow.
Posted by: laura huffman | October 20, 2010 at 06:21 PM
Great projects as always. I'm glad for you and our decision. Sometimes we just need a break to relax and put things in perspective. I know you will find your balance again and then you will be able to accept new challenges. Life is all about changes, and even though sometimes they are scary when we look back wee see the hand of God in every detail. God bless you because in so many ways you have been a blessing to many of us.
XOXO,
Joan
Posted by: Joan | October 20, 2010 at 06:27 PM
I love the little bell on the skate. Everything you do is so lovely. How do you tie a double bow?
Posted by: Jane S | October 20, 2010 at 07:00 PM
Thud!
That is the sound of my jaw hitting the floor... you have done it again with cuteness overload, and I enjoyed the bit of yummy factor thrown in. You just keep getting better and better. Sure wish I could make cards like you.
Posted by: Domenico | October 20, 2010 at 07:04 PM
Everything you post is absolutely stunning! Your beautiful shabby elegant style is so appealing! I adore the little houses on your cards, did you make them? Thanks so much for sharing your work with us! Blessings!
Posted by: Tami M. | October 20, 2010 at 07:13 PM
I'm on the path of choosing happiness to! Great quote and good reminder!
Great timing on the house project. I've just stocked up on them! Thanks so much for sharing your talent and sweet words! Hope all is well!
Kim
Posted by: Kim Hesson | October 20, 2010 at 09:36 PM
Your work is amazing!
It always make me feel so warm and cozy, the vintage "throwback" feeling.
BTW..... can you share the source for the houses that you used in your Big and Bold cards?
Thanks
Posted by: Katherine | October 21, 2010 at 12:23 AM
Beautiful projects, Melissa. Love the little houses and BB Holiday Wishes. So many lovely ideas. Thank you for your inspiration.
Posted by: Lisa S. | October 21, 2010 at 08:08 AM
Beautiful work. I just am so inspired by you. The calling of Primary President is VERY demanding but very rewarding. I admire you for all you do. General conference was wonderful this month. I needed to hear it as a parent of 3 teens. Well back to you. Remember to hang on to your little joys, it will keep you centered and you a happier Mommy and Wife. My family knows that if I'm crafting I need a little space. When I don't get that I feel grumpy and that's not good for anyone, I start heading towards burnout :-( Keep lotsa prayer in your heart and remember that we can't do everything for everyone, we can just do what we do with love and good intent. We as women have BIG BIG shoes to fill. Thank you for sharing your talents, I selfishly don't want you to stop posting your wonderful work ;-)Lotsa prayers and hugs to you, good luck.
Posted by: Jazzypantzcards.blogspot.com | October 21, 2010 at 08:23 AM
Wow, this is all so beautiful! Can you tell me where the tags are from the say "let it snow", and "winter wishes"? I need them !!!
XO
Helen
Posted by: helbo | October 21, 2010 at 10:19 AM
All of these projects are beautiful! I love the jar. What a great way to use this stamp. I would have never thought of it! Great work as always!
Posted by: April | October 21, 2010 at 10:22 AM
Thanks for sharing all these beautiful projects! You have no idea how appreciate I am and how much you make my day each time you post! :)
And I especially love the quote you shared. What a lovely way to lift us up! :)
xoxo,
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | October 21, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Beautiful,beautiful work, Melissa!! Everything that you have shown us is just amazing!Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Teresa Brada | October 21, 2010 at 01:38 PM
I am grateful that you posted this later...or I would be in the POOR HOUSE I tell ya! Thank goodness PTI doesn't retire stuff, and so I can spread out this release and shop here and there! I don't care if I'm making Christmas stuff in March and June, hee! GORGEOUS projects...I'll be checking back on this lovely post often :)
Posted by: Kelly Schirmer | October 21, 2010 at 03:45 PM
it's such a treat to see your work. i love the beautiful photo settings and your projects are just eye candies. love the glitters (?) that you covered them with and the little details you added. amazing! thanks for sharing and enabling. =)
Posted by: Alice W. | October 21, 2010 at 11:39 PM