LilyBean's Paperie

sweet retreat...

I'm savoring fall...holding onto autumn.... holding onto her...

 
We're back from a quick trip to enjoy the things we love about this time of year....fields dotted with plump pumpkins, adventures through tangled corn mazes, together time with grandma and grandma, no interruptions, scary faced pumpkin pancakes at IHOP, grandma's cinnamon rolls, bedtime stories snuggled up next to them both, and new, warm winter jammies...I can't believe how fast she is growing and how quickly she is changing.  Still so very innocent, imaginative, and playful...I love that her imagination is in full swing, so magical...I don't want it to change as I don't think my heart can take it...but somehow it will and we'll love the next phase she's in just as much as we have loved all of the past phases...somehow our hearts adapt and it's all OK.  My mother-in-law told me once that a mother's heart has more love in it than meant for just one child...and while I know that is true, she is all I have and therefore she gets all my love...my attention...my focus...my emotion...it's all my heart knows how to do....if all I am ever given is "one", I'm so thankful it will be her....she has been our gift.

 

 
A card I created based on another color palette from The Color Room....I can't get enough of this combination...it speaks warmth, kindness, and abundance. 

The chipboard scroll frame is from Maya Road...I adore these little pieces.  It has been painted, stamped, sanded, inked, and glittered...it has been spoiled with my attention as well.  I used vintage trim and buttons, tea stained fabric, Graphic 45 paper and flower, a Prima flower, Martha Stewart sticker, and a tea stained tag from Mish's etsy shop.  I used Papertrey Ink Friendship Jar and Background Basics:  Text Style stamp sets as well. 

Well...it seems I have babbled long enough...I love road trips as they give me time to let my thoughts roam, to breathe, to come home rejuvenated and refreshed and excited.   There is a fire waiting for me and it's time to put my feet up...tomorrow will be a busy day as it is the day we've decided to celebrate and enjoy Halloween with our 'lil trick-or-treater...can't wait.

Happy, hearty, warm and cozy autumn!

Melis

 

just a little love note...

to you...from me...

 

I'm on my way in the morning...taking my little bean on a road trip to visit her grandma and grandpa...the pumpkin patch and corn maze...sneaking in some together time and enjoying some sunny, warm, fall days before they come to an end.

 
She'll be dancing through the maze in her ballerina costume as I can't seem to get her out of it...just long enough to wash it...plus grandma and grandpa need to see her in it...I know they'll be smiling inside and out.

 

From the bottom of my heart...thanks so much for stopping by and have a merry Halloween my friends.

Melis

 

Supplies used:
Papertrey Ink Embellishments stamp set

Memrie Mare satin wings

Prima paper leaf

My Mind's Eye paper

Crocheted flower from Kim Hesson

winter squash...

 
I made some nasty rolls tonight....I was very proud of myself all the way up until they came out of the oven...my sweet husband choked them down somehow, but didn't stop me when I started throwing them away...that's when I knew they were nasty because he normally stops me and asks me to pack them in his lunch...I'm going to keep trying though...in fact, I found two recipes I think I'll try this week and they involve squash again, but who cares if they taste good....I can keep an open mind.

 
The first is made with winter squash...I have no clue what a winter squash is, but I'm sure there must be someone ready to give them away around here...Winter Squash Rolls....don't they look like heaven?

 
I think I can already smell and taste the other rolls though....mmmm....tomorrow I'll try not to ruin them... Pumpkin Dinner Rolls....who knew pumpkin could be so versatile and friendly...not me...I'll let you know how they turn out.

Tonight's card is very friendly too....like a warm bowl of minestrone soup, steamy, cozy, and filled with yummy colors...oh, and maybe some pumpkin dinner rolls on the side as well.  I used Papertrey Ink's Wreath For All Seasons and Friendship Jar Fall Fillers stamp sets.  Graphic 45 and 7gypsies papers, vintage trim, a tea stained tag, adhesive pearls, and scrunched seam binding from Memrie Mare were also used.  

Lastly, something created for Emma's Paperie...in my favorite squashy, warm, delicious colors.  

 

I used SEI's lovely Moonrise collection on this card and oodles of other goodies.  You can find a completely supply list HERE.

Hope you're bundled up safe and warm tonight...thanks for visiting.

Melis

fanciful things...

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  Ours was great...busy...and sweet. We spent a couple of evenings with my brother and sister-in law, and her family, here visiting their daughter, sister, and Auntie, all the way from Hawaii.  I truly have never met such genuine, kind-hearted, unselfish, people filled with pure goodness...I've discovered the Hawaiin people open their hearts to others in a way that I wish I did more graciously...I was taught a couple of important lessons through their gentle, loving nature and I'm so glad I had the chance to spend time with them.  I can see why she misses them so much. 

 

On the way home, my little one fell asleep and I enjoyed watching her as we traveled the long road  home.  It was sweet to see her gramps hurry out of the truck to be the first to carry her inside when we got home and my heart melted as  I understood how much he loves and misses this simple ritual  he was able to do with his own kids many years ago.  We said goodbye after the hand-off came and my husband got to do what he loves to do by carrying her into bed...then it was my turn and I realized how much I enjoy being the one to tuck her in...gently getting my sleeping little bean out of her muddy clothes and into her jammies, brushing out her hair, and tucking her into bed by the light of the moon...it is rare that my girl falls asleep before bedtime, so when it happens, it is special to me...kind of like a little treat...a moment when everything seems to slow down and come into focus...the little things are magnified, the things that seem so big are meaningless, and life is as it should be.  I recognized the moment as a sweet, personal gift from my Heavenly Father directly to me....a moment to be memorized.

 

As a treat to myself, I am participating in The Color Room...a beautiful place to spend some time, each week presenting lovely color combinations and inspiration.  This is my card for the color palette this week.

I used Crafty Secrets Altered Fairy Scraps, fabric, velvet leaves, a doily, Maya Road trinket pin, Doodlebug Chunky Glitter, and scrunched seam binding from Memrie Mare. 

Lastly...as I'm still enjoying fall and all things warm, cozy, rich, and earthy.....

 
This card was created using Papertrey Ink's Falling Leaves and Friendship Jar Fall Fillers stamp sets. 

 
 
Well...my time is short tonight as it's pumpkin carving night and we're having Yummy Mummies for dinner :)

Enjoy your night.

Melis

feels like home to me...

 
My baby tucked in her bed reading softly to her stuffed animals...the house quiet...no TV to distract me...just my thoughts...the sounds of my husband tinkering happily away in the basement fixing motorcycles...happy he's happy doing something he loves...sounds of home that seem mundane, but sounds that I am thankful for...sounds that speak of life and love...happy to be theirs...happy to be bundled up under the same roof with them.  It seems to have been a bit of a rough week for him...but I feel his happiness tonight...the weight taken from his shoulders and am thankful to have been able to ride through the storm with him....sometimes I am the storm :), but I'm learning to listen instead of speak...and just cheer him on.

 
Out came the fabric again the other day and on it went onto some holiday cards....I can't resist...I love it's texture, it's warmth, it's cozy nature.

 
 

 
I used some new Papertrey Ink stamp sets on these cards including the Holly Jolly and 2010 Holiday Tagssets.  The envelopes are gift enclosures also from Papetrey Ink that I've stained in tea.

 
 
The glass glitter stars are my favorite topping right now...I wish I had a jar full of them to enjoy, but they are so fun to add in here and there and I mustn't be selfish with them....you can find them and the scrunched seam binding at Memrie Mare'setsy shop.

 
 
The tiny tea-stained tags can be found at Mish Wooderson's etsy shop, the trinket pins from Maya Road, and the mica flakes from Martha Stewart.

Now to answer a couple of questions or two....many have inquired about the chipboard houses used on the cards from yesterday's post...they are from Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses line..there are a few available here at Emma's Paperie. 

Onto a glitter question...for an all over dusting of glitter, I use Krylon Spray Adhesive....it's my favorite, and then lightly shake on mica or glitter.  It works great.  For accenting edges or small areas, I use Tombow Mono Aqua Liquid Glue.  Hope that helps.

Lastly...I feel the need to share my favorite Pumpkin Spice Bars with Cream Cheese recipe....They are delectable...and dreamy....and good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner...not that I would ever, ever do such a thing...

Night.

Melis

 

choose happiness...

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

crafty secrets "sewing" challenge...

Well...I'm here...I'm back....not fully, but with a little something to share as part of the Crafty Secrets "Sewing" challenge....

 
Mmmmm...sewing...it's delicious to my heart....I love the homespun feel it adds to paper, fabric, bits and bobs....I can't do without it, so this challenge has been so much fun to take part in.

 

 
I used the sweet Crafty Secrets Double-Sided Merry Christmas Creative Scraps as the focal point on this card.  I machine stitched through layers of cardstock, vintage sheet music, paper, fabric, and a snippet from a glassine envelope.  I then folded up the edges a bit to add in the dimension and texture....love to take the time to add this special touch to my cards.  The stamp used on the tag is also from Crafty Secrets and is from the Message on a Bottle set.  Scrunched seam binding in a new, festive color was purchased at Memrie Mare's etsy shop. 

I hope to have a few minutes later today to check out the following designer's blogs to see what they've created for us all:

Vicki Chrisman Team Leader


Pam Hooten


Heidi Blankenship


Linda Duke


Michele Kovack


Flo Teixeira from France


Julie Campbell


Mary Hamer


Guest Designer Sheila Rumney


Heartwarming Vintage Blog

 
Crafty Secrets website

Well, friends.....the time has come for me to simplify...remember how much I love that word?  I have had some time to reflect and I know that what I have decided is right and needs to happen.  I don't have the energy I used to to keep up with my etsy shop, design teams, manufacturers, magazines, PTO, Primary President calling, working part time, and being mama and a wife.  So, in the next little while I will be making some changes...I carry a little prayer in my heart that I will have the courage to do so, as it is what I need personally to be happy inside and out.  I just need to cut back, simplify, and then I truly believe everything will fall in to place and I will find happiness again in creating.  I still love, love, love it....but the demands and commitments weigh heavily on me at times, and I am finding my way back to that joy I once had.  Say a little prayer for me....I won't leave my blog...I won't leave my etsy shop...in fact, those are two simple joys for me....thanks for your friendship.

Melis

 

quick & easy tags...

Hi everyone...I'm back with another Papertrey Ink group post....this one speaks right to my heart, as it is all about tags...and I love tags...they're kind of like icing on the cake or a cherry on top.  So much fun to dress  up or dress down and just be completely creative with.

 

Our challenge as a design team was to use the new 2010 Holiday Tags stamp set to create some quick and easy tags to help inspire you to create some of your own.

 
I chose to use Papertrey Ink's Vintage Cream Gift Enclosure envelopes as my tag base.  These particular envelopes have been died in tea, so they look a bit weathered and aged. 

 

The stamp set comes with so many sweet and unique images....perfect for many different styles.  The sweet Santa sleigh was stamped in black to create a silhouette look...I am loving the Kraft, cream, dark red, and black color combo.

Each envelope/tag was embellished with fabric, trim, stamps, and the Limitless Labels dies....can't live without these either.  I then created tags to slip inside with a handwritten message...

 
These inside tags were created using the new Fillable Frames #9 stamp set and die...and another image from the 2010 Holiday Tags set.  The glass glitter stars are from Memrie Mare's etsy shop.

Everything is bundled up together with Papertrey Ink Pure Poppy Baker's Twine, ready to attach to your sweet, holiday package. 

 
Here are oodles of creative links for you to check out and be filled with holiday inspiration:
Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Debbie Olson, Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson, Niki Estes, Kim Hughes, Maile Belles, Erin Lincoln, and Nichole Heady.

Next up...something I just have to share with you...

I ran across the CUTEST Halloween craft the other day and couldn't wait to link you all....I hope to find a few extra minutes to make these with my little one...

 
These little Oreo mummy pops were made by the girls from one of my very most crafty sites called How Does She?  I have never seen anything so adorable....I'm gathering supplies to make these today.  You can find instructions and even free printables for the packaging on their site...have fun!

Lastly....a couple of Christmas-y creations for the Frost it Pink blog...

 
 
 
 
 
 
These cards were made using delicious Bo Bunny Press papers, Melissa Frances embellishments, and other extras.  I've got all of the supplies listed below so you can make your own:
Noel Postcards Paper by Bo Bunny Press

Noel Noel Paper by Bo Bunny Press

Noel Holly Paper by Bo Bunny Press

Silver Tinsel by Melissa Frances

Stately Applique Set by Melissa Frances

White Mica Flakes by Melissa Frances

Christmas Pop-Out Glitter Chipboard by Melissa Frances

Cream Pearls by Melissa Frances 

German Glass Glitter Silver Stars

Vintage Crochet Pom Pom Trim by Maya Road

Vintage Pearls Trinket Pins by Maya Road

Coffee Shop Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels

Let me know if you have any questions...I am happy to  help.  The Melissa Frances applique was coated with the Coffee Shop Glimmer Mist to age it a bit....I love how it magically transforms things.  Also, the vintage image was embellished with Mica Flakes around the edges to create a frosty, wintry feel. 

I hope to be back tomorrow with my PTI releases....but with packing for an out of town family wedding, decorating for the reception and company coming I may not make it back....I hope to have a few minutes to share them though.

Have a wonderful rest of the week and thanks so much for visiting.

Melis

 

P.S.  To answer a question about what color of Copic I used in the previous post, it is YG91 Putty---my very most favorite :)

quick & easy gifts...

Welcome to the first Papertrey Ink group post of October.  I'm certain I'm not the only one with the holidays on my mind...maybe not in the forefront, but definitely floating around inside my head....snatching and searching out ideas, and most definitely trying to come up with homemade, thrifty gift ideas.  Tonight's group post is all about just that....quick, easy, and economical gift ideas.

 

I chose to create a set of Holiday Thank You notes...wrapped up in the new Favor it Box 2 die....total cost...

 

It seems that selfishly, I don't send out thank you notes at Christmas....and, I started thinking that it would be a nice tradition to start with my little one....sometimes the holidays seem to be about the getting instead of the giving and one way I feel I can do better to celebrate the spirit of Christmas is to properly thank those who give so thoughtfully.

 
I of course used the new Tiny Treats:  Christmas stamp set (it's ADORABLE) along with the following Papertrey Ink supplies:

2 sheets Vintage Cream Cardstock

1 sheet Kraft Cardstock

3 sheets Distressed Dots Patterned Paper

1 sheet Christmas Prints Patterned Paper

½ yard New Leaf Grosgrain

3 Pure Poppy Buttons

Rustic Button Twine

Tools:

Holly Jolly Impression Plate

Limitless Layers Die Collection

Tag Sale #2 Die

Victorian Lace Border Die

Favor it Box 2 Die

 

Other Supplies Used:

12” cream pom pom trim  (Maya Road)

12” cream crochet trim  (Maya Road)

1 crystal star trinket pin  (Maya Road)

¼ sheet green patterned paper (My Mind's Eye)

Xmas Red Stickles Glitter Glue

Everything comes together very quickly after cutting the cardstock, tags, and dies.  Each card measures 4 1/4 x 2 3/4" and fits perfectly down inside the Favor it Box 2.  The gift box is embossed with the new Holly Jolly impression plate and embellished with the new Distressed Dots and Christmas Prints paper, New Leaf grosgrain, and the sweet new Victorian Lace Border Die.

Tags were made for the box and each card by using the Limitless Layers die collection and the Tag Sale #2 die on each card.  Super fast...and kind of sweet.  Please let me know if you have any questions and I'll answer them here on my blog so you can recreate this little gift for yourself.

 

Now how about some links:

Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Debbie Olson, Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson, Niki Estes, Kim Hughes, Maile Belles, Erin Lincoln, and Nichole Heady.  I can't wait to check them out myself!

So glad you came by.

Night.

Melis

a little love goes a long way...

Today has been such an incredibly sweet day....I have been reminded of the goodness of others as we embarked on our bake sale....friends, neighbors, complete strangers...so many turned out to support and contribute.  I woke up in a panic last night thinking that it may have been a mistake to arrange this, but as I arrived this morning with a car already loaded with treats myself and wonderful friends made such as freshly baked breads, muffins, cupcakes, cookies, caramel apples, etc.  more kept rolling in....the table was piled high with homemade and lovingly handmade goodness...and then the sweet, simple acts of others resulted in a wonderful miracle... and my expectations were exceeded.  All proceeds will go towards Primary Children's Medical Center....

It's a wonderful experience to get a little glimpse inside the hearts of others from time to time...to be reminded that goodness still surrounds us.

 
Tonight I have another little mini to share with you...I seem to be drawn to their chunky, filled to the brim, overflowing personalities...and love to make them.  This was created for Ally Scraps this month.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You can find a supply list and instructions HERE so you can get busy making your own little fatty, fall mini.

My bones are weary tonight....and tomorrow will be another busy day.  Thanks for visiting with me.

Night.

Melis

 

a little bit of everything...

 
My calm week has been full....and is getting plumper by the day....it's been filled with some new responsibilities in my little girl's school, which I am looking forward to very much....I had the pleasure of helping in her class this week and am now known as "Siewwa's mom"....she has the cutest bunch of rowdy, rough boys in her class....the kind that drive you nutty one minute, but can turn your heart into mush the next...especially when they call me "Siewwa's mom" :)....and then there is Sierra and just a couple of sweet little girls thrown into the middle of it all...it's a very nice balance.  Let's see....dance class for the first time ever...what a treat it was to watch her....I brought a book but couldn't tear my eyes away from my little go-go girl.  Getting ready for a bake sale on Saturday, so tomorrow will be filled with flour, vanilla, eggs, a pinch of this, a dash of that, and all things sweet. 

 

 
 

 
 
 

Another little mini to share tonight....I used plenty of Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and other supplies on this along with Crafty Secrets Double Sided Garden Creative Scraps, Melissa Frances stickers, Webster's Pages trim, vintage buttons, doilies, and scrunched seam binding from Memrie Mare and This Good Day. 

And...since we're talking baking....just a few treats to share with you before I go....if only I could bake like this...

 
 
 
 
 

 
(Photos from Country Living and Martha Stewart)

Sigh....in my dreams, I am Betty Crocker....and Martha Stewart...I don't burn anything....nothing turns out doughy or lop-sided...it's all perfectly browned, perfectly shaped....perfectly irresistible....oh, and my laundry is always folded, the house freshly tidied and straightened...and the toilets sparkly clean :)  Instead of that wish list though...I'll happily take the tiny hand prints smeared across my fridge....the toothpaste dribbled in the sink, the mouse crumbs under her chair, her artwork hung for all to see, little, muddy footprints down the hallway, peanut buttery and jam kisses....those and many other little things are what truly make me happy.

Time to get to work.

Night friends.

Melis

something wicked this way comes...

The time for spookables, trick or treat bags, caramel apples, popcorn balls, witch's brew, Halloween moons, and jack-0-lanterns is drawing near....I love everything about this time of year...but it just doesn't seem to last long enough....so why not start early on enjoying the little bits and bobs of Halloween.  Paper-crafting is a wonderful way to enjoy every holiday, as there is so much available from stickers to albums to chipboard, to felt, to velvet...you name it...I love it :)
Today, I've got a fun Halloween mini book that is piled with all things creepy, spooky, sparkly, and glittery.

 

I pulled oodlesof items from my Halloween stash and set to work....first covering this chipboard book from October Afternoon with my very last glittered postcard from Cavallini and Co.  I ADORE their vintage postcards....have to force myself to  use them as they're so beautiful, but are much more enjoyable when used on projects then hidden away in my drawer.

 
 

Crafty Secrets Double Sided Halloween Greetings Creative Scraps were used throughout....I can't seem to get enough of them...I also used the Vintage Halloween Postcard Kit.  The postcard kits each come with the cutest stamp set....I particularly love this one with the black cat image. 
 
 Making Memories Halloween die cuts were used here and there....perfect to stamp on, write on, or just use as a simple embellishment.  The glitter pumpkins are also from Making Memories.
 

 
 Martha Stewart black glitter stickers are the perfect eerie touch....
 Silver doilies, tea stained envelopes, and coin envelopes help to create a focal point that can easily be built upon.
 Scrunched seam binding and silver glass glitter stars from Memrie Mare's etsy shop are like frosting on the halloween cupcake :)
 And, then of course...I can't live without my Halloween stash of Papertrey Ink stamps including:
Boo to You, Spooky Sweets, Spooky Sweets II, and Friendship Jar Fall Fillers. 
 
 
 
 
Now it's ready to fill with photos, memorabilia, memories, recipes, etc.

Enjoy your day!
Melis

 

How do you spell love?

T~I~M~E....

..."love is spelled TIME" ~Deiter F. Uchtdorf....another one of my new favorite quotes heard this weekend while listening to General Conference....my most favorite weekend each year.  It's so simple and so true isn't it?....I always treasure the time that others take for me...it makes me feel loved, special, cared for, and remembered....something I need to consider and make room for in order to show my love for others.

 

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend....it's rainy, stormy, sloppy, and incredibly beautiful here.  I had to wear my "muckers" out to take care of the chickens tonight and lifted my face towards the dark sky and soaked in the beautiful black clouds swirling, the fresh, rain-washed sage, the autumn shower...the brilliance of fall....love it so.

 
 
It's my day on the Crate Paper blog....and I've put together a very simple tutorial....nothing too fancy, but kind of fun.  The technique I'm sharing is just stamping on chipboard...I love the gentle, subtle effect...you can read more HERE.  I used the luscious Restoration line from Crate Paper on this card along with the French Script Background stamp from Darkroom Door, a Maya Road trinket pin, vintage trims and buttons.

And....a workshop up for you at Emma's Paperie....these are simple, sweet little nothin's I tell you....made from some Basic Grey Take Note Die Cuts....

 

 
 

 

Instructions and supplies are waiting for you HERE....and the store is loaded with oodles of beautiful new products....my list is getting longer each day :)

This mama is tired....time for some Hawaii 5-0!

Night.

Melis

P.S.   Scrunched Seam Binding lovers....here are two of my most favorite online sources: 

Memrie Mare

This Good Day

 

 

 

simplicity...

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."  da Vinci

My new favorite quote....heard today while listening to President Deiter F. Uchtdorf...

It seems harder than ever to hold onto the simple things....the simplicity of life...to not let the rush, latest and greatest, the meaningless, the busyness take over....there is something truly beautiful about the simple things of life.  You know me...I could go on and on naming the little things I love...simple little things that to me are enormous....for now, I'll only name one....it would be the time I have to spend with my little one....when she needs me...I am there....when she needs a hug, a snuggle, someone to wipe her tears and make her feel better...lucky me...I get to do it.  It warms my heart.

 

This card uses Papertrey Ink's Embellishments stamp set, my favorite Smokey Shadow and Spring Moss ink, my tea-stained twill, and Melissa Frances paper and stickers.

 

I couldn't resist sharing this photo and recipe with you...I have never tried my hand at Whoopie Pies of any variety....but I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to resist...after seeing these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies by Vegan Yum Yum.  I'm sorry....really I am, to tempt you like this....it's pumpkin season though....they'll be gone before you know it....a simple pleasure :)

I need to to go tuck in my little reader for the night....I simple adore how she loves to read in her bed each night....she's into chapter books now and feeling quite grown up about her Junie B. Jones and Magic Treehouse adventures....makes this mama smile.

Night.

Melis

 

P.S.  Thank  you for your interest in my tea-stained twill bundles.  I am so excited you like them.  I will be brewing up more and more.  I'd like to make each batch of bundles different and unique...so stay tuned for something fun coming very soon.

from my kitchen...

to your home....

I've brewed up a fresh batch of delicious, cinnamon-smelling, shabby, tea-stained, twill tape...they're bundled up and come with all sorts of extra goodies....there are a  few available in my etsy shop.

 
 

 

You can find bare tea-stained, metal rimmed tags at Mish's etsy shop HERE. 

My little one doesn't have school on Fridays...so my house is noisy, messy, and I am happy...my time  is short, but before I go...
While I was soaking my twill in tea, I threw in mini envelopes, fabric, and tags....a beautiful, happy mess...this card uses one of the tea-stained envelopes, scrunched seam binding from Memrie Mare, Prima paper, vintage trim and button, a Maya Road trinket pin, Basic Grey and Melissa Frances rubons.

Happy October pumpkin lovers :)  It's coolish here in the desert...lots of low clouds and a rainstorm on the horizon...sigh...be still my heart.  We're making Autumn Chocolate Chip Cookies with fall m&m's today...maybe some pumpkin cranberry bread...perfect for October 1st.

Thanks for visiting.

Melis