There are times I feel the need to get swallowed up in things that take my mind elsewhere....to surround myself with buttons, bits, bobs, fabric scraps, ink, glitter, trims, snippets...to let my fingers speak to my mind which in turn, speaks to my heart...to seek out beautiful images that others so willing share. Things like these tend to be just the medicine I need....maybe I'll be inspired to create or will be graced with happiness that floods my mind and heart....creating takes me to a very happy place and for that I am thankful...so touched by what others create, and invigorated and lifted up on wings that bring joy. I think that creating our own refuge in life is very essential to our happiness....knowing what our hearts and minds need at a given time...to gently encourage us, to embrace us, and to give us love when we need it most.
My plan tonight is to share with you my Papertrey Ink new release projects along with some of my favorite places to visit....some new favorites...places I've recently discovered that just make my heart happy...
This first card uses the new Year of Flowers: Carnations stamp set....the last set in this series.....I will be sad to see these beautiful images coming to an end, but so thankful to have them on hand to celebrate each month with. I also used Papertrey Ink's Limitless Layers die collection here.
If I live to be 100, I will never tire of cupcakes...and in combination with birthday greetings, they are the most delightful frosting on top...this card uses the new Inside & Out: Birthdays along with the Cupcake Collection dies, Fillable Frames #12 die and stamp set, By the Numbers Impression Plate, and Limitless Layers die collection. The fruity, fun sheet music paper was designed by Dawn McVey and is called Sweet Symphony.
Way to Go Kiddo! is the sweet stamp set used on this card....it's such a perfect addition for mamas and grandmas alike....you know, the spoilin' type...the cheer them on type, the I think you are the cutest kid in the world type...that would be all us, don't you think? I also used the new Limitless Layers 2.5" die collection here along with Dawn's new Edger's #1 Collection....ingenious!
The new Healing Touch Sentiments and Mat Stack Collection 3 and die were all used on this card. The scrunched seam binding is from Memrie Mare and the trinket pin of course from Viola Mahr's etsy shop.
Lastly, something for you lovey dovey type....I certainly love to be lovey dovey...this card uses the new Simple Sentiments stamp set, the Simple Valentine stamp set, Heart Prints dies, Banner Borders, and Banner Builders stamp sets.
Some beautiful, recent finds:
Tina Jensen (what delicacies she shares with her mini masterpieces created with fabric, lace, trims, and shades of cream and white.)
Georgianna Lane (pure beauty shared through photos and words)
Tracey Leber (my heart can't get enough)
Becky Shander (Be still my ever lovin' stitchy heart)
I'll stop with these lovelies for you tonight...but will come back very soon to share more link with you.
I'm off to fill a special request....that of my little girl and husband. Each Sunday they request homemade cookies...I love to fiddle with a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe and add in things they think of, such as Chocolate Mint M&M's, Cherry Cordial M&M's and tonight Coconut M&M's and macadamia nuts sent to me straight from Hawaii, thanks to my sister-in-law and her sweet family...thank you, thank you.
Aloha friends!
Melis
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been checking for a post, lol. def worth checking in tonight =) gorgeous stuff!!! Love the new items buying the birthday sets for sure.
Posted by: dee | January 16, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Ah...what beautiful words and projects and blogs you shared. Just what my heart needed tonight. Thank you.
Posted by: Anne T | January 16, 2011 at 06:07 PM
Delightful projects, Melissa! Love your pretty papers and combination of colors and details...as always your cards make me smile.
Posted by: Lisa Dolson | January 16, 2011 at 06:15 PM
Oh, Melissa. . .such BEAUTY! You make my heart sing every time I get a chance to pop by. Thank you, my friend!
Posted by: Debbie Olson | January 16, 2011 at 06:43 PM
such happy creations..very uplifting and inspiring.. thank you, thank you.. I love your take on the PTI releases...always a treat for the eyes and soul.
Posted by: rebekah f | January 16, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Melissa,
Your Cards and projects are so beautiful and they inspire me Thank-you for sharing so often
Posted by: Tammy DeCoito | January 16, 2011 at 07:20 PM
Hello Melissa! Your creations are so beautiful and full of happiness and joy – what a treat to see them! I'm very touched by your kind words and that you linked to my blog – thank you so much. Wishing you a week ahead filled with beauty and fulfillment. – g
Posted by: Georgianna | January 16, 2011 at 11:25 PM
Your cards are beautiful! I love what you do with the PTI products.
I will now visit the blogs you linked to.
Posted by: Maggie R | January 17, 2011 at 12:26 AM
So many BEAUTIFUL cards!
I think only you can make such a sweet vintage project with not so vintage stamps from Papertrey!
I actually got some addiction for PTI stamps thanks to you. ;)
Posted by: Yana | January 17, 2011 at 02:24 AM
So beautifully refreshing to visit your blog! A wonderful way to start the day.
Posted by: Joy Hall | January 17, 2011 at 04:12 AM
Let me tell you, Melis, YOU bring such joy and inspiration with your blog. All your creations are so beautiful. I find them breathtakingly beautiful! Your blog is always one of the first I look for each day. It is always uplifting to me!
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | January 17, 2011 at 04:40 AM
Your cards are a delight for the eyes! Thanks again for sharing and bringing some beauty to our lives. Can't wait to check out the links!
Posted by: Tina | January 17, 2011 at 05:23 AM
Thank you for sharing those amazing blogs, I just love finding new inspiration! They were awesome! Love your cards as always!
Posted by: Hollie Shepard | January 17, 2011 at 06:35 AM
What an awesome post of pretties.
Posted by: sharon | January 17, 2011 at 06:36 AM
I am speechless with these absolutely gorgeous cards! They are all so amazing. My faves are the valentine banner one and the super yummy glitter cupcake!
Posted by: Amy Baldwin | January 17, 2011 at 07:21 AM
Beautiful inspiration as always! Fresh ideas! Thank you!
Posted by: Jan m | January 17, 2011 at 07:50 AM
Wow. you've been one busy inspired lady. Your creations are all divine. You make my morning coffee soooooooooo enjoyable. Thanks Melis
Posted by: Sylvia/Little Treasures | January 17, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Hi Melissa--
I love your style and your posts. Here is a store where I live (in MN) that I thought you might like to browse. It's owned by a mother/daughter team that repurpose old things and they have some GREAT things! Enjoy :)
http://www.snowmanhill.com/
Amy
Posted by: Amy Fink | January 17, 2011 at 09:49 AM
wow.
Posted by: Domenico | January 17, 2011 at 12:53 PM
Such beautiful cards, Melissa. Thank you so much for sharing with us all. I am so glad you've discovered Tina Jensen's blog, she's the most talented 'shabby chic-er' i've come across! Have a wonderful week, Stephanie x
Posted by: Stephanie | January 17, 2011 at 01:40 PM
as always, gorgeous. loved the other blogs. oh so amazing, was checking them out throughout the day. made a valentine lacey heart with vintage buttons. love it. thanks.
Posted by: laura huffman | January 17, 2011 at 03:43 PM
you have the most amazing touch of details, Melissa! these are gorgeous!
Posted by: Alice W. | January 17, 2011 at 11:41 PM
These are simply stunning; I could spend the next couple of days just CASEing ALL of them!
Posted by: Kay Demonbren | January 18, 2011 at 09:38 AM