A thing or two to share...I've been making time each day to work on my Photoshop skills, or lack thereof. I've had the software for a couple of years now, but haven't taken any time to learn it because it forces me to sit down, read, study, practice, etc., and that's kinda hard to do sometimes. Anyway...I'm enjoying it very much!
A new favorite sentiment of mine...you may be seeing it pop up more often. This card uses one of my very most favorite stamp sets of all time, Wreath for all Seasons from Papertrey Ink, and the "everything" stamp from Little Bitty Bird. I used the Limitless Layers: 2 1/2" die collection as well, Making Memories, My Mind's Eye, GCD studios, and Crate Paper paper, Prima velvet leaves, a Kaisercraft flower, Memrie Mare scrunched seam binding, and Prima trim.
And, a few of you have asked for my cookie recipe, so I'm posting it below for any of you interested. Promise to not skimp on the Ghiradellis.
Lilybean's Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup shortening
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
Oodles of chocolate chips...the more the merrier...I use Ghiradelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips.
**Cream shortening and sugars. Add in vanilla and eggs. Cream thoroughly. Add in flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine and at this point, I add in about 2 Tbs. milk...just until the dough gets a bit gooey and sticks to the sides of the bowl. Throw in those chocolate chips...eat a few...give some to your helper...and then add some raisins! Ohhhh....all of you non-raisin lovers....they are like candy all warm and plump from the oven....we love them here...but you can ignore them if you choose.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
I'm reading For Every Mother right now, such a wonderful book not only for mamas, but for anyone with a heart, who loves, cares, and nurtures. Thanks to my sweet mama for giving it to me.
I'm just starting into it, but have already found several memorable stories and quotes...the following is one of them:
"The world never stops rushing you...Don't let others set your agenda. Find your own pace. Slow down. Do less. Listen. Savor. Simplify. Feed your soul. Remove distractions. Create a sanctuary within. Live in grace. The greatest gift you have to give others is you...unhurried and refreshed. Drink deeply from the well of your own life. It passes like a dream."
Melis
%3C/a){kind=link}
%3C/a){kind=link}
I have always admired your photography. You have so many talents. Thanks for sharing them and your inspirational words!
Posted by: Melisa Hunter | May 18, 2011 at 09:37 PM
OMG, so sweet!I love this card!thanks for showing, to see it is a gift for me on this special day. (today is our 4th anniversary). thanks!
Posted by: gybogi | May 18, 2011 at 10:37 PM
mmmmm so stunning card
Posted by: Joy_L | May 18, 2011 at 11:52 PM
LOVE that card Melis....LOOOOVE that quote too...how beautiful!
Posted by: Linda L | May 19, 2011 at 12:57 AM
just beautiful!
Posted by: Laura | May 19, 2011 at 01:35 AM
Just beautiful as usual! Thanks for always sharing with us. It makes my day! I made your cookies the last time the recipe was posted. My family devoured them in no time flat! It's a great recipe.
Posted by: ValerieC | May 19, 2011 at 03:01 AM
Beautiful card ...full of the sweetest things ... oh those cookies look good!
Posted by: Ros Crawford | May 19, 2011 at 03:18 AM
Oh my ... those cookies are making my mouth water - YUM! The pictures you post on your blog are SO professional and perfect, Melissa ... I can't even imagine you needing to hone your photoshop skills! I need you to give me a lesson {gigglie}! Everything is just wonderful over here ... I could lose myself in your sweet blog :)
Posted by: Debbie Marcinkiewicz | May 19, 2011 at 05:50 AM
Oh, what a gorgeous card! The sheer beauty of things like this brings tears to my eyes! I always admire the creativity. The words in the quote are absolutely true! And, of course, what can I say about these cookies--delicious!
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | May 19, 2011 at 05:58 AM
wonderful sentiment from that book.thank you for sharing
Posted by: sarita | May 19, 2011 at 08:39 AM
Another gorgeous card! I love this stamp set as well :) and those cookies-yum, yum yum! I can almost smell them!
Posted by: Nora Anne | May 19, 2011 at 09:04 AM
Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.Definately going to try it out!
Posted by: eleftheria | May 19, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Your card...sigh...I think I made my point :)
The cookies; if I make them I know for sure that my hips will increase with at least 2 inches....
And the quote; it points us in the right direction.....
Have a lovely day!
Posted by: Stella | May 19, 2011 at 11:05 AM
If only I could give "unhurried and refreshed" to others. Today you gave us a card, a recipe and a quote. Such abundance you lavish on us readers. Wishing you a very blessed day!!
Posted by: Jan in Tucson | May 19, 2011 at 05:30 PM
Awesome card...LOVE it!!! And I had to put the Papertreyink wreath set in my shopping cart. Don't know how I missed that one...looks like it may become my favorite too! By th way, for the cookies what do you consider shortening? Butter, margarine or Crisco? Would like to try the cookies but need a bit of clarification. Thanks and have a good night. Robin B.
Posted by: Robin Barwacz | May 19, 2011 at 05:57 PM
Most of the parents of my friends want to know my mum's secret. When she tells them no cellphone, no t.v., no microwave, they all snicker, but every evening we sit on the porch, sometimes I'm doing homework, sometimes it's a game of Mancala, and wind down with the sun.
Do you ever do classes? Your cards are amazing.
Posted by: Domenico | May 19, 2011 at 06:36 PM
I think that spring wreaths have become my favorite, they are so whispy and pure with their delicate spring buds, pussywillows and branches.The card you've created with your stamps is simply beautiful and sweet! Thanks for sharing your art. xo Teri Ann
Posted by: Teri | May 19, 2011 at 07:22 PM
Love the card, the recipe, and the quote! Always a joy to read your lovely posts!
Posted by: Jill Norwood | May 19, 2011 at 08:59 PM
Stunning card!! That book looks so sweet - right now I'm reading the last book you recommended - The Forgotten Garden! Great read so far ;)
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | May 20, 2011 at 04:02 AM
Just a lovely card! I hear you about the photoshop, it is a tough program to learn, applying layers, etc. I've made your chocolate chips also, from a few posts back - needless to say they didnt last long.. they're delicious.
Posted by: rose c. | May 20, 2011 at 05:15 AM
I have been following your blog for a while now, probably two years, and I love, love, love your style, creativity and inspiration! I am interested in your PhotoShop comment. I haven't purchased Photoshop yet, all I read about it indicates its really hard to learn, but I love the possibilities! Would you consider sharing your learning as you go along and translate Photoshop lingo for stampers/ scrapbookers? It would be great to learn from/with someone who does our kind of creating! If not PhotoShop, do you know if are there other programs that are easier? Thanks for sharing your creativity!
Posted by: Lee Ann | May 20, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Thanks so much for sharing the cookie recipe.I can't wait to try it, and thanks for sharing all
your beautiful objects of art,
they inspire so many. I try to visit daily.
Posted by: pammiejean | May 20, 2011 at 11:09 AM
This card is absolutely gorgeous - as luscious as those cookies even! I love the way you fussy cut the doily - such a fabulous idea! Thanks too for the cookie recipe - those look positively sinful :)
Posted by: Becky Dunham | May 20, 2011 at 11:30 AM
First of all, I have to tell you, you are such a wonderful inspiration to me! You have a kind, beautiful soul and are an amazingly talented person! I appreciate you sharing your talents with us here on your blog. Second, I just made a batch of Lilybean's cookies! OMG!! They are the BEST cookies ever! I used 1/2 chocolate and 1/2 peanut butter chips...YUMMY!! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe! I will have one happy, little family tonight! Blessings to you and your family!
Posted by: Marci | May 20, 2011 at 12:37 PM
mmmm..... that sounds like a super yummy recipe, but definitely no raisin for mine. =) such a gorgeous card, too! so pretty with lovely details. love it! hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Alice W. | May 20, 2011 at 11:50 PM