LilyBean's Paperie

glitter and wheelies...

Just popping by tonight to share a thing or two created recently.  The first is another shabby, pretty bird.  I used a Maya Road chipboard coaster, painted and distressed it, and then stamped it with Papertrey Ink's Postmarks and Mehndi Medallion sets.  

The chipboard crown and little tail flourish are also from Maya Road and are painted and sprinkled with glitter.  The Vanilla Bean scrunched seam binding is from Craft Spot.

The sweet nest is from Melissa Frances....can't get enough of these darling things.  The cupid is from Little Pink Studio, trinket pin from Viola Mahr, and German glass glitter star from Memriemare.  If I've forgotten anything, let me know.

A little trio of pretty birds made for a special friend and customer.

Next up, something with color!  I crave color sometimes and have so much fun mixing it.  This was created for Emma's Paperie and is based on my sketch there.  Play along if you'd like.  The Basic Grey Sweet Threads Wheels are so playful.  All of the supplies I used can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.

Lastly, another pincushion with my favorite felt rolled roses and tea stained fabrics.

Getting ready for the 4th!

Thanks for stopping.

Melis

gone camping...

We're back home now, in our comfy, clean beds, with warm, running water, but have so many wonderful memories of the last few days.  I must admit that I'm not the best  camper, it's kind of new to me, but I am bound and determined to enjoy myself and have a good attitude.  I love being with my little family and to be surrounded by lots of nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, brother and sisters in laws was so much fun....so very good for all of us.  We broke out the marshmallows, Hershey's and graham crackers every night, had wonderful dutch oven dinners and breakfasts, paddled around in canoes, went fishing, and watched the stars each night...I loved it all.  My little girl was filthy but I must admit I have never seen her look so beautiful.

This card was created using another image from Made by Janet.  I love her sweet, little fairies in bottles.  The sentiment was stamped after I printed the image and is from Papertrey Ink's Tea for Two Additions.  I used Rouge Cabbage Roses Ribbon from Memrie Mare as well.  

Another busy week ahead as we are heading out soon for another little getaway.  This time I get to see all of my family and I can't wait.  This week I will be working on some special projects for one of my favorite magazines, and creating with beautiful new papers and such from Melissa Frances.  I will share just as soon as I can.  In the meantime, I will post just as much as I can.  

The following card was created for Emma's Paperie inspired by the June Color Challenge.  I love this combo.  Supplies can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.

One more before I go, also created for Emma's Paperie, but along the masculine line.

I'm crazy for the Hambly rubons...so unique and playful.

All supplies used can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope you're enjoying your summer.

Melis

 

 

 

antique envelopes...

Stopping in for a minute tonight to share a project made with a Printable Collage from Made by Janet called Antique Envelopes.  I love her designs, she is a favorite artist of mine, and to be able to print them at home and add my own touches makes them even more enjoyable to work with.  

After assembling this first envelope, I embellished it with a metal flourish from a new favorite shop of mine called Red Lead.  Their blog is so much fun to peruse through with endless amounts of creative ideas shared.  

The tag is die cut using the Tiny Tags collection and is stamped with Papertrey Ink's Tag-its #5 set.  

The chipboard crown is from Maya Road painted with acrylic paint and coated in glitter.  The beautiful aqua sequins and vintage ticket were gifts given to me by my friend Mish, and the Cabbage Roses ribbon is from Memriemare in Peony.

That's all I have for you tonight.  Thanks for being patient with me as my posts are a bit spread out.  I love having my house noisy and messy and chaotic with my little shadow filling my time.  

See you soon.

Melis

make something good today...

Quilt block no. 2 is done.  I knew from the beginning I wanted a few of these little art blocks to have a little house incorporated somehow, so for my second I used up some fabric scraps, trims, and a chippy metal bookplate and transformed them into a cozy home.

I used some of Mishie's beautiful vintage lace and baubles that she shared with me, scrunched seam binding from Craft Spot, a rub-on from Melissa Frances, and paper from My Mind's Eye.  

I stitched everything onto a glassine bag this time.  I love the soft look glassine gives everything so I decided to use it as my base.  If you have any questions please send me a note.  

Be sure to pop over to Mish's blog to see her first blog.  I can't wait.

(via gardenofsimple)

Making Chocolate Chip & Oatmeal Quickbread in a bottle to share with someone today...recipe and photo from Sunset.com.

(source)

Love this sweet vintage postcard and then of course this quote:

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”

— Albert Einstein

Just sharing a few random things that I think are so beautiful today!

Off to make lunch.

Melis

 

 

strawberry moon...

The moon is beautiful and full tonight as it shines down on the earth still warm from the sun and as slivers of it creep gently onto my little bean's sleeping face.  I've been wishing for my favorite Harvest moon to hurry along as I can't wait for fall to arrive.  I can't wait for my zucchini squash to be ready to turn into zucchini bread, the green beans into beans and bacon, and then there's the sweet corn.....The pumpkin seeds we planted a few weeks ago are on their way out of the soil and while I still can't wait for my favorite time of year, my favorite day was today, and tomorrow will be my favorite and on and on.  My little one has a way of helping me remember to cherish and enjoy and try and never wish my days away.

Time to share my Papertrey Ink release projects.  

'

This first card uses the new Sweet Baby stamp set and coordinating die.  I used the Shape Up Series:  Cupcake die as my base.  

I just had to try a row of pastel giraffes with Dawn's new stamp set called It's a Jungle Out There.  It also has a coordinating die set available.  The Double Ended Banner and Love Lives Here dies were also used.

Moving onto Mehndi Medallion...it makes the most beautiful backgrounds.  The large sentiment is from the new Think Big Favorites #5 set and the doily was cut using the Parisian Lace die.

This card uses Maile Belle's new Gracious Vases stamp set.  My card certainly doesn't begin to do this set justice.  To be truly inspired you have to visit Maile's blog.  She is a master at clean and simple, modern and classy.  

The new Daydreamer set is darling...such a wide variety of uses and beautiful flower images.  PTI also just released the Vintage Picnic Basket die to coordinate with the Vintage Picnic set.  

And lastly, this card uses the new Tag-Its #5 and Flower Fusion #5 sets along with the Picket Fence, Buttoned Up #2 and Up, Up, and Away dies.  

I think that does it for me tonight.  A more complete supply list for each card can be found in my Papertrey Ink gallery.

Melis

 

P.S.  I am trying these this week...

(Recipe and photo from bradleykitchen)

Carrot Cookies with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting....mmmm.  A sweet lady I used to work with many years ago made these and shared them with the office and they made such an impression on me that I still remember them and crave them to this day.  They are so delicious.

simple lovelies...

(source)

(source)

(photo from ramblingrose)

(via gardenofsimple)

(chocolate peanut butter banana bread from howsweetitis)

(from besottment)

I love summer break...I love the lazy pace that carries us through most days.  Today  my little one wanted to swim.  What a great idea, I thought.  We finished chores, practiced the piano, crossed off some silly little to-do items on our list and headed to town to swim for the afternoon, only to find that the pool is closed for repairs.  I felt horrible with my little one tearing up in the backseat.  So, we headed back home.  I've been wishing for nothing more than a little patch of green grass lately, but as we just finished this place not too long ago, we don't have a yard in.  Today I decided that it's just as much fun turning the sprinkler on and making mud pies than it is to run in the sprinklers on a heavenly patch of green...eh, who cares!  She loved every minute of it and we'll be doing it again and again.

The above card was created for Emma's Paperie and uses a simple technique, that of coloring wooden letters using Glimmer Mist.  It soaks into the wood so beautifully and then for a little sparkle, add a bit of glitter.

A supply list can be found HERE.

“Everywhere in nature we are taught the lessons of patience and waiting. We want things a long time before we get them, and the fact that we want them a long time makes them all the more precious when they come.”

-Joseph F. Smith-

Melis

 

happy trails...

Today I have another project for you using one more new stamp set,  soon to be released by Papertrey Ink.  It's called Happy Trails and it's darling.  I love the idea of creating movement through stamping and this set focuses on that...trails left behind butterflies, birds, dragonflies, airplanes, and even sketch marks left from pencils.  The sentiments are unique and I love the mixed fonts.

A coordinating die set is available which makes adding dimension and movement so doable and easy.

Along with the Happy Trails stamp set and dies I also used the new Tag-its #5 stamp set, Limitless Layers 2 1/2" Circle Die Collection, and Tiny Tag Die.

 

The other designers are showing off more  images from this set along with sharing their creative ideas.

 Nichole Heady, Dawn McVey, Mish Wooderson, Betsy Veldman, Heather Nichols, Maile Belles, Jessica Witty, Lisa Johnson, Erin Lincoln, and Danielle Flanders.

 

Thanks again for stopping by.

Melis

 

sweet baby inspiration...

 This month at Papertrey Ink, we are celebrating babies in the form of stamps and dies.  Tonight's group post showcases a couple of new release baby themed stamps for you to get a peek at and fall in love with along with an irresistible new Onesie Shape Up die, all available for purchase on June 15th.

For my project I used the new Bundle of Love stamp set and Onesie die to create a card containing a gift inside and also a banner, either for a baby shower or to use in the new baby's room.

The stork is perfectly suited for a brand new baby boy or girl.

My banner is just a grouping of Onesies tied together, each embellished slightly different.

 

Each designer has created something special to share with you, many of them showcasing the other new baby themed set called Sweet Baby.

Nichole Heady, Dawn McVey, Mish Wooderson, Betsy Veldman, Heather Nichols, Maile Belles, Jessica Witty, Lisa Johnson, Erin Lincoln, and Danielle Flanders.

Thanks for visiting.

Melis

 

quilt block no.1...

Here I am with my first quilt block for my summertime project.  As you can see, I'm incorporating fabric, felt, paper, newsprint, etc.  No rules...just having fun.

For those of you who've asked, my blocks will measure about 4 3/4" square.  I didn't want them too big because of the space where I'll be hanging the finished project.  I should mention that I'm not really measuring either though as I love a random look to things.

Hope you've had a wonderful week.  Thanks so much for coming by and I'll have another block up for you next week sometime.

Melis

 

 

Rhythm & Soul...

Welcome to the first day of Papertrey Ink's countdown posts showcasing new stamp sets available for purchase on the 15th of June.  I was asked to create a few cards using the new Rhythm & Soul set designed by Lizzie Jones, Papertrey Ink's guest stamp designer winner.  

This first card uses the violin from the set along with a sweet sentiment.  I love the sentiments included in this collection, all very unique and meaningful.

I again used the violin on this card to create a background along with music notes spread here and there.  I needed a small sentiment for this card so I used the stamp from another new set coming up soon called Gracious Vases by Maile Belles.  The dies used on this card are the Tiny Tags collection and Parisian Lace die.  

Lastly, I used the piano from Lizzie's set, music notes, and another thoughtful sentiment.  

Tiny Tags die collection was used again on this card in order to create a couple of dimensional tags emphasizing the music notes.  

Nichole, Maile, Alli,  Heather, Betsy, and Dawn have prepared some special projects for you as well!

Be back in a few with my quilt block.

Thanks for stopping.

Melis

babies don't keep...

(photo from laybabylay)

 

The past little while I have felt a gentle pull to cut back on my commitments in the area of paper-crafting.  I have fought against those feelings for as long as I could, but lately have found myself completely worn out creatively.  I still have this incredible desire to be creative, but in my own way and for myself.  Right now my attention and passions are here at home, with my little girl...giving her the best "me" I can be.  Although she isn't a baby anymore, she will always be my little one and I want to be more present in every aspect of her life.  She has her own schedule...we have our own schedule...when daddy is home, we are on another schedule, and I just can't seem to keep up with any other schedules at the moment, so I'm cutting back.  I have said goodbye to a few design teams over the last few weeks and am so thankful for the opportunity I have had of working with these amazing companies, and will continue to love and use their products.  But, it's time to move on and move over.  I hope this will help me discover that creative passion I once had, but more importantly, have time to  just be "mama".

Another little something I am doing for myself this summer, along with my friend Mish Wooderson, is to begin an Art Quilt.  I was inspired by Tara Anderson's beautiful Art Quilt several months ago and the idea to create my own has been floating in my mind for some time.   Tara's sweet quilt is shown in the photo below.

(thepinkcouch)

Over the course of the next few months, Mish and I will be creating Art Quilts of our own, in our own style and color combinations.  I'm so excited and would love to have you join in if you'd like.  My mind is spinning with ideas and I think this will be just the treat I need to get going down the creative path again....to remind myself how it felt to create just for me without limitations, and to make something for my craft space.

Mish and I have gathered a few supplies together to share with you...you'll get a peek at what our color combinations will be and what favorite bits and pieces we'll be incorporating here and there.

Here are little snippets of things I can't wait to use from my stash.

Of course, some vintage buttons, rhinestones, tiles, and baubles...

A peek at a quilt block I've started...

Vintage trims, bookprint, tea stained fabric, and such...

Vintage wallpaper, postcard, etc...

Mish and I exchanged goodies and packed each other up supplies we though the other might be able to use...here are a few photos of the sweet things she sent me.  I adore each and every  morsel.

I've collected a few photos of beautiful art projects that inspire me and hold elements that I hope to incorporate somehow in my Art Quilt...thank you to all of the amazing artists who so generously share their talent with us.

(lifeisabeautifulplacetobe)

(suzannedudaflickr)

(rebeccasowerflickr)

(parisapartment)

I hope to share a completed quilt block with you each week, so come back on the 10th for my first.  Mish and I will try and maintain the same schedule, but this project is all about relaxing and enjoying the process, so we're taking it nice and easy.  We'd love to have you join in if you'd like.

Mish has a post all about the quilt she'll be creating ready for you on her blog if you'd like to visit.

Have a wonderful day!

Melis

make happiness...

Polka dot paper from My Mind's Eye, newsprint from Pink Paislee, toile is a gift from my mama, die cut and keyhole from Melissa Frances, trim from Prima, and bauble and sticker from Making Memories.

The Cabbage Roses Ribbon is a new color from Memriemare called Dove's Nest...I think it might be my all time favorite color.

"Each moment of the year has its own beauty... a picture which was never seen before and which shall never be seen again. "(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

I love this quote.  Our spring has been wonderful I must say, much cooler than usual and I find it refreshing to not be dealing for the high 90's and low 100's quite yet...it will happen.  

A few things on my summer shopping list are:
Wellies for Sierra and I as we have a garden to water throughout the day, chickens to feed and care for, and other critters roaming about.

I'm crazy for these...should I get 'em?

Popsicle molds:

And, an endless supply of these...

(photo via brendasweddingblog)

 

What's on your happy summer list?

Melis


 

 

i love you june...

One of my most favorite months is here, we are settling into a comfy, summer speed, but I think I need to remember to slow it down even more...take time for lounging with my little one, snuggling more, and not letting so much get in the way of being available to her.  I've found it's easy to go non-stop all day and fill the days with so much that I don't take time to savor the moment.  Summer time is our time together.

Lots of catch up to do this morning...more ladies to share with you and projects created for Emma's Paperie.

I followed a link from Jennifer McGuire's blog the other day leading me to the die that created these sweet rolled roses...I adore them!

 

Hanging metal tins created for Emma's Paperie.  Our product spotlight was Prima this month...I've got supplies and instructions for these listed HERE.

A card created from a sketch found at Emma's Paperie.  You can find the sketch and supplies listed HERE.

And, one more for you...our challenge at Emma's was to design with trims.

 

Supplies used on this card are listed for you HERE.

I couldn't resist sharing my new favorite quote with  you before I go!  Photo from Katie Daisy.

Have a beautiful June 1st.

Melis