LilyBean's Paperie

all the pretty papers...

Happy, happy birthday to Melissa Frances.  The design team members have each made her a special birthday card wishing her a wonderful day.  You can view them all on the Melissa Frances blog.  BUT, before you leave her blog, don't forget to leave her your own birthday wish and you'll be entered to win a sweet package of Melissa Frances products valued at $30.00.  

I used a tag from the large envelope and tag book as my card base and covered it in papers, stickers, and chipboard from the new 5th Avenue collection.

The stamps are from the Papertrey Ink Peaceful Garden and Tiny Tags stamp sets.  

The inside of the card holds an additional wish and more trinkets.

Before I go, thank you so much for your kind comments.  I am so touched by your thoughtfulness.  The topic has plagued me for quite some time now, it's not a recent occurrence, but it only takes once to hurt and create a pain that is hard to ignore.  But I've decided to leave it behind and feel so good about it.

On the topic of "Don't:  Copy others." in Holly Becker's advice, I wanted to be sure I didn't hurt or offend any of you.  That certainly wasn't my intention.  I understand fully what she is getting at.  In regards to having a blog that you call your own and that is authentically "you", why would you want it to be a replica of someone else's?  Create your own comfy space that feels good to you, that feels like home, that screams "you" whenever visitors stop by.  In regards to copying my work/using my ideas, please, oh, please feel free.  I wouldn't put my work up for others to view if I didn't want to share them and allow you to use them as you wish.  The line of course would be crossed if exact copies were sold or published, but that is common sense.  You'll notice I will be taking my copyright down as for a while now I have felt uneasy about it.  I feel snobby and stingy and feel like it needs to be left up to your judgement.  Who am I anyway, but a mama just like so many of you, an everyday girl, just Melissa, enjoying the freedom of creativity and sharing.  Thank goodness to those of you who share so freely.  You are a great example to me.  Anyway, to those of you who do have a copyright, I respect that completely and hope my words haven't offended you in anyway.  This is just something I wanted to do for myself.

One more share before I get dinner started.  I'm crazy about these wonderful signs for the home.  They have a way of personalizing our cozy abodes.  This one is from toefishart.etsy.com.  

Off I go.

Melis

waiting for her....

Well, my little one is using her wings once again.  I feel so much happiness for her as I watch her bound through life and opportunities for growth without hesitation.  Of course, a little piece of me leaves with her as I find my nest empty, my arms waiting to reach out and hold her the first minute I see her, and my ears straining to her her little voice throughout the day.  It's a bittersweet mama kind of thing, but I will take it all.  The depth of love that motherhood brings is truly amazing and such a gift...to know my heart could love someone so much is a priceless treasure, as is she.  

I heard her rustling about this morning at 5:45 and thought I had better check in on her and make sure she wasn't about to get up quite that early, but I found her getting dressed in her new school clothes with the excuse that if she could just climb back into bed all ready for school she would for sure be very much on time.  So I let her, kissed her, pulled up the covers and went back to bed myself until I heard commotion in the kitchen....kind of like a little mouse scurrying about here and there.  Up I got once again to find her making her "own" lunch, all be herself, no help needed.  Such a fun morning for each of us.

Just a sweet little something created using a printable download available at Made by Janet.  I embellished the front of the antique envelope with a resin piece from Melissa Frances and nestled in some miniature speckled eggs.  The inside is embellished with vintage lace, buttons, and a cameo, a ticket stub, and cabbage roses ribbon from Memriemare.  I also used Papertrey Ink's Tiny Tags stamp and die set.  

I've kind of been forced to slow down and take things easy the past little while, so I've had time to do a little reading and ran across something I wanted to share.  In the latest issue of Where Women Create, I read a wonderful article on Holly Becker, the wonderful talent behind Decor8.  Her story is amazing and I find her so inspiring.  I have recently been questioning my blogging presence...something, somewhere, somehow, someone crept into my heart and mind and kind of made me change and withdraw pieces of myself and I have really felt lost in understanding how to come to terms with that and get back to feeling comfortable being me once again.  It is amazing how damaging we as women can be to one another.  Anyway, lots of thinking on the matter has gone on and on and I ran across this wonderful snippet in her article, maybe it will help you too.

"create...it

How to Blog From the Heart 

Do:  Allow your blog to serve as your virtual mood board and inspiration journal.

Do:  Be original.

Don't:  Copy others.

Do:  Social Network.

Do:  Write about a topic you have a genuine passion for.

Do:  See your blog as a catalyst to get out there and live a life that you want to blog about!

Don't:  Be hard on yourself.  Give your blog time to evolve and grow.

Do:  Have fun.

Do:  Think before you click "Publish"!

Don't:  Think you need to have a million readers to matter.

Don't:  Use your blog as a space to vent about your peers or complain about your family members.

Do:  Treat others the way that you want to be treated online and off.

Do:  Credit your images with a link, always!

Do:  Be yourself and own it!"

All things I needed to hear to push me forward and I am thankful to Holly for sharing her advice with so many of us.

Dishes are calling, but before I go...just because I love pumpkin season and could never, ever get enough of them in all of their lumpy, bumpy glory...

(photo via heatherbullard.com)

Night.

Melis

 

P.S.  If you want a pretty place to visit, try this spot....viewoftheskyline.

just thinking of you...

I'm sorry to be away so long.  It wasn't my intention and one day I hope to explain.  For now though my dear friends, I'm back and have missed you.

My newest favorite quote...words can be music to our hearts and souls don't you think?  I found this little lovely on a darling site I ran across called 517creations.  

Now onto a few random bits, the first two cards created for Emma's Paperie.  All of the supplies used on this card can be found on the Emma's Paperie blog.

I adjusted the center of the flower a bit just to help it tie into my project a bit better.  I removed the center, cut a small strip of vintage lace, adhered it to the center of the flower and topped it with a button.

This second card is based on a sketch you can find at Emma's Paperie.

Supplies can be found here at Emma's.

Now onto a few pretties that inspire me, make me happy, and make me itch to get creating again.

(photo via pinterest)

Have to, have to, have to do this...so adorable!  I found this idea on a sweet site called deckthehalls-christmas.  

These have my creative wheels turning!  Photo from pinterest.

Time to go for the night....can't wait to be tucked into my own bed tomorrow, my sweet babe heads back to school Monday as a bit, tiny, sweet, darling, happy, cherished 3rd grader.

Thanks to you all.

Melis 

 

counting my blessings...

Hope you're having a wonderful day today.

I'm happy and thankful.

Lots to share with you, the first project was created for Emma's Paperie based on a beautiful, creamy, soft color palette.

I may have just found my new color love...I love this combination.  All of the supplies used can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.

Now onto some Papertrey Ink new release projects...such a fun month of new stamp sets.

The lovely new Harvest Berries stamp set and coordinating die are wonderful!  I used cardboard for my dies, painted it, coated it with Glimmer Mist, and then a bit of glitter.  

This card uses stamps from the Fillable Frames Additions 2  and Harvest Berries sets.  

I created a card set using the new Flower Fusion # 7 stamp set and wrapped the cards up in an embellished glassine bag.

A coordinating die is also available for this set.

This card uses the Think Big Favorites 7 stamp set.

Love, love, love the new Table Service stamp set and dies.  

The new Modern Wood Mats stamp set...

Sweet Autumn Acorns stamp set and dies...

Two of my faves here...the new Background Basics:  Houndstooth and Tag-Its #7 sets.  

And lastly, the new Simple Sunflower set and dies.  

I've got all of the supplies used on each of these cards listed for you HERE in my Papertrey Ink gallery.

Before I go, I couldn't help but share this cute necklace...

(photo from tagyoureitjewelry.etsy.com)

A sweet way to count your blessings.  

Melis

 

 

attitude of gratitude...

I love this new set from Papertrey Ink so much as it centers on something I find so important...gratitude.  Dawn McVey's new set called Gratitude Journal is the perfect way to jump start positive thinking and expressions of gratitude.  The more we are thankful for what we have been given, the happier we are and our outlook changes, so yes, I have many reasons for loving this set.

For my project, I created a notebook holder that can remain out in the open and where 10 things, big or small, can be written each day to remind me of the tender mercies and blessings I have been given.  The Papertrey Ink Paper Basic Notepads are the perfect size and place to start making your gratitude list.

 

I used Papertrey Ink's Kraft and Vintage Cream cardstock, Spring Moss, and Aqua Mist ink, tea stained fabric, scrunched seam binding from Memriemare, and paper from Girls' Paperie, Basic Grey, and Lily Bee Designs.

The other designers have created more to inspire you:

• Nichole Heady
• Heather Nichols
• Dawn McVey
• Lisa Johnson
• Betsy Veldman
• Michelle Wooderson
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Danielle Flanders

Thanks for stopping in.

Melis

tarisota glamour....

I've been a loyal, long-time Tarisota Collections stalker.  Tamar puts together the most fascinating kits and always so very glamorous...then to see what her designers do with her pretty collections has always been a "waiting on the edge of my seat" reveal.  So happy to have had the opportunity to design with one of these kits.  It's even more glorious in person and chuck full of unique items.

Such as....chipboard, Bingo cards, creamy burlap (don't know what it's officially referred to Australia, but it's very burlap-esque)...

Rolled muslin flowers with darling felted centers...

Cameos and trinkets...

Sweetest scalloped chipboard ever...
 

Berries, stickers, pretty glittery papers, more chipboard...

Lovely shabby things to dress up photos of my little bean with...

You can read more about this kit and all of its contents HERE at Tarisota, and check out the gallery HERE filled with wonderful things from the Tarisota designers.

Thank you Tamar!

Off to bed...need to be up at 4:30 a.m. to send my little one and husband off on a fishing trip with the boys...he's always so sweet to include her wherever he goes and she adores him for it.

Melis

 

P.S.   How I love this quote.

(pleasebestill)  What a fun shop.

halloween treats & sweets...

Are you ready for fall?  Personally, I can't wait...my very most favorite time of year.  I love to decorate for fall, bake for fall, prepare the house for fall, and craft for fall.  So, today's Papertrey Ink group post has been such a fun project to work on and to get me in the mood for all things pumpkin, ghosts,  spice, black cats, and apple cider.

Heather Nichols designed the sweetest most playful Halloween set yet.  I adore the happy images and all of the creative options that come with this set.  I can totally envision crafting for Halloween this year with my little one right beside me creating her own version.

The coordinating dies make it simple to mass produce Halloween treats, sweets, and cards this year in no time at all.  

I've always loved Heather's selection of sentiments and mixed fonts in her sets and this set is no exception...just what my heart loves!

You can also get a peek at Maile Belle's new Background Basics:  Houndstooth  set here as well...perfectly timed for fall.

Along with the Halloween Treats & Sweets stamp set I used True Black ink, True Black Swiss Dot Satin, Vintage Cream felt, Vintage Cream cardstock, and True Black cardstock.

I also used chipboard tags from Maya Road, Doodlebug Lily White Sugar Coating, vintage trim, My Mind's Eye, and Glitz Design paper on my pumpkins, and vintage book print.

 

Can't wait to see what the other girls have prepared for you.

• Nichole Heady
• Heather Nichols
• Dawn McVey
• Lisa Johnson
• Betsy Veldman
• Michelle Wooderson
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Danielle Flanders

 

 

rodeo princess...

Another first around here...mutton bustin' at the county rodeo.  My little one was determined to ride a sheep this year and I gave in and put on my brave face and took her to the pee-wee rodeo so she could ride that darned sheep like a champion....and a champion she was.   She hung on  as long as she could, got bounced off, and then trampled on.  She came home with a big smile and her first shiner.  

It's a mini shiner...all that this mama can handle I think, and she wears it ever so proudly.  I love her so.

I have a project up on the Emma's Paperie blog with a few instructions on how to make this ribbon flower....super easy.  All of the supplies are listed for you HERE.

This card was created for Vintage Street Market who has teamed up with Basically Bare this month....they have the sweetest canvas, chipboard, felt, and acrylic shapes to dress up.  The papers used on this card are from the new Vintage Street Market collection called Family Fun, complete with paper dolls and all of the accessories.  So cute.  The trims are from Webster's Pages, Prima, and my jar of vintage bits, and the scrunched seam binding is from Memriemare. 

Lastly, Paper Crafts magazine has a new special issue out called Card Ideas for Paper Crafters filled with oodles of ideas based on fun card sketches. 

Here is one of the cards I have in this issue...always so much fun to work with a sketch.  

I used Papertrey Ink's Button Boutique stamp set and Button Card die on this card along with Fancy Pants paper, Creative Imaginations and K&Co. stickers, Webster's Pages trim, and scrunched seam binding from Craft Spot.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  

Coming soon....Papertrey Ink's first group post.

 

Have a wonderful night.

Melis

sunny breakfast bread...

Here to share a new yummy recipe and a card with you today.

I used Papertrey Ink's Mehndi Medallion and Tranquility Trilogy stamp sets on this card, the Edger's #2 Die Collection, along with My Mind's Eye paper, a Melissa Frances tag, Webster's Pages trim, Martha Stewart glitter, vintage buttons, and Celery Heart Cabbage Roses ribbon and satin wings from Memriemare.  

I'm loving the zucchini here lately!  My favorite smell in the house is that of zucchini bread baking.  I tried out a new recipe and these little morsels turned out so yummy.  Muffins seam to suit us a bit better around here...my husband can grab a couple and run, so I just decreased the baking time to abotu 20 minutes.

 Zucchini Orange Bread
A moist and sunny bread that is great for breakfast

Makes 2 loaves

4 eggs, well beaten (or 1 cup egg substitute)
1½ cups sugar
¾ cup oil
⅔ cup orange juice
2 tsp. orange zest
2 cups grated zucchini 
3¼ cups flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon cloves
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Beat eggs. Add sugar, oil, juice, zest, and zucchini. Mix well. Combine dry ingredients and add to zucchini mixture. Mix well. Place in two greased 8×4 loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. In a bowl, stir together powdered sugar and just enough orange juice to make a glaze. Drizzle over bread when cool.

Happy Saturday!

Melis

chocolate makes everything better.

Hello Wednesday...hi to each of you.  Just something shabby to share today created using Darkroom Door's Correspondence rubber stamp set, Art De Fleur Montage, and Art De Fleur Wordstrip.  

The paper and die cut are from Melissa Frances, chipboard dress form from Maya Road, trim from Prima, and Rosalee Cabbage Roses ribbon from Memriemare.  

Before I go, something fun, woodsy, and chocolate-y created for the Emma's Paperie blog.

Each designer spotlighted October Afternoon and created something fun to share.  A complete supply list for my project can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.

Off to make Zucchini Bread.

Enjoy your day.

Melis

 

 

strawberry fields...

So happy to have a week at home with my little one.  School will be underway here in a few weeks, so we're doing our best to soak in what is left of our free time together.

Just something sweet for you today.  I used a couple of different sets from Papertrey Ink on this card.  The stamps along the bottom are from Just for You stamp set.

The strawberry and sentiment are from the Fruit Fusion  - Berry set.  

The sweet digital image can be found at Made by Jane, the Rose Water Cabbage Roses Ribbon at Memriemare,the trim is from Prima, and the paper is from My  Mind's Eye and Girls' Paperie.
 

More Country Cottages using all sorts of tea stained Moda fabrics, my favorite right now is the Strawberry Fields collection.

 

Before I go, Karen, a friend who I've corresponded with online for a while now, has started up a blog and has some beautiful things there to share with you.   She's giving away a collection of her hand-dyed scrunched seam binding just for stopping by her blog and leaving her a comment.  You can read more about it HERE on her blog.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Melis