I'm so happy that the time for hearts, glitter, pink gum drops, cinnamon lips, ruby red, chocolate, and cupids is getting closer. I love creating for Valentine's Day and all of the sweet things that come along with it. I have a thing for ruby red...I love the delicious splash of happiness it carries with it. I have painted rooms in my house this color and have happy, warm, red accents in just about every room. I love rubies period as my birthstone is a ruby and I vividly remember my sweet Grandma Anna's hands and the mother's ring she wore with a ruby gracing it. I tell my little girl about her hands from time to time. They were the softest hands I have ever known...beautifully wrinkled with lines that each told a story. I remember her gently holding my face and bringing it down to hers so she could have a kiss. Rubies always remind me of her and must be why I love the color so much. I have always wanted to name a baby girl Ruby Anna after her. I will hold that name in my heart instead.
Today I have a few cards for you that I created for Emma's Paperie. Our spotlight was on Hambly Studios products. They have such a fun, unique, trendy, whimsical, and inspiring line of products.
For a complete supply list visit Emma's Paperie.
Next up...a little more ruby red love. I recently contributed a few things to Paper Crafts magazine's newest special issue called Cool Tools. This was such a fun assignment and pushed me into trying new things using tools I have had on hand for years and a few new tools. You'll love this issue...as I looked through it I found so many things I wanted to try. I am so amazed by the creativity that others have.
For this project I created my own buttons using the Button Studio Tool. I loved making coordinating buttons in my favorite patterns.
I used Papertrey Ink's Button Boutique stamp set and coordinating die along with the Fruit Fusion - Cherries set.
Lastly, I have really missed posting a color photo challenge for myself and any of you who enjoyed the challenge in the past. So...from time to time, when I need a little pick me up in the creativity area and run across something that I love and that immediately inspires me, I will be posting it. Feel free to play along and let the photos tempt you as well. I couldn't let the next couple of photos slip by without creating something inspired by them...you'll see why!
Both photos are from Mandylynne.com...she is AMAZING! I love discovering new and beautiful places and people....that will be a fun, fun part of our challenges together as well. Be sure to visit her sweet etsy shop filled with her photos.
I especially love this one:
(photo from skippydesigns.etsy.com)
Enjoy your day and thanks for your visit!
Melis
Simply beautiful! Love that ruby shade of red! The buttons and project your made for PaperCrafts are adorable. And those inspiration photos are wonderful!
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | January 11, 2012 at 09:53 PM
LOVE those photos... you posted one of Leslie's (Creative Mint) photos last year, and it ended up being one of my most favourite cards. I will for sure play along again!
PS: Your story about your grandmother is like the perfect account of what everyone's grandma should be - SO sweet, and filled with love :D
Posted by: Meredith | January 11, 2012 at 10:34 PM
I love your button cards, they are the sweetest- and the ruby reds are also one of the most beautiful jewel colours in my univerce.
xo, Dorthe
Posted by: Dorthe | January 12, 2012 at 02:06 AM
Hi Melis! I love your Valentine creations! And Mandy Lynne has been one of my favorites for a long time. Thanks for sharing her photo collages.
Hope your new year is off to a great start. (Trust you got your package all right.)
xo – g
Posted by: Georgianna | January 12, 2012 at 06:06 AM
Beautiful creations! Thanks for sharing your art and that of others. I will go take a peek. Have a special day!
Posted by: Kolleen moss | January 12, 2012 at 06:35 AM
love them all
Posted by: Joy_L | January 12, 2012 at 09:12 AM
Love your Valentine's. I love a little red here & there in my house too - so vibrant & fun. Your inspiration pics are wonderful. Wish I had that chair in the last one. Thanks for some VDay inspiration. Hugs.
Posted by: Troy Louise | January 12, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Hi Melissa
I just love your blog, it is my most favourite place to visit! I think you have an incredible talent and find your little creative space on the web so inspiring, so thank you for sharing!
I love red too and have it in all the rooms in our little cottage, oh and now in my car too! It's such a warm, happy, cosy colour.
Your creations as always are simply stunning!
Thank you for sharing the photos too, I agree, they are so pretty. I will use them as inspiration for sure.
Katrina x
Posted by: Katrina Turner | January 12, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Gorgeous cards, each and every one! My birthstone is also the ruby and I do love it!! The photos are so inspiring, too!! We are in the midst of a snow storm, so it may just be a great day to sit and play!!!
Hugs,
Teri
Posted by: Teri Suliks | January 13, 2012 at 06:19 AM
These are nothing less than amazing!
Posted by: Trell | January 13, 2012 at 07:54 AM
Red is not my forte but the way you paired it up with neutrals and some pink is very inspiring. Maybe I should try this myself too. Thank you; this is inspiration at its best. Your projects are so beautiful.
Your project for Paper Crafts magazine is what I love about your style. Always elegant; I never ever get enough of it. Absolutely fabulous!
Have a lovely weekend!
Posted by: Stella | January 13, 2012 at 01:53 PM
Thank you for this! I truly appreciate it.
You are very talented! :)
Posted by: Mandy | July 02, 2012 at 11:28 AM