LilyBean's Paperie

jars and stars...

So crazy about jars...I always have been.  Think of all of the roads they have traveled, the love they hold, and what they represent to the heart of the home.  Homemade preserves, filled with love and hard work, simplicity, sacrifice, perspective, grandmothers and mothers, nourishing souls and tummies all at once.  It's no wonder I love them and am fascinated by them and keep getting drawn in by their homespun qualities.

This little card may look familiar as the original was one of my favorites.  I gave it a bit of an update with different colors and using a different sentiment found in the Super Stars stamp set.  I love remaking cards when I find myself stumped...it's a great way to get the creative juices flowing again.

I also used the Friendship Jar stamp set and coordinating dies, Super Stars border die, My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding, Doodlebug Lily White Sugar Coating, and My Mind's Eye papers.

The sentiment is stamped using my new favorite color, Classic Kraft...what did I ever do without this shabby color!

The Dear Lizzy Neapolitan collection is another favorite right now as it features the sweetest mason jars filled with hearts, stars, etc.  You can find this collection of papers and embellishments at Emma's Paperie.

The sentiment here was stamped using the Little Bitty Bird stamp set with the stitched heart from the Tiny Tags set.  

And, lastly today I have one more card to share with you which was created for Emma's Paperie and focuses on stamping.  You can find a complete supply list HERE at Emma's.  

Thanks for stopping by!

Melis

welcoming spring...

I LOVE spring and all that breezes in with it.  It just seems that it doesn't quite last long enough, so hang in there with me while I share a few more spring projects.  I'm getting my fix before we're off and running toward another season and holiday :)

I created a few wall hangings to spread a little spring cheer using many of the same elements as posted yesterday.  

Scrappy, pieced flowers made using the Sizzix 3-D Fringed Flower die, tea stained fabrics, vintage chenille and trim, script paper, and patterned paper.  

The base of each wall hanging is from a Maya Road chipboard album that has been painted, sanded, distressed with ink, and then all of the paper elements Mod Podged to it...love the beautiful finish decoupage adds.

The vintage inspired images are once again from Iralamija's etsy shop and the scrunched seam binding from My Craft Spot.

The lovely Macaroon Francais Cabbage Roses ribbon used on this wall hanging and can be found at Memriemare.

And, a few spring treat bags to share with you, using more Melissa Frances crepe paper tissue garland, patterned paper, doilies, and glitter chipboard.

I found these sweet chenille chicks while in town the other day and snagged a few of them...I couldn't pass them by!

Hope your day has been beautiful!

Melis

 

fresh vintage spring hop...

I have a few new crafty must haves to share with you today, things that I love at the moment and have had so much fun using recently.  First up...the oh, so irresistible Sizzix Fresh Vintage 3-D Fringed Flower die!  She's completely adorable and makes creating layered flowers from all types of mediums so easy.  Today I'm participating in the Sizzix Fresh Vintage Spring Hop and have a Spring banner to share with you using the flower die mentioned above.

I created layers of the fringed flower  using fabric scraps, paper, vintage chenille, burlap, and vintage lace.  I love scrappy, pieced flowers!  The Designer Fabric Buttons used on each pennant is another crafty must have from WRMK.  They are sweet!

Love, love, love vintage inspired Easter images and found these at Iralamija's etsy shop.  

I think Melissa Frances crepe paper tissue garland is my very most favorite crafting must have at the moment...so perfect for spring projects!

I used Maya Road canvas album as my base and oodles of Maya Road trim and piled on the toppings.  The glitter alphabet  is also from Melissa Frances and the scrunched seam binding is from My Craft Spot.

Thanks for your visit!  

Melis

 

 

thneedful things...

Can you guess which movie my little one chose to see yesterday?  Thuch a cute movie, very thweet, and a must watch for the little oneths.  The Lorax was lots of fun...I admit to having a nap in the middle...not uncommon for me, so don't take offense :)  A girl has to have a little snooze whenever she can.

Did you know I love red?  Yep, my most favorite color...splashed here and there throughout my house.  A red berry wreath on my front door...didn't know I would love red on red so much, but I sure can't stop smiling when I see it.  My old, weathered bench in my bedroom with my red wire basket sitting on top, holding a lap quilt I made for my little one when she was a babe.  I made her birth-mother a larger, matching one...very tender, so we keep the bitty quilt close to our hearts.

And, my new Oats jar!  I found it yesterday and was so excited.  My mother and father-in-law are always giving us thoughtful things to help us with our preparedness and food storage.  This year for Christmas they gave me a Marga Hand Mill and 50 pound bag of Oat Groats.  All I have to say is that I use this little contraption all of the time to grind fresh oatmeal.  It tastes so much better freshly milled.  I love the oats most in oatmeal chocolate chip cookies...delish.  Anyway, back to the jar...I have stored most of my groats in a sealed bucket for future use, but wanted to have a good amount on hand, ready to grind when needed, so I was happy as can be when I found this beautiful jar yesterday...it's huge and lovely and RED!

My chandelier over my kitchen table...with stripe-y shades and red berries.  My husband picked this out for me...I will love it forever.

And, lastly...have you tried Dove's Coconut Cream Milk Chocolate Eggs?  Mmmm...you deserve them you know...they are a heavenly treat!

 

And, before I go, I have a card to share with you created using a digital image found at Iralamija's etsy shop.  

I also used another die cut chipboard piece using the Button Card and Heart Prints dies from Papertrey Ink.  This one is painted with pink acrylic paint and then stamped with the Bitty Background Blocks stamp.  

I used Papertrey Ink's Friendship Jar Spring Fillers as well, Copic markers, Vanilla Bean scrunched seam binding from My Craft Spot, and WRMK paper.

Enjoy your day!

Melis

tips & tricks...

**Edited to add:  Many of you have asked where I buy my chipboard and what thickness it is, so here are the details!  I use thin chipboard, not the heavy duty weight.  The thin weight cuts just wonderfully well using Papertrey Ink dies and my Sizzix Big Shot.  I haven't tried it in my Cuttlebug, but I have a feeling it would work just fine as well.  I don't buy my chipboard, I just save it from packaging, but you can purchase some thin chipboard HERE.  Please let me know if you have any other questions.  

Today I've got my first ever Papertrey Ink newsletter article to share with you and it's all about chipboard tips and tricks.  Chipboard has to be my absolute favorite medium to work with, my first love!  It's so fun to shabby up, make it grungy, elegant, whimsical, playful, clean, graphic, or leave it bare...you name it.  

These projects use several different techniques to transform chipboard including:D

• die-cutting
• stamping
• machine stitching
• painting
• distressing
• embossing
• applying glitter

To start with, I die-cut two tags from a sheet of chipboard using a couple of different Papertrey Ink dies including the Tag Sale #1 and #6 dies.  After they were die cut, I then embossed them using the Wrought Iron Impression plate.  Now comes the fun part!  

The next step is adding paint.  I love how it skips a few impressions here and there and fills in other areas creating a lovely, aged appearance.

Here you can see the very subtle embossing left from the Impression Plate.  Isn't it pretty?  

Now for the stamping.  I like to stamp directly on the chipboard before I sand the edges so that part of the stamping is also removed with the paint...gives is a bit more of an authentic look I think.  For this tag, I stamped the tag using the It's Official stamp set. The Framed Out #2 die cut is stamped using the Bitty Background Blocks set as well as the heart cut from the Heart Print die.  After stamping, simply distress the edges of your chipboard pieces using sandpaper and then apply ink.  I used Papertrey Ink's Chamomile ink. To finish it off, glitter is always welcome of course and that's what I added here.  I used Krylon Adhesive Spray and a light sprinkling of Doodlebug's Lily White Sugar Coating.

The same techniques were used on this tag. It's so fun to mix and match dies and create your own custom chipboard shapes.  I created a little, puffy, felt heart window by first die cutting chipboard using the Button Card die and then die cutting a heart from the center using the Heart Prints die.  I stitched Vintage Cream felt to the backside, creating a fun little window.

Why stop there, right?  Chipboard lovers...I tell you, once you try cutting chipboard using one die, you'll want to try them all?  It's a crazy addiction.  Below I created a tag for the top of my tag using chipboard and my Tiny Tag die.  

And then, because I love, love, love scallops and think there couldn't possibly be anything cuter than chipboard scallops, I added a row of them to the top of my gift bag using the Medium Scallops Border die.  This row of scallops was stamped using the Background Basics:  Gingham stamp and is topped with a row of felt cut using the Heart Border die.

Once again to recap:

• Die cut chipboard shape
• Emboss if desired
• Paint with acrylic paint
• Stamp
• Sand to distress
• And, don't forget to add glitter! 

So glad you stopped by.  Enjoy your weekend!

Melis

Sweet and Shabby Gift Tags Supplies:

 

InLinkz.com

snapshots...

I've been doing a bit of cleaning out, organizing, and de-cluttering...actually, I still find myself unpacking boxes after 2 years of being in our new home.  The other day I happened across a treasure trove of old projects and snapshots of my little one I had printed from my computer and then tucked away to use at a later date.  I haven't been able to stop looking at them since.  They flood my mind and heart with the sweetest of memories.  I remember these days like they were yesterday and can remember exactly what we were doing, who was there, how she smelled, the sound of her voice and laughter, the feel of her chubby little cheeks against my face, etc.  I'm so thankful for these memories and of the many more we'll make together.  

This is an older project I found in a box, tucked safely away like it was the most precious treasure on earth.  I quickly unwrapped it and have it hanging in my craft room now.  I love attaching photos of my little one on cards...it adds so much heart to the giving and sharing.

I was recently given the opportunity to create with a kit from Scrapkit Studio which gave me the perfect opportunity to use some of the sweet, candid snapshots I had been saving.  If you want to treat yourself to something really special, the kits from Scrapkit Studio are just what you need!  I can't say enough about them.  Each month a new kit is released, each unique and special.  SO much hard work and preparation goes into each one of them as they are packaged up for use.  I didn't have to use my paper trimmer once as everything came pre-cut to fit all of the chipboard pages and pieces.  The kits are filled with die cut shapes, words, double-sided paper, buttons, doilies, stickers, ribbon, trinket pins, Baker's Twine, etc., and step-by-step instructions are included for each page.  I adjusted them just a bit to fit my photos and such, but I loved sitting down for a few hours and having everything ready for me to complete a sweet, memorable project.  

I was able to add my own personal touches to the album too, just to make it my own and in the style that I love creating in.  I added glitter, pom pom trim, distress ink, and machine stitching.  

Here are a few inside shots...I still need to add my journaling, but other than that, this little album is ready for Sierra to enjoy.

I love to see how she's grown and changed but at the same time catch glimpses of how she has stayed the same...same little button nose, full cheeks, blue, blue eyes, and a smile that melts me.

 

Thanks so much for your visit!

My little one and I are off for a day together tomorrow in the city.  I love having dates with her, just the two us.  I let her pick where we eat, what movie we'll see, and just plain spoil her rotten for the day!

Melis

shabby spring...

Such a beautiful day today...springtime is so fresh and sweet.  I'm short on words tonight, but have a few tags to share with you in a soft, spring color palette using many new Melissa Frances items.  For those of you on the search for the new C'est La Vie and Attic Treasures Vol. 3 Collections, Blue Moon Scrapbooking has plenty of these items in stock now.  Happy shopping!

The scrunched seam binding used on these tags can be found at My Craft Spot.  

Happy Spring!

Melis

spring is here...

Despite the snow and the cold that March has brought, spring is here officially! As my little one just mentioned..."No more WINTER!"  I have a quick card set to share with you using a color combination found at Emma's Paperie.  

I LOVE these colors together...they make me melt!  I created a pocket of mini cards using all sorts of spring-ish papers, patterns, colors, and embellishments.  You can find a complete supply list HERE at Emma's Paperie if you want to try some of your own.  

Before I go, I wanted to announce the Paper Smooches winner of the Little Lady stamp set.  I chose a winner randomly, and she is....

Tatiana Castillo!

 Congratulations!  Please email me with your address.  Thank you all for participating!

Melis

shabby tea room birthday wishes...

Happy 2nd Birthday to The Shabby Tea Room.  If you're not familiar with this sweet site, you're in for a treat.  It's filled with beautiful creations from amazing artists, all who have something they love in common...shabby goodness!  I was recently asked to create a birthday card to share with you in celebration of this fun event.   Be sure to read through THIS post to find out about the wonderful sponsored prizes that you can enter to win!  And, if you're ever in for a challenge, The Shabby Tea Room has weekly challenges to help jump start your creativity.  I love their challenges and go there often for inspiration.  Happy Birthday!

This card was created using more FELT flowers die cut using Papertrey Ink dies.  I am hooked on these soft little ladies and think they're so much fun to make, but I think it's the soft feel and texture they add that I love the most.  I've listed the dies and stamps I used below if you want to try your own.  I learned how to make the rolled felt flower from Dawn McVey.  

The creamy Vanilla Bean scrunched seam binding is so delicious....another favorite of mine.  You can find it HERE at My Craft Spot.

The die cut ticket used at the top of this card is from Kaisercraft.  I used more of these beautiful little items on the altered Printers tray below which was created for Emma's Paperie.

Oodles of Kaisercraft goodies used on here along with dimensional stickers from Anna Griffin, May Arts trim, and Melissa Frances appliques mini flashcard, and a broach...I love her broaches.  

You can find all of the supplies I used on this project HERE at Emma's Paperie.

 

Happy Saturday!

Melis

 

Celebrate Your Day card supplies:

InLinkz.com

something special to share...and a giveaway

On March 15th, Paper Smooches  released their newest set called "Little Lady" and I am here today to help promote this sweet set!  This is the fifth stamp set from their new "Kismet collection" .

I have one "Little Lady" stamp set to give away to one lucky person!  You have until midnight on March 18th to leave a comment.  I will post the winner here on Monday, March19th. 

So much to love about this sweet set.  It reminds me of my little one and the ages and stages I have seen her go through thus far.  The images are playful, whimsical, and just endearing.  They make me want to get my stamps out and PLAY!  You'll love it!

For more chances to win...please visit the Paper Smooches Blog and Cristina Kowalczyk.

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

papertrey ink march...

Let's just dive in, shall we?  This was such a fun month of Papertrey Ink releases...I really had an enjoyable time creating with each new set...yep, even the masculine sets!  

This first card uses the new Framed Out #2 stamp set.  I am crazy for it and love the shape of the coordinating die.

For all of you Heart Border Die lovers, I don't know if you've tried this yet or not, but I decided to roll up a strip of felt cut using this border die because I wanted some tiny little roses for this card, and they are CUTE!  You must try it if you haven't already.  I noticed that the pointed end of the hearts look really cute too rolled up like a little bud.  Must try, must try!

Hello There card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:

Stamps:
Frames Out #2
Ink:
Aqua Mist and Classic Kraft
Cardstock:
Rustic Cream
Accents:
Vintage Cream and Aqua Mist felt
Tools:
Sending You, Edgers #5, Framed Out #2, and Heart Border dies

Other Supplies Used:
Echo Park paper
Melissa Frances adhesive pearls
scrunched seam binding

Heather Nichols' sweet new Littly Bitty Bird Additions has melted my heart!  I love it...the nest filled with eggs, the polka dot bird wings, the bird houses, and the music notes...all so very fun to stamp with.

Just Hatched Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Little Bitty Bird and Little Bitty Bird Additions
Ink:
Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss, and Classic Kraft
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush, Rustic Cream
Tools:
Limitless Layers 1 3/4" Circles, Framed Out #2 dies
Accents:
Pure Poppy button, Sweet Blush satin

Other Supplies Used:
American Crafts paper
Echo Park paper
Copic Markers

I'm loving the new On the Links stamp set...truly it's so much fun.  I come from a family of golfers...my dad, all of my brothers, even my cute little mom is an active golfer.  I'm the only odd-ball and would rather drive the cart around and work on my tan :)  Anyway, I created this with my dad in mind.  His birthday is just a few days away, so it was fun to create for him.

Fore Your Birthday Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
On the Links, A Little Argyle, 2012 Birthday Tags, Tiny Tags
Ink:
Classic Kraft, Aqua Mist, Simply Chartreuse, and Dark Chocolate
Cardstock:
Rustic Cream and Aqua Mist
Tools:
Tag Sale #6, Tiny Tags, and Super Star Border dies
Accents:
Simply Chartreuse Grosgrain, Simply Chartreuse felt, Classic Kraft button

Other Supplies Used:
My Mind's Eye paper
Echo Park paper

Onto another masculine card.  I have very fond memories of my dad's funky, retro, wide ties growing up.  They were totally awesome! I knew starting out that I wanted to try and bring that retro feel into this card...not sure if I achieved it or not, but I had so much fun creating it for him.  You'll love this set!

Do you think it's a sin to use glitter on a card for your dad?  I apologize to all of the manly men out there for doing it, but I couldn't NOT.

I Love You Dad Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
World's Greatest, Background Basics: Woodgrain
Ink:
Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss
Cardstock:
Rustic Cream
Accents:
Aqua Mist felt
Tools:
Edgers #5, Framed Out #2, World's Greatest, and Button Card

Other Supplies Used:
Echo Park paper
American Crafts buttons

Next up is a card using the new Heart to Heart #2 stamp set, Think Big Favorites #14, and a bit of 2012 Birthday Tags.

Happy Birthday Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Think Big Favorites #14, Heart to Heart #2, Tiny Tags, and 2012 Birthday Tags
Ink:
Harvest Gold, Aqua Mist, Classic Kraft, and Melon Berry
Cardstock:
Kraft
Tools:
Super Star Border, Tiny Tags, Heart to Heart #2, and Angled Labels dies
Accents:
Melon Berry Grosgrain, Aqua Mist Satin, and Vintage Cream Grosgrain, Hawaiian Shores button, Harvest Gold felt

Other Supplies Used:
My Mind's Eye paper
Echo Park paper
Kaisercraft gems

This card I made for my mama.  This has been a rough week for her, so she was on my mind when I started creating with the beautiful Background Basics:  Wrought Iron set.  Mother's Day is coming soon and I love this very special day so got a jump start on creating for it.  This new stamp set is BEAUTIFUL!  I love it's shabby, elegant feel.  

I'll try and explain what I did with these flowers.  They were cut using the Frilly Flowers die collection and then I embossed them using the Wrought Iron Impression Plate.  Next I added some Glimmer Mist in S.W.A.K and Silver and it enhanced the embossing just a bit.  I layered them together, curled up the edges and then embellished the center with burlap and layered felt buttons cut using the Buttoned Up #2 die.

Happy Mother's Day Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Background Basics: Wrought Iron, Blooming Button Bits
Ink:
Autumn Rose
Tools:
Tag Sale #6 and Frilly Flowers dies, Buttoned Up #2 dies
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush and Linen Vellum
Accents:
Autumn Rose and Vintage Cream felt, Sweet Blush button

Other Supplies Used:
My Mind's Eye paper
Scrunched seam binding
Burlap

Lastly is a little something near and dear to my heart, something created with my little bean in mind.  I used the darling new A Pocketful set on this gift pocket and tag.  I save all of her little tiny jeans.   I just can't part with certain things yet and I have so many memories of her and all of her sweet pockets.  Some of them filled with rocks, dirt, wrappers, grass, notes, candies, treasures, you name it.  The memories are fresh and associated with so many of her things...so I hold onto them and enjoy them in my own way such as this.  I snipped the pockets out of some of her old capris and created a gift bag of sorts.  The size is perfect for candy, fingernail polish, a card, a homemade cookie, etc.  

I created a tag using the Tag Sale #6 die and stamped it with the posies from the set and embellished them with gems.  

I added a die cut pocket and tab and added glitter, trim, and a button to fancy it up just a bit.  The tag was pinned to the pocket using a trinket pin and then with with Tootsie Pops for my lady!

I created a stack of posies using the Buttoned Up #2 die, felt, and Simply Chartreuse Grosgrain.  Simple and so very fun!

Pocket of Love Tag and Gift Pocket

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
A Pocketful
Ink:
Raspberry Fizz and True Black
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush and Vintage Cream
Accents:
Vintage Cream and Sweet Blush buttons, Lavender Moon and Ripe Avocado Grosgrain, Vintage Cream and Autumn Rose felt
Tools:
Tag Sale #6, A Pocketful, Buttoned Up #2, Tiny Tags

Other Supplies Used:
Denim pocket
Crate Paper paper
Stickles glitter
Vintage trim
Maya Road trinket pin
Doodlebug gems

 

That's about it for me, but the other designers have plenty of projects waiting for you:

• Heather Nichols
• Dawn McVey
• Lisa Johnson
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Danielle Flanders
• Mish Wooderson
• Debbie Olson

 Thanks so much for your visit!

Melis 

super stars!

Hi friends!  Welcome back for another Papertrey Ink group post.  I'm so excited to introduce you to the new Super Stars stamp set.  It's just enchanting, filled with movement, and has the sweetest sentiments.  Nichole's challenges are always so much fun for me to participate in and this was no exception.  She asked the designers to find a photo from Pinterest or any other online source that inspired us to create with this new set.  I created a couple of different projects, so lets get started.

(photo via Pinterest)

When I happened upon this photo, I was instantly inspired. Can there be anything sweeter than a jar full of colorful, shimmery stars?  Not to mention the way the stars appear magical as the colors float out of the jar, up into the sky....sigh, happiness in a jar!

I used the Friendship Jar stamp set and coordinating dies along with the Super Stars stamp set to create a unique way to welcome a new baby.  

A tag created with the Tiny Tag stamp set and coordinating dies, added just the right finishing touch to the jar.

A border of soft, felty stars stitched across the top was created using the new Super Star Border die and Aqua Mist felt.  And, the sentiment...so very sweet.

(photo from Martha Stewart)

My next project was inspired by the above photo which contains a star garland. I love how the stars are draped and connected together and float in place just like they belong there.

I created a simple garland to wrap around the top of a jar by die cutting stars using the Seeing Stars die collection and Vintage Cream cardstock and then stamping them in coordinating colors using an image from the Super Star stamp set.

Next, I just punched a hole at the tip of each star, connected them together using New Leaf Baker's Twine, and wrapped them loosely around the neck of the jar.

I tied a bow on the left and embellished it with a string of stars cut using Aqua Mist felt and the Super Star Border die, and topped it all off with a Sweet Blush button.  So simple.  Now all that's missing are the little hands helping themselves to the Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs.

Thank you again for your visit!  Come back on the 15th as I'll be sharing all of my Papertrey Ink release projects with you then.

I can't wait to pop in and visit the blogs of the other designers.  They are all so creative!

• Nichole Heady
• Heather Nichols
• Dawn McVey
• Lisa Johnson
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Danielle Flanders

Happy Wednesday!

Melis

 

Twinkle Little Star Card and Jar Set Supplies Used:

InLinkz.com

birthday bash...

The first Papertrey Ink group post for March is here!  It's time to celebrate birthdays and Papertrey Ink has a wonderful line-up of new sets and products to help get the bash underway.

First up is the new Card Base-ics #1 and #2 dies which are so much fun!  The dies provide a perfect spot to nestle in an invitation.  I used the Parisian Lace Doily die, inserted it into the slots cut from the Card Base-ics die, cut a tag using the Tag Sale #6 die, and stamped it with the new By Invitation stamp set.  

The center of the invitation uses an image from the new 2012 Birthday Tags set.

The doily creates a unique little pocket to hold the tag with all of the party details on it.  You'll find that many of the Mat Stack dies fit perfectly into the slots as well.  Lots of creative fun to be had.

Next up is a pocket card created using the new Edgers #5 Die Collection and embellished with another sweet image from the 2012 Birthday Tags set...such a sucker for gingham!

Another peek at the new Super Star Border Die...you're going to love it!

Inside the pocket card, a coordinating tag is kept, ready to be tied to a pretty package for someone special.  

I was so inspired by Dawn McVey's use of the Movers & Shakers:  Spiral Poppers Die seen HERE on this post, that I had to try one for myself...and was instantly hooked.  These little flowers are so fun and easy to create.  This was created using Vintage Cream Felt and the leaves were cut from burlap using the Sending You die.  

Thanks for visiting!  The other Papertrey Ink designers have created fun projects to share with you as well:

• Nichole Heady
• Heather Nichols
• Dawn McVey
• Lisa Johnson
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Danielle Flanders

You're Invited Trio Supplies Used:

InLinkz.com

creative foundations blog hop...

Hey, hey again!  This is my second post for the day.  If you're here for the Papertrey Ink peek, just scroll on down a bit.  

Today I'm so excited to be joining Vicki Boutin and many other artists as we share with you her amazing new book.  I was asked to create a few things for it and have to tell you it was some of the most creative fun I have had as I was pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged to use new techniques.  This book is FILLED to the brim with beautiful and inspiring projects and techniques.  I can only share a peek of one of my projects with you...there's so much more inside the pages of Creative Foundations.

The amazing Wendi Vecchi was the stop before mine...(goodness, I have loved her forever!)

And, Vicki Boutin is the next and final stop and where you can also find a list of all who are participating.  Be sure to collect some important key words as you hop from blog to blog.  As you collect them, they will build a phrase and from there, all you need to do is comment on Vicki's blog with the correct phrase and you will be eligible to win one of four copies of Creative Foundations!

 

You might want to remember this word...FOUNDATIONS.

Here are the other hoppers!

Rhonna Farrer

Linda Albrecht 

Kelly Goree

Bethany Kartchner

Danielle Flanders

Wendy Vecchi

Vicky Boutin

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Melis

introducing tremendous treats: birthday

I've been stamping away and enjoying every minute of it.  Today's post introduces you to a new stamp set from Papertrey Ink called Tremendous Treats:  Birthday which will be available for purchase on March 15th.  The images may look a bit familiar as this set brings Tiny Treats:  Birthday to life with super-sized images.

 I created  a set of 3 memo books each using a different image from the set and combining sentiments from the Tiny Treats:  Birthday set.  

I have to admit that the lady bug was first on my list...I couldn't possibly resist her.

A glittery, sweet birthday cake is the focus of the next...a perfect party favor for a little lady.

And on the last memo book, something suitable for a little guy.  

Something else you may spy on each of these memo books is a new die that I'm crazy about called the Super Star Border Die.  It's so much fun and so unique.

Next up is a gift bag dressed up for the birthday boy.  I love the vintage truck image and I love stamping on brown paper bags, so these two elements combined, made a super quick little wrap.  

You can see I used the Tiny Treats:  Birthday image of the vintage truck as well as the Tremendous Treats:  Birthday truck  stamp.  Fun to use both sizes of these together.  

Another peek of the Super Star Border Die is shown above

Lastly, something sweet and soft using the darling elephant image as well as the birthday balloons.  This set is so versatile, many of these images could easily be used for a new baby.

Another very fun new addition to the line up of release items this month is the  Edgers #5 die collection.  It's all about file folders and they make such wonderful little visual additions to cards, mini albums, and such.

Thanks so much for visiting!  Here are a few other stops for you to make along your journey today, all with sweet things for you to enjoy:

Nichole Heady

Danielle Flanders

 

Birthday Memo Books Supplies Used:

InLinkz.com

Loads of Wishes Gift Bag Supplies Used:

InLinkz.com

Tons of Fun Supplies Used:

InLinkz.com

spring skies...

Such a beautiful day today, not a cloud in the sky, no blustery winds...just the calm of spring.  I can hear trees growing as the earth warms up and the sun shines down.

I have a few spring treats to share with you today.  I love Easter and since it's right around the corner I thought I had better enjoy creating for it before it has gone and passed me by.  I created a few Easter boxes embellished with Melissa Frances crepe paper trim, speckled eggs, Maya Road trinket pins, a stamped tea stained tag, vintage trim, scrunched seam binding from My Craft Spot, and glitter.  A perfect home for Easter treats or just to sit out and enjoy each spring.

Before I go, congratulations are in order for Karen Letchworth!  Congratulations Karen, your name was selected randomly to win the $15 gift certificate to Freckled Fawn!  Have fun shopping!

Enjoy your day!

Melis

 

 

happy day to...

SUSAN MACDONALD!  You are the winner of  CardMaps 2 Today !  Congratulations and please send me an email with your address and I'll have it shipped to you.

Thank you all for playing along and for your sweet comments.  Remember you can order your own issue HERE at Scrapbook & Cards Today.  Come back tomorrow to find out who won the gift certificate to Freckled Fawn.

I'm making a mad dash out of town to run errands today, but wanted to quickly pop in and announce the winner as promised and share images of the new Tea for Two Birthday Collection card kit I designed for Frost it Pink.  It's sweet, pink, glittery, and loaded with materials and supplies. There are a few more kits available HERE!

Happy day to you all!

Melis

freckled fawn giveaway...

How about another fun giveaway?  This one is colorful, delightful, and inspiring!

Freckled Fawn is the most adorable shop and is filled with washi tapes, doilies, ribbons, and more---all which add a perfectly sweet touch to your projects, gifts, cards, and home decor.  Such fun!

They've asked me to give away a $15.00 spending spree at freckledfawn.com to one lucky reader.  Please leave me a note on this post and on Friday, March 9th I will choose a winner randomly and announce their name here on my blog.

Well, on this blustery, miserably cold day, March is most definitely here like a lion!  Today I have a few new pincushions to share using tea stained fabrics, pom pom trim, vintage trimmings, Maya Road zippers, felt flowers, velvet trims, trinket pins, and other toppings.

Maybelle...

Harriet...

Lucy...

And, the return of Lily.  I'll be posting these in my etsy shop in just a bit.

I'm excited to be trying Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken tonight...it's in the crock pot now and smells so yummy.  I'm waiting patiently for my little girl to come home from school.  I've missed her today more than usual, and thinking about baking her some brownies here in a minute...her favorite treat.

Enjoy your night and thank you all for stopping in!

Melis

 

 

give, give, giveaway...

Well Hi!  Since we're starting off a fresh, new week, how about we start it with a giveaway!  I was recently asked to contribute artwork to a new CardMaps issue...it's so beautiful!  CardMaps Today 2 is just about ready to hit store shelves!  With 45 brand new, never-before-seen card sketches by Becky Fleck of PageMaps, CardMaps Today 2 includes 80 beautifully-designed cards by 15 talented cardmakers all with instructions!   New to CardMaps Today 2 are eight trend-setting techniques featured in photographed step-outs!  This limited-edition, special issue is a must for all cardmakers!

You can order your own copy of this special issue and find out more HERE.

Today, I get to give away one copy of this lovely, lovely issue to one lucky reader.  All you have to do is leave a comment on this post.  You have until Wednesday, March 7th at midnight to comment. I will pick a winner randomly and announce them on my blog Thursday morning!

It wouldn't be right to leave without sharing a card, so tonight's card is just for you.

Love to dig into my felt stash and cut layers upon layers of flowers, hearts, and scalloped buttons.  Mix in bits of trim and top with adhesive pearls or buttons, and you've got yourself a sweet, handmade embellishment.

Happy March and Monday!  I've got Frank Sinatra playing while I'm making spaghetti and blogging, listening to my little one whistle, and waiting for my husband to come home for the night.

Night.

Melis

Bloom...Supplies Used:

InLinkz.com

story time...

I have a bit of fun news to share today, involving one of my very most favorite manufacturers, Simple Stories.  You can read the news HERE!  I have loved and drooled over their beautiful line of products since they were first released.  I love their sweet, homespun, distressed, cozy feel and the way all of their patterns coordinate perfectly like a handmade quilt...just my style.  

So in honor of my Simple Stories love affair and the sweet news that I found in my inbox this morning, I have a few projects to share with you today using the Simple Stories Baby Steps collection.

This line is the sweetest baby line on earth and I love that it works for other occasions as well.  

The scrunched seam binding used on all of these projects can be found at My Craft Spot.  

Papertrey Ink's Tiny Tags stamp set was used on the sentiment tags along with a Maya Road trinket pin, and Melissa Frances crepe paper trim.

Some other fun new to share today involves a new book from Paper Crafts magazine that I had the opportunity to contribute to...it just might be my all time favorite, it's huge and thick and filled with the cutest projects.

This is one of the ensembles I created for this book and you can find so many others included covering any occasion under the sun!

You can enter to win your own copy of this book by visiting the Moxie Fab World blog and leaving a comment.  

Have a wonderful day!

Melis

garden variety revisited...

The Sr. Design Team at Papertrey Ink was challenged to revisit the Garden Variety stamp set and treat you with new projects and new ways to inspire you to use this set and coordinating die collection.  I found the photo below on Pinterest and knew just how I wanted to use the seed packet die and already had a little something in my head as to how to use the stamp set and coordinating seed packet frame die.  

(photo from marthastewart)

Glassine bags have become one of my very most favorite mediums to use as I just love their soft, transparent quality.  I used a medium glassine bag from Papertrey Ink, cut it apart, and die cut a seed packet from it.  I wanted a vintage photo I had on hand to be seen through it and it worked perfectly, plus glassine bag seed packets are just as CUTE as can be.

I die cut the seed packet frame from cream patterned paper and stamped the frame image using Classic Kraft ink.  The band was created using the Photo Finish Die Collection and was cut from Kraft cardstock.  

I used the tab from the Tag Sale #3 die and Classic Kraft felt to use as a hinge of sorts connecting both seed packets together.  

The Bloom Builders II #3 die collection and Vintage Cream felt made a perfect little accent flower and is topped with vintage lace and a handmade button made with an image from the Garden Variety stamp set, the Buttoned Up #2 die, and a Papertrey Ink Coaster.  

The seed packets open up to a set of vintage tools stamped using the Garden Variety stamp set and coordinating dies, the Medium Scallop Border die, another handmade button or two, and a second vintage photo framed by the Seed Packet Frame die.  The stamp image makes such a beautiful frame.

This handmade button was stamped using a sentiment from the Garden Variety stamp set and I love the script that flows across it.

So, I challenge you to try using different mediums in  your die cut machines such as glassine or paper bags, Coasters, chipboard, cardboard, tissue paper, crepe paper, etc.!
Thanks so much for your visit.  The other girls have plenty to share with you as well:

• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols

Melis

 

P.S.  I have a new card kit ready to go at Frost it Pink!  It's called the Tea for Two Birthday Collection and includes instructions and supplies for 9 cards and 3 glassine bag pockets plus oodles of extra supplies for you to create more.  Here is a peek!