LilyBean's Paperie

september love...

You are my favorite month...I think....October is a very close 2nd...but I have loved your warm afternoons, golden sunsets, cool, crisp, early morning air, and your perfect temperatures all through the night as we snooze and breathe in sweet, fall air through wide open windows.  You've come and gone too quickly for my taste.  I'm already looking forward to feeling and experiencing you again next year.

This week has been a busy, busy week....but looking back at the busyness of it all brings a smile to my face.  I have accomplished much, but not quite all that I intended.  Part of the week was spent preparing 25 quarts of delicious freezer corn....my most favorite way to eat corn.  Part of the week was spent organizing my craft room....this is a lifelong process I've decided, but each bit of organization brings me such satisfaction and breathes new life into the sweet space I love so much.  Much of the week was spent with my little one, running her here and there, having her close by as her school week was very short, and just enjoying her little spirit.

I have a few cards to share with you today that are all about this most beautiful time of year.  I used vintage images from Made by Janet and Iralamija.  I also used many Papertrey Ink stamp sets....this first card uses the Leaf Prints stamp set.

Each card uses beautiful scrunched seam binding from Craft Spot....she has the loveliest fall collections available.  I used the same sentiment on each card and it is from Papertrey Ink's 2009 Autumn Tags set.

This card uses Papertrey Ink's Fall Elegance stamp set.  

Each card uses Maya Road chipboard hearts, Doodlebug Lily White glitter, and Prima flowers.

This last card uses Papertrey Ink's Harvest Berries stamp set....one of my faves!

And before I go....I created this quick little for the I am Doe blog and a friend yesterday using a sentiment from the same stamp set as mentioned above, the 2009 Autumn Tags, a washi tape autumn leaf cut using the Leaf Prints die collection, and a washi tape chevron border cut using the Chevron Stripes border die.  I used Freckled Fawn washi tapes in Aqua and Gold Airmail and Orange Starburst.  

Well, September is calling me outside this morning and I have apples waiting to be turned into applesauce and apple pie filling to bottle up and save for hungry tummies later.

Hope your weekend is beautiful!

Melis

 
   

 

too cute to spook...

I'm back today with more tips & tricks for Papertrey Ink.  This project involves little monsters too cute to be spooky and can be especially sweet when created with the little monsters in your life.

This project comes together very simply and inexpensively as all I've used for my container is a peat moss pot that I painted with off-white acrylic paint and then dressed up with my Papertrey Ink dies, felt, paper, buttons, and ribbon.

A few things you'll need to get you started are:

The Shape Up Series:  Pumpkin Die Collection (used for the mouth), Smokey Shadow Felt, Mega Halloween Treats & Sweets Die Collection (for the bat wings), Smokey Shadow Bitty Dot Paper, and True Black Vintage Buttons.  The scallops around the top of the container were created using the Medium Scallop Border Die, the Background Basics:  Newsprint stamp set, and a coating of mica flakes and then topped off with Limeade Ice Bitty Dot Satin.  

What would a Halloween project be without spider webs??  I glittered up webs cut using the Spider Web Trio Die Collection and adhered them to small glassine bags filled with Halloween treats and tucked inside the container.

One of my little girl's favorite things right now are straws...striped and polka dotted are her most favorite, so we always have some floating about.  I created a couple of large picks using black and white striped straws to dress up the package a bit.  This first pick used the Spooky Sweets II stamp set and coordinating die along with the Double Ended Banners Die, Limitless Layers 2 1/2" Circle Die collection, and the Think Big Favorites #19 stamp set, along with Fine Linen and Simply Chartreuse cardstock.  

For this pick I used the Halloween Treats & Sweets Stamp set and Bitty Halloween Treats & Sweets Die Collection (for the pumpkin and hairy spider legs :).  It is tied to the straw using Limeade Ice Satin.

 

Lots of fun, but made even more fun with the help of your kiddos.  Let them pick out colors to try, bat wings, spider legs, or kitty ears, pumpkin faces, batty grins, or kitty whiskers!   We'll be mixing and matching these fun elements here and having lots of fun while we're at it.

So happy you stopped by!

Melis

chillingsworth...

Love me some creepy, but not too spooky, fun, festive, irresistible, playful Halloween products.  My card today uses some of my new, fresh, favorite Halloween items including the Chillingsworth collection from Echo Park along with many other creepy collections.  

You can shop 'til you drop and find all of these supplies plus the fun sketch at Emma's Paperie.

My Mind's Eye new collection called Lost & Found Halloween even comes with GLITTER!  What could be better....

See you soon!
Melis 

 

popcorn and holly berries...

Jumping ahead again to the holidays....just for a bit though.  Have you been able to get your hands on some Simple Stories Handmade Holiday yet?  It's so cozy, homespun, and fun to work with.  I created this card set for the Simple Stories blog using the new collection and just a few other toppings.

Emma's Paperie has the WHOLE delicious collection available.  I used the 6x6 pap pad, Fundamental Cardstock Stickers, Expression Stickers, and Calendar Stickers for these cards.

And, I couldn't resist adding a few painted, distressed, and glittered hearts from Maya Road as well.  

And just for fun...a few homespun, holiday images from my Pinterest board:

(crowsofprimcottage)

(honeygirlstudio)

 

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Melis

crushin' on washi...

Hi again!  I have a few projects to share with you today using my favorite embellishment, washi tape!  It's delicious stuff, plain and simple.

First up, I have a step by step tutorial up on the I am Doe blog all about using washi in a new way...here are some peeks.

For this project I pulled out my favorite washi tape in fresh, fall colors including Polka Dot with Heart, Pink Picnic Table Plaid, and Gold Airmail washi.

I also used my Papertrey Ink dies to cut out my fall leaves from chipboard, Vintage Cream, and Limeade Ice felt.  

The stamps used are also from Papertrey Ink...love it when I get to use my fall stamps.  They are from the Falling Leaves and Tag-Its #7 sets.  

This card was also created from Freckled Fawn and is based on a sketch you can find here...it's SO beautiful and inspiring.  

I used Pink Airmail, Blue Doily, and Chevron Mint washi along with  Melissa Frances paper, scrunched seam binding from My Craft Spot, and Papertrey Ink's Gratitude Journal and Fillable Frames Additions 2 stamp sets.  

Lastly, this card was created for Freckled Fawn's Pinterest challenge...so much fun.  I used several of the same washi as in the above cards in addition to Heart, Star Line, and  Heart Cloud washi.  

If you'd like to play along in the Pinterest Challenge, you have until October 1st to post your project and your Pinterest piece AND, there's a Freckled Fawn giveaway to the lucky winner!

Happy Tuesday!

Melis

make it monday...happy haunting!

Happy Monday!  I love starting a new week.  Today I have a new Papertrey Ink Make it Monday video tutorial for you all about finding inspiration in the greeting card aisle.  I can't seem to walk by this section of the store without stopping and soaking in all of the colorful, inspiring goodness.  The other day, I snatched up a card that had a fun layout, color scheme, and wonderful design elements, brought it home and used it as a source of inspiration for my cards today.

I hope you'll join in the challenge and have fun creating this week!

Today I am busy packing up my Witches Brew Crafting Kits....the contents are here and I'm just packaging them up and making them look beautiful!  They are all sold out...I hope I can make a couple of extra, but just because they're turning out SO cute....here's a sneak peek!

 

Thanks for visiting!
Melis

 

Happy Haunting Cards

Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Been Boo'd, Tremendous Treats:  Halloween, Think Big Favorites #19

Ink:
True Black, Limeade Ice, Orange Zest, Fresh Snow

Cardstock and Paper:

True Black, Winter Wisteria, Terracotta Tile, Rustic Cream, WInter Wisteria Leaves, Simply Chartreuse Bitty Dot and Polka Dot, Smokey Shadow Bitty Dot and Gingham

Tools:
Spider Web Trio, Tag Sale #4, Limitless Layers 2 1/2" Circles, Modern Alphabet Lowercase

Accents:
Summer Sunrise buttons, Smokey Shadow Grosgrain, Limeade Ice Grosgrain, Winter Wisteria Saddle Stitch, Orange Zest felt

papertrey ink september...

The fun around here never stops, does it?  There are so many new and exciting products coming out this month at Papertrey Ink.  I have thoroughly enjoyed each set I have worked with and today will show you all of my remaining projects.

Never did I think I would fall so hard for a shape as simple as a diamond, but I fell fast once I broke out the new Happy Harlequin stamp set and the coordinating Cover Plate:  Harlequin die.  The funnest stamp set ever!  Imagine all of the incredible shapes available to make...I have oodles of ideas just swarming around and can't wait to try more.  

The new Snowflake Medley stamp set and coordinating dies are must haves...I know I already said that once, but I just love them.  I layered them up on this card after coating them with glitter to make them sparkle and just love the effect.  And, you can catch a glimpse of an older set I have had a hard time putting down recently, the Fancy Flourishes set...love it all over again.

This next new set was designed by Heather Nichols and is called Winter Snow Globes....I have always, always been drawn to Heather's sets and well, this one just might be my all-time favorite.  Truly the cutest thing on earth.  It also has coordinating dies available which sure makes creating even more fun.

Each snow globe was coated in white glitter after stamping and I added color with my Copics and included the Holly Jolly die and once again the Snowflake Medley set and dies.

Loving the new Think Big Favorites #20 stamp set....it's beautiful.  I used one of the sentiments across the top of this card.

The cuteness never stops this month I tell you....next up is the new Gingerbread Lane stamp set and coordinating dies.  This set is packed full of images and sentiments....so many waiting for me to play with.

I pulled out another older set on this card called Background Basics:  Christmas....the sweet backgrounds are a perfect fit for the Gingerbread Lane set.  

The Bits & Buttons set is another simple set but has so much character and versatility.  I've used the set here with the Buttoned Up #1 die and the new Holiday Buttons Bits die collection.  You can catch another glimpse at the Happy Harlequin set used here along with the Loop de Loop Border die.

And one of the new paper packs Papertrey Ink is releasing this month is the New Leaf collection and I've used the Gingham here combined with Raspberry Fizz and Hibiscus Burst...kind of a fun holiday color combo.

Lastly, this card uses the new Heart-2-Heart #8 stamp set and dies as well as the Bits & Buttons set.  These little mini sets have turned out to be some of my very most favorites.  Limeade Ice is quickly becoming my most favorite color too.  

Remember all of these sets will be available to purchase through Papertrey Ink at 10 PM EST on September 15th!

Thanks for your visit and enjoy your weekend!

Melis

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Danielle Flanders
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln

Wishing You Joy Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Happy Harlequin, Snowflake Medley, Peace, Love & Joy, Fancy Flourishes
Ink:
Limeade Ice, Pure Poppy, Smokey Shadow, and Aqua Mist
Cardstock:
Simply Chartreuse, Rustic Cream
Tools:
Cover Plate: Harlequin die, Snowflake Medley
Accents:
Aqua Mist button

 

Merry Little Christmas Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Winter Snow Glove, Gingerbread Lane, Think Big Favorites #20, and Snowflake Medley
Ink:
Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy
Cardstock:
Kraft and Rustic Cream
Tools:
Winter Snow Globe, Tiny Tags, Holly Jolly, and Snowflake Medley dies
Accents:Simply Chartreuse felt, Pure Poppy Baker's Twine

 

Have a Sweet Holiday Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Gingerbread Lane, Snowflake Medley
Ink:
Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Limeade Ice
Cardstock:
Rustic Cream, Sweet Blush
Tools:
Gingerbread Lane, Tiny Tags, Holly Jolly, and Loop de Loop Border dies
Accents:
Pure Poppy Swiss Dot, Pure Poppy Baker's Twine, Limeade Ice felt

 

Happy Holidays Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Happy Harlequin, Bits & Buttons
Ink:
Raspberry Fizz and Sweet Blush
Cardstock:
Rustic Cream, Sweet Blush, and New Leaf Gingham
Tools:
Holiday Button Bits, Buttoned Up #1, Loop de Loop Border dies

 

You Make Me Happy Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Heart-2-Heart #8, Bits & Buttons, Fancy Flourishes
Ink:
Pure Poppy, Berry Sorbet, Limeade Ice, Melon Berry
Cardstock:
Rustic Cream
Tools:
Heart-2-Heart #8, Buttoned Up #1, Heart Prints
Accents:
Limeade Ice grosgrain, Vintage Cream felt

 

beautiful beads...

How about a bonus post today?  The Papertrey Ink designers were challenged to use the new Beautiful Beads paper and die collection to create a couple of extra projects for you this month.  I created a gift set perfect for the birthday girl!  It started with the Shape Up Series:  Cupcake die which was die cut from strips of the Beautiful Beads paper cut using the Beautiful Beads die and then just woven together with a bit of washi tape here and there securing pieces in place.

I didn't adhere the cupcake base to the bottom of the cupcake completely because I wanted to create a pocket where I could insert the little gift item.  Some aqua pom pom trim dressed up the top edge of the base and then a strip of Limeade Ice Grosgrain finished it off very simply.

Here you can catch a better glimpse of the woven die cut pieces...I love all of the fun patterns available in the Beautiful Beads paper collections.  

I created a coordinating tag which I tied to a small glassine bag using the Tag Sale #2 die, the new Do Me a Favor and Peace, Love & Joy stamp sets, and the Fancy Flourishes set.  The flower is die cut using Limeade Ice and the Flower Fusion Stem die and the Heart-2-Heart #3 die and Autumn Rose felt.

Inside the glassine bag....a simple bracelet created using the very same paper and dies as on the cupcake, a few beads, and small buttons.  These little paper beads are the funnest project....can't wait to try a few out with my little one...she'll love creating some of her own.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

You MUST check out what the other designers have created for you using these new products....I am such an amateur!

 

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Danielle Flanders
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln

With Love Tag and Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Fancy Flourishes, Peace, Love & Joy, Do Me a Favor
Ink:
Melon Berry, Aqua Mist, Raspberry Fizz, and Sweet Blush
Cardstock:
Rustic Cream, Sweet Blush, Beautiful Beads paper
Accents:
Limeade Ice, Autumn Rose felt, Sweet Blush and Aqua Mist buttons, Limeade Ice grosgrain
Tools:
Tag Sale #2, Flower Fusion Stem, Heart-2-Heart #3 dies, Shape Up Series: Cupcake, Lovely Layers, and Beautiful Beads dies

quick favors & wraps...

Pretty, pretty, pretty, sweet, and oh, so easy!  This post might just be my most favorite yet as it's all about gift wrap and packaging, two things I just love and have so much fun with.  I have always been drawn towards small packages because their contents never disappoint!  

Papertrey Ink is releasing a new stamp set called Do Me a Favor Tags and they are the perfect little accessory for dressing up your gifts and favors for any occasion.  This first gift set uses this new stamp set in conjunction with another new item from Papertrey Ink called Tissue Paper Flowers #1 die....TRUE LOVE I tell you!  I chose to wrap up a roll of red and white heart washi tape, a sweet treat for a friend for Valentine's Day, and love how inexpensively this wonderful little favor can bring a simple or not-so-simple gift to life.

The details on the tag are as follows.  I stamped the tag image onto Sweet Blush cardstock using Raspberry Fizz ink.  I stamped it one more time on White cardstock using Smokey Shadow ink, cut out the frame, stamped the sentiment from the set in Pure Poppy, and adhered it onto the original using dimensional adhesive....just to make the sentiment pop.  I then matted the tag onto a tag cut using patterned paper and the Tag Sale #2 die.  And, when I think of Valentine's Day, I immediately think of The Sweet Life stamp set, so out I brought it and stamped the cabbage rose in Sweet Blush and Hibiscus Burst with the felt die cut leaves cut from Limeade Ice.

My tissue paper flower wrap consists of 5 sheets of white tissue paper that I coated in three different colors of Glimmer Mist, Cotton Candy, Cosmos, and Peppermint Stick.  After I die cut the white tissue using the Tissue Paper Flowers #1 die, I spread each layer out separately and coated the edges of each using the colors I mentioned.  I left the centers of each layer completely white just so the color spread out on the tips and created a soft blend.  Once dry, I layered them all together and wrapped up my washi tape, securing the layers with soft, pink tulle.  I can't wait to try other colors using this same technique.

This next favor uses another new and simple die called the Essential Pillow Box die.  It comes together in a breeze and is lots of fun to add your own personality to.

My pillow box was die cut using patterned paper and then embellished with coordinating patterned paper, the new Loop de Loop die, Snowflake Serenade stamp set and die, Holly Jolly die and Limeade Ice felt, Limeade Ice satin, and Heather Nichols' new Framed Out #8 stamp set.  It is stamped in Raspberry Fizz and Limeade Ice ink.

Gift cards, jewelry, handmade embellishments, and so many other things are just the right size to fit inside this darling new die.

The other designers have all created gift wrap and favors using these same products but with their own twist!  And, all of these new products will be available for purchase at 10 PM EST on September 15th.

Thanks again for stopping by.

Melis

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Danielle Flanders
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln

 

A Little Something Favor and Tag

Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Do Me a Favor, The Sweet Life

Ink:
Raspberry Fizz, Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst, Pure Poppy, and Smokey Shadow

Cardstock:
Sweet Blush and White

Tools:
Tissue Paper Flowers #1, Tag Sale #2, and The Sweet Life

Accents:
Sweet Blush button, Limeade Ice felt, Soft Stone Grosgrain

Other:

My Mind's Eye paper, white tissue paper, Glimmer Mist

 

Let It Snow Pillow Box

Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Framed Out #8, Snowflake Serenade

Ink:
Limeade Ice, Raspberry Fizz, Sweet Blush

Cardstock:

Sweet Blush and Rustic Cream

Tools:
Essential Pillow Box, Loop de Loop Border, Snowflake Serenade, Holly Jolly, Framed Out #8

Accents:
Limeade Ice satin and felt

Other:
My MInd's Eye and Cosmo Cricket paper, Melissa Frances gems, Stickles glitter 

 

santa stationery...

I've decided the new Santa Stationery set from Papertrey Ink is one of those sets that you love so much that you feel like using every possible stamp included in the set on one project :)  I promise I held back though and controlled myself...but it's such a fun, set!  Our first group post this month is all about letters to and letters from Santa, created with the "littles" in mind.

I wanted to create official letterhead straight from Santa's desk and thought it would be really fun to make the letterhead extra special so they could serve as a gift complete with a bundle of coordinating envelopes.  

My letterhead measures 8 1.2" x 5 1.4"  and when folded will fit in a Large 5 1.2" x 5 1.2" square envelope.  I used Ripe Avocado, Scarlet Jewel, Pure Poppy, and Classic Kraft ink on my letterhead and embossed Santa's signature in gold.

I used the Edgers #1 die on my coordinating paper from Simple Stories Handmade Holiday collection across the top of each and embellished with Scarlet Jewel Topnotch Twill, felt leaves cut from Simply Chartreuse felt and the Holly Jolly die, and Tiny Tags hanging from Pure Poppy Baker's Twine.

I I think I had just as much fun on the envelopes as I did on the letterhead.  The Postmarks stamp set makes this particular project even more fun.  I used it along the sides of each envelope and the Postage die is a perfect fit for the Santa stamp image found in the Santa Stationery set.  Then of course the 2010 Holiday Tags set coordinates perfectly as well.  Love using older sets with newer.

The frame in the center of each envelope is from the Fillable Frames Additions 2 stamp set and is embellished with Simply Chartreuse felt die cut using the Holly Jolly die.  

For this next project, I used the Santa Stationery set on a card and went a completely different direction with the colors and feel.  I used Spring Rain, Pure Poppy, Limeade Ice, and Smokey Shadow ink.  

Like I said before....I wanted to use each and every image available in this set because they are all so irresistible!

I used a strip of Spring Rain Grosgrain to bring in more of that cool, crisp winter feel and tie a stamped metal rimmed tag to the center of the knotted ribbon using Pure Poppy Baker's Twine.  Limeade Ice felt makes darling felt holly leaves and was just the right accent to finish off this card.

The new Snowflake Medley stamp set and coordinating dies came into play on this card as well...another set that is a must have for the holiday season!  

Can't wait to see what the other designers have dreamed up for us!  Thanks so much for stopping by.

Melis

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Danielle Flanders
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln

From the Desk of Santa Claus Letterhead and Envelopes

Stamps:
Santa Stationery, 2010 Holiday Tags, Postmarks, Fillable Frames Additions 2

Ink:
Classic Kraft, Pure Poppy, Scarlet Jewel, Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss, and Smokey Shadow

Cardstock and Paper:
Classic Kraft and Large Square Vintage Cream Envelopes

Tools:
Edgers #1, Holly Jolly Tiny Tags, Postage dies

Accents:
Scarlet Jewel Topnotch Twill, Pure Poppy Baker's Twine, Simply Chartreuse felt

Other:
Simple Stories Handmade Holiday paper

 

North Pole Card

Stamps:
Santa Stationery and Snowflake Medley

Ink:
Limeade Ice, Spring Rain, Pure Poppy, and Smokey Shadow

Cardstock:
Vintage Cream

Tools:
Snowflake Medley

Accents:
Spring Rain Grosgrain, Limeade Ice felt, Pure Poppy Baker's Twine

Other:
Melissa Frances paper and die 

mistletoe & holly and happiest of holidays...

Here we are at day 3 of the Papertrey Ink September countdown!  This month you'll notice that Christmas sets are making an appearance to give you plenty of time to start creating for the holidays.  Today I am happy to introduce you to two of these new sets, Mistletoe & Holly, and Happiest of Holidays.

This first card uses the holly image and beautiful sentiments from the Mistletoe & Holly.  I used the new Limeade Ice ink here along with Hibiscus Burst, Raspberry Fizz, and Sweet Blush.  I paired this new set with an older but much loved set, Vintage Ornaments, coordinating die and In the Meadow die collection to create my soft, patterned paper snow banks across the bottom of the card.

I combined the two new sets here on this next pair of projects...gift tags and embellished gift bags.  

I used silver and gold embossing powder the Mistletoe & Holly set, Dark Chocolate ink for the sentiments which come from both sets, and a bit of Classic Kraft  across the bottom using the Polka Dot Basics stamp set.  

You can catch a glimpse at the fun, new Loop de Loop border die across the top of both bags....gonna wear this thing right out!

I can't think of a more beautiful font than the one used on this lovely new set...I'm a sucker for scripts and scrolls and anything that appears to have a story behind it.

You can catch another glimpse of a new product here on this bag, the new Bits & Buttons set....so playful and versatile!  The tags were die cut using the Tag Sale #4 and I used the Fabulous Frames die to embellish the top of both bags...such a handy die collection to have around.

My last card uses both of these new sets combined once again.  I embellished the stamped mistletoe with upside down hearts from the Heart-2-Heart #5 set and then coated them in a bit of glitter and added cream adhesive pearls.  

This sentiment is stamped in Classic Kraft ink with Simply Chartreuse and Pure Poppy ink used on the mistletoe and Smokey Shadow ink used on the sentiment from the Happiest of Holidays sentiment below.

I used the Edgers #2 die across the bottom and love the delicate touch it brings to the card.

I'm so glad you stopped by!  For more peeks at new sets being released on the 15th, visit the following blogs:

Nichole Heady

Ashley Cannon Newell

I"ll be back again tomorrow with more Papertrey Ink projects.

Melis

 

Holly Jolly Christmas Card Supplies Used

Stamps:
Mistletoe & Holly, Vintage Ornaments

Ink:
Limeade Ice, Hibiscus Burst, Raspberry Fizz, and Sweet Blush

Cardstock:
Sweet Blush and Rustic Cream

Tools:
Ink the Meadow, Vintage Ornaments

 

Mistletoe & Holly Tags and Bags Supplies Used

Stamps:

Mistletoe & Holly, Happiest of Holidays, and Polka Dot Basics

Ink:
Classic Kraft and Dark Chocolate

Cardstock:
Rustic Cream 

Tools:
Tag Sale #4, Loop de Loop Border, and Fabulous Frames

Accents:
Vintage Cream Grosgrain

 

Mistletoe & Kisses Card Supplies Used

Stamps:
Happiest of Holidays, Mistletoe & Holly, Heart-2-Heart #5

Ink:

Simply Chartreuse, Pure Poppy, Classic Kraft, and Smokey Shadow

Cardstock:
Rustic Cream

Tools:
Edgers #2

Accents:
Pure Poppy Swiss Dot Satin 

 

 

creepin'...

We love Halloween here...must have everything to do with it being my most favorite time of the year, and the pumpkins, the cornstalks, the farm fresh apples and cider, and the cozy warmth that fills the house along with the smell of cinnamon and spices!

My friend Janet shared these adorable vintage images with me and I have been using them and ooohing and ahhhing over them ever since.  They are just endearing!  I created this card for the Vintage Cafe Card Challenge blog and it is based on a sketch you can find there along with the most beautiful, shabby cards created by designers all over the world.

Along with Janet's digital images, I used Freckled Fawn washi tape and vintage ticket, My Mind's Eye chipboard buttons, and a Graphic 45 metal brad.  I had such a fun time with this card.  Hope you'll join in the sketch too!  I'd love to see what you create with it.

Yaaaay for quilt season!  Darling quilt from carolspinski.com.

Thank goodness for chippy, white, weathered chairs and plump, quirky, beautiful pumpkins!  Photo from iheartshabbychic.

And well, nature's beauty in all it's glory.  Photo from seejaneparty.

 

Happy September Day!

Melis

Paper Sweeties and My Time Made Easy...

Not too long ago my friend Debbie from The Shabby Tearoom emailed me telling me all about her new venture...a dream of hers that she had the ability of making a reality and I have been so happy for her ever since.  She has been releasing her own stamp sets called Paper Sweeties and they are just that!  Today I am happy to participate in a special blog hop in remembrance of September 11th, and have a card to share with you here, and others waiting on her blog.  

I love her darling images and this card uses Emma and the Some Bunny Loves You stamp sets from

her Paper Sweeties Shoppe …

Congratulations Debbie!  I am so happy for you!

Now onto the hop!  

In honor of all the individuals and their families that we remember on this the 11th day of September, My Time Made Easy ™ LLC and Paper Sweeties has organized a Blog Hop with *NEW* products & projects to inspire you to create gifts for our Troops, or that special someone! Lauren Meader – owner My Time Made Easy

• Kimberly Morrow
• Lisa Kind
• Tangii Crain
• Tina Hale

Paper Sweeties

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – owner Paper Sweeties

Andrea Ewen

Char Cundy

Jeanne Jachna

Jinny Newlin

Pattie Goldman

Additional designers:

Tammy Hobbs

Melissa Phillips  (You are here)

Nicole Segnere

Rebecca Deeprose

 

 

sweet pink freckled fawn...

Sigh....who doesn't love a pink, freckled fawn, floppy blossoms, and pink pom pom trim?  This girl does for sure.  I created this fun Welcome Baby album for Emma's Paperie.  Out focus this month is Crate Paper and I just love their goodies.  Their Little Bo Peep and Little Boy Blue collections are among my most favorites.  

I combined the Little Bo Peep collection with Melissa Frances supplies such as the floppy blossom ribbon, large resin frame, and the album...such a beautiful album that doesn't need any toppings as each page comes beautifully done and vellum pockets are included and so much fun to incorporate...but I added in patterned paper and other embellishments just to accentuate the baby theme.

Here are peeks at the inside pages and all of the supplies and a short tutorial can be found at Emma's Paperie.

Annnnd....speaking of Freckled Fawn, how I love that lovely place, I am so happy to continue on with them as part of their design team.  You can find out all about the other designers HERE on the I Am Doe blog.

I just received a new stash of Freckled Fawn washi...thought it was only proper to share my delicious stash with you.  Here you'll see Orange Star Line, Blue Doily (oh mama!), Math Notebook (the Little Bean's pick), White Seedling on Pink, Gold Airmail,  Polka Dot with Heart, Pink Airmail, Teal Scattered Dots, and the sweet, gold star washi...can't find it quite yet, but I'll be sure to link it here in a bit.  Love my washi!

My parents came to visit today so they could spend the afternoon with my little one to celebrate her birthday...the party just never ends for that girl I tell you :)  I LOVE having my mom and dad come.  I get homesick for them and the time with them passes so fast and then it's time for them to hit the road.  I get homesick all over once they drive away and today wanted to call my mom on her cell phone and talk to her all the way home.  I just feel so lucky to have them in my life and love them so much.  It's been a special week for sure.  One I'll always remember.

Time to start the evening routine around here.  The days are getting shorter and cooler here.  How about where you are?

Night!

Melis 

slow dance...

Just popping in before bed tonight to share a couple of juicy, fruity, happy, playful cards.  This first was created for Emma's Paperie and is based on a photo I love from Pinterest.

I have a complete supply list HERE for you.  

This card was made with my little birthday girl in mind.  It uses October Afternoon's Cakewalk collection, Basic Grey Paper Cottage chipboard, Studio Calico dies, and Freckled Fawn washi tapes.

 I used the following washi tapes to created the banner on this card:

White Seedling on Pink

Pink Picnic Table Plaid

Polka Dot With Hearts

Pink Airmail 

 

And, before I go...a new to me poem that I can't get out of my mind...love every last word of this...

S L O W D A N C E:

Have you ever watched kids
on a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain
slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down
Don’t dance so fast

Time is short
The music won’t last

Do you run through each day
On the fly

When you ask “How are you?”
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done,
do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores
running through your head?

You’d better slow down
Don’t dance so fast

Time is short
The music won’t last

Ever told your child,
We’ll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,
not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die

‘Cause you never had time
To call and say “Hi”?

You’d better slow down
Don’t dance so fast

Time is short
The music won’t last

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift….Thrown away…

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower

Hear the music
Before the song is over.

by David L. Weatherford

 

Night,

Melis

9 candles...

My Little Lady turned 9 yesterday....my Sierra, Lou Lou, Little Bean, Miss Peach, Stinker, Prudence, Love, Sierra Bear...

We started the party early this weekend with a few days spent at the cabin with cousins, aunts, uncles, Granny and Gramps, and Great Grandpa and Great Grandma who love her so much.

We camped under the stars...just us and mother nature!  After some gentle prodding from my husband, we gave in and decided we didn't need a silly tent to make everything right...no way, not us.  We slept under the stars with the moon shining down on us and LOVED it!  It's now one of my most favorite memories.  

I am so thankful for her...and her sweet birth mother.  I am a mother because of them and I will forever be thankful for the gift they brought into my life and for the gifts they are in my life.  I dreamed of my baby for years and now I hold her, love her, kiss her, nurture her, and get to be loved right back.

(fancypantsacademy)

My baby did grow in my heart and still does.  Words can't adequately express the miracle of adoption and the miracle of Sierra.  I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to experience it and hope to again.

I love looking back and remembering all of the intricate little details of my life with her.  So grateful I have been trying to document our journey together as a family.  My love for her grows leaps and bounds every single day.

(tagyoureitjewelry)

Not flesh of my flesh
Nor bone of my bone,
But still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute,
You didn't grow under my heart,
But in it.

Author: Fleur Conkling Heyliger

Happy Birthday my LilyBean.  You make me a better person.  Love you forever.

 Your Mama

 

wreath for all seasons revisited...

Oh yes, it's true....Wreath for All Seasons is one of my very most favorite stamp sets....it's just Melissa-ish, just my style, but perfect for your style too.  That's why it's so lovable I think.

I created a shabby tag trio using this set...and since it's feeling very fall-ish, we'll start with this one.  We saw our first tarantula this evening...that means fall is here, so I'm officially on fall crafting duty now.

I went with a unique fall color combination on this tag, Harvest Gold, Plum Pudding, Orange Zest, Canyon Clay, and Simply Chartreuse.  The berries were dressed up a bit with glitter.

A wreath for Christmas...

This tag uses Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, Classic Kraft, and Simply Chartreuse.

A wreath for spring, using Autumn Rose, Spring Moss, and Simply Chartreuse.

These tags are so easy to create and use the same supplies and dies.  I'll quickly tell you how!

*Each tag uses the Mat Stack 4 die as the base.  I die cut a thin sheet of chipboard using this die so it would create a sturdy tag, but also so I could use a distressing technique.

*After die cutting the chipboard, I embossed each tag using an impression plate.  Any plate will do and you'll love how different they look with the antiquing, but for my project I used the Background Basics:  Diamond Impression Plate and the Herringbone Impression Plate.  

*After embossing, I painted each tag with cream acrylic paint.  I let the paint soak into the impressions as much as possible and then wiped with a dry sponge.

*I then sanded the edges of each tag to expose the chipboard underneath and then distressed the edges with Vintage Touch Chamomile Tea Dye Ink.

*I stamped my chosen wreaths onto each tag and after the ink had set for a few minutes, I lightly sanded the top of the tag to age the image and help it blend into the antiqued background.

*Next I die cut a small heart from the center of each wreath using the Heart Prints die.

*Lastly I embellished each wreath with felt cut flowers and leaves using The Sweet Life and Flipping Out dies.  

*The Fabulous Frames and Tiny Tag dies were used to create areas for my sentiments...all using the Wreath for All Seasons set.

So, will you give this little project and technique a whirl?  Hope you enjoy creating and thanks so much for stopping in.

The other Sr. Design Team members have projects ready to share with you too:

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Maile Belles

Welcome Fall Tag

Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Wreath for All Seasons, Fabulous Frames

Ink:
Plum Pudding, Harvest Gold, Simply Chartreuse, Orange Zest, and Canyon Clay

Cardstock:

Kraft and Rustic Cream

Accents:
Canyon Clay Saddle Stitch Ribbon, Canyon Clay, Simply Chartreuse, and Harvest Gold felt, Rustic Cream Button Twine

Tools:
Mat Stack 4, Tiny Tags, The Sweet Life, Flipping Out, Fabulous Frames dies, Background Basics:  Diamonds Impression Plate

 

Merry Christmas Tag 

Supplies Used:

Stamps:
Wreath for All Seasons, Fabulous Frames

Ink:
Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Classic Kraft, Simply Chartreuse

Cardstock:

Kraft and Rustic Cream

Accents:
Vintage Cream and Simply Chartreuse felt, Scarlet Jewel Saddle Stitch Ribbon, Rustic Cream Button Twine

Tools:
Mat Stack 4, Tiny Tags, The Sweet Life, Flipping Out, Fabulous Frames dies, Background Basics:  Diamonds Impression Plate

Happy Birthday Tag

Supplies Used:

Stamps:
Wreath for All Seasons, Fabulous Frames

Ink:
Autumn Rose, Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate, and Simply Chartreuse

Cardstock:

Kraft and Rustic Cream

Accents:
Autumn Rose and Simply Chartreuse felt, Autumn Rose Swiss Dot Satin, Rustic Cream Button Twine

Tools:
Mat Stack 4, Tiny Tags, The Sweet Life, Flipping Out, Fabulous Frames dies, Herringbone Impression Plate