LilyBean's Paperie

sn@p life...

This week on the Simple Stories blog, it's Sn@p week with many of the Simple Stories designers sharing their Sn@p albums.  Today it's my turn to share with you my album.  

I have been searching for a while now for that perfect something to help ease me into the overwhelming task of memory keeping the piles of photos I have accumulated and was so happy to hear about Sn@p Life from Simple Stories.  The system is easy with so many fun and coordinating elements to help make the process doable, not to mention how vibrant and playful the whole collection is.

My album today starts with my little girl's 2nd birthday and will document events in her 2nd year of life.

One of the many things I love about Sn@p Life is the Memorabilia pockets available in many different colors and sizes.  I'm a big fan of touch, feel, and explore when it comes to paper-crafting of any type, so for me pockets are a must.  

This pocket holds a tag where I've included my journaling about this photo.  I have to admit that my biggest obstacle in starting out is to learn to love and accept my own handwriting.  It's a little hard to get used to, but oh, so important!

I pulled out my die cut machine and dies to add simple embellishments here and there and placed them on top of the page protectors to bring in more of that dimension and touch-ability which I love.

I also mixed in the Year.o.graphy collection here and there as I feel it coordinates so perfectly with other elements in Sn@p Life.

Here's another Memorabilia Pocket on a larger scale...a perfect place for extra photos, ephemera, children's artwork, etc.

I had so much fun adding in washi tape from Freckled Fawn in certain spots as it adds just the right touch without it being too much.

As time goes on and I continue to fill pages I'll be sure to share them here on my blog.  I very much look forward to continuing on with this as it is something that has been missing from my life.

And, in order to make sure I keep going on my album, I figured it was best to keep all of my supplies out and organized in a way that made them easy to get to.  We all know how hard it is to wrap things up and tuck them away for another day...if you're like me, if my supplies are out of sight, then I tend to forget about them.  So, I've assembled a Sn@p Space for all of the supplies I am using on this album...always there and always ready!

Now I have no excuses plus all of this colorful goodness can't be ignored.

Two Peas in a Bucket has a wonderful selection of these supplies available HERE.    

Until next time!

Melis

 

P.S.  There are so many wonderful ideas on the Simple Stories blog showcasing other Sn@p albums.  You'll love checking them out.

grandma's lima bean soup...

Grandma's  Lima Bean Soup is DELICIOUS!  The Jillibean Soup variety of course.  This week Maya Road and Jillibean Soup are teaming up and craft swapping with a wonderful giveaway up for grabs as well.

This is my project created for the swap and is posted on the Maya Road blog today.  Be sure to visit HERE to find out more about the giveaway!

I love how Maya Road products mix so easily with other manufacturers.  Here is a list of all of the Maya Road goodies I used today:
 Kraft Notes and Envelopes, White Krafty Owls, White Time Flies Kraft Clocks, the Scallop Basic Album, Cream & Red Velvet Pleats, Mini Wood Clothes Pins, Vintage Button Stick Pins, Pink Vintage Tape Measure Trim, Saffron Yellow Twine Cording, Little Birdies Metal Vintage Trinkets , and Our Home Metal Vintage Trinkets.

 

If you want your own hearty serving of Grandma's Lima Bean Soup, Emma's Paperie has it in stock HERE....LOVE this fun collection as well as all of Jillibean Soup's products.  I'm pretty sure it has something to do with their papers and embellishments being named after food :)...I'm a simple girl.

On another note, I am just about done with Sierra's costume....can you guess what she's chosen to be this year?  Gonna be cute.  She helped me make the sweet, felt feathers using Papertrey Ink felt and leaf dies...we added some bling using sequins and attached the feathers to her skirt using ribbon.  It will be a fun day tomorrow.

Also, for all of my friends back east and to all of those affected by Hurricane Sandy, please know I am thinking of you and praying for your safety.  So sorry for all of those suffering from the damage caused.

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

 

there's magic in the air...

Can you feel it?  I can....something about a full moon lighting up the sky throughout the night and then waking up to it and running early in the morning in the moonlight, just does it for me.  So much to love about the harvest moon this time of year, the shadows that spill across the earth, the way it looks down and watches over all that is beneath it....it is magic and enchanting.

Speaking of enchanting....I have an album to share with you today created using the ScrapKit Studio Beware kit, all about my sweet, darling, bewitching, little witch.

I don't know where to begin when it comes to sharing with you how much I love ScrapKit Studio kits.  They are amazing and packed with extras, but the most wonderful part of them is that everything comes pre-cut!  This makes assembling your album so quick and easy and fun because the hard part is done for you.  All that's left is for you to gather your photos and enjoy what comes next, the creative process.

The kit is full of October Afternoon's Witch Hazel collection from stickers to chipboard buttons, to ephemera, to paper and extras.  

There's a cut pre-cut scalloped pocket included in the kit along with ribbon, a Flair button, Halloween Baker's Twine, and die cuts, etc.

Along with including pictures of my little girl dressed up in one of her witch costumes I included photos of cookies we make together this time of year such as our Pumpkin Pocket cookies and Halloween Sugar cookies.  

I slipped in a glassine bag behind the paper and will include recipes for these cookies for Sierra...a fun way to make this album into a special keepsake for her.

I can't wait to add more to this as time goes on.  You can grab your own Beware kit right HERE at ScrapKit Studio.

Before I go....a fun challenge to share with you on the I am Doe blog all about loving on that washi tape and adding it to pumpkins this season.  There are some of the cutest examples for you there on the blog.  Makes me want to try another.  Here is the washi pumpkin I created for the challenge.  Are you up to trying one of your own?  Super fun and the littles will love it too!

I used Freckled Fawn's Black Lace washi tape on my pumpkin and cut it into a chevron pattern that wraps around in a few different layers.  SO easy and just a tad bit addicting :)  I added some black burlap ribbon and black millinery flowers to my pumpkin along with a stamped tag using Papertrey Ink's 2009 Halloween Tags Set.  

Gotta run, but come back soon as this week I'm working on many projects to share with you including Maya Road, Jillibean Soup, Simple Stories Sn@p, and Emma's Paperie!

Thanks for visiting.

Melis

vintage halloween...

Just a few days 'til Halloween.  What a beautiful month October has turned out to be...I wish I could have another 30 days of it.  This weekend we were supposed to be taking a little road trip to visit our favorite pumpkin patch and corn maze....and see Grandma, but a sore throat and fever has kept us home.  We'll miss this tradition this year.  I guess I'll spend the day cleaning and tidying up a bit....the pumpkin patch sounds like much more fun, don't you think?

I have a few treat bags to share with you today.  I created them using clear cellophane bags, paper doilies from Freckled Fawn aged with Glimmer Mist, Melissa Frances Tarnished Silver Glass Glitter....I love this stuff, vintage images from Linda K. Designs, and flair buttons from A Flair for Buttons.  

I think one of my most favorite ways to use washi tape lately is on transparent or semi-transparent elements such as cellophane or glassine.  I've used it across the bottom of each treat bag and love how you can see right through it.  I used Freckled Fawn's Black Lace, Grey Polka Dot, and  Postage washi on today's projects.

The Postage washi is sold out, but the following would be cute with a bit of spook:

Birds on a Wire washi

Music Note Washi

Number Splatter Washi

I finished the top of each treat bag off with embellishments from Caramelos....one of my most favorite etsy shops.  I used Black Crepe Garland, printed Halloween ribbon, and orange millinery flowers.

That's it for me today.  I'll be back soon to post images from my Beware Scrap Kit Studio album.  This kit is full or goodies...perfect for scrapping your Halloween photos in a hurry!

Enjoy your day and thanks for visiting.

Melis

little bit of spook...

**Updated with a Relay for Life/Breast Cancer Awareness raffle posted at the bottom of today's post.**

Hello!  How's your Thursday so far?  It's chilly here...blustery and cold....Chicken Noodle Soup weather I think!

I have been eyeballing October Afternoon's Witch Hazel collection from the get-go and ordered me up a few supplies from Emma's Paperie to create a project for the blog.  It's delicious and sweet...just the right amount of spooky.

My card is based on a sketch you can find at the Emma's Paperie blog and I created a coordinating treat pail to go with it.

You can find all of the supplies I used on this project HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.  Witch Hazel is a must have I dare say!

Off to take a bunch of little girls home and back again to get going on the Chicken Noodle Soup for a hungry husband.  

Melis

P.S.  One of my favorite people, Becky Fleck, is hosting a relay for Life/Breast Cancer Awareness raffle on her blog with the plumpest, pinkest, most delightful assortment of goodies to share.  Please visit her blog HERE for more information.  Here is a photo of the offerings!

winter whites...

Oh how I love houses....paper-crafted, chipboard, fabric, canvas drawings, stamps, etc.  I love images of houses simply because of what they represent.  I have had in my stash for a while now a few chipboard house ornaments from Melissa Frances and had a minute to assemble one and then dress it up.

I used plenty of products from Frost it Pink as well as a few things from my stash.....I love my Christmas stash.  You can see supplies listed below.

Next up, a metal tin ornament painted with Krylon Catalina Mist acrylic paint, covered in buttons, mica flakes, a paper medallion, vintage trim, scrunched seam binding from Craft Spot, and a fun Flair Button from A Flair for Buttons etsy shop.

The sentiment stamp is from Papertrey Ink's Framed Out #9 stamp set...just the right size for mini tags.

Speaking of Krylon Catalina Mist paint....I tried it out on a pumpkin.  Be back shortly to show you how it all turned out.  It's about time I get back into fall and Halloween, don't ya think?

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

InLinkz.com

wish list for santa...

I imagine I am not the only one with a little girl busily dreaming about her wish list for Santa.  I am bound and determined to help that jolly, old fellow out and make thing easier for him this year.  So, her sweet wishes written down for Santa to see are a welcome sight...helps me get in the holiday spirit even though I don't want to think about it quite yet. 

One of the many things I love about this time of year is jumping from one holiday to another, back again, and then starting all over.  It seems refreshing to me to create for the holidays...all of them simultaneously.  For some reason, it seems that it makes this wonderful time of year last a little longer.  So, today  I have a Christmas card while thinking of caramel apples and making pumpkin shaped sugar cookies for tonight's Family Home Evening.  Who says I cant, ha!

I used Papertrey Ink's Holiday Button Bits and coordinating die for this card along with October Afternoon and Graphic 45 paper.  

(photo credit)

I found this quote on one of my sis-in-law's Pinterest boards today and it was just what I needed to read.  Love it!

 

Enjoy your day!

Melis

 

fall sunshine...

We've been outside soaking in the fall sunshine today.  It seems to feel and smell different as fall settles in.  The perfectly wonderful temperatures just don't seem to last long enough though.  As fall comes on, my husband heads into the mountains on horseback with his dad hunting.  This boy LOVES this time of year, gets a twinkle in his eye, and off he goes.  They come back sunburned from their cheeks down and looking like two peas in a pod.   Sierra is outside non-stop playing with a couple of new kittens, making clubhouses in the cedar trees, and collecting cups of cedar berries.  And, it's wood chopping weather...I love the smell of freshly cut wood and to see it stacked on the porch makes me so thankful to know we'll be keeping warm through the winter.

Just a random post today filled with a few things I've been working on.  This first card uses digital images from iralamija's etsy shop, Maya Road Hearts chipboard, My Mind's Eye and Melissa Frances paper, My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding, and Papertrey Ink stamps, the 2009 Autumn Tags and Harvest Berries sets.  

And, been stitching up a few autumn cottage pin cushions.  Love these yummy, warm, pumpkin pie-ish colors :)

The sweet chipboard pieces are also from Maya Road from the Sew Cute Mini Chipboard Set.  

Enjoy the day!

Melis

 

creamy halloween...

Can you believe Halloween is right around the corner?  We are in the middle of costume making around here. I'm really excited about what my little one has chosen to be this year.  I hope to show you a sneak peek very soon.  She's taking part and great effort in making sure things are just so...I love it.

Today I have a couple of cards to share with you created for the Emma's Paperie blog and based on a beautiful color combination found there.

I must say that I think this may be my most favorite combination of colors ever...especially for this time of year.  I'm a sucker for creamy pumpkins and all things shabby, so mixing in these colors and elements was so much fun.

All of the supplies used on these cards can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

And, one more creamy creation, also created for Emma's Paperie.  Last month our spotlight was on the beautiful products of Carta Bella Paper Co.  I used the Beautiful Moments collection and mixed in elements from Prima and My Mind's Eye.  

All of the supplies used on this card can be found HERE.  And, if you're looking for some of the tea-stained twill I used in many of my projects, I have stained oodles and you can find it at Frost it Pink.

 

Have a wonderful day!

Melis

ohDEERme autumn...

Hello lovelies!  It's that wonderful time again to share with you a fun new kit from Freckled Fawn...the Autumn ohDEERme kit is completely adorable...all things playful, whimsical, and full of autumn goodness.

I've got a few things to share with you tonight, each containing contents from this kit.  At the end of this post you'll notice a list of where each of the kit contents came from...so many fun, enchanting shops to explore.

This card uses the stitched cards, whimsical mushroom (this color is my new, very most favorite color in the whole world), and a chipboard pumpkin, painted and distressed and then stamped with Papertrey Ink's Layered Postmarks:  Holiday, and a tag stamped with the 2009 Autumn Tag set.  The sweet little crow and dimensional leaf are another couple of my favorite things from American Crafts Scarecrow Sticker Sheet.  

Items from the kit used on this card are the paper bow, cork board cloud, felt rose, whimsical mushroom, and wood leaf.  

I used My Mind's Eye and Farm House Paper Co. paper on this card, a Pink Paislee chipboard Artisan heart, and the wood leaf is stamped using Papertrey Ink's Polka Dot Basics stamp set with the tag stamped using the Tag-Its #7 set.  

More kit goodness used here including the washi tape, glassine envelope, flair button, sequins (yaaay!), resin flowers, whimsical mushroom, and wood leaf.  I added paper by Basic Grey and My Mind's Eye, scrunched seam binding from Craft Spot, a Jenni Bowlin sticker and vellum flower, and fabric.  The stamp used for the sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's Fall Elegance set and the hearts from the Love Lives Here:  Holiday set.  

And lastly, a fun little gift jar filled with salted caramels use the chipboard pumpkin, washi, and paper pinwheel from the kit.  Who can resist all of the sweet goodies in this crafty bundle?  

Kit Contributors Include:

A Flair for Buttons - pinwheel flair

 

Bahana Splits Boutique - stitch cards

 

Caramelos - trio of whimsical mushrooms

 

Curtsey Boutique - paper bow

 

Halo's Haven - pinwheel

 

Heavenly Ogres - resin flowers

 

Jardine de Papier - chipboard pumpkins

 

Real Dreams - corkboard clouds

 

Scrap-N-Scribe - felt rose

 

Freckled Fawn - glassine envelopes, washi tape, sequins, and wooden leaves.

Hope you're all enjoying fall.  My porch is decorated with pumpkins and cornstalks thanks to my wonderful father-in-law for delivering them to me.  We're dressed up on the inside as well and now we get to put our feet up and enjoy this wonderful time of year.  I've got another bushel of apples to make into applesauce and pie filling tomorrow and then it's time to bake!

If you're a pumpkin lover, this recipe is yummy!  I made Autumn Pumpkin Bars a few days ago and loved them.

Autumn Pumpkin Bars (recipe from bhg.com)

Night.

Melis

 

papertrey ink october...

Wow!  What a party it's been around here the last few days.  I have loved each minute of the Papertrey Ink October release and have a few more projects to share with you using more new products.  

This first card uses the new Heart-2-Heart #9 stamp set and dies.  I am so in love with this series of stamps and for only $5.00 a set, who can resist owning each of them!  The lovely scrunched seam binding used on this card is from Craft Spot.

This next card uses the new Over Under Easy stamp set...so much fun and there is a Holiday Additions set available too.

I was in the mood to continue on with gratitude since this time of year is my favorite, so worked in some fun, patch-worky leaves using the Leaf Prints die collection and cut a variety of paper and washi, and stitched them together to form a frame around my sentiment.

This card also uses elements from the Over Under Easy stamp set along with a sentiment from the new Beautiful Blessings:  Holiday stamp set, the new Background Basics:  Super Stripe, and the Love Lives Here:  Holiday stamp set.  

I wish I could get my camera to pick up on the correct color for my felt flower, it looks a bit dark in the photo, but was cut using Scarlet Jewel felt using the Bells & Boughs Bloomer die collection.

There's a new Shape Up Series die coming out this month, the mitten, and I love it!  I created a tag from it using the new Background Basics:  Striped Sweater and Snowflake Flurries stamp sets.

Peaceful Pinecones is irresistible!  I really, love this and can already see myself having to control my use of it or it could show up on all of my holiday cards.  It's just beautiful.   It has a wide assortment of dies available as well.  

Love the sentiments included in the set.  This one is framed using the new Countdown to Christmas stamp set.

Framed Out #9 is so playful and fun.  I paired it here with Bells & Boughs, Fancy Flourishes, and Snowflake Flurries.  Kinda digging this color combo....

The new Layered Postmarks:  Holiday stamp set is gorgeous.  This card uses the star from the set, but I can't wait to use the tree and holly leaves very soon.  

Freckled Fawn washi has been by my side throughout this release as I love adding it to my projects...the translucent quality adds a whole different dimension...and buttons of course.  Can't live without 'em.  The scrunched seam binding used here is from Craft Spot.

Lastly, the new Menorah Medley stamp set and coordinating dies are wonderful.  So many different options exist and I hope that this set will find a home with those of you looking for a stamp set to fill this gap.

I used Freckled Fawn glitter tape to highlight certain aspects of the die.  

Thank you, thank you to each of you for your visits and sweet comments!  Hope you're ready to stamp and play!

Melis

Be sure to stop by the other designer's blogs for more ideas using these new sets:

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

 

Mr. & Mrs. Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Heart-2-Heart #9
Ink:
Harvest Gold, Aqua Mist, and Enchanted Evening
Paper:
Aqua Mist Dot
Accents:
Spring Moss buttons, Aqua Mist felt
Tools:
Heart-2-Heart #9 and Mat Stack #3
Other Supplies Used:
My Mind's Eye paper, vintage trim, and My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding

A Good Friend Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Over Under Easy
Ink:
Pure Poppy, Melon Berry, and Aqua Mist ink
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush
Tools:
Leaf Prints
Accents:
Berry Sorbet buttons

Other Supplies Used:
My Mind's Eye and Studio Calico paper, Freckled Fawn washi tape

 

Wishing You Blessings...Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Beautiful Blessings: Holiday, Over Under Easy, Love Lives Here: Holiday, and Background Basics: Super Stripes
Ink:
Pure Poppy, Scarlet Jewel, Fresh Snow, and Simply Chartreuse
Cardstock:
Classic Kraft
Tools:
Bells & Boughs Bloomers, Double Ended Banner, Mat Stach 4 and Layerz Mat Stack 4, Holly Jolly dies
Accents:
Scarlet Jewel and Pure Poppy felt

Other Supplies Used:
Basic Grey and My Mind's Eye paper

 

Warmest Winter Wishes Tag

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Snowflake Flurries, Background Basics: Striped Sweater
Ink:
Smokey Shadow, Sweet Blush, Pure Poppy, and Fresh Snow
Cardstock and Paper:
Sweet Blush and Pure Poppy Stripe
Accents:
Vintage Cream and Classic Kraft felt, Soft Stone button, Vintage Cream Grosgrain, Pure Poppy Baker's Twine
Tools:
Snowflake Flurries, Holly Jolly, Small Scallop, Shape Up Series: Mitten

Other Supplies Used:
WRMK eyelet, My Mind's Eye paper, vintage trim

 

Cozy Christmas Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Peaceful Pinecones and Countdown to Christmas
Ink:
Limeade Ice, Aqua Mist, and Simply Chartreuse
Cardstock:
Spring Moss and Aqua Mist
Tools:
Double Ended Banner, Peaceful Pinecones dies
Accents:
Spring Moss button, button twine

Other Supplies Used:
My Mind's Eye paper, Freckled Fawn washi tape

 

Peace, Love, Joy Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Bells and Boughs, Frames Out #9, Fancy Flourishes, Snowflake Flurries, and Think Big Favorites #21
Ink:
Smokey Shadow, Raspberry Fizz, and Limeade Ice
Cardstock:
Limeade Ice
Tools:
Bells & Boughs Bloomers, Framed Out #9, Fancy Flourishes dies
Accents:
Limeade Ice satin, Limeade Ice buttons

Other Supplies Used:
Basic Grey paper

 

A Merry Christmas Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Layered Postmarks: Holiday
Ink:
Pure Poppy and True Black
Cardstock:
White and Sweet Blush
Accents:
Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, and Vintage cream buttons, Pure Poppy Baker's Twine

Other Supplies Used:
Freckled Fawn washi tape and My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding

Happy Hannukah Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Menorah Medley, Snowflake Flurries
Ink:
Dark Chocolate and Harvest Gold
Cardstock and Paper:
Fine Linen and Dearest Jane
Tools:
Menorah Medley, Snowflake Flurries, and Mega Mat Stack 1 dies

Other Supplies Used:
My Mind's Eye paper, Tim Holtz metal clip, Freckled Fawn glitter tape

countdown to christmas...

Such a fun post today...all about Christmas, with ways to make it even more memorable.  Today's Papertrey Ink group project focuses on the new Countdown to Christmas and Countdown Details stamp sets.  I've created a December Daily type of project but with a slightly different twist.  For each day in December, I've created a pocket, tag, envelope, pillow box, and even a wooden spool with an act of service or kindness, or a simple Christmas activity to be done and enjoyed together as a family.  I'll list a few of the ideas I have for each daily act at the end of this post.

What you're left with after the activity is completed, is a memory, so take along  your camera, and you've got a tag and embellishments already created for you to add to your December Daily journal, all that's missing is your journaling.

Here are a few examples of how I created my tags and such for each day.  This first tag was created using the Tag Sale #6.  The date is mounted on a snowflake cut using the Snowflake Medley die, and the handmade felt embellishment you see here and on a few of the other dates was cut using the Love Lives Here:  Holiday die collection.  The mitten was cut from Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream, and Limeade Ice felt.  I used Aqua Mist, Simply Chartreuse, Berry Sorbet, and Pure Poppy ink on each of these tags.

The inside tag uses stamps from these new releases...so many cute and fun images and sentiments ready and waiting to be used.  This tag and the following are attached to a small glassine bag and used as a pocket of sorts where the fun awaits!

My December 2nd tag uses the Damask Snowflakes die collection as my base and decorative washi tape across the bottom from Freckled Fawn...the wide, red polka dot washi used on the 1st tag is also from Freckled Fawn.  I love how washi looks on glassine.

Once again I used the Love Lives Here:  Holiday die collection for my embellishments and used Melon Berry, Vintage Cream, Limeade Ice, and Simply Chartreuse felt.  It's attached to the tag using a Maya Road trinket pin.

For December 3rd, I used the Seed Packet die and It's Official Patterned Paper to form my pocket.  I used the By the Numbers die collection for my number and mounted it onto a frame cut from Fine Linen cardstock and the Fillable Frames #10 die and using the Fillable Frames #10 stamp set and Fresh Snow ink.  

The felt embellishment on this pocket was cut from Limeade Ice using the Holly Jolly die and a bit of cream tulle.

Next up, I used the Essential Pillow Box die...just the right size for this project.  

Once again I used the Holly Jolly die along with the Peace Be Still die collection and Winter Penguin die collection.  The felt used is Aqua Mist, Limeade Ice, and Pure Poppy.

My last idea uses a wooden spool with paper wrapped around its center that contains the act of kindness of activity...just unravel to discover what it is and enjoy!  My felt mitten was made from Limeade Ice, Vintage Cream, and Pure Poppy felt.  A strip of Sweet Blush twill secures the paper around the spool.

I used a small, wire basket to hold each of these items throughout December, but you could use a small Christmas tree and hang each from it, a small, wooden drawer, make it into a garland, etc.

A few ideas I have for the Daily Acts are:

1. Decorate the tree
2. Sing carols at a nursing home
3. Cut out paper snowflakes
4. Pick out a toy for Toys for Tots
5. Have hot cocoa with marshmallows
6. Make a card for someone and mail it
7. Watch a Christmas movie together
8. Decorate a gingerbread house
9. Draw Grandma a picture and mail it
10. Sting together popcorn and cranberries for the Christmas tree
11. Make a pinecone bird feeder
12. Read a Christmas story
13. Bake Christmas cookies
14. Take a ride to see the Christmas lights
15. Make a snowman
16. Create a handmade ornament
17. Take cinnamon rolls to a neighbor
18. Pick out a special gift for someone, wrap it, and deliver it secretly
19. Fill a stocking for someone in need
20. Make cinnamon rolls and share them

We were also asked to create a card using these new sets to show their versatility.  This card came together very simply, using the same elements as on the previous project.  I used the calendar stamp as a background along the bottom edge of the card, stamped the sentiment vertically, and highlighted the number "25" but using dimensional adhesive.  Just a few strips of washi tape, Aqua Mist Saddle Stitch ribbon, and Raspberry Fizz and Aqua Mist buttons, and I was done.

Thanks so much for visiting!  I can't wait to see what the other girls have created to share:

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

 

holiday tags...

Handmade holiday tags....I think they're the sweetest and can certainly make a gift extra special.  Our first group post at Papertrey Ink this month is all about creating holiday tags in bulk using the new 2012 Holiday Tags stamp set.  

My tags serve as pockets as well where a gift card or Christmas treat could be tucked away and presented in the form as a tag.  I began with Papertrey Ink's Small Square Kraft envelopes which measure 3x3".  A small glassine bag fits perfectly down inside and adds just the right space for the gift card or treat.

Next I cut paper to fit the front of each envelope.  I used both Pure Poppy Bitty Dot and the new Limeade Ice Gingham, alternating them on each envelope.  Next came the use of the Limitless Layers 2 1.4" Die Collection, alternating the patterned paper and color once again, and then topped off with a solid Vintage Cream square stamped with the sweetest image and sentiment from the new 2012 Holiday Tags stamp set.  I stamped the wreath in Simply Chartreuse, berries in Pure Poppy, and sentiment in Classic Kraft.  A double strand of Pure Poppy Baker's Twine finished off each tag very simply.

I dressed up the top of each tag by using Simply Chartreuse Twill and die cutting flowers from the new Bells & Boughs Bloomers Die Collection and Pure Poppy felt.  Each flower is topped off with a Fine Linen button.

We were also asked to create a card using some of the same elements as in the tags along with the same image.  This came together in a snap and just makes me happy to look at.  The only additions would be the use of the new Background Basics:  Super Stripes stamped in Simply Chartreuse and Fresh Snow across the bottom of the card and Fine Line Grosgrain across the front of the card.  

A few extra buttons and in a snap my holiday cards and tags can be done for the season!

Thanks so much for visiting!  Can't wait to see what the other designers have created to share.  Here are links to their blogs:

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

introducing winter hills and believe dies...

We're jumping back into Christmas this month at Papertrey Ink, with plenty of heartwarming sets available for purchase on the 15th of October including the new set I get to introduce you to today called Winter Hills. This darling folk-art set is a follow up to the previously released Autumn Hills.  Folk-art + crafting = instant love in my book.  I have long loved anything in this wonderful genre, so this new set with its cozy, thoughtful, homespun feel is a favorite of mine.

For this first card I used the paper-piecing technique which is a technique I am always drawn to in order to create life with pattern and color.  The house was stamped in Smokey Shadow ink onto Pure Poppy Bitty Dot paper and a coordinating patterned paper from Basic Grey.  I then pieced together the roof and house with coordinating paper and adhered them to my card followed by a tiny snowman cut from Vintage Cream cardstock, and trees stamped in Spring Moss.  The sentiment was stamped in Smokey Shadow as well and the heart was accented using a Copic marker in Crimson, RV29.

I am also introducing you to the Believe Die collection today which coordinates with the previously released Believe stamp set.  I've always loved this set and was so happy to hear about coordinating dies.  Dies just makes stamping even more fun and inspiring I think.  The santa image was stamped on Pure Poppy Gingham paper, white cardstock, and a french script paper,  I just cut out pieces and adhered them to the base, added in dimensional adhesive here and there and worked a while to get him just right.  I used the Layerz Mat Stack 4 die to create the image of rolling hills and a bit of Simple Chartreuse Twill to bring in a little texture.

This card uses another image and sentiment from the Winter Hills set, such a sweet little peek into a glittery, wintry countryside.  

I stamped the image and sentiment in Smokey Shadow, added in color using my Copic markers Warm Gray No. 1, Pink RV11, and Sea Green G12.  I added Stickles Glitter from Ranger in Diamond to bring in the sparkle.  The image is matted onto patterned paper cut using the Tag Sale # 6 die.  The winter trees at the bottom of the card were stamped in Sweet Blush.  

I brought in the Believe dies on this card as well and used the stamp set and dies as accents at the top and bottom of the image.  The berries were stamped in Classic Kraft ink and colored once again using Copics.  I used the Christmas Poinsettia stamp set and die collection to create an accent and finished it off with a Fine Linen Button.  Other accents I used on this card are Fine Linen Grosgrain and Aqua Mist buttons.

And lastly, this card uses these fun new products together once again.  I began with an Autumn Rose cardstock base, stamped the bottom edge with the new Background Basics:  Striped Sweater stamp set and then added cream patterned paper just above the stamped edge.  

I stamped the house images directly onto the cream patterned paper using Classic Kraft ink and colored the roof tops and windows using my Copic marker.  I then layered trees cut using the Believe die collection and Spring Moss cardstock.  They were stamped in Simply Chartreuse ink and layered over the houses so they peeked out from behind.

I cut hearts using the Believe die collection, stamped them in Spring Moss ink and added them to the center of each tree.  I used the Holly Jolly die collection and Autumn Rose felt to add another layer here as well.  A double bow using White Silk ribbon was tied at the top and finished off with a Sweet Blush button.

I had such fun creating these cards for you.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Here are a few other links for you to follow, all showing new stamp sets and products available for purchase on the 15th of October.

Nichole Heady

Ashley Cannon Newell

Dawn McVey

Maile Belles

Erin Lincoln

 

songbird....

It's such a beautiful fall day here today!  I think just about every fall day is my favorite, whether it's a day filled with dark storm clouds, rain, bright sunshine, crisp breezes, or calm, cool quiet...I love them all! Today I'm sharing with you a new kit I designed for Frost it Pink.  It's filled will all of the things you'll see in my photos including Prima Songbird paper, chipboard, stickers, note cards, and flowers, Maya Road Organza trim, scrunched seam binding, crocheted trim, trinket pins, satin wings, a burlap bag, buttons, etc.

The kit includes all of the supplies you'll need to create nine cards and one burlap trinket pin bag, plus you'll have plenty of extra supplies to create more of what you love.  These cards are so easy to put together as all of the beautiful elements flow flawlessly together.

The Songbird kit is available now right HERE at Frost it Pink!  Hope you enjoy it and please always feel free to email me with questions you may have.

Enjoy your day!
Melis 

happy day to...

 Stella W., the winner of the Freckled Fawn He Said, She Said washi tape collection!

And, 

Rebecca Ednie, the winner of the Flair for Buttons giveaway!

Thank you to you all for participating.  So sorry I can't slip a little something in the mail for each of you.

There's a new sketch up on the I am Doe blog and I took a little time to play along this month.  I created this card using textures, layers and little splashes of color.  

I used Freckled Fawn's Pink Airmail, Cross Stitch, and  Yellow Airmail washi tapes.  

The chipboard frame is from Maya Road is painted in off-white acrylic paint and then stamped using Raspberry Fizz and Papertrey Ink's Polka Dot Basics II stamp set.  

I used layers of elements starting with My Mind's Eye paper, Maya Road burlap, a Martha Stewart doily coated in Sunflower Glimmer Mist, clear buttons with washi tape on their undersides, Basic Grey chipboard, a K&Co. dimensional sticker, and vintage millinery flowers and trim.

You have until the 15th of October to participate in the I am Doe sketch challenge if you'd like to join in.  

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

 

a flair for buttons blog hop!...

Such a happy occasion to celebrate with you today!  Welcome to A Flair For Buttons blog hop.  

Today you will have the chance to visit all of the talented A Flair for Buttons Design Team member's blogs (plus a couple of extras)!

We're each making a card or two featuring Shelley's Flair to help get you inspired on this day of creativity.  Hope you have a little time to sit down and create, but if not, this hop ought to get your creative juices flowing!  

 

My first card today uses the Vintage Christmas Flair buttons....they are sweet and versatile for all of the fun crafting styles out there.

Buttons are from my vintage stash and from Maya Road....I love their alterable wood buttons.  I just used my Krylon Catalina Mist acrylic paint and some Mister Huey's Color Mist to age and antique it.  

The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's Love Lives Here:  Holiday stamp set...one of my faves, and the tree die is from the In the Meadow Silhouettes collection.

Lastly, this card uses the Dear Santa Flair buttons....oh my!  Yep, I love 'em.  The paper is by Authentique and the Resist Canvas pieces used on both of these are from Prima.  The delicious scrunched seam binding can be found at Craft Spot.  The stamp used here is from Papertrey Ink's 2008 Holiday Tag Collection.  

Don't you love this vintage Santa image?  There are so many more to fall in love with in this collection.  The Gold Airmail Washi Tape is from Freckled Fawn....perfect for the holiday season.

Leave a comment below {before midnight CST monday oct 8th} for a chance to win a set of flair from the A Flair for Buttons Etsy shop!

I'll be giving away one of my favorite sets...I have many favorites you know, but had to narrow it down to just one:
 

This is the Vintage Kids Flair 1 set....they remind me so much of my little bean, I couldn't resist giving a set away.  

 

Leave me a comment to be eligible to win this set and make sure you hop around to the other designer's blogs as they are all giving away their favorite set and have projects ready to inspire and share with you!

A Flair for Buttons

Tessa Buys

Jennifer Chapin

Michelle Hernandez

Danielle Flanders

Dayna Howard

Megan Klauer 

Melissa Phillips 

Diane Payne

Danielle Walls

Erica Weinstock

 

Thanks so much for visiting!  Enjoy they day!

Melis

 

oh, to be home...

Home sweet home....I love it here and am always so happy to return.  I had a wonderful little getaway with my husband in downtown Fort Worth, Texas.  We love that beautiful, historic city!  We roamed the town each evening and found BBQ ribs and delish Mexican food while there.  We even traveled a bit farther to see my sweet, southern nephews, and my brother and sister-in-law.  I missed them all the minute we drove away...

Last week at Emma's Paperie, the design team was focusing on washi tape....this stuff is everywhere, isn't it?  Have you snagged you a few rolls yet?  I created this card for the challenge and used washi in a unique way by adhering it to the underside of clear buttons so that the washi shows through from below.  So easy and such a fun way to create your own custom buttons.

All of the supplies used to create this card can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.

Next up is a card I created using Freckled Fawn's new Red Woodgrain Washi (with hearts, might I add)...this is a must have in any washi lover's stash :)

I used some fun Maya Road products on this as well including the Patty Mini Alphabet Chipboard, a Mini Wood Clothespin, Pumpkin Orange Pleat Tulle, and Cream Burlap Trim.

The cutout is from Elle's Studio and the paper from American Crafts and Bella Blvd.

Laundry waiting to be folded, dinner ready to pop in the oven, cozy home waiting to be decorated for fall...happy to be home!

Melis

 

he said....she said...

Hi everyone!  I'm excited to participate in the Freckled Fawn He Said, She Said blog hop today!  These new washi tapes are adorable....I love them and know you will too.  

I'm away on a business trip with my husband, but still wanted to let you all know about these new products and let you play along in the giveaway, but will have a new He Said, She Said project to share with you later this week...until then, here are peeks at the new tapes...love them all!

If you want to win the He Said, She Said Washi Set (all three tapes), please leave a comment here or on any of the below. There will be ONE winner from EACH blog.  

All winners will be announced the following Monday October 8th.

Here is the order for the blog hop:

Freckled Fawn (I am a doe) blog 

Adrienne's blog

Brandy's blog

Caz's blog

Christin's blog

Melissa's blog

Natt's Blog

 

Good luck! and come back later this week for a new project using these sweet new tapes.

Melis

 

 

 

boards & beams revisited...

The Papertrey Ink Sr. Design Team is revisiting two sets this month, Boards & Beams and Home for the Holidays.  I've made a couple of projects for you showing how these sets can be used for different occasions.

This first project uses the two sets combined to create a large tag to dress up a package.  I love how you can use the sets to create little scenes with a cozy, homespun feel.  The base for the tag was created using the Layerz Mat Stack 4 die and Rustic Cream cardstock.  

I used Autumn Rose and Raspberry Fizz ink for the house and Simply Chartreuse ink for the Christmas tree and wreaths hanging in the windows.  I also used the Home for the Holidays coordinating dies to make a few of the elements stand out a bit.  The snowbanks across the bottom of the tag use Holiday Cheer Patterned Paper and In the Meadow dies.  

My sentiment comes from the Wonderful Words:  Holiday stamp set and was stamped in Spring Moss ink and on a strip of Rustic Cream cardstock cut using the Double Ended Banners die.  The first part of the sentiment uses Autumn Rose cardstock and the Wonderful Words:  Holiday die collection.  It was matted on a Damask Snowflake die cut from Sweet Blush cardstock.  The package was then wrapped up and the tag attached using Autumn Rose Swiss Dot Satin, Sweet Blush button, and Rustic Cream Button Twine.

This next little bundle is a fun idea for a Valentine or "Just Because" gift for a neighbor or friend.  It begins with a base cut using the Card Base-ics #2 die and Rustic Cream cardstock.  The houses from the Boards & Beams stamp set were stamped in Pure Poppy along with hearts from the Simple Valentine stamp set.  

The hearts were embellished by adding an image from the Winterberry stamp set across the center of them and then a Vintage Cream button.  I used my  most favorite sentiment from the Boards & Beams stamp set here and made it my focal point by stamping it in Smokey Shadow ink on Rustic Cream cardstock cut from the Limitless Layers 2 1/4" die collection with Pure Poppy Bitty Dot paper used as a mat behind the sentiment.

I filled a small glassine bag with candy, tied it with Pure Poppy Baker's Twine, and then slipped it into the slots.  I used a strip of Sweet Blush grosgrain to secure it even further and created a sweet bundle.  

The tree ties everything together and uses the Boards & Beams stamp set and coordinating die along with a Pure Poppy felt heart cut using the Heart Prints dies.

That's it for me, but there are many other ideas waiting for you on the following blogs:

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Maile Belles

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Melis