LilyBean's Paperie

sweetheart stitches...

Oh what a wonderful day!  I'm feeling so refreshed and invigorated....perfect Saturdays at home with my husband and little girl always seem to do that to me. 

And, hearts and stitches always make me smile too....LOVE crafting for Valentine's Day.  Give me glitter, hearts, shades of red, and some cute wooden arrows and I can't help but smile.  

I created this card for the I am Doe blog using some of Freckled Fawn's sweet new wood chips.  I used the Freckled Fawn Arrow Wood Chips on this card but they also carry the cutest Speech Bubble Word Wood Chips too.  I also snagged my Wide Argyle Washi and Gold Polka on White Washi and used them across the card as well.  

I used Papertrey Ink's Purls of Wisdom and Sew Simple Borders Mini stamp sets here as well as cork and the Tiny Tags die.  I also used Maya Road's Scallop Frames Chipboard set and a Mini Wooden Clothespin.  

The new year always seems to refresh and excite me.  This year I have so much to look forward to, dreams and goals, but so much everyday goodness to love and be grateful for.  I've decided it's time for a new look here on my blog...time to switch to blogger I think and spruce this place up a bit, so stay tuned for that and please let me know if you have any wonderful blog designers to recommend.  I've got a teaching opportunity to a faraway country, across the seas, that I am nervous and excited about coming up this year if all goes as planned...stay tuned for more on that too.  Looking forward to more every day, ordinary, moments with my little family...chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast each morning before school, backpack unpacking and helping with homework in the evenings, watching with wonder as she grows and changes and realizes how very special she is, caring for a home, a sweet, gentle, hardworking husband, baking and cooking, morning runs, the ups and downs that are sure to come, continually trying to realize and reach my potential, etc....life is sweet and I am forever grateful.

 

Well, my little lady is sleeping, time for a movie, popcorn, and oranges with my boy.

Night.

Melis

snowflakes sparkle...

Hi everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  We certainly did here.  Still enjoying the lazy days of togetherness that come after Christmas and hoping that my energy and creative mojo will kick in again...it worries me when I sit and stare and all of my lovely supplies without a thought as to what to do with them.  The holidays wipe me out though with all of the hustle, bustle and preparations that happen before.  I love soaking in the calm and quiet after.  My little one is home with me for a good long while and it is the sweetest thing to have her here to fill the house with the music that only she can make...the laughter, happiness, chatter, imaginary play, etc.

I just wanted to check in today and share a project I created for my mom....the sweetest mom on earth.  I painted a silver frame using Krylon Catalina Mist acrylic paint and then distressed it with Tim Holtz Vintage Photo distress ink.  I then printed off a vintage photo I found online and embellished the frame with a tiny Melissa Frances bottle brush tree, Melissa Frances cream tulle trim, a silver snowflake also painted in Catalina Mist, and a few other of my favorite things. I love creating dimensional frames...so fun to let your favorite things pop off the frame and come to life.

I used my favorite Vanilla Bean scrunched seam binding from Craft Spot and created a handmade button using fabric, trim, and my I-top tool....sure need to dig that thing out more often.

 

I hope to be back with more fun things to share with you soon, but wanted to check in and say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Melis

because it's so cute, holiday giveaway....

I love giving like-minded, crafty friends handmade gifts...it's one of my favorite things to do because basically I just either shop for or create something I would love, and then give it away.  I have mentioned my friend Teva before here, she's the creator of the adorable owls shown below.

Well, I love having her as a friend as she also shares a piece of my heart and I feel so connected to her. When Teva made me my sweet, pink owl family, she made an extra baby owlet, just because.  I remember feeling so grateful that she would be so thoughtful. I truly hope that one day we will be a family of 4, and that there will be another little one added to our family.  When she gave them to me, she never said a word, but I knew what was in her heart.  She, more than anyone I know, has suffered incredible heartbreak as she and her husband have tried to bring little ones into their home.  She is a wonderful mother and has beautiful, sweet, angels watching her from above, waiting for her.  She is stronger than I could ever be and I am in awe of her and her incredible faith.  Anyway, she is fun to make things for so I created the jingle pincushion with her in mind and shared a few of my favorite fabric prints with her.

I used more of my favorite Melissa Frances Pink Zipper Ribbon and Organza Pouf Pink Ribbon to create my flower and sprayed a glittered silver jingle bell with Ballet Pink Krylon acrylic paint for the center.  The Heart Trinket pins are from Maya Road and the fabric from Moda.  

This card was created for Emma's Paperie and is based on a sketch there.  I used one of my most favorite Christmas collections of the season from Glitz Designs called Joyeux Noel.  I know I'll be using it year round as it's shabby and so beautiful.  

I also used embellishments from Glitz Designs Hello Friend collection, Studio Calico, Crate Paper, Jillibean Soup and others.  You can find a complete supply list HERE.

And now, because it's my absolute favorite thing in the world...I don't actually own one, but my sis-in-law and I bought one for my mom for Christmas and it just arrived and truly is just irresistible.  I want to share the Christmas joy with one of you.  These little darlings are from a company called In a Pikle, you must check out their website to read all about them, but in a nutshell, these glammed up wallets contain emergency essentials for mom, grandma, auntie, even dad as they've just come out with a very handsome, manly version.  I bought my mom the cute pearl grey one.  I will be giving away a $25 In a Pikle Gift Card to one of you so you can go shopping for your own Pikle and handle the little emergencies of life with a smile :)  

Just leave a note for me on this post by, let's say, December 31st at midnight.  I'll randomly select one reader and announce the winner on January 1st-ish :)

 

Merry Christmas friends.

Melis 

tree trimmings...

These past few days have been very sweet as Christmas draws nearer.  I have enjoyed wrapping up special gifts, finishing handmade projects, getting packages filled with love mailed off to my family far away, and slowing down to enjoy my little one as she certainly knows how to bring the magic of Christmas into our lives.  We've had snow here which is always a treat in the desert...it doesn't last long, but is so fun to see the kids run out to soak it in and enjoy it before it disappears.  They can build muddy, mini snowmen faster that you can blink :).  My heart has been touched like never before as I have reflected back upon the tragedy that took place this past week.  I have learned to slow down and savor the life I have with the beautiful gifts of my husband and daughter that have been given to me by my Father in Heaven.  Christmas songs such as Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, and many others seem to have such a different depth to them now as I celebrate the cherished gift of our Savior's birth and know that He is cradling those sweet babies in His arms now...just for a while until they can be reunited with their mothers. I pray every day for those sweet mothers and fathers, for the families, for the dear little children that were witnesses, for the teachers...teachers are such special people.  My mom taught Kindergarten through 3rd grade for more years than I can remember and so I find myself picturing her in that situation.  Teachers are angels as are the little ones that they care for, teach, love, and protect.

I ran across this quote the other day and have found myself looking back and searching for the helpers and of course finding them everywhere.

I have a few last Christmas project to share.  I hardly touched my Christmas stash of crafting supplies this year.  I always have such big plans to create with this and that and use all of the things I love, but before I know it, it's too late.  Anyway, for you today, I have a couple of paper mache Christmas tree boxes decorated in buttons and glitter, and my holiday ornament this year.  I love to come up with a new handmade ornament each year, and this year was invited to an ornament exchange so I was able to sit down and enjoy making 20 of them.

I started by painting a silver snowflake with pink acrylic paint, then I attached a layer of pink tulle trim from Melissa Frances to the center, next came a small scalloped circle cut from newsprint paper, and then I finished by adhering a bottle brush tree, also by Melissa Frances, to the center.  The wooden snowflake is from Studio Calico and was painted with Krylon Catalina Mist.

My little one will be home from school soon and we've got to make a treat for her class Christmas party tomorrow.  We'll be making one of the following:

I think this looks SOOOO delish!  You can find the recipe at iheartnaptime.

or,

This look so good too!  How to choose...this recipe can be found HERE.  

Got to run...have a wonderful day.

Melis

 

love much...

Hi friends.  Monday is here and I've created a little something for you....a tutorial is available on making your own patchwork die-cuts HERE on the Papertrey Ink blog.

And, since you all have oodles of free time this week :), I thought you might want to try your hand at creating your own homespun patchwork die-cuts and be entered to win a $25 gift card prize!  Head over to the Papertrey Ink blog to post a link to your project. 

Melis

papertrey ink december...

It's been such a fun month at Papertrey Ink with so many new and playful sets and products.  Now if I can switch gears from Valentine's Day and back track to Christmas for a bit. 

My first card uses the new Sending My Love stamp set packed with the sweetest quotes and sentiments.  The quote used on this card is a favorite of mine as it makes me think of my own sweetheart.

I used the letter stamps from the With All My Heart stamp set and stamped them in watermark ink as my background...love their subtlety.

The new XOXO Border die and Framed Out #11 die were used on this card as well.

This card uses my most favorite Think Big Favorites set yet...that is #28.  I also used the Framed Out #11 set and dies as well.

The Love Potion set is next...very playful.  I combined it with hearts from the With All My Heart set and flourishes from the Fancy Flourishes set.

Lastly is the new Quilled Elegance set paired with the new Mat Stack #6 dies.  I'm excited to try this set out some more.

 

All of the supplies used on these cards are listed below and to see more of these sets used in creative ways, visit the blogs of the other Papertrey Ink designers:

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

Thank you for visiting each and every time and Happy Holidays!

Melis

 

Love Story Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Sending My Love and With All My Heart
Ink:
Pure Poppy 
Cardstock and Paper:
Sweet Blush, Rustic Cream, and Aqua Mist Bitty Dot
Accents:
Pure Poppy and Aqua Mist felt, Aqua Mist buttons, Hawaiian Shore Swiss Dot Satin
Tools:
Framed Out #11, Sending You, XOXO Borders, and Movers and Shakers Poppers dies

Other:
Fancy Pants and Crate Paper paper

Love Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Framed Out #11, Think Big Favorites #28
Cardstock:
Aqua Mist and Rustic Cream
Ink:
Raspberry Fizz, Berry Sorbet, and Aqua Mist
Tools:
Framed Out #11 and Heart-2-Heart #7
Accents:
Sweet Blush Grosgrain, Vintage Cream and Simply Chartreuse felt, Berry Sorbet button

Other:
Crate Paper paper

Love Potion Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Love Potion, Fancy Flourishes, and With All My Heart
Ink:
Raspberry Fizz, Aqua Mist, Melon Berry, Berry Sorbet, Classic Kraft, and Sweet Blush
Tools:
Framed Out #11 and Love Potion
Accents:
Sweet Blush Topnotch Twill, Aqua Mist button

Other:
Glitz Designs paper, Freckled Fawn washi tape, Doodlebug glitter

 

Thank You Kindly Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Quilled Elegance
Ink:
Winter Wisteria
Cardstock and Paper:
Rustic Cream, Sweet Blush, and Winter Wisteria Leaves
Tools:
Mat Stack 6, Heart-2-Heart #7
Accents:
Sweet Blush buttons, Vintage Cream felt

Other:
My Mind's Eye paper, Craft Store scrunched seam binding, Copic Markers, Maya Road trinket pins

 

with all my heart...

Today's Papertrey Ink group post showcases the new With All My Heart stamp set.  Hope you're ready for more Valentines, more wedding, and all things sweet because this set encompasses them all.  My first card was created with an anniversary theme in mind.  I began with the Sunrise Impression Plate used on white cardstock and then stamped hearts in Sweet Blush following the sunbeams using hearts from the With All My Heart stamp set.  

I created a focal point for my sentiment using the Limitless Layers Hearts 2 1/4" die collection, Sweet Blush cardstock and Winter Wisteria Leaves paper.  The sentiment from the set was stamped in Raspberry Fizz ink.  I used the Heart-2-Heart  #11 die which consists of three hearts to form my flowers from Autumn Rose felt.  The leaves were cut using Simply Chartreuse felt and the Heart-2-Heart #7 die.  I also used the Fancy Flourishes stamp set and coordinating dies as accents.  

I stamped the next part of my sentiment on a strip of Winter Wisteria cardstock using Winter Wisteria ink.  I also embossed hearts in white across the border cut using the Heart Border die.  

My next project is all about Valentine's Day and was created using the Essential Pillow Box Die and Kraft cardstock.  I began by stamping the Kraft cardstock with images from the set using Vintage Cream, Sweet Blush, and Spring Moss ink.  Once the box was folded up I wrapped a strip of Hibiscus Burst Grosgrain ribbon around it and tied it in a bow embellished with a tag cut from Sweet Blush cardstock using the Heart Prints die.

Once again I used the Limitless Layers Hearts 2 1/4" die collection as my focal point and stamped my image in Classic Kraft, Sweet Blush, Spring Moss, and Hibiscus Burst ink.  

Such a simple and fun project to make for the sweethearts in my life.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  The other designers have projects ready to share with you as well:

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

Melis

embroidered blooms...

Welcome to Papertrey Ink's first group post for December.  We are focusing on the new Embroidered Blooms and Ribbons & Bows stamp sets.  

My first card uses the Embroidered Blooms stamp set to create a background created with the Double Wedding Ring quilt pattern in mind.  I used multiple images from this set along with Aqua Mist, Melon Berry, Harvest Gold, Hibiscus Burst, and Berry Sorbet ink.  I cut flowers using the Beautiful Blooms II #1 die from felt in Melon Berry and Vintage Cream with leaves cut from Aqua Mist felt using the Sending You die.  I added a simple strip of Sweet Blush Topnotch Twill along with a sentiment stamped on vellum and embossed in White Pearls.  

This card uses the beautiful Ribbons & Bows set very simply across the bottom of the card...I really love accenting with these images.  The script for the sentiments is beautiful as well.  

I used the Beautiful Blooms II #1 die again on this card along with Ocean Tides felt, centered with an Aqua Mist felt flower cut using the  Beautiful Blooms II #2 die and a Limeade Ice button.  I used the Rick Rack Border die as an accent just above the sentiment.

I used the Cover Plate:  Circles Die and stamped images from the Embroidered Blooms set inside each open circle using Limeade Ice, Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, Simply Chartreuse, Hawaiian Shores, and Spring Moss ink.  The leaves were stamped in Limeade Ice and Simple Chartreuse and die cut using the Turning a New Leaf die.  

I used the Ribbons & Bows set as my background on this card and stamped the images in Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, and Hibiscus Burst.  I used Aqua Mist Polka Dot and Stripe paper to accent my card and stamped the sentiment in Hawaiian Shores.  

My favorite new dies of this whole release are the Limitless Layers Hearts 2 1/4" die collection....oh, how I love them.  The center heart was cut from Sweet Blush cardstock and coated in glitter.  I used the Beautiful Blooms II #2 and Turning a New Leaf dies to form my accents here and stamped the flower with Pure Poppy and Hibiscus Burst and the leaves in Hawaiian Shores and Aqua Mist.  Just a Sweet Blush button and trinket pin were left to add as finishing touches.

I couldn't resist making a few treat bags using the Embroidered Blooms set and used Scarlet Jewel, Pure Poppy, Classic Kraft, and Dark Chocolate as my ink colors...love the warmth of this combination.  Once again you can see the Limitless Layers Hearts 2 1/4" die collection in action here....addicting, yes!  I die cut them using Classic Kraft and Rustic Cream cardstock.  

For the hearts and sentiments on these tags I turned to the new Framed Out #11 stamp set.  I added a border across one of the bags using the Heart Border die and then a bit of tea stained Pure Poppy Baker's twine to finish them off.

Lastly, I combined both sets once again to create this card using the color palette of Melon Berry, Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, and Berry Sorbet.  The flowers were cut using the Beautiful Blooms II #2 die and the leaves cut using the Turning a New Leaf die.  I used Spring Moss and Simply Chartreuse here.  The Simply Chartreuse felt leaves were cut using the Sending You die once again.

I piled my stamping and embellishments on shapes cut using the new Mat Stack 6 die collection...it's a beauty too!

The other designers have beautiful things in store for you showcasing both of these new sets:

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

Thanks so much for your visit.

Melis

 

 

sleigh ride...

Just have a minute...it seems the Christmas rush is on.  I don't quite know why I'm panicking as I have my shopping done, but not my wrapping, not my baking, not my lay on the couch and watch cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies time either...I better get it in gear.  I've done plenty of snacking on See's chocolates, cheeseball, and sugar cookies though.  I'm a trooper!

Emma's Paperie has such a fun color challenge up on the blog.  These two cards were created in that color palette and I love the fun products I used.  Maya Road, mica flakes, Crate Paper Sleigh Ride, and some Pink Paislee.  

Love the mini wooden rulers from Maya Road...a fave of mine.  I painted them with Krylon Catalina Mist and White acrylic paint and then coated them with just a bit of glitter.

You can never have too many Christmas crafty supplies I say!  All of the supplies used on these cards can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

 

Night.

Melis

jingle jangle...

Happy  Monday!  How are your Christmas preparations coming along?  I have a couple of holiday treats to share with you today created for the Maya Road/Tombow product swap. I and began with the Maya Road Chipboard Snowflake Coasters.  I love their size and knew they'd provide a great base to pile on some fun, bulky embellishments.  This first ornament was coated in Bubblegum Metallic Mist and then covered in mica flakes.

I painted the second layer of the ornament with off-white acrylic paint, ruffed up the edges a bit to add distressing and then ran it through my sewing machine.  I then finished it off with Iridescent Maya Glitter and adhered it to the base using Tombow Power Adhesive Tabs.  A Mega Bottle Cap came next and I filled it with Mini White Organza Roses Trim and attached two Vintage Wood Snowflakes that I had painted and distressed with ink.

I adhered Maya Road Pearl Cream Vintage Leaf Trinket Pins in between the chipboard layers and finished with vintage buttons and a layer of Cream Soft Vintage Scallop Lace Trim adhered to the backside of the ornament using the Tombow Permanent Adhesive Stamp Runner.   

My second ornament began with another Chipboard Snowflake Coaster painted with off-white acrylic paint.  I then used my Tombow Jelly Bean Dual Brush Pen to draw pink polka-dots randomly on the coaster.  I then ran it through my sewing machine, sanded the edges and coated it with mica flakes.

I used another Tombow pen from the Jelly Bean collection and tried a new to me technique, that of drawing directly onto the a bare Mini Scallop Chipboard frame and covering it in this color.  I then coated it with a layer of Iridescent Maya Glitter and just love how it turned out.  I'll be trying this again for sure.

I used the Tombow Permanent Adhesive Stamp Runner and adhered a strip of Seafoam Blue Tu-Tu Tulle to the backside of the scallop frame.  I adhered this layer to the base and started piling on my favorite things such as a Cream Velvet Pleat Blossom, a Chipboard Snowflake, a Skinny Wood Spool, a Vintage Button Stick Pin, gingham ribbon, and buttons.

This was such a fun swap to participate in.  I discovered some amazing new adhesives that have now become favorites and that pair so perfectly with my favorite Maya Road supplies.

Be sure to visit the Maya Road blog and participate in an amazing giveaway.  You can read the details on this post. 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Melis

merry, bright, and whimsical...

Grab a chair and sit for just a bit while I share with you my Tips & Tricks project for Papertrey Ink.  I have wanted to create a felt Christmas tree for a couple of years now and decided now was the time.  I'll explain how and hope you'll create one for yourself!

I grabbed my Papertrey Ink felt in Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream, and Limeade Ice, the Buttoned Up #1, Framed Out #9, Tissue Paper Favors #1, Bloom Builders #1, Holly Jolly,  and Layered Postmarks:  Holiday dies, the Layered Postmarks:  Holiday, Button Up, and Framed Out #9 stamps, Pure Poppy Baker's Twine, and Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, and Pure Poppy buttons plus a bit of vintage trim, pom pom trim, and trinket pins and I was set to get started.

I always like to try and incorporate a sentiment on most of my projects and thought a wreath would be a fun addition to my tree, so I used the Framed Out #9 stamp set and die and attached it near the bottom of my tree using a trinket pin from Maya Road.

A strand of die cut buttons and real buttons made for a colorful garland to wrap around my tree.  I love the many different patterns available in the Button Up stamp set.  And an over sized felt flower cut using the Bloom Builder #1 die was something I loved adding to bring in more softness and dimension.  This is one of my most favorite dies to use this time of year.

Trims always add a special, homespun, unique touch and finished my tree off just how I envisioned it.

A pink and white polka dotted paper straw worked perfectly as my tree trunk.  The straw fit right up inside the center of the tree and also fit perfectly down inside a wooden spool that I painted and distressed and then wrapped in a scrap of fabric.  It is embellished with Limeade Ice leaves cut using the Holly Jolly die and an Aqua Mist button.   The tree dangles freely from the straw, no filling or stuffing needed...easy as that!

Here's how I created this fun little item:

Step 1:

Cut Aqua Mist felt into a wedge.  I've got the pattern handy if you'd like to email me for it.

Step 2:

Form the wedge into a cone and adhere edges together down the backside of the cone.

Step 3:

Adhere a strip of coordinating pom pom trim around the inside edge of the base of the cone.

Step 4:

Using Limeade Ice felt and the Tissue Paper Favors #1 die, cut a second layer for your tree.  The felt isn't quite wide enough for this die, so just make sure to focus on getting all of the scallops to fit on your felt and the straight edges will take care of themselves as you wrap this layer around your cone.

Step 5:

Wrap the Limeade Ice felt layer around the base cone lining up edges on the back with those of the base.  You just want all of your edges hidden in the back nice and neat.

Step 6:

Die cut several different size buttons using the Buttoned Up #1 die, Rustic Cream cardstock, and patterned paper if desired.  I used Sweet Blush Gingham here along with Sweet Blush, Hawaiian Shores, Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, and Limeade Ice ink.

Step 7:

Decorate your tree by creating a garland.  Just thread the die cut buttons and actual buttons onto a strand of Pure Poppy Baker's Twine and then wrap the button garland twice around the tree.  Leave the ends of the Baker's Twine long enough to secure in a bow on the backside of the tree.

Step 8:

Cut a flower from Vintage Cream felt using the Bloom Builders #1 die and embellish the center with a Pure Poppy button.  Adhere near the top of the tree, slightly off center.

Step 9:

Die cut leaves for the flower using Rustic Cream cardstock and the Layered Postmarks:  Holiday die.  Stamp the leaves using Limeade Ice and the Layered Postmarks:  Holiday stamp set and adhere beneath the flower petals.

Finish by adding buttons, trim, and adhesive pearls. 

You must try one for yourself!

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

 

sweet silent night...

One of my favorite symbols of Christmas is the star and today I've created a gift box celebrating this meaningful symbol.  My favorite Christmas song is Silent Night and I was thinking of the amazing gift given to us, our Savior Jesus Christ, as I created this.  I can't sing this song without getting teary as I picture the Savior as a beautiful baby, sent to us because of love, His mother Mary and the amazing tenderness I feel for her, and the miracles surrounding this season and each day of our lives because of our Savior.  The true meaning of Christmas for me, is love, giving, and hope.

Buttons and glitter are two things I love combining.  Buttons have a way of always being the perfect, added touch, but with glitter on top, they are even more irresistible and fun to use. I covered a paper mache star-shaped box in Krylon Celery acrylic paint, vintage trim, cream and white buttons, tea-stained twill, a glittered silver jingle bell, tea-stained tag, and Melissa Frances trim and flowers.

The stamp used on the tag is from Papertrey Ink's Signature Christmas set.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season!

Melis

Christmas crafting...

Christmas is one of my very most favorite times of year to craft for....followed very closely by Valentine's Day :)  Today I have a quick and easy gift wrap idea using just a few supplies.   

I created a trio of pillow boxes using Core'dinations Cardstock as my base and cut using Papertrey Ink's Pillow Box die.  

Each is wrapped in paper from Simple Stories Handmade Holiday collection and embellished with Handmade Holiday stickers, Maya Road trinket pins, and Papertrey Ink ribbon.  

They're ready in a hurry and make such special little gift containers.  

You can find more holiday projects using Simple Stories and Core'dinations products on the Simple Stories blog.

Another fun craft to make this time of year is a countdown calendar.  I created this countdown for Frost it Pink and it comes in a kit with supplies and instructions plus extras.  There are a few left HERE.  

This kit is full of Maya Road products such as the crocheted doilies, beaded flower, millinery flowers, wooden yardsticks, etc.  

Also included is some of my tea-stained twill tape and felt cut holly leaves...such a fun kit to put together and will most definitely get you in the mood for Christmas.

And if you're in the card-making mood, you can find a card kit available in the Melissa Frances etsy shop.  I designed 10 holiday cards for this kit which comes with instructions and plenty of supplies.  Here are just a few samples:

You can find the kit and more details HERE.

 

Enjoy your day!

Melis

winter frills...

It's Sunday night and all is quiet and everyone under my roof is safe and sound and loved and cared for.  It's been such a wonderful day!

I just have a minute but have a project to share with you created for Emma's Paperie.  We were challenged as design team members to create projects incorporating wood grain.  I used paper from Basic Grey's Aspen Frost collection that reminds me of my very most favorite tree, the aspen, and have found that this paper is going in my all-time favorite file.

I also used embellishments and accents from Melissa Frances such as the pink zipper trim, the darling broach, and the pink pouf tulle trim.

I pulled out my Lifestyle Crafts Letterpress and used them to embellish these craft tags just a bit and have tucked a few inside the Joy pocket.  This is such a fun tool to use...a good little item to add to your Christmas wish list.  I'm excited to get more use out of it and experiment a bit.  

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

I decided to make a Christmas crafting kit out of this and have added some glittered tags from Cavallini and Co., trim, tea stained fabric, tags, and other sparkly things just for fun.  

Feeling like it's time for Christmas sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls....Christmas is coming!

Night.

Melis

in the meadow revisited...

Hello December!  So happy to start celebrating this most wonderful time of year.  Today the Papertrey ink Sr. Design Team members are revisiting the In the Meadow stamp set...it's a beauty and one I just love.  My first card uses this set and coordinating dies to create a Christmas card, the second card is more of a winter card, just to show the versatility of this set.

I pulled out my vellum for both of these cards as vellum lends itself so well to this winter-y, white time of year.  For this first card I used Kraft cardstock as my base and stamped snowflakes and the snowman from the In the Meadow stamp set directly onto the base using watermark ink.  I then embossed the images using Winter Wonderland embossing powder from Stampendous.  The sentiment on this card is from the Peaceful Pinecones stamp set.  

I then cut a piece of vellum to fit the front of my card and embossed it using the Peace Be Still Impression plate.  I stitched the bottom and sides to secure it to the card but left the top un-stitched so I could add some mica flakes behind the vellum to create a shaker card of sorts and add more softness.  Then I stitched up the top and layered on the toppings including a vellum  and cardstock die cut tree from the In the Meadow Silhouettes die collection.  I stamped sentiments from the In the Meadow stamp set using Classic Kraft ink across the front of the die cut tree and then layered on the vellum bending up the sides slightly to give it dimension.  I then used pattern paper and the Holly Jolly die to bring in color and more dimension on the tree.  It's finished off with a Pure Poppy button, button twine, and vintage trim.

This card uses more soft neutrals and vellum to create a wintertime scene.  My focal point here being the deer cut from the In the Meadow Silhouettes die collection using cork....such a fun element to use.  

I began with Rustic Cream cardstock as my base and added Soft Stone Polka Dot paper layered with vellum stamped with watermark ink and embossed using the same embossing powder as in the card above.

The sentiment is from the In the Meadow stamp set and is stamped in Soft Stone ink.  I used scrunched seam binding in a pale aqua to finish it off.  

The other Sr. Team members have projects ready to share with you as well:

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Maile Belles

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Melis