LilyBean's Paperie

red is my color...

My mom is the sweetest, one of my Valentines, as I have many.  I am a simple girl and simple things make me happy, such as a glossy red, Coca-Cola.  Today as I ventured into town to the Post Office, there was a package from my sweet mama containing a big, beautiful bag of Valentine M&M's.  You see, we don't get luxuries like these around here...we have to travel long and far for them, so you can imagine my excitement.  She's adorable and always so thoughtful.  Thanks Mom.  They look so pretty with my Coke.

Today's card uses the colors of the season...reds, creams, and pinks.   I used Papertrey Ink's Knit Bits, Fancy Flourishes, and With All My Heart stamp sets.  

I also used the Tremendous Tags die collection.  

Basic Grey True Love chipboard and die cuts, Jenni Bowlin, and Cosmo Cricket paper were also used here today.

Hope you had a great Monday!

Melis

simple pie...

A simple something today, because sometimes I just feel like it.

Oh, and because I think the sentiment is the cutest, sweetest thing ever.

Everything from the Basic Grey True Love collection here except for the Baker's Twine which is from Craft Spot.

I've been trying to snap photos of random, daily occurrences more often...things that make me smile, things that make life what it is.  Toys scattered, piles of favorite books, picnic parties with her dolls, her beloved stuffed animal, finding my scrapbook supplies used as kitchen must-haves for Blythe (notice the Jenni Bowlin Tart Tin above), little traces here and there of what makes my life so complete right now.  I love finding signs of my little one as I go about my daily routine, as with each stage of her life, these signs change and won't happen this way again, and so holding onto them with photos will help me hold onto them as memories.  

I love that she loves to read.  Her favorite store to pick out a treat at when we go to the "big city" is Barnes & Noble for a new book.  

Her bitty glasses which are so much a part of her right now. 

And, Daisy...the two of them have been inseparable since she was 4 years old.  She sleeps with her, travels with her, tells Daisy her secrets, feeds her, teaches her how to read, you name it :).

And, the little things like insisting that she put 38 candles on my cake this year, they barely all fit :) I just wanted the cake and was happy to forget about the 38 candles, but candles are oh, so important to a 9-year old.  Life through her eyes is sweet.  I'm so glad she exists.

One photo I wish I had taken was of finding her in her closet today, in the dark, on the floor, with her head under a blanket, crying.  She was forlorn and distraught...and it was all my fault.  I told her it was homework time, and today, the world came crashing down.  My heart melted at the sight, and all of the sudden 9-years old didn't seem as old as it sometimes does.  I crawled in with her, sat down, and we had a nice little chat, and then it was time for homework.

 

Happy Sunday.

Melis

be mine forever...

Hello, rainy, drizzly, foggy, glorious Friday!  My husband opened the blinds this morning and said, "It's your favorite kind of day today!"  Yep...it's beautiful.  

I've got my little sidekick home with me today as she only has 4 day school weeks, but she keeps herself busy with a Craft Club she's started with some of her little friends.  For a few months now, each Friday they come over and they get crafty, from putting on plays, decorating cupcakes, creating collages, making cards, playing with washi tape :), and today, making sack puppets.  I love it and so enjoy her creativity and that of the other little beings that come along to enjoy the day with her.

I created these two projects with her in mind and for the Emma's Paperie blog.  Our challenge this week has been on Typography and I so enjoyed it.  Both projects use products from the Hello Friend collection from Glitz Design....the sweetest collection of images, colors, sentiments, etc.  I adore it.

I do love this little girl...forever and ever, she is mine, ours.

You can find all of the supplies used on both of these projects HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.  

Just wanted to share a quote I love with you today:

"We should remember that saying 'I love you' is only a beginning. We need to say it, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to show it. We need to both express and demonstrate love."

—David A. Bednar, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home"

 

Enjoy the day!

Melis

sweet little life...

Hello friends!  Today is such a beautiful day.  It's raining outside and I can smell the sagebrush and wet earth...it's the most heavenly smell to me.  This week we've been doing our best to fight off the dreaded flu bug that's going around, my husband has been busy on the road, but is home again, yaay!  And, basketball season for the little bean is back in session.  She eats it up, dribbles her ball throughout the house, teaches me the drills she's learning, wears her jersey non-stop, and switches into coach mode...I love it and love seeing her grow and sprout wings.

I have a couple of Melissa Frances projects to share with you today using the new Classic Elegance collection resin appliques, German glass glitter, trims, vintage bling, vellum envelopes, etc.

These lovely, soft colors just melt me...I love how delicate and soft they are mixed in with all of my favorite things.  I created this house wall hanging for the Melissa Frances CHA booth using beautiful, vintage cardstock stickers, paper, etc.

Shabby is delicious to my crafty eyes and fingers....it speaks to my heart and nourishes my mind and soul.

Sigh...luscious, dreamy, ethereal.

Have a beautiful day.  The rain is calling me outside, so out I'll go to soak it in, run in the hills, and thank my Heavenly Father for this sweet little life I call mine.

Melis

 

P.S.  Frost it Pink is having a huge sale going on now through the 26th, 45% off everything except for Class Creations, so hurry on over!

 

P.P.S  Simple Stories and Scor-Pal have teamed up this week and there's a giveaway involved!  Hurry over to the Simple Stories blog to learn more and enjoy some fun projects.

Here's a peek at mine:

 

hopping with Paper Smooches...

Hi everyone!  I'm here today to share with you some super fun news from my friend Kim Hughes, and her darling company, Paper Smooches.

Paper Smooches is showing off their CHA release during the entire month of January.  Thirty-seven designers are participating along with the PS DT, so there will be a ton of projects to inspire you this month.  Paper Smooches is known for their fun and whimsical hand-drawn stamps.  They decided that it was time to broaden their product line to include DIES and wood mount stamps!  

 

I have a few projects to share using NEW PS product that releases on February 1, 2013 at www.papersmoochesstamps.com along with many retail stores around the globe.

 

Introducing the Paper Smooches Tag Zig Zag Die!

 

Along with the Tag Zig Zag Die, I've used Paper Smooches Needle Little Love stamp set on each of these cards...it's a favorite of mine, and you can see why!  Hearts, stitches, sewing machine, pin cushion, needle and thread, sigh.

The sentiment on this card is from the Falling For You stamp set.  The scrunched seam binding used on my cards today is from My Craft Spot.


You will find a new blog link (or two) to follow every day in January at the PS Blog. 

 

Paper Smooches is giving away $500. Worth of product!  Hidden on FIVE of the participating blogs is a prize package worth $100. each. The prize includes a variety of stamp sets, wood mounts and dies.  Comment on as many blogs as you can to increase your chances to be one of the five winners.

 

Deadline is January 30^th – winners will be announced on the PS Blog on January 31^st.

Have fun hopping and thanks for visiting!

Melis

loveliest love story...

This time of year, I get super happy as all of the new Valentine themed crafty supplies make their appearance.  I can hardly resist  any bit of it, as hearts, pinks, reds, cupids, doilies, glitter, and arrows make this time of year so much fun to create for.  My card today was created for Emma's Paperie and is based on a sketch there, and uses one of my favorite new Valentine collections, True Love by Basic Grey.  

The scrunched seam binding is from My Craft Spot.  

You can find all of the supplies used on this card HERE.

Just a few Valentine pretties I have pinned to share with you today. 

(Cupid Corn Cookie Bark from yourhomebasedmom)

(Kiss Me Garland from Rhonna Designs)  Love how this is draped over a chalkboard...sweetness.

And, I love every inch of this...so much inspiration in one little piece of art.  (Photo via Pinterest)

 

Have a lovely Sunday!

Melis

 

 

valentine love jars...

Love is in the air and Valentine's Day on its way.  I'm here to share a Papertrey Ink Tips & Tricks project with you...a fun, quick, and easy Valentine gift idea all wrapped up in a mason jar.

I'm pretty sure that just about everything looks cute in a mason jar and I have loved the mason jar trend and hope these little beauties keep sticking around.  

The supplies for this project are pretty minimal and can easily be swapped out for different colors, themes, occasions, etc.  So, how about we get started?

Begin with an empty mason jar and a doily.  I used Papertrey Ink's Parisian Lace Doily die and Linen Vellum.  

 

Next, prepare your stamped images.  I used Papertrey Ink's Tremendous Treats:  Valentine stamp set, White Stamper's Select Cardstock, Smokey Shadow ink, Limitless Layers: 1 3/4" Circles (for the center circle), and Limitless Layers: 2 1/2" Circles (for the outer scalloped circle), Sweet Blush Bitty Dot paper, Sweet Blush Polka Dot paper, and Simple Valentine paper.  The images were colored using Copic Markers in the following colors:  Crimson RV29, Pink RV11, Aqua Mint BG32, with Warm Gray W1 No.1 used as an outline.

Add your chosen sentiments.  I used Papertrey Ink's Tiny Treats:  Valentine stamp set and Smokey Shadow ink.  I then added a heart border around my image using the 2010 Love Tags stamp set and Pure Poppy ink.  

Now it's time to assemble your jars.  Simply adhere the doily to the center of the jar front using just a bit of adhesive in the center of the doily and then adhere the scalloped circle Limitless Layer die cut to the center of the doily.  Next, wrap a double strand of Pure Poppy Baker's Twine around the center of the jar securing it in a bow.  Using dimensional adhesive, adhere the stamped circle to the center of the scalloped circle.

Using the Limitless Layers:  2 1/2" Circles die collection again, cut circles to cover the jar seal.  I then painted my jar rings using Krylon acrylic paint in Catalina Mist and Ballet Pink.  I added mica flakes by spraying the rings with adhesive spray and then lightly shaking on the sparkle.

All that's left is to add your ribbon to each jar and a Tiny Tag stamped with a sentiment.  I used Aqua Mist Saddle Stitch and Pure Poppy Swiss Dot Satin ribbon and the 2010 Love Tags stamp set again.  

Lastly, using Pure Poppy and Aqua Mist felt, and the Movers & Shakers:  Poppers die, create a rolled flower to finish your jars.

These are so much fun to assemble and dress up for someone sweet.  Let the little ones help by coloring in the stamped images themselves, then present to a teacher or special friend.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Melis

mix & match...

Hello Thursday!  Today I have a couple of cards to share with you using my die-cuts and paper scraps and have made some mix & match embellishments...I love using up my paper scraps like this.  My color palette consists of Melon Berry, Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, Fine Linen, and Winter Wisteria.  I used Papertrey Ink's Super Stars stamp set for the sentiment and tiny star and the A Little Argyle set across the bottom.  

This first card uses the Seeing Stars die collection from Papertrey Ink along with bits of patterned paper including Winter Wisteria Gingham, Sweet Blush Gingham, Aqua Mist Polka Dot, and Melon Berry Bitty Dot.

All I did was run a stack of 3-4 papers through my die cut machine so that it would cut 4 stars from 4 different papers in one shot. I then trimmed each star apart and then pieced them back together mixing and matching the colors and patterns.  A bit of washi tape on the back secured the pieces together and then I ran them through my sewing machine to add a bit of a homespun look.  I added another layer to the stars by cutting a smaller star from vellum.  

I used the same technique on this card, but used the Leaf Prints die instead.  

I didn't adhere the leaves down completely, but just down the center so I could fold the edges upward in order to get a little dimension.  Each leaf is topped with a Berry Sorbet button.

The sentiment on this card is from the Over Under Easy stamp set and is stamped in Melon Berry and Spring Moss.

I used Freckled Fawn washi tape in Pink Victorian, Airmail Polka Dot, and Wide Red on White Polka Dot.  

 

Thanks for visiting.  Hope your day is wonderful!

Melis

hello there sunshine...

Bet ya can't tell how much I love the new Melissa Frances goodies?  Who could possibly resist that sweet baby kitten and darling die with the fun sentiment?  No sir, not me.

This card uses more of the Melissa Frances Classic Elegance collection.  I used the new dies shown below along with the beautiful new paper.  The kitten was snipped from the Adopted Ancestors paper.  

You can see more lovely projects using this collection on the Melissa Frances blog.  

These next couple of cards were created for the Emma's Paperie blog and were inspired by a beautiful color combination found there, based on the photo below.

I used oodles of the Dear Lizzy 5th & Frolic collection from American Crafts...this is such a fun collection of pretty pastels and girlie, whimsical images, oh, and gold foil stickers!

You can find all of the supplies used on these cards HERE at Emma's Paperie.

Off to get dinner started and to try and stay warm.

Night.

Melis

papertrey ink january...

Well Hi!  I have a few projects to share with you today, each created with Papertrey Ink new release stamp sets and other products.  You can start shopping for them tonight, January 15th, 10PM EST.

This first card uses the fun new Framed Out #12 stamp set....I daresay it's my most favorite Framed Out set yet...and just $5.  I attached vellum behind the framed out die and created a little pocket filled with pink sequins.  You can also spot the new Tremendous Tags die collection at work here as well.

This card uses the Heart-2-Heart #12 stamp set and coordinating dies.  I'm crazy about those sweet posies and will be using this set plenty.

Dawn McVey's new Happy For You stamp set is shown here along with last month's Heart-2-Heart #11.  Love the darling heart garland stamp.

I can't begin to tell you how much I love both of the sets shown here, the new Destinations and World Map sets.  So much fun...a different twist for me, but I had a ball creating with them, plus I think that ship is so adorable.

More pink sequins....can you tell I love these things?  The wood chip is from Freckled Fawn.

Maile's new Square Prints stamp set is used on this card along with the Everyday Photo Finishers.

The washi tape can be found at Freckled Fawn.

And lastly, the new Think Big Favorites #24 is used on this card along with Framed Out #12 and Heart-2-Heart #12.

See what I mean about Framed Out #12...what a cute die!

And another peek at the Tremendous Tags die...sweet little things.

Ok, that's it for me.  What a fun month it's been.  Thanks so much for sticking with me and for each and every visit and comment.

Loads of inspiration is waiting for you from the other designers:

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

Melis

Love Life card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Framed Out #12
Ink:
PUre Poppy, Smokey Shadow, Raspberry Fizz
Cardstock and paper:
Sweet Blush, Rustic Cream, Vellum, and Hawaiian Shores Bitty Dot
Accents:
Aqua Mist button, Sweet Blush grosgrain
Tools:
Tremendous Tags, Heart Prints, and Framed Out #12

Other Supplies Used:
Crate Paper paper and chipboard
sequins

Happy Thoughts card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Heart-2-Heart #12
Ink:
Autumn Rose, Dark Chocolate, Classic Kraft, and Autumn Rose
Cardstock and paper:
Fine Linen and Kraft, Fine Linen Bitty Dot paper
Tools:
Heart-2-Heart #12

Other Supplies Used:
Tea-stained twill, Graphic 45 paper

Hello, Lovely card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Happy For You and Heart-2-Heart #11
Ink:
Sweet Blush and Dark Chocolate
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush and Fine Linen
Accents:
Sweet Blush grosgrain, Vintage Cream felt
Tools:
Heart Prints, Heart-2-Heart #11, Tremendous Tags

Other supplies used:
Basic Grey and Graphic 45 paper
Maya Road trinket pin and mini clothespin
burlap

Bon Voyage card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Destination, World Map, Background Basics: Text Style, and Hello Sunshine
Ink:
Orange Zest, Summer Sunrise, Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate, and Melon Berry
Cardstock:
Fine Linen, Vellum, and Kraft
Accents:
Fine Linen button
Tools:
Framed Out #12, Framed Out #11, Cloud 1 & 2, Tag Sale #2

Other supplies used:
Crate Paper and My Mind's Eye paper
Freckled Fawn washi tape and wood veneer

All My Love card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Everyday Photo Finishers, Framed Out #11, Square Prints
Ink:
Plum Pudding, Winter Wisteria, Lavender Moon, Raspberry Fizz, and Hibiscus Burst
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush, Rustic Cream
Accents:
Sweet Blush buttons, Royal Velvet felt, and Soft Stone grosgrain
Tools:
Tremendous Tags, Buttoned Up #1, Photo Finishers die collection

Other Supplies Used:
gems
Crate Paper paper
Freckled Fawn washi tape

Happy Birthday card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:

Stamps:

Think Big Favorites #24, Heart-2-Heart #12, and Framed Out #12

Cardstock:

Fine Linen and Rustic Cream

Ink:
Classic Kraft, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, and Dark Chocolate

Accents:

Vintage Cream felt

Tools:

Heart Border, Framed Out #12, Heart-2-Heart #12, Tremendous Tags dies

Other supplies used:
Pink Paislee, Prima, Pebbles inc., and Basic Grey pper

Vintage trim 

fancy folk art...

Hello again.  I'm back for another Papertrey Ink group post, this time showcasing the new Fancy Folk Art stamp set and coordinating dies.  I have always been drawn to folk art and primitives...they speak to my country-fied, artsy, homespun heart, so this set opens up a whole new world of creativity for me and I have been having such a great time using it.  We were asked to create a card and tag for you today and were also asked to seek out inspiration for our projects.  I knew immediately that I wanted to use the photo shown below as inspiration for my first card.

(photo from carolinejohannson)

Here is what I came up with.  Along with the Fancy Folk Art stamp set I used birds from the Tweet Talk stamp set and the Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts die collection and started building from there.  My color palette includes, Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, Pure Poppy, and Smokey Shadow ink.  

I wanted the theme of my card to focus on love, so I carried the hearts through to the Heart Border die using glitter tape and the sprinkling of hearts at the top of the card which use the Background Basics:  Hearts.  

(photo from allpeoplequilt)

I was inspired for my next project using this sweet, cozy photo.  

For my tag, I went with colors that I use in my own home and that I associate with folk art...deep reds, cranberry, mustard yellow, deep black and navy, and rich, warm green.  I used Smokey Shadow cardstock and die cut it using the Mat Stack 4 die and matted it with mustard yellow patterned paper using the Layerz Mat Stack 4 die.  

I used the Fancy Folk Art stamp set and coordinating die along with Kraft cardstock and then pulled out my Copics to bring in color.

I stamped my sentiment onto vellum with watermark ink and embossed it using white embossing powder.  I then positioned it onto my die and cut it to fit across the bottom of my tag, layered over the Fancy Folk Art images.  A bit of Smokey Shadow grosgrain tied at the top and my tag was complete and ready to attach to a bundle of vintage trims to give as a gift.

 

Thanks again for visiting.  Be sure to stop by and check out the projects created with this set by the other designers:

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

Melis

hands of time...

The Papertrey Ink group post #1 for January is underway and I think you're going to love this new stamp set, I know I certainly do.  The Design Team members were assigned to create a card and a memory keeping type of project for you, and it's my day to showcase this set, so I have a few extras for you as well. 

I have a wedding card to share with you first which uses the Seed Packet die to create a vellum envelope.  I stamped it with watermark ink using the large clock face image from this set and embossed it in white embossing powder.  The sentiment, also from this set, was embossed with gold embossing powder as were the numbers.  They are from another fun new set called Number Time Trio. I used Rustic Cream cardstock and The Hands of Time dies, ohhhh, they are so beautiful (you'll be seeing them everywhere) to finish off my clock face.

I filled the vellum envelope with a few pink sequins and clipped a Sweet Blush tag inside, cut using the new Tremendous Tags die collection....love, love!  Soft Stone grosgrain finishes off the front of this card.

I decided to finish the inside of this card and used the same elements.  The clock image is stamped in Soft Stone and the numbers in Sweet Blush.  The sentiment stamped on the Tremendous Tag is stamped in Smokey Shadow.

I love it when assigned a layout or mini-book as I often forget how much joy I get out of creating them.  My little girl is a huge goof and I have the hardest time getting her to cooperate and give me a single smile, so when it happens, glory be!  We have to celebrate :)  It's time to bribe her again, but for this layout I used a couple of photos from her first day back to school this year.  Time is going by so fast!  Here she is a 4th grader and I am enjoying every moment.  Dramatic?  Yep...holy cow.  But, I love her to bits, drama, goofball photos, and all.

I first began by using Aqua Mist cardstock as my base and stamped clock face images here and there using Aqua Mist ink, numbers in Sweet Blush.  I used the Clock Face die and patterned paper and matted it to Rustic Cream cardstock cut using the Delightful Doilies die.  I used hearts from the Framed Out #11 Mini stamp set in place of some of the numbers using Harvest Gold, Sweet Blush, and Aqua Mist ink.  I then die cut the clock face again using Sweet Blush cardstock and used the circles cut from it for the numbers on my clock face and stamped them in Smokey Shadow.  The center of the clock is a heart cut from the Framed Out #11 die collection, Hands of Time die collection next cut from patterned paper and embellished in the center with a Sweet Blush button.  I used the Tremendous Tags die again and stamped my sentiment on it and stitched it to the bottom corner.  These little tags are perfect for so many things.

My title, which ends with the sentiment shown above, is cut from Ocean Tides felt using the Block Alphabet Upper Die Collection.  

I used the Framed Out #11 die collection again and die cut several heart to use as embellishments topped with vellum hearts cut using the Heart Prints die collection.  

This card uses left over bits from the layout above.  I started with the clock face stamped in Aqua Mist and the numbers in Sweet Blush.  I then layered on the left over hearts from the Framed Out #11 die collection.  I used pattern paper to die cut the clock hands and then stamped my sentiment on a Tremendous Tag die cut from Sweet Blush ink.  I then used the Number Time Trio dies to cut my numbers and perched them inside one of the hearts.

  I love how the clock image peeks through the heart windows.

I tried a new-to-me technique for my border and stamped images from the Hands of Time set using watermark ink across a strip of Rustic Cream cardstock.  I then used some pastel, shimmer chalk and rubbed chalk in varying colors over the ink to reveal the image beneath...very fun.  I love the soft, watercolor effect.  I then created a scallop border using the Medium Scallop Border die.  

This fun card uses bright colors paired with the Hands of Time stamp set.  I used the Limitless Layers:  2 1/2"  Circles die collection and a scallop punch to create my flower.  Images were stamped in Hibiscus Burst and Orange Zest.   

The clock hands were die cut using Terra Cotta Tile cardstock and an Aqua Mist button was used in the center.

I used the Rosie Posie die and New Leaf cardstock for my flower stem.  I created a playful sentiment using stamps from this set and a die cut number using the Number Time Trio die.

Lastly, this card combines the Hands of Time stamp set and coordinating dies with images from the Stitched Sentiments stamp set.  I also used the Background Basics:  Inspiration across the top of this card.  I used Sweet Blush, Spring Moss, Autumn Rose, Soft Stone, and Dark Chocolate ink.  

Patterned paper was used for my clock hands and a decorative center for the middle of my clock.  

That does it for me today.  Thanks so much for taking the time to visit.  The other designers have projects waiting to be shared with you as well.

Melis

 

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

 

classic elegance...

I'm so happy to get to share a few sneak peeks of the new Melissa Frances, Classic Elegance collection with you.  It's BEAUTIFUL!  Creating with all of her coordinating products makes the process so enjoyable and effortless.

This first card uses paper, cardstock stickers, and die cuts, and tags using this beautiful new collection.  

Here's a look at the complete cardstock sticker sheet.  

(The black lines are the die cutting line, and will not be on the final product.)

This card also uses Classic Elegance paper, a tag, and cardstock stickers and below you can see the entire set of shabby tags that coordinate with this collection.  

Here's a peek at the full range of paper included in this collection...double sided for the first time and so lovely!

I'll show you more of my projects as soon as I'm given the green light, but for now there are many other projects waiting on the Melissa Frances blog.

 

Enjoy your day!

Melis

 

funky florals...

Some exciting news from Papertrey Ink!  

Funky Florals (a $15 value) will be available for customers as a FREE bonus with qualifying orders placed before 11:30pm EST, January 14th. To qualify for the set, the order total needs to equal $100 or more before shipping and without Rewards Points discounts. Funky Florals is a limited edition set that will never be available for purchase, so be sure to get yours while they are available during this special holiday promotional period!

My card today uses this fun new set which coordinates with the Notched Flowers die collection...one of my favorites.  My color palette consists of Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Aqua Mist, Harvest Gold, and Simply Chartreuse.  The centers of both flowers were cut using the Love Lives Here die collection and the leaves use the Delightful Dahlia die collection.  

For more peeks at this darling set, follow the links below:

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln
• Debbie Olson
• Nichole Heady

Thanks for stopping by!

Melis

 

ordinary bliss...

Pheeew!  Did you think I left the country and forgot about my dear, little blog?  Just been on holiday break....my little busy body went back to school today after a long winter break.  I miss her and the hustle bustle, on your toes, she brings to each day, but she certainly couldn't wait to get back to school this morning.  We love the magic in the ordinary around here.  So, I'm back to posting and working and the routine of life that is wonderful.

A couple of months ago, I was asked to guest design for Jillibean's Soup Card Kitchen Kit Club.  I have a happy fondness for Jillibean Soup as their designs are always so playful, colorful, full of life and just so much fun to work with.  Here are a couple of the cards I created with their December card kit.  

These sweet, little card kits are packed with paper, dies, embellishments, and extras.  I got to work with the Grandma's Lima Bean Soup collection.  Just as tasty and delish as the name.

If the new year takes you on the search for a fun, new kit club to be part of, you must check out The Card Kitchen...doesn't disappoint and is loaded with things to make you smile.

And, I'm happy to report that Creating Keepsakes Creative Spaces Vol. 2 hits newsstands tomorrow!  I'm very excited to dig into this issue and so tickled to be part of it.  You can read more about this issue and catch a peek at my craft space and many others HERE on the Creating Keepsakes blog.  PLUS, there is a giveaway there lasting from today through January 18th...be sure to read more and leave a comment on the CK blog.

 

Before I go, the winner of Danielle Flanders' Embellishing Handbook is...Kelly Sanna-Gouin!  Kelly please email me at meliphillips@lcturbonet.com and I'll hook you up with your eBook.

Thank you all for visiting!

Melis

 

splash of color...

Hello there and sorry to keep you waiting regarding the winner of the $25 In a Pikle Gift Card.  The winner, chosen randomly is, RUSH!  I wish I could have given away 138 gift cards, but thank you to each of you for entering and for your sweet words.  Rush, if you'll please email me, that would be wonderful!

I created this card for Emma's Paperie with our Company Spotlight on Basic Grey.  I chose to use many fun elements from the Soleil line such as wooden buttons, trinket pins, canvas and die cut flowers, etc.  The playful purples, pinks, and yellows were welcome splashes of color and have left me energized.

You can see another project created with these supplies on the Emma's Paperie blog along with finding a complete list of supplies.

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

all booked up revisited...

Happy New Year!  Welcome to the Papertrey Ink Sr. Design Team challenge.  We have been asked to revisit the All Booked Up stamp set and create a bookmark, packaging, and card ensemble for you.

We'll start with the card which uses the Background Basics:  Inspiration stamp set in conjunction with a sentiment and image from the All Booked Up stamp set.  

The background is stamped in Classic Kraft, Sweet Blush, Smokey Shadow, and Spring Moss.  I used the Heart Border die across the card separating each color and created a focal point using Sweet Blush cardstock and the Tag Sale #1 die.  I used the Flower Fusion #3, Beautiful Blooms II #3, and Sending You dies along with Simply Chartreuse and Vintage Cream felt and a bit of Simply Chartreuse Bitty Dot paper.

I packaged up the bookmark in a White Gift Enclosure stamped using the Distressed Stripes, Classic Kraft, Smokey Shadow, Sweet Blush, and Simply Chartreuse ink.  I wrapped it up with Sweet Blush Grosgrain and embellished the center of the bow using a tag stamped with a sentiment from the All Booked Up stamp set die cut using the Tiny Tags die.

The bookmark uses the Limitless Layers 2 1/2" Circles die collection, Classic Kraft, and Vintage Cream felt.  I carried over the same floral embellishments as on the card but used a bit of patterned paper this time.  A bit of Smokey Shadow and Sweet Blush Grosgrain finished off the bookmark and leaves it ready and waiting to be put to use.

I loved putting together this fun ensemble.  My little girl is an enormous bookwork and so I had her in mind while creating this.

The other Sr. Team members have projects waiting for you as well:

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Maile Belles

 

And, before I go, I wanted to share with you a beautiful new eBook written by my friend, Danielle Flanders.  This book is amazing and so much fun because it's packed full of her brilliant work and inspiring ideas.  I love it...will be turning to it and enjoying it over and over again.  I am lucky enough to be able to give one of these eBooks away, all you have to do is leave a comment here on this post and I'll randomly select a winner and announce it on January 5th!  

 

Happy New Year and thank you for stopping by!

Melis

 

P.S.  Be sure to check out Betsy's amazing Make it Monday HERE....soooo beautiful!

 

P.P.S.  I haven't forgotten the Pikle giveaway....be back soon to announce that winner too :)