LilyBean's Paperie

let every heart sing...

Happy, happy December....I hope your holiday season is off to a great start!  I am so excited to get my decorations up...start baking....continue creating gifts....and just enjoy each minute of the holidays, as they just seem to fly by so quickly.  I love this time of year :)

A month or so ago I received a fun email asking me to be a Guest Designer for My Tattered Angels.  I was so excited....and just loved creating with their amazing products.  Today I can share with you what I created and you can jump on over to the My Tattered Angels site to check out all of their wonderful goodies.

    This chipboard album is just one of the many beautiful products from My Tattered Angels.  I have been inspired by Ali Edwards to create a December Daily album to record the wonderful events leading up to Christmas.  Thank  you to Ali for inspiring so many to take the time to remember and record special moments each day.  So....by golly...I will get this thing full of memories of the season.  Here is a look at a couple of the inside pages.... I used snowflake screens and Glimmer Mist spray from My Tattered Angels on the inside pages here, and then beautiful Glimmer Chips and spray on the outside of this album...I'm officially hooked :)         A little holiday-ish card here using more Glimmer Chips and Glimmer Mist spray....did you know you can create your own colored glitter by spraying white or clear glitter with your desired color of Glimmer Mist spray....it's fun---promise.

An ornament using My Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips, Glimmer Glass, and of course Glimmer Mist.    And lastly, a couple of cards using Glimmer Chips coated in glitter and sprayed with Glimmer Mist.  The background on the base was created using a Glimmer Screen and Glimmer Mist spray. 

Thank you to Tattered Angels for this wonderful opportunity!

Hope you're all having a wonderful day today....whatcha gonna write in YOUR journal :)

Melis

happy are we...

home again....how I love to be home...perhaps a little hermit-ish....definitely a homebody.  I was away from my little one and husband on Thanksgiving....very hard....but I was happy to be where I was...with my parents, offering a bit of a distraction, and trying to get them through the next few days.  I'll be gone again here soon, as my dad needs to have surgery....but for now, I am relaxing with my Sierra, playing, organizing, baking....enjoying :)

Thank you all for your sweet words of encouragement...how thankful I am for your prayers.

Just a couple of random cards for you today.     This was created for Emma's Paperie for our sketch assignment this month.  So, if you have a minute and some extra creativity, head over and check out the sketch and try one for yourself.  I just love what the other girls did with their sketches. 

  The next few cards are all for the CPS blog....more fun sketches for you to try.      Sorry not much to say....but thanks for stopping by.

Melis

angels among us...

both heavenly and earthly. 

I'm writing this post while I am feeling positive and upbeat.  These feelings don't seem to last for long lately, but as I was reminded of just a while ago from one of my brothers, it is exactly how I should be thinking and I am thankful for him and my other dear brothers.  It's so good to be able to talk to them, even if they are hundreds of miles away....I feel their love.

We experienced a family emergency just recently.....my sweet, dad has been injured very badly....but he is going to be just fine.  I'll be traveling here and there to be with him and my mom....and am thankful to be able to do so.  I am thankful for the heavenly angels that were watching out for him and helped this accident not be as harmful as it so easily could have been.  I am thankful for the earthly angels that have surrounded him and helped with love and concern....my brothers, my husband, and many caring neighbors.   My sweet mom...how I love her and wish I could take the pain away for her....and how I wish it could have been me.  For my thoughtful sister-in-law who is watching my little one today...making sure she has a happy day with her cousins...so I can stay at home and be a big baby and re-group :) I love my family so much. It is truly a time to be thankful, be with those I love, and reflect on what is truly most important in life. 

So...I have a card to leave with you until next time.  I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday, your day-to-day events, the time with your loved ones, what you do on a daily basis, and where ever your heart leads you.  I hope to be back soon :)

 

Melissa

because I want to...

that's why :)  This is breakfast...and I'm not one bit sorry about it.  I have been quite a grouch lately...I figure it will turn me into one happy momma.  And, really...who can resist a Santa Coke?  I didn't even try to resist...just grabbed me a 12 pack and smiled all the way home.  It's a simple pleasure....do you have one? 

This day is going to be fuller than full....we are getting our trusses for the house today...I need to whip up something yummy to take to the workers, story hour, bills and displays at the store, make sure my little one has a happy day, and get ready for a day shopping for house stuff with my husband tomorrow....can't wait for that.  So today, I'll put my head down and get right through it all and take him out for a steak in the big city tomorrow :)

A couple of things to share with you today....I seem to have a new favorite color combo on my mind right now....not sure how it happened, but I like it.  I used a Hambly rub on here, along with October Afternoon paper, Doodlebug glitter, Kraft cardstock, Gold Shimmer cardstock,Aqua Mist  ribbon, and Heartfelt Basic stamp set from Papertrey Ink on this. 

More Hambly rub ons here....more October Afternoon paper....YUM, Papertrey Aqua Mist ribbon, Doodlebug glitter and brads, American Crafts felt, and Hero Arts stamps. 

A fun fetish with fun colors :)

Well....it's time I scrubbed a toilet around here or something......

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Melis

happy is the heart....

that sings Christmas carols, laughs and smiles with her family, creates what her hands love, enjoys the sunshine on her back, and whose heart is ever so thankful for life :)  I promise my life isn't perfect....but I love to focus on the things each day that make it wonderful, special, happy, and unforgettable.  I am truly thankful.

Today's creation was made for my mom.....and for Emma's Paperie....I can share her Christmas present here with you as she is most definitely not a blog reader....I can't blame her as I am rather dull.....but this was made with her in mind :) I created a tag for each grandchild....they are tied together as an album at the momen...when we get together for Christmas I will have each of the grandchildren or their parents write a note to their grandma on each tag.....I'll collect a few pictures to incorporate as well, but then my mom can either leave them bunched together hugging each other, or separate them and hang them on her tree as ornaments....and will have keepsakes from the little people in her life that think she is so wonderful, because she most certainly is.

                  I loved creating this with my mom in mind.....made my heart happy.  Please let me know if you have any questions....all of the supplies can be found HERE listed at Emma's Paperie, and while  you're there, I know you'll enjoy looking at the amazing creations from the other designers....I think this is my most favorite project day at Emma's.

Off for lunch time with the little bean :)

Melis

jingles and babies...

Hello....good morning...happy Monday. 

Let's start today off by announcing the winner of my Josh Groban Noel CD giveaway.  Thank you ALL so much for your wonderful ideas for neighbor gifts.....I was amazed at all of the hard work and thought you put into your gifts....you all have very lucky neighbors, that's for sure :)

The randomly selected winner is....................ELYSS JENNINGS! 

Please email me with your address and I'll have this mailed right out to you to enjoy for the holidays!

I had a minute this weekend to do something just for me, and so I started Lisa Pace's wonderful 12 Days of Christmas workshop.....first project is Jingles, and I can't wait to start on the next one :)          Supplies used on this are My Mind's Eye paper, Cavallini & Papers Co. tag, Stickles glitter, Darice hemp, Doodlebug gems, Karen Foster sparkle brads, Prima and Bazzill flowers, Wright's twill tape, berries and buttons.  If you haven't had a chance to register for her darling, darling workshop....I'm sure you still can....these projects are amazing and so fun!  Thanks Lisa for teaching me your secrets :)

Next, my friend Elizabeth, the owner of Cherries Jubilee Creations, has sent me another darling card kit to create a few cards with.  The Cutie Pie kit is all about nursery rhymes...ginghams, polka dots, plaids....all things baby!  They are up for sale HERE....I LOVE her kits.  Here are a few cards I created using this kit.                Each of these cards comes with a sweet, sweet sentiment inside as well....adorable little creations!  Thanks Elizabeth!

Enjoy your day!

Melis

morsels of goodness...

It's time, it's time!  I finally get to share my Papertrey Ink projects with you.  The new release stamps sets are delicious and irresistible morsels of stampy goodness...I LOVE each of them and hope you will too.  You can view each of the new sets HERE, just click on the set you'd like to view, and you'll be able to see them in their entirety.

Here are a few things I created using these new sets.

 These fun little wrap around cards were created using 2 new sets:  Heartfelt Basics designed by Melissa Bickford, and Out of the Box designed by Lisa Johnson. 

This card also uses the Heartfelt Basics stamp set along with Background Basics: Stars.  I stamped the white cardstock with the star backgrounder stamp, die cut it into flowers, and embossed each to create dimension and fullness.  had to throw in some gorgeous Cosmo Cricket paper as well....Both of these sets are so much fun and so very versatile. 

This fun little gift set for grandpa was created using the wonderful Men of Life stamp set also designed by Melissa Bickford.....aren't those sail boats adorable!  Melissa Frances paper was used on the boats and box here. 

And lastly, this card uses the fun, fun, fun, and ultra adorable Out of the Box and Out of the Box Sentiments stamp sets....designed by Lisa Johnson....I'm crazy about this set :) You have to check out her blog to really get a feel for the versatility of this set...she is amazing.

Be sure to check of the Design Team gallery HERE to see what the other designers have done with these sets....my projects just don't begin to do them justice.

Happy Saturday....I need to clean, scrub, and hopefully bake today....sigh...my fingers are itching to create...but they'll just have to wait.

Thanks for visiting. and if you haven't already, be sure to respond to yesterday's post telling me what you'll be giving as neighbor gifts this Christmas so you can be entered into the Josh Groban Noel CD giveaway :)

Melis

merry.licious...

so much to love about the holiday season...so much to look forward to...so much to do...so little time....but it will certainly be a memorable Christmas.  This year it seems I am trying to focus a bit more on handmade gifts....they are my favorite to receive because they were created with love, by hands that are filled with love.  So...lots to think about....right now I'm thinking about ordering my favorite Holly Berry candle from Yankee...it just wouldn't be Christmas without my favorite smell floating around my house.  I've been listening to my favorite Christmas carols and love the feeling they bring, and I'm searching out cute, fun, and easy handmade goodies to wrap up for the neighbors.  Sometimes I think I enjoy the process of planning just as much or more that I do the process of creating. 

Since I'm feeling like diving right into the season of giving, I would love to share one of my favorite Christmas CD's with you....it's all wrapped up and ready to go to one lucky winner whose name I'll choose randomly.  I LOVE Josh Groban and would love to give away his Noel CD.  All you have to do is leave a comment for me telling me what holiday treats you prepare for your neighbors....I can't wait to hear about your creative ideas and tasty treats.  You have until Sunday night, and I'll draw a name on the morning of Monday the 17th.  I can't wait to hear your ideas :)

A couple of things to share tonight....Using my favorite Melissa Frances products here...paper, chipboard, trim, and tickets. 

  More Melissa Frances paper, glitter chipboard, resin accents, cardstock stickers, metal buttons, and rub ons here along with my favorite new find.....a scrap from B. Shackman Co.  You can find these darling scraps HERE at Emma's Paperie. 

I hope you're having a great week!

Night.

Melis

teach, love, and inspire...

Thank goodness for our teachers.  I have a deep love for the many devoted and selfless teachers who once were, still are, and who are yet to be in the midst of eager students.  My mom was a teacher and I feel she deserves to be put on a pedestal for her amazing devotion to children throughout the years.  I could never, ever do what she has done or what many teachers continue to do today for our youth.  We as a Design Team at Papertrey Ink were challenged to use a new stamp set designed by Nichole and create some thoughtful, heartfelt gifts for teachers.  I simply adore this darling, darling set.  It is called Teacher's Apple....and one glance will be all you'll need to want to try stamping out some of these irresistible apples and sweet sentiments.

I chose to create a little something that I knew my mom would love being presented with as a teacher....something delightful and delicious smelling, a thoughtful handmade card, and of course some freshly baked cookies to eat up when she needed a bit of a break :)  Teachers work so hard for our children....and I am so thankful for their contributions.      Be sure to check HERE to see all of the wonderful ideas from the Papertrey Ink Design Team. 

Supplies used:

Stamps:

Papertrey Ink Teacher's Apple set

Ink:

Papertrey Ink Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avocado, and Pure Poppy

Ribbon:

Papertrey Ink Spring Moss Grosgrain

Cardstock:

Papertrey Ink White, Ripe Avocado, and Gold Shimmer

Other supplies:

Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy paper, Prima trim, hemp, and buttons

Happy Thursday!

Melis

butternut and eggnog...

My little one picked out a treat at the grocery store today...I always love to sit back and watch what and how she makes this very important decision.  We had a conversation yesterday about the yummy drink at Christmastime that she and her Gramps love to drink.   I knew exactly what she was referring to, and lucky for her, the shelves at the grocery store were full of eggnog for the holiday season.  She spotted a little jug right next to her usual choice, chocolate milk, and so....today we brought home eggnog and one happy little girl :)  I have to admit that although I don't love eggnog--not even a little bit...I do love to see holiday treats lining the shelves of stores...makes me ready to turn on my Christmas tunes.

The color of the month at Emma's Paperie is one I just love....it's warm and rich and cozy...and called Butternut.  We were challenged to incorporate this color into our first projects for the month, and here is mine.    A simple little gifty for someone I love...everything can be found at Emma's Paperie and be sure to check out the beautiful projects from the other girls....they are delicious and delightful.

Well....I have things to keep my busy tonight that I must get going on.

Hope you all enjoyed your Monday.

Melis

living, laughing, loving....

That's about all I've been up to lately :)  Enjoying my little family....heading up to elk camp to enjoy good old dutch oven cooking, snuggling, staying warm, playing, and lots of smiles and laughs.  I sure love my weekends.

I've just got a couple of happy creations to share with  you tonight...then it's off for a movie and popcorn with my little one before bed.

Enjoying some super cute Hero Arts stamps here along with Basic Grey paper, chipboard, and brads, Stickles glitter, Making Memories stickers, and Prima trim.

And  more Basic Grey paper, chipboard, brads, and buttons here, along with a Provo Craft Cuttlebug embossing folder, Crate Paper trim, and Scenic Route chipboard.

Gotta run....I've got a hot popcorn date with a 5-year old tonight :)

Hope you've had a great weekend.

Melis

joy-fullness...

my make-me-smile, made-up-word of the day today :)

It's been a fat, juicy, plump, full, busy, joyful day today....I just put a cute little crank-pot to bed, and am looking back on the day with a tired smile.   Hope your day was wonderful as well.

A few random tidbits to share tonight.... I created this with some Melissa Frances paper, resin accent, and glitter chipboard, a bit of My Mind's Eye paper, SEI ribbon, Heidi Swapp chipboard, and a Martha Stewart adhesive pearl.

Next a warm and snugly little number....at least it feels that way to me...kind of like a soft, puffy quilt :)  I used a Provo Craft Cuttlebug embossing folder, and my favorite flower die cut here, along with old book print, Prima brads, Martha Stewart pearls, and SEI and Scenic Route paper.  I have received a few emails about those little flowers and how I made them so, I'll try and explain a bit here.  All I did was cut 2 flowers for each grouping.  For the top layer, I snipped in towards the center of the flower being careful not to cut in too far, or the petals would fall off.  I inked both layers, and then kind of scrunched up the top layer a bit to add dimension, punched a  hole in the center of both, and attached my brad.  Simple, easy, fun, and you can use any flower die cut for these. 

One last card tonight before I head off to create for just a bit.  Once again using some Provo Craft embossing dies and border...these make me smile....some Melissa Frances paper, rubon, and resin accent, Prima flowers and leaves (oo-la-la), and a bit of hand stitching---you know, since my sewing machine took a dive :)  I'm not bitter though.

Today has been great...not every moment...but the collection of moments has left me with a smile in my heart.  My husband is celebrating his birthday today...so it's been an exciting day for a 5-year old darling who is crazy about her daddy.  He is my best friend...love him to pieces and he is hilarious....I have been laughing every time he's shown up today to grab tools, lunch, whatever.  This morning at 7:00 a.m. he popped in with a bag of Whoppers and a Coke for me....completely random, but I've been laughing about it ever since.....I've been teasing and whining about he and Sierra eating all of the Halloween Whoppers :)  Anyway, it was a sweet gesture for me on his birthday....

Night.

Melis

the he(art) of giving...

good morning!  It's a beautiful, golden, autumn day here.  I have a few things to share today and many thoughts on my mind this morning.  First a fun little collection of items I created...things that make me happy, and one very special item I created for a charity auction. 

I created this ornament for an event called Operation Christmas Child. A silent auction put on by Wrapper's Delight will donate all proceeds to this wonderful cause and will help children for Christmas.  I sure hope all children, everywhere, might have a very merry Christmas this year.      Lots of love went in to this little holly house ornament and I hope it will help out in some small way.  I used Melissa Frances paper, buttons, and glitter, Making Memories blossoms, Martha Stewart adhesive pearls, Stickles glitter, Jesse James gems, and Ranger ink.

I've also been diving into a sweet bunch of Hero Arts stamps...love em, love em.    I used Hero Arts stamps for the sweet trees, holly berry background, and tag stamp.  I also used Basic Grey and My Mind's Eye paper, and a beautiful velvet blossom from Maya Road here.

One last item before I share a story with you :)     More Hero Art stamps here along with Melissa Frances and Basic grey paper, Amy Butler/K&Co. fabric brad, and Prima flowers. 

So...when you have a minute, I have a sweet link to a story I read to my little girl the other night....we have been trying to teach her about giving to others and to teach her of the joy that one person and their small act can bring into the lives of others.  I also want her to feel of the joy that she can experience through serving others...it's all very true...and something I want to be much better at myself.  So, I found this article in the Children's Friend...and it summed up everything very beautifully....something as simple as a jar of lovingly bottled cherries....and the powerful impact it had at just the right time.  The story warmed my heart and continues to today.  The article is called How to Give.  Hope you have a wonderful day friends!  I've got to go bake some cookies for my little Kindergarten girl to come home to :)

Melis

a merry november...

quickly, quickly today I wanted to pop in and say "hi"!

I have a fun couple of cards to share with you today which were created with a kit from Dream Designs.  My friend Bety sent one of her beautiful kits to me and asked me to create with it and I certainly had a wonderful time.

            And, just a couple more cards created with scraps of paper left over from this kit....I'm a scrap freak :)  The little chipboard stocking was also included in the kit.    Thank you Bety!

And a Merry, Merry November to you :)

Melis

sleep-ity...

settling into this new time change is hard.....it's 3:00 in the afternoon, and I'm ready for dinner and jammies :)

So....because of my sluggish attitude at the moment...I'm not so chatty...perhaps rambly....but most likely not very interesting ;)

Just a fun, comfy cozy card for your this afternoon.      I've discovered I'm a sloppy stamper....I'm learning things as I go....such as---get a brushy thingy to dust off the embossing powder that is sprinkled on the card BEFORE you heat it up.  See....I'm very teachable.  I'm heading out right now to look for one of those thingys :)

For this card I used some of my new favorite stamps from Papertrey Ink.  The set is called Warm Happiness and it was designed by the amazing Heather Nichols!  She's always got something cute cookin'.  I also used Papertrey's Dark Chocolate ink on this.  It's such a beautiful, rich color.  And....time to announce that I officially have a thing for Mr. Campy from Cosmo Cricket...I can't hide it any longer....it's my FAVE...in my FAVE colors....with DOTS, STRIPES, and PLAIDS.  Let's see, I also used my Fiskars border punch here, along with K&Co. paper ribbon, WRMK ribbon, Heidi Swapp hearts, and a Making Memories mini tag.

Well...I'm off!

Have a wonderful Monday everyone.

Melis

cinnamon and spice......

Happy November....isn't this  a delicious and beautiful month?  I love everything about it.  Today, after church, we are heading off to the mountains to hunt for leaves to fill a bag for my little one to take to Kindergarten tomorrow....how fun :)

Halloween was so much fun here....I truly just sat back and soaked in my little spook, and enjoyed her to the fullest.  She and I headed out in the light fall rain to trick or treat....our street was filled with happy kids, parents talking and laughing, and everyone just enjoying the small town atmosphere....I felt honored to be part of it.  Here is a peek at my beloved little witch.    Love those striped witchy legs and fluffy tutu :)  Hope you enjoyed your day as well.

I did get my caramel apples made....they were fun...messy...sticky....tasty.      Now, if I could just figure out how to get my chocolate to stay nice and shiny....they were really pretty....I know someone out there knows the secret..so I'll wait :) 

I used some of my favorite stamps from Kim Hughes and Cornish Heritage Farms for the tags...they are the sweetest little images...always sure to make me smile.

And, it's project day again at Emma's Paperie....such a fun, fun place.  We were challenged to used the glassine bags for our projects this week.  I just love what the other girls did, so be sure to visit the blog to see images.  Here is what I came up with....a delicious little bag of peanut butter-y goodness :)       Supplies and instructions on how to make  your own are provided on Emma's blog. 

Now, for the winner of Paper Crafts new Gourmet book!

I've selected a winner randomly.....and it is.....PEARL MAPLE!

Congratulations and thank you to each of you for sharing your favorite fall foods with me...don't be surprised if I email you for your recipes :)

Pearl, please email me your address and I'll get this shipped out to you!

One last little tidbit this morning.  Many of you asked for the recipe for the Peanut Butter Cup Candy Cookies....so sorry I didn't share that originally.  The recipe comes from one of my most favorite sites....many of you visit there I'm sure.  You can find the recipe HERE at The Pioneer Woman.  Thank you Ree for sharing this with us.

Enjoy your Sunday.  Time to get ready for church.

Melis

happy everything :)

I'm having one of those days today....where it seems like I am smiling from the inside out.  No school for my little one....get to have here with me all day long.  We are lounging in our PJ's watching Halloween cartoons, baking cakes for the cake walk today, braving the caramel apples I've been wanting to try, making homemade chili to warm tummies tonight, and listening to the fire crackle in the fireplace....no wonder I'm all smiley today.

I'm thinking about Christmas already....funny how my mind makes the switch once one holiday is here.....and doing a bit of Valentine-ing too----just for assignments.  Here are a few sweets for you this morning, created for Provo Craft.

      I used the new Wild Card Cricut cartridge for the card....this is one of the funnest cartridges yet!  It is filled with oodles of shaped cards, and then goodies to go with including sentiments and matching envelopes.  I also used my Cuttlebug flower die  for the flowers on the card and the cupcake picks.

Now, onto some Christmas :)       These are super e.a.s.y :)  I used my Christmas Cheer Cricut cartridge to cut place markers big enough to fit over the top of some goodie bags---lined the inside with coordinating paper or cardstock to make the images stand out, and stamped on some tags---added a bit of ribbon, pearls, buttons, and hemp. 

Lastly, a chilly little greeting.    I used a Cuttlebug die and embossing set for the snowman, and then more stamps from Provo Craft. 

Happy Halloween-y everyone!

Melissa

this girl loves....

Prima.... 

Prima this.

Prima that.

All things Prima.

I was sent a beautiful package of Prima goodies to indulge in....and I can't tell you how enjoyable it was creating with their beautiful products.

I was asked to create a few things for the Prima blog....you can check there for more images, and all of the supplies used as well.

Now, I get to share them with you ;)

      Thank you, thank you, thank you Sharon and Prima for this wonderful opportunity!  It was such a pleasure.

Now.....off to do a 100 things and take care of my cranky, little witch, who seems to have come down with a bug :(

Happy Thursday!

Melissa

crisp, crumble, crunch...

Love the sounds of fall....and the smells of home-baked goodies throughout the house as well.   After reading your posts about your favorite fall recipes, I have been reminded of many of mine and inspired to try many new recipes too.  I love Apple Crisp with a crumbly topping, served nice and warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.....it's been too long since I last made this...so this weekend for sure.

I have another project I created for the Melissa Frances blog to share with you today....this would work perfectly for fall as well as a fun Halloween gift.    All I did here was wrap some beautiful Melissa Frances paper around mini chocolate bars and tied them with a combination of hemp, metal buttons, large antique buttons, cardstock tags, tea-stained tags that have been stamped, and walnut stained flowers.  I wrapped the muffin tin with vintage trim and then a bit of gingham to bring in the black and white of this time of year.  Simple and fun.

And now to jump into the holidays, here is a card I created for Emma's Paperie based on the sketch for the month.    Everything used here can be found at Emma's Paperie...be sure to check out what the other girls created---they are such amazingly talented designers.

Well, before I go, I wanted to share a link to a blog that inspires me.  Many of my favorite designers work for this company and so it's no wonder why I am drawn to this blog for inspiration.  I specifically LOVE the sweet layout and Christmas blocks by Linda Albrecht today, and that amazing, amazing holiday cookie sheet countdown calendar by Katie Watson---I AM going to make this.....I AM!  It's the Pink Paislee blog....and I know you'll have a ball visiting. 

And one more thing to share.....an early Christmas present for you perhaps....for me--most definitely is a 12 Days of Christmas online workshop created by another artist I admire, Lisa Pace!  Check out her blog for the details... I can't wait.

Happy, happy Wednesday!

Melis

once upon the milky way and a delicious giveaway...

sorry to bail on you all....it wasn't on purpose, I promise.  Basically the last 7 days have been a bit hard on my little pocket-book.  It goes something like this:  1 beloved sewing machine...broken, 1 favorite camera....all done taking beautiful pictures of my little bean, and 1 computer....done, gone, crashed :)

So, I'm trying to look at the positive, and there truly is not positive in my sewing machine and camera problems, but I have enjoyed not having my computer attached to my fingertips....it's been a good thing.

Last night we ventured off to play the "boo" game again with our little one and traveled out of town a bit to a ranch.  We had to park the truck quite a distance away in order to allow us to be extra sneaky....and as we stepped out of the truck we were immediately swallowed up in darkness and the most brilliant night-sky I have ever seen.  I know it's always beautiful, but sometimes I don't appreciate it like I should.  Living out here we have no city lights and it allows for some amazing star-gazing.  We were able to point out constellations to Sierra and introduce her for the first time in her little life to the Milky Way...I have never seen it so bright and clearly--it was one of the sweetest evenings I have spent with my little family in quite a while.  I love to share moments like this with them.

I have a fun giveaway to share with you today, thanks to my friends at Paper Crafts magazine.  They have compiled 50 original recipes and over 110 paper-crafted creations into a beautiful book called Paper Crafts Gourmet. You can read more about it here  and also order your copy!  I can't wait to get my copy...there is nothing I enjoy more than baking, cooking, and paper-crafting!  I am lucky enough to be able to give one of you a copy of this book, all you have to do is leave me a message on this post telling me what your favorite fall recipe is...no need to leave me the actual recipe...but I may be contacting you for it later :)  I'll give you until midnight on the night of November 1st and will select a winner randomly on November 2nd.  Can't wait to hear from you!

And, to help entice you a bit more, I get to share a project and recipe created by Alisa Bangerter that you'll find inside the pages of this book.  Perfect for Halloween--I'm thinking chili and biscuits in just a few days :)  You'll find supply lists, instructions, and the recipe for you to create your own.

 

Enjoy Halloween Tag

Designer: Alisa Bangerter

SUPPLIES: Cardstock: (ivory) Dye ink:(Black) Stewart Superior Corp.; (Summer Sun) Stampin’ Up! Specialty ink: (Mango Lemonade color wash) Stewart Superior Corp. Color medium:(black chalk) Craf-T Products Accents: (black brads) Making Memories; (chipboard bat, moon) Melissa Frances Fibers: (black striped ribbon) Pebbles Inc. Font: (Black Family) www.dafont.com Adhesive: (foam tape) Finished size: 3" x 4 1/2"

1Make tag from cardstock. 2 Crumple tag and smooth out. Spray edges with color wash; let dry. Apply chalk. 3 Ink chipboard moon; let dry. Chalk edges and adhere. 4 Ink chipboard bat; let dry. Adhere with foam tape. 5Print sentiment on cardstock; trim and tear edges. Chalk edges and adhere with foam tape. Attach brads. Attach ribbon with brad.

 

Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits

Alisa Bangerter

This is a perfect recipe to pull out if you are short on time because there is no rolling or cutting. The cheese and garlic add extra kick to a plain biscuit, and kids love them. They are the perfect accompaniment to serve with soups or stews, and are great served with a salad.

INGREDIENTS

2 c. flour

2 tbsp. granulated sugar

4 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2/3 c. butter or margarine

1 1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese

1 1/4 c. milk

Chives (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Mix together dry ingredients. Cut in butter with pastry cutter until mixture is fine. Add cheese and mix well. Add milk and stir until just moistened. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Sprinkle top with chopped dried or fresh chives if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for approx. 15 minutes.

Thank you Paper Crafts magazine and Alisa for sharing!

And I'm going to leave you with a project I created for Emma's Paperie using the limited edition Thankful kit.  I created a tag journal that can be kept right inside the tin that comes with the kit, and then a matching card...perfect for writing down things that make us feel loved and thankful.  More images can be found HERE on the blog along with instructions on how to make your own.           

And lastly, if any of you have emailed me lately and I haven't responded, will you please send me another note?   I don't want to ignore any of you, but at this point I have to rebuild my entire contact list....sorry :(

Enjoy your day today!

Melissa

jingle bellies....

frost on the pumpkins....smoke coming from chimneys...warm soup and hot cocoa....love this time of year.  I had a happy mail day the other day as I had just received a sweet shipment of warm jammies for Sierra that I ordered online.  I LOVEOld Navy's sleep sets and found her some with reindeer, mittens, and snowflakes....I'm not waiting for the snow to fly either...she'll be sporting those right away :)

I have a layout to share with you today...one celebrating my little winter blossom.      We do in fact get snow here in the high desert....and I love to snap pictures of her surrounded by the brilliance of it....it's so magical...as is she :)

And....just a little something to share with all of you card lovers out there.  Paper Crafts magazine is out with their newest Card Creations issue.  I love this issue....I look through it over and over again and find new things to love and that inspire me.  I think you'll love it too.

I can share one project I created for this issue with you here, and a few more can be found inside it's pages.  For some reason, this card has a lot of meaning to me...it is very special, and I think I'll keep it for Sierra to give to her one day. Well...gotta go finish packing for my road trip with my little one.  Just waiting for Kindergarten to end and cookies for grandpa to come out of the oven, and we're off to search for pumpkins at the patch.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Melis

hello toots...

Hope you're all enjoying a beautiful, Fall day.  My sweet husband started a fire for us this morning before he headed off to build.  It made my day...love the sound and smell of a fire in the fireplace.

I have a tutorial for you today....a few of you mentioned that you'd like to know how I made the sucker tags, so here we go.

This is what the three look like that I created for the Melissa Frances blog.   

For each sucker tag you will need:

1.  1 large tag--the Melissa Frances tags I used measure 2 1/2 x 4 3/4". 

2.  cardstock stickers--I used 1-2 for each of these tags.

3.  stamps or rub ons--I used both, but all you need is a fun stamp with a Halloween sentiment, or rub ons with the same type of message of image.  I used the Crystal Clear Celebrate Baby Stamps, and the Holiday Rub ons. 

4.  1 small tag.  Mine measure 1 3/4 x 1" and I tea-stained them...which is a lot of fun...maybe I should explain that in another post, huh ;)

5.  Hemp

6.  1 metal button or just something that coordinates with  your color scheme.

7.  Trim for the bottom.

8.  Ink---I used Toffe Versafine from Tsukineko.

9.  Extras would be:  assorted ribbon to tie at the top, an extra button or two to embellish where they are tied at the top, water color pencils, cream flower...

10.  GLUE GUN!! :)

All you need to do to create your own sucker tag is:

1.  Ink edges of tag and stickers.

2.  Adhere cardstock stickers to tags.

3.  Using your glue gun, attach sucker to the tag on a diagonal.  I only adhered the sucker at the top and didn't worry about the stick portion.

4.  Apply rub on to small tag, or stamp with desired image and sentiment.

5.  Thread hemp through button, then through tag, and tie to sucker.

6.  Attach trim to bottom of tag.

7.  Tie ribbon to top of tag---for fun you can use a button and more hemp to attach ribbon to tag.

8.  Embellish with cream flower...button...etc.

9.  Enhance sentiments on small tags a bit by coloring in images or outlining sentiment using watercolor pencils.

That's it...hope I explained everything alright.  Please let me know if you have any other questions and have fun.  Hope you'll show me your fun creations when you're done.

And, one more little item to share today before I sign off is this fun card I created for the CPS blog this week.  Since I had my stash of Melissa Frances goodies out...I couldn't resist using some scraps and fun clear stamps.   Stamps, tag, paper, and metal button are from Melissa Frances. The felt leaf is from MAMBI, a bit of paper from Basic Grey, and the ribbon is from Offray.

And, because I love to share...I just wanted to share this delightful menu I ran across the other day while I was searching for a Pumpkin Brownie recipe.  This menu comes from one of my most favorite bread shops called Great Harvest Bread Co.  Here is their October Sweets menu:

Everyday

Whole Grain Cinnamon Rolls · Fresh Brewed 100% Organic Larry’s Beans Coffee

Tuesday

Dillon Cookie · Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin · Apple Crisp Muffin ·

Cinnamon Chip Cream Cheese Scone ·Double Chocolate Brownies

Wednesday

Old Fashion Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Cookie · Apple Spice Muffin·

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Scone · Fruited Savannah Bars

Thursday

Snickerdoodle Cookie · Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin ·

Apple Cobbler Cream Cheese Scone · Double Chocolate Brownies

Friday

Dillon Cookie · Morning Glory Muffin · Apple Crisp Muffin ·

Blueberry Cream Cheese Scone · Fruited Savannah Bar

Saturday

Chocolate Chip Cookie · Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin ·

Peach Cobbler Cream Cheese Scone

Ohhhh YUM!  It's a good thing I am over 100 miles from one of these delicious shops.  But...I'm going to have to try and create some of these goodies here on my own.

And one more thing I just remembered I wanted to share with you....my friend Alisa Bangerter ( I am so happy to be able to call her my friend and think she is the sweetest thing :)---was on KSL's Studio 5 this morning with some of the most adorable, fun, and creative ideas for Halloween treats I have ever seen.  I was so excited and inspired by her, that I thought I'd share the link to her segment with you.  HERE  you'll find Wrapped Mummy Cakes, Eerie Eyeballs, Meringue Ghosts, Mini Caramel Apples (from Family Fun magazine), and the most irresistible Halloween Vintage Postcard Cookies.  I can't wait to try these ideas out.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Melissa

booga booga...

We had so much fun last night as a family.  We try to have Family Home Evening every Monday night and reserve that night for just being together without interruptions.....dinner, sometimes a lesson, sometimes an activity, sometimes it ends up ummm...being a total flop....but there's always dessert!  That makes everything better, right?  Life with little ones can be very unpredictable....but our activity last night was one that Sierra LOVES and so do we.  We made a bunch of cookies...packaged them up and then delivered them while playing what Sierra calls the, "BOO" game.  I let her pick what families she'd like to deliver goodies to...then she and her daddy knock on the door, leave the package and hide---holy cow---she loves it.  I drive the get-a-way car and wait, and wait for them to show up and tell me all about their sneaky hiding spot---or getting caught like they did once last night.  So fun.  We'll be doing it again, and again leading up to Halloween.

I have a few spooky little projects to share with you today....before you know it we'll be moving on to silver bells and tinsel, won't we?
I created both of these with my beautiful stash of Melissa Frances supplies.  For this card I used Melissa Frances paper, clear stamps, blank Halloween chipboard, and metal button.  I used some fun black glitter from Doodlebug to coat the cat---black glitter is FUN I promise :)

    This is just a fun, small, metal bucket I prettied up a bit by adding ribbon, my most favorite Melissa Frances cardstock sticker, metal buttons, and I tied a glittered Melissa Frances chipboard pumpkin to the handle as well.  This would be so fun to deliver to a neighbor...however Sierra has claimed this as her own...and so it is...for just a bit anyway.  We'll refill it and give it away soon--but it's fun to have a cute treat container floating around the house.

And, today on the Melissa Frances blog I've created another Halloween treat idea for you----this one is lots of fun and SO easy.  Here is a peek and you can check the blog for more pictures.   You and your kiddos will have fun with these...let me know if you are interested in directions for these and I'll post them on my blog for you :)

Well....lots to do today.....life is wonderful isn't it?
Have a happy Tuesday.

Melissa

meet lilybean...

This is her....she is my inspiration....and my heart....and the smile on my face each night as I fall asleep, and each morning when I wake.  The meaning of her nickname is one I keep tucked away in my heart, safe, and private....but  I thought it was time to show you who LilyBean is :)

The Melissa Frances Design Team was asked to created a layout of something they are thankful for...using the Thankful line which celebrates breast cancer survivors, fighters, and all of those who have been touched by the disease.  This is what I came up with....love, home, family, and this little peach :)

See the chocolaty crumbs on her face....love that I didn't wipe her face clean before snapping this photo.  She had just finished a snack, right after coming home from Kindergarten...and I will enjoy looking at those crumbs, and those perfect little lips and blue eyes and remembering the sweet days of a 5-year old.  A perfectly imperfect shot :)

All month long, the Melissa Frances blog will be showcasing layouts from the Design Team, and stories of survival and love will be shared by readers who's lives have been touched by breast cancer in some way.  It's a very special month on the Melissa Frances blog....and just one more congratulations to shout-out to Melissa herself who won the fight!

Happy, happy Sunday!

Melis

pumpkin eater...

I love pumpkins....they are happy, cute, plump, tasty, cheery, and one of the first things I look forward to in the fall.   I love to decorate with them, set them on my porch, paint them beautiful copper and gold colors, or ivory, and bake with them.  We have been doing a lot of baking lately and I incorporated baking into my latest project for Emma's Paperie.  We were challenged as a Design Team to create something from the kitchen, so I knew exactly what I wanted to do.    I love trying new recipes, but I always come back to one called Pumpkin Pocket cookies from the cookbook called, A Passion for Baking.  I'll share the recipe below.  So for this project, I baked up a batch of these, iced them with cream cheese icing, and filled a clear container with them.    All of the supplies I used on this little gift set can be found at Emma's.  Be sure to check out the blog to see all of the delicious and beautiful creations from the Design Team.  This was such a fun assignment.  Welcome Emma's October Guest Designer Sarah Mullanix as well....she is wonderful!

The newest issue of Paper Crafts magazine is out!  And, it is one of my favorites because it kicks off the holiday season.  I  have been pouring over it again and again soaking in the wonderful creations.  I think you'll love it too.  I wanted to share one of the projects I created for this issue with you here today.      This is a fun Santa Tussie that can be filled with goodies and delivered next door to celebrate the season. 

And, I have received a few emails regarding my Tree Gift Box seen on the cover of this same issue here.    A few of you have asked what I used to create the box, and so I thought I'd answer you all here.  I used my Provo Craft Cricut Expression and the Tags, Bags, Boxes, and More cartridge to cut out that merry,  little thing.  One of my most favorite cartridges for sure.  Hope that helps, and let me know if you have any other questions.

Now, for the recipe before I head out. 

Pumpkin Pocket Cookies

2 T. white sugar

1 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup shortening

1 egg

2 t. vanilla

1 cup pumpkin puree

2 cups flour

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. baking soda

1/8 t. salt

1 1/4 t. pumpkin pie spice

1/4 t. cinnamon

1 cup raisins

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Icing:

3 cups powdered sugar

3 T. cream cheese, softened

1 t. vanilla

water...enough to make soft icing

Directions:

Cream both sugars and shortening until fluffy.  Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin and blend well.  Add in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.  Fold in raisins and chocolate chips.

Drop large gobs of cookie dough about 2-3 inches apart on baking sheet.  Bake 15-17 minutes at 350 degrees until cookies are firm to the touch. 

Whisk together icing ingredients to make a smooth glaze.  Spread or drizzle over slightly warm cookies, and let set.

Enjoy-----I know you'll love 'em, and they make your  home smell delish!

Alright...gotta go play for a while.  I've got caramel apples on my brain, but am terrified of trying them.....I'll let you know how it goes.  Perhaps a movie tonight....at home of course...no movie theater here, and some relaxation.

Enjoy your weekend.

Melis

minor interruption...

Deer hunting season is upon us once again here in Nevada....my husband's aunt has a sign in her home that reads, "We interrupt this marriage for hunting season"...and well...basically, that's exactly what is happening.  Haven't seen the guy for a while....I do know he was hobbling around grumbling yesterday as he took the horses and mules out for a hunt....I try to be sympathetic....but I might be caught snickering inside from time-to-time....maybe even out loud.  He's a hard-worker, and I LOVE the fact that he loves his hobbies.....and he is 100% supportive of mine.   So, I'll make him cookies, send him off with a smile, tell him to please find his way home, will and see him sometime later in the week :)

So....with that being said, I've been having fun creating, and have a few things to share today.

I have a stash of fall and Halloween goodies that I haven't wanted to stop using.  This card uses some of my favorite Melissa Frances products....the tag, cardstock sticker, and paper, some My Mind's Eye die cuts, a Prima flower with sparkle brad from Karen Foster, and the die cut typewrite letters are from Graphic 45 and I just covered them with a page pebble to add some dimension.  The trim and ribbon are from Mara May's etsy shop once again :)

This card was created for the CPS blog this week.  Our sponsor was Kandi Corp, and those sweet brass embellishments you see here were supplied by them....LOVE these.  The paper and ribbon are from Fancy Pants, leaves from MAMBI, cardstock label from Art Warehouse, and then Ranger ink, button, and hemp.  This is a super fun sketch....hope you'll give it a try.

This card was created for the Sketch This blog....BUT...I was off by a couple of months on this sketch...not sure what I was thinking, but I had fun anyway....check the blog to see what the real sketch was and to enjoy the other designer's creations.  I used Pink Paislee paper, Chatterbox trim, American Crafts felt, Kaisercraft adhesive pearl, CTMH metal hanger, and assorted buttons.  And, a few Papertrey release projects to show you....to get you in the holiday spirit :)
First off, let me say how much I LOVE this particular set....Holiday Tags is the name and I just adore it....each tag is so easy to work with and truly beautiful.  For this card I embossed my cardstock using a beautiful Provo Craft embossing folder (LOVE these too), added in some Vintage Holiday paper from Papertrey, stamped and embossed my tag, stamped and embossed the sentiment, added some Stickles glitter, used my pinking shears around the edges, punched a hole in the top to form a tag, tied it with some sheer silver ribbon from Papertrey, matted it on a glitter snowflake from Imaginisce, and added a gem.  So simple....but really charming....you could whip a bunch of these up in no time at all :) 

To go with this card, I added in a little holiday favor.    Aren't these stamps beautiful.....truly, I love 'em.  All I did to created these little gifts was to cut a circle from white cardstock big enough to cover the front of a York Peppermint Patty.  I stamped circles from the Polka Dot Basics set, embossed them and glued the circle to the front of the patty.  The I repeated the steps above to create the tag and glued it to the center of the patty---that's it.  More ideas using this set can be seen HERE. 

This next card was created using another beautiful set that I just love....full of wonderful quotes and sentiments and a beautiful flourish and stars.  The set it called Silent Night.    I created my own paper for this by stamping one of the quotes across the entire area of the white cardstock block, added a strip of Kraft cardstock, then my flourish and embellished it with stamped stars and glitter.  More ideas can be seen HERE.

And lastly today.....another set that I have fallen head over heals with....Warm Happiness from Heather Nichols.    This set is so much fun to play around with....love the cocoa mug, which can be a tea or coffee mug as well...love the steam, and the polka dots....I will be using this set a lot I'm sure.  You can see more projects created using this set HERE from the other Papertrey Design Team members.

Well...my time is up...off to get some things done. 

Enjoy your day!

Melis

tra-la-la...

just going about life...with a happy little tune in my heart, and a spring in my step.  I love everyday life....the routine...the simplicity.  It is where my heart is.....at home, with my sweet family.

Lots to share tonight...I've been squeezing in a spare minute here, a spare minute there, a few late nights now and then to prepare for the Papertrey Ink October release....and it's time to share!

I could never begin to choose a favorite Papertrey Ink new release stamp set....there are things I love about each of them....they are timeless, irresistible, classic, fun, doable, clean, elegant, basic, and so many other things.

To start with tonight I'd love to share a project I created with the Quilter's Sampler additions set.      This was a super simple project and perfect gift for a friend.  I simply created a bread wrap from felt, cardstock, and paper, and stamped a sweet band using the Quilter's Sampler Additions stamp set.  The matching card has a fun sentiment using the Birthday Basics stamp set that says, "Wishing you a day wrapped in happiness".  The polka dot paper you see under the clear buttons is also new from Papertrey and is from the Polka Dot Parade paper assortment...most definitely a must have :)  For more ideas using this stamp set, visit the gallery HERE. 

My next project uses the Snowfall and Snowfall Additions stamp sets designed by Heather Nichols.  I LOVE her darling stamp sets, and these snowflakes have to be the cutest I have ever seen....the mittens too.  

For this project I created a gift set containing a tin filled with lotion for the hands that need a little pampering due to the winter cold, and a matching card.       The Clear Top Tin can be found HERE at Papertrey Ink, the Chocolate Remix paper I  used can be found HERE, and of course the beautiful sheer ribbons and twills are also from Papertrey Ink.  More ideas using these stamp sets can be seen HERE. 

One more for you tonight...the last few up-all-night-nights with my little one have suddenly hit me, so I'll share more tomorrow.  But first I would love to share my project using the Recipe Box and Recipe Box Label stamp sets with you.  First off, these are so lovely and clearly, classic Nichole....just brilliant and so easy to work with.      I used  Summer Sunrise and the new Ripe Avocado cardstocks, more of the Polka Dot Parade paper collection in a different color scheme, a new recipe card to accompany these stamps, and a frosted bag to hold a goodie.  I thought this would be a perfect gift for a friend who has requested a recipe of mine....bake her up a sample, jot down the recipe, and present it with a handmade card as well.  More ideas using these stamps sets can be found HERE. 

I'ts bedtime...won't you come back tomorrow for more?  See you then.

Melis

gather 'round....

I have a fun post for you tonight! 

Each of the Papetrey Ink  Design Team members was asked to come up with a set of mass-producible holiday cards to share with all of you card loving gals out there.  What a wonderful treat Nichole has put together as she has gathered instructions and supply lists from each of us and compiled them into down-loadable files for you to print out and keep in order for you to create holiday cards of your own.  I'll share mine here with you, but there are many, many more ideas available for you on the Papertrey Ink blog.  This was so much fun...I hope you enjoy them too.

I created a design that is quite simple and fun.  The supplies are minimal and it would be so easy to change your color scheme and try out different patterns with this design.    I used the Papertrey Ink Merry and Bright stamp set for my focus here and added in some Papertrey Vintage Holiday paper and twill to whip these up in a hurry.  I even decided it would be fun to create matching envelopes so the greeting carries through from the beginning to the end.  Here is an example for you to use on your envelopes.    The envelopes required no extra paper...I saved the remaining scalloped scraps from the cards and just used them here, on the envelopes. Two simple, stamped trees and your sentiment and you're done!

I'd love to see your take on these, and I hope you enjoy creating them as much as I did.  For the instructions and supply lists on these cards as well as all of the other Design Team members, check HERE and stayed tuned for many more ideas for the holidays :)

Melis

the bean patch...

I had the pleasure of picking string beans with my little one tonight as the sun was setting.  My mother-in-law called and told me to hurry on over and pick what I wanted as we are expecting it to freeze tonight.  So Sierra and I went over....she on one side of the wall of beans, me on the other.  She chattered away as she searched for the perfect bean...I just listened and smiled....it was a fun and cherished moment for me.  This age is so magical and I am truly fascinated by her.  I imagine that there are many memorable conversations had in the bean patch between mother and daughter....perhaps it happens while they snap beans together afterward...I look forward to our next trip to the bean patch.

The other day I was asked to create a layout for the Melissa Frances blog....and I can't wait to show you...but I will have to.  It is hanging on my fridge so I can soak in the sweet snapshot I took of my little one as she was enjoying her snack right after she got home from Kindergarten....so happy to have taken that picture....it feels like I was able to stop time for just a bit.

Speaking of fall and my little bean picker, a few months ago I was asked to create a couple of home decor items for the Canadian magazine, Scrapbook & Cards Today.  I jumped at the chance because it left the door wide open for me to create to my heart's content.  Here is one project you can see in this magazine.  I wanted to create a fall wreath incorporating a photo or two of my little one...sigh....love this sweet snapshot of her. You can download this issue HERE if you'd like....or wait and get your hands on this glorious publication----it truly is beautifully done.

There are lots of things going on at the Melissa Frances blog, one of which has a wonderful prize at the end...but you will most definitely need to put on your "thinker".  I certainly did when Melissa asked me to create an altered bra for the CHA booth in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.  Well, now it's your turn....you've got a bit of time to think and create and there is a big payoff at the end.  More details can be found HERE along with a picture of the one I created for Melissa.  Here is a little peek for you.   

Emma's Paperie is also celebrating the month of October with a beautiful kit where part of the proceeds of each kit sold will be given to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  You can find more details HERE.

In celebration of this cause, the design team members, were asked to created a project using the color pink and here is my little creation, and if you go HERE, you can see all of them.      

Well...my little house is sleeping softly tonight as it howls outside.  So thankful to be bundled up tight and be safe and sound...hope you are too.

Night.

Melis

sweet witches....

That's what we are all about this Halloween.  I can't wait.  I just ordered a Halloween witch tutu for my little girl from Gardner Village (ohhhh how I miss that lovely slice of heaven on earth :) It should be here soon.  The striped leggings are on their way...the sparkly broom is waiting...spiders for her little up-do...and she is set.

Today I will quickly share a sweet witch of the stamping variety with you.  This card was created for the CPS blog this week.  Our sponsor is Artistic Outpost...and when I opened my package to find the Vintage Halloween set they sent me I was so excited...I love them....but they have so many other sets too that are just as irresistible.  The full supply list can be found on the CPS blog Friday morning.     

And since the wind is howling...there's a chill in the air....and the leaves are beginning to glow their magical colors...I thought I'd share a little peek at my Fall decor....it isn't much...most is outside, but I sure enjoy it.   

Well...I am alone for a few hours....a whole afternoon ...as my little on and husband are out hunting.  I'm off to get busy.

Melis

very tweet...

It's been such a great day.  I am sitting here with my little one playing happily near by...love listening to her.  It was a wonderfully, happy mail day....thanks to Emma's Paperie (i love ya Cindy), and the walls are going up on our house today.....very happy day today. 

I'm mailing these tweet notebooks out that I made for a couple of friends and customers...one  in Australia and another for a stamping goddess...both have become my friends and I am so thankful to have met them.     

And a quick little card I created using some scraps and My Favorite Things clear stamps.  I'm also busily working away on my PaperTrey Ink release assignments....you're gonna love the new goodies..I sure do.  You can check out sneak peeks of the new stamp sets on Nichole's blog...soon we'll have projects up too. 

And lastly, but certainly the most important is the celebration going on at the Melissa Frances blog.    October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Melissa is celebrating the occasion along with being cancer free with some wonderful giveaways on the blog.  So....check in each day to see what is happening. 

That's it for me today.

Enjoy your Wednesday.

Melis

joy in the journey....

Mother Hen is back...all my little chicks survived...I did too :)

I am so happy to be home, but really had such a sweet experience with my little crew.  The highlight undoubtedly was the power outage....right at bedtime...pitch dark....no clue as to where to find the flashlights....2 screaming 5 year olds, 1 terrified 3 year old holding onto my pant leg so hard that my britches were falling off as we stumbled up and down the stairs, and 1 little dude who just wanted his bottle and bed :)  I explained to them that if they said a little prayer they wouldn't be afraid and that we would alright.  So, one by one they said their sweet little prayers and then after a few more minutes of scouring around for some light, their parents called and we were able to locate some flashlights.  Of course this would happen while I'm there with them...I knew it would :)  I'm bad news I tell you.  I got them to bed sleeping like babes, then I started freaking out a bit as it was so dark and of course I heard "noises".  About 3 hours into it, I heard the most wonderful sound...my knight in hunting camo arriving in his muddy truck to rescue me.  So happy my husband decided to journey over and check on us....we were an hour from him so I wasn't sure he would.  sigh....so happy to be back.

Now...I promise to email those of you back who've contacted me.....promise.

And...I'll stop babbling for a minute to announce the winner of my WCMD Felt Challenge.  I still have so many I want to check out and comment on...so hang in there, but since I'm choosing a random winner, I'll post the her now.

MISTY.....

Congratualtions, you have won yourself a goodie box of fun felt embellishments and other favorites of mine.  Please send me your address and I'll ship your package out to you.  Thank you all for participating.  Stay tuned for another challenge from Wendy and me....it was so fun to do this with her.

I've got plenty to share tonight, but not much time, so let's get started. 

As I mentioned earlier I was the guest designer at Citrus Tree Studio this month and I would love to share my creations with you.  If you're on the hunt for a fabulous kit club....this is one you'll LOVE, because I surely do.

First up here are a few things created with the Autumn Trail kit.         

And lastly a few cards  made with the Vintage Moon kit.         

My time is up...I have more unpacking to do....never ending laundry...and a little shadow of my own that wants to play Light Bright :)

Night.

Melissa

in the most delightful way....

  Good morning everyone.

I've only got a minute before my little one and I head out to play Auntie Melissa for the next few days.  I will go from having 1 little shadow to having 5....no diapers to plenty of them.....mac and cheese to rice cereal and bottles.  I would LOVE to hang with  you over WCMD, but I am not planning on having much free time....we shall however be making and decorating sugar cookies, homemade pizzas, and whatever else the little crew wants to do.  I'll certainly be with you in spirit :)

I thought I'd leave you with a card or two and perhaps some wonderful window shopping this weekend.  I love sharing my new favorite finds with you.

  This card uses Melissa Frances paper, trim, cardstock sticker, resin, glitter, and crystal clear stamps.  I added a Maya Road chipboard bookplate, Kaisercraft jewels, and some wide ribbon.  Love my Melissa Frances goodies.

Next....I can share a peek or two with you at this point.  I was recently asked to guest design for Citrus Tree Studio for October and was given a couple of kits to work with---LOVED them both and had such a wonderful time using the products included.  So....is a snippet of what I did for them.    I'll have a challenge posted for you at Citrus Tree Studio beginning tonight. 

And, I received a delightful box of goodies from Imaginisce not too long ago and inside I found oodles of darling hair clips for my little girl.  They are called Gimme Clips and they are truly the cutest things---I can't NOT put them in her hair now...gotta have one or two of these in as she heads out the door :)  Here is a pic of one of them in her hair----gosh I am jealous of her lovely locks :)    I LOVE this site:  Jillie Willie---especially their Gathering Bag and darling aprons.

Shabby Apple has the most adorable dressed for little girls, babies, and mamas too. 

LOVE the photo cards HERE.  Might just try this approach this year.

And lastly....my brother and his wife own Layers Clothing....she is the mastermind behind all of their beautiful designs....I love them all.  And....can actually say I love their swimsuits too....pretty sure I have never, ever uttered those words before :)  When you have a minute take a peek.

I must be off.

Enjoy your weekend.

Melis

beautiful abundance...

Good morning and Happy October!

A little peek for you at a project I created for Emma's Paperie---more can be seen below.

I have 2 winners to announce this morning as promised.  For those of you who shared a little bit of yourself with me by expressing what makes you happy, I thank you!  It was wonderful to read through your touching thoughts and stories---I feel connected to many of you somehow and appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better.

The  2 winners chosen randomly to receive a copy of Paper Crafting 3 Ways a Paper Crafts special issue are:

Kristy C who said: 

"wow! what a time for this question to come up as i have been exploring these thoughts lately...what makes me happy.

i would be lying if i didn't say my family makes me happy (of course they also drive me nuts! lol!)

the 2nd thing i would have to say makes me happy is being able to see the world. not just thru my own eyes, but others too thru their photographs. i have always had a passion for photos and love the untold stories or questions they evoke."

And, Ailin who said: 

"when the weather is nice and i can play outside with my children."

Congratulations and please email me your addresses so I can send you your magazines.

Well, I have been doing a lot of thinking lately on what life truly means to me.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to reflect upon the simple things in life that make is so meaningful and sweet.  It is not always sweet, but even the trials I have faced have shaped me and helped me grow in ways I wouldn't have otherwise, and so for that I am thankful.  As I was folding my little girl's tiny leggings and shirts the other day I realized how much that simple act means to me.  My heart and home are full because of her and I love the presence her little life brings into ours....so like I said before...the simple act of folding her little clothes brings me happiness.

Before I go, I want to share a project I created for Emma's Paperie.  Our challenge as a design team was to use the Kraft gift boxes sold at Emma's in our own unique way.  I have to tell  you how blown away I was with the projects the other designers made.  They are SO beautiful, and you can see them all HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog. 

I chose to use the lid of the box and altered it to create a fun little wall hanging for a baby's room.  I used the new Melissa Frances postcard kit and oodles of other Melissa Frances embellishments.  You can see my supply list as well as instructions on how to make this on the blog as well.

  I can't wait to try more of these for other occasions. 

Gotta run....there are beds to be made and a beautiful, colorful work of art on my little girl's bedroom door in the most wonderful color of blue crayon that I need to figure out how to make disappear :)

Melis

blog buddies...

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I can't believe September is over...but certainly LOVE October.  My little girl is so excited--you'd think it might be about trick-or-treating or something like that, right?  Nope----she knows the precise day that the dear hunts opens and lets us know on a daily basis----only a few more days and I'm going to be a widow for awhile again.  But, I don't mind.  I love that my husband supports me in my crafting and am certainly supportive of him and the things that make him happy.  We all need our creative outlet, don't we.

So.....I'm especially excited today because I'm sharing this day of card making and blogging with my sweet friend, Wendy Johnson.  I still remember when she first contacted me out of the blue quite a few months ago.  We became fast friends and I enjoy her friendship so much.  We were able to meet for the first time earlier this month at the Editorial Board meeting for Paper Crafts magazine.  It was such a treat for me because I have adored her work since the beginning.  She is the heart of Paper Crafts magazine and has so much creativity and love to share with many, many people. 

So, today we are both offering up challenges on our blog.  The challenges are the same...the deadline the same...but she has some beautiful samples to share with you on her blog and will have a special giveaway for you.  I will share some of my own samples here and will offer my own giveaway.  Now.....to double your chances of winning, post a comment linking us to your creation on both of our blogs. 

First off....the samples and challenge.  It's all about warm fuzzies around here today, and so we deiced to  try using felt in creative ways to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.

  For this first card I couldn't resist using the negative images left over after using my die cut machine and flower die cut for a card I'll post in a bit---these little scraps make great embellishments for cards, tags, and layouts.  I also love to use a block of felt as my base and use my Fiskars pinking shears to create a fun decorative edge.  Felt looks even sweeter when stitched whether it be by hand or machine.  I used Basic Grey paper, Deja Views rubons, Martha Stewart string, Worldwin cardstock, and buttons and tulle from the craft store.

  As you can see from this card....I cut flowers from felt.  You can do this by hand simply by tracing around a chipboard flower and then cutting it from felt, or using a die cut machine.  I used my Cuttlebug die cut machine and die cut for these flowers and then stitched them by hand to add a little more charm.  I LOVE the texture that felt bring into projects.  As you can see I used it as my base as well.  I used Basic Grey paper, Making Memories chipboard flowers, Crate Paper ribbon, Making Memories tag, Heidi Grace rub ons, MAMBI gems, and Basic Grey chipboard.

Lastly, what would a baby card be without a touch of soft felt?    I cut a scalloped border from felt for this card and then hand stitched buttons to the center of each scallop.  I love scallops in the first place and thought it would be fun to try creating my own scallop border.  For this you can also cut a border from cardstock and then trace and cut it from felt, but I actually tried using my scalloped scissors on the felt itself---didn't work, but it left an impression in the felt that I could then follow and cut to create the border.  Everything you see here is from Melissa Frances except for the fun wired ribbon from Mara May's etsy shop and the glittered heart from American Crafts.

So.....are you ready to try your own creation?  I hope we've inspired you to spend some time crafting and using some of this warm, fuzzy stuff. 

The challenge goes as follows:

1.  Create a card using felt in any way, shape, or form.

2.  Post in any online gallery or on your blog and then come back here and link me to your creation.  If you want to double your chances of winning, link your creation to Wendy's post as well.

3.  You have ALL week and weekend to do this---fun, huh?  Let's end at midnight on Sunday and I'll randomly choose a winner on Monday.

For the giveaway, I'll set up a sweet little package for you filled with felt and other goodies.

Hope you'll play along.

Be sure to check out Kim Kesti's blog for some DARLING cards along with Teri Anderson, and Alice Golden.

Melis

Heartwarmer...

Such a heartwarming day....one that leaves my heart smiling tonight.

Hope yours is smiling too:)

Lots of things to leave me happy tonight...currently it's my iPod as I do a little seat dancing while writing to  you :)  Are you a seat dancer too...perhaps just a toe tapper---nothin' wrong with that :)

        Tonight I wanted to share these shabby, pocket tags I created for a past issue of Paper Craft magazine.  Pretty sure I shoved every little thing I ever loved on these :)----that would be Making Memories paper and metal snowflakes, jute, Pebbles inc. vintage stickers, acrylic paint, ink, wide grosgrain...ohhhh and those darling coin envelopes from Bazzill.  I can still remember how much fun these were to make....gonna have to make more, but I think I'll put these in etsy for you in just  bit---I can totally see them on a package wrapped with my favorite Kraft paper--kind of homespun and heartwarming, huh?

So.....happy WCMD week!  Let's start having a little fun.  I have TWO copies of my most favorite Paper Crafts special issue to give away.  All you have to do is leave me a note on this post telling me what makes you happy...that's it!  I'll draw 2 names randomly on Wednesday October 1st---Happy October!  I'll announce the winners on the morning of October 2nd. 

So...I've already told you that my iPod makes me happy.....and here is a quote I read today that sums up other things that make me happy as well.

"Everybody is hunting for happiness -- and happiness is everywhere.  beauty, simplicity, and peace are the least expensive things in the world.  Happiness is supremely simple:  as simple as religion, when it is expressed in the one word, "Love."  As simple as sunshine, fresh air, cold water.  All the really big things of this little world carry no price tags."

Lydia N. Jones

So true....love doesn't cost a penny....and it is more powerful that anything.  So much good can come from expressing it, showing it, and sharing it.  Our Heavenly Father gave us the beauty of the world to remind us of His love and to make us happy...I for one LOVE nature and the glorious beauty that surrounds us.  So much to enjoy and add happiness to our daily lives.

Night everyone.

Melis

 

enjoy the silence...

Not feeling too chatty today....don't know where my normal self is at the moment, but maybe me being silent is OK once in awhile.  Just wanted to share this today :)  I love to mix my favorite Melissa Frances with my favorite Papertrey Ink products....I used Papertrey Believe stamp set along with Melissa Frances paper, chipboard, glitter chipboard, trim, and cardstock sticker.

a pinch of nutmeg...

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies....can ya smell 'em?  Must be just about the best smell ever.

I'll post a the Earthquake Cake recipe for you at the end of this entry tonight...promise it's there :)

Today has been great....everyday is pretty wonderful actually....some days I seem to wander around in a fog while my little one runs circles around me...but they are happy, wonderful, playful circles and I am thankful for the simple things that make life so enjoyable.  I helped out at the elementary school yesterday for school pictures.  The first class up was my little girl's Kindergarten class of course and she was so excited to see me.  I had told her I would be there, but I don't think she actually understood how, where, and why.  So while I was sitting at the table, writing down the payments and such,  the little ones were patiently waiting on the floor for their turn to have their smiles captures.....I felt a warm little smooch on my leg :)---She had snuck away from the group and crawled under the table to kiss my leg...ohhhh....made me smile and laugh--still today.  Love that little bean and will take a kiss from here wherever and whenever I can :)

I'm just about ready to go teach Story Hour at the library...but wanted to pop in first.  I created this card for Provo Craft this month using the Graphically Speaking cartridge.  It's intended to be a wedding card, but I can't help but connect it to all of our sweet eternal relationships....so thankful to know that I can be with my loved ones forever...  Lots of beautiful Basic Grey paper here too as well as my favorite Kaisercraft pearls, Doodlebug glitter, acrylic paint, and Martha Stewart ribbon.

And one more for you....a card I created using a combination of Melissa Frances paper  and stamps, along with some My Favorite Things stamps.   

Well on to the recipe---it's one of my in-a-hurry-recipes.  My husband told me at lunch that he was in charge of cooking dutch oven potatoes, chicken, and a dessert for the Young Men and Young Women in our ward....right in the middle of trying to build walls for our home---anyway... I had to hurry and whip up a dessert for him so he could cross that one of his list and I made an Earthquake Cake---doesn't require cooling in order to frost it because the yummy frosting bakes inside :)

Earthquake Cake

1 cup walnuts

1 cup coconut

1 1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 German chocolate cake mix

1 8 oz. cream cheese softened

1 lb. powdered sugar

1/2 cup margarine

1tsp. vanilla

**Grease bottom only of 13x9" pan.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips and spread in the bottom of pan.  Prepare cake mix according to box directions.  pour over coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts.  mix remaining ingredients.  Drop by spoonfuls over batter.  And if you're like me...you  might just want to sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on the very top too.  Bake 45-50 minutes.

It's really not a pretty cake...the first time I made it for my family, my brother-in-law asked what happened to it....but don't you let that get you down....it's heavenly to the taste.  Let me know what you think.

Off to make dinner.

Melis

Pumpkin Soup for the soul....

Not the kind you eat...although it might be worth a try :)  While I was away I picked up a fun new storybook for my little girl...entitled Pumpkin Soup.    It's officially our new favorite book....a must read before bedtime each and every night. 

Since I'm feeling all pumpkin-y, fall-ish, merry, warm and cozy-like...here are a few projects for you tonight.      I made this for Provo Craft this month using the Tags, Bags, Boxes and More cartridge along with the Joys of the Season cartridge.  Lots of beautiful Basic Grey paper here, some old sheet music, crystal glitter, kraft cardtsock, and Doodlebug gems. 

And...a page about my grumpy punkin also for Provo Craft.  I used the Storybook and Opposites Attract cartridges for this.  Lots of Halloween-y Making Memories here along with black Primas (thank goodness for black flowers, huh?) and some Doodlebug gems.

And to wrap it all up tonight, a little card I created with some of my left-over scraps.    More beloved kraft cardstock, Making Memories chipboard, Scenic Route paper, and K&Co. sticker.

Alright...off I go to get the Earthquake Cake out of the over (have I posted that recipe yet?) and start the bedtime routine.  I betcha I know what we'll be reading tonight :).

night.

Melis

get your sharpie...

write this date down....no need to use a pencil....gotta use something permanent for this :)

OCTOBER 4th!!!

Get ready to celebrate World Card Making Day!

Join in the fun with card makers the world over on Saturday, Oct. 4, as we kick off the holiday card-making season. Now in its third year, World Card Making Day is a day to connect with fellow card makers around the globe and to celebrate the creativity and joy of this craft! Hobbyists, beginning card makers, manufacturers of card-making products, retailers, and educators, are all making plans to share the excitement of World Card Making Day with workshops, online galleries, parties, contests, sales, and other special events.

 Visit http://www.worldcardmakingday.com/ for ideas and unique ways to celebrate this holiday, including:

o        Creating your own handmade cards from the dozens of sponsored ideas in the Inspiration Avenue section

o        Sharing your unique designs with the world in the Creation Corner Gallery

o        Finding and visiting an Official World Card Making Day Retailer for classes and activities that will help you connect with other fellow card makers

o        Planning your own fun activities with friends and family with ideas from the Celebrate section

 Join Paper Crafts magazine on this amazing day that brings card makers from all over the globe together in celebrating the joy of giving the gift of a handmade card.

This day should totally be a holiday don't ya think?  I'm gearing up and will have a fun challenge or two here on my blog.  I'll be back later with the exciting details... I hope you'll join me.

And because I'm a card lovin' kind of girl....I have a card for you tonight.....for Emma's Paperie, based on a sketch you can find on the blog along with ideas from the other designers---sooooooo cute...each of them.

    I used some delicious Jenni Bowling paper from Emma's.  All supplies used here can be found at Emma's Paperie except for the flowers which are from the craft store, and the darling vintage button which I purchased from my friend Mara May's etsy store...it worked perfectly into this card.

Well...it's official...my toes are cold for the first time in a long time...fall is here...time for socks, blankets...and Christmas music...oh dear :) 

Melis

whereabouts...

Here I am....back from a little get-a-way with my husband to beautiful Texas.  We stayed in Fort Worth and fell in love with it.  So many beautiful historic buildings and sites....lots of delicious restaurants...and big beefy ribs for my boy :)  I was able to see my new nephew and hold him for just a bit...what a dolly...and got a little loving in from my other nephew Hayden while there too...it was a wonderful few days away.

Now....I'm back to a little one with 103 degree temperature....tonsillitis and a severe ear infection....my heart just aches for her....but I am glad to be home just in time to take care of her----so glad she was well while we were gone.  Boy....did I ever miss her and am so thankful to be her mama....even at 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the morning :)---you know what I mean, huh all of you sweet, sleep-deprived mommies :)

So in between doctoring her up and washing laundry.... I thought I'd pop in here for a minute.  Not a whole lot to offer you at the moment, but a big thank you for all of your sweet comments---each one means so much to me.

Today I'd love to share a card I made for the CPS blog this past week.  Our sponsor was Kandi Corp.---so much fun!

  I couldn't resist using my Papertrey Ink Rustic Snowflakes stamp set on this card...it's a fave of mine for sure.  Also from Papertrey Ink is the Gold Shimmer cardstock, and Pure Poppy ink....love this stuff.  I also used a bit of my favorite Melissa Frances paper here, some Doodlebug ric rac, vintage sheet music and a ticket stub.

I have so much more to show you..but will have to wait a bit...and have about 100 emails to get to....so if you haven't heard from me...you will...promise.

Off for some snuggles with my little one.

Melis

all things old...

all things worn, weathered, tried, tested, used, and loved....and treasures to me...love them--love to use them and celebrate their charm.

        And...now for my Feather Your Nest challenge winner....REMEMBER I drew the winner's name RANDOMLY.....I could never begin to choose a favorite---they are all too beautiful and unique...so that's why I always draw a name :)

Congratulations to.........................

Alicia, with her darling Cuckoo Clock card!  Please email me and I'll get you address and the color of your kitchen and send you out some goodies.

Thanks to each of you for playing along----we'll do this again I promise!

Melis

spookables....

I know...I know...focus on one holiday for a change....too boring....I love them all....so let's get a little spooky for just a bit.

    A sweet spookable I created for Emma's Paperie---heavens this was fun!  You can find the supply list HERE on the Emma's blog along with some cute, cute spookables from the other design team members---hope you'll create one for yourself :)

And now for a bit of sad news....this was my last month at Lime Tart and at Webster's Pages.  I have decided to step down from both.  So....I have a few things to share with you tonight that I created with the September Full Tart from Lime Tart which just happens to be loaded with beautiful Webster's Pages.  Thank you to my dear Aussie friend Philippa for allowing me to come and join you for 17 months---I LOVED every minute of it.  And to Brandin and Terri, a huge hug and a thank you to both of you for sharing your beautiful projects with me and inviting me to be part of your team.        I created a gratitude journal using a Basic Grey chipboard album and the content in this kit....a page for family, love, life...a place to jot down thoughts of gratitude....of which I have many :)

And lastly....so sorry to not include instructions for my fabric/ribbon ornament on the original post....didn't think you'd want them...but for those who have asked...here they are.

This ornament took me about 1/2 hour to create.  All you'll need is a Styrofoam ball of any size...the bigger the ball, the more fabric and ribbon you'll need.  Mine was a 3" ball.

Choose coordinating fabrics...I picked 2 different colors to work with, both plaid....but the fun part is that you can use scraps galore on these and they will look so darling and homespun.  I then chose a wide grosgrain ribbon to coordinate and this particular ribbon is Pure Poppy from Papertrey Ink. 

The rest is easy, peasy...snip the bottom of your fabric about 3/4" up and into 1/2-3/4" strips....tear them to create a frayed edge.  Tear several strips and then cut each strip into 1 1/2" pieces.  Cut the ribbon the same size as well. 

Then just fold each piece in half and start at the top of the ball pinning each folded strip to the ball with the cut sides towards the center and the loop showing on the outside...does that make sense?

Cover the entire ball...and then mold loops a bit to help form the circular shape---what I mean by this is to maybe adjust the loop by grabbing the top and while it is still pinned to the ball move the loop to the left or right of even down---that way it doesn't look so flat.

Then, I just had some cute and tiny flowers from the craft store that I snipped and glued into holes throughout the ornament.  I liked the contrast of the white, but there are lots of fun possibilities here as well.

Last, create a loop from coordinating ribbon for the top and tack it into place at the top of your ornament.  Then tie a bow from the same ribbon or something that coordinates and tack it to the top through the center of the bow.

That's it...I would LOVE to see yours.

Remember you still have a tiny bit of time to get your cards in for the Feather Your Nest challenge...ummmm...just over 2 hours o be precise :)---I'm sorry I haven't commented on them all...but I certainly will.  I'll randomly draw a winner tomorrow morning sometime.  Thanks so much for playing along.  The cards are beautiful.

Melis

from my heart...

to your hands. 

One last treat for you to help kick off the September Papertrey Ink releases.  Nichole challenged each of the design team members to create something to celebrate family traditions...maybe something that has been going on for generations...or just a year or two...or maybe something we would love to implement as a new family tradition.  I chose to share a tradition we have had in my family since I was little...that of collecting ornaments.    I still remember as a little girl, opening a package every Christmas Eve from this sweet elderly couple that lived next door.  They would travel throughout the year and always bring home an ornament from some very exotic place and present one to each of my brothers and me.  My mom collected them in a shoebox for me and when I was married she turned them over to me and I had a whole collection  of memories and ornaments for my very bare tree.  So, it started there.  Through the years I've made handmade ornaments for neighbors and family members and enjoy it so much.  From homespun fabric wrapped balls, to garlands, to small stitcheries....they are each unique and created from the heart.  So, for this assignment I decided to create a new handmade ornament...sorry not much stamping here, but it can easily be presented with a cute handmade card to make a sweet gift ensemble.  And, that leads me to one last stamp release from Papertrey Ink...Home for the Holidays!

   

Papertrey Ink supplies used on the card include:

Home for the Holidays stamp set
Boards and Beams stamp set
Pure Poppy cardstock
Linen Vellum cardstock
Gold Shimmer cardstock
White cardstock
Pure Poppy Topnotch Twill
Pure Poppy Classic Grosgrain

And Papertrey Ink supplies used on the ornament include:

Pure Poppy Classic Grosgrain and Holiday Collection Gold Tinsel Weave Ribbon

Check the Papertrey blog for many more creations from the design team celebrating their personal family traditions.

Night.

Melis

 

bundle up...

lots of fun Papertrey release projects to share with you today....beautiful new stamp sets just in time for the snow, the winter chill, and the holidays--they are so much fun.  So, let's get started.

First up is this little tag group created using the Merry and Bright stamp set.  I love this darling set designed by Melissa Bickford...so many possibilities. 

   

Papertrey Ink Supplies:

Merry and Bright Stamp Set, Pure Poppy Ink, Vintage Cream Cardstock, Pure Poppy Topnotch Twill

Other supplies:

Carolace trim

Doodlebug glitter

Clearsnap ink

Natural hemp

Antique button from craft store

And, in case you're in the mood for some Peppermint Brownies...here is the recipe.  This is my mother-in-law's homemade brownie recipe.  It's delicious, and all I did to change it was to make my own chocolate frosting, crunch up some peppermints and sprinkle them on top. 

Peppermint Brownies:

2 cubes margarine

2 cups sugar

 1/3 cup cocoa powder

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

 1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla

**Cream together  margarine, sugar, eggs, cocoa, and vanilla.  Mix in flour and salt.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Next up is my card using the new Made of Snow release.  My goodness...these snowmen images are the cutest things....several scarfs, mittens, arms, hats, faces.....so sweet and fun. 

Papertrey Ink Supplies:

Made of Snow stamp set, Linen Vellum cardstock, White cardstock

Other supplies:

Worldwin cardstock

Provo Craft Embossing Border and Folder

Kaisercraft adhesive pearls

Melissa Frances paper

Doodlebug glitter

Stazon ink

And my last project to share with you today uses the new Maztel Tov stamp set.      Such gorgeous images..love the scripts and fonts associated with this set....just beautiful in every way.

Papertrey Ink Supplies:

Mazel Tov and Additions stamp set, White Cardstock, Linen Vellum Cardstock, Gold Shimmer Cardstock, Gold Sheer Metallic Edge Ribbon from Gold Holiday Ribbon Collection

Other supplies:

Melissa Frances paper

Doodlebug gems

Stickles glitter

Clearsnap ink

Be sure to stop by the Papertrey blog and gallery to see many more creations from the design team.

More coming soon.

Melis

 

welcome friends...

come right in... Just a little taste of what I did today....time to start enjoying fall!  My father-in-law dropped of some beautiful cornstalks for my porch---crazy to call them beautiful when they're old and dead and feed for the mules--but I love 'em...my mantel is all decorated too....now I'm just waiting for the pumpkins to start appearing---then I'll be really happy :)---I did all of this decorating for fall today while my little one ran around in her swimsuit---kind of like hot cocoa in the summer, huh?

And, here are a few pictures of some fun fall displays I worked on with my sister-in-law at the store before she left for college.  I want to say "hi" to my mother-in-law and any other family members who just might be tuning in :) Here's the Merc.    We hung an old bicycle from the ceiling like I mentioned before...but for the life of me, I couldn't get a decent picture of it....anyway, here are a few images of one of my most favorite displays. 

This is my little side job...and I love it.  I don't go in as often as I used to, but am working an hour or two into my schedule to get back to doing this...my mother-in-law has some of the most beautiful antiques...such as the bicycle, and I love scouring the store to find them and use them in my displays---it's truly such a charming store----that's where I get my Gooseberry Patch cookbook and Park Designs dishtowel fix from :)

So, how about you....have you stripped your porch and mantel to prepare them for fall?  Pretty sure I'm not the only crazy lady in town who has once again jumped the gun in her fall decor :)

Today was such a great day....so productive...I love days like that and Saturdays have always been like that for me.  My mom and dad used to put my brothers and I to work, cleaning, mowing, gardening, cleaning the garage....and I still remember the feeling of working together, laughing together and then relaxing into our comfortable routine at the end of a long Saturday.  My house is sparkly...ready for a peaceful Sunday....I gave Sierra a haircut....just a trim grandma :)---she has the most beautiful long hair...the kind I always wanted to have.  I always pull it up so I can see her sweet, little face.  I pile it on top of her head in curls, I braid it, I give her her favorite piggy tale puff balls....so much fun.  Her cheeks still have their cute baby curves to them...still so kissable---I hope they never disappear.

So, now off to bed I go, but I thought I'd share a card I created for the CPS blog this last week with you first.    Our sponsor this week was ScraPerfect. 

 I used Pink Paislee and Graphic 45 paper, Prima flowers, Crafty Secrets and Basic Grey stamps, Melissa Frances trim, and a Karen Foster Designs antique brad.

I have lots to share with you in the coming days.....oodles of fun PaperTrey projects...my goodness, I'm a nervous wreck about them....but think that with time...I hope I'll get the hang of it :)

Recipes coming too!

Enjoy your Sunday.

Melis

snuggle up with cocoa...

Here at the Phillips household, we have already begun to warm up with a cup of cocoa after a chilly 100 degree day :)----that's what life with a now 5 year old teaches us----why wait to enjoy something we love so much.  So, when Nichole asked us as Papertrey Ink design team members to create fun and easy holiday gifts and packaging,  I immediately thought of a simple way to package and treat your neighbors to some Candy Cane Cocoa.    I used Heather's new Rustic Snowflakes Stamp set here to embellish the stocking, tag, and inside cocoa wrap.    Papertrey Ink supplies used: 

Rustic Snowflakes Stamp Set

Pure Poppy Cardstock

Stamper’s Select White Cardstock

Paper Basics Kraft Cardstock

Pure Poppy Topnotch Twill

Large Glassine Bag

Pure Poppy Hybrid Ink

Gold Tinsel from Gold Holiday Ribbon Collection

All that's left is to warm up the cocoa, add some marshmallows, and peppermint candy.

And, be sure to check out the following blogs for more Homemade Gifts From the Heart: Nichole Heady,  Lisa Johnson,  Lauren Meader,  Heather Nichols,  Mish Wooderson,  Niki Estes,  Geny Cassady,  Becky Oehlers, and Dawn McVey.   

Lots more to come---remember everyday, Nichole will be posting more creative ideas counting down to the release of the new stamp sets.

Off to get back to work.

Happy Saturday.

Melis

feather your nest...

Good afternoon!

I'm knee-deep in projects at the moment...knee-deep in Polly Pockets too...love having my little shadow at my feet doing our thing together, but wanted to say a quick hello and offer up a fun challenge.

First, how about a little project I created for Emma's Paperie to kick of the month of September?  The color of the month is brown.....yum, how I love this color and the endless possibilities of colors that you can pair with it.  This is a fun little Jenni Bowlin notebook with another bird of course.  All of the supplies I used on this can be found here on the blog.   And, then of course while you're there make sure to check out the amazing creations from the other designers there.

  So, seeing as how I am buried right now...I thought we could have a little fun to get you all up and creating with me!  I have a simple challenge in mind with a fun give-a-way at the end. 

The challenge will last until next Tuesday night, September 16th at midnight MST.  I will draw a winner randomly on Wednesday morning and will award the lucky girl a couple of things I love to "feather my nest" with. 

The challenge is this:

1.  Create a card that contains at least one bird image (can be found on patterned paper, stickers, stamps, chipboard die cuts, etc.  Any kind of bird---owls are so fun right now, how about a crow because fall is upon us---whatever you'd like.

2.  You can enter as many times as you like using a different card.

3.  Post your creation in an online gallery or on your blog and then come back here to this post and link me to it---I don't want anyone to get lost in the shuffle :)

The winner will be chosen randomly and will receive a couple of my favorite household must-haves and favorites.

These are favorites of mine that I love to splurge on occasionally--they may seem simple, but they make my little nest a little warmer.  I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks and I will send the winner a new cookbook.  I also love cute dishtowels and dishcloths and specifically love Park Designs.  So, I'll send the winner a cute little collection of towels and cloths as well.  How does that sound----silly how simple little things like these make me happy.

Alright---ready go!  Let me know if you have any questions.  I am preparing myself to be wowed :)

I'm off to get ready for Story  Hour---did ya know I have I new job---yep, I'm the Story Hour lady---I'm really enjoying it.

Melis

fly away home...

another little bird flying the coop....custom made for a customer.... can't reveal any names as it just may ruin a special surprise she is planning :)  How 'bout we just call her "Karen" to protect her identity...thanks so much "Karen" for requesting this.  I enjoyed making it for you :)  And, a card made from some scraps.   I used My Favorite Things stamps on this, Cosmo Cricket paper, and Amy Butler/K&Co. paper here as well.  And, since we're speaking bird tonight, this little creation can be found in the latest Holiday Cards & More special issue from Paper Crafts magazine.  LOVE this issue...it's  a fat one...and so full of creative ideas for the holidays.  When will this bird fetish of mine come to an end :)---they are simply sweet.

Thank you ALL for your kind words of support....I appreciate each of you and your encouraging messages.  You made my day!

That's it tonight.

Happy Wednesday.

Melis

pinch me...

that's what I've been doing for the past couple of days....that, along with floating here and there with a silly smile on my face :)  I kind of like to fly under the radar.....as I never want to appear proud or ummmm...draw attention to myself, but I would love to share some exciting news with you tonight in order to properly express my gratitude and to say "HELLO" to a wonderful community of artists.  Just after I returned home this weekend, I popped online to check my email and found the most wonderful invitation and opportunity waiting for me.  And....honestly, I have been dreaming of this invitation---in my wildest dreams :).  The message was from my new friend, Nichole Heady and she invited me to come on board as a member of the Paper Trey Ink Design Team.  I still think perhaps she meant some other Melissa, but I quickly said "OH YES" before she figured it out :).  Thank you so much Nichole for extending this invitation to me and for giving me a chance.  I have been a very faithful stalker of the "Paper Trey Girls", and am always left speechless by Nichole's creativity along with her designers.  Truly, the first stop I make each day is her delightful blog.  And, to the Paper Trey community, thank you for allowing me to take part in the wonderful thing you have going on there----I am so honored and tickled to be part of this...sigh.....ok...'nuff about me :)  I have been trying to bake for the past two days---that's just what I do when I'm happy....but to no avail....power outages....rain....a house under construction...rain on that new house under construction....can you guess what we've been doing tonight?  We hopped in the truck to try and outrun the rain tonight to get our newest shipment of lumber covered....but nope...can't outrun Mother Nature, eh?  I'm learning to just go with the flooooow...chill ouuuuuut....it's the new me :)

So tonight....before I put you all to sleep I have a little share for you.    LOVE this sweet, new line from Basic Grey....it makes me crazy inspired....and did you know that just a couple of days ago I got to meet, and chat, and brainstorm, and laugh with, and dine with Celeste Rockwood-Jones---the brilliant mind behind this line along with Eva, LilyKate, and several other Basic Grey collections.  She is so beautiful.....and sweet...and just as genuine as can be.  It was such a treat to meet her!  Thank goodness for her and her creative mind, huh?  She makes the world so pretty :)  And Cath, I totally scoured several scrapbook stores before I came home to hunt down some of her beautiful pink wood grain paper....just for you---oh, but mostly for me :)

OK---gotta go.....I'm rambling on like never before...nervous energy I tell you.

Hope your week is wonderful so far.

Melis