LilyBean Paperie

I.Don't.Like.Candy Corn...

No, I don't like Candy Corn.  Got this little song stuck in my head after a morning full of Halloween Noggin, haha.  And...it's true---I'm a freak of nature---don't like those cute little candies---they are however very fun to look at and use on Pumpkin Sugar Cookies.

I'm here for a minute---we have approximately 12 minutes until the Halloween carnival starts and the little bean and I are both vegging until we can go have a party.  Gosh...is it just me, or has it been a forever long day today, haha?

So....you are spoiling me rotten with your beautiful cards---it's so fun to sit back and watch these roll in and savor each and every one of them---like they were made just for me--hehe.  Keep them coming---please.  They are truly wonderful and so inspiring.

I wanted to post a couple of cards I made yesterday using Prisca's papers---I LOVE her beautiful designs.

Here is a link to her blog and other site if you'd like to see more.  Super shabby and girlie--yep.

Alright--my time is up.

I gotta get chili going, my rolls are rising, and ummm...I think we're good to go for a fun evening.

Hope you have a great night!

Melis

Let's start...

If you're interested in a little card challenge here are the details:

Create a HOLIDAY card using the following:

1.  Chipboard

2.  Rubon

3.  Buttons

4.  Glitter

5.  Ribbon

6.  And, polka-dots of course!

You have until Sunday at midnight to make as many as you'd like.  I'll choose a winner randomly and will send out the little Halloween treat container I made using Paper Salon product that I posted a couple of days ago.

I can't wait to be inspired by you all.  Let me know if you have any questions!

And, since I'm feeling holiday-ish, here are a couple of random Christmas cards I've recently made.

Christmas cards are SO fun to make.  I can't wait to see yours!

Melis

Golden afternoon...

Oh my goodness!  What a gorgeous day we had yesterday.  We were out enjoying the weather together as the sun was beginning to get tired and go down, and the leaves on the trees were just glowing.  They were as golden as you can possibly imagine and looked so brilliant in the afternoon sky...sigh....I used to get so homesick when fall rolled around---I missed the aspens and oak trees and the colors that they bring when the weather turns cold.  But, I can honestly say, I'm adjusting to autumn in the desert.  It's been a beautiful fall and continues to get even more beautiful each day.

  Last night was so relaxing and I was happy to have some time to create.  I had to do something with the fun, fun, fun chipboard from Melissa Frances, and chose to use the gingerbread man on this card.  Paper, chipboard, buttons, glitter, trim, and rubons all from Melissa Frances.  Prism cardstock, Basic Grey ribbon, Prima flower, and Making Memories brad.

So....on this card you'll find plenty of clues as to what my next card challenge will involve---hmmm....I'll be back tonight with the juicy details and we'll get started. 

Hope you all had a great weekend and that your Monday is going well so far too!

Melis

Well...I thought it was Autumn...

Now my little one is asking to get her swimsuit on again.  It's just beautiful here and perfectly warm during the day, and perfectly chilly at night.

I'm just heading out the door, but wanted to post a little something I had forgotten about.  This is something I CAN show you using the Creative Cafe Lucky collection.

I think the colors in this collection are so beautiful and rich---they compliment each other so well, and once again---you just can't make mistakes using any of this---it's perfectly flawless and so fun to use.  Hope you get a chance to pop over for Happy Hour at your scrapbook store.

Well...I'm dreaming up a challenge---I'll post it later.  I'm off to enjoy some mommy/daughter time.

Hope you're having a great day!

Melissa

Mmmm...ahhhh....ohhhh...

one word for you...BEDTIME!  I DO fall more in love with my little girl each night as I get her tucked in.  I'm just thankful for moments like that--at the end of a very hard day for a 4 year old and her mommy, haha!

Just sharing my card for the CPS blog this week.  Oodles of Scenic Route here, American Crafts chipboard, MME buttons, BoBunny brad, EK Success stickers, and Provo Craft Coluzzle template.

And...I really wanted to have a few more things ready and post them in a group, but I have only had  a minute to work with Prisca's papers---so, here's one small example of here amazing papers and products---more to come later. 

I'm feeling like a challenge too!  So....hope you're feeling crafty and want to play along.  It's time isn't it?  Things are calming down for a bit and I'm ready to play.  Check back in a couple of days or so and we'll have some fun!

Hugs to you all!  Thanks for your sweet words---they always bring a smile to my face.

Melis

music to my ears...

while my little one is happily playing at my feet for a bit, I wanted to post a thing or two.  I'm busily creating new things for Creative Cafe Art Bar projects and can't wait to show you---but will have to wait a while for that.  Just know---this stuff is AMAZING!  From the colors to the endless possibilities.  And...it's all starting to ship to scrapbook stores---hopefully yours.  You can check out Danelle's blog for LOTS of details and pictures.  For those who have asked how to find a store that will carry Creative Cafe---I haven't forgotten about you---Check HERE for more information!

So...Paper Salon has a few new lines and here are a couple of things I made using one of their new lines called Glad Rags.  I love it---it reminds me of vintage handkerchiefs and doilies, and my grandma's beautiful preserves---the colors are perfect for so many occasions.

It appears my 5 minutes are up and I'm back on mommy duty.  Hope you're all having a great day today!

Melissa

Grab a chair...sit a spell...

while I spill some beans about myself.  I've been tagged by Robyn (hi you) and Wendy (hey woman).  I am dull....dull as they come...so that's why I want you sitting---you know in case you fall asleep standing. 

Here are the rules for the 7 others that I'm tagging--please don't hate me:

I'm tagging:

Vicki Chrisman

Mary Shirley

Jessica Kelly

Kim Hughes

Sonda T.

Mel Nunn

Kandis Smith

Instructions:

1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself (on your blog, we all want to know them).

3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.

4. Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Now for the fun and not-so-fascinating facts about Melissa--haha!

1-  I'm a dancer---at heart.  Started when I was a wee little one, continued on through college--and now I just cry when I see others dancing---I'm darn jealous---dancing in my seat while driving is as good as it gets now.

2-  I'm tall---5'10".  Used to hate it, now I love it.

3-  I taught gymnastics shortly after my husband and I were married.  Such a fun job---so much better than cleaning toilets at Arby's when I was 16.

4-  I'm a tomboy.  LOVE softball, horseback riding, a little b-ball, running (short distances---get all queasy with that long-distance stuff), fishing, and I even like hunting with my  husband---totally fun! Oh...and I'm learning how to drive a motorcycle---can't quite make it out of 1st gear---but I'm OK with that.

5-  I have a major thing for Tic-Tacs.  I can't get enough---I have issues.  The downside---I can eat them by the handfuls.  The upside---I have the freshest breath around, hehe.

6-  My husband has taught me bunches of times how to drive a stick shift...and I still can't....he had to get a truck that was an automatic just for me---true love, eh?  I can however keep one moving while hauling hay.

7-  I make some meeeeaan cookies.  I sell them....for $1...they're big and warm and juicy.  The men in town all get a little crazed look in their eye when they see me bring my basket of cookies to the store---like they never get them or somethin', haha.

Hey---wake up---I'm all done.

Can't wait to hear about you other girls!

Here are a few Lime Tart projects for you tonight.  You can check them all out in the gallery here.

Well...gotta run.  Today was wonderful---hope it was for you too!

Melissa

See you...

Sierra and I are off to find a pumpkin patch---somewhere.  I'm anxious to get some pictures of her surrounded by some beautiful fall colors.  So---I'll catch up with you all soon.

Here are a couple of recent creations for you--both using Paper Salon products---hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Little things...

Life is full of little things that make it so sweet, don't you think?  Without the simple, little everyday occurrences, life wouldn't be the same.  It is the unexpected smile, the tiny hand that suddenly grabs mine, the sound of my husband's voice, the way the sunlight comes in through the windows and warms my house, the way that my little one's tears tug on my heart, the smell of cinnamon rolls in the oven, spending the day with my mom, kind words of encouragement---all so simple, but so meaningful, and things that I don't want to forget.

So...because I love little things, I have a few for you today.  Some fun gift ideas for Halloween treats and to give to the neighbors---all so simple.

These are all for Provo Craft this month, and I decided to make them all Halloween themed, since it is such a fun time of year.

The first uses the Cuttlebug and the 3x3 Halloween die and some fun Cricut paper.

The second uses Cricut cartridges:  Tags, bags, boxes, and more, the George cartridge, and also Animal Kingdom.  So fun to stuff with candy and leave on a doorstep. And, the third is just a little card using some of the most adorable Halloween stamps I have seen---I couldn't wait to play with these.  These are from the Spooky set, and I used some Cricut and Rob & Bob paper as well.

Just to answer a couple of questions regarding my cards from an earlier post.  I used decoupage to adhere the glitter onto the chipboard pumpkin.  I need to try this again and make sure my layer is even, as I can tell where I have a little lumpiness---but decoupage works wonderfully well with the fine glitter from Melissa Frances.

Also, to adhere the cookie cutter, I keep the tiny little cardboard piece that comes with the packaging, and use it to fill in the hollow space behind the cookie cutter.  I've also used foam squares to fill in this space and they work great to attach these cute accents to cards and things.

Hope that helps---let me know if you have any other questions.

Melissa

in-n-out...

yes, this happens to be my husband's favorite fast food joint in Vegas---but I'm talking out my speedy little post tonight...I do believe the last few hours of motherhood kicked me in the rear tonight and I'm tuckered!

So...I'm feeling a little Melissa Frances-ish tonight---no surprise---but I just wanted to share a couple of things because I received a delightful bunch of her new blank chipboard shapes in the mail last week.  They've been screaming at me to use them, and I finally got up the nerve after reading the Melissa Frances Scraphouse Club newsletter for this month.  Teresa McFayden is the guest designer and used the chipboard and covered them in MF glitter---so beautiful--and tempting.  I had to give 'er a go.  And, Carolyn has two darling Halloween layouts in this as well, one using bat shaped chipboard.  Be sure to grab a wet wipe as you set you little eyes on Sherelle's ADORABLE Fall projects---ohhhh....I won't tell you anymore, you have to see them for yourself.  If you want to subscribe to the newsletter, go here and you'll start receiving it bi-monthly.  I thrive on this beautiful treat and love to open my email when it arrives. 

This is a card I made for the CPS blog this week.  We were lucky enough to use Prism Metallic cardstock as our sponsor product, and I'm hooked.  I sanded the edges of it and it created such a beautiful accent color to the original cardstock---kind of reminded me of toasty marshmallows.

Anyway, the pumpkin is a chipboard shape from Melissa Frances, and the paper, glitter, buttons, and cardstock sticker are also Melissa Frances products.  Love the cute little felt leaves from American Crafts,  and the flourish and velvet ric rac from Maya Road.

And...one more before I go. 

More Melissa Frances paper, cardstock sticker, rubon, tag, and vintage cookie cutter.  You know my happiest dreams are filled with Melissa Frances products---so thankful to design for her!

I must check out for the night so I can be a happy momma in the morning.

Hope you all had a great Monday!

Melissa

delight...

Watching Sierra gather fall leaves...listening to her as she sings little, happy songs while chasing leaves around in the wind...waiting for them to land down from the trees.

Taking a walk with Sierra to search for splashy puddles after a little rainstorm...so thankful for my life and my loves.

It was such a beautiful, gray day today---I love the change that autumn brings---the low clouds, the smoke coming out of chimneys, the smell of fires in fireplaces, watching leaves sprinkle down from trees each time a gust of wind blows through, and the sound of them twirling in the air and across the ground.    I loved today!

Here are a couple of  sneaks at a new card kit I created for The Scrappy Gourmet.  I love the colors in these---the glitter chipboard---the beautiful patterns---just in time for the holidays.  You can check here for all of the cards I created for this kit.

And...a little sneak of another project for Lime Tart this month.  The gallery should be up any day now, so be sure to check it out.

I was recently sent some of the most beautiful papers and products from Prisca in France.  I am excited to create my heart out here for a bit and will be sure to show you soon.  Here is a link to her blog---I know you can't wait to see what I'm talking about---just make sure you're sitting down---to die for beautiful!  Thank you so much Prisca your work is amazing!

Goodnight everyone---have a wonderful Sunday!

Melis

little breath of air...

before I bury myself in projects again.  So much I want to share, but so much I can't yet.  Busy, busy, busy, but very, very happy!  This is my card for the Card Positioning Systems blog this week.  We were able to feature the Kim Hughes Collection stamps from Cornish Heritage Farms. 

And...just kind of a random little card here---for my momma dear.

And, finally, before I put you all to sleep, some fun Christmas cards using some of the new Creative Cafe clear stamps. 

Oh, yes and a little bit about my bows.  I have been asked quite a few times how I tie them, and I wish I had a great solution for you, but once again---nope.  Here is what I do though.  After I've tied a bow, I keep pulling the tails down just a bit to loosen the bow, then I put my pointer fingers in the loops and pull to tighten up the knot and I repeat it until the bow is the right size.  This eliminates bows that are too big for a project, and also helps them be poofy--cause girls like poofy, huh?  After the bow is the right size, I normally take one of the tails and move it above the bow, so I have one tail below and one above---this just changes the shape of the bow a bit and can direct it to lay the way you want it to.  Hmmm...another little something I do if I can't get the bow to cooperate, is to tie it upside down---that is, I turn my project upside down and tie if from this different angle---craziness that this would be part of my process, but just give it a try.  Hope that helps.  Show me your bows girls and tell me your secrets---heaven knows I could use a few tips.

Well...before I get back at it---I just wanted to give a little shout out to the new members of the Sketch This Cards design team.  So very excited to see some of my most favorite card makers there.  Check out the blog for some new designs that I'm sure will inspire us all.  A big thank you to Janelle for inviting me to come on from the beginning---what a sweetheart you are and such a pleasure to work with.  I'll certainly miss being a part of your team, but it was time for me to move on---I get sick of looking at my old junk anyway, haha!  So, it will be wonderful to see the creations that come from these ladies each week.

Happy Autumn everyone!

Melissa

Shabby little number...

I'm so excited to be able to show you this :

This is my new kit now for sale at The Scrappy Gourmet.  As I stated before, it has very special meaning to me and that must be why I'm so tickled with it.  I originally made it for the Melissa Frances Winter CHA booth with my little girl in mind and right by my side.  I've recreated it a bit by adding a few minor changes to make it a bit more cost effective for you.  The inside pages of this album can be found here.  Every time I look at this I see the face of my little girl---I hope you enjoy it too and will have as much fun as I did creating it for someone you love.

I'm looking forward to a new week---today has been wonderful.  My little family and I settled in with blankets and sweaters on as we watched LDS General Conference.  What an amazing experience it was and always helps me in ways that I cannot help myself.  So....my new goal after watching is to look for God's hand in my life and the life of my husband and little girl every day and to record those small miracles.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Melissa

Just Johanna WCMD WINNER!

Debbie!  Congratulations---your name was selected randomly to win a stamp from Just Johanna as part of the World Card Making Day celebration.  You can see here adorable card HERE!

Debbie, please email me your full name and address so we can get your little goodie mailed out to you!

Melissa

Just Johanna WCMD challenge and Happy Birthday Lime Tart!

It's time!  It's time!  I've been so excited about hosting this challenge for Just Johanna and I'm so glad the time is here to give you the details.  Are you ready?  Do you have some time set aside to play for the weekend?  Hope so!

Here is the challenge and my example:
Your card must include the following ingredients:

1.  The colors pink and green.

2.  Polka-dots (doesn't have to be the paper--could be the ribbon or other accents)

3.  A transparency (cut one up, make shapes, be creative)

4.  Buttons

5.  Scallops (this can be in the form of an accent, or with your paper--you decide)

Remember to post your creation in the Just Johanna gallery or on your blog and then come back here and post a comment linking me to your creation.  Then, you will be eligible for some stamps for this challenge and also for the GRAND PRIZE.  Lots and lots and lots of Just Johanna stamps--$250 stamping shopping spree will be awarded to the grand prize winner---you'd need another room in your house for all of those---and they're cute too.  I used all Just Johanna stamps on my card---first time getting a hold of them and I'm hooked for sure.

Also, HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY Lime Tart! 

In conjunction with justjohanna, we have a fabulous prize to give away. Are you ready for this?! A prize pack of wood mounted justjohanna stamps valued at $200AUD!! Yes I'm serious!

All you have to do is purchase a Lime Tart/justjohanna A la Tarte before 14th October 2007 from here and you are in the draw! Alternatively, spend $45 or more on justjohanna stamps, and we'll also place you in the draw.

Stamps are chosen by Lime Tart and are not subject to change. Draw will take place on 15th October 2007 and winner notified by email.

A la Tarte kits are limited in stock so don't miss out.

This is the perfect opportunity to grab yourself some justjohanna stamps as they have just put out a new design team call. You can read about it here.

Here's a wee little sneak peek of one of my creations using the Half Tarte for October.  You better snag you one---it's packed!

Ok---I think that's it---holler if you have any questions---you have until Midnight on the 7th, that's California time to finish this up!  Can't wait to see what you'll come up with.

Happy WCMD. 

Melissa

Pink for October...

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'm going pink for October.  My life hasn't been directly affected by this disease, and I'm so thankful to be able to say that.  Part of being thankful is to be supportive and to raise concern so that we can all educate ourselves and those we love.  My thoughts are always with those who have dealt with this--those who are currently affected by it, those who have won the battle, those who will continue to fight the battle, and those who fought and left behind a legacy of love for their families and others.  My heart is with you all.

Scrapbooks Etc. hosted a Scrap Pink event and a series of challenges in support of Breast Cancer Awareness, an event to  support Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  I made a card kit for this event and they are featured in the October BHG Scrapbooks Etc. 

Thank you all for your comments on my blog.  You just don't know how much I appreciate the things you have to say and the stories that you tell.  I have to apologize to any of you who have asked a question that I have not responded to.  One question I'd like to answer today is regarding my storage solutions for my supplies.  Unfortunately, I need help in this area just as much as anyone else does.  I don't have a dedicated space for scrap booking and I think that makes it even harder.  So, because of that, here are just a few things I do until I might happen to get me a little room dedicated to my paper and buttons.  I scrap in my kitchen on my little island area.  That means that my stuff is out all of the time, and it drives me crazy, truly.  But, I try and only get out what I need to use for a specific project.  I have never been a decisive person and so I usually bring out every option I have available, haha.  Anyway--I clean up after I've done to make my space organized and manageable again and that always makes me feel creative.  I tend to organize by manufacturer, at least my paper, stickers, chipboard---things like that.  So, I cary a box or tote down with that manufacturer in mind, leave it there until I've completed what I'm working on, then pack it up and take it back upstairs to store.  I'll have to take a picture of my tiny embellishment storage---it's been very helpful---but I don't feel I have been to helpful in answering this question.  Once again---I'm the one that needs HELP!

Well...it's time to make breakfast.  I'll answer more questions later.

Have a wonderful Friday!

Melissa

a needle and thread...

Something about working with my hands, whether it be cutting, stitching, distressing, decorating---eating, haha---I just love the satisfaction I get from creating.  It's just such a sweet feeling to have found something so simple and rewarding---I think everyone needs a creative outlet of some sort---so healthy, so calming.  My husband has his outlet, and I support him in it 100% because he is always so good to support and encourage me---I'm so lucky.  He's out hunting tonight---yep, that's his outlet, and I'm giving my scissors, thread, and needle a little lovin'.

Just one quick card to share with you tonight along with some of my wanna-be-a-photog pictures, haha.  My porch, and my kitchen light---just love those mini wreaths to help get it all decked out for Autumn.

This card is for the CPS blog this week---what a fun sketch!  Lots of 3 Bugs, and a bit of Piggy Tales here. 

And, one more photo of my mantle---I made these little blocks for Paper Crafts magazine LAST year---right after I discovered this little paper-y crafty world---another thing to be thankful for!

One more thing to mention---

A TREASURE HUNT!

As I stated earlier, my friend Kim Hughes has some adorable new stamps sets out now for Cornish Heritage Farms.  Here's your chance to be among the first to get your hands on them.  Please go to the Cornish Heritage Farms BLOG and there you will find directions for a Treasure Hunt.  These steps are extremely easy to follow.  Along the way, you will see images of seven stamp sets and have chances to win them.  One lucky winner will be drawn at the end and win ALL seven sets.  This game started at midnight on Monday (sorry for the late notice) but you have until 9am on Thursday, October 4th.  At that time, all seven sets will be available to purchase at Cornish Heritage Farms.  She's got many more sets in the works---cute as can be.  Check out Kim's blog to see samples of her work featuring these stamps and also at the CHF gallery---have fun!

night.

Melis