LilyBean Paperie

just one of those days...

we all have them unfortunately---tomorrow will be better though, right??
Looking at the brighter side of things, leads me here...to this little girl...and to my sweet husband who gave me a foot massage tonight---so very thoughtful. 

This was created for CreativeXpress this month.  Our challenge was to use the Cuttlebug embossing folder you can see in the bottom right corner, Doodlebug glitter, and K&Co. paper ribbon.  This was fun!

And, a card or two using the new Hush a' Bye line from Melissa Frances.  This stuff has a way of calming me---it's so beautiful and soft. 

Tomorrow is a new day and I'm already feeling better...hope you have a wonderful Friday!

Melis

ice cream, puddles, and the park...

so many decisions a 4-year old has to make in one day.  But, this is what it came down to and we fit them all in.  It was a gorgeous day here--puddles still remaining---getting muddier by the day, haha, but we managed to jump through them without dumping the ice cream out of the cone and then hit the park after.  Life is sweet.

I want to thank my friend Jenn for my beautiful new blog---you must go check out her site...Shabby Miss Jenn Designs.  I get lost each time I visit and I just can't get enough of her designs.  I even ordered my first digi scrapbook kit from her adorable store---now to figure out what to do next.  Also I owe a huge thank you to my friend Sherelle for helping me through the new do---I don't know what I would have done without her help---thank you to you both!

All I have to offer  you tonight are my sketch cards---but they are always so much fun to create.  The first is for the Card Positioning Systems blog.  This week is Glitz and Glimmer---my favorite things of course. 

The second card was created for the Sketch This Cards blog.  Super fun sketch too.  I've been having such a great time with Kim Hughes' stamps---you can catch a peek of them on this card.

The only downside to my Tuesday was that my satellite went out right before American Idol tonight---I thought of a few bad words---but held them in---afterall...little ears are always listening, aren't they, haha.  Anyway---what did I miss?

Goodnight everyone---enjoy your Wednesday!

Melissa

a little of this...

a little of that...

Just a few little things to share with you tonight.  I have always loved gifts that come in small packages---they are my favorites for some reason.  I still remember my Christmas stocking as a girl---Santa would always have a beautifully wrapped little gift waiting at the top, and it was always something very special---I have loved sweet, little gifts since then I believe.

This was created for Emma's Paperie---I am in love with these cute, clear gift bags.  Sierra received so many darling little baby bracelets when she first arrived and I think this bag would be so perfect for presenting a sweet baby bracelet in or many other things for that matter.  Check out the Paperie blog to see the amazing things that Jessica and Lisa did as well---I think I drooled a bit looking at them--and we've listed step-by-step instructions for you as well. 

And...love these stamps from Kim Hughes.  They are tiny and adorable.  This set is called A Welcome Hug and it is so versatile and fun---love her hand-drawn images.

Hope you're all off to a great start this week.  Thank you for stopping by.

Melissa

rainy days and fridays...

always make me smile.  Love rain...love Fridays.    We made brownies, stayed in our jammies far too long, kept the fire stoked, and played.

So....a beloved little item to show you tonight.  This suitcase is part of  a Melissa Frances collection called Attic Treasures.  It will be available in the summer sometime.  I covered this in Ambiente paper, Crystal Clear stamps, vintage trims, metal buttons, and a postcard kit---the postcard kits are from the same collection as well.  Here are a couple of cards I created using  2 of the postcard kits.  I love it all---and I know you will too!

I've been busily working on "the book" and have been enjoying it so much---it's stretching me and helping me grow in ways I never imagined---I am so grateful for that.  Wish I could show you what I've been doing---but for now I have to tuck it away---but I hope one day you'll be able to take a peek and enjoy for yourself.

Well...it's late here and I'm craving a bowl of Lucky Charms, haha---I'm a simple girl.

night.

Melis

the birds sing good morning...

are they singing at your house?  I just love to hear them outside---still too cold to crack my windows to hear them better...but fun to hear their songs in the late winter.

Just a few things for you today.

This was created for Emma's Paperie.  All supplies used can be purchased at Emma's.  This is a Petaloo flower pot card that I dressed up using some fun supplies.  On a side not, did you see the adorable stamp kits for kids?  They look like so much fun---gonna have to snag me some to have for my little one---what a great idea.  Also, next time I get a package from Emma's Paperie---I'm going to take a picture of how it comes wrapped---so very cute and thoughtful.

This is a little paper mache box I covered in the new Thankful line from Melissa Frances--glitter chipboard, resin, buttons, ticket stub, trims, and rubons also from Melissa Frances.

And, this is a new album from Melissa Frances that I covered in a new Melissa Frances postcard kit, Ambiente paper, Crystal Clear stamps, and resin embellishments.  LOVE that sweet little mug on there.

We're off to splash in puddles and fold laundry and other fun and not-so-fun things today.

Hope you're having a wonderful week.

Melissa

sunshine smiling down on me...

a quick little post today---excited to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather---I think I need a little sunshine on my shoulders today.

Here are my cards for the card sketch blogs this week.

The first is for the Sketch This Cards blog:

I used some delightful Heidi Grace paper---I just LOVE this stuff---it makes me smile---some Doodlebug paper, Fancy Pants felt, American Traditional Designs sticker, Ranger ink, and some beads for the craft store.

This card is for the CPS blog created especially for Kandis---who just had a new baby boy---he's so sweet!

Congratulations Kandis!  I used Scenic Route paper, Crate Paper chipboard, 7gypsies clear button, Making Memories paper, Provo Craft Cuttlekids die cut, American Crafts felt heart, CTMH brads, and some buttons.

I hope you'll give both of these a try---you will be sure to enjoy each minute.

For those asking about a tutorial for the topiary and the button bouquets---they are on their way.  Can you be patient a little bit longer?

Thanks so much.

Have a wonderful day---did you make the brownies?

Melis

sappy observation...

Now, I know I'm not the only girl out there who gets all teary-eyed watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition...am I...it's OK---you can keep it to yourselves.

I just think it's remarkable and so true to life ,that when we serve others, we are the beneficiaries of the life changes and blessings that occur through the process...more so than those we are actually serving---what a blessing in itself.

So...this week...I'm going to do more for others and focus less on myself.  Promise.

Hows-about a few happy projects tonight?

I created these for Paper Salon and their CHA booth.

All sorts of delicious new paper---with glitter I might add---Lovely Lace scalloped and die cut paper, new chipboard, new stamps, and new cardstock stickers. 

And....a yummy recipe for you to try.

Black Bottom Coconut Bars  from everydayfood.com

I tried these today and my house smelled so good---and they tasted might sweet as well.

Enjoy your night!

Melissa

a groovy kind of love...

that's how I feel about the latest kit from Lime Tart.  Philippa sent me the Half Tart to work with this month---and I had so much fun. 

Here are just a few projects.  Check out the February gallery for more from me and LOTS from the other designers.

And, congratulations to Jo and Bernie---the newest additions to the Lime Tart Team.  Can't wait to see more of their work.

Happy Friday--soon to be Saturday!

Melissa

my funny valentine...

love my little lady.

We were up very early this morning to decorate and surprise daddy before he came home for breakfast.

After we had an early morning sugar cookie, we let Sierra open a gift or two---so fun to see the pure joy on her face over simple things.

I made her this quick headband to go with a new outfit her grandma sent in the mail yesterday.  Thanks Grandma!

And...this is a fun little Valentine Pocket I made for her.  I filled it full of treats, but I thought it would also be fun to make huge chocolate chip cookies and slip one inside the pocket.  I'll have to try that next time.

The flowers on the headband and everything shown on the Valentine are from Creative Cafe.  I just love this stuff---so easy and fun to work with.

Ohhhh...and a super fun announcement was made today on the CPS blog.  Check it out here.  And, big congratulations to all of the newest additions to the team. 

Here is my card for this week.  I hope you'll give yourself a minute to try this sketch---one of my faves--I know you'll enjoy it.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

Melis

much love...

A few more things from the new Melissa Frances Thankful line.  I just love everything about this collection.

How are your Valentine plans coming?  I'd love to hear what you're doing for the special day.  Nothing too exciting here---as there is nowhere to go.  But, I'll make a nice dinner for my Valentines and spoil them a bit. 

Hope  you're doing well.

Melis

Calgon take me away...

Before I scrub my toilet, clean up the breakfast dishes, start more laundry, tidy up...blah...blah..blah...hehe...I wanted to share with you another of the beautiful new release lines from Melissa Frances.  It's so hard to pick a favorite---so I won't even try, but today this is mine.

It's so beautiful serene and calm and elegant---oh, and of course shabby.

Here is one example I've created using this line and also a stamp from one of the new Crystal Clear stamp sets from Melissa Frances as well.

These stamps are so much fun.  Be sure to check out the new Melissa Frances blog to see more beautiful projects from design team, and also to catch up on some show pictures.  And, if you haven't entered  your name for the enormous stamp giveaway, you still have time.  Here is the link.

And...Emma's Paperie is loaded with beautiful and fun new products---Cindy stocks that place full and I love to window shop, hehe.  Here is another little something I created for the store using all products that can be found there. 

And, one more thing.  I'm really terrible at staying on top of emails.  So, if you've sent me a message or asked a question that I haven't responded to, will you please ask me again?  Things are calming nicely here now that CHA is underway, so I'd love to try and stay on top of your messages better.

Thanks for being patient with me.

And...one fun link for today: HGTV Craft Blogger

Alright, my time is up...off to find my lovely rubber gloves---afterall, I am the Queen of my Castle, hehe.

Melis

simple abundance...

life is truly sweet and today there are many simple yet meaningful things that add to my happiness.  I am so thankful for my abundant life and blessings.

While I'm cozy at home nursing my little family back to health, I wanted to share something beautiful with you.

Melissa Frances Scrapbooking Company has started a blog and it's beautiful in every way.  Thank you to Sherelle Christensen for pulling it all together for us.  Please take a minute or two and check it out and be sure to notice the enormous giveaway.  Melissa Frances has several new Crystal Clear stamps making their debut at CHA.  She is giving them ALL away to a lucky blog reader.  You can check out the information here.

Here is a little something I created using papers from the Ambiente Collection and one of the new stamps.

And, this card uses paper from the Thankful Collection---which celebrates life, love, and family.  I always think of my mom while creating with this collection, and if she takes a peek today, here is a little card just for her.  Love you mom.

While you're there make sure you sign up for the Melissa Frances Newsletter--it's one of my most favorite things to read.

On another note, I had a few questions regarding the cake box I created in an earlier post.  I don't have a pattern for it.  I used my Provo Craft Tags, Bags, Boxes, & More cartridge to create it. 

I hope you're all enjoying a warm Sunday afternoon with those you love.

Melis

just peachy...

it's after bedtime here---babe is sleeping, husband is sleeping cause he's sick, sick, sick....sigh....that part I'm not so peachy about...and I'm having such a great time browsing the galleries looking at all of the beautiful creations made for CHA.  There is so much inspiration in the air and I love it---I appreciate those who share their creations for all to see and love---sharing is what makes this world so beautiful.

Switching gears a bit tonight.  Here are a few projects I made for Creative Cafe/Art Warehouse using new stamps from Hampton Arts.  I *heart* these stamps---they are so much fun.

Be sure to check out Danelle's blog for more amazing DT projects---they are WONDERFUL!

Well...I have a few precious hours to myself...my paper and scissors are calling me.

night.

Melis

gimme some sugah...

a few sweet things to share from Melissa Frances tonight. 

This little baby's first cake and card set use paper, cardstock stickers, and ticket stubs from the Hush a' Bye collection. 

And....ummm...that's my little babe there...had to point her out....now on to the supplies, haha.  That dang cute wooden hinge box is from Melissa Frances along with the resin frame, buttons, ticket stubs, rubons, and paper.  I thought it would be fun to have a place to store all of her firsts---you know hair cut, bracelet, tiny hair bow, etc.

Can't wait to show you my most favorite new and utterly delicious Melissa Frances product..but we shall wait a bit longer.

Do I have any news for you?  I'm officially in lazy mode as I shipped off the last of my CHA projects and it feels just heavenly.  I think I may get to bed before 2:00 a.m. for a change---what will I do with all of that extra sleep, haha.

Ohhhh yes...I remember...for those of you wanting instructions of the Heart Shaped Valentine Sucker treats from Provo Craft...click here and they are up and ready for you.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Hush now....

Sometimes I just have to pinch myself.  It's such a dream to be able to do what I do and for who I get to do it for.  Melissa Frances has come out with a simply sweet new baby line called Hush a' Bye.  Here are a few things I've created using it.

I wanted to create a little door hanger for a sleeping babe.  I tea-dyed some muslin, created a heart pattern and got to work.  I love the colors in this new collection---they are as soft and sweet as a newborn baby.

These little tins show more of the paper and some of the cardstock stickers.  I love the fairytale theme to many of these and to this collection in general.  So much fun!

On another note, Emma's Paperie is full of the most delightful goodies!  I am truly so impressed with the supplies available---many of which I have had the hardest time shopping for.  Here is a little something I created using supplies from Emma's.

These pillow boxes are so fun and easy to transform into gifts.  You can find different sizes at Emma's Paperie along with the Fancy Pants paper, tags, die cuts, button, and crocheted flower. 

I hope your week is off to a great start---I'm thinking of you!

Melis

grab a little brown bag...

just in case you tend to hyperventilate...hehe.  I'm here with a sneak peek or two at some new Melissa Frances products---I'm just in heaven with it all!

I'll start today with a few projects I created using Melissa's Thankful Collection.

Melissa is a survivor of Breast Cancer and this line was created to support, encourage and uplift women.  We all have something to be thankful for and this line celebrates life and gratitude.  I'm so happy to work with Melissa Frances and am thankful she is healthy, strong, and surviving!

This paper mache accordion album was created using the Thankful collection of paper, cardstock stickers, chipboard, and the most adorable ticket stub die cuts---you'll have to see these in person.  Trim, glitter, rubons, chipboard, and buttons also from Melissa Frances.

And...one more for today.  I love these open-up spiral albums from Melissa Frances.  You can see more of the paper, chipboard, and ticket stub die cuts here.

On a side note, I had a question regarding the scalloped paper from my previous post.  Creative Cafe is the maker of the Scalloped Notebook paper.  You can shop you little heart out here:  Just Need It

Have a happy Monday!

Melis

the color of butterfly wings...

A little phrase from one of my favorite Primary songs.  It's so fun to be creating for spring in the middle of the cold, cold winter.

Creative Cafe has some of the most adorable and fun dies.  In conjunction with AccuCut, they have wonderful and versatile dies and here is a little peek at a couple of them---nothing sweeter than butterflies and scalloped paper!

The stamps are from Hampton Art, also in conjunction with Creative Cafe---and, as I sit here typing  I realize the need I have to shove chocolate in my photos lately---so pathetic...I'll stop right after I go have a Reese's.

If you're attending CHA and have a minute, stop by Creative Cafe for a little make and take of mine---wish I could be there to chat with you!

Just a fun little mini album of my silly bean. 

Someone will have to fill my in on all of the juicy details of the show.

Well...it seems I have not been myself lately.  So much on my mind, but that's alright---my trials humble me and bring me closer to my Heavenly Father, and I have truly felt that lately. I am thankful for my little paper hobby and the diversion and happiness it brings--for my snoring husband who won't go to bed until I do at night, but might occasionally fall asleep for an hour or two on the couch and for my little angel---these 2 make life so sweet.

night.

Melis