LilyBean Paperie

milk money...

I remember my mom tucking a dime in my pocket before school each morning so I could by a milk for lunch.....something about feeling it in my pocket during the day made me think of my mom back at home waiting for me....a simple little gesture filled with love.  Now I find myself in that same spot... tucking milk money in my little girl's Scooby Doo lunch box so she can buy her a milk for lunch....it makes me smile....being a mama is a fun job I'd have to say.  Don't get me wrong....we have our roller coaster of emotions...my husband sits in wonder as the drama queen emerges and all of the sudden we go from kisses and laughter to the waterfall of tears for who knows why?  I'm laughing now that she's snuggled in bed.....a perfect looking angel...no sign of the drama queen in site.  The little stinker has us scratching our heads I tell you.....love is a wonderful thing isn't it?  Her favorite word at the moment is "stylish"...no clue where she got this one from, but it makes me love her and all of her little quirks even more.

This week for Emma's Paperie, the theme is Back to School...so I have a fun tag booklet to share with you.  I thought it would be fun to jot down fleeting memories about my little girl as she heads off to school and experiences so many new things for the very first time....a place to record where she's at in her learning processes and such.  The fronts are completely embellished with Back to School prompts, while the backs are left blank waiting for moments to remember.   This was such a fun mini project....a complete supply list can be found HERE if you'd like to make one for yourself. 

I've got to kick in gear around here.....off to find me a nice, shiny, red Coca Cola to get me moving.  It's my midnight friend...always ready to listen...always waiting ever so patiently for me....never lets me down....always in fashion...

Night.

Melis

happiness defined...

Hello friends!  

I've spent the last few days away with my husband in Texas while he's been on business.  I have loved being with him...the boy makes me laugh pretty much all of the time.  I have been incredibly lazy....and have missed my little girl more than words can express.  I've called her at the same time each night to hear her tiny little voice on the other end of the line and have been laughing inside at a conversation she insisted I have with her Scooby Doo dog.....I adore that little bean.  Have I mentioned how magical this age is?  My mom and dad watched her for us while we were gone and I have loved hearing their non-stop stories about anything and everything Sierra....it means the world to me that they love her like they do....it has always been something I have longed for...that of having my child have an incredible relationship with her grandma and grandpa...such special loving people they are and we are lucky to have them in our life.  I still remember the way my grandma loved me....I could do no wrong....her arms were always open and available for a long, warm, hug and I knew that her love for me was the very same love that she gave my brothers, but it was always special grandma love.

So much to say to you all.  First please understand that I am 100% great....no need to be worried about me.  I have come to the realization that my blog and all of you are far more important to me than I ever could have imagined.  I didn't think that what I was doing mattered....I'm always incredibly conscious about how I spend my time and energies and always want to make sure that I am spending my time on things that are of importance.  After taking an eensy tiny break, I have missed my sweet blog and all of you like crazy.....the first thing my husband said to me when I told him what I had decided to do was, "why would you do something like that?...your blog is one of the best things you have ever done for yourself"....and so it is...and that is why I love him as I do.  Always 150% behind me pushing me gently on. 

So hang in there with me as I become a gypsy for the next little while...roaming from house to house...getting one all ready for us to live in....getting one all ready to say goodbye to....and all of the stinky stuff that comes with it :)  I'll be around as much as I can, I promise.  You all mean the world to me and I can't begin to express to you what your thoughtful notes of encouragement, love and concern have meant to me....you helped me understand that what I do here on this silly little blog of mine is important after all....I needed to know that. 

I have some fun, fun new things roaming around in my mind that I want to incorporate into my blog here in the near future.  I'm even getting a makeover thanks to my incredibly creative and talented friend Sherelle...I can't wait.  Anyway...more about that when we are all settled, but please know that we are going to take what goes on here to the next level and make is a cozy, homey, place for you to dwell and sit and relax and be inspired, rejuvenated, feel hope and love, and many, many more incredibly essential things that we girls need every single day.

Before I go shuck the corn for dinner I wanted to share a card created for the CPS blog this week....thanks so much to our sponsor Jillibean Soup for the make-my-mouth-water-cute product they sent us to work with....I am smitten I tell you.

Enjoy your weekend.

Melis

wish you well...

 

It's time for me to say goodbye for a while.  I don't know for how long, but know this is something I need to do.  I have said goodbye to some of my design teams and decided to scale back on my design work, however you will find me back here each month for Papertrey Ink Release night and for group posts.  I will still be designing for Emma's Paperie and you can find my work HERE on the blog throughout the months ahead.  I will be still be designing card kits and things for The Scrappy Gourmet and Frost it Pink...so you can also find me there....and perhaps I'll pop in once in a while with my Ruby St. projects as well.  I'll be keeping my etsy shop filled with new things on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday....and since today is Friday...I've got a few things to load in later.

I can't thank you enough for your friendship....you'll never know how much your sweet comments, emails, advice, and heartfelt love have meant to me....I'll miss you...but really do hope to be back at some point....

Before I go, here are some peeks of a card kit of mine soon to go on sale at Frost it Pink....I think the colors are so beautiful together:  And lastly a card created for Emma's Paperie this week using my new favorite color combo:  Supplies can be found HERE.  And, the stamps used on the Thankful for You card are from the Fall Elegance set from Papertrey Ink.

Sending you hugs...wishing you well.

Melissa

autumn skies...

Good morning....it's a beautiful day here today....I walked my little one to school today...it looks like I will get to do that a few more times after all....I'm thankful we're not quite ready to move in because of these special moments I get to experience with her.  She actually rode her tiny bike to school today....she learned to ride it over the weekend and is having the time of her life.  She buzzes everywhere on in.  So...the sky is blue, the air is cool, the sunflowers are out in full force, and I am overwhelmed with happiness....I am so thankful for my life.  I have been reading THIS amazing article and have been trying diligently to put into practice what it mentions. 

I have a new favorite color combo...and it just happens to be the colors of August here...blue, blue skies, rich earthy brown, and brilliant sunflower yellow.  For this card I used Papertrey Ink White Shimmer cardstock, It's a Celebration and Boxes, Bags, & Tags stamp sets, Dark Chocolate ink and ribbon, Ocean Tides ink, and a Rustic Wood button.  I also used My Mind's Eye and K&Co. paper, a Jenni Bowlin mini calendar, Making Memories chipboard flowers, and MAMBI gems.

Wishing you beautiful, August skies.

Melis

dear sierra...

I love you.

I am honored to be your mama.

There couldn't possibly be a luckier "me" in this world, than "me"...because I am your mama.

You remind me of what is truly important in life...that of being a mother and belonging to each other forever.

You teach me that  hugs and kisses really do make everything better.

You make your daddy melt and sing with your goodness and innocence.

The sound of you in our home is the most beautiful music I will ever hear.

You will always have my heart...wherever you go.

Your potential is limitless...you can do anything...let your dreams take flight.

The love I feel for you hasn't any boundaries...it will forever grow.

Thanks for coming into my life....my sweet little dream come true.

Today I held you on my lap and hugged you an extra long time...our middle of the afternoon snuggles are just about over.

When you walked by me today you smelled like happy, dancing flowers....I sniffed you and told you how good you smelled....you sniffed me back and told me the same....little dolly.

You are adored.

 

The color red reminds me of my sweet little bean....you are aware that she chose Back Talk Red for her bedroom :)  It's completely beautiful and vibrant.

This card uses happy polka dot paper from October Afternoon, a die cut and chipboard hearts from Melissa Frances, a Making Memories metal tag, a Crafty Secrets Creative Scrap calendar image, and Papertrey Ink Rustic Cream cardstock, Smokey Shadow and True Black ink, Background Basics:  Text Style, Fancy Flourishes, and Love Songs stamp sets, and Vintage Cream ribbon and buttons. 

  A little something created for Emma's Paperie....supply list and instructions can be found HERE on the Emma's blog. 

And lastly, another card created with stamps sponsored by Susan Tomaino with Close to my Heart....thanks so much for sponsoring the CPS blog Susan...I have enjoyed working with these darling stamps! 

Sweet dreams.

Melis

little red...

 I love a little bit of red here and there and pretty much everywhere I look in my house...it's my most favorite color.  It's completely cozy, warm, vibrant, homey, and is the color of love of course.  I have been fascinated with the art called redwork lately and decided to use it as the inspiration behind this card set created with Nichole Heady's new stamp set called Autumn Abundance.   I created this little note card set for my friend Kendra....she has been helping me with my little girl while I've been painting this week....thanks so much Kendra.

Here are a few lovely example of redwork...I love this craft....reminds me of days gone by...pies sitting on the windowsill, grandma's apron, and red wagons. 

 

1. REDWORK friday, 2. redwork birdies drawstring bag, 3. Redwork girl & boy dancing, 4. ratinha1, 5. February Valentines, 6. redwork doll, 7. Redwork linen cloth, 8. environment friendly giftwrap - detail, 9. Redwork, 10. Redwork, 11. Stickerei, 12. Lou's Redwork Quilt, 13. Stickmustertuch, 14. QW0004-01, 15. redwork 1, 16. redwork (1)

Another new and oh so irresistible stamp set from Papertrey Ink is Boo to You designed by Heather Nichols.  I couldn't stop myself from using all of the images in one sitting...LOVE this set. 

This card was created using Melissa Bickford's new stamp set called Sign Language....this set is truly the most unique set I have ever used....so many possibilities.   

This next card was created using the Fall Elegance set by Tiffany Pastor.  This set is gorgeous, gorgeous....oh, how it makes me happy.  I'm a sucker for fall leaves and pumpkins any day though.

And lastly, this little number created with Dawn McVey's new Scattered Shower Additions set....a completely adorable set. 

Off to enjoy Saturday with my little one.  So many simple little things that make us happy around here....thanks to Great Grandpa and his bag filled with garden fresh cherry tomatoes left on our porch, listening to my little one and her 2 friends talk about Boomer the dog who had to go to heaven yesterday...such sweet and simple innocence...the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine lunch box Sierra picked out to take to school each day...she makes me laugh...no princess for my girl...in fact she's out digging in the dirt right now.

Enjoy your Saturday and as always, thanks so much for visiting.

Melis

labor of love...

 Good Morning...and Happy Friday!  I have been elbow deep in paint and glaze these past few days and have been loving every minute of it....never thought I'd say that about painting....but taking on my craft cabinets has been the most enjoyable painting project I have ever had....time consuming, but I would do it over and over again.  I'll share a peek with you in a bit.

Our sponsor this week on the CPS blog has been Susan Tomaino with Close to my Heart.  Thanks so much Susan....this was such a fun card to create.  The paper, ink and stamps are all from Close to my Heart.

Our sponsor last week on the CPS blog was DRS Stamps....here is what I created using their stamps and the fun sketch provided by Tami....I also used Melissa Frances paper and resin, a Creative Cafe rubon, Making Memories ribbon, and Zva Creative adhesive pearls.

 This fun card was created for Emma's Paperie based on a quick sketch of mine....if you've got a minute to create, the sketch can be found HERE along with a complete supply list for this card.

And, moving along....so much to catch up on this morning... Completely and wholeheartedly a just for fun card....using K&Co., Prima, and Collage Press paper, Making Memories sticker, Creative Cafe brads, Prima flower, and Zva Creative adhesive pearls.

And...one last card...promise... This was created for the Got Sketch? blog this week....more fun, fun sketches can be found there too.  I used Melissa Frances paper, sticker, and rubon, a Nunn Designs metal bookplate, and Papertrey Ink Rustic Cream cardstock, Sweet Blush  and Smokey Shadow ink, and Beyond Basic Borders, Background Basics:  Text Style, and Fancy Flourishes stamp sets. 

Hope I didn't wear you out....so happy you stopped by for my ramblings though.

One last detail....keep in mind that I am a horrible photographer and can't seem to get a good shot of the cabinets...but I did my darnedest :)  Stinky pictures anyway....but hope you get the idea.  I just have 2 tiny pieces of crown molding to paint and distress...cabinet guys just finished up those a couple of days ago...then I'll be done. 

I can smell the carpet now....we are cruising I tell you....

Enjoy a beautiful Friday!

Melis

tags two ways...

It's another fun and eventful group post with Papertrey Ink tonight.  Tonight we are showing off two new stamp sets that will go on sale August 15th...one that's all about bumps in the night and all things Halloween-y, and one that is as beautiful as a golden, fall day.  The stamp sets are called 2009 Halloween tags and 2009 Autumn tags.  We were challenged as  a Design Team to create similar projects using both sets....so off we go.

I chose to wrap up my Halloween sweets in medium Glassine Bags from Papertrey Ink....they are my favorite because they are beautiful on their own and are so easy to dress up.

I folded a doily over the top of each package, wrapped ribbon around the treats, and tied a bow near the top.  Each bow was then embellished with a tag and tied with twine and a button. 

 I then stamped a greeting to go near the bottom of the bag, punched it from cardstock, and embellished it with colorful gems...so easy and fun.

The process was then repeated for the autumn treats except I distressed the doilies with Walnut Gold Glimmer Mist, and then distressed the stamped images and greetings with Papertrey Ink's Vintage Touch Inking System. 

 

Now I' m off to enjoy the beautiful projects created by the other Design Team Members....hope you enjoy yourself as well:

Becky Oehlers

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Debbie Olson

Geny Cassady

Heather Nichols

Lauren Meader

Lisa Johnson

Michelle Wooderson

Niki Estes

Nichole Heady

Thanks for visiting.

Melis

whispers...

 It's a beautiful Monday morning....the cool air is whispering that fall is coming....I can smell it...the breeze brushing across my face is so refreshing.  School will be starting very soon and there is most definitely excitement in our house.  We have been busy painting and enjoying lazy afternoons when we're home....I've enjoyed the slower pace of life and will continue to for just a few more days. 

I'm just about to try out a new zucchini bread recipe this morning...need to make cookies to drop and run tonight....still my little girl's most favorite thing to do....and oodles of things in between...I do love busy days.

 

I wanted to share with you a little mini card set I put together using some of my very favorite older Melissa Frances goodies....I will always love them.  There is something so sweet and calming about creating baby projects....my mind and heart are always flooded with the most tangible memories of my own little one as I sit and enjoy the process....I was reminded of bathing her for the very first time while working on these....my husband and I had no idea what to do....thankfully my mom was with us and walked us through the gentle process of bathing her with a soft washcloth, baby warm water, and my favorite Johnson's Baby Bath....she was so breakable and tiny....such sweet moments shared with her.  I also used bits of glitter, Walnut Gold Glimmer Mist and Papertrey Ink supplies including:  Guidelines and Bitty Baby Blessings stamp sets, Rustic Cream cardstock, Spring Moss, Vintage Cream, and Sweet Blush Topnotch Twill, Sweet Blush and Smokey Shadow ink, and Sweet Blush Vintage Buttons. 

 

And, one more thing before I go....to tempt your crafty fingers...Lisa Pace is starting another wonderful online workshop called Homespun Inspiration.  It begins on August 15th...and you can read more about it here.   I LOVE her work and can't wait to get started!  Thank you Lisa.

Hope you have a beautiful week.

Melis

hold my hand...

Truly....I can't think of a better feeling than that of my little girl slipping her hand into mine.  In that moment, we are stuck together like glue...nothing separating us...swinging hands...dreaming...giggling...and holding onto the moment.  I still remember holding my mom's hand everywhere we went....our hands were like magnets and would connect in a sweet and gentle grip that was as strong as can be.  I remember thinking that I would be so sad when the day came and I was too old to hold my mom's hand any longer.  Now I've got a little bean and I never want her to be too old to hold my hand...I cherish the act and the sweet realization that I've got a little someone, as special as she is, to hold onto me.

Here is a little book I put together all about my girl....created for Melissa Frances.... I love how plump it turned out...filled with beautiful things and pictures that remind me of days gone by.  A few of my favorite pages....created with the Melissa Frances Fresh Twist mini album and page kit.  For those of you wanting to shop for Melissa Frances supplies, I recommend trying The Scrappy Gourmet and Emma's Paperie...both always filled with oodles of Melissa Frances products.

My little one reminds me everyday, just how many days are left until school starts...we are down to 12...I am gearing up for it...I can see the worry in my husband's eyes....he's not sure how to help my heart deal with this...but I will somehow.  I'm just so happy to see her completely excited about going to 1st grade....it helps.

 Now for a couple of sweet, summery cards as we are nearing the end of a most memorable summer.  Created with Basic Grey paper, stickers, buttons, and woolies, K&Co. tags, Papertrey Ink ribbon, Maya Road trim, and an Imaginisce rubon.

Happy Friday...I'm off to paint the cabinets in my craft room.  They are going to be creamy white and Lotus Leaf blue with a chocolate glaze....I can't wait to show you.

Melis

warm woolies...

 

Plug your ears if you don't want to listen to any more fall-talk....but did ya know, that as of Friday, we are supposed to be on the downhill slide towards cooler weather here....those are sweet, musical, words to my ears....my husband is my personal weatherman, and even if he's lying, I don't care....because he said the words that make my warm, soup-y, weather, lovin' heart smile.  I'm on the hunt for some new soups and stews....I may as well start now that the weather is cooling from 103 to 98, don't you think?

My new appliances came yesterday....I can't wait to break them all in....my husband picked them all out, as he knows of my decision making issues...and did he ever surprise me.  My oven has 2 ovens in it I guess you can say...so I can bake cookies while baking a roast....perhaps a turkey while baking rolls...or even a dreaded meatloaf while brownies are baking at the same time...pure genius I tell you...I'm bound to burn one of the 2 dishes though and as long as it's the meatloaf, I don't think I'll mind...

My little one is winding down for the night.  Her gramps had her up before 6:00 this morning to take her to the pasture with him to feed the horses and mules, irrigate, and hunt for tadpoles....such sweet memories for her.  He told me just a bit ago that he missed a the photo opportunity of a lifetime...but he described it for me so I can store it in my heart....the image is of  her on her hands and knees, all delicate and beautiful, littel cowboy boots on, hands sunk deep in the mud while she tries to capture a tadpole, while a big beastly mule stands over her with his face right next to hers like he's trying to do his best to help her and not miss out on the action....I love this picture.

A fun card to share tonight created with some of my favorite Basic Grey supplies...paper and woolie of course, and Papertrey Ink supplies including:  Forest Friends and Bird Watching stamp sets, Raspberry Fizz grosgrain and ink, Summer Sunrise, Spring Moss, and Sweet Blush ink and Raspberry Fizz and Spring Moss buttons.

Enjoy your evening.

Melis

"back in a gypsy"...

I overheard my little one say this today as she was playing with her Polly Pockets...made me laugh out loud...a little smile to tuck in my back pocket and pull out whenever I need it.

  A spooky treat or two for you tonight...created with Melissa Frances supplies...

 

Anyone else ready for fall :) 

Enjoy your day.

Melis

in.del.i.ble...

By definition:
a.  Unable to be forgotten; memorable

So many of these wonderful, flavorful, remarkable, tug-at-my-heart, kind of moments....I feel they can be found in the simplest of acts....in every breath taken.  Being a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend....all are the most important of relationships. 

I have a single, solitary item to share today...one of my most memorable I think.  This card was created for the CPS blog this week....using supplies from KIT Card Shop...with contents lovingly and thoughtfully put together just for me by my friend Kelly.  Little did she know how much I would love what she sent to me and the memories that would follow.  I remember as a little girl a collection of Madame Alexander dolls my mom had tucked away....they were so beautiful and precious...much too delicate for me to play with, but I remember how she would look at them as she pulled them out to show me.  They were a part of her childhood....she treasured them for reasons I need to be sure to ask her about now that I'm older and have am reminded of these dollies of hers.  I do remember them being dressed in sweet, tiny, old clothes...something similar to this top perhaps...I wonder if this sweet top has a story of it's own...who used to love the tiny doll dressed in this?  A little girl just like my mother...

Thank you Kelly for bringing this to my remembrance....it was a lovely walk for me.

Melis