LilyBean Paperie

Papertrey Favorite Scavenger Hunt...

 
Happy Sunday everyone....you've made it just in time to help kick off the Papertrey Ink 3rd Anniversary celebration...there will be things happening throughout the next couple of weeks with giveaways and excitement galore....the first order of business is a fun scavenger hunt hopping around the blogs of all of the Papertrey Ink Designers.  We were each asked to share a project using our most favorite Papertrey Ink stamp set...and all you have to do is guess which set we've each used....submit your guesses and start crossing your fingers...the prize package for the winner is enormous! 

This particular stamp set...which shall remain nameless for the time being is a set I am smitten with....I adore the sweet flowers just screaming to be trimmed and cut to stand out and make a scene...their centers begging me to pretty them up with glitter, buttons, blossoms, etc.   

 

You might have noticed that I haven't mentioned the actual NAME of my favorite Papertrey stamp set, which is the only set I used in my project today.  Today's anniversary contest involves you seeking out the name of each design team members favorite set as part of a scavenger hunt.  You may recognize the set instantly or it may need to do a bit of research in the Papertrey store HERE.

Each of the design team members have been assigned a number in accordance with their scavenger hunt order.  You'll notice according to the graphic at the top of this post I am stop number 8.  Create your numbered list and head over to Nichole's blog to enter to win ALL ELEVEN of the team's favorite stamp sets!  Be sure not to delay, because the contest ends on February 2nd at 7am EST.  The winners will be announced by noon the same day on the February Release Winners page.  Have fun and good luck!

Designer Favorites Scavenger Hunt

1. Erin Lincoln

2. Maile Belles

3. Betsy Veldman

4. Dawn McVey

5. Debbie Olson

6. Heather Nichols

7. Lisa Johnson

8. Melissa Phillips

9. Michelle Wooderson

10. Niki Estes

11.Kim Hughes

Have I given you enough clues??  I mustn't say another word....time for you to guess.

 
 Before I go....so many of you have commented on my new lust for ribbon decor lately...it's simply scrunched seam binding....isn't it irresistible?  And, the sweet paper covering this card is new Green at Heart paper from Basic Grey...mmmmm *heart* it so much.

Have fun friends.

Melis
 
 

color me cozy...

**Edited to add that the Vintage Valentine Card and Wall Hanging Kits have gone up for sale early at The Scrappy Gourmet**

Happy Saturday to you all!  I thought I'd pop in and share our next Photo Inspiration Challenge with you before I get busy with the Saturday stuff around here.  This photo is oh, so tasty, warm, and cozy....hope you enjoy it and Miss Leslie, we love you...thanks once again for sharing your photos with us.   

(Photo courtesy of A Creative Mint)

Do ya love it?  Will ya play? Awww come on....I have LOVED looking at your beautiful creations based off of last week's photo....if I haven't gotten around to commenting on your creations quite yet...I promise I will.  Anyway, on Wednesday I'll be posting my card or project based on this heaps-of-inspiration photo and will have a few special guests to link you to once again showing their creations...can't wait.

And...since I have love on the brain, I couldn't wait to share with you a new card kit and project kit that will go on sale February 1st at The Scrappy Gourmet...here are just a few peeks... 
  
 
  
 
I'll be back on the 1st to show you more.

And lastly...because we're friends, and friends share....I've just got to show you this....since it's breakfast time here and all...

(Photo courtesy of Country Living magazine)

Mmmmm....here's the recipe...mine would never, ever look this pretty...I'd still eat it though.

Have a wonderful day!

Melis
 
 

sweetest and best...

For my little Bean...

 

 

Mother Love

Lie still, dear birdie,

In cradle nest;

The gentle breeze rocketh thee 

Softly to rest.

Thy father is singing thee

Sweetly to sleep,

While thy mother her little ones

Safely doth keep.

Sleep peacefully, Baby,

The Spring's come to you;

The grass is a carpet

Of violets blue;

The birds are all singing thee

Softly to rest;

But the love of a mother

Is sweetest and best.

I found this sweet poem in a new treasure that I bought recently...a very, very old book called Rhymes for Little Folks published in 1928...I adore it and its sweet passages.

Have a happy day.

Melis
 

(Crafty Secrets Fairy Scraps, Melissa Frances paper and rubons, Papertrey Ink cardstock and buttons, K&Co. paper, and Stickles glitter.)
 

14 days of february...

Lovely, lovely, snow covered day....it's quiet and peaceful here...technically we've been snowed in since yesterday...a rarity around here...I was able to scoot into town to run errands as my husband came home to care for Sierra a bit and I had the truck...otherwise...snowed in...and I love it.  I don't have much to chat about today....just thankful to be a mommy and wife...thankful for the love that comes so naturally with motherhood...thankful I get to experience that type of love.

I thought I'd share my workshop project with you that I designed for Emma's Paperie this week...perhaps it's something you'd like to try...it's very easy and I think it will be fun to incorporate here at home. 

Wouldn't it be extra sweet if someone you loved very much left you a love note each day leading up to Valentine's Day???  I say, oh, yes!  Forget the chocolates....I'd tuck those little love notes away and read them again and again.   I've just posted a few of these here....hopefully you can get the idea and make some for your sweetheart of sweethearts.... The notes are held inside these sweet glassine bags all dressed up for February.    I find it so fun to go a bit over the top on things like this...keepsakes and treasures...using up my favorite of favorite embellishments on someone I love. And...by making each one completely different makes this project so much fun....these are each tiny little canvases that come together very quickly, but give you a chance to try something new on each one.   So...what do you say...will you join me in the 14 Days of February?   
 
 I've got instructions and supplies waiting for you HERE at the Emma's Paperie blog...happy shopping and creating...and please let me see yours when done...I'd love to take a peek.

One more before I go... 
  
 
 
 
 
 
This card uses the Cupcake Collection and Background Basics:  Hearts stamp sets from Papertrey Ink.

Lots of Melissa Frances thrown here and there as well and a snippet from a doily.

My little one is calling.

Hugs and Love.

Melis
 

motherly advice....

Good morning.....Happy Tuesday to you all....I won't bore you with my ramblings today...I'll just get right to the point first thing, yes??  Thanks to you all for participating in my shabby stuff giveaway....it was so nice to hear how you'll all be caring for yourself this week....my motherly advice to you this morning is to actually do that which you've planned for yourself....you deserve it...even if it is a blah trip to the Dr. for your annual check-up :)  I do have something planned for myself this week...it's not anything I can talk about or share...but it is something that is going to take a leap of faith...and will involve my pushing myself a bit...but I am very excited and will certainly share with you when I can.

So....lucky, lady Deirdre O' Donoghue....you are the winner of my packet of shabby goodness!  I can't wait to put it all together of you...so please email me with your address and I'll ship it out to you.

Next up....our Inspirational Photo challenge...this was such a relaxing bit of creative time for me....the image floated through my mind all weekend as I started collecting bits of this and snippets of that to put together in my card....I hope you enjoyed it as well.  Here is the photo again courtesy of A Creative Mint...

Please be sure to leave a little love for Leslie, the amazing photographer behind this photo...she creates such beauty.

And, here is my card inspired but the deep, sparkly plum, the soft textures, the ruffled petals on the soft, purple flower, the bright but gentle pinks, and the pearl embellishments....  I used a Crafty Secrets Baby Girl Homespun Cotton Scrap here along with a snippet from the Fairy Scraps, a Tattered Angels from and Glimmer Mist, a Maya Road chipboard heart, Doodlebug glitter, Melissa Frances rubon and paper, and Making Memories paper.

Now....for my special guest's projects...I can't wait to take a peek....

Heather Nichols

Dawn McVey

Betsy Veldman and

Mish Wooderson.

Leave them a little love for me....and please continue to link me to your creations as well...I promise I will get around to looking at them and leaving you some love as well.

Well....I've got my best little buddy sitting right here with me today as she is not feeling well today...so I'm off to give her some TLC.

Enjoy the day!

Melis

 

the nest that love built...

Hello Monday friends...it's a brand new week...I always look forward to the beginning of the week...although sending the little Miss off to school isn't something I love, but she comes bouncing out of bed in the morning ready to greet the day...bouncing off the school bus telling me about her "best day ever"...so, it's all worth it...I love to see her grow, learn, try new things, and spread her wings each new day.  I'm positively certain that motherhood teaches me something new each day...and love just continues to grow and build until you think you can't possibly hold another ounce of it in your heart...

I don't have much to share with you today....I'm merely here as your public service announcement specialist....I wouldn't want you to miss out on a The Biggest, Shabbiest  Melissa Frances Giveaway ever...just leave a comment on the Melissa Frances blog HERE and your name will be thrown into the mix and one lovely, lucky individual will win $300.00 in Melissa Frances delicious-ness.  It's one you don't want to miss.

And...my sweet friend, Kim Caldwell has just announced registration for one of her lovely, lovely events...An Affaire in Wonderland...she is amazingly gracious and puts on the most enchanting events.  You can read more on her blog and be introduced to the creative women who will be teaching there.

Lastly, please don't worry about a deadline for my inspirational photo challenge...I will be putting these up on a regular basis, and they are merely for fun...nothin' but inspiration and pleasure...so take your time and enjoy...no winners, no losers...I learned long ago that I can never, ever pick winners....I end up picking a bunch and then going broke sending out treats...so for these challenges we are hard-core...just-for-fun-ners, sound good?

Sigh....the last of my shabby cottages are shown here....I've decided to put the idea to rest for a bit and not continue selling them in my etsy store...however, if you are ever in need of one....let me know and I'll happily make one just for you...anyway you'd like it...I have sure enjoyed them...they make me smile as they come to life.

This shabby card uses Papertrey Ink's Background Basics:  Hearts stamp set...one of my fave...along with Sweet Blush and Kraft cardstock, and True Black ink.  Those sweet flowers are from Maya Road, a bit of vintage receipt paper and tea-stained twill tape.

I think that's it for tonight....I'll be back in the morning with my card based on our inspirational photo courtesy of A Creative Mint along with my very talented guest's projects as well.

 

Night.

Melis
 
 

love, me...

A treat or two for  you tonight...with a small giveaway at the end... 
I love Saturday nights...there's something so restful and peaceful about them...very uncomplicated...I'd have to say they might be my favorite.  I have wonderful memories of Saturday nights as a child...we'd work hard together during the day as a family...in the garden weeding and picking raspberries in the summer, cutting firewood in the winter, burning weeds in the spring and then roasting hot dogs over the flames, and playing our hearts out after we'd gotten our work done.  We'd gather together for dinner...all exhausted, sunburned, and ready to be cozied up for the night....most likely eating our favorite thing ever...macaroni and weenies :) (don't laugh if you haven't tried this delicacy)....such sweet, happy times.

I created this fun Valentine card for the Darkroom Door blog.... Rachel Greig, the creator of these lovable and beautiful stamps and products is such a creative genius...I used the Dots Background stamps, Ladies Photobooth, Gentlemen Photobooth, All Occasion Rubber Stamps, and Prague Vol. I Wordstrip.  I've left instructions for you on the blog in case you'd like to create your own.

And...a card created for the Emma's Paperie blog this week...based on a sketch by Sherry Wright... These colors make me smile....and make my mouth water.... And, or course, I love the sentiment too.  I'm a believer or miracles....some small, some not so...but all occurring on a daily basis because we are loved.  A complete supply list can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.

And...a little Papertrey lovin' tonight...   I used one of my favorite stamp sets here....Background Basics:  Hearts.  I stamped the chipboard heart with one of the backgrounds included in the set, and then created my own patterned paper with the other background.  The sentiment is from the Tiny Treats:  Valentine set, with Sweet Blush Grosgrain and Pure Poppy and True Black ink.  
 

So.....as a way of expressing my thanks...with hope that you may know that you are appreciated and loved and valued beyond words...I want to offer a small giveaway....it will be a creative pocket filled with bits and bobs of my most favorite things...paper, buttons, trim, tea-stained twill tape, vintage sheet music...etc...all you have to do is leave a comment here on this post telling me something that you are going to do for yourself this week....we get so caught up and wrapped up in all that life demands of us....that we forget to care for and spoil ourselves once in a while....so, please share...that's the only requirement aside for actually doing it.  I'll close the comments on Monday night at midnight PST, and will randomly chose a winner on Tuesday.  I'll mail you out a Lilybean care package straight from my heart, to your hands :)

Night friends.

Melis
 
 
 

passionato...

 
Hi pretty girls....and perhaps a guy or two....Happy Weekend!

The other night as I was using some of my vintage sheet music I came across the use of this musical term on one particular snippet.....Passionato....it has stuck with me ever since...such a romantic, beautiful, powerful word...full of depth and emotion...very fitting for the approaching holiday of course, but oh, so fitting for our daily life and love...I can see great opera singers expressing this term in such a way that you really feel it's meaning....and I think, at least for me, I feel this type of emotion on a daily basis...the ups, the downs, but mostly fighting for and preserving what is so precious to me....those I love and the life we hold dear...I've realized that we don't fully appreciate the good in life without having first experienced the not-so-good....the trials, the mistakes, the hurts....they cause growth and appreciation. 

Today brought more snow....but that meant sledding for Sierra and daddy....right outside our door and a few steps away is a perfect tubing hill....so, off they went and played this morning....I watched Sierra roll up the hill, roll down the hill...fall backwards into the snow...she didn't need a sled...she was just happy to be there with her best buddy...I know she had the absolute "best day ever", as is her new term for just about any special day.  So thankful for the time her daddy spends with her...he is a special man...so thankful that he doesn't let life get too heavy for me....he is able to pull me out of a funk in seconds...the boy is hilarious and so much fun to be around...I keep asking him how I came to be loved by such a cool cat :)
  I often compare myself to the quiet, nerdy, lurpy girl in high school who fell for the bad boy who rode a motorcycle, ha ha....somehow I charmed the dude into loving me...quirks and all.

So....many of you may be at CHA about now...but for those of you who aren't... do ya wanna play?  Each week I'd like to post an inspirational photo for you...and for me....to inspire, delight, and get us all creating for fun....I'll post the photo and then give a few days for us all to create and then come back with my project inspired by the photo and will link you to a couple of very special guests of mine that have taken the challenge as well.....so, without further ado, here is this week's beautiful photo...might I add that I will be using photos courtesy of A Creative Mint each week...thanks ever so much to Leslie for allowing me to do so and for sharing her beautiful talent with so many...she's my fave :)   Isn't she amazing....I am always truly swept away with each photo she shares....life is beautiful and meant to be enjoyed in all of it's many forms and I certainly do through her work....You can read more about this photo in THIS post.  So...let this photo speak to you....use the colors, or the textures, or the design, or the elements, or.....the possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to get started.  If you'd like to share your creation, please post a link here on this post in your comment.  On Tuesday, I'll share what I came up with along with linking you to my special guest's blogs and their projects as well....clear as mud?

Well...time to pick up toys scattered here and there...my most favorite is the tea-party she has set up right now on my coffee table...she's used my potpourri and has scooped out a delightful and hearty portion for her guests....I love it!

Night.

Melis

Happy Valentine's Day card

Supplies Used:

Papertrey Ink Background Basics:  Hearts stamp set and Holiday Tree stamp set, Sweet Blush cardstock, Pure Poppy and True Black ink, and Vintage Cream grosgrain.

Pink Paislee, Melissa Frances and K&Co. paper, Pink Paislee die cut, Melissa Frances tag, Maya Road chipboard, Doodlebug glitter

 
 
 

glamorous life...

 
The Queen of her Castle has chores around here....just in case you have the impression that the fairy swoops in to take care of all this nonsense for me....I've been waiting and waiting for her to appear...

Today's to-do list:

Get everyone out of bed

Pack lunches

Make breakfast

Clean up breakfast

Have Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Cake for MY breakfast :)

Clean toilets

Clean tub

Clean shower

Mop floors

Clean out ashes

Have Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Cake for my lunch

Sweep porches

Mail out the last of CHA projects (big, fat, wahoo)

Bring home the little lady from school

Start dinner

Clean up dinner

Bedtime routine

Clean up pig-sty of a craft room

Stay up way too late and love every minute of it

Get to bed and catch a couple of winks

Begin again.

.....I love my sweet, glamorous, little life.

Not too much to share today...as I mentioned earlier...I just mailed out the last of my CHA projects....my shoulders feels so much lighter today....but here's a little something I sent off in a box today that I can share with you. 

I am crazy about these new 3D Shadow Boxes from Crafty Secrets...I previously posted a the horizontal die used as decorative piece for my craft room....here is the vertical die used as a sweet birthday piece using more of Crafty Secrets new Fairy Scraps....my fave, my fave.

Oh my....this cupcake has my mind racing...

I also used some new Vintage Posey paper from Melissa Frances here, Jenni Bowlin crepe paper, Papertrey Ink buttons, Prima flowers, Doodlebug gems, the Crafty Secrets Girlfriend's Journal Notes and Birds & Blossoms Creative Scraps.

One more somethin' somethin' to share using the new Greetings from Wonderland stamp set from Crafty Secrets....  This stamp set is A-DOR-A-BLE....I can't do it justice...but there are many more projects using it on the Heartwarming Vintage blog.
 
And...I couldn't resist sharing the view from my front porch with you...this was as of last week...those are cute, but oh, so stinky sheep....apparently we live on their Winter Range...but I'm happy to share...they've moved on now...and I miss them.     Heaven knows I could sure use some help in the photography department....and I don't really know who in their right minds rushes out to take oodles of pictures of sheep....I'm sure the guy on his horse herding them thought I was a nut basket....but this is a simple pleasure in life for me.

Night friends.

Melis
 
 
 

more please...

 
Here I am again....lots to share today.  It's cold and rainy here....I really, really like it though...hope you're all staying safe and warm.  I just picked up my little one from school...stopped to give Daddy kisses at work....replenished our popcorn supply...and have a toasty fire going now that we're home...I've got the itch to bake as it didn't happen last night....I'm going to make The Pioneer Woman's Best Chocolate Sheet Cake.Ever....have you tried her recipe?  It's a very naughty, naughty recipe...prepare yourself for a serious addiction....last time I made them, I just parked my own little fork right there beside them....I know, I know....shame, shame, shame....but if only you'll try them...then your own little fork will wander over and sit right by the pan too...waiting ever so impatiently for a snitch.  I figure if I don't eat breakfast, lunch, and maybe a tad bit of dinner...and basically just eat a 1" sliver of the cake, ohhh every half hour or so...then I'm just fine :)  See....they are the devil.

A few cards to share with you today using some of the new Tattered Angels products...you'll see a peek of a new frame here along with Chocolate Covered Cherries Glimmer Mist....who could possibly resist that?

  This card uses new Travel Chips and Glimmer Glass....there's that frame again all dressed up in Pashmina Glimmer Mist...and a new Glimmer Mist color called Sweet Clover. (New Vintage Posey paper from Melissa Frances can be spotted here too....gotta thing for  purple lately...you know it's the new black, don't you?)

  New Beach-y Glimmer Chips and Glass here along with 3 new Glimmer Mist colors...Tuttie Fruiti, Crushed Shells, and Delphinium.

And...MMMmmm...more Melissa Frances for you today....
 The shabby, Attic Treasures line has been added to....you'll LOVE the new additions... 
 
 
  I couldn't resist trying to turn the MF crepe paper into a show ribbon....new Attic Treasures paper shown here as well and Vintage Ephemera..... 
  A shabby, little number here....a paper purse using a bit of both lines...Attic Treasures and Vintage Posey.

   A couple of cards I made using all sorts of new MF beauties....have I mentioned how much I love the new products?

And, lastly...a just for fun card... 
  This creamy card uses Papertrey Ink stamps:  Polka Dot Basics II, Background Basics:  Petal Power, and Heart Prints stamp sets, Kraft cardstock, Sweet Blush button, and Vintage Cream and Dark Chocolate ink.  The sweet image is from Crafty Secrets, the stampy and glittery heart and trinket pin from Maya Road, a bit of vintage receipt paper, and or course tea-stained twill tape.

Pheeewww....hope you had a great day today!

Off to put dinner in the oven.

Night.

Melis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

where my heart is...

Did you think I had forgotten you?  I could never....I just needed to put my head down, dig in, and get quite a few things done. 

The Melissa Frances peeks begin today....words can't begin to describe the beauty of her new products....I know you'll love them all.

 

I want to share with you a few things I've created highlighting the new Vintage Posey line from Melissa Frances.  The papers shown in these projects are from this particular line...and you'll see little peeks of another line I can share with you tomorrow.

  

 
 
 
 I'm smitten with the crepe paper Melissa Frances offers...there are so many fun things to use it for...someone needs to write a book on crepe paper creations I tell ya.

 

This album was created using the Envelope & Tag book by Melissa Frances...it's a fave of mine.

I wish I could stay, but I need to keep plugging away....my little girl needs to go to the Doc. again...more ear aches for her throughout the weekend...poor little bean...she's happily playing with her little friend Bridger right now...he's adorable...calls her Saharra and loves to play Polly Pockets and Barbies with her :)...we love him...need to figure out something scrumptious for dinner...make a treat for dessert....the list goes on and on.

Please come back soon.

Melis
 

lunchbox love notes...

I will keep my words short and ever so sweet tonight as there is just so much to share...Happy Papertrey Ink Release Night....so much to love about this month's new stamp sets...so let's get started.

 I'm smitten with this pair of stamp sets I'm about to share with you....designed by none other than Dawn McVey...Top Ten and Top Ten Additions stamp sets are SO much fun....the first thing that crossed my mind when creating with this set was my little girl of course and creating a fun little tag booklet to slip in her lunchbox for Valentine's Day for a sweet surprise.  
I was not alone in sharing the lunchbox love....Nichole posted the sweetest note cards, also created with this set, to slip inside her kid's lunches as well...really a sweet idea for our little ones.  

  I created this tag booklet from a few coin envelopes and small paper bags...they are simply secured together on one end leaving the open ends free to place a card, note, picture, even a heart shaped sucker inside.  Each page lists one of the many things I love about her on it, while inside contains a small card where I can write more in depth notes to her and list the reasons why I love her so.  The new Basic Grey Sugar Rush collection is perfect for fun and playful projects such as this.

Next up is the Background Basics:  Petal Power set....this is one I will reach for over and over again.     I carried the design and theme through to the inside on this card and chose to include my sentiment here instead of on the outside just for fun.

This card uses the oh, so adorable Baby Button Bits stamp set....mmm....love this set.    I also used some Melissa Frances paper, Maya Road chipboard, and Crafty Secrets vintage image on this card.

I have a love thing going on with this set....the Through the Trees stamp set that is...  Couldn't resist using some Maya Road rubons and chipboard here along with new Basic Grey Origins paper.  

Lastly the Daily Designs and Daily Designs Sentiments stamp sets were used on this fun little mini card set.   
   

That's it from me....did ya have a good day?

Melis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

New 3D Shadow Boxes and Altered Fairy Scraps for CHA...

 
Good morning Sunshines....hope you're having a wonderful day so far.

Today I have the pleasure of sharing some very exciting new products with you....stuff that when I close my eyes at night....I see...dancing across my dreams.

Crafty Secrets is coming out with the sweetest new Fairy Scraps for CHA....they will be used over and over again here in my little craft room without a doubt. 

 

 Aren't they too sweet for words?  I love 'em...yes, I do.

Crafty Secrets is also pairing up with AccuCut and soon you'll be able to find 3D shadow box dies designed by the talented Vicki Chrisman....they are so much fun and I am so happy for her....her creativity is endless and it's so wonderful to be able to see her shine and have the ability to take a bit of her home with us as we create.  Both a vertical and horizontal dies will be available and today the Craft Secrets Design Team was asked to use the 3D Shadow boxes in conjunction with the new Fairy Scraps.  Such a fun assignment.  I chose to use the horizontal die for mine and created a whimsical bit of decor for my craft room.  

     I think it's so important to surround yourself with inspiring things...whether it's art, music, books, words, etc....so, I clipped apart some of the words in the Fairy Scraps and used some that spoke to my heart....words that lift me an make me happy and hopeful...."expect miracles" being my most favorite.   
 So sweet and fun....you have to try these....your heart will thank you.

Now...some fun links for beautiful projects from the other designers:

Vicki Chrisman- Team Leader & Creator

Pam Hooten

Heidi Blankenship

Marisa Grosson

Michele Kovack

Michelle Van Etten

Heartwarming Vintage

Enjoy the day.

Melis
 
 
 
 
 
 

here a little...

there a little...my mind is all over the place right now as this is a very busy time of  year in the paper-crafting world...so hang in there with me as I'm all over the place for a just a bit longer...then we'll settle into our beloved, familiar routine.

Much to share today...  I create this for Emma's Paperie this week...with the theme of ORGANIZATION in mind...heaven only knows how much I need help in this department.  I wanted to create a pretty place to jot down birthdays, so I created this Birthday Calendar Book.   Inside this book are pages for each month of the year...on the back of each page is a blank spot where I can jot down the birthdays held within each particular month.....lots of mismatched pages and such going on here...my most favorite kind of organization :)

I've found that this is actually a really fun and functional way to use up odds and ends...the things we love that we only have a bit of that we just can't part with....alphabet stickers, tags, die cuts, etc.

  
 
  I've got a complete supply list waiting for you HERE on Emma's Paperie blog and throughout the week you'll be able to check in on ideas from the other designers as well.
 

For those of you feeling crafty....I have a new project set up and available at Frost it Pink... This kit includes supplies and instructions to create an altered wooden dress form (wooden dress form cut by Kim Hesson) and three matching cards....really super fun and easy.  

A new card set up for grabs at The Scrappy Gourmet....last I checked, there were a few left. Here's a small peek of one or two of them.   
 
 
 
   You can buy this kit HERE.  

And lastly...a few just for fun cards... This card uses the Life stamp set from Papertrey Ink, Hibiscus Burst, Spring Moss, and Dark Chocolate ink, Tattered Angels chipboard and Glimmer Mist, Melissa Frances resin keyhole, and other sweet toppings.  
 

This card uses a vintage scrap from Crafty Secrets, chipboard from Tattered Angels, vintage book print, and a heart doily.

And...one more for you...this card uses vintage dictionary print, Making Memories paper and die cut, a Maya Road chipboard tag and rubon, and a Tim Holtz ticket stub.

A few fun happenings for the remainder of the week...tomorrow check in here for a Crafty Secrets blog hop....I'll be using the new CHA products....ohhhh, they're mouth-watering...truly for all of you shabby lovers.

Tomorrow night at midnight it the Papertrey Ink new release party....I've got a few things to share with you then as well.

Well...off to get my little bean from school....I have missed her today.

Melis
 
 
 
 
 

Inside & Out: Baby

Such a fun Papertrey Ink group post tonight....all about baby.  Nichole has created a stamp set that celebrates all things baby...and has given you plenty of ways to create gifts and cards from the inside, out.  Our challenge as a Design Team was to create a bag, tag, or gift wrap for baby along with a card showcasing the versatility of this stamp.  There are so many wonderful, sweet sentiments included in this set.  

I chose to use this set along with another new baby set that will also be released this month...you can get a little peek here on this card as to what the set is all about :)

  A quick way to finish the inside of the card and carry the theme throughout.

 

I decided to create some paper baby booties for my gift wrap idea.  Thank you so much to lovebugscrapbooking.com for providing such a sweet template.  I altered it slightly by adding hand-stitched felt across the toe, a tiny posy, and ribbon across the strap.  
  
 
 I thought these would be a perfect spot to tuck a handmade baby bracelet....and then to keep on display in baby's room.

I used Papertrey Ink Sweet Blush satin and Topnotch Twill, Sweet Blush and Vintage Cream cardstock, Ocean Tides ink, and Plum Pudding ink and buttons.  The paper and cardstock sticker are from Melissa Frances.

Now, off to enjoy creations from the other Design Team members...I can't wait to see what they've created for us.

Nichole Heady, Becky Oehlers, Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Debbie Olson, Geny Cassady, Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson,  Niki Estes, and Kim Hughes. 

Thanks for visiting.

Melis

dear diary...

 
My little girl loves to write...she has always loved to do so in her own unique way.  It started a few years ago when she got her hands on my journal....things clicked in her little mind, and she grabbed a handful of crayons and drew straight lines in every color imaginable across each page...mimicking my writing.  The straight lines changes into letters, ABC's, stick figures and so forth as a year or so went by, and now in her own journal, she draws maps of Nevada (she loves to study maps, just like her daddy), she names the cities surrounding us and stars our own, she writes stories, songs, etc....she writes, and writes, and writes.  I absolutely adore this about her and hope that she continues her love for journaling throughout her life....

 I've been working on this album for Tattered Angels for a few days now, and finally have enough to share with you....I decided to create a journal just for Sierra to record what she knows and remembers about her life so far....it's so fun listening to what she does remember....why not capture it now when the memories are so fresh in her mind?   I really got after the cover on this....had so much fun with it.  I first sprayed it with Rose Tea and Creme de Cocoa Glimmer Mist and then smeared it around mixing the two colors.  Then I layered on off-white acrylic paint...wiped a lot of that off, and then sprayed it again with the Glimmer Mist colors....smearing it again, basically creating my own custom color.  While the album cover was a bit damp, I sanded the edges which  made the layering come off very heavily and easily.  I then distressed all of the edges with distress ink, stamped on some polka dots and then embellished the rest with paper, tea-stained trim, tulle, Glimmer Chips, glitter, etc.

I used Tattered Angels Decorative Corners Glimmer Screens and Regal Classic Accent Stamps throughout the album...these are so beautiful layered together.  
 
Then....layered on goodies throughout the inside including beautiful Melissa Frances paper, glitter chipboard, and cardstock stickers.  The Tattered Angels Creme de Rouge Regal Glimmer Chips coordinated perfectly with my color scheme, so I used these on each page as well.  

 

She sat beside me and chose the pictures she wanted to start off with....these are some I can't bear to look at without getting all teary....the sweetest days of my existence I tell you.  
The album of course would not be complete without pictures of Mr. Melissa as well....my sweet friend Ali in Ireland refers to him as such and I love it....this man is his little girl's hero....it all began this day. 

     
 
 
   
  I wanted to be sure there was a specific place for my little girl to do her writing, so I added in pages from a Melissa Frances die cut baby album...they worked perfectly to provide a journaling spot on each page.  She's already started her writing....pink sparkly pen and all....love her.

I'm excited to tuck this away for her...when it's filled with everything Sierra..something she and I and daddy will enjoy taking out and pouring over.

Night.

Melis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

shabby shopping...

No pressure here today...none at all....I'm merely doing my part to help out some fellow shabby shopaholics by posting a link or two....harmless really.

The shabby jars I posted yesterday can be found HERE.

The scalloped Martha Stewart heart punch I used can be found HERE...although I don't know for how long. 

Let me know what I've forgotten :)

Just a couple or three goodies today...gotta be responsible today...no funny business...not quite yet anyway.

  This could very well be my next new favorite color combo...something about the juicy, vibrant green paired with light aqua, cream, and pale pink....mmmmm.  This card uses Prima, October Afternoon, and Melissa Frances paper, tea-stained twill tape, Making Memories die cut, a shabbied up chipboard heart from Maya Road, and buttons and such to top it off.

 
 
  
This card uses some sweet stamps from Technique Tuesday, vintage, handwritten receipt paper, Prima paper and flower, tea-stained twill tape, and oodles of toppings.

  One last card using more Technique Tuesday stamps....aren't they so sweet, Making Memories and Basic Grey paper, Webster's Pages trim, and all things sparkly and pretty to top it off.

I'm sorry to be short today....gotta run.

Enjoy today!

Melis
 
 
 

chickadee...

Hello happiness...

It's such a beautiful day today...I am happy...the house is a disaster...it's the most perfectly chill-ish day today...haven't taken care of the breakfast dishes yet...took my happy, little lark to school this morning...normally daddy takes her, but Thursdays I get a turn, and she chatted, and read her very first chapter book...again, and giggled on and on about her best friend Chloe coming over after school...there are Polly Pockets and G.I. Joes lined up in rows here and there in the family room...all so very orderly as Sierra pointed out that they are on display in a museum last night...didn't have the heart to tell her to pick them up...so there they stay...we are all waiting for her to get home today...I was able to get lots done at the old house...almost scrubbed from top to bottom waiting for it's new, little family to move in...it's been lonely without a family to keep it warm inside...I am hopeful...many things that I am hopeful about...I love hope...it gives us wings you know...sometimes kind of hard to hold onto though...but when it's there inside us...watch out :)  Hope is powerful...and essential.

A few things to share with you before I get busy...  I have been holding onto this birdie for months now...looking at her over and over again...wondering where she'd end up...wondering if the tiny little hands that were fascinated with her might squash her to pieces before I had the chance to use her....and then I started using the most lovely of the lovelies....the Roses Photo Stamp by Darkroom Door....and she nestled right in so perfectly with the flowers...I knew she had found her home....after I glittered her or course.

  Here you can see more of the Roses Photo stamp....one of those must haves in the book of Melissa...I LOVE it....I stamped it in green ink, colored it in very lightly with a pink Marvy Le Plume II marker, and the coated the entire image with glitter.  You can find supplies and instructions for this project set HERE on the Darkroom Door blog.

The vintage image is from Crafty Secrets, the sticker from Melissa Frances, and then of course some vintage sheet music, and tea-stained twill to top it all off...which reminds me....I have some very excited news regarding my beloved tea-stained twill tape....it will be sold very soon...somewhere....made here at home by little old me...packaged to please...and with a little click...can find it's way to your home :)  I'll fill you in on the deets soon.

  For My Gabriela....that's what I call her....I adore her...and this card is hers....another cut from a Crafty Secrets Creative Scrap...Melissa Frances paper, Maya Road chipboard and velvet flower, Papertrey Ink grosgrain, and Mica Flakes.

Lastly....  This card uses one of my most favorite Papertrey Ink stamp sets....calledLife...Hibiscus Burst ink, Vintage Cream satin, and an Aqua Mist button, Maya Road chipboard and velvet flower, a Crafty Secrets vintage image, Prima leaves and trim, and Melissa Frances and Webster's Pages paper.

Just a side note....three things that are making me happy right now....this very minute....I ordered a little dance outfit for Sierra....she's not even in a dance class...we don't have 'em here...not anymore...but she loves to dance...and I found her a tiny black leotard with a little rose in the front, near the neckline, and a sheer, black skirt...she's gonna be so cute in it...it was waiting in the mail today....and of course these...
   My trims have a new home...

And, a sweet chat with a friend today...the ability to make things right...to say sorry...to be heard and loved.

Enjoy the day.

Melis

P.S. Hi Mom...love you lots.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

make it pretty...

 
The sky outside my windows is pale, soft, and a gentle blue...I love winter skies...I love winter days...I love moonlit winter nights...love everything about winter.   There's a fire burning in my fireplace and I'm getting crafty for a bit this morning...cleaning, tidying, organizing...decorating...making my house pretty...

I have quite a few things to share with you today...playing a little catch up this morning.  I'm hooked on postcard elements lately....so I've dipped into a stash of remnants for a couple of these cards today.  This card uses Papertrey Ink Blooming Buttons Bits stamp set along with Spring rain ink, and a Pure Poppy button, Making Memories paper, Prima trim, Crafty Secrets vintage sticker, Maya Road chipboard heart, and a sentiment from Darkroom Door.

   Postmarks are so enchanting...they tell a story, and while this isn't an actual postcard...I love the charm the postmark shares.

This card uses one of my favorite images from Crafty Secrets Birds & Blossoms Creative Scraps, Melissa Frances and Making Memories paper, felt from American Crafts, chipboard from Maya Road, and a flower from Prima coated with Creme de Cocoa Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels.

This card was created for Emma's Paperie blog and is based on a color inspiration photo you can find there....love the icy blues of winter.  Lots of Jenni Bowlin here (love the gold photographer's mark rubon) Melissa Frances, and Making Memories.  For a complete supply list, please visit the blog HERE.  

Do you spy another postmark :) This card uses another image from Crafty Secrets Birds & Blossoms Creative Scraps....love this sheet of goodies...also Melissa Frances paper, resin, and rubon, Maya Road chipboard and velvet flower, Creme de Rouge Glimmer Mist, Webster's Pages paper and trim, and tea-stained twill tape.

 

 And...one more before I wear out my welcome... 
 
 
  This card uses postcard stamps from Crafty Secrets Best Buds Vintage Postcard kit, along with a Martha Stewart scalloped heart punch, Prima flower coated with Vintage Rose Glimmer Mist, tea-stained twill tape, and lots of paper scraps.

Hope you're staying cozy.

Thanks for visiting.

Melis
 

 
 
 
 

with love...

The first Monday of the new year offers me my first challenge so-to-speak....something I want to incorporate more of in my life...something that will selfishly make me happy, but also bring me closer to those around me...some close, some not so close.  I want to share my challenge with you....it's not something I want to challenge you to do, but something I want to do and want to share it with you as well....you see, I will be challenging myself in different areas throughout the year...not necessarily trying to change things about myself, only add to what I already am.  I read a letter from a friend of mine yesterday, one that was not written solely for me, but one that she wrote for many to read and it made me see things completely differently.   She mentioned that it is important for us to stop trying to change ourselves because in essence that means that we are not accepting and loving of what God has given us and made us to be...instead, try to love who we are and build upon the gifts and talents that have been given to us....this is truly so hard for me, as I feel each day that there are so many things I am doing wrong...so many things that I want to change.  So....back to my first personal challenge of the new year....each Monday, I will send a card to someone I have been thinking about....it will be  handwritten....it doesn't need to say much, but I want to reach out to others more and try and preserve the love that can be found when opening a personal note from someone.   I can personally attest to the power behind a heartfelt note or letter, for today, I received one from my brother-in-law.  He is someone I look up to so much....one of the most gentle souls I have ever met...someone so wise and loving that whatever he says, is incredibly special.  Today, I received a letter just for me, and while it is too personal to share with you, I want to share with you how much it meant to me....for him to take time to think about me...to think about the struggles I may be having...the hurts that won't go away...that he and no one else can fix....it was just what I needed.

So, I'll be lovingly thinking of who will be the first recipient...and hope that you will take a little time to do the same thing as well.

   

Before I go vacuum up the dust left behind from the Christmas decorations and start some yummy Beef Stew for dinner, I want to share with you the delicious Cafe Rio recipes I found and tried... I made the shredded beef, lime rice, black beans, and tomatillo dressing for my little family...then for my mom and dad...these are all keepers.  Thank you to Whatcha Got Cookin for sharing these.  You can find the recipes HERE.  

Good night friends.

Write soon.

Melis

Love card

Supplies Used:

Papertrey Ink Background Basics:  Hearts, Holiday Tree, and Dark Chocolate ink, Jenni Bowlin and October Afternoon paper, Tattered Angels Glimmer Chip and Glimmer Mist, Maya Road chipboard heart, Making Memories trinket pin, Prima trim, and Doodlebug glitter.

Sweet Tiny Baby card

Supplies Used:

Melissa Frances paper, cardstock sticker, rub-on, and tag, Maya Road chipboard cupcake, October Afternoon and K&Co. paper, vintage sheet music, and Mica Flakes.
 
 
 
 

fresh wishes...

 
Well hello there 2010....I'm really excited you're here....last year was one of the best...I hope this year is even better.  A fresh start is always a welcome.

 
I hope you all enjoyed your New Year's celebrations.  It was certainly sweet here as my parents came for a good, long stay....for us, to convince them to stay more than one night is a treat for us....and that's just what they did.  I have the cutest parents ever....my dad, still so handsome and strong, and funny, and adoring of his little Sierra.  My mom, still so beautiful and classy and energetic...more so than me...I love them more than words can express...now they're gone and I miss them.  My brother popping in and out as he traveled from Wyoming to hunt with my husband, and then onto his next destination....hopefully next time he'll stay longer and bring his little crew with him.  I'm so thankful for my family and this was a perfect start to the new year.

 

We are lazily napping here today....still playing with new toys....watching endless football games...and hanging on to the last few hours before school starts up again and we have to be responsible.  

  Some shabby, glittered-up scraps to share with you today....I must tell you that I save bits and pieces of my most favorite papers and trims....sometimes the jumbled up beauty of them is what inspires me...so today, here's what became of them all.  

  I made a few mini cards with bits and pieces tucked in here and there, and then stored them away in this shabby, little keepsake box.   I have had this box sitting and looking at me for years...I created if for the Melissa Frances newsletter many moons ago and decided to go a step further with it and fill if with mini love note cards.  Can't have too many love notes, can ya?

 

That's it for me for today....I'm feeling a  nap coming on...have you had one today?

Happy New Year everyone...I'm so excited to bring you some new and fun ideas here on my blog throughout the year.  Something fresh and fun coming soon.  Hope you'll join me.

Melis