LilyBean Paperie

heartsy...

**Updated with Frost it Pink weekly planner supply list.**

My little bean and I are back home...tucked in tight after a getaway to see Grandma and Grandpa.  We haven't been to see them since Thanksgiving...and we've missed our trip to the city to laugh and play and visit and get thoroughly spoiled by them....they are the best spoilers...I always come home feeling so loved and cherished...all because of these two sweet people.  They have the most beautiful type of love that they share so freely and openly with us....unconditional love...and I know without a doubt that they love all of their kids, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, and of course my handsome man...the very same way.   

We went to the movies, took Sierra to the park and sat and visited on a nearby bench, we had cinnamon rolls, visited the pet store, went back to the park, had lunch together, went crafting, slept in a cozy bed, watched the ducks out Grandma's window eat their breakfast on the golf course....just a perfect mini getaway.  

The above card was created for the Get Sketchy blog this week....I was delighted to have been asked to participate in their sketch.  I used Basic Grey's new Capella collection on this card....ohhhhh....I'm simple smitten with this beautiful line.  The heart doily and scrunched seam binding are from Memrie Mare's etsy shop, and the tattered rose is just something I found at the craft store a month or so ago.  

 

This next project was created for the Frost it Pink blog.  Here is a supply list if you'd like to make one for yourself:
 

Maya Road Clear Acrylic 5 Ring Round Tab Book:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=26&products_id=376

Maya Road Pink Pearl

Flower Trinket Pins:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=305

White Prima Holiday Lights Birds:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=422

Prima White E Line Flowers:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=509

Prima Glaze Fiesta Flowers:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=142

Melissa Frances 

 White Notting Hill Single Keyhole:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=142

Webster’s Pages Ivory and Cream Trim:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16&products_id=473

Webster’s Pages Winter’s Wings Snowflakes and Feathers Paper:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=285

Webster’s Pages Storytellers Beautiful Alphabet Stickers:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19&products_id=284

Webster’s Pages Vellum Cards:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=283

Collage Press Malta Spring Margo Paper:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=181

Tattered Angels Vintage Pink Glimmer Mist:  http://frostitpink.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=31

 I wanted to transform this Clear Round Tab Book from Maya Road into a weekly organizer that I could keep on my desk and plan out my daily activities one week at a time....I think it's important to make even the daily routine special and beautiful...so I created a place to hold my shopping list, my to-do list for the day, coupons, etc...day to day, and then start fresh the next week with new lists and such.   

  

Here are a few snapshots of the inside....super easy.  Be sure to visit the Frost it Pink blog for more details.

Lastly...I couldn't resist sharing a few of my new favorite loves with you.

While standing in line at the check out counter at the grocery store today...in the BIG city mind you....I was taking in all of the things I don't get to see here....I impulsively snagged me a new mag...one called MixingBowl.com...holy cow...I am hooked and will be subscribing...I have never seen such a tasty bunch of recipes all wrapped up together. 

Next...I spied a table full of sweet Primroses....I left my cart and ran off to grab one for my mom and one for myself....they remind me of her...and I've got mine sitting in my kitchen smiling at me on this rainy, drizzly night.

Lastly is this wonderful, delightful, happy blog I found through Where Women Create called Bluebird Notes....I hope you enjoy it as much as I have been. 

Night.

Melis

 
 
 
 

sweetest days...

I feel I am in the middle of some of the sweetest days of my life....each stage and phase of motherhood and childhood has it's oh, so sweet moments.  Time is passing far too quickly for this mother's heart to handle...and so, I'm slowing down a bit to enjoy this little wonder I've been given...I know you'll understand if I don't appear here as much as usual.  I hope to always put her and her daddy first. 

 
  
It's just about time to brush teeth, say prayers, read scriptures, read stories, tell one story, tell four riddles, and tuck in one very tired little girl and her three stuffed animals...one which she named after her daddy.  I have always enjoyed our bedtime routine...it changes as the time passes...but always so sweet and memorable.

Just a few things to share tonight. 

 I couldn't resist using this sweet scrap from Crafty Secrets...it's from the Easter Creative Scrap collection and the stamped sentiment is from the Happy Easter Clear Stamp set.  I've had this little strip of cream felt lying around my craft room for a few months and I decided to twist it into one of those oh, so trendy flowers just for fun...I sewed the bead in the center to secure all of the layers together and popped it onto the center of the tea-stained twill just for fun.

  This card uses another stamp set from Crafty Secrets called Bird Notes...I think I am in love....Crafty Secrets has some of the most enchanting stamps sets I have ever seen...they are timeless.  I also used Prima paper (script), Melissa Frances (blue), and Graphic 45 paper here, more beads, and Maya Road chipboard scrolls that have been painted and distressed.  The larger chipboard piece is from Tattered Angels along with the Glimmer Mist.

  This card uses Papertrey Ink's Year of Flowers:  Violets stamp set and Through the Trees stamp set for the sentiment...I first stamped it on white cardstock and then covered the stamped image with Papertrey Ink vellum....love how vellum instantly softens, and that was just the look I wanted for this card.  Of course more beads...darn those beads, Prima flowers and paper, a Melissa Frances stickers, and a stained doily.  

Lastly...feeling a bit picnic-y...a card set I created for Emma's Paperie this month.   
  Gingham is one of my very most favorite patterns....I know it's not for everyone...but I love it's homey, cozy, country feel...so for this set I paired the casual look of gingham with elegant flowers, embellishments, and tags.  

A peek at the matching envelopes...I have loved dressing up envelopes lately...why no make your card a gift in itself?  For a complete supply list and instructions on this set, please visit the Emma's Paperie blog.  There are so many beautiful projects there waiting for you.

My time is up, but I want to share an excerpt from a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard before I go.  He said, referring to Author Anna Quindlen, "The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less" (Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).

I want to live in the moment...so thankful for this reminder.

Sleep tight.

Melis

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

flutter by...

 
Popping in quickly today...just to say "hi".

 

I have plenty to share today, unfortunately though...the snow is falling and there isn't any sunshine to brighten up my photos...I do love the snow though...but for today, I'll leave you with the above card.  It uses a Melissa Frances resin piece and rubon, a Maya Road chipboard bookplate that I painted and distressed, Prima and Basic Grey paper, a Prima flower, and a German butterfly scrap from Marilyn Healey's etsy shop...seam binding too. 
 

And, before I go....I can't wait to share my Photo Challenge of the week with you...it's a beauty...the colors make me wish for a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice with a bouquet of lilacs nearby....

 

(Photo courtesy of A Creative Mint)

 Thanks once again to Leslie from A Creative Mint...in the middle of a snow storm...happiness comes easily as I sit and enjoy the lovely colors and patterns that scream fresh air and flowers. 

If you'd like to play along...all you have to do is create something inspired by the above photo...no rules, no right or wrong...just have fun and enjoy, and link me if you care to...I'd love to see what you've created.

Happy, snowy Wednesday from the desert.

Melis

today's special...

 
Hello friends....hope you had a wonderful weekend. Busy, busy here, but wonderful too...I'm trying to get caught up on many things today, but I've been thinking about you.

Lots to share today....first off is another delicious bread recipe...I made this for my little family late last night so it would be ready for breakfast in a snap this morning.  It's Buttermilk Cinnamon Bread....so yummy with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon.  So yummy on it's own....and the best part is that I can keep half of the dough in the fridge and pull it out for another fresh loaf here in a day or so.

Since love month is almost over I thought I'd share this Shabby Love Banner I created for a company I am very happy to be associated with...Maya Road.    This was such a fun little project to make....I didn't hesitate to pile on all of the things I love...from the shabbied up chipboard hearts, to the bottle caps, glittered alphabet, velvet flowers, chipboard buttons, Melissa Frances paper and vintage receipts, to the trimmings and toppings...something sweet for someone sweet.

 
 Next a peek at the project I will be teaching at Kim Caldwell's Artistic Affaire Les Sirene event this July....it's going to be such a shabby, beachy event...I am so excited.    This little album will be filled with wonderful summer memories once we're done...I'm even going to be bringing some of my own tea-stained twill and having a sweet, new friend make us a bunch of her stained, scrunched seam binding for the class.  Registration is now open...you can read all about it HERE.

Lastly...a couple of just for fun...springy cards....  I used one of my new favorite stamp sets from Crafty Secrets on this first card...it's called French Mail and it has the most beautiful, shabby images....so fun.  The sentiment is from the Mini Memories stamp set.

And lastly, this card uses another favorite stamp set from Crafty Secrets called Happy Easter and a spring Cotton Scrap, Prima paper, Melissa Frances rubon and paper, and Papertrey Ink buttons.

  

Wishing you a happy Monday.  I'll be back tomorrow with our Photo Challenge.

Melis 
 
 

 
 
 

i knead you...

 
Wishing you a happy Friday friends....it's beautiful, overcast, coolish but springish, and daddy is HOME today...so we couldn't be happier.  He just returned from cutting a load of wood...last one for the winter...Sierra is getting crafty and just finished making a bridle for her horse made from my crafting supplies..sooooo darn cute...I am working on another loaf of bread....my head tells me this will be sucky loaf #2....as I just noticed the remaining honey and melted butter sitting beside my flour sack now that I have the bread all kneaded and rising in a bowl....took me a while to figure out what it was doing there...I have trouble following directions....which contributes to my sucky bread obviously...my heart tells me it will be just fine...ha...I'll let you know.  Today's special is Oatmeal Wheat Bread....mmmmm....

This card uses Darkroom Door stamps including the Floral Background stamp and the Ornate Elements stamp set, Crafty Secrets Altered Fairies Creative Scraps, Melissa Frances paper and rub on, a 7Gypsies tag, and some tea-stained twill tape.

And....before I go, another spring-ish card using Papertrey Ink stamp sets including Background Basics:  Tin Types and Through the Trees, Spring Moss and Vintage Cream cardstock,  and Lavender Moon and Ripe Avocado ink.  The paper is from Prima, and the chipboard swirl is from Maya Road and it is coated with Mica Flakes.  

I sure appreciate each of you....thanks for your visits.

Check back soon for the next Photo Inspiration...in the meantime I'll be popping in and visiting many blogs.

Melis
 
 

artful heart...

sigh.....I am truly crazy for the breath of fresh air this photo seems to bring me.... 

I find it so amazing what art does for one's soul....so many different avenues of creativity and for each I am thankful to those who share their artful heart with all of us...as in Leslie from A Creative Mint.  I have many blogs to catch up on...and I will...I can't wait to see what you've created based off of this beautiful photo.  I'd love to direct you to beautiful Sarah Martina Parker's blog to catch a glimpse of her sweet creation...it made me gasp out loud.  

Here is my humble contribution....I must admit that I have found a new favorite color combo....
 

You may see these colors popping up together on many more cards.   

 

This card uses a Spring Branch w/ bird wood cut from Kim Hesson's etsy shop....also used are the Papertrey Ink Fancy Flourishes and Butterfly Dreams stamp sets, Ripe Avocado and Spring Moss ink, Prima and Jillibean Soup paper, Making Memories blossoms, WRMK sparkle brads, a Melissa Frances cardstock sticker, and scrunched seam binding from THIS etsy shop.  
Once again...if you would like to use this photo as an inspiration piece and would care to share your creation with me, please send me a link to your blog and I'll pop over and have a visit...I love to see what you're creating...it's music to my artsy heart.

One more creation using one of Kim Hesson's magical wood cuts....this of course is Abigail....and I made her for the Melissa Frances Winter CHA booth using all new Melissa Frances paper, stickers, crepe paper, Mica Flakes, etc...  

 You can find this angel ready for you to pretty up in Kim's shop right now.

And...one more thing....

Projects are ready...the event all planned out...and a teaser waiting for you HERE on Kim Caldwell's blog....you can see peeks of the projects and read all about the instructors and the magical place Kim has chosen to hold this beautiful event...I can't wait and am so excited to be teaching.  Will I see any of you there?  Hope so.

Well friends....it's off to start dinner I go.

Have a wonderful night and thanks for your visits.

Melis

P.S.  The Honey Buttermilk Bread was SOOOOOOO good!  I'm so tickled....here is the recipe I used from Baking Bites...it's a keeper for sure.
 
 
 
 

honey from the heart..

Honey Buttermilk Bread that is....

I'm on a quest to perfect my bread-making skills, or lack thereof.  You see....we live about 2 hours from the nearest city...where we can get our very most favorite Granny Sycamore bread....when we run out...we're out and Wonder Bread just won't do, and lately we've been trying to cut down on our trips out of town to save money and such....the time has come for me to start making Lilybean bread and I am certainly crossing my fingers that my husband will love it as much as the other.  So far....so good.  I have made three loaves total...one sucky....one not so bad at all...and now one baking in the oven, Honey Buttermilk...and I have high hopes.  I must say that I absolutely love baking bread....something about it is full of love and warmth...it makes me feel so good to be able to do this for my little family.

 Just a quick post tonight....I created this card set using Papertrey Ink's new Luck of the Irish stamp set, Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss, and Plum Pudding ink, Vintage Cream cardstock, Vintage Cream Medium Square Envelopes,  Papertrey Ink Large Scallop Border Die, Basic Grey Green at Heart paper, Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips and Mist, Doodlebug Lily White glitter, and scrunched seam binding.

 
 
I even prettied up the envelopes....why not?

One last creation before I go....created for Emma's Paperie this week.

 
 
 
  This card is based on a sketch you can find at the Emma's Paperie blog along with a complete supply list.

I must go...off to bathe my little beauty.

One sweet quote from one of my very most favorite women before I leave you:

"The grand and the simple. They are equally wonderful."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Night.

Melis
 
 

a smile with color on top...

 
Hello  Monday....and friends.  The sun is shining brightly here in my neck of the woods this morning....we are approaching the 60's and are loving it....it seems to make everyone smile a bit brighter, and breathe a bit more deeply.  I had such a wonderful Valentine Day with my two sweethearts yesterday....we had steaks on the BBQ, sat on the porch swing...I even had a long, quiet afternoon nap....I couldn't have asked for anything more that just time together.

I have ooooodles to share today...so get comfy and I'll dive right in.  First up is a Crafty Secrets Color Challenge blog hop....the Design Team members were asked to add color to stamps in unique and creative ways.  I wanted to share my most favorite way of adding color through the use of glitter. 

Glitter of course comes in many colors from bright to opaque....I love using white glitter because it lets the color, pattern, and character of what's beneath shine through.  I feel that white glitter is just as colorful as glitter that comes in bright, bold colors....but just in it's own beautiful way.  

For this card I used the Crafty Secrets Altered Art stamp set...one of my faves, with such beautiful images.   I stamped the wings, crown, and face on cream patterend paper in Spring Moss, and Lavender Moon ink.  I then stamped the wings again on Vintage Cream cardstock.  I used my Marvy Le Plumme II Blush Pink marker to color in just a bit of the detail on the butterfly.  This created my own stamped patterned paper for my background and then I cut the wings from the Vintage Cream cardstock and coated them with a light dusting of Doodlebug Lily White glitter...I love this technique.  I attached the wings directly over images stamped on my background paper using dimensional adhesive so they very subtly stood apart from the rest.  I also used a scrap from the Birds & Blossoms Creative Scrap collection, a Prima flower, a sentiment stamped from the Sweet Kids stamp set, and a bit of scrunched seam binding from this etsy shop.  I hope you'll give it a try...you'll love it.

Here are link to the other designer's blogs...they have beautiful things waiting for you today:

Vicki Chrisman

Pam Hooten
Heidi Blankenship
Marisa Grosson
Linda Duke
Michele Kovack
Michelle Van Etten
Flo from France
Julie Campbell

 

Crafty Secrets

Heartwarming Vintage

 

Now....lots of fun Papertrey Ink creations using new release stamp sets....I have so many new favorites.  This first card uses stamps from the Butterfly Dreams stamp set designed by Niki Estes....it's SO beautiful...butterflies galore and the sweetest sentiments and font.   

This next card uses the Fillable Frames stamp set....soooo in love with this set too.   This sweet little set is only 5 bucks....
 
  

These little matchbook cards use the new Year of Flowers:  Violets stamp set.

 

 

Nest is a card using the Luck of the Irish stamp set....another $5 set.   
This card uses the new Asian Fusion set.   

And, lastly...two sets I am smitten with...Dawn McVey's Studio Style set and the new Dot Spot stamp set....perfect for a sweet, crafty friend.  
 

For this project I bundled up some of my most favorite ribbons and tucked them inside a glassine bag and made a sweet gift presentation with the card and bag together.  

 

I think that about covers all of the Papertrey Ink goodness....have fun shopping.

And lastly, many of you have asked about the scalloped date prompt cardstock sticker I used in a previous post.....it is from Melissa Frances.  You can find that sticker along with many other date prompt stickers on many of the Melissa Frances cardstock sticker sheets...the scalloped circle is always in the upper right corner of the sheet.  You can see them all HERE, and can shop for them at Emma's Paperie and The Scrappy Gourmet.  

 

Hope your day is filled with happiness.

Melis

 

P.S.  I have oodles to post in my etsy shop...I'll be posting them just as soon as I can.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Take Three: Spring...

 
I'm so excited to be sharing a few ideas from the new Papertrey Ink Take Three:  Spring stamp set with you.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  This set was designed by Ali Miles, and there is so much to love....it's simply sweet and versatile. 

 

This card was so much fun to make...I used Vintage Cream cardstock as my base and I simply stamped the three bunny images on patterned paper with a very light book print as the background...I wanted the print to show through in the negative space forming the bunny.  I stamped each image twice using Spring Moss, Sweet Blush, and Spring Rain ink.  I then cut each image out, sanded the edges, distressed them with ink, and curled the edges up a bit to add depth and dimension....then I adhered them to the card front and embellished with Spring Rain buttons, flowers, and trim. I punched a tag from patterned paper and stamped the sentiment on it using Dark Chocolate ink, and tucked it just under the left edge of the large button.  The paper used on this card is from Melissa Frances.
 

On this card, I used two of the bunny images, stamped them on patterned paper using Lavender Moon ink, and trimmed the sides using my pinking shears...the sweet bunny pom pom tail was Nichole's idea...thank you Nichole. 

I used Lemon Zest as my base, and stamped the Background Basics:  Tin Type image down the right side using Raspberry Fizz ink.  The sentiment is stamped using Smokey Shadow and I embellished with Spring Moss buttons.  The paper used on this card is from Melissa Frances and Basic Grey.

 

On this card I used the beautiful leaf image....and gave it a bit of Martha Stewart flocking to add softness and texture...I'm  hooked on flocking...it's so easy and the results are sweet. 
 

I used Spring Moss cardstock as my base, stamped the image on Vintage Cream cardstock using Spring Moss ink, and embellished with Spring Moss buttons, and Vintage Cream silk ribbon.  The sentiment is stamped using Ripe Avocado ink.   The paper used on this card is from Melissa Frances and Basic Grey.

 

I added a bit of stitching to the leaves on this card...just a simple way to add a bit more character. 
 

I used Vintage Cream cardstock as the base here, embossed a portion of it using one of Papertrey Ink's exclusive new embossing plates, a bit of Pretty Pastel paper down teh right edge, and Vintage Cream grosgrain  The image is stamped using VersaMark and then embossed using silver embossing powder.  The sentiment is stamped using Spring Moss ink.  I added a bit of Melissa Frances paper to this along with Prima trim, and a Making Memories fabric brad.  

Be sure to check out Nichole's blog for her delightful project using this same set.

Enjoy your weekend.

Melis

 

 

 

flirty sweets...

 For my littlest Valentine... 

  
 
  These fruity little hair clips were created for Emma's Paperie this month...with my little one in mind of course....her Grandma sent her a cute Valentine mail box...and she goes nutty whenever she sees the little flag up....knowing there is something waiting for her inside....so, I thought these would be fun to tuck inside it once in a while in these few days leading up to Valentine's Day....she is my little sweetheart after all.  

If you're in need a a super quick and easy project for a little someone...these will come together very quickly for you....you can find all of the supplies HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.  

And since this post is fruity and bright today, I wanted to share with you a few things I created for Crate Paper using their beautiful new lines... 

These first couple of cards use my most favorite new line from Crate Paper called Pink Plum...LOOOOOVE the colors....can't think of a more beautiful color combo...and the patterns are just heavenly.
 

This card uses paper and embellies from the Paper Doll collection....adorable!  

And lastly....cards made using the Brook Collection...another fave....the patterns and colors in this are gorgeous...and so much fun to work with.  I'm crazy for the golden yellow....and the sparkle.  
   
 Before I go and before I forget....I've got a new photo picked out for us to use as our Photo Inspiration for next week.....it's a beauty...and I can't wait to get started.  

(Photo courtesy of A Creative Mint)

This photo should NOT be at the bottom of my post...it is far too beautiful...so I'll post it again in a day or so as our reminder....but I just LOVE looking at it....thank you once again Leslie for sharing all you do with us.  You can read more about this photo and her color combination in THIS post from A Creative Mint.   Avocado and Turquoise...mmmmmm...have fun!  Link me up if you please...I'd love to see what you've dreamed up.

Happy Friday!

Melis
 

egg hunt...

(for a larger view, click on the above image)

Welcome to one of the *official* stops on the Papertrey Egg Hunt!

Look closely and you may find

a hidden egg that's one-of-a-kind.

Perhaps there are more than one or maybe even none!

The challenge is yours, enjoy and have fun!

If you are starting out here, make sure that you stop by Nichole's Blog to read about all the details along with the GRAND Prize affiliated with this fun contest!

 

I must admit that I am ready for spring...and this set makes me even more anxious....I love the way the sun starts heating up the earth and the smells that start coming to life as the earth does once again....the birds chirping outside my open window...and the fresh air that floats through the house and open car windows after a long winter...I had so much fun preparing a little something for you with this set designed by Heather Nichols called Egg Hunt.  
 
  For this project I turned one of the round top tins into a mini basket...it, along with the matching card,  is wrapped in Pretty Pastels patterned paper, Vintage Cream satin ribbon, and a Vintage Cream button.  The butterfly image is from the Egg Hunt stamp set....sweetest little butterfly.

I also used Melissa Frances crepe paper around the inside edges of the tin to create a delicate ruffle.  

 
 

Here are links to the other Papertrey Ink Designer's blogs so you can easily hop around to join in the fun:
Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Debbie Olson, Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson, Niki Estes, Kim Hughes, Maile Belles, and Erin Lincoln.

 

Thinking springy thoughts,

Melis
 
  
 
 

hearts in motion...

 
My heart is certainly all a flutter lately....so many things to be so very grateful for....so many sweet loved ones to add the happiness I feel...a little girl that keeps me on my toes and melts me inside and out all at the same time....she is officially the "love patrol" as I learned last night while trying to get her tucked in tight....so sweet and silly...as she's drifting off to sleep I hear her mutter things that make me turn inside out....and leave me with a smile on my face.

 Leslie's photo from A Creative Mint was so irresistible, that I couldn't stop at one card....I think the color combo of cream, tan, pinks, and a touch of aqua, has long been my very most favorite color combo...I had to try my hand at some rolled roses, and will most definitely be turning to this photo for more inspiration.  

 

Both of these cards use the Roses Photo stamp from Darkroom Door....it's my very most favorite...the stamped image is covered with glitter and distressed with ink...I also used beautiful, new Melissa Frances paper along with glitter chipboard, stickers, die cut, and trim...and then of course the seam binding that I could eat right up...and some rolled roses.

Thank you, thank you Leslie for letting us enjoy your photos....I'll be back in a day or so with another photo to inspire us for next week...til then, please, oh please continue to share your creations with me....I promise to comment on them very soon....I seem to have a nasty sinus infection that has stayed with me for well over a week now, and I haven't been feeling like myself....but can't wait to check in on your lovelies.

Before I go...I wanted to share one more card with you that I created for the Darkroom Door blog...this photo uses another photo stamp called Little Door...I love it.    Supplies and instructions on this project can be found HERE on the Darkroom Door blog.

Have a wonderful day!

Melis

 

 
 
 

here comes spring...

I get to show you just a bit of what's to come on the 15th....another new Click Simple pattern from Papertrey Ink, designed by Miss Kim Hughes...I adore it....such a fun little pattern packed with a powerful, flowerful punch....I chose to create a bag topper with the pattern for this project, but it includes so much more....think spring, and flowers, and baskets, and gardens....

See you in the morning friends!

Melis

 

color me happy...

Are you ready for more fun?  I am so excited to be joining you tonight along with my Papertrey Ink girls.... tonight kicks off another super announcement made by Nichole...that of Dawn McVey's new Color Couture line....you can read all of the exciting details HERE on Nichole's blog....and as part of the festivities, I get to share with you my favorite Papertrey Ink colors...as shown above...all wrapped up in a pretty package....each of us were asked to create a card using our favorite colors....then we shipped them off to Nichole and she is making a beautiful framed presentation of all of the designer's cards together and one lucky participant will get to have this framed piece of art in their home...all you have to do is create a project using one of the designer's favorite PTI color combos and link it to Nichole's blog....then sit back and wait for the winner's name to be drawn....will you play?

My card uses a combination I have been very curious to try and finally decided to give it a shot for this fun event....Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist, Scarlet Jewel, and Berry Sorbet....I used Papertrey Ink's Polka Dot Basics II and Vintage Labels stamp sets for this project...and a few other lilybean favorite goodies....I can't wait to see all of the cards framed together....good luck friends!

Here are links to the other designer's blog so you can hop around and pick a color combo to try for your project:

 Dawn McVey, Betsy Veldman,  Debbie Olson, Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson, Niki Estes, Kim Hughes, Maile Belles, and Erin Lincoln.

Melis

 

hey cookie...

We're home...feels so great...I love coming home.  Our trip was completely wonderful though...much needed...very relaxing...happy to be together.

I'll keep my words short and sweet today as I have the longest to-do list on earth waiting for me... Our challenge at Emma's Paperie last week was to be inspired by colorful photo once again...here is my take on the pinks and reds I love so much.... I thought it would be fun to turn my paper, trims, glitter, and crepe paper into heart shaped cookie pockets for Valentine's Day....I LOOOOOVE Valentine's Day...so this was extra fun for me.    For a complete supply list check HERE at Emma's Paperie....many other sweet, colorful projects waiting there for you as well.

Next up....more fun announcements at Papertrey Ink....the excitement keeps building more and more each day....Nichole has just announced new Papertrey Ink acrylic paint, 100% wool felt,exclusive dies and impression plates, and many more exciting tidbits...I created this card to help celebrate with one of the contests Nichole has announced and that you still have plenty of time to participate in....the CPS sketch challenge....with another amazing giveaway as usual.    This card is of course based on the CPS sketch....and uses a new and oh, so lovable stamp set soon to be released here from Papertrey Ink.  I used Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream, Plum Pudding, and Sweet Blush cardstock on this along with Plum Pudding ink, lots of beautiful Melissa Frances paper, and Glimmer Mist and a Glimmer Chip from Tattered Angels.  Be sure to keep up to date on all of the Papertrey Ink Anniversary festivities on Nichole's blog...more fun coming tonight!

Lastly....the  Photo Inspiration Challenge for the week....another irresistible picture from A Creative Mint...thank you Leslie. 

As always...let this photo inspire you in any way possible...no restrictions...just have fun, and if you would like to link me to you creation when done, I'd love to see it!  I'll be posting mine and linking you to some special guest's creations on Wednesday of this week.

Enjoy!

Melis

 
 

happimess...

Most definitely not a typo in my title....it's a word that seems to describe motherhood...I'm sure many of you can relate....there are times when I pick up little messes all day long just so I can feel that I have a bit of order in my life....and then there are times when I realize that messes...happy messes, are a representation of childhood...just part of of life...and something I will surely miss someday when my house is tidy all of the time...when it's too quiet without the sweet music that children bring naturally. I could wipe fingerprints and little hand prints off my refrigerator all day long...but I am so thankful they're there right now... I love having my little bean snoop through my craft supplies and cut and paste and make gooey messes...her little masterpieces are things I will surely treasure...more importantly though is the time I have spent with her watching her many gifts emerge...watching her creativity come to life....

I created this card with my little sidekick right by my side this afternoon....it reminds me of her....she is my sunshiny, warm spot...my smile...my heart....I created it for a challenge that Nichole is extending to everyone as part of the Papertrey Ink anniversary festivities...with another big prize package thrown in for one lucky participant.  The challenge for this fun giveaway is to create a card using the emboss resist technique....I must admit this was my very first time trying this technique...but it is as easy as can be....and so much fun.  All you have to do is create your card using this technique, post it to your blog or online gallery...then link it to Nichole through the Mr. Linky Box on her blog...and you will be entered to win a prize package worth $200.00....you have to try...it's too much fun not to.

For this card I stamped the flower image from the Floral Frenzy stamp set on Vintage Cream cardstock using my Versamark ink pad....sprinkled on the clear embossing powder...set it with my heat gun, and then generously rubbed on a combination of Orange Zest and Melon Berry pigment ink....I love how soft the finish came out looking, and how the colors blend so well into one another.  So, will you give it a try?

My little family and I are headed out of town bright and early tomorrow morning for a fun road trip....I am so looking forward to doing nothing other than just being with them.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Melis

 
 

wild strawberry and cream...

Inspiration abounds....even in a box of Crayolas...

Yesterday afternoon as I was sitting with my little one while she did her homework...I was on "hand me this color of crayon" duty....she needed crayons in the Primary colors to complete her assignment....so I sat and handed over something in the blue category when she requested a blue crayon...something in the yellow category when she requested a yellow crayon, and then we came to my handing her a red crayon....it was called "wild strawberry"...and she was completely concerned..."too pink" she said, "teacher will think I don't know my colors"...first off....my mind was stuck on the name of the crayon...."wild strawberry"....off I went thinking of the photo inspiration challenge...of summertime...of color combinations including this yummy wild strawberry color....then of course I was snickering to myself over her concern....she immediately wrote a note to her teacher explaining that she couldn't find her real red crayon and had to use this strawberry one....I'm enjoying her so much....happy to be her crayon hander-over-er....thankful that we're not to algebra or geometry homework quite yet...we'll have to call Uncle Chris at this stage....as I still use my fingers to count with.

 

This is my card based on this  photo....beautifully taken by Leslie from A Creative Mint.   This photo has enough detail packed into it to inspire me for a lifetime....I love the rows of wooden buttons...the metal scissors, Baker's Twine, soft and clean blocks of cream, faint touches of gray, and the script on the vintage letters....so, those are the things I chose to focus on in my card.

Along with a Melissa Frances paper, postcard and vintage image, I used a 7gypsies metal spoon, cream scrunched seam binding, and Papertrey Ink stamp sets including Fancy Flourishes and Daily Designs Sentiments.  

I've invited a few special friend to play along....visit their blogs to see how this photo inspired them:
Maile Belles

Betsy Veldman

Mish Wooderson

Dawn McVey and

Heather Nichols.

Thanks to you all for sharing your lovely creations with me....I can't wait to see more.

Check back in another day or so for next week's Photo Inspiration Challenge.

And....if you ordered one of these from me...I've got them all ready to ship....yours will be arriving on your doorstep very soon.

  Be sure to check in at Nichole's blog for another BIG, FATTY giveaway...so much going on there right now.

Have a happy Wednesday!

Melis
 

 

hearts-a-flutter...

 
Ahhhhh, sweet, charming, irresistible February....I adore this month....gave my Valentine his very first love note today....I'm embracing my inner cupid and letting it out to spread some lovin'....I think I shocked him, as I am most definitely not a great gift-giver....he's the best...always able to surprise me and make me feel like a complete slacker....perhaps I can redeem myself with notes from my smitten heart...did you begin your 14 days of February?

Just sharing a few images from my card and wall hanging kit that is available now at The Scrappy Gourmet.   

 The kit contains beautiful Fancy Pants Vintage Valentine paper, Maya Road and Prima goodies, Glimmer Misted doilies, rubons, assorted trims and embellishments, and instructions to create 10 cards and one wall hanging for Valentine's Day.   

And...a little something sweet here using Papertrey Ink stamps....
This card uses one of my most loved floral stamp sets called Flower Garden designed by Lisa Johnson and the Mega Mixed Messages stamp set as well.  It is stamped in Hibiscus Burst, Ripe Avocado, and Fresh Snow ink and uses Kraft cardstock and Spring Moss Grosgrain, Melissa Frances paper and sticker, a Maya road trinket pin and chipboard button, and a bit of vintage newsprint.  

And, lastly...because I love ya and want you to each experience a love affair with scrunched seam binding for yourselves...here are two places I love to shop for it.....it's heavenly stuff...This Good Day and MemrieMare....thanks so much for making such lovely things for us to enjoy.

Night friends.

Melis