Just thinking that tonight I want to say thank you...from the bottom of my heart for your love and acceptance...for your arms open wide...always. I don't think any of you will ever know how much this journey has meant to me...I couldn't have continued on without you...it has brought growth, happiness, and confidence...and I owe you all a special hug and much love.
I was recently asked by Jenny Doh to write an article for her blog CRESCENDOh as a Guest Curator...I am so honored. The whole premise behind her amazing site is that art has the power to save...I have never taken the time to reflect on how it has saved me, although I have always known exactly how it has saved me...deep down, I've always known. So...this little journey has been incredibly bittersweet...emotional...and is taking a lot of courage as I am letting down some of my walls and sharing pieces of my heart that I keep buried...I hope you'll come visit me there soon...I'll let you all know when my article will be posted. And, if you need a special treat, I invite you to read the Guest Curator stories that are waiting there for you now...they are such gifts.
Have you ever taken the time to think about how art has saved you? Art and beauty go hand and hand...art comes in many forms and surrounds us like a heavenly blanket...it truly is one of the most amazing questions to ask yourself...
If you're up for a fun challenge this week, City Crafter has a wonderful Paris-inspired challenge that I was asked to participate in...such a lovely theme and so much fun to indulge in.
This is the card I created for the challenge...I've always been so fascinated with all things French...there is such a romance associated with Paris...while I've never, ever been there...it's magical nature can be felt through art, literature, music, etc. I used one of my most favorite stamp sets from Crafty Secrets called French Mail.
And lastly...
The sentiment on this card makes my heart happy...the image makes my heart smile...
The image is from the Crafty Secrets Birds & Blossoms Creative Scraps and the stamp from the Couple of Cuties stamp set.
Night friends.
Melis
Life is a Journey card
Supplies used:
Papertrey Ink Birds of a Feather stamp set, Background Basics: Text Style stamp set, Rustic Cream cardstock, Spring Moss and Dark Chocolate ink, and Vintage Cream button. Melissa Frances Vintage Posey paper and cardstock sticker, Webster's Pages cameo, Memrie Mare scrunched seam binding, Tattered Angels chipboard and Glimmer Mist.
Gorgeous as always, thank you for your inspiration.
Posted by: Evgenia-Snezhinka | May 19, 2010 at 10:22 PM
These are just gorgoeus, I love the birdies, I think they are so sweet.
Posted by: Karen W | May 20, 2010 at 02:25 AM
All so beautiful wistful and romantic too.....
Posted by: Ros | May 20, 2010 at 03:15 AM
You are so right Melis...ART touches the soul, not only the soul of the artist, but the one who sees and absorbs that art. Can't wait to read your article. The cards are gorgeous as usual AND I received my monthly copy of CARDS magazine yesterday and YOU my sweet friend have 2 of your creations published again :D I have fun looking at the pictures without reading anything the first time thru...and I can always pick out your cards!!! You have that style that is all yours :D Congratulations!!!
Have a lovely day!
~Victoria~
Posted by: Victoria Resh | May 20, 2010 at 03:51 AM
You are so special, Melissa! You always lift my heart when I read your posts and for me your art is the BEST! I love your creations and look forward to them everyday.
Posted by: Valerie C | May 20, 2010 at 04:06 AM
Stunning cards! I adore the little details that you add to your cards. I will be looking forward to reading your article. Thank you for the inspiration you give.
Posted by: Danielle | May 20, 2010 at 04:08 AM
I am looking forward to your article! Your art is always so fresh and unique. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sarah :)
Posted by: Joy For the Journey | May 20, 2010 at 04:16 AM
Such beautiful cards melissa...do you get bored of me saying that all the time? lol...I am so looking forward to your article:) Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Stephanie | May 20, 2010 at 04:20 AM
Your cards are beautiful! I stop here everyday....although I don't always comment! You are very uplifting and inspiring! I started this hobby 15 years ago after the birth of my daughter. It became my salvation....a way to deal with my feeling of having a daughter with severe disabilities. It truly did save me. I am grateful for this amazing hobby and wonderful inspiring people like you that I've "met" along the way! : )
Posted by: Michele | May 20, 2010 at 04:25 AM
love your projects, stories, and sharing. wouldn't miss coming to visit. love your uplifting outlook on life. something i enjoy because i feel similar feelings. my art helps me to get away when i need a boost. and i love creating. couldn't live without it. adore your work. thanks so much for sharing with us and can't wait to read your article.
Posted by: laura huffman | May 20, 2010 at 04:39 AM
Sooooo much to LOVE! Such beauty and details! You inspire me! :)
Posted by: Kathy Martin | May 20, 2010 at 05:33 AM
love all you create gf... and I love CrescendoH.. I recently shared my story over at the READERS SHARE section of the site.. take a read! hugs.. and congrats! Art really does save.
Posted by: Bonnierose | May 20, 2010 at 06:32 AM
Such gorgeous cards! As always, such an inspiration... it is truely a pleasure to visit your blog!
Posted by: Melisa Hunter | May 20, 2010 at 07:32 AM
Beautiful, beautiful cards. I know your art/blog has lifted me up so many times, especially your nuturing words/reflections that has given me renewed purpose in all things about making a house a home. My craft room is my safe haven to experiment and play; it always is so forgiving and gives me such confidence of my "artistic" skills.
Posted by: Kathy W | May 20, 2010 at 07:38 AM
I love that green cameo on your first card.
Thank you for being our guest DT for CCCB this week. YOur cad is amazing and that stamp set is a must have for me.
The little girly birds sitting on the wire is adorable. Perfect image for that sentiment. :)
Posted by: Heather Jensen | May 20, 2010 at 07:47 AM
Beautiful cards and post. You are so inspiring, and I can't wait to read your story. I don't know if I can call what I do ART, but the time I spend on it is when I'm in my HAPPY place.
Posted by: Tracy J | May 20, 2010 at 08:34 AM
Melissa thank you for so much joy, happiness, inspiration, smiles on my face, warm thoughts and the fact that it feels like a warm and beautiful soft blanket that surrounds me. I think that's a very special art. The fact that you share the most amazing creations and lovely stories.
Art didn't save me; it feels like a chance for me to create something and that's often for the people that mean o so much to me. ( Is that art?)I make cards, sew, embroider ( hope i wrote the word the way it should :)), bake and being busy in my garden. Don't know if that's art but it makes me o so happy.
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Stella | May 20, 2010 at 09:37 AM
We should be thanking you not you thanking us. You are an inspiration to us.
Posted by: Mary | May 20, 2010 at 10:00 AM
yes, art does save, uplift and inspire...i enjoy your blog posts..each creation of yours inspires and makes my heart happy..your blog is a very calming place and a joy to visit whenever you post..(and even when you dont i look back at previous posts!)
have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Rebekah | May 20, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Your are such a beautiful person and your words are so inspiring. As always your work is simply stunning!
Posted by: Mickie | May 20, 2010 at 02:18 PM
I know what you mean by saying art can save you. I know it does work! And I just adore your card! I just feel so peaceful when I look at them. Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | May 20, 2010 at 03:16 PM
You truly are a loving person at heart, it shows all over through your artwork, Thank you, we should be the one saying Thank You to you for sharing your lovely creations here!
Posted by: kirsty vittetoe | May 20, 2010 at 03:40 PM
Love the birds all dressed up with bonnets! Great cards with all the added flowers and ribbon. Just beautiful!
Posted by: Carol R | May 20, 2010 at 06:33 PM
I love that green cameo on your first card.
May I know where can I get it?
Your handmade cards/projects are always gorgeous..geous..geous, no words could describe it! Stunning...
Posted by: Henny | May 20, 2010 at 08:34 PM
I will be having breakfast in Illinois next week with 4 of my highschool friends and I wish I could show them your card with the 4 birdies. It is darling!--looks just like them. :) We have a ten day trip planned in France in September, so I've been wanting to make a card with an Eiffle tower. Thanks for the inspiration. I'd already ordered a stamp.
Posted by: Verona H | May 20, 2010 at 08:42 PM