hug the sky...

 
In the early mornings...when I'm out walking in the hills, I see the green meadows below my home, I see the sun rising, the sprinklers watering the farms....and I want to reach out my arms and hug the sky.  In the evenings, as the sun sets, I see these very same things, but as shadows pass over the fields, as the moon peeks up over the mountains all beautiful, orange, and glowing...it's all just as beautiful to me, and I want to reach out my arms and hug the sky.  I love the gifts that nature brings to us....in pretty packaging of theirown...simple, complicated, gentle, powerful, graceful, and majestic...all at the same time.  I love how different seasons can transform the same things I see out my window into unique masterpieces only to be enjoyed for a short time....

 

 
Well....I'm trying my hand at Copics...don't laugh....I should have jumped on the band wagon long ago, but I didn't need a new addiction :)  I LOOOOOVE them...I need to teach myself how to use them properly, but I have some wonderful examples...Mish Wooderson, for one....Debbie Olson for another....Carolyn Peeler is so inspiring with her sweet Copic cards, and I recently discovered a wonderful Copic tutorial in a new book out called 175 Fresh Card Ideas authored by Kimber McGray. 

 
I was asked to contribute a few cards to this book and as I was browsing through it the other day, I found a tutorial by Sharon Harnist nestled within its pages...it's amazing and so helpful to beginners like myself. 

Along with fabric and vintage trim bits, scrunched seam binding, buttons, a glittered Maya Road chipboard heart, and paper, I used Papertrey Ink's Flutterby Friend stamp set. 

In other news...and I can't stress enough how important this is....

 
 

Why didn't any one tell me??? 

 They come dipped in chocolate now???   

You have got to be kidding me...it's like a dream come true....I'll make a special trip to the big city to get my hands on some....I bet they're even better with an icy cold Coke.

Night.

Melis

Comments

[Rachel Greig]

You guys have the best sweets/candy over there! They look yum!!

[Christine N]

First of all, I have to say that there is in no way that you are a beginning cardmaker! Your talents are beautiful. Several months ago, a non-papercrafting friend of mine sent a link to your blog because everything is so beautiful!!! Of course, I'd already been following your blog for months!!

And 2nd, I did not need to know that peeps came dipped in chocolate. There goes another 5 pounds!!!

[Patty M]

Oh,no...two new addictions. At least only one is fattening. Have a wonderful week, sweet friend. Patty
btw...I moved over to Typepad.

[becks f]

beautiful cards. I think nature is pretty amazing too...it uplifts and calms..it is beauty everyday. Oh, and I'm sure you will master those copics...and make your creations even more spectacular..can't wait to see what you come up with!

[steph]

your card is absolutely gorgeous! just perfect~the colors, the embellies, the sentiment. love your coloring too.
hehe, who knew peeps came chocolate covered, fun!
have a great week! thanks for sharing :)!
*hugs* steph :)

[Vanessa Menhorn]

Oh, Melissa, I so enjoy coming to your blog and reading your posts! You always speak from your heart and your creations are gorgeous! Wow, I wish I could try these chocolate-covered treats. No chance here in Germany! Enjoy! Vanessa x

[Cindy Andrews]

Oh Melis, I have not jumped on the Copic bandwagon yet, but that will be my next jump. I love your blog as well as Mish's blog. Thanks so much for your inspiration!

[Anne T]

So I'm reading your lovely post and thinking, WOW!, look how she colored those leaves, they have so much dimension! I was wondering at first if you cut them out and glued them on. Then I read that you're NEW to COPICS??? You coloring doesn't look new to me!!

[Theresa from Virginia]

Ahhh ... my daily dose of beautiful artistry!

And thanks for the tip on the Peeps - I didn't know they came dressed in chocolate either!

[Heather]

This is simply amazing Melissa. I love the piece of fabric behind your glittered heart. I love Copics as well. I will have to check into that book. I have found some very pretty stamps by Flourishes that are perfect for coloring with Copics. I think you should take a look. They have a Vintage seed package set, and a couple different berry sets. Not cutesy at all. Very pretty. You won't be dissapointed.

Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog hop card. :)

[JeanFB]

Teeeheeeee... yes, a special trip *does* seem in order! Beautiful card - so glad to see you've jumped into the Copic pond!

[Sharon Harnist]

Your card is gorgeous, Melissa -- I always enjoy all of your gorgeous creations! Thanks so much for the mention -- I can't wait to see what else you do with Copics! OH, and I also didn't know about the chocolate covered Peeps, so thanks for that delicious tid-bit!

[Amy]

Melissa, you have such a beautiful way with words!! I always come for the craft inspiration, but your words are just as lovely!!!
Thanks for the peeps tip too! Can't wait for my next trip to Target!! {wink}
xoxo

[Stella]

Maybe you're a beginner with copics but the results are stunning. You're a professional! I love the soft and a bit "pale" colors of this card. And the glitterec heart; so beautiful. Too bad I can't try those marshmallows; they're not available here in the Netherlands. ( It saves me a few pounds in weight...)
Have a wonderful day!

[anya]

Beautiful card! I love the bit of fabric and lace behind the heart, and the strip of vine you stamped and colored is perfect!

[Troy Louise]

You will have that copic coloring down in no time! Love your card. By the way, have you thought of writing a book? Your beautiful thoughts on your blog would be a lovely book. Thanks for the peeps news too! Happy Day.

[Kat Gomez]

You are a woman of my own heart!! I love any chocolate with an icy cold classic coke.. mmmmm!!

cheers.. tu amiga Kat..

[Char]

What a gorgeous card!

[Alice W.]

i am sure you will master Copic in no time, Melissa! you did a great job on coloring those leaves and even the shadow details! beautiful card! ok, i'll have to go and find those chocolate dipped peeps, too!!! =)

[Kathy M]

I'm trying so hard to avoid the Copic addiction, but I fear I won't be able to hold out much longer-and they're like chips...you can't just have one of each basic color. :)

And is that a DARK chocolate Peep pic there...be still my heart...and there goes my healthy eating pledge!

[Domenico]

So I'm thinking you majored in American Literature or English, because your imagery is top notch. Hum, hug the sky, sounds wonderful.

[Michelle Martin]

Melissa, the chocolate-covered Peeps are the most wonderful thing! I first tried one at Easter this past spring. The store only had ONE LEFT! So I snatched it right there and it was eaten before I even pulled in the driveway. You MUST get them soon! Enjoy!

[Account Deleted]

thanks for the link to sharon harnis' page, and i didn't about copics! very fascinating! :)

hi, just surfing around and found your site. btw, greetings from malaysia! we sell batik fabrics and handmade craft from our country. we would like to exchange links with you so that we may both increase traffic to both our sites. our sites has visitors from malaysia and from other countries around the world too. we would also like to learn to do more arts and crafts, that is why we are collecting links so we can always read other people's entries. thanks so much :)