Hello Monday! I do so love you Monday....familiar Monday....back to regular routines...meal planning, bill paying, tidying up after a snowy, muddy weekend, a fresh start and outlook on a new week ahead....
Today the Crafty Secrets Design Team members each have party themed projects up on our blogs....not specifically birthday themed, but any project that celebrates something...babies, mothers, weddings, friends, spring, tea parties, etc.
Since I have a thing for cupcakes lately...prepare yourself for another one....I love transforming them, dressing them up, adapting them to the chosen occasion. I used Papertrey Ink's Cupcake Collection die for this project.
I wanted this cupcake to feel fairytale-ish...leaving the occasion open for a little girl's birthday party, new baby, or wedding. The sweet crown placed on top of the cupcake is a free download from Crafty Secrets...you can find it HERE. I re-sized it to fit the top of my cupcake, colored it with some Copics, and stamped a sentiment inside the flag.
I used Crafty Secrets Card Sentiments and Message on a Bottle Clear Art Stamps on this project along with the new Double Sided Love Mail Creative Scraps for the banner and cupcake.
The flower is from Petaloo, trinket pin from Maya Road, tea stained trim is from my own stash, and the scrunched seam binding is from Kimberly.
I can't wait to see what beautiful things the other designers have to share today:
Vicki Chrisman Team Leader
Pam Hooten
Heidi Blankenship
Linda Duke
Michele Kovack
Flo Teixeira from France
Julie Campbell
Mary Hamer
Now for a couple of fun Happy Monday giveaways! I was recently asked to take part in a new special issue from Scrapbook & Cards Today....I just got a peek at it and can't wait to dig into the inside when it arrives. It's based on card sketches designed by Becky Fleck....ooooohhhh....this was so much fun. That sweet card on the cover is by Roree Rumph...I adore her happy, playful, freshly squeezed card style.
CardMaps Today will be available on March 25th, and you can pre-order your copy HERE. If you'd like to win one of the first copies, Scrapbook & Cards Today is giving one away on their blog...just leave a comment HERE!
Lastly....you might notice a new look here on my blog....sigh...it was time for a rescue effort and my sweet friend all the way in Singapore came to my aid just in time...thank you to Viola Mahr for redesigning my blog for me....I love, love, love it.
Vio has generously offered to share one of her custom made blog banners to one of you my friends! She has a few in her etsy shop now and the banner on her blog is one of her own designs....this will help you get a feel for how very talented she is....her style speaks to my shabby heart.
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post....I'll give you until Wednesday, March 2nd...10:00 a.m....or thereabouts...you know me...I'm not going to be stingy. I'll choose a winner randomly that evening and will post the good news on my blog. I wish I had a prompt question for you to answer....but I'm fresh out of ideas and anxious to get to work this morning...so whatever thoughts cross your mind and you'd like to share...we'd love to hear. Thank you Miss Vio!
Enjoy a beautiful Monday!
Melis
love your new design and your project is beautiful!
happy monday :)
Posted by: Nancy L. | February 28, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Ohh my - I desperately need a blog make-over! Your new header is beautiful! I am completely smitten with your cupcake creations - lovely and sweet just like YOU!
Posted by: Denise | February 28, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Thanks for the links Melissa! I love Viola's blog too ;) She's done a super job on your blog makeover! I am jealous - mine needs some work, hehe!
Looking forward to seeing you in the CardMaps issue too
Posted by: Ruth S | February 28, 2011 at 10:42 AM
Beautiful new look to your blog!I love your cupcake idea--may need to borrow that one for my daughters next b-day!
Posted by: Tina | February 28, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Lovely design! Well done. I really loved the project - stunning!
Posted by: kissinia | February 28, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Oh I saw the New CardMaps book announcement this AM and I was so excited! I can't wait to get my hands on it. It would be nice to get a bloggy mini makeover because I don't know what to do w/my blog anymore.! Thanks so much for the chance!
Posted by: Ellie | February 28, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Gorgeous, gorgeous post, Melissa! I adore that cupcake - all vintage and shabby and full of my favorite things. And I would looooove for Viola to do my blog header. I love your new header, and know that anyone who could come up with that could come up with something for my blog that would make my little bloggy heart sing, LOL! Thanks to both of you. (And thanks for making Mondays sound so wonderful... it's all about perspective, isn't it?)
Posted by: JeanFB | February 28, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Love your new blog banner. It is so totally you. And love for the chance to win the magazine--I know there are lots of greats ideas to be had there.
Posted by: Lina F. | February 28, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Love the project and the blog headers are gorgeous! The book sounds fun too. Love Becky Fleck's sketches.
Thanks for the chance to win some fabulous items.
Posted by: Brenda Weaver | February 28, 2011 at 12:19 PM
So sweet Melissa, it's magical!
Posted by: pam hooten | February 28, 2011 at 12:34 PM
What a great giveaway! I would love to win, and thanks for the chance :)
Btw, your blog looks lovely, Melis!
Posted by: Jennifer Chapin | February 28, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: cindy barriga | February 28, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Oh my goodness, I need a blog! A beautiful header would be a great start:)
Posted by: Linda | February 28, 2011 at 01:30 PM
Melissa - I adore your new blog banner. Viola did a fabulous job. My goodness, she is one talented lady. I too, am in dire need of a new banner.
Posted by: Gabriela | February 28, 2011 at 01:41 PM
I'm not one for shaped cards but I really loved that cupcake shaped card. You create such beautiful things Melissa!
Posted by: Meghan | February 28, 2011 at 01:48 PM
Gorgeous, Melissa!
Julie
Posted by: Julie Campbell | February 28, 2011 at 01:56 PM
You have amazed me again with your beautiful cupcake creation... I can only imagine what you have contributed to this new cards magazine coming out...I won't be able to sit still till I get a copy and can look at it a million times...
I love your new blog makeover...it just gorgeous darling...I love, love, love it!!!
Jennifer Richards
Posted by: Jennifer Richards | February 28, 2011 at 01:59 PM
Love your blog make over...the banner is beautiful......the cupcake is "yummy" as well......I don't know you do all you do...but am glad you do it...love your posts!!
Posted by: Diane Hover | February 28, 2011 at 02:09 PM
Oh wow, loved the new blog head right away! Yes, it makes my shabby heart beat fast, too. ;) Love everything your create girlfriend. You're uber talented. ♥
Posted by: Angie (mommmiextwo) | February 28, 2011 at 02:10 PM
I noticed your new blog design this morning and I love this look. I really like anything shabby chic. I also like to see what new creations you have up your sleeves.
Posted by: Carolyn Y | February 28, 2011 at 02:13 PM
how delish.. love the vintage shabby fairy tale cupcake.. ahh.. you never cease to amaze with your crafty soul!
The blog makeover looks fab!
Posted by: rebekah f | February 28, 2011 at 02:20 PM
Love your new banner, and love everything sweet Viola makes! I would love to win a banner, but I do not have a blog. :( Your card is simply gorgeous! I always leave your blog with a good feeling!
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | February 28, 2011 at 03:21 PM
When I saw your beautiful blog makeover this morning, I had a feeling that it was Viola's work. I was right!
Very talented young lady indeed!
Your cupcake is very cute and rich in details!
Posted by: Yana | February 28, 2011 at 03:22 PM
Your cupcake is beautiful, and perfectly party. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Holly R. Moore | February 28, 2011 at 03:27 PM
Simply Scrumptious Melissa! You are such an inspiration!
xoxo
mary
Posted by: Mary Hamer | February 28, 2011 at 03:32 PM