LilyBean Paperie

my blue Italian lake...

 

It seems I have loved this song by Miriam Stockley for as long as I can remember.  I was so happy to run across it today via Crumpled Envelope...just what I needed.  

Obviously, there is no such thing as a perfect day.  Some are near perfect, others are quite the opposite. Sometimes though, you just have to find as much happiness in the imperfect lives we live as possible.   I've grown so tired of negativity as it seems to do nothing but bring people down and hurt them.  It's so completely draining.  I have so many people to love and that hurt in their own individual and private ways...don't we all?  Life isn't about  perfection, but just trying our best to be a little better each day, to weather each storm, to fight and overcome each battle, to overcome ourselves and the power we have to bring others down, and to know that in spite of it all, we are loved.  Life is about the trials that come our way that build us and make us more compassionate so that we can help the next person and truly feel what they are going through.  

I've been thinking so much about my sweet mother lately, truth be told, she is always on my mind as she is so much a part of me.  I don't know what I would do without her.  She is always looking on the bright side and has this magical way of lifting and loving others.  I adore her.

The button was cut from Coasters using Papertrey Ink's Buttoned Up #1 die.  Lily White Sugar Coating from Doodlebug Designs was used on top.

The vintage image is from Made by Janet.  Such a beautiful collage sheet.  And the scrunched seam binding is from Craft Spot.  I added the sentiment at the bottom using the Tag-its #2 stamp set from Papertrey Ink.  

Well, it seems I have messes in every room today, time to get things in their places and get ready for another day.  I wouldn't trade today for anything though.  The days with my little one are fleeting and can never be repeated.  I found this quote tonight by Anne Campbell and thought of my own mother and little bean immediately:   

You are the trip I did not take;

 

You are the pearls I cannot buy;

 

You are my blue Italian lake;

 

You are my piece of foreign sky.

 

(“To My Child,” quoted in Charles L. Wallis, ed., The Treasure Chest [1965], 54)

Have a wonderful night.

Melis

 

 

 

morning glory...

 

Something fresh and juicy tonight, created for the Emma's Paperie blog and based on a sketch you can find there, which I found so much fun to interpret.

I've found a new favorite ribbon from May Arts that I just love.  It creates the fullest bows and Emma's Paperie has a whole selection of colors and styles.

All of the supplies can be found on the Emma's Paperie blog.

I'm getting ready to make Morning Glory Muffins.  They sound so good to me with coconut, carrots, and apples...I can't wait to see how they smell while baking.

And, I've got The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Tortilla Soup cooking.  I'm a PW junkie through and through and have loved everything I've tried.  Have you tried any of her recipes?  If so, which are your favorites?  So far I've tried her Sour Cream Noodle Bake, My Favorite Meatloaf, and Beef and Bean Burritos....mmmm, I love her.

Hope your day has been a good one!

Melis

 

P.S.  Sharing my most favorite read with you...it's completely mesmerizing and enchanting.  Kate Morton is amazing.  The book is called The Forgotten Garden...you'll love it.

 

another man's treasure...

I feel a new love coming on, which is going to lead to a little bit of junk hunting on my part, or re-purposing/up-cycling.  You know what they say, one man's junk...

I seem to have a thing for utensils lately.  I kind of adore them and all of the unexpected things they can be used for in home decor and such.  I was itching to stamp with them a bit and reached for my Tea for Two Additions set from Papertrey Ink.  

I also used the Tag-its #3 stamp set, Limitless Layers 1 3/4", Teacup, and Mat Stack 3 dies.  

Anyway, I've been hunting for inspiration and have found it everywhere.  So many beautiful things created by talented individuals.

(photo from littlebluebirdstudios)

(photo from woodenhive)

(photo from woodenhive)

(photo from woodenhive)

(photo from dankartistry)

(photo from vicandalbie)

(photo from beachhouseliving)

(photo from beachhouseliving)

(photo from freshyfig)

(photo from bohemianvintage1)

Night.

Melis

 

 

Crafty Secrets Design Team Challenge -- "Paper Piecing"...

Back from a wonderful getaway with my family.  Hope your Easter was extra special, I already miss my family.

Just a little something to share today as part of the Crafty Secrets Design Team Challenge for April.  We were asked to create a project incorporating the technique of paper piecing.

I've always loved paper piecing...it seems that was the one technique that eased me into stamping and onto learning other techniques.  For this card I used the Baby Girl and French Mail Clear Art stamp sets.  

I added Copics in here and there, paper from Pink Paislee and Made by Janet, trinket pin from Hennytj's etsy shop, Prima trim, and Rose Water Cabbage Roses Ribbon by Memriemare.

Each of the other Crafty Secrets designers have projects ready to share with you as well:
 

Vicki Chrisman Team Leader

Pam Hooten

Heidi Blankenship

Linda Duke

Michele Kovack

Flo Teixeira from France

Julie Campbell

Mary Hamer

April Guest Designer: Sophie La Fontaine (you can see Sopie's work on the Heartwarming Vintage Blog)
 
Heartwarming Vintage Blog
Crafty Secrets Website

Thanks for stopping by.

Melis

there you are Happy...

**Edited to add a link for the paper butterfly...you can find them at The Little Pink Studio...they are so pretty!**

The bumps in the road certainly teach me lessons and also help me appreciate the happiness that comes after the storm. Today is wonderful.  I am happy and thankful and appreciative for every little thing.  I hope you're all doing well, every one of you.

**Please note that I will be posting a card below using the Papertrey Ink 2010 Anniversary Set....some of you like surprises and I don't want to ruin that particular surprise for you.**

This first card was created for Emma's Paperie; our challenge was with glitter, sweet, sweet, sugary glitter.  

I decided to give some wooden buttons a coating of acrylic paint, distress ink, and then a dusting of glitter to pretty them up a bit.

All of the supplies used can be found on the Emma's Paperie blog.

This next card is a card I created using Papertrey Ink's 2010 Anniversary Set...it's so beautiful!  

I used the Tag Sale #1 die and stamped the flowers across it using Melon Berry ink.  

You can see another card I made using this set along with all of the other designer's cards in the Papertrey Ink gallery.

The scrunched seam binding used on both of the above card is from My Craft Spot. 

 

(via the bumblebee)



(via inspired by this)

(Sherrie St. Hilaire)

(via heart of april)

Enjoy your day!

Melis

crafty care package...

Hi everyone! I'm sorry for the sporadic posting lately....truthfully, I've had a rough little spell and am doing my best to pull myself up and out.  We all have our moments, our ups and downs, joys and sorrows...some a little more difficult to deal with than others.  It's Spring Break here and we're taking things nice and easy.  Today I have a fun idea for you, minus the tutorial, but something you could very easily whip up on your own.  As you've probably gathered by now, tutorials are a rarity for me as it seems I don't have the time to prepare them, but hopefully you'll be able to grasp what this little project embodies and create your own.

My mom and I are always sharing our crafting supplies.  She often slips a few of her latest findings in the mail to me and I love to surprise her with a fat envelope full of treats once in a while as well.  This project just makes the gift-giving part of a crafty care package even more fun.  I've taken 3 A2 Kraft envelopes from Papertrey Ink and stitched them together across the bottom edge.  I've lined each one with coordinating patterned paper using the A2 Envelope Liner from Papertrey Ink.  This is such a fun die....a perfect way to dress up an ordinary envelope very simply.

I've stuffed each envelope with things I love such as:  doilies, tea stained fabric, tea stained twill, buttons, trinket pins, die cuts, trims, handmade embellishments, etc.

Papertrey Ink glassine bags are the perfect place to tuck buttons, trinket pins, ribbons, etc.  

Anyway, please let me know if you have any questions.  I'll get back to you as quickly as I can.  The label stickers, dies, and paper are from Pink Paislee.  The pretty, tiny rosebud paper used on the last envelope is from GCD Studios.

 

I love the saying on this Mother's Day card....most definitely close to my heart.  It is a Homespun Cotton Scrap from Crafty Secrets Family collection.  

 

The die and stamps are from Pink Paislee, paper from Pink Paislee and Made by Janet, and Peach Blossom Cabbage Roses Ribbon from Memrie Mare.  

The "Mom" stamp is from Papertrey Ink's Tiny Tags stamp set.  

Lastly, another card for Mother's Day created with Papertrey Ink's Tags for Spring, Fancy Flourishes, and Little Bitty Bird stamp sets.  

The resin heart and die cut ticket are from Melissa Frances.

Night.

Melis

 

a few things to share...

This first card uses an older Papertrey Ink set that has become a favorite of mine.  It is called Night, Night Moon designed by Heather Nichols.  I also used the Tiny Tags stamp and die sets.   The chipboard and trinket pin are from Maya Road, paper from My Mind's Eye, Crate Paper, American Crafts, and Graphic 45.

Now onto a few projects using the new release stamp sets from Papertrey Ink.

Think Big Favorites #3

Tag-its #3

Flower Fusion #3

Grunge Me

My Hero, My Dad

Train Tracks

Ad Sense

For more information on any of these projects, I've listed complete supply lists in the Papertrey Ink gallery.  I'm happy to help however I can.

Enjoy your weekend.

Melis

 

 

Patisserie...

**Edited to add a fun GIVEAWAY from Vintage Street Market!**

What is the Easter Bunny Blog Hop? Its a fun GIVEAWAY going on at Vintage Street Market! "Hop" around the Design Team's blogs and gather their favorite color eggs. Fill your basket with these answers and enter to win a fun prize! Details can be found at www.vintagestreetmarket.com. What are you waiting for? Get hoppin'!

Vicki Chrisman  

Anabelle O'Malley 

Candy Rosenberg 

Julie Campbell 

Nathalie Kalbach 

Leica Forrest 

Jamie Dougherty 

 

Today's shabby, birthday card bundle uses images from my favorite digital image etsy shop called, Made by Janet.  I get lost in her beautiful images...they are amazing and delicious.

I also used some of Elle's Studio new Handmade Layers Pennants.  They are darling!  The doily and bundle of flowers are from another favorite shop called Hennytj's Boutique.  

I also used Papertrey Ink's Tiny Tags die and Little Bitty Bird stamp set.

The Raspberry Truffle scrunched seam binding is from Craft Spot.

Before I go, a card created for Emma's Paperie April color challenge...

You can find a complete list of supplies used on this card on the Emma's Paperie blog.

Melis

 

 

boy basics...

Papertrey Ink is celebrating all things BOY this month...trucks, trains, skateboards, guitars, video games and frogs.  Each set is designed around your little ones, big and small.  I chose to showcase the Frog Hop stamp set tonight and you can find all of the other sets highlighted on the other design team members blogs.

I love the sentiments in this set...playful, unique, and perfect for little guys.  

I also used Maile's new Background Basics:  Chevron Stripes set on my card...such a perfect set to go along with the masculine cards as well as all occasion.

Here are links to the other designer's blogs...enjoy and thank you for visiting.

Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson, Danielle Flanders, Maile Belles, Erin Lincoln, Jess Witty, and Nichole Heady

alpha-blocks

Welcome to the first Papertrey Ink group post for the month of April.  Tonight each of the design team members will be showcasing the new Alpha-blocks stamp set and using it in different ways.

I chose to show how the Alpha-block stamp set can be used with the Postage die...each letter fits perfectly inside the die cut.  I then decided to transform each letter into a home by stamping the roofs using the Love Lives Here set and then adding a coordinating sentiment to finish it off.  

I love using shapes, symbols, buttons, etc. in place of an actual letter, so for this project I used the circle with heart cut out stamp and die from the Love Lives Here set in place of the letter "O".

The other designers have prepared special projects for you as well:

Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson, Danielle Flanders, Maile Belles, Erin Lincoln, Jess Witty, and Nichole Heady.

Before I go, Vintage Street Market has a sweet Retro Easter Tag Kit available.  I was given the opportunity to work with one of these kits and created a little something with it.

Along with the kit I used Papertrey Ink's Tag-its #1 and #2 sets.

Thanks for visiting.

Melis

colorful commotion...

Here's to hope....I love it don't you?

Sweet and delicious Glitz Designs used throughout...I adore their Peek A Boos and their What Nots...you must check them out.

Basic Grey petals are just the craziest, prettiest, funnest little additions...I've found a new love.

A fun mini created for Ally Scraps this month...the backside of the coasters provide a perfect spot for photos or journaling.  All of the supplies used and instructions to make your own can be found on the Ally Scraps blog.

Shabby, happy spring treat bags.  The vintage images were purchased at madebyjanet.etsy.com...she has the sweetest shop.

The stamp sets I used on the tag are Tag-its #1 and Places Please by Papertrey Ink.  Scrunched seam binding comes from This Good Day, Memrie Mare, and Craft Spot.  

 

Well...my mind is so preoccupied today...I need to bake...I always feel better when I do.

(Photo and recipe from tipnut.com)

I love the smell of bread dough...when it's rising, when it's baking...when it's all done...and the feel of the dough in my hands, seems to melt my worries away.

Happiest of weekends.

Melis

cluck, cluck, moo...

I'm just about ready to take the chickens some treats...they are such wonderful, health-conscious eaters...only the best for them...so handy to have around...their favorites are onion, cucumber, and potato peels...celery tops are a way to their heart I've found.  So nice to have a couple of not-so-picky eaters around...and I love their eggs.  I hope a new little flock will arrive here in the next month or so...and the calf too.  My husband built his corral and we are ready...for now though, my little one loves playing in it...her club house where she stores delicious cedar berries ready to whip up and cook for a visitor....where she herds the wild mustangs of the west, and trains them to do tricks, lassos the evil, snarling coyotes, and brings peace to the land once again....all with the help of her trusty steed, Moose...the hound dog.

We have one adventure after another here...I will miss her sweet imagination once she moves onto the next stage...thank goodness for memories.  Today she hugged me and asked me," Ohhhh, mama...why would I ever give you away?"  Gonna remember that one forever.

Today's card uses some new to me paper from the lovely Crate Paper Portrait collection, and Stella & Ruby from My Mind's Eye, mixed in with a bit of Webster's Pages.

The stamp used is from Papertrey Ink's Tag-it's #1 set...such a fun mini collection for a happy $5. I also used the Button Card die on some cardboard once again...all painted up and weathered.

The trinket pin is from Viola Mahr's etsy shop and the scrunched seam binding from Craft Spot.

Some pretties via lespetitespages.

Sigh....sigh...happy, happy sigh....via jadorablehome., but originally from the breathtaking blog of Alice W.  I want this...every little inch of it.

Must go now....enjoy your evening.

Melis

 

 

 

blue-eyed spring...

I love my little blue-eyed girl...she has a way of teaching me...making me want to be more....and expect more of myself...she deserves all I have.

Just when I think my heart has grown as big as it possibly can...it grows more...she melts me and I fall more in love with her....her plump rosy cheeks, funny, made up words, that are real to her, how her imagination transforms our home, her playfulness, her love of everything outdoors, just like her daddy, the sweet little love notes she leaves me, her hugs, and every little inch of her.  Life is sweet.

Today's card uses Papertrey Ink's Green Thumb stamp set, Melissa Frances new 5th Avenue paper (which is now available at Emma's Paperie), Love Mail Creative Scraps from Crafty Secrets, a Jenni Bowlin embellishments, Prima flower, and scrunched seam binding from Craft Spot.

Hope your day is a beauty!

Melis

 

sow...sprout...bloom

I have loved this weekend...I'm sitting here wishing I could start it over again and enjoy it once more...to be with my little family...just us, which is something we need from time to time...to enjoy one another and just be as one...I have been able to listen, learn, and be uplifted as General Conference has filled our home, and I find myself wanting more and more and more...as I get older, messages of peace, happiness, and hope mean so much more to me.  I love to be inspired, very gently,  to be a better wife and mother...to love more, to help my little one and husband grow in ways essential to them, and to grow myself...to be more accepting of what comes my way and make the best of it.

Just a little something created for Emma's Paperie last week...our product spotlight on My Mind's Eye....I love their beautiful collections.

I chose to use one of the album covers from My Mind's Eye and a small embroidery hoop to create a wall hanging.  All of the supplies I used and instructions can be found on the Emma's Paperie blog along with some beautiful projects from the rest of the design team.

This card uses Papertrey Ink's Postmarks set and Postage die, Crafty Secrets Love Mail Creative Scraps, a Melissa Frances die, and Robin Egg Cabbage Roses Ribbon from Memrie Mare.

(via tinywhitedaises)

 (via another passenger)

 

Night.

Melis

 

dear miss april...

Dear Miss April, 

I'm so happy you've decided to visit for a while...do you know how much we look forward to your appearance?  Surely you must be a "Miss" as you bring Easter bonnets and dresses, tulips and daffodils, and cover the earth in carpets of green.  Do you know what a lovely sight you are?  You carry with you the most powerful traits...hope, faith, beauty, happiness, a gentle presence, and renewal.  You have a way of bringing out the best in others...they smile more, play more, get outside and dig in the dirt, plant gardens, have BBQ's, visit over the fence, ride bicycles, and plan picnics...you breathe life into so many that you touch as you make your way into our lives.  Thank you for waking me up each morning with a smile...and for bringing my little one in each night covered in dirt.

Melissa Frances is hosting a recipe exchange...such a fun idea.  You can read more about it HERE on the Melissa Frances blog...there are recipes for you to enjoy and we hope you'll share a favorite there as well.  

I've posted this recipe on my blog before...but since we love 'em so around here, I'll post it again for  you...a perfect little weekend treat.  They are called Pumpkin Pocket Cookies...recipe taken from the A Passion for Baking cookbook...but my little one calls them Pumpkin Muffin Cookies.

Sierra's Pumpkin Muffin Cookies

2 T. white sugar

1 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup shortening

1 egg

2 t. vanilla

1 cup pumpkin puree

2 cups flour

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. baking soda

1/8 t. salt

1 1/4 t. pumpkin pie spice

1/4 t. cinnamon

1 cup raisins

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Icing:

3 cups powdered sugar

3 T. cream cheese, softened

1 t. vanilla

water...enough to make soft icing

Directions:

Cream both sugars and shortening until fluffy.  Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin and blend well.  Add in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.  Fold in raisins and chocolate chips.

Drop large gobs of cookie dough about 2-3 inches apart on baking sheet.  Bake 15-17 minutes at 350 degrees until cookies are firm to the touch. 

Whisk together icing ingredients to make a smooth glaze.  Spread or drizzle over slightly warm cookies, and let set.

Enjoy-----I know you'll love 'em, and they make your  home smell delish!

Today's card uses Melissa Frances Kitschy Kitchen paper and cardstock stickers, 5th Avenue paper, a crown applique, Attic Treasures die cut, and rub-on transfer.

Enjoy today.

Melis