It's been such a been such a beautiful weekend....packed with some travel and fun and tiny bit of time to put our feet up. I went hunting with my husband, ha! It was awesome. I experienced the desert under the stars on a moonlit night and truly felt so connected to everything around me. Everyone should experience moonlight, the stars, the galaxy, and the desert every now and again. Now it's back to the routine and I'm always glad for that.
My project today was created for Emma's Paperie and uses lots of American Crafts products as they were our focus in January.
I have a crush on the Dear Lizzy collections from American Crafts as they are always soft, feminine, and whimsical, while still being playful. I used mostly 5th & Frolic on my card and tag set today.
I decided to embellish a fabric drawstring bag to hold this fun set in, all ready to give away.
You can find a list of the supplies I used on the Emma's Paperie blog.
My photo of the day is of this old boy.
Sierra's got a new love. His name is Pepper. He's a furry, stubborn beast, but really kind of cute. He's a bit snooty when he doesn't get to eat what he wants when he wants it, but that's where me and my pitchfork come in. It's nice to feel needed. Her Gramps brought him up from the pasture to stay with us for a while. Nothing like a little TLC from Sierra. He's not very photogenic, but I will not stop hounding him until he cooperates.
And before I go, you'll be seeing Christmas cards year round here as I am participating in a new challenge blog called Festive Friday. The purpose of the blog is to keep you creating holiday cards throughout the year, based on fun, colorful challenges, so that when December rolls around this year, you're set with plenty of handmade cards ready to pop in the mail. Very fun...not to mention there are giveaways occasionally on the blog as well. Read more HERE and come play along!
And, my favorite quote as of late...something I think about every day but fail to let sink in. I'll keep trying though. I keep thinking that with time and age that someday I'll grow out of the whole thing about trying to keep up with others, that I'll stop trying to be like them instead of just being happy and content with who I am. I love that we are all different and unique and know that we were meant to be that way from the beginning. Life would be so dull if we were carbon copies of each other. We each have something special, amazing, and valuable to contribute. So my quest is to love being me and to understand that I am enough just the way I am. I understand that in order for me to be any good to others I need to accept myself and then let myself dig in, dive in, and live life with joy.
Happy, beautiful, blue-skies Monday.
Melis
Dear Pepper! Sierra will give him lots of love to win him round
Posted by: Susan | February 04, 2013 at 11:00 AM
Gorgeous projects and colors....and Pepper is handsome as well....a great idea to make cards now, as it seems I have all these lovley Christmas things, and never have time to use them...thanks for the link to the challenge
Posted by: Diane H | February 04, 2013 at 01:07 PM
self affirmation, keep doing it. believe it, live it. love coming here to see your creativity at work. amazing and so wonderful. let it sink in, it's true. you wouldn't have people coming here if it wasn't worth their while. happy Monday and enjoy this beautiful journey of life.
Posted by: laura huffman | February 04, 2013 at 01:14 PM
Awww sweet Mr.Pepper, I had a cat named pepper when I was a little girl. Sierra will bring him around, I'm sure of it! Love this sweet collection today Melissa. My fav is the first tag with the stripey bow...SWEETNESS! I was so happy to see you on the team at Festive Friday, you know I'm a fan of yours ;)
Posted by: Lisa | February 04, 2013 at 02:01 PM
Love your cards.They are always such pretty colours and bring me joy.
As for keeping up with others.... it wasn't until I turned 50 that I stopped worrying about what others thought or trying to be like them (especially those models in the magazines). Even though we've never met, I can tell you are a lovely person by the way you speak of your family and faith. Just look at all the wonderful comments you receive on your blog!!
Posted by: Paula | February 04, 2013 at 02:46 PM
Wow, your quote really hit home to me this morning. Life is such a crazy rush sometimes (most of the time) and I need to let go of expectations that I place on myself and be more content and grateful for what I have. Thanks. And I couldn't go without commenting on your lovely collection of goodness. That "Hiya" tag is perfect. Such delicious colours!
Posted by: Jo R. | February 04, 2013 at 03:28 PM
Melissa, you make any paper collection look incredible. Can't imagine you trying to keep up with anyone, in the paper crafting world atleast, everyone is trying to be like you. You are the Queen of shabby chic and inspire me everyday. Wish I was even a quarter as good as you :)
Posted by: Arielle Berceau | February 04, 2013 at 03:30 PM
GORGEOUS!
Posted by: Diana Waite | February 04, 2013 at 03:45 PM
Beautiful card, Melis! Love those sweet buttons. Festive Friday sounds like just what I need. I promised myself to make at least one card a month for the holidays so I wouldn't be so far behind when they get here. Guess what--I haven't made one yet. Will need to check that blog out.
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | February 04, 2013 at 03:48 PM
Back again. When I click on your Festive Friday link, it brings me to Emma's Paperie.
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | February 04, 2013 at 03:50 PM
Amen to this Melissa.I m really looking forward to the day that i won t feel the need to prove something to myself!
Posted by: eleftheria | February 05, 2013 at 03:14 AM
I always get your posts a day late, but hope you get to read this. I just love your art, but more importantly, your positive attitude and lovely thoughts. The quote was so inspirational. Thanks for starting MY day on a positive note!
Posted by: Cindy Otto | February 05, 2013 at 06:49 AM
Oh, I LOVE that quote. I needed that today!
Your AC cards are so bright and cheerful, they make me crave summer. It amazes me how you can take products that are so seemingly NOT the shabby style you love, and yet you make them work so perfectly to suit your tastes. I always find that inspiring.
And I hope you know just how glad I am that you're working with us at FF - I am sure I've said it enough, but if I haven't, THANK YOU!!
Posted by: Meredith | February 05, 2013 at 08:40 AM
i love all these creations ever so much. hope you are doing well!
Posted by: Freckled Fawn | February 12, 2013 at 10:43 PM
Yes i do love your cards but from this post the story is my favorite part. Being here is not only about staring(..) at your cards but the story of yourself and your life. I always enjoy reading them and again...learning something here. Just for myself. Love that quote. I guess we all have doubts about who we are and what we want. But just as you wrote...being ourselves is enough. Thnk you for sharing..
Posted by: Stella | February 13, 2013 at 11:30 AM