LilyBean Paperie

baubles, buttons, & bows...

Hello again.  Hope you all enjoyed a wonderful weekend.  I've got a little something special to share with you today using some Sizzix dies I love, love, love.  I'm feeling like spring and can feel it as pretty pastels find their way into my projects, home decor, oh, and candy jar....Easter candy is my fave :).  Dove peanut butter eggs or Sees chocolates for me, please, how about you?

I started with the Sizzix Bigz Button Card Die w/ Textured Impression.  After die cutting the card and adding texture using the embossing folder, I added distressing with ink, and then added a bit of stamping in the upper and lower corners.  I then used the Sizzix Sizzlits Bow-Tied Decorative Strip die and created a double layer of paper bows to adhere at the top of my button card.  Next came layers of fabric and trim cut using the Sizzix 3-D Fringed Flower die and then topped my flower with buttons cut from the Button Card die.  

Lastly, I finished my button card with a Tim Holtz key and added some scallops and trim at the bottom of my card using Melissa Frances pink crocheted trim layered under a die cut using the Vintage Lace Decorative Strip die.  

My die cut machine and dies are some of my most favorite things to have on hand and use just as often as I can.  I love to transform bits of paper to suit my style and tastes, and dies let you do just that.

Enjoy the rest of your Monday and thanks for your visit.

Melis

color on a cloudy day...

I'm craving color today and have a couple of bright, playful cards to share with you.  I created this first card for Freckled Fawn using some fun items from the April OHDEERME Embellishment kit, such as the vellum sentiment, rubber banner, and acrylic cloud and star.

I also used plenty of Freckled Fawn washi including, Colorful Polka Dot, Yellow Plaid, Thin Aqua Airmail, and Peach Daisy.

The Glitter Star Stickers are also a favorite of mine...kind of like candy :).

Emma's Paperie has a fresh and vibrant color challenge posted and I created this card based on inspiration found in that photo.

I dug into my Basic Grey Herbs & Honey stash...so many sweet embellishments and products in this collection.  Very summery.

A list of supplies used on this card can be found HERE.  

Wishing you a beautiful Saturday.  I'm very much looking forward to taking my little girl and watching a very special program for women all across the world.  You can find out more details HERE.

Enjoy your day.

Melissa

my mother heart...

Good morning to you.  The morning rush has come and gone, tummies full, lunches packed, out the door, off to school and work, chores done, and the sun is shining through the clouds, a gentle reminder of love, hope, and happiness.  

Mother's Day, one of my most favorite occasions to celebrate is quickly coming and today's card was created with that theme in mind using some new favorite finds.  First, the Sizzix Sizzlits Pleated Ruffle die, used here near the bottom of my card.  Before pleating, I attached a strip of vintage trim over my die cut, and pleated the paper and trim together to add an extra layer and some dimension, and then just ran them through my sewing machine to secure those pleats in place...such a fun die.  

I have sure been enjoying texture lately, and Sizzix has so many beautiful embossing folders to make your projects dimensional and touchable.  I've used the Polka Dots and Starflowers Embossing Folder on my card here.  

And, sweet rosettes...can't get enough of using these and layering trims and other such things on top.  The Sizzix Sizzlits Mini Paper Rosette die is well loved and used here :).  I added a Prima flower and vintage trim over my rosette on this card, but they are so cute, you don't need to do a thing to them.  My sentiment and stamped flowers on this card come from Papertrey Ink's Garden Grace stamp set and the paper and chipboard are all from Prima's Delight collection.

I have a tutorial up on the Sizzix blog today using another favorite product, the Sizzix Scoreboard Mini Album Die. These little mini albums are so easy to put together and add your own personality to.  I can see my little girl going crazy over decorating albums for herself and friends.  I used the new Melissa Frances The Sweet Life collection on the front of my album, and other fun Sizzix products.

For more information and a tutorial, visit the Sizzix blog.

My favorite quote of the day from one of my most favorite women.  

Gotta run, the spring rain is calling me outside this morning.

Enjoy your day!

Melis

  

birds of a feather...

Hello!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I got to spend it with my mom, celebrating her 70th birthday.  What a special woman she is...truly, I am so lucky to have her as mine.  She wanted to spend the day with Sierra, so we went to a movie, did a little junking, and met up for lunch with my husband and Grandpa later in the day.  I'm so thankful for her and the gift she has been and continues to be in my life.

Today I have a card to share with you that I created for a Papertrey Ink Make it Monday tutorial.  I used a new to me product called Viva Decor  3-D Stamp Paint and loved getting messy while experimenting.  I combined this paint with a Papertrey Ink Impression Plate as well as rubbing it over a stamped vellum feather to color the vellum and make it shine.  Lots of fun.

I used Papertrey Ink's Feather Finery stamp and dies.  For more information you can visit Nichole Heady's blog and watch the tutorial there.

Here is a favorite find from the weekend with my mom.  She and I love the same things and both scooped up one of these sweet handmade nests.  Now whenever I look at it, I think of her :).

Enjoy your day!

Melissa

Glitter & Stripes...

Hello Friends!  I have a few Crate Paper cards to share with you today as well as a tutorial using Crate Paper's Styleboard Dies, which can all be found on the Crate Paper Blog.  

I was assigned the theme "Glitter & Stripes" for my projects and I had so much fun pulling these elements together.

I used the Styleboard collection and found glitter and stripes in abundance...I can't begin to tell you how much fun creating with Styleboard is, there are so many embellishments, accents, mediums, and elements to love and pull together however you see fit.

I'll let you pop on over to the Crate Paper blog to find out more details, but I'll list my 3 favorite items used on these cards.  

First, the Styleboard Doilies A2 Embossing Folder....gorgeousness!  I used it on all three cards shown in my post today, using vellum, and white cardstock.

Second, the Styleboard Dies.  The sweet, tiny dimensional bows used on my first two cards, use a few of the dies from this collection and I LOOOOVE them so, and there is a camera die that I can't wait to try out as well.  

 

 

And third, very hard to choose, but for today, I have to direct you to the Styleboard Die Cut Frames.  That's where I found the beautiful glittered gold and striped frames.  True and instant love :).

 

 

Wishing you a lovely week ahead. 

Thanks for visiting.

Melissa 

It's the first day of Spring, and today has been a beautiful start.  Now, if only I could throw open my windows and hear bird's chirping, and feel a bit of warmth in the air.  In a few weeks, things will be springing to life around here, and I am thankful.

I've always been a huge fan of small packages.  For some reason, these packages always seem to hold what I love most, treasures and thoughtfulness.  My mom must have always known that about me, because she continues to surprise me with tiny packages from time to time.  

Even more than what's inside the package, I love what's on the outside of the package and today have a matchbox turned present to share with you.  I started with the Sizzix Movers & Shapers Matchbox die and some sheet music patterned paper.  

Inside, I attached a bit of trim, a cut out vintage inspired photo from Melissa Frances as well as a Melissa Frances rubon, a few sequins, and a bundle of trinket pins tied together with silk ribbon and embellished with flower dies cut using the Sizzix Sizzlets Summer Floral Strip.  

The outside of the box is wrapped in cream burlap and then topped with a lovely, tattered flower cut using some of my favorite cream fabrics using the Sizzix Petal Drop Die.  After cutting the fabric with this die, I then melted the edges using heat from a candle, and let the edges ruffle and curl.  I then layered together the petals and thought the finished blossom looked perfectly sweet as a package topper.

You can read more about how I put this all together HERE on the Sizzix blog.  

To me, it's the little things that I am surrounded by that make life incredibly sweet and tender.  I live for these moments and things.  The sight of my little girl sleeping snugly in her bed at night, the covers pulled up to her chin, kissing her soft, kissable cheeks before I head to bed, the sound of her breathing and resting soundly, my husband's hand in mine, a successful loaf of bread pulled from the oven, laundry, fresh and clean for the loves in my life, the smell of bread baking, a phone call from my mom, a friend reaching out to help, music that stirs my heart and soul, tender mercies, etc.  What little thing is it that touched your heart today?

 

Melis

 

gather love...

Good morning!  Today I have a couple of Basic Grey cards to share with you using the new Herbs & Honey collection.  It's one of my favorites as I love the theme, fruits, veggies, weathered accents and paper, seed packets, bottle caps, wood pieces, all sorts of things to love, love, love.

I come away feeling like it's time to plant my garden, a wonderful thought as winter is slowly fading away and I'm ready for spring to arrive and stay for good.

I love the sweet mix of patterns in this collection too, the tiny flower pattern shown on both of these cards reminds me of one of my grandma's aprons.

 You can read more about these cards HERE on the Basic Grey blog.  

Have a wonderful day friends!

Melis

good day sunshine...

It's a new week and that always makes me happy, how about you?  So far, it isn't anything like I planned, but that's what I get for planning, right?  Today I'm playing a bit of catch up and posting my recent Emma's Paperie projects.  Emma's has a jumbo, lovely, new selection of products available...treat yourself to something new and delicious, huh?

We were recently challenged to created projects using journal cards, so these fun little vellum pockets go right along with that theme.  I'm a vellum lover of just about anything, but these cute Amy Tangerine journal pocket cards have to be the cutest things!

I combined lots of American Crafts and Crate Paper products.  You can see my supply list below.

You can view a complete supply list HERE.  

This card was created using Webster's Pages products...my favorite line, called New Year New You.  The collection reminds me of Cath Kidston, just one reason I love it so much.

Supplies used on this card can be found HERE.  

And, this card is based on a sketch you can find at Emma's Paperie and uses oodles of Prima.  Soft and shabby, just my style.

All of the supplies used on this card can be found HERE.  

Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy a wonderful week.

Melis

added details...

Good morning!  I hope you're enjoying a beautiful Sunday wherever you are.  Yesterday I worked on my Papertrey Ink Tips & Tricks Newsletter post for you and have it ready to share with you today.

 

Lately I have been on a certain kick, involving going all out on the bottoms or edges of my cards and tags.  It's just kind of a fun and different area to embellish.  So, I've created a few things to share with you today that show how I've dressed up these areas.  My first tag uses a cluster of felt flowers and leaves cut using the new Bitty Button Stacks and Just Smile dies.  They are layered over a decorative washi tape border cut using the Be Happy die.

I then accented the flower centers with sequins and/or adhesive gems.  This particular tag was cut using vellum and the Tag Sale #2 die and is loosely attached to a second tag cut using the new Tag Sale #10 die. Both are stamped using thew new Keep it Smple:  Thank You Mini stamp set.  

Here's a quick tutorial on how I put everything together.

Step 1:  After die cutting my tag from vellum, I stamped and embossed my sentiment using Zing!  Powder embossing powder.  I then used the new Polka Dot Basics III stamp set and clear embossing powder below the sentiment.  Next, I attached strips of washi tape in a variety of colors and patterns across a block of scrap paper.

Step 2:  Using the Be Happy die, I ran my washi tape covered block of scrap paper through the die cut machine to created a fun and colorful border.  I then attached it near the bottom of my tag.

Step 3:  I die cut a variety of flowers using the Just Smile and Bitty Button Stacks dies using Harvest Gold, Limeade Ice, Aqua Mist, Lavender Moon, and Vintage Cream felt.  Just under the washi tape border, I attached and layered several of them to form my decorative border.

Here's a close up for you.

Step 4:  Lastly, I embellished the centers of each flower using sequins and/or adhesive gems.  Super simple and so much fun!
Here are a few other examples:

This tag uses the very same dies, but I embellished the side of the tag instead of the bottom. My tag was cut from Aqua Mist cardstock using the Tag Sale #9 die.  I then cut a block of paper from the Monthly Moments:  March Journal Card Pad and attached it to the center of the tag.  

I used a bit of washi across the bottom and stamped a sentiment from the new Birthday Classics:  April stamp set.  I used the Filigree Border die and Harvest Gold cardstock to create a sweet border down the right of the tag and added just one more layer to it by adding my die cut felt flowers and Hawaiian Shores buttons.

My last card uses this technique very simply by adding a Vintage Cream scalloped border across the bottom, cut using the Medium Scallop Border die.  I then stamped a second scalloped border using Lavender Moon ink and the border from the Be Happy stamp set.

The new Just Smile stamp set was used for my flower border and sentiment and By The Numbers paper brought in a bit of playful pattern.

So, that's it...just a little twist on using your stamping and paper-crafting supplies.

Enjoy your day and thanks for the visit.

Melis

 

papertrey ink march...

Hello there!  Thanks for stopping by today.  I have a few more Papertrey Ink projects to share with you using new products.  This first card uses the new Gatsby Glamour stamp set and coordinating dies.  It's such an elegant set that is suitable for very special occasions.

After die cutting and embossing my frame, I die cut a vellum layer to add to the inside of the frame where I stamped my sentiment.  I then used the banner from the Tag Sale #10 dies and stamped the first part of my sentiment on it and attached it in place using dimensional adhesive.

I created another flower like on my coin purse using vintage trim and the new Seasonal Stitching:  Clovers die collection as well as Bitty Button stacks attached to the center of the flower. 

My next card uses the new Birthday Classics:  April and Background Basics:  Art Deco stamp sets - both are so much fun to stamp with.

My sentiment and image were stamped to the inside die left using the Monthly Moments:  Slide Frame die and then accented in Stickles glitter.

And at the bottom of my card I used the Filigree Border die as well as Sweet Blush buttons and Bitty Button Stacks.

The new Wet Paint stamp set was used on this card as well as the new Tag Sale #10 dies again.  

The tiny felt flower accents were cut using the Just Smile dies...love 'em.

And lastly, the new Putting Down Roots stamp set was used here on my gift tag.  A wonderful set to have on hand to welcome in new neighbors and make them feel special.  

As you can see, the Tag Sale #10 dies are going to get a lot of use.  I can't get stop :).

Thanks for joining me for another month!

Melis

 

• Nichole Heady
• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Erin Lincoln
• Heather Nichols
• Laura Bassen
• Laurie Willison
• Maile Belles

 

Bride & Groom Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Gatsby Glamour
Cardstock:
Rustic Cream
Tools:
Gatsby Glamour, Bitty Button Stacks, Be Happy, Tag Sale #10, Season Stitching: Clovers dies
Accents:
Vintage Cream felt and Grosgrain Ribbon

Other Supplies Used:
Prima Paper
Vintage trim

April Showers Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Background Basics: Art Deco, Birthday Classics: March & April
Ink:
Sweet Blush and Melon Berry
Cardstock and Paper:
Melon Berry, Rustic Cream, and Lavender Moon Polka Dot
Tools:
Monthly Moments: Slide Frame Die, Filigree Border Die, Button Sticks, and Bitty Button Stacks
Accents:
Sweet Blush Buttons, Vintage Cream Felt, Orange Zest Baker's Twine

Other Supplies Used:
Basic Grey Paper
Zing! Blush and White embossing powder
Studio Calico gems

Hello Lovely Life Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Wet Paint
Ink:
Smokey Shadow
Tools:
Tag Sale #10, Be Happy, Just Smile
Cardstock:
Rustic Cream
Accents:
Aqua Mist, Lavender Moon, and Limeade Ice felt

Other Supplies Used:
Webster's Pages paper
American Crafts clip and glitter ribbon

Welcome to the Neighborhood Tag

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Putting Down Roots
Ink:
Spring Moss, Sweet Blush, and Berry Sorbet
Cardstock:
Rustic Cream
Tools:
Tag Sale #10
Accents:
Orange Zest Baker's Twine and Berry Sorbet Swiss Dot Satin

Other Supplies Used:
Crate Paper paper

personalized coin purses & possibilities...

Hello all!  Welcome to a super fun and unique Papertrey Ink group post.  Today's post will highlight the new, Coin Purse and Coin Purse Pocket dies - You'll LOVE these!  My inspiration for my coin purse comes from this photo below:

 

I chose black and cream toile fabric for my coin purse and made it very sturdy by using Heat 'N Bond.  After I stitched my zipper in place, which is entirely so simple, I added trim to the bottom of my purse before stitching the sides and bottom closed.  

I then used the Coin Purse Pocket die and Vintage Cream felt and created a pocket for the front of my purse.  I used a blanket stitch around the edges and then used the new Seasonal Stitching:  Clover die and vintage trim to create my ruffled flower for the front of my purse.  I used Vintage Cream felt and the Bitty Button Stacks to embellish the center of my flower as well as Spring Moss felt and the new Embellished Elegance die for the leaves.  A bit of rhinestone chain across the top and some trinket pins for decoration, and that's about it!  

I slipped a handmade tag inside the pocket and used the new Just Smile and Birthday Classics:  March & April stamp sets as well as the new Limitless Layers 1 1/2" Square dies and the Tag Sale #2 die.  

The Coin Purse Pocket die makes a fun addition to the front of a card.  I cut mine from vellum and after embossing a sentiment from the Just Smile set onto the vellum pocket, I filled it with a few sequins.  Flowers from the Just Smile stamp set and coordinating die collection were used across the bottom of the card, on the pocket, and also on the coordinating tag.  

I used the new Tag Sale #10 dies along with the Seasonal Stitching:  Eggs dies (for the heart).  All such amazing products.

My ink colors used here are Classic Kraft, Melon Berry, and Sweet Blush, with Zing! Blush used as my embossing powder color.

I can't wait to pop on over and visit the other designers' blogs to see what they've created with these products.  Remember all of these new release items will be available to purchase on March 15th at 10 PM EST at www.papertreyink.com.

• Nichole Heady
• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Erin Lincoln
• Heather Nichols
• Laura Bassen
• Laurie Willison
• Maile Belles

So glad you stopped by!

Melis

 

 

art with heart...

Good morning!  I've been invited to embark on a fun new adventure with my friend Eileen Hull.  She's such a talented designer with a heart of gold.  This team will be creating projects for the Art With Heart Challenge and I'm so excited to be part of it all!

As we get started with this first "New Beginnings" challenge, each designer was asked to share a few of their favorite projects that showcase their style in order to help you get a feel for what we're all about in this wonderful paper-crafting world.  I wanted to share a few things I've made using Eileen's Sizzix dies because that's what this Inspiration Team is all about...using her dies in creative and inspiring ways, so here we go.

My shabby, little owl was made using Eileen's Sizzix Suitcase.  I tend to venture outside the box every now and then, and this project is just one example.  I love soft, shabby, creamy, dreamy, pink, and sweet, so you'll notice that I used those elements in most of my projects in many different ways.  My original post where I go into more detail about this project can be found HERE.  

This project uses Eileen's darling Sizzix Scoreboard Caddy...I love this die and need to put it to use very soon.  After assembling and dressing up the caddy, I created a gift card set that fit snuggle inside.  You can see more details about this project HERE.  

 And, my last project to share with you uses Eileen's sweet Scoreboard Bird die.  I loved this die so much, I created a couple of project using it.  My original post can be found HERE.    

 

Here's a little bit about the Art With Heart Challenge:

The Art with Heart Challenge is a monthly celebration of creativity!  Each month the Inspiration Team will be showcasing their Art with Heart created with Eileen Hull’s innovative Sizzix dies. They will be following a broad theme left entirely open to creative interpretation.  We invite you to play along with us and share YOUR art with heart!

So, are you ready for the first Art With Heart Challenge?  

"You are invited to follow along with the Inspiration Teams lead and share your favorite projects (new or old) for the Art with Heart Kick -off challenge “New Beginnings”.   You have till April 3, 2014 to link up your projects  and be entered into the drawing for a fun prize.  Winners will be announced on Friday April 4, 2014.

We want you all to create freely there are no rules here, just a few simple guidelines…

Art with Heart Challenge Guidelines

1. Create a new project following the Art with Heart Challenge Theme (however you interpret the theme) OR if you have created something that fits the theme previously create a new post with a photo and link to the original post.

           *This a great way to expose older projects to fresh eyes!

2. Include a link to the current Art with Heart Challenge in your post so others can play along too!

          *Buttons and graphics are available for you to display in your sidebar if you would like to help us spread the word 

3. When linking up your project please include a direct link to your post.

4. You are not required to use Eileen Hull Products in your projects.  However, those who do use Eileen Hull products will be given two entries into the prize draw.

The Inspiration Team will be back with their first projects for our April Art with Heart Challenge on  Tuesday April 8, 2014.

Be sure to come back HERE each week on Tuesday to see more creative project ideas from the Inspiration Team and check out the latest entries in the challenge.  There is no shortage of inspiring ideas here so kick back and enjoy a healthy dose of creative inspiration!

*Art with Heart Challenge Winners will be announced the last Friday of the month. (Challenges will begin the first Tuesday of the month beginning in May)

That’s it!  So get going, get creative and share your Art with Heart!"

Hope you'll play along!

Melis 

 

introducing embellished elegance...

The new Embellished Elegance stamp set from Papertrey Ink is one of those effortless sets that only creates beauty :).  It is so easy and full of possibilities.  My first card uses this set very simply, without the coordinating dies...I did my best to attempt one layer, ha.

I began by stamping my Rustic Cream card base with the large "happy" using Raspberry Fizz ink.  I then started layering on the vines (Classic Kraft ink), leaves (Limeade Ice), and flowers, (Summer Sunrise, Berry Sorbet, Harvest Gold, and Raspberry Fizz).  That's all it took, so simple.  The second half of my sentiment was stamped on a die cut vellum Double Ended Banner and embossed using silver embossing powder.

Across the top I added a die cut Filigree Border cut from Basic Grey Highline paper, and then I added a strip of white cardstock that had been embossed using the Background Basics:  Diamonds Impression Plate.  I added a strip of White Silk ribbon and sequins to finish it off.  

My second card uses more layering.  I used the Monthly Moments:  Slide Frame die and By the Numbers paper to create a focal point of sorts, adhered it to a block of Crate Paper's Maggie Holmes Styleboard paper, and started building from there.  I die cut my "happy" and flowers all from Rustic Cream cardstock and used Smokey Shadow ink ("happy"), Raspberry Fizz, Limeade Ice, Summer Sunrise, Berry Sorbet, and Harvest Gold ink (flowers).

I used dimensional adhesive to add a lot of depth.  The second half of my sentiment was die cut from foil paper from the Make it Market Kit:  Luxe Letterpress, and the Double Ended Banners die.  I then embossed it in clear embossing powder.

A few sequins, adhesive pearls, and True Black Baker's Twine, and my card was finished.  I love this set and the dies just take it to a whole new level.

Thanks for visiting.  The other Papertrey Ink designers have used this set as well and have projects to share with you:

• Nichole Heady
• Betsy Veldman
• Cristina Kowalozyk
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Erin Lincoln
• Heather Nichols
• Laura Bassen
• Laurie Willison
• Maile Belles

introducing monthly moments: march...

 

Good Morning and welcome to a fun Papertrey Ink post that is all about the new Monthly Moments:  March products.  There is so much to love about the new stamp set and dies, not to mention the beautiful, fresh, and inspiring March color combination...it was just what I needed to jump start my creativity.

One of my most favorite products this month is the new Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 2 die...it's scalloped and just so sweet.  I love matting it on the Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 1 die, they look wonderful layered together as well as alone.  The large, stamped, die cut arrow on this page is a die from the Monthly Moments:  March die collection and is stamped with a sentiment from the coordinating stamp set. The tiny arrows shown throughout are from the new A Few Pointers stamp and die collection.

The card on the right, shown above, is stamped with images also from the Monthly Moments:  March stamp set.  The Monthly Moments:  March Journal Card Pad is WONDERFUL and filled with playful and happy patterns, phrases, and images.  You can see them in use throughout my pages.  I love running them through my printer and documenting memories that way.  

You can see the new Monthly Moments:  March stamp set and dies in use throughout as well.  The tiny arrows are the perfect addition for adding small sentiments or information about photos, memorabilia, etc.

I love this photo...be still my heart, I love documenting tender memories, big and small.  This page is about a family reunion we took our little one to when she was just tiny.  We snapped this photo of her with a few of her cousins and it has forever remained a favorite.  They die cut Tiny Tag attached to the top of the photo was stamped using an image from the new Journal Accessories stamp set.  Washi tape and small accents used here are there are from Freckled Fawn. 

My Tremendous Tag is stamped with another image from the Monthly Moments:  March stamp set and is then attached to a Monthly Moments journal card from the March Paper Pad.  The calendar card is from the Monthly Moments:  March digital download...so many cute images in this collection, you can see more below.

The gold hearts used throughout were die cut from gold foil paper found in the Make It Market Kit:  Luxe Letterpress, and use the Heart-2-Heart #11 die.  They make perfect little accents to the journal cards.

Here you can see another image from the Monthly Moments:  March digital download, and another tiny stamped die cut from the new A Few Pointers die collection.  

I used the Be Happy Scalloped Border die a couple of different times to dress up my pages just a bit, and you'll also notice some cute felt embellishments cut using a new and soon to be revealed product :).

The Monthly Moments:  March products have been a joy to work with.  I know you'll love them too!

Thanks for following along in my life's little story.  It's the greatest story of my life :).

Nichole Heady, Heather Nichols and Danielle Flanders have Monthly Moments projects to share with you as well...you are going to love them.

Melis

 

 

sharing spring...

Hello again!  I'm here with my second post for today...shocking that I'm here at all based on my track record, isn't it?  If you're looking for some Papertrey Ink goodness using new products, you can find my post HERE.  

I have a fun tutorial up on the Sizzix blog where I show how I made these sweet, spring favor cones.  I love Sizzix dies and pulled out my Brenda Walton Facted Cone and my adorable aqua blue Big Shot to get me started.  

The cones are so easy to assemble and give you a chance to use all of your favorite trinkets and trims on them to dress them up and add personality.

I used Freckled Fawn washi tape...

Melissa Frances trim and My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding...

Prima Flair buttons...

Trims and fabrics, American Crafts Dear Lizzy Layered Resin Flowers...

And, my favorite go-to dies including, the Sizzix Decorative Strip Medallion Die by Brenda Walton, and the Sizzix Summer Florals Decorative Strip, also by Brenda Walton.  My tutorial can be found here on the Sizzix blog. 

Thanks for stopping in!

Melis

 

introducing phrase play #2 and polka dot basics III...

Good Monday Morning!  I hope your week is off to a great start.  Today I bring you a few projects created using Papertrey Ink's new Phrase Play #2 and Polka Dot Basics III.  The Phrase Play #2 set adds a stamped sentiment to finish off the phrase, "I'll Always", that is available with the coordinating die, offering many different endings to your phrase.  It's a lot of fun to play with.

I pieced together die cut cardstock and paper, just like a puzzle, and then stamped my sentiment in watermark ink and embossed it using Stampendous Aged Rose.  I embellished with White Silk Ribbon and flowers cut from felt and paper using the new Bitty Button Stacks dies.  The gold die cut leaves use the Heart-2-Heart #7 die and remnants I have on hand from Betsy's Make It Market Kit:  Luxe Letterpress...I love having a stash of gold to turn to.

I used the Polka Dot Basics III stamp set to form a block of background color and embossed the polka dots in pinks, plums, and silver.  I used a stamped and embossed vellum feather using the Feather Finery stamp set and die, to form a soft accent for this card.

Next up, I used the dies left over from the Phrase Play #2 die and stacked them to form a shadow effect.  I finished my sentiment using the Phrase Play #2 stamp set and stamped it onto white cardstock cut using the Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts die.  

I then attached my heart to a die cut seed packet cut from Aqua Mist Bitty Dot.  I used the Be Happy scallop border die across the bottom and finished off with a few sequins.

On this card, I created a background of dots that resemble confetti using the Polka Dot Basics III stamp set and Sweet Blush, Lemon Tarts, Berry Sorbet, and Melon Berry ink.  

I then used the Phrase Play #2 die and coordinating patterned paper to create my sentiment and focal point and matted it onto more gold foil paper from the Luxe Letterpress kit.  

The sentiment was finished by stamping the second portion onto die cut vellum stamped and then embossed using Zing! Blush embossing powder.  The Double Ended Banners die and Heart-2-Heart #11 dies were used to create a handmade embellishment that goes right along with the sentiment.  I then finished the card with Orange Zest Baker's Twine.

My last card uses the Polka Dot Basics III stamp set along with the Phrase Play #2 die.  The polka dots were stamped onto a bock of Rustic Cream cardstock and embossed using Zing! Mustard embossing powder.  I then die cut the block of cardstock and used it as m focal point, adding in pops of red for my sentiment.

More sweet little Bitty Button Stack flowers were used and the remainder of my sentiment was stamped directly into the opening of the die.

Lots of fun new products waiting to be revealed and then enjoyed by you this month.  Thanks for stopping by.  These other ladies have lots to share with you today as well:

Nichole Heady

Betsy Veldman

Maile Belles

Dawn McVey

Melissa Bickford

Lizzie Jones

 

 

thank you xyron!...

Good Wednesday Afternoon!  I hope you've had a wonderful week so far.  Today I wanted to express my thanks to Xyron for sending me happy mail!  Don't you love it when a big box of unexpected goodness arrives?  Actually I don't care if it's expected or not, I just love packages on  my doorstep, he :).

Xyron and Teresa Collins have teamed up and look at these sweet pink wonders!  Adhesive in every variety...liquid glue, foam square, tape runners, a MEGA RUNNER nonetheless, a pink stapler, etc, etc...

A Xyron sticker maker, and the list goes on and on :).  Thank you Xyron for your generosity!.  

 These cards were create for the Teresa Collins blog and use the lovely new Save the Date collection.  

I'm crazy about the variety of patterns or paper available in this collection from stripes, to polka dots, to damask, to florals...a little something for everyone, I would say.

And, I love the sequins, large and small, and aqua and gold...

Wood chip shapes, stamps, die cuts, brads, enamel dots, cardstock stickers...all heavenly!

You can read more about these cards HERE on the Teresa Collins blog.

Enjoy your day friends.  I've got a little puker here with me today :), oh how I long for the winter bugs to go away and stay away.

Melis

 

thinking spring...

Today I've got my windows open and am letting in fresh air...it feels and smells so refreshing.  Saturday I started mucking out closets...it seems I have the spring cleaning bug and that also feels so good. I love cleaning away the dust of winter and creating some order after having everything bundled up because of the cold.

One of my most favorite places to visit for inspiration and one of my most favorite publications is Scrapbook & Cards Today .  It is a beautiful magazine filled with inspiring pages and the blog is always hopping with activity and fun as well as beautiful projects.  I was recently asked to guest post for Card Cafe Thursday.  You can read my post HERE.

I chose to focus on my favorite trends and paper-crafting supplies and created these cards to put those favorites to use.  My first and last cards use Crate Paper's new Styleboard collection...oh my!  It's the sweetest, most diverse and inspiring collection with so many different elements to create and have fun with...such a playground for paper-craft lovers!

I used Crate Paper's new Love Notes collection on my second card and had to use the darling and delicate transparencies and chipboard.  Shabby pink and aqua all the way to bold reds and blacks are included in this collection.  My washi tape and enamel dot come from Freckled Fawn.

And, I mixed in My Favorite Things stamps, dies, and stencils along with the Styleboard collection.  You can read my entire post and check out all of the details on the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog.

And, a little bit of news to share with you, if you're looking for a paper-crafting kit, whether you're into creating layouts or cards or anything in between, the Crop & Create Delivered, Spring Hello There Kit is up for grabs and is full of the freshest, juiciest, loveliest supplies, all put together perfectly.  I was asked to create a few cards with this kit and when you order your kit, you'll receive photos and instructions to recreate my cards plus projects from other designers.  You can read more HERE.    Here's a peek at a few of my projects and others included...so much fun and most definitely a breath of fresh air!

Enjoy your day and I'll be back with more soon.

Melissa

 

more monthly moments: february...

Well hi!  Before February slips entirely away,  I have another Papertrey Ink Monthly Moments spread to share with you, highlighting a few of my February memories.  I am still working on filling my 6x8 album, so everything you see here is designed to fit this smaller size.  The Simple Stories Pocket Pages can all be found HERE.  

I'm being more conscious to document and write down my thoughts instead of just letting the photos do all of the talking.  I have loved recording my memories and am thankful for the opportunity to put them in a special place for my little girl to reflect back on.  I used the Framed Love die here over my photo...I love how you can use this particular die as a photo overlay.

This first spread is all about my old, weathered, but beloved piano that my husband surprised me with early in our marriage.  It has become quite the centerpiece for us here as my little girl has taken a very special interest in it.  I used stamps from the Monthly Moments:  February stamp set here, with this particular stamp embossed in white on a die cut vellum Tremendous Tag.  The bitty felt leaves shown throughout were cut using the Heart-2-Heart #7 die.  

This sweet cluster of hearts is from the February digital download...one of my favorites.  The Memories die was cut using Smokey Shadow cardstock and the Wonderful Words:  Memories die.  

My second page uses paper from the February Journal Card Pad along with the Journal Card 1 die.  It's my secret weapon as I just love the rounded corners and polished look it lends. I even use it to cut cut my photos so that everything is uniform.   Once again, I used the Monthly Moments:  February stamp set on my little ticket stub.

I love using the Double Ended Banner die with sentiments and phrases from the Library Card Stamp set and the Slide Frame Stamp set.  And, it was fun to take a photo of some of my little girl's artwork and include it in my album...she feels extremely famous now :). I need to do that more often seeing how special it made her feel.

 

It's been a beautiful month, one I always will remember.  Hope you're enjoying your memory keeping too.

Melissa

 

P.S.  These other designers have Monthly Moments projects to share with you as well:

Heather Nichols

Danielle Flanders

Ashley Cannon Newell

 

 

strawberry patch revisited...

Good morning.  Today the Papertrey Ink Sr. Design Team are revisiting the beautiful Strawberry Patch stamp set.  I have always loved this set, so I was happy to pull it out and put it to use as we welcome in March.  It sure came in like a lion here!

I wanted to see what the lovely images in Strawberry Patch would look like using the watercolor technique and I loved how it all turned out.  I used cardstock from the Make It Market:  Luxe Letterpress kit and found that it works beautifully with this technique.  My color palette includes Berry Sorbet (berries and flower centers), Melon Berry (berries), Sweet Blush (berries), Classic Kraft (outline and vines), Limeade Ice (strawberry tops), Spring Moss (leaves), and Aqua Mist (blossoms).  

I then created a focal point for my card by layering a small glassine bag with a Tremendous Tag, Aqua Mist felt cut sing the Perfect Patches die, and then die cut and water-colored strawberries.  I stamped part of my sentiment on the Tremendous Tag in Melon Berry and the remainder of my sentiment I embossed in white on the glassine bag.

My next project is a stitching bag I made for my little girl.  She loves sketching patterns and words on muslin and then grabbing a needle and thread and stitching them out...she's made some sweet creations.

With her in mind, I made a simple bag from some of my favorite fabric and then embellished the front with die cut and hand stamped Strawberry Patch images.  I first inked my large berry stamp in Melon Berry and then a portion of it in Pure Poppy to try and achieve a sun kissed look.  They are adhered onto Vintage Cream and Melon Berry felt cut using the Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts and Heart Stitches dies.  

The top is tied with tea stained twill and Orange Zest Baker's Twine.  A perfect spot for her to keep her needle, threads, and ongoing projects.

Thanks so much for visiting.  Hope you have a wonderful Saturday.

These other ladies have projects to share with you today using Strawberry Patch too:

Betsy Veldman

Heather Nichols

Dawn McVey

Maile Belles