hello happiness...

 

This week has been Spring Break for my little girl, and it has been so much fun.  I think we've done a little bit of just about everything from traveling, to shopping, movies, time with family and friends, some good food, a new batch of kittens, kite flying, and now some relaxing.  My husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this week too.  My how quickly those years have flown by.  But yet, I feel as if there hasn't been a day that I haven't known him and that I have loved him forever, and know that to be true.  He's off turkey hunting now, enjoying life and all of the things that bring him happiness, and I'm enjoying the beautiful hanging, flower baskets he surprised me with, right out my window hanging on our front porch.

The cactus and Indian Paintbrush are ready to bloom and will sprinkle the desert with color for a while, things that bring me happiness.

I love the thought of new life and promises on the horizon as spring settles in.  It's such a special time of year and I find that it inspires me creatively as well.  I made this fun little spring creation for Sizzix, inspired by what I see around me and the supplies I have on hand and enjoy using.  

I've whipped up a short tutorial for you HERE where you can see how I used the Sizzix Camellia die to create a shabby, layered flower, and then nestled it in an empty wooden spool.

I pulled out my favorite tea stained fabric scraps, cream burlap, stamped paper bag, trim, some Crate Paper Styleboard elements, vintage button, and My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding...love how it all came together.

And, it's time to play a little catch up with my Emma's Paperie projects, created over the last few weeks.  I always have so much fun creating for Emma's and shopping for my favorite products there as well.  This first card was created for a stamping challenge, so I pulled out my Maya Road stamps and embossing powder and set to work.

Glittered chipboard, tulle trim, Kraft envelopes, etc.  Such fun trinkets to combine all in one.

My suppy list for this card can be found HERE in case you see anything you'd like to snag and use yourself.

I have always loved My Mind's Eye products....just looking at their different collections make me happy, but using them is even more fun.  This card uses the new Now & Then Mildred collection and was also created for Emma's Paperie.

 

And, lovely May Arts silk ribbon....love this fun, thin width as it makes the most beautiful double bows.  You can fund a complete supply list for this card HERE.  

There's a fun, new sketch at Emma's Paperie and I created this card based on that sketch.  You can find it HERE as well as the supply list for this card.

I used My Mind's Eye, Prima, Kaisercraft, October Afternoon, and beautiful, wide, silk May Arts ribbon on this card.

Hearts are my number 1 most favorite shape...I am a sucker for them, so it was fun layering different sizes, shapes, and patterns of hearts here and then accenting with some fun Prima wood shapes.  I love the natural look and feel that wood elements bring in.  

We were challenged at Emma's Paperie to also create projects that bring in texture, so I used woodgrain paper, a mulberry rolled flower, and bark die cut hearts to go along with this challenge.  

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

This was such a fun challenge, one of my most favorite yet, I think.  

If you're in the mood to find yourself some beautiful new products, maybe fresh and springy, Emma's has oodles to choose from.  

And, before I go, a new card for the Festive Friday challenge blog.  Oh how I love the inspiring photos posted every couple of weeks.  And, as crazy as it sounds, I love digging out my holiday stash of supplies, and combining them with soft pastels, even as spring settles in.

You can find out more about this challenge and create something of your own to play along if you'd like.  I used Papertrey Ink's In the Meadow, 2010 Holiday Tags, and the Big and Bold Holiday Wishes stamp sets on this card, a Melissa Frances resin applique, My Mind's Eye paper, and more scrunched seam binding from My Craft Spot.

Happy shopping and creating.

Melis

Comments

[Patty O'Malley]

Oh, Melis! I love your sweet spring creation with the little speckled eggs! And your cards are always a delight to see! I, too, love to bring out my Christmas crafting stash no matter what the time of year. I wish you and your family a very Happy Easter!

[Holly T]

All beautiful projects Melissa! You have the most amazing talent!

[Gabby]

Darling deco and super cards! Love them all! TFS your thoughts on spring, love and life. Happy Belated 15th Anniversary! :)

[Becky Green]

Oh my! ALL of your creations are breath-taking, Melissa! (sigh!) I can see you enjoy creating them as they are so wonderful & just peaceful! Your post just flows with beauty! Aren't husbands wonderful? I love my husbands surprises too! Happy Anniversary! :) And MANY MORE!:)

[Patty O'Malley]

Ooops! I forgot to wish you and your husband a Happy Anniversary and many more!

[jan m]

Oh my goodness, love that MME chair! Funny how some things just capture your heart. So many beautiful looks Melis, all different with special little touches!! Just can't pick a fav, like having my little bit of Melis in many styles!

[nkmac]

Melissa, another thing we have in common...our wedding anniversary is April 18th...we just celebrated our 50th...now you officially know I am OLD> Ha....
Love the Christmas Silver Noel...want to do that one!!...We are still waiting for spring in Ohio!!!