LilyBean Paperie

make it market kit: county fair...

County fairs are the highlight of the summer!  From quilt shows to pie baking contests, midway rides and gunny sack races, fair days are filled with old-fashioned down home goodness...and this kit is reminiscent of all those things.  The NEW! County Fair Kit designed by Betsy Veldman exclusively for Papertrey Ink is full of specialty items that will instantly bring back summer memories when you open up your box!  If paper crafting is all about *fun* for you, then you are definitely gonna want to get your hands on this kit!  Of course there are gorgeous limited edition stamps and innovative dies, but all of the special little extras that are included are truly inspiring!  You will love mixing and matching all of the unique embellishments on your cards and experimenting with the fabulous packaging supplies to wrap up some special gifts!

 

Here are a few things I made using contents of this kit...I love, love, love every little bit of what's included.

 

This card uses the County Quilt Block die, the County Fair stamp set, patterned paper, and the County Fair Medallion die, which I used across the bottom of my card to form a decorative border.

 

I used some felt scraps I had on hand along with the County Fair dies to create a tiny cluster of flowers in the center of my quilt.  

I love the images and fonts used in the County Fair stamp set...just sweet and charming.

 

 

I used the fun peanut bag for my next project to create gift packaging.

I combined it with the Medallion die, tickets trimmed into banners, and stamped and die cut cherries.

I stapled tickets to my straws to make little flags and tucked them inside the peanut bag.

And then my medallion placed over a County Fair ribbon to finish off my package.  Super sweet and ready to share.

My last card uses the County Fair Bandanna Cover Plate die, which is truly irresistible.  I layered it over County Fair paper, added a contrasting print at the top of my card, and then added a County Fair Words die to form my sentiment.

The Burlap ribbon included in this kit is full of texture and character.  It along with the other trimmings are perfectly suited for the County Fair.

So much to love.  Here are the details of what the kit contents are:

 

-County Fair stamp set (2 sheets)
-County Fair die collection
-County Fair Words die collection
-County Fair Medallion die collection
-County Quilt Block die
-Bandana Cover Plate die
-County Fair Patterned Paper Pad (8-1/2" x 11")
-Custom County Fair Ribbons (set of 3)
-Berry Baskets (set of 4)

-1 popcorn box

-1 peanut bag

-County Fair Paper Straw Collection
Cherry Pie Swiss Dot Paper Straws (set of 2)
Dark Denim Stripe Paper Straws (set of 2)
Buttermilk Yellow Stripe Paper Straws (set of 2)
Cotton Candy Blue Chevron Paper Straws (set of 2)
Pink Lemonade Stripe Paper Straws (set of 2)

-County Fair Mini Clothespin Collection
Cherry Pie Mini County Clothespins (set of 5)
Dark Denim Mini County Clothespins (set of 5)
Buttermilk Yellow Mini County Clothespins (set of 5)
Cotton Candy Blue Mini County Clothespins (set of 5)
Pink Lemonade Mini County Clothespins (set of 5)

-County Fair Ticket Collection
Cherry Pie Customizable County Fair Tickets, set of 8
Dark Denim Customizable County Fair Tickets, set of 8
Pink Lemonade Customizable County Fair Tickets, set of 8
Buttermilk Yellow Customizable County Fair Tickets, set of 8

-County Fair Fibers Collection
5/8” Burlap Cherry Pie Center Stitch Ribbon (1 yard)
5/8” Burlap Dark Denim Center Stitch Ribbon (1 yard)
2mm Cotton Candy Blue Paper Cord (1 yard)
5/8” Pink Lemonade Wired Raffia Bow String (1 yard)

 

The total retail cost of this kit is $105. There will be a limited number of these exclusive kits available so be sure to get yours tomorrow! The County Fair Kit will be available for sale beginning on August 1st at 10pm EST, only at Papertrey Ink. Read all the details on Nichole's blog or contact Customer Service with any questions.

These other designers have special projects using this kit to share with you today as well:

 

Betsy Veldman

Heather Nichols

Danielle Flanders

Dawn McVey

 

Enjoy!

Melis

remember...

 

Hello Dear Friends.  Just popping in to check on you all.  I hope you've been well.  I am wonderful.

My tags today are nothing new, posted a while ago, but are all I have to share right now.  My heart is full, my hands are busy, I have much to love and be thankful for.

 

I am soaking in motherhood and all of that wonders that it holds...grateful to get a chance to be a mom :).  We have temper tantrums, come-a-parts, sass that never quits, and many other not so pretty and perfect moments, but life doesn't have to be perfect to be pretty amazing.

I just tucked mine into bed and love getting to do so.  This quote means so much to me.

See you very soon!

Melis

enjoy today...

Hey there!  Happy 'nother day over 100 degrees :).  Gosh, I'm a whiner.  It's always over a 100 here, so what's my problem.  Just feeling snarky at the non-stop sunshiny, no rain, happy, hot, dry weather.  I'm kind of craving some gloomy storm clouds and a nice, summer storm.  I think a Coke will make me feel better :).  A Coke and chocolate, now that's a good idea. Oh, but wait...my chocolate gets all melty in my fingers before it makes it to my mouth, or melts on the way home, or in my purse, or...there I go complaining again.

See these utterly irresistible, to die for, heart shaped sunglasses?  I adore them, and they are a die from Sizzix.  Yep, it's true.  You can die cut tiny sunglasses 'til the cows come home, in all different colors and with sparkles, etc.  The die is from Marisa Pawelko and is the Sunglasses die found HERE. I cut mine twice, once from patterned paper, Fresh Cut from Basic Grey, and the second time from Aqua vellum, by Studio Calico.  I just inserted the vellum inside the frames and instant cuteness was born!

The paper vellum tape, and chipboard ice cream cone and flowers are all from Basic Grey's Fresh Cut collection.  The tag, ribbon, and cardstock sticker are from Crate Paper's Oh Darling collection.

And, seeing as how I've been chatting about vellum yet again, let's just keep on chatting about it.  My next card uses more aqua vellum and another die from Sizzix called the Mini Envelope die.

I just assembled it and dumped in a few sequins, and secured it with a bit of washi and chipboard hearts.  So fun.  I'll be trying this again and again, I'm sure.

Across the bottom I created a border using the Sizzix Lush Lips die.  

The paper, frame, journal card, bow, and chipboard are all from Crate Paper's Oh Darling collection once again.  Can't get enough of a good thing, can you?
Well, that's it for me.  I'm off to Idaho, lovely, lovey Idaho.  My husband has signed us up for a mini-triathlon, The Spudman, bless his heart.  I'm supposed to swim a mile down the Snake River.  Sound fun?  I'm not so sure.  If you never see another post from me again, you'll know why.

Enjoy today :).

Melis

lunch box love notes...

Where I live, it's almost back-to-school season, and that means all sorts of things for my little girl like new clothes, notebooks and pencils, a new routine, a new grade level, and of course a new lunchbox.  With her in mind and this fun time of year, I've create a few lunchbox love notes to include with her peanut butter and jelly for the first few days of school.

The Crate Paper Oh Darling collection is the perfect mix of colors, patterns, embellishments, and phrases for a project like this, but if you've got a little guy who is ready to head back to school, Crate Paper's Boys Rule will most definitely come in handy!

I began each card with a white card base.  I love starting a card this way because I love watching the colors and patterns pop as I start layering them.  My first card doesn't contain a scrap of paper, I let the die cuts, Wood Veneer piece, cardstock stickers, and layered StandOut stickers do all of the work.

Creating with layers is something I love doing because it makes me want to touch and explore my card when it's complete and hopefully the recipient will feel the same way.  

Before adding any paper or embellishments to this second card, I began with a little stamping using the No Strings Attached stamp set from Papertrey Ink.  I used a bit of paper from the Oh Darling 6x6 Paper Pad across the bottom of this card followed by a die cut file folder.  I then started layering coordinating items on top.

Items such as a snippet/phrase cut from the Cardstock Cut-Out sheet, a chipboard banner, a layered paper flower, and a cardstock sticker.

 

Lastly, I began this card with a Photo Overlay that extends off the left edge of my card a bit.  I love the softness overlays add.

I then layered a chipboard shape with two Photo Overlays creating a frame around the sweet image of the little girl.  I stapled these directly to my card and then added a few more layers on top.

The Wood Veneer pieces are some of my favorite embellishments, but I love the tiny chipboard flowers as well.  Not to mention the Sweetie Banners Printed Thickers...I could never choose :).  A layered die cut and one more Wood Veneer piece and this lunchbox love note is ready to share with my little one very soon.

Now it's your turn.  Create a few handmade notes for your new student.  A sweet way to let them know that mom or grandma is thinking of them.

Emma's Paperie has a great selection of both the Oh Darling and the Boys Rule collections available.

I created this last card for Emma's Paperie using elements from Crate Paper's Styleboard collection and gathering inspiration for an inspirational photo found on the Emma's Paperie blog.

I love all of the different patterns and elements including in the Styleboard collection, with the touches of gold and the texture of cork.

I created this layered flower using patterned paper, cork, and burlap with my Sizzix Camellia dies.

 

A complete supply list for this card can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

I mentioned before that I am doing a major paper-crafting clean up here at home, and I'm packaging up my extras and selling them.  Ribbons, trims, paper, Cricut cartridges, stamps, chipboard, albums, mists, embellishments, etc.  These boxes are for sale here in my etsy shop.  Feel free to tell me what style, theme, colors, and supplies you'd like to see inside your care package.

Also, I am ready to get stitching again and will be making and selling more of my Hanging Heart Pincushions.  I'll be taking special orders and am happy to make you one in any color or theme you'd like.

Here are a few samples of those I have made over the years.

These can be purchased HERE in my etsy shop.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Enjoy your day and thank you for your visit!

Melissa

tinsel & company...

Good morning!  Thank you for all of the positive and uplifting thoughts and quotes left on my last post.  I truly appreciate you sharing a bit of yourself and a lot of your heart :).  This world needs more of this I tell you.  It's amazing to me how one person plus their outlook/attitude can either lift or tear down and personally I love surrounding myself with people who see the good and help me see it too.

Today I have a fun project to share with you created for the Sizzix blog using the Stocking Gift Holder die, (which I think I will wear right out), and new Teresa Collins paper and embellishments from the Tinsel & Company collection.  Gorgeous! 

This die allows you to make mini stockings from paper, fabric, felt, brown paper bags, newspaper, book pages, sheet music, the list goes on!  And, they are just the right size for a gift card or other small gift.  I love 'em and then come together so quickly.  I dressed mine up glittered gold paper, vintage trims, glitter, sequins, chipboard, etc.

You can check out my tutorial of how I put this together HERE on the Sizzix blog.

The winner of the Freckled Fawn OHDEERME July Embellishment kit, chosen randomly is, CHRISTAL MCLEAN who shared a quote found on Pinterest.

Christal, please email me at [email protected], leaving me your address, and I'll have your kit shipped out to you.

 

Before I go, I wanted to share a story that I recently heard in church.  It touched my heart and I have been thinking about it ever since.  I think it's because it beautifully summed up the feelings I experience as a wife and mother.  It speaks of a mother's love of her family, having them gathered around her in her care, with only each other to worry about.

“I love a winter storm. … When the wind starts to blow and the snow begins to fall, a feeling of excitement starts to build. … When I can’t see the trees at the neighbor’s farmyard, … I phone my husband! … He then picks up the children who are at school. … It is hard to describe the feelings I experience as our family is gathered home, and the storm rages outside. … And I love it! Everyone is safe; we are together. We have lots of food and water. The longer it lasts, the better. … We are shut off from the world. … We bask in the warmth of our home and in the warmth of our love. My heart is full, and I am at peace. Sometimes, I wish I could just stay like that forever, with my family gathered around me, protected, shut off from the evil influences of the world. But alas, the storm blows itself out eventually, we dig ourselves out, and off we go to face the world again.” ¹  Spiritually Strong Homes and Families  JOSEPH B. WIRTHLIN  Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I love the picture it paints, don't you?

Enjoy your day!

Melis

on this day, a giveaway!...

Oh yeah!  It's the weekend and it's a giveaway!  What could be better?  My friend AesaLina from Freckled Fawn has offered to give away one of July's OHDEERME Embellishment kits to a very lucky girl or guy.  I've mentioned before that I love these embellishment kits and look forward to them arriving every month, but this month is most definitely my favorite yet!  Take a look at the photo below showing you what is inside, and I've created a card just for the giveaway showing you a few things that are inside the kit and what you can do with them.  

I was sold instantly because of the hearts...chipboard, enamel, you name it.  I love, love, love the polka dot washi, and the wood chips are so much fun to add color and glitter to.  And, look at those tiny, sparkly stars!  I used Papertrey Ink's Note Niblets stamp set at the bottom of this card for my leaves, and then added OHDEERME July hearts and stars to the top of each stem to resemble flowers.

So much fun waiting to happen...a part in a pouch :).  Each monthly embellishment kit comes in a darling pouch that coordinates with the goodies found inside.  Sweetness!  And the kits are packed full and never disappoint.

Just leave me a comment here on this post telling me anything at all...what makes you happy, what you are grateful for, your favorite quote, whatever will uplift and inspire, and on Tuesday July 22nd, I'll pick a winner randomly and they'll receive this sweet, happy, gift in the mail.  Anyone can enter (international and domestic).

And how about a promotion code! Just enter the code "Lilybean" during checkout and you'll receive 20% off your order! (Code must be entered at checkout. No refunds for forgotten codes. Code expires July 25.)

Here are just a few of my favorite Freckled Fawn supplies.  Resin flowers!

Paper clips!  Arrows, stars, words, etc., but my favorite right now are these gold stars.

Doilies...yellow, white, square, pink, gold, and these lovely silver doilies.

And fabric washi...who can possibly resist?  All sorts of patterns and colors, but this is my fave.

Gotta run!  Enjoy some shopping and have a great weekend.

Melis

 

 

'tis the season...

Happy Friday!  It's soooo hot here in the desert...too hot to want to be outside, so we're enjoying summer from the inside today.

I had some time this week to make a card for the Festive Friday challenge blog.  It's such a beautiful color combination, definitely one of my faves.  Creamy whites with just a bit of natural color here and there.  You can see the inspirational photo below.

I used Papertrey Ink's Topiary Trio, Snowflake Medley, and Big & Bold Holiday Wishes stamp sets.  The scalloped die is from the Sizzix Stocking Gift Holder die, flower from Petaloo, and scrunched seam binding from My Craft Spot.

Here's the lovely photo.  Hope you'll play along.  You have two weeks and can read more about the challenge HERE.

It's also zucchini season around here and I love making zucchini bread.  The smell is heavenly and sometimes when I miss my mom and am homesick, I make my mom's zucchini bread just so it will smell a bit like home and remind me of her :).  

I have a few new projects up on the Emma's Paperie blog using fun Pebbles Inc. products.  One of them is this little tag and you can see more and find a complete list of the supplies I used HERE.

Here's another card I made for Emma's using Pebbles Inc. products.  I love, love, love their Americana collection.

Supplies for this card can be found HERE.

Hope you're enjoying your summer!  We've got a couple more road trips to fit in and then school will be starting once again :(.

Thanks for visiting.

Melis

 

 

 

 

candy cane lane...

I love this time of year because it's when all of the fun and festive new Christmas lines start to make their way to the craft stores and into my hands.  Teresa Collins has a couple of new Christmas collections...both so beautiful and detailed, and today I am sharing some cards made using the new Candy Cane Lane collection.

I used Candy Cane Lane acrylic stamps down the left side of my card, embossing the snowflakes in gold and then accenting with an enamel snowflake, and red and snowflake shaped sequins.

Some layered chipboard to the center of my card, accented with more enamel dots...

A bit of white silk ribbon, and this little card was complete.  I love the pops of red in this collection, but I LOVE the vintage flair too, such as in the card below.

Vintage images such as candy canes and a Santa, die cut tags and shapes, cardstock stickers, etc.  

Be still my heart :).  I adore this line and will be back shortly with more projects using it.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Melis

P.S.  You'll find 30 Days of Inspiration on Teresa Collins' blog...such beauty she creates.

P.P.S.  Papertrey Ink has yet another new Make it Market Kit, this one called County Fair.  I am in HEAVEN.  You must check it out.  Here is a sneak peek at what's inside and you can read more about this kit HERE.

 

P.P.P.S.  I am doing a major clean-out and have oodles of supplies to share.  I will pack up a big box of paper-crafting supplies to send your way, any theme you'd like, shabby, holiday, wedding, baby, etc. or any combination.  They are for sale HERE in my etsy shop.  Please specify what you'd prefer and I'll be sure to accommodate.  I have albums, chipboard, paper, cardstock stickers, metal tins, stamps, trims, Cricut cartridges, dies, etc.

papertrey ink july...

Hello You!  I'm back yet again with more Papertrey Ink July release projects.  Let's get right to it, shall we?  My first card uses the new Big Ticket Additions stamp set and let me warn you...it's addicting.  I have used it over and over again and love it so much, a definite favorite.

If you haven't noticed yet, I have a fetish for my Gelatos of late, so hang in there, many of my cards use them, including this card.  I swiped soft color across my ticket, attached a new Wet Paint Cuts II die, and layered these over the new Tag Sale #11 die.

 I used the Wet Paint Alphabet stamp set across the bottom of my card to create a sweet, soft background.

For my next card, I used the new Botanical Blocks II stamp set and added color to my stamped flower using Gelatos once again.  I wanted to create a collage look, so after adding color, I stamped a background using Fine Linen ink and the Background Basics:  Postmarks set.  

I then stamped my sentiment on aqua vellum using the new Keep it Simple:  Thinking of You stamp set and white embossing powder.  I then framed everything using the new Tag Sale #11 die.

Across the bottom, I added to my sentiment and attached banners cut using patterned paper and the Sketched Shapes dies.

Ok, confession time...not sure I really love this next card.  I love the stamp set, but am not crazy about a technique I tried, and didn't quite have time to trash it and try again and still have light to photograph it.  So, be gentle :).

The new Phrase Play #6 stamp set and die is used here and it's so cute.  I think it may be my most favorite Phrase Play yet.  I added color to the negative spaces of my die using Gelatos, and used the new Note Niblets set in the background to add some florals.

I used layered butterflies cut using patterned paper and the Beautiful Butterflies dies and dressed up the middle with Melon Berry Note Niblets dies, and White Silk ribbon.  So, for you curious souls who want to know what NOT to do, I will tell you what I wouldn't do next time around on this card.  I was playing around with my white Gelato and lightly smeared it across my Kraft and am not sure I love it used that way.  I'll keep playing around and experimenting with it though.

My next couple of cards are a bit more masculine in nature and were so much fun to create.  This first card uses the new Monthly Moments:  Travel Plans stamp set along with the Big Ticket Additions set.

I used cork on both cards along with the new Wet Paint Cuts II dies...cork is crazy fun, isn't it?

This card uses the new Get Lost stamp set along with Big Ticket Additions, and Monthly Moments:  July and Travel Plans.

See, I told you I love Big Ticket Additions.  Once you start, you just can't stop :).  The paper used on this is from the Monthly Moments:  July Journal Card Pad.  

So, that's it for another fun Papertrey Ink release.  All of the fun embellishments used, wood chips, stars, washi, resin flower, are from Freckled Fawn.

Be sure to visit these other designer's blog for more ideas using these new sets.

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

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

Hello You Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Wet Paint Alphabet and Big Ticket additions
Ink:
Sweet Blush
Tools:
Tag Sale #11, Wet Paint Cuts II, and Big Ticket dies
Accents:
Aqua Mist button

With Sympathy Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Botanical Blocks II, Keep it Simple: Thinking of You
Ink:
Fine Linen
Tools:
Tag Sale #11, Sketched Shapes, and Scribbled Circles
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush and White
Accents:
Sweet Blush button

Sending You Lots of Love Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Phrase Play #6, Note Niblets
Cardstock:
Kraft, White, and Spring Moss Bitty Dot
Tools:
Beautiful Butterflies, Phrase Play #6, Note Niblets, and Double Ended Banners die
Accents:
White Silk, Sweet Blush button, Melon Berry felt

Today...Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Monthly Moments: Travel Plans, Big Ticket Additions
Ink:
Spring Rain, Fine Linen, Smokey Shadow
Cardstock:
Vintage Cream and Kraft
Tools:
Monthly Moments: Journal Card 1, Wet Paint Cuts II, Big Tickets
Accents:
Pure Poppy felt

Enjoy the Trip...Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Get Lost, Monthly Moments: July, and Monthly Moments: Travel Plans
Ink:
Spring Rain, Enchanted Evening, Fine Linen
Cardstock and Paper:
Monthly Moments: July Journal Card Pad, Kraft, Vintage Cream
Tools:
Monthly Moments: March, Wet Paint Cuts II, Big Ticket
Accents:
Pure Poppy Felt

designer phone case inspiration...

Hello again and welcome back to another Papertrey Ink group post.  I have a feeling that you'll love these newest products just as much as I do.   Papertrey Ink has a new line up of stitching dies, with the focus on phones and creating handmade phone cases for birthdays, holidays, and any occasion in between.

These come together in a snap and after you finish one, you'll want to begin again.  I used the Phone Case and Phone Case Details dies along with Spring Moss, Vintage Cream, and Autumn Rose felt.  I chose to use the argyle stitching dies and challenged myself to glam and shabby them up a bit, so after stitching them with pink thread, I die cut vintage trim and adhered it in the negative spaces left behind.

I then used the new Note Niblets dies to cut sweet and tiny felt flowers to embellish here and there.  I finished off my phone case with some Vintage Cream Twill secured at the top.

I used the Phone Case Details die to create a card to show you just how versatile these dies can be...and wouldn't you know it, I chose to use the stitched heart die :).

I began by cutting a Sweet Blush Tag Sale #1 die and then used the stitched heart die from the Phone Case Details die collection to punch out holes for me to add hand stitching to.  I then framed in my stitched heart using a Vintage Cream heart cut using the Framed Out #11 die.  Before adhering it over my stitched heart, I stamped it with Spring Moss ink using the Background Basics:   Stitching stamp set.  

I also used this same background set down the right side of my card using Sweet Blush ink.  The sentiment and flowers on my tag were stamped using the Note Niblets set once again with die cut flowers using the coordinating die collection.  A bow tied with White Silk ribbon was used to finish off my card.

These new dies are just so much fun and so clever, wouldn't you say?  Quick, easy, and inexpensive gifts for anyone and everyone :).

I can't wait to see what the other design team members have come up with.  Follow the links below to visit their blogs:

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

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

wish you were here...

Welcome back!  My cards today were prepared for Papertrey Ink's second group post showcasing three new stamp sets and coordinating dies which are all about travel and going somewhere special.

I couldn't wait to make a Christmas card using the new Pack Your Bags stamp set.  This set consists of luggage images that can be stacked or stand alone along with darling sentiments suitable for many occasions.  I combined the Over the River sentiment from this set with a couple of older holiday sets including, Holly Jolly and Year of Flowers:  Poinsettias stamp sets.  Around the edges of my Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 1, I used an image from another new stamp set, the Monthly Moments:  Travel Plans set.

My next card uses the new These United States stamp set and coordinating dies along with the new Tag Sale #11 dies.

I can't tell you how much fun this stamp set is...totally a new concept for my shabby self...but I loved using it and adding in patterns and such to make it my own.  Of course, it was fun to make my beloved Nevada center stage.

You'll love the sentiments in this set...truly unique and heartfelt for so many occasions.

Lastly, one more card using the Pack Your Bags stamp set, this one girl-ified and pink.  Perfect maybe for friends or mother/daughter.

I centered my small suitcase/overnight bag on a stamped Fillable Frames #10 stamp and die and added in florals using images from the new Note Niblets stamp set.

So, are you looking forward to creating with these new stamps and dies?  You'll have a blast...promise.

Thanks for visiting.

Melis

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

monthly moments: July...

Hey there.  I've got a fun card to share with you today using Papertrey Ink's new Monthly Moments:  July stamp set and July download.  You can check back here in a few days and I'll have July Monthly Moments pages to share with you...but here's a little peek at what July has in store for you :).

I used an image from the Monthly Moments:  July stamp set down the side, on one of the banners tucked under the "go" printable, and across the bottom of the printable card.

This card came together so quickly, as does everything using the coordinating Monthly Moments products.

See you soon...until then, check out more from the design team below:

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

freckled fawn/scrapbook adhesives blog hop...

Hi again!  Today I'm back with a few fun products using Freckled Fawn's July OHDEERME embellishment kit and Scrapbook Adhesives products...love their sticky stuff :).

All of the fun items used on my cards can be found within the July embellishment kit...this has to be my most favorite kit yet!  It's full of such fun and unique findings...I especially love the large wood chip shapes.

I added some Studio Calico Mister Huey color mist to my wood chip and then coated it with glitter.  I found that the Scrapbook Adhesives Dodz work so wonderfully well adhering items snuggly to my cards, so for my embellishments, I used Medium Dodz.  

I always use my Scrapbook Adhesives tape runner to adhere my paper to my card base and I love that if I make a mistake and need to adjust my centering or something, it's adjustable.  Here's a peek at the Scrapbook Adhesives products I used and below are a few more cards created with these adhesives and my Freckled Fawn goodies.

Check out the Scrapbook Adhesives blog for more creative ideas!

Thanks for visiting.

Melis

introducing birthday classics: August...

Hello Sunshines!  It's day 1 of the July Papertrey Ink new releases and today I have the pleasure of sharing with you the new Birthday Classics:  August stamp set.  I have so enjoyed Dawn's Birthday Classic series and love being able to pull out a set for appropriate months and customize special birthday cards.

This first card uses the large image from this stamp set and I have stamped it on aqua vellum using watermark ink and then heat embossed it using white embossing powder.  It is framed in using the Monthly Moments:  Instant Photo 2 die with Background Basics:  Wrought Iron stamped across the bottom in Spring Moss ink.  I accented a portion of the image by stamping it on a strip of Vintage Cream using Melon Berry ink, and then attached it to a Double Ended Banner die in order to add a little interest and make the sentiment pop a bit.  A bow tied from White Silk ribbon was added to bring in a feminine touch and finish the card off.

At the bottom I've used more images from the Birthday Classics:  August stamp set and stamped them using Aqua Mist and Melon Berry ink.

I pulled out my Gelatos for this next card, embossing the image using white embossing powder and then adding color from Gelatos and a bit of water to make the sentiment show through.  I love the soft, dreamy effect.

I added coordinating sequins and tiny stars left over from the Super Star Border die cut from Sweet Blush cardstock.

Across the bottom I added my Super Star Border and also a stamped sentiment using the new Banner Sentiments stamp set and Double Ended Banners die.

I had lots of fun mixing in a butterfly die from the Life Is Beautiful die collection on this card.  I cut the butterfly in half and adhered each half under a Tag Sale #1 stamped using the Birthday Classics:  August stamp set and Simply Chartreuse ink.  I used the small flower from this stamp set and stamped the background of the tag using Sweet Blush ink.

At the bottom corner of my tag I added Vintage Cream felt flowers and Limeade Ice felt leaves cut using the new Note Niblets die collection.  The centers of my flowers are embellished using Berry Sorbet and Summer Sunrise buttons.

I used Melon Berry Polka Dot paper along with paper from the Road Trip paper pad.

Lastly, this card uses other phrases from the Birthday Classics:  August stamp set.  I stamped "August" onto a Tremendous Tag cut from Vintage Cream cardstock and then swiped on some pale color using my waterbrush and Getlatos once again...kinda hooked on my Gelatos, which are a new-to-me find :).

The Tremendous Tag is nestled in the center of a new Tag Sale...which you'll learn more about soon :).

Across the bottom, I added my sentiment using Melon Berry ink.  

If you haven't yet treated yourself to one or two of the mini stamp sets in the Birthday Classic series, I think you deserve to...cards for special people come together so quickly and add such a personal touch.

Thanks for visiting!  Be sure to visit the blogs listed below to see even more new release items.

Melis

Nichole Heady

Heather Nichols

Ashley Cannon Newell

Lizzie Jones

Dawn McVey

Melissa Bickford

 

catching my breath...

How did summer possibly become so busy?  I didn't mean for it to...but it has taken on a life of its own, and it's all wonderfully fun and memorable, maybe not the laundry in between trips and campouts, but we can handle that, right?  I have just returned from a week away at Girls Camp...lots of teenage girls, repelling, hiking, cooking, some pranks on their very naive leader :), etc.  But I truly loved it and had so much fun.  Here's to next year :)!

Now it's time to pack up and head to Yellowstone with my little family and my bigger family, my brothers, their wives, my nieces and nephews, and my sweet parents.  This is where they wanted to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, going back to the place we went as a family just about every summer of my life.  We have so many great memories there and I am looking forward to some fresh, mountain air, some stinky hot pots, ice cream at Fishing Bridge and Old Faithful, floating the river, and kissing some chubby little nephews' cheeks that I haven't seen for such a long time.  We all live so far apart, that getting together is a rarity and an incredible treat.

I have lots of posts scheduled while I'm away, so check back for lots of action here on my blog.  For now, here are a few cards I have recently created for Emma's Paperie.  This first card is based on the June color challenge.  Supplies for this card can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

Next up, this card is based on a sketch you can find at Emma's Paperie...love the colors in this sweet card.

Supplies for this card can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

And lastly, this card was created with Studio Calico as our focus.  I'm a sucker for the fun tidbits and embellishments that Studio Calico carries, so this was a lot of fun to put together.

Supplies for this card can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

Before I pack my bags and head out again, thank you to all for your sweet birthday greetings and thoughts on 40.  Loved every note that was sent my way.

The winner of the My Favorite Things giveaway is.............Debby!  And, here is her comment...I wanted to share it with you:

"Having survived cancer, here are my thoughts: Age is just a number and it's mind over matter...if you don't mind, it don't matter! Enjoy every day and embrace the little things. Time flies whether you're having fun or not, so I choose to have fun. Happy Birthday and eat more cake."

Debby, thank you for sharing a bit of your heart with me.  Please email me at [email protected] and leave me your address and I'll mail out your stamping goodies.

Thanks for everything friends!

Melis

my very merry birthday...

It's my birthday and I'm the big, old, honkin' 40 :).  I'm embracing the beast, taking it by the horns, and am gonna love growing older and will hopefully grow up just a bit.  One of my cute little young women that I teach in church told me the other day that she thought I was 29, and then told me 40 was like, so old :).  I puffed my chest out for a little bit, and then realized that maybe that wasn't such a super compliment, ha.  My friends have been prepping me for quite some time now and have been telling me about all of the fantastic things that magically happen when you hit the 40's, so heck...let's have a party!  I have a giveaway to share with you today, just because I'm feeling all happy and giddy.

Are you a Scrapbook & Cards Today fan? Do you love My Favorite Things stamps and dies? Then you'll want to win this giveaway! I took part in the SCT Summer 3DC challenge and accidentally ended up with two sets of some super cute stamps and dies from MFT. Would you like to win the extra set? Leave a comment on this post and I'll draw a random winner on July 5th.  Oh, and be sure to check out the FREE summer issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today and see how these stamps and dies are used by 3 other designers...such a beautiful publication!

 

Here are a couple of cards I created using the items found in the designer challenge.  I had so much fun using these products paired together and love, love, love the My Favorite Things Trendy Triangles Stamp Set and Die-namics Triangles.

 

Here's a closer look at what I'll be sending one lucky gal or guy :).

So, just leave me a comment here on this post...tell me what marvelous life lessons 40 brought your way, or just say hi, or maybe tell me what flavor of birthday cake is your favorite, or whatever floats your boat.  See how relaxed and low-maintenance I am now that I'm 40?  It's amazing.  Oh, and I love my mom's homemade double decker chocolate cake more than anything in the world.  What I wouldn't give for a piece right now.  I would be happy with a bowl of homemade chocolate frosting though too.  Love you Mom.

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

 

 

 

on the farm revisited...

Good morning!  Welcome to July's Papertrey Ink Sr. Team Challenge.  This month we are revisiting the well-loved On the Farm stamp set.

Being a country girl, I love everything about this set, especially the animals :).  For my first card I drew inspiration from this photo and created a card with stacked animals.  After stamping my animals in Aqua Mist, Melon Berry, Pure Poppy, Spring Moss, and Classic Kraft, I used my Woodgrain Impression Plate to add some texture over the stamped images.

(photo from allposters.com)

I stamped my sentiment using Smokey Shadow ink and then added Fine Linen Grosgrain and a layered flower cut using the Ruby Rose dies from elements such as vintage trim, burlap, and cork. The center of my layered flower is embellished with a resin flower from the Pansy collection.

My second card was inspired by the photo below...I LOVE weather vanes and sure hope that one day I'll have one attached to a big, red, barn.  I began with Classic Kraft cardstock and started building from there after stamping my pig at the base.  I used the Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 1 and a Journal Card Borders die.  

(photo from ivillage.com)

My scene started with Classic Kraft for the vintage frame and then Summer Sunrise, Spring Moss, and Pure Poppy were added to complete it.  A strip of cork down the side, off set by the Hogs and Kisses sentiment on the other side, and this simple card came together quite quickly.

I'll forever love this stamp set.

These other designers have projects to share with you today as well using the On the Farm stamp set.

*Betsy Veldman

*Dawn McVey

*Heather Nichols

*Maile Belles

more monthly moments: june...

Happy July!  I love this month with all of its celebrations :).  Today I'm here with a couple of last Papertrey Ink Monthly Moments:  June pages.

My Little Sunshine was 9 months old here and I remember my days with her so clearly.  

I used up some remaining journal cards from the Monthly Moments:  June Journal Card Pad along with images from the June download.  I added in stamping using the Monthly Moments:  June stamp set along with the June die.  A Sketched Star die was a fun touch to add to highlight the "shine" theme of this page.

I used Tremendous Tags, Stitched With Love, and Ruby Rose dies here along with Spring Moss and Harvest Gold felt and a Spring Rain button.

At the top of this photo I used the new Tabbed Stamp set and coordinating dies and added in more felt flowers using the Flipping Out die collection.

I used the same elements here on my second page, starting with my Monthly Moments:  June Journal Card pad and building from there like adding in images from the June download, Monthly Moments:  June stamp set, and the same dies as used above.

I added in a few embellishments such as the metal star clips, enamel hearts, and wood chip speech bubble from Freckled Fawn.

I love remembering this happy, sweet, June baby :).

Thanks for visiting!

These other designers have more Monthly Moments:  June projects to share with you as well:

Heather Nichols, Ashley Cannon Newell, and Danielle Flanders.