LilyBean Paperie

wonderland...

Hello Friends.  I hope your Thanksgiving holiday was wonderful and full of sweet memories with your loved ones.  Here we were surrounded with family and I'm happily looking back on the last few days with gratitude and a heart full of thanks.  I don't feel I deserve the family I have, the family I gained through marriage, and count myself lucky to be part of something so special.

I recently approached my friend Shelley, owner of the etsy shop, A Flair for Buttons, and asked her if she would pretty please create a set of pink flair buttons, in my favorite vintage style.  She was sweet enough to make my request happen and today I get to share with you these sweet little buttons.  She's even named a collection after me...you can find them right HERE.  

I created a couple of projects to share with you today using these darling embellishments.  My card uses the retro pink Santa image along with paper and chipboard from the Candy Cane Lane collection by Bo Bunny Press.  The scrunched seam binding is from My Craft Spot.

I love my DecoArt Chalky Finish paint and whipped up another jar using this fun element.  I added a stamped tag to the front using the Rustic Wreath stamp set from Papertrey Ink, another Flair Button, a junk bow, and a Martha Stewart flower.

You'll be seeing many more projects using A Flair for Buttons...can't wait to share them with you.

(honeybearlane)

Happy Sunday.

Melissa

spread love...

Not much to say today...but definitely much to feel :).  

I've been doing a bit of stitching this week.  Loving my pretty new fabric stash, Rosey by Tanya Whelan.  

Wishing you a happy, peaceful Sabbath.

(society6.com)

Melis

dreaming in pink...

Hello there!  Just a little something pink and sparkly to share with you this weekend.  Each Christmas season I have loved altering a mini muffin tin, turning it into a 12 Days of Christmas decoration.  I've dressed one up in Krylon Catalina Mist, and one in Krylon Celery, and this year, I was inspired by a friend to try one in pink.  So, Krylon Ballet Slipper pink it is...and it may be my favorite color.

I used some fun Freckled Fawn embellishments from their Very Merry Kit.  Things like the resin present, enamel heart, glittery aqua snowflakes, and the darling wood chip numbers.  I spray painted those with Krylon Celery acrylic paint and then coated them with white glitter.

I purchased some sweet, vintage pink Christmas images from Cottage Rose Graphics (a heavenly etsy shoppe!), and then adhered them under a glass dome and attached a magnet to the back, creating a perfectly sized item to nestle in one of the muffin cups.

My chipboard numbers are from Crate Paper's Maggie Holmes Styleboard collection.

I used the Sizzix TIm Holtz Vintage Noel die and cut it from a layer of cardstock and craft adhesive and then  coated it with some Melissa Frances German Glass Glitter.

A fun project to make because of all of the trinkets you can nestle in here and there.  I always save some of my most treasured embellishments from projects such as these.

Sweet Christmas Wishes.

Melissa

 

homespun holiday...

Christmas is making its way here once again and I'm already feeling like it's coming faster than ever, how about you?  Gift cards are always so much fun to receive and giving them is a great route to go for those hard to shop for loved ones and friends.  For some reason, I always feel like I've taken the easy route when I give gift cards, so I thought it would make the recipient feel even more special, by making the presentation sweet and unforgettable.

For my Papertrey Ink Tips & Tricks today, I created a festive gift card holder using a few of my favorite supplies.  I began with the Stitched Tag die and added stamping using the new Fair Isle Motifs and 'Tis the Season sets and finished it off with a homespun, handmade embellishment using the Seasonal Stitching:  Candy Cane die.

I'll show you how I made this and maybe you'll want to make a few this holiday season as well.

I began with Kraft cardstock and ran it through my Big Shot using the Stitched Tag die.  I then started stamping using the Fair Isle Motifs stamp set, Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado, and Vintage Cream ink.

I then used my Stitched Tag die again, but this time, just the front pocket and ran it through my Big Shot using vellum.  I adhered it to my base tag on the two sides and bottom, leaving the top open to form a pocket for my gift card.

I selected a sentiment from the 'Tis the Season stamp set, stamped it on the vellum pocket near the bottom using watermark ink, and embossed it with white embossing powder.

I attached a strip of wide, creamy trim around the upper portion of my vellum pocket.  If you're more of a clean and simple stamper, think about adding just a strip of ribbon, die cut border, or buttons.  

Next came a strip of Scarlet Jewel Satin ribbon wrapped around my pocket and tied in a bow on the right.

And lastly, I used the Seasonal Stitching:  Candy Cane die and stitched up a fun embellishment to pull all of my colors and holiday theme together.  I added some Simply Chartreuse felt Holly Jolly leaves and a Scarlet Jewel button.

I'm anxious to try this using pink, aqua, and cream.  Snowflakes or larger holly leaves on the front would also be perfectly charming embellishments as well.

Enjoy creating a few of these yourself and thank you for your visit.
Melissa

holiday magic...

I have long been smitten with all of the beautiful products from Anna Griffin.  I love her elegant, vintage, timeless, and classic designs and especially all things Christmas that she put her touch on.  So, lucky me, I've been able to design for her and have a few Christmas cards to share showing you just how beautiful her products are.  

Many of her products are available through HSN, my favorite holiday paper-crafting treat would have to be her holiday card-making kits...they are loaded and packaged so incredibly beautifully.  There are still some of her Holiday Traditions card kits available HERE.  

These cards use oodles of Anna Griffin products but were created to show her Artful Patterns Baubles and Bells Cuttlebug Embossing Folders.  I love her embossing folders and combining them with her metallic cardstock is my most favorite way to use them.

The Anna Griffin blog is always full of inspiration, tutorials, and giveaways....you'll love tuning in.

Merry Christmas to you!  Hope you're enjoying the beginning of a lovely holiday season.

Melis

 

papertrey ink november...

Hello again.  It's time to wrap up Papertrey Ink's November release.  All of these new products will be available for purchase on November 15th, 10PM EST right HERE.

My first project today uses the new Mat Stack 7 Basics stamp set.  I combined it with a Stitched Tag and created a fun pocket tag to give to someone sweet.  I love these basic sets as they are always so much fun to customize to my own style and theme.  I used Crate Paper's Open Book collection and a bit of Freckled Fawn on this project.

Pom Pom Pals is an adorable new set meant to add a fun twist to your stamping, such as pom poms for earmuffs, a nose, and hat.  Lots of other options are available too, a jingle bell, button, enamel dot, sequin, etc.

I thought my little winter snowman needed some soft, aqua pom poms to keep him warm, so that's what I used this time around :).

I love the playful, whimsical feel of this set, not just with the images, but also in the font.

I created a fun holiday thank you gift using the new Fair Isle Motifs stamp set...truly beautiful, and Dawn McVey's new Holiday Thank You set.

I have tried to help my little girl understand the importance of writing thank you notes for all occasions, so this set will be an added help in that department.  She loves to stamp, so maybe this will inspire all of us.

The Birthday Classics:  December stamp set and new Cover Plate:  Peony Die were used on this simple holiday card.

This Cover Plate die is so elegant.  I'm excited to put it to use on many other things.

And, believe it or not...the New Year will be here before we know it, so Heather has created a fun new Happy New Year stamp set, which I used with the new Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 6 die.  

I added different colors of felt behind each banner to bring in some texture, and used the new Keep it Simple:  New Year set across the bottom.

Lastly, the Phrase Play #10 stamp set and die were used on this card.  I love the Monthly Moments:  November Journal Card Pad, so I made a quick card using it and a few other supplies here.

The sentiments in Phrase Play #10 are some of my favorites.  

That's it for me for this release.  I've listed all of the supplies used on my cards below.  Thanks so much for visiting!

Melis

• Laurie Wilson
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Erin Lincoln
• Laura Bassen
• Betsy Veldman
• Nichole Heady
• Maile Belles
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Love You Tag 

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Mat Stack 7 Basics
Ink:
Autumn Rose
Cardstpck:
Vellum and Vintage Cream
Tools:
Sketched Shapes and Stitched Tag dies

Other Supplies Used:
Crate Paper paper, tag, chipboard, and fabric brad
Freckled Fawn enamel heart
My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding

Winter Wishes Card 

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Pom Pom Pals
Cardstock:
Aqua Mist and White
Tools:
Fancy Flakes, Limitless Layers: 2 1/2" Circles, and Tag Sale #4

Other Supplies Used:
American Crafts and Crate Paper paper
Studio Calico vellum
My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding

Christmas Thank You Tag 

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Fair Isle Motifs and Holiday Thanks
Ink:
Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream, and Scarlet Jewel
Cardstock:
Kraft and Vintage Cream
Tools:
Fancy Flakes, Holly Jolly, Tremendous Tags, and Tag Sale #1

Other Supplies Used:
Echo Park, Kaisercraft, and Pink Paislee paper

December Birthdays...Card 

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Birthday Classics: December
Cardstock:
Vintage Cream and Vellum
Tools:
Holly Jolly, Cover Plate: Peony
Accents:
Simply Chartreuse felt

Other Supplies Used:
Pink Paislee paper

Happy New Year Card 

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Happy New Year, Keep it Simple: New Year
Ink:
Summer Sunrise, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, and Autumn Rose
Cardstock:
Vintage Cream
Tools:
Tremendous Tags and Monthly Moments: Journal Card 6 dies
Accents:
Aqua Mist, Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse, and Autumn Rose felt, Aqua Mist Saddle Stitch ribbon, Melon Berry button

Life is Better...Card 

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Phrase Play #10
Cardstock:
Kraft, Vintage Cream, and Monthly Moments: November Journal Card Pad
Ink:
Smokey Shadow
Tools:
Phrase Play #10

introducing cuppa love...

Cuppa Love is SWEET!  The Papertrey Ink Team is showing off this fun stamp set and coordinating die collection today.  We'll get started with a couple of things I created using these adorable new products.  I kinda love them :).

I began with some Sweet Blush cardstock and the Cuppa Love die.  I folded my cardstock in half and then ran it through my die cut machine with the die placed just over the top of the fold, so that it created a fun, cup shaped card.

I used the Keep it Simple:  Get Well set across the bottom, and also threw in some fun texture using the Knit Bits stamp set and Vintage Cream ink.  

I embossed the floral design using images from Cuppa Love and Zing!  Mustard, and white embossing powder.  Across the top of my mug I added Crate Paper Open Book patterned paper and Harvest Gold and Vintage Cream felt die cut flowers.  The tag clipped to the handle of the mug is a stamp and die also from the Cuppa Love set.

At our house, a cuppa love always includes hot cocoa and a straw to sip it through :)...so, I created a gift package with hot cocoa mix inside and the Cuppa Love die and stamp set used on the outside to dress up the package a bit.

I began by die cutting my cup from Vintage Cream cardstock and then trimming off the base.  I then added my stamped images.  Once my stamping was done, I ran it through my die cut machine with my Argyle Impression Plate to add some texture to my mug.  Next, I die cut the handle from aqua cardstock and added it to my mug.

Across the top of my mug I added a scalloped border using the Banner Borders die.  I then finished it off with a die cut Tremendous Tag stamped with a sentiment from Cuppa Love.
So much fun!  

The other designers have sweet creations to share with you as well.  Thanks for stopping by.

Melis

• Laurie Wilson
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Erin Lincoln
• Laura Bassen
• Betsy Veldman
• Nichole Heady
• Maile Belles
• Ashley Cannon Newell

introducing uncorked...

Good morning Friends :).  Today's Papertrey Ink group post is all about the new Uncorked stamp set, designed by Nichole Heady.  I thought it would be fun to put my own twist on this set and have a couple of examples to share with you.

My tag here uses the coordinating Uncorked stamp set, die, and Uncorked Words dies to create a little thank you for the hostess.  I started with a die cut Basic Bookmark 3 die and then added some sweet floral stamps springing out of the bottle.  I used the Heart-2-Heart #12 stamp set and added Vintage Cream die cut felt flowers.  The tiny Spring Moss leaves next to the felt flowers were stamped with an image from the Uncorked stamp set.

I love the Uncorked Words dies and think I'll probably wear them right out.  Fun that they're on a diagonal too and that you can build with them, as shown here with the second part of my sentiment stamped on another die cut below my die cut word.

I wanted to next use this set to make a birthday card, with balloons tiesdto the bottle.  So, I used the balloon and bow image from the Birthday Style set and added some hand drawn lines connecting each balloon to the Uncorked bottle.  

Once again I added my sentiment across the front of the bottle using the stamp set and Uncorked Words die.  The sweet die cut where I stamped "Happy Birthday" is also from the Uncorked die set.

Lastly, I added some opaque sequins and die cut vellum stars using the new Small Sketched Stars die collection, and my favorite new product, Pearlescents.

I'm excited to see what the other designers have created using this set.  You can find links to their blogs below.

Thanks for your visit.

Melis

• Laurie Wilson
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Erin Lincoln
• Laura Bassen
• Betsy Veldman
• Nichole Heady
• Maile Belles
• Ashley Cannon Newell

monthly moments: november...

Hi there and welcome to Papertrey Ink's Monthly Moments:  November post.  This is such a fun collection of products and they're all about counting our blessings and celebrating all that we've been blessed with.

Along with the Monthly Moments:  November stamp set and Journal Card Pad, I've incorporated the new Phrase Play #10 stamp and die...it's so beautiful and I love the sentiments.  I've also used the November Digital Download throughout my pages too. 

I've never even thought about documenting our Thanksgiving feast, so for now, you'll notice that I'm not focusing on that occasion, but rather the little moments in life that are happening right now.  My little girl is currently very excited about learning to play the clarinet and I love watching her tackle a new responsibility.  I stamped my sentiments from the Monthly Moments:  November stamp set on a Double Ended Banners die and a Tremendous Tag.  The sweet tiny letters on my tag and then used as a border across the top use the new Type Strips die and stamp set.

Heather's images used throughout her Journal Card Pad are some of my most favorites...love the rustic touches.

I always connect "home" to November and Thanksgiving, so I've counted my home and a few things found inside and out as my blessings as shown in these pages.

I stamped my image from the Monthly Moments:  November stamp set on a die cut Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts and a Heart Stitches die.

I included a recipe since baking is a common occurrence and something that makes our home happy around here.  I slipped it underneath the photo so it can be pulled out and used and then tucked away after. 

I printed it on a die cut Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 2 and then attached it to a die cut Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 3.

I used the November stamp set along with the Digital Download here again and added a few more of the Type Strip stamps and dies...these are so much fun :).

My washi tape and wood embellishments are all from Freckled Fawn.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Melis

• Laurie Wilson
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Erin Lincoln
• Laura Bassen
• Betsy Veldman
• Nichole Heady
• Maile Belles
• Ashley Cannon Newell

introducing a cheerful heart and floral flaps...

Today I am introducing two new products from Papertrey Ink, A Cheerful Heart stamp set and Floral Flaps die collection.  I love the idea behind A Cheerful Heart...sharing concern and care through thoughtful sentiments.

My first card uses Floral Flaps just as this die collection was intended to be used.  Four "flaps" are cut out at once with this die and are then designed to be sandwiched between two 4" x 4" squares of cardstock and folded over to meet in the center.  This card turns out to be so elegant with little extra embellishing needed. 

I dressed up the inside of my card by stamping my A Cheerful Heart sentiment on a die cut Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts cut from cream paper, I then layered this on another heart layer using the same die collection, but cut from Autumn Rose felt.  I added floral stamps using a soon to be introduced new stamp set, and felt flowers cut using the Just Smile die, Vintage Cream and Limeade Ice felt.

The card was wrapped up using Sweet Blush Saddle Stitch ribbon, with another sentiment from A Cheerful Heart attached to the front, stamped in Autumn Rose.

My second card uses the Floral Flaps on two of the corners of my card, both cut from Sweet Blush cardstock and coated in white glitter.

I stamped my A Cheerful Heart sentiment on a die cut vellum circle using the Limitless Layers:  1 3/4" Circles die and embossed in silver.  It's layered over another Limitless Layers scalloped circle die cut, and then both attached to a die cut Tag Sale #4.

I added a bit of floral stamping using the Stitched Sentiments stamp set, Aqua Mist and Sweet Blush ink.

The Floral Flaps die collection is so intricate and detailed.  I love using them to provide a beautiful background quickly and easily as shown here.

My A Cheerful Heart sentiment is stamped on a vellum die cut using the Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 1 die and embossed in gold.  I stamped it a second time on Vintage Cream cardstock using Scarlet Jewel ink and then cut out the two blocks and adhered them directly to my vellum layer.  I then attached this vellum layer to a die cut Vintage Cream Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 2.

I added a few Vintage Cream felt flowers using the Just Smile die.

Lastly, I stamped my sentiment on a die cut Basic Bookmark 1 and added a bit of washi tape and a portion of a Floral Flaps die near the top.  

I added a second sentiment at the bottom of my tag and attached it with a metal clip.  I love the ability to mix sentiments with quotes and scripture to further convey what's in your heart...a special stamp set for sure.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Be sure to treat yourself and visit these other ladies to see what they've got ready to share with you today as well:

Nichole Heady

Laura Bassen

Maile Belles

Ashley Cannon Newell

 

polka dots and holly berries...

It's Sunday and my little flock is gathered safely at home and that makes my heart happy.

I had a few minutes late last night to create with my Christmas stash.  My favorite holiday collections right now are Yuletide by Kaisercraft and Graphic 45's Twas the Night Before Christmas.  

 

I love the deep, rich, traditional colors, and the use of vintage images...delicious to my crafty soul.

Hope you're happy and cozy at home.

Night.

Melissa

Christmas lives in the heart...

Sizzix has the sweetest, new, heart pocket die that I just can't get enough of.  It is a lovely Brenda Walton design, so I knew before I got to pull it out and use it, that I would love it...and I certainly do.  I created a fun Christmas pocket using her Heart Pocket die and can't wait to use it over and over again for many different occasions.

I embellished the front of my pocket with a Sizzix Mini Snowflake Rosette, a couple of silver Movers & Shapers Mini Snowflakes, a few die cut Holiday Greens, some vintage trim, pom pom trim, and other fun toppings.

 

My newest favorite place to shop is Vintage Handmade by Julie Collings...her etsy shop is full of things that I love, berries, bottle brush trees, trims, flowers, etc.  I used a few of my findings from her shop on my heart pocket.

 

If you're up for a holiday challenge this weekend, the Festive Friday blog has a new photo up to inspire you.

You can read more about the challenge and check out how the other designers interpreted this photo HERE.  
 

My take on the challenge uses Kraft cardstock, my favorite Christmas plaid patterned paper, the Papertrey Ink Two Feet Deep stamp set, and some Vanilla Bean scrunched seam binding from My Craft Spot.

The paper used on both projects is from Graphic 45's Twas the Night Before Christmas collection...love, love!

(keeperofthehome)

I love this quote...I am thankful for it today.  

Enjoy your Friday.

Melissa

 

comforts of home...

What do the following have in common:  A bubble bath, meatloaf and a baked potato, and watching a John Wayne?  These are the things my little girl requested after I picked her up from school today :).  Did I mention her quirky personality?  I love seeing the influence of her daddy on her...makes me very happy.  I adore and agree with her sense of comfort and joy.

Speaking of comfort, nothing speaks comfort to my soul like autumn does.  So much about this time of year revolves around warmth, love, home, and comfort.  My project today was created for Sizzix and is all about this cozy time of year.  

I love using Sizzix dies and adding my own twist to them, such as using acrylic paint and glitter on my chipboard die cuts, distress ink on my embossing folders, and using vintage trim to cut out pretty die cut leaves.

 

You can read more about my project and see a list of Sizzix supplies used HERE. 

(source)

Cherish today.  I cherish you.

Melis

love, joy, & peace...

Good morning!  I hope your week is off to a great start.  I am feeling happy, energized, hopeful, creative, and ready to enjoy these next couple of months.  I love the fact that Thanksgiving and Christmas are so close together...to me, they both mean so much and it's wonderful to celebrate and enjoy them for a good, long, while.  

I turned on Christmas music this morning to wake up my family...I wanted to see what their reaction would be :).  And, I've been busy with holiday projects, including this sweet Christmas tree tag that I created for Papertrey Ink's Make it Monday tutorial.  I show this dressed up version with Stickles glitter edging the tag, and then a stepped down version, without the glitter border...both fun, both easy.  But...if you haven't yet tried Stickles, I think you should :).  It will take you back to your Kindergarten days.

A special customer asked me to create a few holiday cottages for her, and I'm just wrapping them up.  I love seeing these come to life as I add different patterns, stamps, and special finishing touches.  

Each uses Papertrey Ink's Home Made stamp set.  I used the Love Lives Here:  Holiday stamp set on the tag...love this sentiment.

This tag uses the 'Tis the Season Sentiments stamp set.

And my last house uses the Freshly Fallen dies and the Snowflake Medley, and O'Tannenbaum stamp sets.

I'll be taking orders for a few of these and can create them in any color you're interested in.  Just send me a note and we'll talk over the details.

Enjoy your Monday!

Melissa

instant photo: holidays revisited...

Sigh...my little snow angel.  Life with this one, has been my greatest adventure.  So, when creating holiday photo cards, naturally, she's the star of the show and takes center stage on our cards.  Who wants to look at us, right? :) The Papertrey Ink Sr. Design Team members are revisiting the Instant Photo:  Holidays stamp set and were asked to come up with a quick and easy idea to share with you using this stamp set.  

I promise you, this is the ultimate quick and easy photo card.  I printed my photo from home on Papertrey Ink Sweet Blush paper, in order to coordinate with the colors in my photo.  I ran my paper through my printer right side down, so the photo would of course print on the white side, leaving a fun pattern on the backside.  Printing on this paper allows you to very easily add stamping without worrying about smudging, smearing, etc.

All that was left was the Instant Photo:  Holidays sentiment, stamped on a vellum die cut Double Ended Banner, and embossed in silver powder.  I added a bit of washi tape across the bottom of the card...of course totally optional, but I loved how it coordinated with Sierra's rosy cheeks (I want to kiss those cheeks right now!). I used the Snowflake Medley stamp set and Sweet Blush ink, and stamped a large snowflake in the upper left corner, and then lastly, a die cut vellum Fancy Flake, topped with a sequin.  The silk bow is just a "Melissa" thing...you can easily do without it.  So, in just a few steps, you've created very inexpensive and easy to mass produce holiday photo cards this Christmas.

These other designers have projects using this set to share with you as well:

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Maile Belles

Betsy Veldman

Wishing you the best November yet!

Melis

 

more monthly moments: october...

It's that time again...one month ending, one month beginning, which means that I have a couple of Papertrey Ink Monthly Moments pages for October to share with you.  I have loved my October...it's been warm and beautiful.  I have much to love and celebrate :).

My Monthly Moments:  October pages sum up some of my feelings and memories of life with my little girl, looking back over the past few years with her.  Along with the Monthly Moments:  October stamp set, I used the October digital download, and on this page the Text Block:  Halloween die.

The October Journal Card Pad is an essential and is used throughout my pages.  I love being surprised each month, waiting to see what colors and designs the next Journal Card Pad will hold.  

I used my Tremendous Tags die on this page and the Mr. Bones stamp set as well.  My tag is tied with some Lavender Moon Saddle Stitch Ribbon.  My washi tape and gold star paper clips are from Freckled Fawn.

These other designers have projects ready to share with you as well:

Heather Nichols

Danielle Flanders

Ashley Cannon Newell

Thank you for visiting.

Melis