LilyBean Paperie

SA 2015: Make it Work Challenge...

The Make it Work Challenge was a great one for me....I kind of chose to focus on a technique that I needed to work on and improve, which is the watercolor effect.  I created this first card, which we can call "The Beast", over a year ago, and have hated it ever since :).  

It's not the layout and arrangement of my stamps that bugs me, but how the watercolor technique went bad...very bad :).

I learned that I'm really not too fond of the way the red looks...not my favorite color to use with the watercolor technique.  I learned that I used too much water in places, and not enough in others, so it's a little uneven, but in a bad, obvious way.  And, I learned that I wanted to try again instead of give it up, so today was the day!

I went with a much lighter color scheme on my second card, and really love these colors blended with water....they just work better for me.

I learned that instead of applying water to directly to my stamp (after inking) and then stamping, I like stamping first, and then applying water...a spray bottle is my method of choice.

This just seemed to make me happier and the results made me happier too.

I used the Love Lives Here stamp set along with Choose Joy for my second card, and the Love Lives Here:  Holiday stamp set for my first card.

 Enjoy this challenge!

Melis

SAF 2015: Runway Inspired Challenge...

 

This card was created for the Runway Inspired SAF challenge and I so enjoyed letting fashion be my guide and inspire me.  I've listed my inspiration photo below, in case you didn't notice it on Nichole's blog.  I was immediately drawn to the lovely, layered, flowing, fabric, with softness, and subtle color, so I did my best to recreate that feel on my card.

I used Sweet Blush cardstock as my background and stamped flowers (from Twig Wreath) in Autumn Rose (stamping them off first), Berry Sorbet, and Fine Linen (for the stems).  I then ran my stamped block of cardstock through with the Guide Lines Grid Impression Plate.  

I then added smudging over my flowers and texture left from the impression plate, using my Gelatos.  After adhering this to my card base, I added a strip of stamped vellum, lightly secured at the bottom, stamped using the The Sweet Life stamp set.  I then embellished with trims, criss-cross ribbon, a junk bow, a die cut Doily Details, and stamped and die cut Life twigs.

(vogue.com)

Have fun!

Melis

SAF 2015 Pins + Needles Challenge...

Welcome to Papertrey Ink's SAF 2015 Pins + Needles challenge!  I've put together a tutorial which you can view HERE, and it's got a few ideas in it of how to use your trinket or stick pins.

The cards and projects I've used to show different ways of using these fun items are shown for you here.  In my first card, I've used the trinket pins, with the decorative ends downward, one with a Tinier Tag hanging from it.  These little pins, are such inexpensive embellishments and come in a wide variety of styles.  I love using them on my projects just to add a special touch.

In this card, I've attached my sentiment using a trinket pin.  I simple stamped my Tinier Tag with my sentiment and then threaded it on a trinket pin, and stuck it right through the knotted ribbon.

I made sure that the pointy end of the pin was hidden behind another layer in order to avoid anyone getting stuck :).

This is just a quick little tag, showing stacked, die-cut felt flowers threaded onto a trinket pin, and then attached to a Tremendous Tag and Enclosed:  Leaf.  

 

So, think about how you can customize your trinket pins to coordinate with your projects and add lots of character.  

I can't wait to see what you come up with....happy crafting and thanks for joining in!

Melis

So Thankful Card:
Stamps:  Twig Wreath, Choose Joy,  and Stamped + Stitched
Ink:  Autumn Rose, Simply Chartreuse, Sweet Blush
Tools:  Enclosed:  Leaf, Tinier Tags
Cardstock and Paper:  Vintage Cream, 2008 Bitty Star Basics, and vellum

Hello Card:
Stamps: Twig Wreath, Stacked Statements, Stamped + Stitched, and Life
Ink:  Spring Moss, Fine Linen, Dark Chocolate, Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse, Berry Sorbet, Spring Rain
Tools:  Tinier Tags, Twig Wreath, Limitless Layers:  2 1/2” Circles, and Tag Sale #4 dies
Cardstock and Paper:  Vintage Cream, Kraft, Chicken Scratch Gingham

Choose Joy Tag:
Stamps:  Choose Joy
Ink:  Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy, Spring Moss, and Summer Sunrise
Tools:  Enclosed Leaf, Tremendous Tags, Be Happy dies
Accents:  Aqua Mist, Summer Sunrise, and Vintage Cream felt
 

SAF Unconventional Materials Challenge...

This may just be my most favorite Papertrey Ink SAF 2015 challenge yet...I loved getting creative with odd bits and pieces of things.  I'll share my card with you and see if you can spot the unconventional items, and will show you what I used at the end of my post :).

Aside from the mystery items, I used Papertrey Ink Chicken Scratch Gingham paper, Aqua Mist and Summer Sunrise felt, the Quilted:  Autumn stamp set and dies, a darling new set that Heather Nichols designed for her SAF challenge...you'll learn more about that here soon, the Heart-2-Heart #3, Be Happy, Tag Sale #2, and the Cover Plate:  Blue Skies Rays dies.

So.....any ideas?  

Sandpaper, upholstery tacs, brass hinges, canvas tabs, and paint.  I die cut my sandpaper, painted the hinges using the Krylon paint, added my die cuts to the canvas tag, and embellished the top of the tab with the upholstery tac after removing the sharp end. 

Can't wait to see how you'll make this challenge work for you!

Melis

SAF 2015: Patterns Challenge...

Are you ready for the next Papertrey Ink SAF 2015 challenge?  My card design is above, and can be dressed up or down, whatever you're up to.  Here are a couple of cards I created with my card pattern.

I used Chicken Scratch Gingham and Bitty Star Basics paper over my Sweet Blush card base.  I then cut a Loop de Loop Border from Vintage Cream cardstock.

I attached my paper-pieced Pumpkin Patch pumpkin on a die cut Tag Sale #4 and Limitless Layers:  2 1/2" Circles die.  My pumpkin is stamped in Berry Sorbet and Melon Berry ink.

My second card uses Chicken Scratch Gingham once again over a white cardstock base.  I stamped a border down the seam of my card using the Note Niblets stamp set and Smokey Shadow ink.

I used white cardstock and the Enclosed:  Apple die and stamped the top using the leaf and berries from the Note Niblets stamp set, Limeade Ice and Pure Poppy ink.  I stamped the corner of the card using these same images as well.

I then used the Apple Prints stamp set and coordinating dies, Spring Moss, Limeade Ice, and Smokey Shadow ink, and created my focal point.  I stamped my sentiment on the curve of the apple using the Apple Prints stamp set as well.  I used a bit of True Black Baker's Twine to embellish.

The other Papertrey Ink designers are playing along with this challenge as well and each has their own card pattern to share with you:

Danielle Flanders

Laurie Willison

Dawn McVey

Amy Sheffer

Heather Nichols

Betsy Veldman

Ashley Newell

Lizzie Jones

Nichole Heady

 

SAF 2015: Bridal Challenge...

Hi there!  Welcome to  Papertrey Ink's SAF 2015 Bridal Challenge, which involves creating an all white wedding card.  LOVED this challenge :).

I began with a white card base and then added Sheer Basics Vellum over the top.  Next I used white glittered cardstock and my Branching Out die and adhered my lovely die cut down the center of my card.

I then framed a sentiment from the Summer Hills stamp set that I had stamped on vellum and embossed in gold embossing powder.  I framed it using white cardstock and the Tag Sale #10 die.  I attached this using dimensional adhesive.  I finished my card with a junk bow tied in shades of white and added a gem and sequins to create an elegant look.

 

Such a fun challenge with so many possibilities.  Have fun creating!

Melis

SAF Free Exclusive Set!...

Let the party begin!  Papertrey Ink's Stamp-a-faire is here and the design team will be participating along with you!  It's been so fun preparing projects to share.  First up, is the exclusive Stamp-a-faire set called Fashion Sense.  Here are the details regarding how you can earn this sassy little number!

Fashion Sense will ONLY be available on Stamp-a-faire day to all customers who make a qualifying $100 purchase. All orders made between 7am EST and 11:30pm EST on Stamp-a-faire Day (August 29, 2015) that total $100 (before shipping) will receive the set for FREE!

I began this first card by stamping my focal point on a die cut Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 2 using watermark ink.  I then heat embossed the image using gold embossing powder.  Next, I added a bit of pink using my Gelatos and a water brush.  I wanted to create a double layer, so I created the top layer of my dress using vellum, gold embossing powder, and finishing with white glitter.  I then just cut out my dress image and adhered it directly over the first, off-setting the dress just slightly.

I stamped my flowers using Hibiscus Burst and Autumnn Rose, with my leaves stamped in Simply Chartreuse. I matted my Journal Card 2 over two die-cut Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 1 dies, off-setting them to create a unique frame.  I tucked a die cut Tremendous Tag, cut from Sheer Basics Vellum, just under my Journal Card 2 near the top.

My next card uses Gelatos and some fun smudging to add color to my dresses.  After stamping them in Smokey Shadow, I blended in pinks, peaches, aquas, and yellows, and then added flowers and other images from the Fashion Sense set to add a little pattern.  

This was such a fun card to create :).  I stamped my sentiment on a die cut Tremendous Tag using Aqua Mist.

And lastly, I added a few Lavender Moon, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, and Harvest Gold felt flowers, cut using the Be Happy die.

Be sure to stop in and visit the other designers to see how they've put this set to use:

Lizzie Jones

Danielle Flanders

Laurie Willison

Dawn McVey

Amy Sheffer

Heather Nichols

Betsy Veldman

Ashley Newell

Nichole Heady

beginning to become....

Hi there, cherished friends :).  So this July, I turned 41.  I have a good friend who told me that she has just loved the 40-something stage of life...and I've been waiting for that love to kick in...it's kind of trickling in I think :).

 

She mentioned that the one thing she loves most about being in her 40's is that she can just "be" without trying to measure up, keep up, and add up to her own preconceived notions about just how she should "be" as an individual.  I loved her advice, and have started noticing that about myself, changing ever so slightly, to the point that I love my little self much more than I have in the past and am much gentler with myself.  It's so important to be gentle with ourselves and our heart.

We each have these personal battles that our ours for this mortal life.  Some battles and their scars are worn on the outside, so that all can see them, but others are fought internally, without only a smile that shows on the outside, but lots of tears that come when none are watching....a heart that won't heal completely, etc...whatever our trials may be, we each have them and whether they be large or small, to us, they are BIG giants that sometimes consume us.  

I've learned though, that our trials can shape us, mold us, and polish us, into beautiful gems that are priceless to our Father in Heaven.  I am trying to understand that the trials I face are for my benefit...that there are important lessons for me to learn because of and through them, and that my Father loved me enough to trust me with these trials, and will help me through them, day by day, step by step.  And....as with all things, I will continue to fall, but He'll pick me up and help me back home, as long as I don't turn my back on Him.

Apparently I'm very contemplative today, must be the clouds outside :).  My birthday wishes tag was created for Pom, the CEO of Prima Marketing.  The design team members at Prima have each created a birthday tag for Pom, using anything Prima that our hearts desire.  You can see all of the lovely creations and birthday wishes HERE on the Prima blog.

Enjoy your Tuesday!  Lots coming up here on my blog shortly...it's Papertrey Ink's 2015 Stamp-a-faire, don't you know?

the sweetest season...

Today I have the pleasure of guest designing for Paper Sweeties.  Their stamps are truly "sweet", whimsical, playful, and endearing.  

I selected the Homemade With Love stamp set and dies to work with.  I'm a sucker for cupcakes, peppermint sticks, and cocoa, so this set was one that immediately won my heart.

I've created a Christmas card using this fun collection of products, paper-piecing my cupcakes as I went along, adding glitter and sequins to embellish.

Paper Sweeties also has a wide selection of embellishments, such as the sequins and seam binding, both used on my card today.

The Paper Sweeties blog is full of inspiration and ideas, so be sure to treat yourself with a visit there.

Thanks for your visit!

Melis

 

irresistible embossing...

Hello there!  Today it's my turn to share a Papertrey Ink Tip & Trick with you and I thought I'd share with you a fun way to use your embossing powder and dies.  It's not your traditional method, but the results are irresistible and filled with possibilities.

Begin with your chosen die cut.  I love the new Branching Out die and have chosen to use it along with vellum.  Any medium will work, I just happen to love this technique combined with the translucence of vellum.

Next, run your die, right-side town, over your watermark ink pad.  I just press the vellum lightly into the ink pad, generally the tips and edges, because I don't want too much of the embossing powder to stick, just a light frosting to add color, shine, and character.  Next, heat your embossing powder with your heat gun and watch the magic take place.

For this card, I repeated this twice, using cardboard as my second layer.  I love using cardboard because I can peel back the layers and reveal the inner corrugated center, which has texture and adds so much dimension and interest.

I've used Stampendous Shabby Green Embossing Enamel for my project.  It's a great combination of chunky enamel pieces, mixed with glitter and shine that melt together and look so beautiful.

I wanted my die cuts to be my focal point, so I didn't add too much color in the background.  I used the new Brushed Off stamp set on the card base, stamping in Sweet Blush ink.

On the left side, I added a strip of Sheer Basics Vellum, using the stripe, which brings in a very subtle pattern.

After stamping my sentiment from the Meadow Greens stamp set, I attached my layered die cuts, allowing them to flow quite freely down the card.  I like for my cards to be touchable and have movement, and this particular die is perfect for that.

To finish I added a few Rainstones and tied a double bow from some thin, silk ribbon, and added a Sweet Blush button.

I hope you'll give this fun technique a try....I'd love to see what you create!
Melissa

good day sunshine...

I recently took on a challenge for Prima to create a watercolor inspired project using Prima Watercolor pencils and Color Bloom Sprays.

I must admit to being a bit intimidated by the watercolor world that seems to be everywhere currently, but my fascination with this look and love of experimentation, far outweighed my fears and my cards today are the result.

One of my favorite products right now are the Prima resist tags.  They are so beautiful and intricate.  All that you need is to add color.  I added color by spraying on my Color Bloom Spray and some delicious Sunny Yellow Finnabair Mica Powder.  

And, then I dug into my Prima watercolor pencils, and started adding in color using my water brush.  So much fun, so easy, and quite addicting :).

I also love the gorgeous Royal Menagerie collection, especially the flowers.  They come in most lovely colors...they remind me of snow cones, the beach, sunsets, and all things summer.

You can read more about my project HERE and find a list of supplies used there as well.

My project was inspired by the following quote...have to leave you with one of these as often as possible.  Hope it makes your heart soar today!

Melissa

 

just bloom...

My big, little girl started school today...middle school...7th grade.  I just love the pants off of her I tell you.  She is full of happiness, courage, confidence, kindness, determination and is so much more than I ever was at her age.  I see so many qualities in her that I never possessed and am so grateful she came to us just the way she is.  She is our miracle and my heart continues to love her more and more and more with each passing day.  Isn't love the most amazing gift?  It is infinite, without end, and ever growing.  

This quote reminds me of her.  I remember being her age and it was kind of painful.  I have never been one with great self-esteem, and have always struggled with the "comparison trap".  How sweet it would have been to just "bloom" and be happy with myself, instead of trying to be just like the flowers surrounding me :).  I wish so much that my daughter will love herself and be completely content with who her Heavenly Father made her to be...how He made her, and won't try to change her size, shape, personality, standards, morals, etc. to fit in.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to watch her grow and bloom.  It's truly such a gift and pleasure.  Even the down days, the good, bad, and ugly, the moments in between, I'll take every one of them as long as I get her forever :).

My card today uses the new Choose Joy stamp set from Papertrey Ink along with the Bloomers stamp set and die collection.

My next couple of cards were created for Emma's Paperie and use the beautiful new Gilded Lily collection from Graphis 45...it's so shabby and glorious :).

A complete supplies list for these cards can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

Hope your day is wonderful!

Melissa

 

the worth of a soul...

I recently found a huge bundle of vintage airmail envelopes...sent, opened, and collected.  Postmarked, and lovingly kept by the recipient, and then bundled together and stored for decades.  I had to have them and have been wondering about their story ever since.  I love things like this...vintage stamps as well and the travels they've made through land, sea, and air.  

I've put them into mini paper-crafting kits to share with you, and today have created a card using some of the contents of the kit.  I die cut an envelope using the Bloomers dies from Papertrey Ink to create a vintage airmail flower...just because my mind was curious as to what one would look like and I love it :).  I so enjoy using different mediums to create flowers and such and to see something transformed like this.

Washi tape, canvas tag, postage stamps, flowers, faux wax seal, label, etc.  I've used a sweet Flair button from A Flair for Buttons on this card, and love how it's tucked in under the flower layers.  There are a few kits available HERE.

I used a sentiment from the new Papertrey Ink Choose Joy stamp set on this card.  I love its meaning :).  This set is now available HERE....love it to bits.

Happy Sunday!

Melis

papertrey ink august...

I have loved all of the new stamp sets this release at Papertrey Ink.  It's been so fun creating for fall, just as school starts up again, and fall is on the horizon.  I have a few more cards to share with you today, using new sets for August.

This first card uses the new Enclosed:  Leaf stamp set and die along with the Choose Joy stamp set.  I die cut my leaf from vellum, embossed the edges a bit with gold embossing powder, the veins with white embossing powder, and then added a second die cut layer, cut from patterned paper.

I LOOOVE the Choose Joy stamp set....it just makes me happy :).  I used a sentiment from it and then sweet little flower images around my scallops, which are also from this set.

The darling new Fall Florals stamp set was used on this next card and I just love playing with different color combinations.  Really a delightful set to stamp with.  

I created a new home card and used the older Holiday Home stamp set to accentuate this theme.

Across the bottom I used the new Keep it Simple:  Home stamp set and the older Autumn Adornments set.

I carried the sentiment inside the card and used the new Tucked In:  New Home stamp set along with a bit of the Fall Floral set.

Lastly, the Quilted:  Autumn stamp set was used on this card....love this sweet set.

After paper-piecing my quilt block, I die cut and stamped my fall foliage and created a little bundle just under the quilt block.  The sentiments in this set are perfect for Autumn and every day.

There's so much for you to love and enjoy this month.  Happy creating and thanks for visiting!
Melis

Lizzie Jones
Danielle Flanders
Laurie Willison
Dawn McVey
Amy Sheffer
Heather Nichols
Betsy Veldman
Nichole Heady

 

Grateful Card  

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Enclosed: Leaf, Choose Joy, and Make it Market Mini Kit: Wee Fold
Ink:
Terracotta Tile, Smokey Shadow, Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss, Ocean Tides, Autumn Rose, Summer Sunrise
Tools:
Make it Market Kit: Nostalgic Notions Kit scallop die, Enclosed: Leaf
Cardstock and Paper:
Chicken Scratch paper, vellum, white cardstock

Happy New Home Card 

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Fall Florals, Keep it Simple: Home, Tucked In: New Home, Autumn Adornments, Holiday Home
Ink:
Limeade Ice, Spring Moss, Melon Berry, Harvest Gold, Pure Poppy, Berry Sorbet
Tools:
Fall Florals, Tremendous Tags
Cardstock and Paper:
White and Chicken Scratch Gingham

Hem Your Blessings Card 

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Quilted: Autumn, Sew Simple Borders, Choose Joy
Ink:
Dark Chocolate, Classic Kraft, Harvest Gold, Melon Berry, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Sweet Blush
Tools:
Quilted: Autumn
Cardstock:
Kraft and Vintage Cream

hallows eve inspiration...

Buckle in!  Today's Papertrey Ink group post is full of Halloween inspiration :).  We'll start with a fun little Halloween greeting bundle using elements from the darling, new Halloween Pin-ups kit.

I love the playful nature of this sweet kit, and wanted to show that you could easily mix it with vintage or any other style as well.  I selected the skeleton pin-up and loved how the Simply Chartreuse clip worked perfectly to tie in the colors of my vintage notecards.  

The clip holds my notecards, tag, and Autumn Adornments stamped mini envelopes together perfectly and creates such a fun way to give Halloween greetings away.  I die cut a tag using the Halloween Pin-ups dies and used the stamp set to created a stamped tag to coordinate with my gift. 

Now for something a bit more bold and colorful.  I created a couple of treat containers using lots of new Papertrey Ink Halloween products.

My first container uses the new Petite Places:  Spook Manor and Scene It:  Hallows Eve dies.  My house is stamped using Winter Wisteria, Simply Chartruese, and Smokey Shadow, with the window trimmings cut from orange glitter cardstock.

I added a die cut tag and baker's twine from the Halloween Pin-ups kit.  I used a Clear Tag Dome on the top of my Plain Pint Container and wrapped my container in Winter Wisteria Damask paper.  I used the Pint Size wrap die to create the wrapper.  The top is covered in new Autumn Chicken Scratch Gingham.  I used Canyon Clay Bitty Dot ribbon around the top along with tulle, pom pom trim, and other fixings.

My next package starts with a fun chevron bag, baker's twine, and witchy legs from the Halloween Pin-ups kit.  I adore these legs!

My sentiment is also from the Halloween Pin-ups kit, with the tree and pumpkins from the new Petite Places:  Spook Manor set.  The darling metal buttons on my projects are from the Very Vintage Halloween set from A Flair for Buttons.

Next up is a not-so-spooky, but oh-so-loveable, card using the new Shaker Shapes:  Candy Corn dies

.  

I die cut my candy corn from different colors of glittered cardstock and then added sequins in matching colors, followed by a happy, smiley face, die cut from the Shaker Shapes:  Candy Corn dies.  I love purple mixed in with traditional Halloween colors, so I added in some Winter Wisteria satin and a Summer Sunrise button at the top.

My sentiment at the bottom comes from the new Haunted Headstones stamp set, and the flowers are from the Stacked Statements set.

Lastly, I created a card using the new Haunted Headstones stamp set...so much fun!  I love the sentiments thought up by Lizzie.

I attached my die cut and stamped headstone to a layered die cut Scene It:  Hallows Eve die.  I used my Gelatos to create a soft sunset look behind the die cut and added die cut glittered bats, also from the Haunted Headstones collection.

My sentiment is from the Haunted Headstones set with the ghosts, pumpkins, and tree, from the Petite Places:  Spook Manor set.

Entirely too much fun :).  I love this time of year as we start preparing for fall, Halloween, and all that comes along.

Thanks for visiting.  More inspiration can be found on the blogs below:

Lizzie Jones
Danielle Flanders
Laurie Willison
Dawn McVey
Amy Sheffer
Heather Nichols
Betsy Veldman
Nichole Heady

introducing choose joy + twig wreath...

Today's Papertrey Ink group post is so exciting for me...the new Choose Joy stamp set is very special to my heart and I am happy to share it with you.  And, I have always loved wreaths, so to have the darling, new Twig Wreath stamp set to showcase, is also a special treat.

My first card uses one of my most favorite sentiments from the Choose Joy stamp set.  It is from one of my most favorite people, President Gordon B. Hinckley.  He has always been such an example to me, and this quote is one that defines his personality perfectly.  I stamped it in Hibiscus Burst ink to the center of a die cut Basic Backer die.  I used the Twig Wreath stamp set to create a frame around my quote.

 

At the bottom of my card, I used some darling images from the Choose Happy stamp set, the tiny stitching vines and berries/flowers.  They are stamped in Simply Chartreuse and Autumn Rose.

The flowers for my wreath were die cut from Sweet Blush ink and stamped in Hibiscus Burst, Autumn Rose, Hawaiian Shores, and Simply Chartreuse.  The paper used at the top of my card is from the Twig Wreath paper pad.

My next card uses just the Twig Wreath stamp set and I die cut the wreath and flowers from Classic Kraft cardstock.

My flowers are stamped in Ocean Tides, Autumn Rose, and Hibiscus Burst with the lease stamped in Simply Chartreuse.

 

I used more sweet paper from the Twig Wreath paper pad along with Chicken Scratch Gingham.  I adore the sentiments found in this set and used one of my favorites just below the wreath.  

These two sets are going to be used and used and used and I can't wait to show you more :).

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

Lizzie Jones
Danielle Flanders
Laurie Willison
Dawn McVey
Amy Sheffer
Heather Nichols
Betsy Veldman
Nichole Heady

autumn style...

There is so much to love this month at Papertrey Ink.  Our first group post focuses on some beautiful new products that are versatile enough to be used for any time of the year, but we're using them to celebrate autumn.

My first card uses the new Branching Out die along with the new Brushed Off stamp set.  I die cut my branch from cardboard first and then coated the leaves in a bit of watermark ink.  I then added white embossing powder to create a frosty, weathered look.  I then die cut a second branch from Sheer Basics Vellum.  I added embossing powder to the tips of my leaves again and then layered my branches over my card base.  

I used the Brushed Off stamp set and Soft Stone ink down the right side of my card and added Sheer Basics Vellum down the left half of my card.  My flower was cut from vintage trim and fabric using the Bloomers dies.  My sentiment comes from the Meadow Greens stamp set.  I added a few Rainstones to finish...love them :).

My next card uses the Brushed Off stamp set once again, stamping my images vertically in Spring Moss, Fine Linen, and Sweet Blush.  I then added a sentiment from the new Scribbled Sentiments stamp set in Spring Moss, Fine Linen, and Autumn Rose.

I then added a few sequins in coordinating colors, directly under the color they coordinate with.  I used the new Leaf Silhouettes dies and the older Leaf Prints die to create a layering of autumn leaves.

I used a sentiment from the Pumpkin Patch stamp set, Spring Moss ink, and stamped it on a Double Ended Banner die that I wove through the die cut leaves.

The other designers have lots to share with you today as well.  Thanks for your visit!

Melissa

Danielle Flanders
Laurie Willison
Dawn McVey
Amy Sheffer
Heather Nichols
Laura Bassen
Betsy Veldman
Nichole Heady
Ashley Cannon Newell

introducing pumpkin patch and autumn chicken scratch paper...

Hello there and welcome to Day 2 of the August Papertrey Ink countdown.  I am so happy to get to share with you the darling new Pumpkin Patch stamp set and die collection, along with the new Autumn Chicken Scratch paper pad.  This is truly my most favorite time of year, so I was tickled to get to showcase this line-up of products.

 

I created my first card by die cutting my pumpkins from white cardstock and then stamping them using the Pumpkin Patch stamp set in Terracotta Tile ink.  I then stamped the center of each pumpkin on a scrap of white cardstock using Orange Zest ink, and then cut them out, and adhered them to each pumpkin using dimensional adhesive.   

My stems were stamped in Spring Moss with the vines in Simple Chartreuse.  I added berries from the Stacked Statements stamp set using Autumn Rose ink, and Dark Chocolate hearts from the Desktop Design stamp set.  I stamped my sentiment on a die cut Double Ended Banners die , and added patterned paper from the Autumn Chicken Scratch paper pad, and a strip of Canyon Clay Swiss Dot Satin to finish.

I used the rock and roll technique on my next card, stamping my pumpkin in Terracotta Tile, with the edges rolled in Canyon Clay.  I used the same technique to piece together my pumpkin and create dimension.

I made it a focal point by framing it in using the Garden Variety II stamp set, stamped on a die cut Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 2 and stamped in Autumn Rose and Ripe Avocado.  

My autumn leaves stamped across the base of the pumpkin are from the new Quilted:  Autumn stamp set and are stamped in Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, Harvest Gold, and Scarlet Jewel.  I added more Autumn Chicken Scratch Gingham across the bottom, and added my sentiment at the top, stamped in Scarlet Jewel.  In the upper right corner, I used the Autumn Adornments stamp set.

On my next project, I used a small Linen Drawstring Bag and a block of muslin with frayed edges.  I used embroidery floss and handstitching around the edges and adhered this to my bag.

I then die cut a small pumpkin from Autumn Chicken Scratch Paper and stamped over the patterned paper using the Pumpkin Patch stamp and Orange Zest ink.  I then stamped the center of my pumpkin on a scrap of paper using Summer Sunrise ink, cut it out, and added it to the center of my pumpkin using dimensional adhesive.  The stem was also stamped on a scrap of paper using Ripe Avocado ink, cut out, and added to the top.

I embellished the top of my pumpkin using Vintage Cream and Simply Chartreuse felt and The Best is Yet to Be die collection.  The sentiment for my bag comes from the Friendship  Jar:  Fall Fillers stamp set, with the label from the Jar Label die.

And I couldn't let this set out of my hands without trying out a few pink pumpkins :).  I used the stamping off technique and created a stack of pumpkins at the bottom of my card. I used Autumn Rose, Melon Berry, Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, and Spring Moss.  I still love using my Gelatos to add soft, smudging, so I added a bit of that over my stamped images as well.  

I stamped my sentiment in Autumn Rose ink, and added Vintage Cream and Autumn Rose felt flowers and Simply Chartreuse felt leaves from The Best is Yet to Be die collection, once again.  

I used the Autumn Adornments stamp set across the top, stamping in Spring Moss.  I then added a few Autumn Rose berries from the Stacked Statements stamp set.  I brought in a bit of shimmer by adding Stickles Diamond glitter to my pumpkins and berries.  To finish, I added sequins and some Vintage Cream satin ribbon.

Needless to say, this set will go down as a favorite of mine :).  Completely enchanting.

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to follow the links below for more new products to check out.

Melis

Nichole Heady

Dawn McVey

Betsy Veldman

Amy Sheffer

 

love each other better...

There is something so comforting about baking...it's my go-to when I need a little balance and comfort in my life and today was one of those days.  We've been having some cooking sessions in our home this summer, with my daughter picking out different recipes she'd like to learn how to make on her own.  This week it was pancakes and pumpkin bread...maybe she's finding comfort in creating for others, just as I have :).

My heart is a little weary lately, as my dear friend, is moving away, and with school just around the corner, I realize my house and days will once again be very quiet and I will miss the chirping and chatter that fills each corner of our home.  My little girl's voice is like music to her mama's ears and I will miss her, but am so excited for the new adventure that is waiting for her.

So today, I needed a little picker-upper, and baked zucchini bread for my family.  There's nothing like the smell of fresh, homemade bread...it can soothe my soul instantly :).  While the oven worked its magic, I sat and did a bit of crafting.  And, I'm feeling so much better now.

My card was created with beautiful LemonCraft paper and wood shapes, Prima flowers and chipboard, and Papertrey Ink stamps including the Bloomers and Autumn Adornments stamp sets.  

Something I am working on...this quote, reminds me to focus on the heart, on what's inside, instead of letting what I see define what I do.

Happy, lovely, August weekend.

Melis

weeeee!...

Just a little something I had a tiny part in at Papertrey Ink :).  A sweet set filled with my favorite quotes.  Nichole brought this set to life with her magic and I am thankful indeed.  I love that she lets me dream and then makes my dreams come to fruition.  Coming August 15th, but projects will start sooner than that so stay tuned.

And, I made you a card to show my appreciation :).  Created with Papertrey Ink's Bloomers stamp set along with the Life is Beautiful butterfly dies.  I dipped the edges of my wings in Versamark Watermark ink and then coated the surface with embossing powder.  Love the shimmer.

I also used bits of pieces from the Freckled Fawn August OHDEERME Embellishment kit, such as the puffy gold arrow sticker, the vellum tape, and the beautiful glittery, gold, heart washi...sigh...this stuff must have been made just for me :).

Enjoy a lovely Thursday...and thank you, thank you for your kindness.

Melis

 

sunshine in my heart...

Hello!  I hope your Tuesday has treated you extra kindly today...I have loved mine :).  My favorite flower is in bloom...sunflowers, and whenever I see them, I can feel fall coming.  Today we swam in the sunshine, soaked up the warmth of late summer, enjoyed our nest of farm kittens, and are loving life and all of the little things that make it so special.

Today's creation was created for a special customer and I love the colors she asked me to use.  These little heart pincushions always take on a life of their own as they come together and seem to develop a personality.  Sierra names them as we go along, and this one she has named Arabelle :).

I used Papertrey Ink's Quilted:  Summer stamp set and created a tag to coordinate.

I love sharing my favorite vintage trimmings and little bits of this and that and think they look right at home on this sweet work of "heart".

Today, this quote was meant for my heart :).

Happy Tuesday.

Melis

diy mini notebooks...

Good Monday morning!  We've got just two short weeks here before school starts and I want to soak up each little minute of it.  My daughter always starts to get really anxious about this time each year, so I've decided we'll work on a few crafting and quilting projects to take her mind off all of the excitement.

My little DIY notebooks were created for Papertrey Ink and I've put together a tutorial that you can view HERE at Papertrey Ink.

The fun metal tin is just icing on top, but the notebooks, they are so fun and simple.  I've used the Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 1 and 2 dies to created them along with a few pages trimmed from a Papertrey Ink notepad.

Then once they're assembled, stamp away and get creative as you embellish each one.  I wanted mine to coordinate so I used the Vintage Linens and Chicken Scratch Gingham paper pads.

The stamp sets I used on my project today are:  Desktop Designs, Life is Sweet, Bitty Bouquets, Bowl of Sunshine, A Second Helping of Sunshine,  Autumn Adornments, and Think Big Favorites #19. Would love to see what you create!

(reflectedpixel)  Wish I could capture beauty like this...may your week be wonderful!

Melis
 

teach and inspire revisited...

Hello August!  I love this month, how about you?  It's still plenty hot here in the desert, but I love watching for signs of cooler things to come, Indian Summer, and all things fall...including apples :).

The Papertrey Ink Sr. Team has been challenged to revisit the Teach & Inspire stamp set, which is one I just love.  My first project was created using this set along with Enclosed:  Apple Die.  I stamped my image on a die cut Tremendous Tag using Pure Poppy and Simply Chartreuse ink.

I used Simply Chartreuse felt as my base and layered on coordinating patterned paper.  I added a sweet flair button from A Flair for Buttons' Fresh Market Flair collection...so cute :).

I then created a card using a file folder I had on hand.  I used the Secret Agent stamp set along with Teach & Inspire.  

I love, love, love the oak tree from Teach & Inspire, so I used it as my focal point.  It is stamped on a die cut Monthly Moments Journal Card 2 which was layered over a die cut Monthly Moments Journal Card 1, cut from cork paper.

I used the tiny alphabet image around the edges and used my favorite saying from the Teach & Inspire set near the bottom.  

I'm so grateful for great teachers who pour their hearts and souls into our children, so celebrating them is always something I enjoy.

These other designers have lots to share with you as well:

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Maile Belles

Betsy Veldman

 

Enjoy your weekend!

Melissa