LilyBean's Paperie

yawn....

ummm...sorry to leave you all with this sleepy little blog of mine.  I've been playin'----being irresponsible---you know.  I did WOG yesterday---do you WOG???   That is Melissa terminology for running a 5K yesterday morning----it was the Firecracker 5K after all----WOGGING is what I do best---a little walking---a little jogging----it was fun and I'm glad I did it----my little hips are screaming at me today, though-----that's what 30 something is doing to me, sigh......

I have a bazillion cookies in the make right now----dinner on the stove waiting for my dirty-licious, house builder, husband---and a little girl running around playing Cinderella.  So----I will make this quick.

I made this card just for fun---had some Melissa Frances scraps laying out---also a beautiful resin key from Melissa Frances staring at me---my piano music---a fabric brad that I've had for ages--Rusty Pickle I believe---just enough Prima trim---so here she is:

And, this is my card for the CPS blog this week:

Our sponsor is Rubbernecker Stamps---so fun.  The background and butterflies are both from them. And....that little tag is from Cavallini....mmmmmm..... 

I think that's it until next time--I won't be long.  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and your 4th of July if you're here in the US like me.

Night.

Melis

from my window...

Well...for my birthday today, my husband broke ground on our property.  The building process is finally underway, and he started excavating this evening.  This is a dream come true for us and I couldn't be happier or more frightened all at the same time---such a big undertaking, but I am going to be positive about it because that makes it easier and more enjoyable.   So, my little one and I took up a pizza tonight to eat on the tailgate for dinner and to see what had been happening during the----he was starting excavation in the area where our Master Bedroom will be and my view from my bedroom window is so beautiful.  Tonight I saw desert cactus just about ready to bloom----the sun setting---mountains----pine trees, cedar trees, sagebrush , wild horses, and not one single house.   We are building in the mountains just outside of town here and I am thrilled---now to be patient, right :)

Thank you all so much for your sweet birthday wishes---I feel so honored to have been spoiled by you all today---you truly made my day so special!

Tonight I have a fun little project to share with you---and one glorious word too----say it with me now---Cavallini....mmmmmm....have you seen this stuff?  Emma's Paperie is now carrying many Cavallini goodies----I snatched me some as soon as I could.  Our challenge as a design team at Emma's was to use the tall tea tins in either the square or round shape and dress them up to our liking---I just love what the girls came up with---you've got to go peek.  Here is my take on the challenge. 

I used Webster's Pages paper, Cavallini labels, October Afternoon rubons, Prima flowers, and May Arts ribbon.

And, then tonight I'll leave you with my card for the SketchThis blog.  I am certainly in a patriotic mood---and enjoyed creating this card for our celebration coming up here on the 4th. 

I used Melissa Frances paper, glitter chipboard, die cuts, and rubons, Martha Stewart daisies, and Jenni Bowling alpha stickers.   

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

Melis

happy july...happy me...

I love this month---my birthday is ummm....tomorrow....I'm 30 something ;)---my husband knows the exact number-----but who really cares---not so much fun to keep track of anymore is it?  My brother's birthday is today---Happy Birthday Scot...I love you---and of course we have the 4th of July right around the corner followed by the 24th of July for any of you Utahns out there---I love the combination of these holidays---so much to celebrate and be ever so thankful for.

In conjunction with my birthday, I'm hosting a challenge for Webster's Pages.  You can view the details of the challenge HERE.  I fun little goodie package is up for grabs---so I hope you'll check it out and knock me over with your creativity!

Here is my card for the challenge---to get those creative juices flowing.  It all started with my favorite color RED---that sweet flower---a bit of old sheet music, which I love and save every tiny scrap of---and a party, party, party theme...

And lastly, a little page about me---I created this for Provo Craft and for the Pursuit of Craftyness blog.  Our challenge was to create a photo project---this is an 8x8 page---such a great size--I like the small scale of this.  I used Cuttlekids die cuts for the flowers and then shabbied it up a bit with tulle and then of course that darn sheet music crept in again too :)

Also, I have received a few questions regarding this HAPPINESS card.  The die cut with those darling little girls and the butterfly are from Amy Butler and K&Co.  I think they are only available at a Michael's store---but I'm not 100% sure on that---ohhh, the flower at the bottom is from this same line as well :)  Hope that helps.

I think that's it for tonight---I'll have a more to share tomorrow.

Enjoy your JULY!

Melis

lovely pickle...

a funny little phrase my four-year old came up with last night---have to remember her silly little sayings.

I don't have too much time this morning, but wanted to update my blog a bit. 

The butterfly on this was cut using an accent from Provo Craft's Pooh and Friends cartridge---there are so many darling little accents on this cartridge--bees, caterpillars, kites, umbrellas, watering cans, frames, etc.  I also used old sheet music, Basic Grey paper, Making Memories buttons, stickers, and trim, and Doodlebug gems.  And, it seems that typepad wants to boot me out again, so I'll have to post everything all at once here and then show pics below---sorry :(---wish I understood what was going on.  Below are a few more pics of card created using the Keep In Touch Card Shop July kit---love it, love it--just in case I haven't told you that before :)  The ring comes plain in the kit and I just used a few leftover gems from the kit to give it a bit of bling.

Enjoy your Monday---I need to figure out how to get rid of a Monday morning headache---bummer, huh?

Melis

mom, mama, mommy, mama dear, my lady...

just a few of the things I am called at home...these names float around here like music---I love being a mama even on the days that are more trying than others...motherhood is rewarding, sweet, spiritual, essential, tiring, heart wrenching, frustrating, wonderful, unconditional, selfless, and the best thing to ever happen to me.  My heart is so full and I am so thankful.

Now....please, oh please...typepad is causing me grief---so I'll have to try this a bit different tonight. 

This first project features the little lady of our house when she was just a couple of years younger----nope---she is not squatting to do any sort of business although is appears that way---she's just crouching to rest her weary little legs.  I created this for Provo Craft this month using several of their Solutions cartridges.  I used the following:  Indie Art, Stone Script, Home Accents, and Street Sign. 

The next little item is a just for fun project----I was in the mood to dig into my Webster's Pages stash---love the patterns and colors of all of their paper.  The tag and sticker are from Amy Butler and K&Co., trim from Prima, rubon from Crate Paper, and pearls from Martha Stewart. 

I think that's all I'll attempt to post tonight---I may end up throwing a little tantrum if I loose this post for the 5th time---so wish me luck.

Here are the pics----night girls!

Melis

smiles are for sharing...

Just me again...back to share a few things with you.

I was asked to be a guest designer for Keep in Touch Card Shop for July.  I've been given the green light to share my projects with you---so here we go.  I'll share a few today and a few more tomorrow.

I guess we'll end there for today---typepad isn't being very nice today...hmmmm...anyway, for any of you looking for a card kit to subscribe to, I recommend Keep in Touch Card Shop without hesitation----it is so full and well put together---so unique and original!

Hope you're having wonderful Thursday!

Melissa

come here you...

What a happy, happy day.  Nothing but smiles for you today and some exciting news...here we go!

How about a GIVE-A-WAY! Lime Tart and Odd Bird Planet have a wonderful treat in store---here is a message from Johanna:

"We have a double-double-dose of exciting news for you this month! Not only are the fantabulous Lime Tart kits now also available for shipping directly from the US, the A La Tarte kit this month is filled with things that are especially near-and-dear. The stamps in July's A La Tarte were designed by our very own Teresa Abajo. Teresa is on both the Lime Tart and justjohanna's Odd Bird Planet design teams, so you're probably already familiar with her design work. Her new stamp designs are gorgeous! There's a banner of the cutest little triangle flags, and a matching frame that's perfect for photos, sentiments, addresses, stamp scenes... so many possibilities!

And if that's not goodness enough for you, the papers featured in July's A La Tarte are from the Daisy D's Wonder Years line, designed by Johanna's friend Stephanie DosReis. To celebrate all that is good this month, we have an original painting by Stephanie, which incorporates some Odd Bird Planet stamps, that we'll be GIVING AWAY!"

Hooray!  Isn't that painting adorable---I am in awe.  Boy, it sure would look sweet in my little girl's room...sigh...nevertheless...I'm out of the running---but you're not!  All you have to do is:

Go to http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101442660947

 and register to receive the newsletter, then link the news on your blog if you have one (no problems if you don't) then come back and comment on my blog to say it's been done.  I'll pick a winner randomly on the morning of July 10th and away you'll go with this sweet painting---lucky girl!

Also, I have a sneak peek of somethin' pretty pretty for you.  Webster's Pages is showing bit of one of their new lines here, and trims and journaling cards are making their debut at CHA too! 

Let's see...next on our agenda tonight is to give you all big old "knock the rock"---I saw that several of you entered your beautiful creations in the Paper Crafts Gallery Idol contest---yaaay for you!  Now the fun begins.  So happy you gave it a shot.  I think you're wonderful.

What else to share---this is what I did today. 

For my mother-in-law.  She is home recovering from shoulder surgery after just having both of her hips replaced all within the last 6 months---she wanted something to make her smile and brighten things up each day---so she picked out the daisies and the containers and let me arrange them---LOVE this color---LOVE these Gerber daisies--they make me smile.  Anyway, today the sweetest little package arrived at my door---2 loaves of my favorite bread...Granny Sycamore, and a bottle of Pure Vanilla extract---I'm a simple girl and this was such a kind gesture on my mother-in-law's part.  We live about 2 hours away from civilization :)---so it's hard to get some of the simple pleasures here---and anytime she goes out of town she brings me back my favorite bread.  The vanilla is to feed my every growing fetish with baking and baking and baking---very thoughtful and certainly reminded me that little things mean so much.

Now...and I promise I'm all done...my sketch cards for the week---

For the Sketch This blog--can you tell what my favorite color combo is lately---red, white, and blue---I'm a patriotic girl through and through.  My sweet husband is even more so.  The love he has for his country is about the only thing that will bring him to tears...that and running out of Dr. Pepper :)  Lots and lots of American Crafts here---paper, ribbon, and rubons.

And, my card for the CPS blog-- All from my beloved Melissa Frances stash---more make-me-happy kind of stuff---those darling fleece hearts are from American Crafts.. 

If you're in the mood for a little light reading and some pictures to boot---I've created a button tutorial for the CPS blog here. 

Man, I'm chatty tonight---time to get to work!

Night.

Melis

cheeky...

I love this word--my Australian friends keep using it and it sounds so adorable---i had to ask them to define it for me and it sounds like it's pretty clean...not too much of  a cuss word--so I'm stealing it and using it today.  Speaking of Aussies, Lime Tart has some exciting, exciting news.  Check it out here for any of you US girls that have been wanting to get your hands on their kits---you can now!!! 

Hmmm...let's see...any other news?  Oh, just a friendly nagging for you regarding the Paper Crafts Gallery Idol.  Have you entered yet?  You still have time--kind of...today is the last day.  So, if you're on the fence---hop on off of there and enter!  It is going to be so much fun.

Now...just a couple of things to share with you before we dash out the door---we get to have pizza and the park with cousins today :)

I created this using stamps from My Favorite Things---I can't ever resist a sweet seed packet.  Also Basic Grey Paper, Melissa Frances paper, glitter chipboard, and rubon, Provo Craft Cuttlebug die cut and embossing folder, and some brads.

The design team at Emma's Paperie has a sketch challenge for you this week---the sketch is adorable and I love what everyone has done---not just cards but projects and a beautiful layout as well.  Here is my take on the sketch.  All supplies used can be found at Emma's. 

I think that's it from me today...I'm sure I've forgotten something---that's just me...

Have a wonderful Monday!

Melis

juicy, sweet Saturday...

I'm sitting here basking in the glow that comes after cleaning---it always feels so good---I just don't love doing it.  I have 2 more little tasks to do on this sweltering Saturday evening...but am breaking for a bit.

Is it hot where you are?  We are in the 100's all of the sudden...I'm not a hot weather kind of girl---I love to sit inside making soup and cookies while I watch the snow fall outside---that pretty much sums up my personality--so I'm in the adjust mode again as summer is upon us.

Just a quick little creation tonight---summer reminds me of fresh fruit whether it be the bright, juicy colors they always seem to enchant me with, or their perfect little shapes----I love them and crafting with them is fun as well. 

This is the second package of Martha Stewart fabric strawberries that I've snagged---they are simply irresistible to me along with the scalloped border punch---I love this thing.

Well....that's it for me.  Off to finish tidying up and then my little one and I are having a movie night with popcorn since we are daddy-less at the present time.

Thank you, thank you so much for the links and suggestions you've given me regarding home decor.  They have already come in handy and I love discovering these new sites---keep them coming if you have any other ideas.  I think my kitchen is pretty much set---yellows, reds, and pale blues---bright and cheery and just how I like it.  Now if I can just afford the cabinets that I love :)

Have the rest of a wonderful weekend.

Melissa

randomly rambling...

Not a lot of rhyme or reason to my post today...just a bunch of random stuff....some days are like that, right? 

A few fun....for no particular reason...kind of things...oodles on my mind lately...I need some links...but I'll chat with you about that later.

Everything here from Melissa Frances...love these deliciously, warm apply pie, cinnamon sticks in cider, autumn colors.  Buttons are assorted, ribbon from Martha Stewart, and flower from craft supply.

Everything here from Melissa Frances as well...I love this collection.  It's all from the Little Guy Page Kit---super quick.

Just using and loving my Basic Grey stash on this one----love those chipboard buttons.  I used a Crate Paper rubon and Wright's Twill tape as well.

And...a couple of cards from Cherries Jubilee Creations using the Raspberry Truffle Cake Kit---love these colors and the simplicity behind these darling kits---they are so much fun to work with. 

Such sweet sentiments--love them.

Alright...it appears that we will be building a house here...hopefully soon...but I shall not get my hopes up---I need to learn patience through this process. Anyway---I'm trying to collect ideas for home decor---I think I have my kitchen all planned out, but I'd love to hear what some of your favorite home decor sites are....pretty please :)---I'm stumped as to where to look for ideas and I need them desperately so when the time comes for me to make decisions I have a few ideas of what I'd like.

Thank you, thank you---off to scrub the bathroom---how I love housework, :)!

Happy Friday.

melis

piece 'o cake...

Just wanted to point you in the direction of another step-by-step project.  This one is a lot of fun---I created it using my Provo Craft Cricut Expression machine and the Tags, Bags, Boxes and More---but there are links of where to download a template for the cake slice so you can create your own. 

I created this for Lime Tart using the Full Tart---links for the template and instructions can be found HERE.  Have fun and be sure to show me your creations if you decide to give it a try.

And, another couple of cards for Lime Tart as well...sorry not much new today---I'm buried in happy messes right now and will show you when I can. 

Well...I'm off to weed the flower garden and purchase some water guns for Sierra.  I'm going to let her torment the hound dog today....he deserves it as he keeps beating her with his tail until she drops her Popsicles---licks the bows out of her pigtails and eats them...the list goes on and on...it's only fair we arm ourselves---it's a good thing he's so darn lovable.

Happy Thursday everyone.

Melis

no little monkeys jumpin' on the bed...

pheeeww...play date today. 

4 charming, mischievous, dramatic, adorable, sweet, little girls----at least they asked permission BEFORE they started jumping on the bed :) 

I have a few minutes...not 5, not 7, just a few and my few moments of peace and quiet are over---so here we go.

First up is this "special delivery" card using Webster's Pages beautiful paper---isn't it perfectly shabby?  Also I just love these stamps by My Favorite Things---I'm such a sucker for a baby buggy. 

This is my card for the Sketch This blog today. 

Melissa Frances and Basic Grey paper, My Mind's Eye die cuts, Doodlebug jewels and ric rac, Jenni Bowlin rubon, and assorted buttons---what a fun time I had completing this sketch.

And...one little item made with one of the adorable Cherries Jubilee Creations kits---these are so much fun--I'm having such a great time creating with these. 

pretties...

How was your weekend?  Hope you were maybe able to take a Sunday nap, maybe stay up late and watch a movie, and hopefully enjoy some sunshine wherever you are :)

Quickly before I start in on the Monday junk....I wanted to share a project for Emma's Paperie with you---using so many of the things I love. 

I've had this frame for awhile now---it's one of my favorites--anyway...it was time to shake it up a bit and bring on the shabby.

When you have a minute you can take a peek at all of the darling creations from the other designers HERE!  They are amazing and so much fun!

Thank you all for your sweet posts about motherhood...it's comforting to know I'm not the only tremendous sap out there :)  Enjoy your day!

Melis

because I love ya sweet baby...

Creating is so therapeutic---sometimes I have the hardest time looking at pictures of my little girl when she was smaller....it is so hard to grasp the fact that those days are gone and that they passed so quickly---I have loved each stage she has gone through, but it twists my little hearts in knots sometimes because I am afraid of the speed at which she is changing.  So, anyway---digging through my favorite pictures of her and feeling all of those feelings of love and admiration and I decided to make a little tag book of some of her sweet faces and stages.  This was fun...and I find myself looking at it over and over each day---and remembering with a smile in my heart.  I know you all know how I am feeling...tell me it will be ok. 

I created this for Lime Tart this month--the gallery is gorgeous...I hope you'll check it out.  I wanted to share this little project here....but the rest of my things can be seen HERE.

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend---still need to wrap a couple of gifts for daddy boy--then we're set for tomorrow.

Night.

Melis

celebrate life today...

For Melissa...

Today is such a special day for Melissa Frances.  Carolyn asked us as a design team to create something just for Melissa to help celebrate this special day with her and to spoil her just a bit.  I had to use this quote on this memorable day for her. 

She has opened my eyes to see the importance and gift of life and I thank her for sharing her personal trial and triumphant battle with breast cancer.  Enjoy today and the others that are to follow Melissa! 

Hope you'll visit the Melissa Frances blog to check out all of the heartfelt and beautiful creations from this amazing design team.  There is an adorable party  hat created by Rachel Killpack missing from the post---you just have to see it...so maybe keep checking for it.  I am so thankful I get to work with them and with Melissa!

For my dad:

One more little number for the HGTV Crafter's Blog....using all Crate Paper here, except for the buttons and hemp---LOVE this line!  Step-by-step instructions are there for you if you're interested in whipping up a little last minute card for Father's Day!

And...from Sierra to Daddy Boy:
This is what my little girl calls her daddy--so we made him a card for Father's Day---just waiting for her to draw a picture and write her name inside.  This was created for the CPS blog this week---LOVE the cards from the other  girls there----lots of creativity coming at you!

I think that's it for now----I promise to post the cookie recipe in a while---I think we're going fishing, so I better scoot!

Have a wonderful day everyone---hug someone you love!

Melis

hey punkin....

Just a little trouble Sierra and I got ourselves into yesterday---I shall never eat another Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie without the glaze, or globs of cream cheese frosting....just not the same you know.

Getting ready to camp in the backyard tonight.  Making tinfoil dinners to throw on the BBQ (have your tried these?), and heading off to the library to hunt down another book....so sad when a good book comes to an end...I need another.

What are your plans today?  Hopefully you're enjoying some wonderful weather---so good for the soul.

One quick little share for you before I head out. 

Used some delicious Glimmer Mist for the first time last night...officially hooked...and oodles of Melissa Frances...forever hooked. 

And....a little secret I can't tell you anything about other than you'll want to check back here tomorrow because some of my friends and I have made some uhhhh....stuff....for ummm...a very special occasion of some sort....and it's gonna make you weepy---how did I do?  Are you curious?

Off to play with my girl.

Melis

metamorphosis...

So thankful today that I have been given the opportunity for growth and change.  I look back at who I was 10 years ago and see that I am seeing so many things in a whole new light....I am not the same person...much of me is the same, but hopefully I am learning to be more loving, forgiving, gentle, and accepting---life teaches us these things I suppose and I have little eyes and ears around me that hang on my every word and deed.  Sigh...motherhood has taught me so many things and will continue to do so, thankfully.

Before we head out on an adventure today,  I have a few things to post.

My last couple of projects for Scrap Magie---what a treat it was to join them this month---thank you Marina!

I just love the soft but brilliant colors that float throughout this kit.

Now...a little peeky-lou or two for you.  Working on some Lime Tart here----it's so fun. 

Hope you're having a wonderful week.  Off to enjoy the sunshine.

Melis

amber waves and red cliffs...

I love my beautiful country.  Last night we went here...TUACAHN.  It is about 2 hours from our home, but I am beginning to call the red rocks, cliffs, and desert landscape my home.  I was truly overwhelmed by the beauty that was surrounding me on our trip there.  Not a day goes by that I don't think about the beautiful fields of grain that blankets the farmlands in Idaho, and my beloved Teton mountains, but this new home is finding it's way into my heart.  I love to travel and explore and soak in the glorious creations that have been given to us to enjoy and that make the world beautiful---beauty creates happiness, don't you think?

Speaking of beauty, my friend, Melissa Frances is celebrating on her blog throughout this week.  Friday marks her very last day of cancer treatment.  I can't imagine how hard this journey has been for her...how can I possibly know.  I do know that I am so thankful she has shared her story and continues to share her journey with us as you'll notice on her blog she went in yesterday to have lumps in her nose and on her eyelid removed and tested for cancer.  My heart and prayers are with her.

I invite you to the Melissa Frances blog to celebrate with us this week----lots of fun give-a-ways to keep Melissa's spirits soaring!

A few fun kit clubs for you to check out.  Of course, Lime Tart has me happily humming away as I create with the beautiful Full Tart this month....pictures coming soon.

Keep In Touch Card Shop has me drooling.  I am guest designing for them in July...and my kit is so beautiful...I am honestly blown away.  It is sooooooo full of goodies...I just can't even begin to tell you.  So all of you card lovers....you must check this place out!

And...before I start on this next site...sit down...I was sitting down yesterday as  I opened up a package from Cherries Jubilee. 

Inside these scrumptious little boxes are pre-cut papers (super cute papers), pre-made cards with adorable sentiments inside, and embellishments----all in that darling little package---isn't that genius?  I'll get some photos posted in a bit, but I wanted to share this little gem with you all.

Hmmm...kind of long-winded today aren't I?  I think that may be about it. 

How are your submissions coming for Paper Crafts Idol?  Not nagging...just a friendly little nudge kind of a nag.

My friend Dee Gallimore-Perry was the very first person that inspired me in card-making.  I have long looked up to her and admire her so much.  Well.....she's got an etsy shop full of beautiful hand-made jewelry.  Check it out HERE!

Just a little something for you this morning...

Everything here from Making Memories----love this sweet line, and those giraffes.....they are adorable, as is my newest nephew....#3 has arrived---safe and sound. 

OK...I'm all done.  See you tomorrow.

Melis

stop to feel the sunshine...

I've been away for a few days---I took my little girl on road trip and we went to visit grandma and grandpa.  I love my outings with her and they spoil her rotten.  We had such a wonderful time soaking in the sunshine, sleeping in together, and having no schedule.  I started a new book for summer am truly starting to slow down and relax a bit.

A few of you have asked about how to create a circle card, and so I put together a step-by-step for you on how I make mine.  I created this for Scrap Magie using one of the Pink Kits.  You can find instructions on how to make this HERE. 

And a little something fun and spotted for Emma's Paperie.  Our first challenge as a design team this month was to use the color red---my favorite color!  And, so I mixed in my favorite pattern as well---polka-dots---who can resist polka-dots?  I love 'em. 

All of the supplies used on these 2 projects can be found at Emma's Paperie---and be sure to check out the blog to see what the other designer's did with red---what a fun assignment.

Well....laundry seems to be my middle name...back to reality, right?.

Enjoy your Monday!

Melis

my happy place...

Working on my cards and projects makes me so happy.  Many of you have inquired when I get things done, and so I thought I'd share my secret with you-----from about 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. or a wee bit later.  I used to need more sleep than I seem to need now----and I love staying up and creating.  Not much happens during the day---once in a while if the stars are aligned :)---I may bust a project out, but I need to be a mommy during my little girl's waking hours and that's is what I've always wanted to be.  So, my creating time comes later after I've spent some time with my husband chatting and laughing and catching up on the day.

So...here are a couple of new things to share with you before I get going on the day-to-day tasks.  And....I have a challenge for you too...so keep reading.

This is my card for the Sketch This blog this week----my favorite colors...so warm...and my favorite Melissa Frances goodies as well.  Melissa Frances paper and cardstock stickers, Scenic Route paper, Prima flowers, Doodlebug glitter, Making Memories buttons, Prism cardstock, and Provo Craft Cuttlebug embossing folder---here is a close up of the embossing or an attempt anyway. 

And...a card featuring My Favorite Things acrylic stamps--I LOVE these stamps...simply adorable.  

Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey paper, Making Memories button, Darice hemp, Crate Paper rubons, Ranger ink, and Kaisercraft adhesive pearl.

Lastly, another card from the Pink Kit from Scrap Magie. 

OK...enough of this stuff already :).

Here is my challenge for you ALL---Have you heard about Paper Crafts Idol?  Well....it's underway and so much fun.  You can check out all of the details here.  For the first round all you have to do is make your most drop-dead, irresistible, absolutely adorable FRIENDSHIP card and load it into the gallery here.  Make sure you load it into the PC Idol Gallery.  You can do that, right?  I hope you'll try...I may play along on my blog here just because it is so fun.  Anyway...a bit of time for you to get your first card or cards done---can't wait to see what you'll do.

See ya's.

Melis

June bug...

I love this month----school is out, the weather is turning quite Summery, the trees are getting big, bushy, and shady, and I can see stars and stripes and watermelon waiting just ahead.  I woke up to the birds chirping this morning and loved laying there listening to their happy little voices---so peaceful.

I feel like I have so much to share with you---I have been busily working the midnight hours away.  Here are just a few things I can share right now.

Here is my card for the CPS blog this week.  I used lots of Basic Grey here, Foof-a-la chipboard, Innovative Stamp Creations stamps, Ranger and Stazon ink, Jesse James gems, and Delta acrylic paint.

And a little number here using Webster's Pagespaper and rubons along with Berwick ribbon, Making Memories trim, and Crafty Secrets stamp. 

Here is one of my cards for Scrap Magie this month---this kit is amazing! 

I was given one of the Pink kits to work with and I have loved every minute working with this kit.

And lastly...a Father's Day card for the HGTV craft blog---instructions arehereif you'd like to create your own.  I used Crate Paper paper, die cuts, rubons, and chipboard on this---so perfect for manly man stuff! 

Well...gotta go get busy again---the kiddie pool and Otter Pops are waiting for us today!

Happy day everyone.

Melis

peaceful, happy moments...

sigh....what a grump I've been all week---why?  No reason....it was just my turn---shame on me, huh?.

Thank goodness for days like today----I feel so much better and am back to my normal, chipper self---I have so much to be thankful for and not a thing to complain about---not one thing!

So....how's about some cards---I'll try and catch up over the next couple of days.

First off, a little peek at my card for the CPS blog this week---our sponsor is Innovative Stamp Creationsand I can't begin to tell you how beautiful these stamps are---they are simply breathtaking and I can't wait to use more and more and more of them.  Check out what the designers did today with their cards---a bunch o' butterfly lovers we all seem to be, lol.

I created this little number for sweetEmma's Paperie---how I love my night job, haha.  You have to pop over to the blog to check out what the other girls have been up to---it's like a little vacation just waiting for you!

And...just one more for you before I put you all to sleep.  This is a just for fun card---using up some scrap---I even hang on to my ric rac bits---I obviously have a disorder, but I use it all up eventually. 

That's it---ohhhh....but how could I forget to share the Black Forest Cherry Cobbler recipe with you?

Here it is---I made it again just this afternoon----I love baking outdoors.  I used the recipe from Papa Dutch---just used a different name for it that I've grown to love.  You can find it right HERE!

Have a wonderful night!

Melis

there, there...

I'm going to be nice, if typepad will be nice.  Let's try this again today, shall we?
Not one speck of glitter, trim, or pastel--ies today---my mind is working on fall right now--so I thought I'd share a couple of Provo Craft projects with you tonight. 

I used my Doodlecharms cartridge for the bus and apple (cutest darn apple I have ever seen---I'm gonna try glittering it one of these days) and also my Doodletype cartridge for the sentiment .

And, for this card I used my Stretch Your Imagination cartridge for those yummy little naked trees. 

sigh....I have so enjoyed our weather today---garden planting weather I tell you---yesterday Sierra and I plucked some fat little radishes from the garden and they were tasty---love their brilliant, rosy red color too!

Gotta run.

Melis

quite contrary...

 

Hmmmm...typepad and I used to get along until...well...yesterday I think...and now....it has me cussing.  So, hopefully I can get this post done without any more drama---I'm a drama free kinda girl ya know.

I forgot what I wanted to say between the 12 posts I have tried to successfully complete today---so I'm just gonna leave it alone. 

This little card is for the Sketch This blog this week.  It uses Webster's Pages paper and rubons, Scenic Route die cut, Foof-a-la chipboard, WRMK eyelet, Darice hemp, and Heidi Grace ribbon.  Sorry for the not so chatty chat tonight--It must be the dinner dishes waiting for me that has me all flustered----darn things.

Night.

Melis

lazy days...

it was a beautiful, busy, lazy, wonderful weekend.

We had lots of family here to spend time with---it was perfect.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend as well.

Unfortunately I have piles of muddy laundry waiting for me this morning---so before I get lost in it all, I wanted to post my card for the CPS blog this week.  I LOVE this sketch---and our theme was SUMMER---so much fun.

I used heaps of Melissa Frances on this---paper, chipboard (the little swimsuit), trim, and the cardtsock sticker.  Also used on this is a bit of Martha Stewart ribbon, Making Memories buttons and blossoms, Darice string, and Ranger ink.

I hope you'll try this sketch---it challenged me---but I enjoyed the process.

Hmmmmfff...gotta go be responsible---have a wonderful Tuesday!

Melis

ride sally ride...

Happy Memorial Day weekend!  I have always loved this holiday break---I remember visiting the cemeteries with my parents and putting out beautiful, fresh flower arrangements on graves and sitting under the willow trees telling stories about my grandparents.  I haven't had a grandma or grandpa in my life since I was about 20 years old---I miss them so much and really appreciate the time to sit and think about them and the wonderful, loving examples they were while I was growing up.  I will miss visiting their graves this year as we are too far away now.

BUT---we have a fun weekend planned.  My husband has just set off on a motorcycle ride.  One year ago today we had a broken collarbone as a result of he and his brother's annual ride---let's hope this year is uneventful.  I'm on dutch oven duty---tonight we'll have some of my husband's heavenly dutch oven potatoes and I'm making a Black Forest Cobbler in another dutch oven for dessert---have you tried this stuff?   Holy smokes---it is so good and I love to sit out and do nothing while the food cooks.

Anyway, before I head out I thought I'd post a card and a little challenge for those of you who might have some time to relax this weekend.  Cindy at Emma's Paperie has posted  a card sketch on her blog---it's so cute and I gave it a shot yesterday.  Everything I used on this card can be found at Emma's.  I used Sassafras Lass paper and cardstock stickers, My Mind's Eye paper, American Crafts alpha stickers, and May Arts ribbon.

Hope you'll give it a try.

Enjoy your weekend.

Melis

country life...

I do love my small town life---it's truly wonderful, but definitely not for everybody.  Some days it seems too small and too much---but most days I just love my simplicity.  I woke up bright and early this morning to head out for a run---it was drizzling the whole time, but everything was fresh and alive and quiet and completely natural and majestic.  Didn't see one car on the country road I run---but the sun rays were out and trying to reach through the gray clouds.  What a wonderful morning---and to top it all off, it smelled like fresh sage brush.  I LOVE that smell.

On