LilyBean's Paperie

sugared, shabby winterland...

Most of you are on the road or already at your Thanksgiving destination.  Lots of you ARE the destination spot for a warm resting place for your loved ones....some of us will be leaving very soon to spend time with families.  It seems that Thanksgiving means more to me this year than in the past...I'm sure that age has a lot to do with that, but I also feel that we all share a very common bond this year....that of holding dear the things that are the most precious to us as things around us aren't what they used to be.  I am indeed so thankful for my family.

Before I go, a little treat or two to share with you... I'm hooked on these sweet, bare paper mache houses that come in many sizes and shapes....they make the cutest packages....now to find the perfect gift for the inside.   
I used the Home Made stamp set from Papertrey Ink as it is absolutely adorable and makes this process so easy.

I'm thinking of making a few of these to sell....and will sell this little lady as well.  Please email me @ meliphillips@lcturbonet.com if you're interested in a pretty package made just for you.

And....one more before I go....created for Emma's Paperie this week.    Mmmm...I love these pale, creamy colors.  A complete supply list can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.
 
Happy, Happy Thanksgiving.  Life is wonderful.  I am so thankful for each of you.

Melis
 
 

holiday treats...

The girls at Crafty Secrets have all been busy working on a Christmas-themed blog challenge.  For my project I decided to wrap up a Papertrey notepad using a Crafty Secrets Homespun Cotton Scrap.  It seems that my holiday baking list never ends, and so this year I thought it would be fun to create a beautiful spot to hold my oh, so important lists of grocery items, lists of goodies for neighbors, etc.   

I used the Holiday Treats and the Merry & Bright stamp sets from Papertrey Ink along with Vintage Cream cardstock, Spring Moss, Pure Poppy, and Dark Chocolate ink, and Ripe Avocado and Vintage Cream buttons.  

  It's about time to get my lists going...always so much fun to try new things for the holidays.

Here are some fun links for you to follow to see many more holiday projects:

·  Vicki Chrisman Team Leader

·  Pam Hooten

·  Heidi Blankenship

·  Marisa Grosson

·  Michele Kovack

·  Linda Duke

·  Michelle Van Etten

·  Flo from France

·  Darlene Pavlick   ( guest designer)

And...the big announcement....Rachel has randomly selected a winner from my blog to win the Darkroom Door stamp sets shown HERE...the winner is Edna who posted at 8:43 p.m. on Nov. 19.  Edna, congratulations!  Please email me with your address and I'll forward it onto Rachel so she can send out your goodies.  Thanks so much to all of you for participating.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. 

Melis

 
 
 

cranberry orange crush...

Got a crush...this time of year, nothing tastes better or smells better baking in my kitchen then cranberry, orange, and pumpkin.... 
 

We made these last night and they are so yummy.  Here is the recipe for you...Libby's Pumpkin Cranberry Bread.  I just made muffins instead of bread and shortened the cooking time a bit....and added sugar over the top of them before placing them in the oven.

I'm making two of these beautiful things today... 

My mom used to make these for my dad's office when I was  little...they remind me of her and of Christmas...and are so beautiful and tasty.  Libby's Pumpkin Roll.

Enjoy your weekend friends.

Melis

 

woodland wishes...

 
Happy Thursday....for us country folk here, that means it's the beginning of the weekend!  I love my weekends with my little one...jammie time, play time, go to the mountains and cut some wood time, movie and popcorn time....you know...all that good stuff.

 

 

I've found that I love working with this color combination lately...Vintage Cream, Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss, and either a splash of Scarlet Jewel or Pure Poppy.  This card was created for Darkroom Door to take part in a fun announcement made on the blog today.  It uses the Yuletide Vol 2 stamp set along with the new Dots Background set and the Yuletide Vol 1 Wordstrip. 
 
 I have a lengthy post for you tonight and want to start with another giveaway for you!  I was recently asked to be a part of the Darkroom Door Creative Team.  I have loved Rachel Greig's stamps from the moment I set eyes on them and am so excited to be joining her and the other amazing artists on the team.  Rachel announced her first Creative Team today and in celebration has allowed each of us to give away some of her stamps on our blogs.  I will be giving away the new Dots Background set along with the new Roses Photo Stamp...so beautiful.    All you have to do is leave me a comment here on my blog and Rachel will select a winner Sunday sometime....she's in Australia, so keep that in mind.  

Be sure to visit the other artist's blog as they are each giving away different sets as well.  

Godelieve Tijskens

Michelle Loffler (to be in Michelle's draw, leave a comment in the thread here)

Sarah Schwerin

Jill Geraghty-Groves
 
Now...onto my favorite color scheme...and I might add, a decorative Christmas theme that I am very fond of...that of woodland Christmas.    This card uses Papertrey Ink's new Background Basics:  Diamonds stamp set along with Holiday Tree, and Holiday Button Bits.  I used Kraft and Vintage Cream cardstock, Ripe Avocado, Fresh Snow, and Pure Poppy ink, and Ripe Avocado Topnotch Twill and a Pure Poppy Vintage button.  

Now, as promised, a bit of a tutorial on my holiday door cards.    
First you'll need Papertrey Ink's new Home Made stamp set for the doors.  

Step 1:  Stamp doors onto cardstock and cut out.  

  
 
Step 2:  Create card base and adhere stamped door to front and a strip of coordinating paper down left side.  Clip pine sprigs into pieces small enough to frame door.  Arrange in an arch for a garland and adhere.   I use hot glue for almost everything, but Beacon's Fabri Tac works great as well.

 

Step 3:  Embellish garland with gems or adhesive pearls and tie a small bow from twine and adhere at the top center of garland.  

Step 4:  Finish card by stamping a sentiment below door and adding a small flourish just above the door.  Apply Silver Stickles to doorknobs.

To recreate the wreath, follow these steps:

 

Step 1:  Clip pine sprigs into small pieces and glue in a circle...a messy one at that with pieces jutting out from the wreath.  Adhere to door and continue to glue if needed.

 

Step 2:  I wanted to add a flocked look to this wreath so I lightly coated it with Ivory Flower Soft....I LOVE this genius stuff...you can purchase it HERE at Emma's Paperie in oodles of colors.  To coat the wreath I used Flower Soft adhesive...I think any adhesive would do...and lightly sprinkled on the flower soft.  Instant snow.

 

Step 3:  Embellish with gems or adhesive pearls.  Tie a bow from twine and adhere at the top.  Stamp your sentiment and embellish the doorknobs with glitter.

That's it...these are so simple and fun.

Just look for Christmas sprigs in the floral section of your craft store that have a fun pine sprig added to them.  I purchased mine with berries and poinsettias and then just clipped out the pine sprigs from the other.  Teters is the brand I purchased.  Hope that helps a bit.

Off to cook some grub.

Night.

Melis
 
 
 
 

 

merry...merry...giveaway time!

**edited to add a Melissa Frances  Thankful giveaway**

Melissa Frances is giving away $250.00 worth of Melissa Frances products....her way of saying thank you to all of her loyal customers, blog readers, and sweet, supportive friends.  To enter, follow THIS LINK and leave a comment telling Melissa what you're thankful for.  One lucky winner will be selected on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26th).  Thank you Melissa!  You are loved.

Some Santa love for you today...and a heartfelt thank you to my friend Becky Fleck for putting up with me lately...I've been a royal pain...I blame it on the lack of Santa Cokes in my refrigerator....but, sigh...she's been ever so patient and I want her to know how much I appreciate her.

  Just a friendly warning that you will be seeing oooodles of vintage Christmassy things plopped on my cards for the next little while....it was a delightful mail day as a bunch of these sweet images made their way home to me...and  I must share them with you.

This first card uses the new Turning a New Leaf and Communique Curves stamp sets from Papertrey Ink, along with Pure Poppy cardstock, Spring Moss and Dark Chocolate ink, and a Vintage Cream button.  A peek of some new Basic Grey paper can be seen along with Melissa Frances paper, a Maya Road heart and October Afternoon stickers.

  This jolly little fellow makes me smile....I used Melissa Frances paper, vintage sheet music, and a Hambly Studios sticker here.

Tomorrow I'll try and have a tutorial up for you on how to recreate your own Holiday Door cards with the pine wreaths and boughs.  I've had a few of you ask about 'em , so I'll see if I can help a bit.

Well...the chicken legs are calling me...time to go bake them, make some more cookies for lunches tomorrow, and start a fire...it's getting chilly here.  Miss Bean is home now and my heart is happy.

Melis
 
 
 

Christmas bling...

I can hardly wait to curl up and watch some of my favorite holiday movies such as White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, the sappy feel-goods on the Hallmark channel, and of course discover some new favorites.  I'm patiently waiting to go cut a Christmas tree in the mountains and decorate it for the first time in our new home.  I'm sad to report the Santa Coca Cola's won't be following me home from the grocery store this year....I'm grounding myself....and I'm excited to get started on my Homespun Holidays journal activities with my little one.  I cannot believe it's Christmastime again...how I love it though.  Thanksgiving will be spent with a couple of my brothers, their cute little families, and my parents....I can't wait...sure wish my whole family could be together though.

I've broken out the bling for these next couple of projects....you know I can't stop.  This first card was created for the November/December issue of Paper Crafts magazine....so much to love about this issue. I used one of my most favorite Melissa Frances products here...a Postcard kit with the actual postcard as the base and the button card as an accent and a Tattered Angels Fleur de leis covered in Mica Flakes to tie it all together.  

Next, a fun holiday tag set created for Emma's Paperie.       Warning....I'm super in love with Ali E's Technique Tuesday stamps....they are fun and cute and I covet her perfect handwriting....but now we can all have it :)

  I've decided that tags are my new favorite creatable....I love 'em...I'm hooked...and I've got all of the supplies for these right HERE for you on the Emma's Paperie blog...be sure to keep checking back for the other designer's tags...Jess Witty made some of the cutest tags ever!

So....before I go...tell me what holiday movie I can't miss the season....what is your fave and I'll be sure to write it down and try and catch it.

Night.

Melis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

10 tiny fingers...

I don't think  I have ever experienced a week as busy as this one turned out to be...my head is beginning to stop the whirl as Saturday night brings with it a long list of checked off items, a bit of down time, and a feeling of relief.  The brightest spot in the whole week just happened to be having my sick, little girl home with me throughout all of the business....she keeps me grounded and centered and is a constant reminder of what is the most important item NOT on my list of things to do :)...there is no checklist for mamas....it is a never-ending and natural urge to do what I love the most....nurturing and caring for one of Heavenly Father's little ones.  We have been experiencing some growing pains together...I think sometimes that it must be so hard being six...but I think six is magical...and she is magical...and we are magical together as a family.  I was studying my little girl's hands tonight as she was reading to me at bedtime...have you ever noticed how incredibly sweet, gentle, and beautiful little children's hands are....truly, I can think of nothing so perfect, with their dimples, tiny wrists, delicate little fingers...and all put together so perfectly.  I want to memorize them....those little hands mean so much to me.

Just a few things to show you tonight, then I'm going to go enjoy the fire that my husband made to warm us up tonight.   First a card using Papertrey Ink's new Christmas Friends and Background Basics:  Diamonds stamp sets.  I just love the intricate details in both of these sets. 

Next, a card using the new Big & Bold Wishes stamp set......LOVE those jumbo sentiments....and of course the fun wooden crown cut by Kim Hesson.

  A card using Dawn McVey's newest stamp set called Signature Greetings (how would it be to have handwriting as beautiful as this?) and the Turning a New Leaf stamp set as well....such a beauty this set it.

It's been such a fun release this month....I have to tell you how much I love the Papertrey Ink girls...we are a tight, little group and I just feel so fortunate to get to work with such lovely individuals....all so caring and genuine.

And, lastly...a happy, cheery wall hanging created for Emma's Paperie this week.   All of the supplies can be found HERE, so you can make your own.  

Ooops...one more thing... A sweet little item created for the SEI Lifestyles blog...this was created with their delicious Alpine Frost line (which if you'd like to shop for, you can find it HERE at Emma's as well as their new Christmas Mint line)....AND....just for you, a giveaway is waiting for you there...you don't even need to read the stuff written by me...just ignore it and get to the goods :)  Thank you SEI for inviting me to join you for the week.

G'night my lovelies.

Melis
 
 
 

 

 
 
 

Home Made...

 

I love those two words together....they speak of love, warmth, joy, and comfort...tonight is a night to celebrate all things home made with the next Papertrey Ink Group Post...one that I am so excited about.  Tonight's group post highlights a new stamp set designed by Nichole called Home Made that coordinates with the absolute cutest Timeless Template designed by Lauren Meader.  Our challenge as a design team was to use the stamps on the Home Made template and then show the versatility of using the stamps on their own.

I loved creating my shabby, wintry cottage shown above..the template creates the cutest, most compact gift idea I have ever seen...wish I could show you more of it, but the template will be available on November 15th for only $5.00...along with a complete supply list and instructions on my cottage along with all of the other designer's creations.  These are too cute to give away...in fact, my little girl asked if she could have it after I was done making it...of course I said yes...then she told me what she wanted to do with it...things such as cut out a door for her toy dogs and horse to fit through...color in some more windows...oh, the horror....make a hole here....tear off a dormer there...I do love her, but I think we'll make one just for her.

Now onto the cards....since I adore my red front door...and wreaths...and Christmas...and berries...I wanted to stuff all of these favorites into a couple of mini cards to top off some packages this holiday season.     I used Papertrey Ink's Kraft cardstock along with Pure Poppy and Ripe Avocado ink, Rustic Twine, sentiments from the 2009 Holidays Tags stamp set, and the decorative accent from the Simply Stationary set.  The paper is from Making Memories and Basic Grey and the gems are from Kaisercraft.

I plugged some Christmas music in today....how 'bout you?

Here are some fun links to follow tonight...enjoy!

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Becky Oehlers 

Geny Cassady

Heather Nichols

Lauren Meader

Lisa Johnson

Nichole Heady

Debbie Olson

Michelle Wooderson

Niki Estes

 

Communique Curves Inspirations...

Let the Papertrey Ink fun begin...I always love this time each month...as the design team girls get their group posts ready for you and Nichole starts cranking out the beauties for us all to enjoy.  Tonight is one of two group posts that we've been preparing for you...this one highlighting a sweet new stamp set designed by Alli Miles, which I've fallen for...our challenge as a design team was to show the versatility of this set by creating one holiday card and one generic card for you. 

We'll start with my holiday card...
Give me anything with a wreath and berries and I'm a gonner....that's how my mind interpreted these images, but you'll notice many of the other designers using them in other creative ways.  

Now for the generic card...

  
Such a fun card to create...I love this set.  

Here are a bunch of amazing creations for you to check out...just click on the designer's blog below and enjoy!  I'm off to give my little, sleeping, grouchy, beauty one more goodnight kiss.

Nichole, Becky, Betsy, Dawn, Debbie, Geny, Heather, Lauren, Lisa, Niki, and Michelle

Merry Christmas card supplies used:

Stamps:  Communique Curves, Vintage Labels (Papertrey Ink)

Cardstock:  Ripe Avocado, Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)

Ink:  Scarlet Jewel, Ripe Avocado, and Spring Moss (Papertrey Ink)

Other:  Scarlet Jewel button, Rustic Twine, and Leaf Ribbon (Papertrey Ink)

Paper:  Making Memories

Trim:  craft store

Gems:  Melissa Frances

Die cut:  Spellbinder's

 

Thank You card supplies used:

Stamps:  Communique Curves, Vintage Labels, and Heart Prints (Papertrey Ink)

Cardstock:  Terracota Tile and Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)

Ink:  Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, and Melon Berry (Papertrey Ink)

Other:  Aqua Mist button and Rustic Twine (Papertrey Ink)

Paper:  Cosmo Cricket

Trim:  Melissa Frances

Gems:  Kaisercraft
 

Dr. Mama...

'tis me....my little one came down with Strep yesterday afternoon, so I've got her home with me today...which I love...I actually love doting on my family when their sick...oh yes...it gets old, but I am a born doter...not sure it's a good thing...doting is on the verge of spoiling...but it's OK once in a while...according to Dr. Mama.  Sierra didn't miss hearing the real doctor prescribe a strict diet of ice cream and Popsicles for the next couple of days...hopefully she's enjoying being sick....I remember being home with my mama when I was sick and there wasn't a better place to be.  There are times I still wish she were close enough to dote on me :)

So....how are you all?  I hope  your kiddos, big and small are all weathering the storm of illness.  I have loved reading about the holiday traditions you enjoyed as a child and now with children or grandchildren of your own.  One that I can't wait to get started on is that of creating birdseed and peanut butter ornaments to hang in the trees for the birds....Sierra will LOVE this.  Thanks so much for sharing, and please feel free to continue to do so.

I have a few things to share tonight....I'm attempting cinnamon rolls yet again, and while the dough is rising I thought I'd pop in for a minute. 

It's my day on the Tattered Angels blog....I love their products!   I wanted to use the chipboard frames as tags for the holidays so I matted them with sweet vintage images from Crafty Secrets and dressed them up with Glimmer Glass, tea-stained twill, buttons, gems, and rubons from Melissa Frances.    I wanted to flock the frames just to see what would happen and I loved the results especially with a light dusting of Glimmer Mist on top...it's puffy and soft just like snow....I then added mica flakes on top to add the shimmer.   And then, just for fun, I created a Christmas Journal using more Tattered Angels and Graphic 45...  I'm a sucker for Graphic 45...their papers always remind me of fabric....paper and fabric...mmmmm...

The supplies and a few more details on these two projects are included on the Tattered Angels blog.  

Lastly, I am guest blogging HERE this week:  

 
 
 I will be posting projects throughout the week using SEI's Christmas Mint and Alpine Frost lines..they are YUMMERS....and sadly, I have to talk about myself a bit too....I'm apologizing now, dear, fellow blog readers.....I'm a bore....I admit it....but there I go again, talking about myself.

How about a project peek for you... 
 
 You can see more on the SEI Lifestyle blog.

Hope you have a great Tuesday...Happy, happy Veteran's Day tomorrow....I love my sweet US of A and all those who continue to fight for our freedom and defend what we love and hold dear.  

Melis
 
 
 
 

cozy up...

Good morning....take your coat off, come sit by the fire for a while, put your feet up, grab some hot cocoa and spend a few minutes with me....hope you all had a wonderful weekend. 

I was asked to create a Thanksgiving treat for the Melissa Frances blog....and....I love making treats...so I jumped right in and came up with this pocket filled with goodies.   
 
I used one of my newest favorite Melissa Frances products on this....an envelope and tag from the Envelopes & Tag book....many creative uses available..  I've got the complete supply list and instructions written up for you HERE on the Melissa Frances blog if you'd like to make your own....so much fun and very easy.  I'm crazy for Melissa's crepe paper and wanted to make a huge focal point on this by using some of the cream crepe paper and creating a flower....then to make it pop a bit more I coated the flower with Indian Corn and Pumpkin Pie Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels.  And....the project wasn't complete until I glittered a couple of chipboard pieces using some beautiful Melissa Frances glitter as well.  Happy Fall.

And...before I go... The Papertrey Ink girls are helping Cath from the Moxie Fab World Blog celebrate her Blog-o-versary...we were each asked to create a card using a specific new stamp set....3 beautiful stamp sets are up for grabs along with all of our autographed cards....so, if you have a minute, there are some beautiful things waiting for you HERE on Cath's blog.  Happy Blog-o-versary Cath.  I think you're wonderful.   I was asked to create a card using Papertrey Ink's  Holiday Tree set designed by Heather Nichols....it's such a sweet set...along with the others highlighted today.

Hope you have a wonderful Monday.

Melis
 
 
 

homespun holidays...

December is just around some corners (as my little one would say) and I've created a fun holiday journal for Emma's Paperie that I'd like to share with you and invite you all to participate in a Homespun Holiday Journal of your own.  I created this with the intention of dividing December into 12 days of homespun holiday memories... Inside are 12 pages embellished and ready to contain pictures, notes, lists, recipes, articles, stories, etc...the key here is to center our Christmas around memorable activities that bring us together, don't cost much, and that we will want to include as part of our Christmas tradition from here on out...some could most definitely be flops...but I want to try...I want to focus on the simple things...I want my little girl to be more interested in what we do together than on what she wants under the tree.   So....starting off, every other day starting December 1st, my little one and I...daddy too when he can, will sit down and create....things such as:

• a popcorn and cranberry garland for our tree
• jumbo gingerbread men
• a paper chain to count down the days until Christmas
• sugar cookies for the neighbors
• a Frosty to peek at through the windows...here's hoping we get enough snow for one. 
• making sweater beanie hats (here is a link to the CUTEST, easiest pattern):   http://studio5.ksl.com/index.php?nid=58&sid=8464613 
• homemade suckers
• Christmas cards for the cousins

  
  I need to collect more fun ideas for us, but I'd love to hear yours...what are some fun ways you can bring your children or grandchildren closer together for the holidays...how can we teach them the importance of giving, sharing, and of family togetherness?

 
 
 
   I love clipping envelopes in journals...always a great spot for loose odds and ends that will someday be a treasure.  

I want to create one of these each year and someday will have a beautiful stack of them to present to my little girl filled with her Grandma Boley's cinnamon roll recipe complete with pictures of us making them together, pictures of our handmade ornaments with snippets of the fabric tucked into an envelope, her letter to Santa throughout the years, and many more memories as well.

So....will  you join me?  You have all of November to create you journal, then beginning in December the fun begins and you start filling it full of memories to hold dear.

A complete supply list and instructions for this journal can be found HERE on Emma's Paperie blog.

Have a sweet Friday.

Melis
 
 

indulge me...

Just for me....for her too someday....I want her to know how much she is loved...then, now, always...I love her tears, frowns, hands on hips, and stomps on the floor.  She is mine and she is adored and loved unconditionally.  I could never get enough of her.  She is getting her phrases all mixed up right and and I LOVE it....I don't correct her...I just enjoy her...things such as "full as a stump", or "sure bet"...which is a mixture between "you bet" and "sure thing"....I don't want these days to end.     Her daddy is smitten...best of buddies.  They are going elk hunting tomorrow...camping, the whole bit.  She, daddy, great-grandpa, and the mules will head up in the afternoon to set up camp and get dinner going.  I'm excited for them....and am now remembering that he needs a little lesson on how to put her hair in a simple ponytail....this will be good for them :)
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
 
 
    
Thanks for indulging me....

Sleep tight angel of mine.

Melis
 
 
 
 

bake some love...

There is something about baking that I love....yes it makes my house smell delicious, and spicy, and buttery, and warm...but more than that, it speaks love...something about having a homemade treat ready for a hungry 1st grader...a tired daddy...a midnight snack...or to enjoy together around the table.  So today....cinnamon rolls are on the menu....I can't make them worth a darn...but I'm on a quest to perfect them.  Do you love to bake....tell me your speciality....let's share.  I think I want to try some Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls....I think....still on the fence cause the regular kind are so good....but here's a recipe I found to try.

A little basket of goodness that stares at me in my craft room and makes me oh so happy....my trims all tumbled together naturally...some already dipped in tea...some still waiting....and a little peek of a beautiful creamy pink flower that is part of a project I'm working on for Frost it Pink...coming soon.

This is about as organized as I get when it comes to my supplies....I'm challenged in that area, but I'm learning to embrace my organizational dysfunctionality...this is a pretty mess, don't you think?

I love pockets....so fun to stuff and fill with a beautiful surprise... The library pocket is from Martha Stewart, paper and tag from Melissa Frances, and Spring Moss buttons, Scarlet Jewel, Spring Moss, and Ripe Avocado inks, and the Remember and Text Style  II stamp sets are all from Papertrey Ink....I might of gotten a little carried away with my Glimmer Mist on this...maybe...naaah... I love the stuff and sprayed this with Cream de Rouge and Cream de Cocoa Glimmer Mist...very addicting...but it makes a pretty mess too, don't you think?

 

Here's to a beautiful November day...enjoy it.  It's been so warm here....warm enough to go on a moonlit bike ride at 4:30 in the afternoon yesterday...this Daylight Savings stuff is screwy.

Melis
 
 
 
 
 

angel wings and i love yous...

Hope you had a sweet weekend....I'm sad it's over, but always enjoy getting back into our familiar routine.  I'm anxious for school to be out today as I miss my little one terribly after having her around for the last few days....I know I'm not normal....but she's got my heart and it follows her wherever she goes.  

This candy-striped number uses Melissa Frances paper, rubon, and vintage image, glittered angel wings and trim from my stash, and Zva Creative flowers...along with the Giga Guide Lines stamp set from Papertrey Ink stamped in Ripe Avocado and Fresh Snow ink.

   This homespun  card was created for Emma's Paperie based on a sketch there....so fun to use such beautiful supplies...a complete list can be found HERE along with the other designer's creative projects.  

And...now...gosh...I have an announcement that leaves me weak in the knees....a once-in-a-lifetime, so honored and humbled type of opportunity...that involves someone that I admire so very much.   

Artistic Affaire Les Sirenes

July 16 & 17, 2010

Los Angeles, CA

A few months ago, while teaching at the Reflections 2009 event, I had the pleasure of meeting Kim Caldwell....I spoiled myself and bought one of her irresistible craft totes, visited with her for a bit...and instantly became enchanted with her and the lovely events she puts together.  Well, little did I know that I would be invited to teach at her upcoming event in July 2010...it's going to be so beautiful, beachy, and breezy. 

You'll find some Save the Date details about the event on Kim's blog.  I would love to see you there!  I am so excited to be teaching with Holly Stinnett And Jennifer Hernandez. 

Sigh....see why I'm floating :)

Enjoy your November.

Melis

 
 
 

 

love pie...

The earth is changing bit by bit and as November falls upon us, I think it is only becoming more beautiful...I love the November sky, pale and gentle, the leaves, curled, crunchy, and colorful, and the smells that float about...wood burning stoves keeping toes and hearts warm, soups on the stove keeping tummies cozy and full, and the smell of the earth as it begins to get ready to sleep for the winter.  It's all beautiful to me.

I should be sleeping away after a day as full as today...what a crazy, fun Halloween day...I have been giggling inside at snippets of it...I should be taking advantage of the extra hour of sleep because of Daylight Savings, but here I am  welcoming in one of my most favorite months...the month focused and centered on family, gratitude and thanksgiving.  Have you ever had a piece of love pie?  It's the best you know....I'm making some with my Primary kids tomorrow for Sharing Time... the ingredients being kindness, service, compassion, concern, sharing, helping, peace-making, some hugs, and love of course...what a great way to start November...with a little dose of what makes a happy home.   Something sweet and special to share with you before I head off to my bed....an autumn angel created for Kim Hesson using one of her new wood cut designs...she'll be selling these and other adorable items in her shop very soon....the other design team members have projects posted on Kim's blog all about autumn time.   Off I go...hope you all had a wonderful October....sigh....it's been a great one here, but my heart hurts knowing that next year she will be older...there will never be another 6-year old Halloween.  My bean has been so cute today...I have let her kind of do as she wants with all of the activities she has had to choose from.  So, we went to the Halloween carnival at the school for maybe 10 minutes...that was first on her list...she walked around for a bit...played 3 games...looked at me and said, "ready to go".  Then we went trick-or-treating with daddy....went to about 6 houses, and then when I started asking if she wanted to go to the next one or one after that, she'd say, "nope...I went there last year" :)  Little dolly girl.  She wanted to go to the spook alley with her daddy, so we lined up at the door...she looked at us and said, "maybe when I'm seven"...anyway...she got to attempt and fit in everything available...we were done by 7:30...and she was completely and 100% through....she was smiling in her bed tonight.  Love her.

Melis
 
 

mambo gelato...

Good morning and Happy Halloween Eve....the weather has turned so cold here...Halloween is on it's way.  We have been doing our best to stay healthy despite all of the sickness around us....my creative energy has been sucked right out of me lately so I know I haven't been feeling 100%...but today I feel a bit better and have been creating the morning away with my sidekick at my feet chatting non-stop...so glad she's here with me today.  Last night a girlie movie, popcorn, and fire in the fireplace made everything better....my husband and I watched No Reservations and I can't wait to watch it again....plus I have a new favorite song...a happy, sweet, oldie...hence the title of my post...have your heard it?  You'll love it too. 
Oodles to do today...time to get the store ready for Christmas...need to decorate for a baby shower...make some warm chili for my crew...and get things ready for the mail....BUT....I wanted to share a little something cheery with you before I headed out.  I couldn't resist turning these Vintage inspired Bingo cards into mini cards...all dressed up with adorable vintage images from Crafty Secrets Calender Creative Scraps, Papertrey Ink Holiday Button Bits and Holiday Tree stamp sets, Scarlet Jewel buttons, Dark Chocolate and Ripe Avocado ink, and  Glimmer Chips sprayed with Olive Vine Glimmer Spray from Tattered Angels.

I'll chat with you soon.  Enjoy your day!

Melis
 

pumpkin spice and harvest moon...

So much to love this time of year....happy pumpkins smiling and glowing throughout town, pumpkin bread, brownies, pies, and cookies....a moon that is more glorious this time of year than any other...I love the way it seems to watch over the soon to be trick or treaters, casting a glow through their windows, teasing them that Halloween is on it's way....much to enjoy.

We are on to night 3 of spooky dinners here...I'm having so much fun trying to come up with things to make.  Mummy Pizzas were made for Monday night...Sierra LOVED making these all by herself...last night Freaky Finger Breadsticks to munch on with our Shepherd's Pie...and tonight I think we'll go with Pumpkin Pizza after we visit the Dark Alley at her elementary school.  
A fun little card to share with you today using some new Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg...which truly is as delicious as it's name...and my most favorite Kim Hughes stamp set called Let's Get Stuffed...I adore these little pumpkin images not to mention the slice of pie, the turkey, acorns, apples...etc...all things yummy and autumn-y.  And then of course, the chunky, harvest moon from Kim Hesson...a wood cut shape all dressed up in acrylic paint and gold glitter.

Hope you're enjoying a beautiful fall.  I must say I was CRUSHED last night when my little girl refused to watch The Great Pumpkin with me...crushed...it's just not Halloween yet without Charlie Brown...I'm trying again tonight :)

Melis

 

create often...

For the love....Monday Schmunday....so hard to get my little house up and moving...but we did it...on time, with half eaten breakfast, crooked piggy tails, homemade cookie in the lunch box, a few minutes to snuggle, and no sassing...blessed DAY!  Miss Bean is always passing through one phase to the next and lately I've noticed her trying to be so thoughtful and kind....there are always two times throughout the day when she has some beastly eruptions ....right after school (hungry, tired, tightly-wound), and first thing in the morning (hungry, tired, and wanting to be left alone)....then...poof, they're over and she moves on to being her happy, content little self.....next week will be different...or even tomorrow for that matter....sigh....the roller coaster ride of a 6-year old.

Plenty waiting for me to catch up on this morning, but I wanted to share something with you before I bury myself in housework.  I was recently asked to be a Guest Designer on the Create Well blog...such a fun and beautiful place to visit.  Here is a little something I created for them and then of course a few more things there for you as well.    Everything here is from Melissa Frances...I've been excited to use some of her new crepe paper and finally had a little time to create some chunky flowers with it....handmade flowers are everywhere right now....so many creative possibilities.  Let's try some more today, shall we?

Hope you all enjoy your day...tonight starts the first night of spooky dinners around here....I'm excited to surprise my little one.

Happy Monday.

Melis

 

got glitter?...

 
A little dusting of glitter is like icing on the cake....I've always enjoyed the frosting and sprinkles the most when it comes to treats....and it's the same way with my glitter fetish...I get the shakes when I start to run low...I get a sweet tooth for it and sometimes want to create just to use the glitter....sometimes it's my beginning place...what inspires me....it glows and adds depth and beauty...perhaps we should have a class sometime on all of the fun ways we can use it...hmmmm...

 Over the next couple of weeks I thought it would be fun to show a card here and there that incorporates different elements contained in the Creative Packets I have had in my etsy store....of course there are many ways to use the treats inside, but for those of you who have asked for ideas, I want to make you happy :)  Here is the fun and jumbo chipboard circle from Maya Road...all painted and glittered up for you...I just added felt to back it and then stitching to shabby it up even more.  The trim along the bottom can easily be added with any trim you might have.

  Another touch of glitter here on this shabby chipboard star...punched out from the center of the above chipboard circle....icing on top. And then a cute tab from Melissa Frances, also included in the Creative Pockets...I have always loved these tiny touches and wanted to show you just one way to used them...just attached directly over the ribbon...

I used the Flower Garden stamp set from Papertrey Ink on both of these along with Sweet Blush and Rustic Cream cardstock, Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst, Spring Moss and Aqua Mist ink, Hibiscus Burst Grosgrain and Vintage Cream buttons.  The paper and tab are from Melissa Frances, flowers from Prima, and die cuts from K&Co.

Well...I have  a little sweetheart waiting to go on a nature walk today...all dressed up in her Scooby Doo costume, requesting Scooby Snacks for lunch, howling at me and biting my leg...so, off we go.  No princesses in this house :)

Enjoy your Saturday!

Melis

P.S. Registration for Lisa Pace's Very Vintage Christmas Workshop is now open...everything looks so beautiful...she is truly the queen of glitter. 
 
 
 

santa's workshop...

Hi friends....I have put a few more pockets up in my shop this morning including Christmas Cookie, Holly Berry, and Mistletoe pockets.  These are bigger than the last and have a few more extras waiting inside.  Hope you enjoy them.  A peek at the Mistletoe Pocket... The Christmas Cookie Pocket...  And....Holly Berry...  Now a couple of pretties to share, then I must clean, clean, clean...and I don't wanna... 
A peek at a beautiful Darkroom Door stamp here.... 
And, another peek here....such yummy stamps.

Off I go...have a happy Thursday.

Melis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

wrapped in cuddles...

So many ways to express love....whether it's wrapping your arms around someone, sharing your time and heart, giving someone something special and handmade, or saying the words we love so much....we all need to feel loved, needed, adored, and cuddled as my little one would say.  Nothing sweeter than her little arms wrapped around me at night cuddling me...how lucky am I?  We have "us" time at bedtime...I still lay down with her for just a few minutes as she lets her little body relax..she tells me even more about her day...the tiny details are always expressed at this time...we read, tell stories, and she cuddles her mama....time is skipping past us so quickly, so I treasure these moments more than ever.

Just a couple of things today...first, a picture or two of the Shabby Crown and Card kit I was telling you about.  It is now up and for sale at Frost it Pink....so perfect for a baby's room, little girl's room, craft room, play room....  There is a full package of  Regal Alpha Chipboard letters included in this kit, so you can easily adapt the theme of your crown to many occasions.  These crowns were cut by my friend Kim Hesson....I adore them.   And I couldn't complete the kit without a handmade card...so this card is cuddled in scraps left over from the crown....I had so much fun creating this.

Now....I have cuddled up some of my favorite bits and pieces for you.  I'll be posting a few Little One Pockets and Happy Fall Pockets in my etsy shop in just a bit, but wanted to share them here.  I'll have Christmas Pockets and Friendship Pockets coming soon. 
     
  And, before I go, I have to share this recipe site with you...Rhodes Bread....they have the cutest Halloween recipes there including Mummy Mini Pizzas, Wicked Witch Dippers, Dippin' Ghosts, Pumpkin Pizza, and so many more...starting next week I think I'll be surprising my family with these each night...so fun and creative.

Enjoy your day.

Melis
 

soul food...

Happy Tuesday everyone.  I only have a minute tonight....time to get something warm and filling ready for hungry tummies around here....I love that it's comfort food weather with big, low, dark clouds hanging around outside, rain showers, and cool breezes....tonight is a good night for a fire in the fireplace.

 Next to Valentine cards..I love making Christmas cards....anything with glitter and touches of red.  This Winter Time card was created using a color combination I love...Papertrey Ink's Rustic Snowflakes stamp set, Rustic Cream cardstock, Pure Poppy and Dark Chocolate ink, and an Aqua Mist button.  the paper is from Webster's Pages, chipboard from Tattered Angels along with the Glimmer Mist, glitter star from Melissa Frances, felt from Prima, letters from Making Memories, and die cut from My Mind's Eye.  See that stinky stitching along the top edge.....I have to say I love the look of it....quirky, random, messy...but darn...I can't figure out my machine...why is is dooooing that!!!  Any help is more than welcome, welcome :)

And...just a side note...in the morning, after my little bean is off to school, I will be posting some shabby, crafty pockets in my etsy store....these will be pockets filled with my snippets of tea-stained trim, twill tape, buttons, my most favorite papers, tags, glittered flowers, book print, sheet music...all of my favorite elements packaged up just for you to use and create with...there will be themes including Christmas, Autumn, Baby...and more.  I'm getting them ready now...me and Miss Bean...except that she keeps wrapping up her Strawberry Shortcake dolls in the twill tape and then tying them to chairs, the blinds...you name it...perhaps I'll wait until after bedtime....but they'll be so pretty when they're done.  

Off to make something tasty.  Night.

Melis
 

and all through the house...

Right this very minute there is one beautiful babe sleeping in her bed after reading, and reading, and reading stories to her mama...

One snoring hubby stretched out on the couch who missed the weather once again because he is to tired to stay awake...

One happy Jack with triangle eyes, square nose, and a circle for his mouth waiting for Halloween on the porch...

A couple dozen Pumpkin Pocket cookies, fresh from the oven and frosted waiting to be tucked into lunches tomorrow...

Loads of dusty laundry waiting for some attention after a little girl and her daddy went hunting this weekend...

A lazy hound dog plopped down outside in front of the door with a new collar that says he belongs to Sierra...

Messes here, messes there...but one happy mama who loves her family very much.

I am also loving the Peaceful Poinsettia stamp set from Papertrey Ink....it has risen to the top of my list of favorites.    Coupled with some Melissa Frances and sigh....I love it even more...I also used Scarlet Jewel cardstock, ink, buttons, and grosgrain here along with Ripe Avocado and Spring Moss ink, Vintage Cream cardstock and ribbon, some vintage tea-stained trim, and a few extra toppings.   These are some of my most favorite holiday colors...deep, warm, cozy, and rich...the very same colors I enjoy in my house as well.

One last note before I go.....a sneak peek of a new kit going up for sale very soon.  I created this for Frost it Pink and I'm just a little excited about it... 

 

  It's sparkly, soft, shabby, chunky, bulky, sweet and....fun, fun, fun to create...more to come soon.

Sleep tight.

Melis
 
 
 

 

delicious autumn...

Autumn brings me to life....it invigorates me, inspires me, makes me happy, and wraps it's colorful, delightful arms around us all...it's a delicious time of year.  I love the crunch beneath my feet, the crisp chill in the morning, the smell of wood smoke in the air, and the desire be at home, tucked in warm with my family. 

I'm going to be sharing some of my most favorite images with you throughout the rest of October and on into November....may as well enjoy the beauty that nature brings as autumn blows gently in, dontcha think?  For you non-fall lovers...I'm sorry...I'll be certain to focus on winter, spring and summer as they approach as well....I always say autumn is my favorite season, but it seems that whatever season is upon us, I fall in love with all over again. 

 
(Photo from Country Living)

 
 (Photo from Pottery Barn)

(Photo from Martha Stewart)

I'm ready for my sweater now...my husband just cut a load of firewood today...my feet are constantly cold...I've got my Sugar Cookie candle glowing...sigh...blissful.

A couple of fall-ish projects to share with you tonight...both created for Emma's Paperie.     For Emma's Color Challenge this month....love the Indian Summer collection from Basic Grey...a complete supply list can be found HERE.

And....a few spooky little numbers....      
 
 
 Our challenge for this assignment was to create quick and easy Halloween treats...so, I finished off a roll of paper towels  and divided the roll into 4 segments and prettied them up a bit....very quick...very easy...kind of a lot of fun.  A complete supply list of these can be found HERE.

Happy weekend.

Melis

 

sugar-coated friday....

I love me a fall-ish friday..my shadow is home today...the house is noisy...toys are everywhere...and I LOVE it!

I haven't much time but have some treats for you today.    A little sparkle makes everything better....I used the new Holiday Button Bits stamp set from Papertrey Ink on this along with Spring Moss and Vintage Cream cardstock, Ripe Avocado ink, and Vintage Cream Buttons....and of course some sweet Melissa Frances paper, Maya Road chipboard, and Martha Stewart Mica flakes.

Ohhh...lookey here...more glitter...  I am crazy about the fun Creative Scraps from Crafty Secrets.  The above image is from their new holiday collection...and I am smitten.  The paper is from Making Memories and 7Gypsies, ribbon from Papertrey ink, rubon and button also from Making Memories.

I'm off....outta here....have the best Friday ever friends.

Melis
 
 
 
 

mistletoe & holly...

 How I would love to find a slow down button...not only as I watch my little one grow right before my eyes day after day...but also as the holidays seem to come and go more quickly each year.  Every year I say to myself that next year I won't busy myself with the long list of things that divide my attention and draw my focus away from the beauty of the season...I want the magical feel of Christmas to linger...to be felt like a warm blanket wrapped around me on a snowy winter day...so this year, I'll try again....decorations up nice and early, Christmas music playing every chance I get, and then of course to start celebrating the season by slowing down, creating thoughtful gifts, and expressing my love in simple, inexpensive ways...and always, by remembering the true meaning behind this most wonderful time of year...that's where I fall short by getting lost in the hustle and bustle...it truly is a magical time.   It's release night for Papertrey Ink tonight and this first project uses the adorable Holiday Button Bits set...so irresistible, so creative...just add  buttons :)

Another fun tag collection...how I love these...this one is called 2009 Holiday Tags Collection, a collaboration of several different designers on this set...I love it.  

 The Holiday Tree set by Heather Nichols....I just love the charm of her designs...it seems I am always pulling out a stamp set of hers first....always drawn to their simplicity and I absolutely LOVE the fonts in her sets.   

Then of course there's Dawn's new set...so much fun mixing and matching, I'm reminded of paper dolls as I use this set for some reason...I could get lost playing with this set...Vintage Ornaments and Vintage Ornament additions.    You'll also notice a new Background Basics:  Text Style II set on this...I could eat, sleep, and breathe this...love stamping text for some reason. 
 
 And, lastly...one of my most favorite sets...Giga Guidelines....mmmm yummy.    Just somethin' about it....

I am ready to put my feet up tonight...just heard my husband's truck pull in, and I'm happy he's home.  On this very imperfect day....I am so thankful for my little girl, sleeping snug in her bed...knowing she has a full tummy, is squeaky clean, and we are safe and warm together.

Melis
 
 
 
   

holiday card making 101...

 

It feels like Christmas around here....another group post tonight coming your way courtesy of Nichole Heady and Papertrey Ink.  We were asked as a Design Team to come up with quick and easy holiday cards to share with you....and Nichole has put together a free planning worksheet for each card where you can find supply lists, cutting guides, and instructions.  I am happy to share my holiday cards with you and hope you'll enjoy them. 

 

These came together so quickly....and I couldn't just choose one paper to create these cards with, so I wanted to show how you can use several that coordinate and knock out a bunch of cards that look similar but all have their own personality.  If ya like 'em and want to make some for yourself, click on over to Nichole's blog  or click HERE and you'll find the planning worksheet for these cards along with many, many more.

Here are links to the other designer's blogs...they've got some beauties waiting for you.

Betsy Veldman
Mish Wooderson
Dawn McVey
Heather Nichols
Becky Oehlers
Lauren Meader
Lisa Johnson
Geny Cassady
Niki Estes
Debbie Olson

Melis

*take note inspirations*

Oh my....I am so excited for tonight's Papertrey Ink group post.  A couple of my most favorite people have combined their creativity for the latest, irresistible new "got-to-have-it" products and stamp sets.  Mish Wooderson is notorious for her adorable altered notepads...tonight she and Nichole Heady are unveiling Mish's notebooks in conjunction with a coordinating stamp set called Take Note...the Papertrey Ink Design Team members have each spent a little time altering and stamping notepads in our own unique way to share with you tonight.

 Since the theme of my notepad was "note to self" I wanted to spoil myself a bit and create a beautiful place...just for me...to record my thoughts...my comings and goings....or perhaps it's for someone else...presented in such a way that represents my favorite style. You can see the fun notepad here....fun to stamp and glam up the inside as well as the outside.  I stamped with Sweet Blush and Smokey Shadow using a Vintage Cream cardstock base and Sweet Blush satin.  I added in Melissa Frances glitter wings, a Prima flower, and paper from Anna Griffin and Pink Paislee....the dots along the bottom were created using the Polka Dot Basics II stamp set.

Here, you'll also get a peek at another fun new set which will be unveiled very soon as well...sshhhh :)

All I can say is that I'm hooked...in love...smitten...and crazy for these!  They are quick and create a very unique and doable gift for anyone.

If you have a minute, be sure to check out the other designer's blogs....you'll be smitten as well.

Nichole Heady
Becky Oehlers
Heather Nichols
Lauren Meader
Lisa Johnson
Dawn McVey
Debbie Olson
Geny Cassady
Betsy Veldman
Mish Wooderson
Niki Estes
 

Night.

Melis
 
 

 

twillybean...

Twill lovers....are you ready for the announcement?  Here we go....thanks so much to each of you for playing along, and thanks once again to John for offering such a fun treats.  The 2 $20 Gift Certificate winners to twilltape.com...chosen randomly...go to....

LAURA WEISZ and DOMENICO!

Please send me your email addresses and I'll get you all the information you need to redeem your Gift Certificates....my email is meliphillips@lcturbonet.com.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend....I'll leave a little lovin' for you with this card...   This card was created using some of my favorite Melissa Frances paper, a Glimmer Chip from Tattered Angels, and Papertrey Ink stamps including, Fancy Flourishes, Polka Dot Basics II, and Autumn Abundance.  I also used Sweet Blush and Dark Chocolate ink, Vintage Cream cardstock and grosgrain, and a Sweet Blush Vintage Button.

Lastly....a recipe to share with you....we had our first dinner party yesterday afternoon and invited  Granny and Gramps, Great Grandpa and Great Grandma, and Uncle James... I made them THIS yummy Apple Crisp with fresh apples right off Granny's tree...and for a non-apple lovin' kind of girl...I am hooked.

Enjoy!

Melis
 
 

 

a heart full...

Very short and a bit sweet tonight....my heart feels ready to burst with things I wish I knew how to say...gratitude, love, appreciation, concern, empathy, obedience, sorrow, joy...but there is only one way I know of  how to express these feelings....and that happens as I get down on my knees.

Much love to each of you... 
A sweet and gentle color combination I happen to love right now...soothing and warm.  Papertrey Ink Rustic Branches stamp set, Vintage Cream cardstock, Rustic Wood buttons, Dark Chocolate, Melon Berry, Sweet Blush, and Orange Zest ink along with Basic Grey and My Mind's Eye paper, Heidi Grace chipboard, and Bo Bunny Press ribbon.

Thinking of you.

Melis

delight-ly...

Our new favorite word...Sierra invented it while in Salt Lake as we were walking around the temple grounds...she'd stop to smell the flowers and squeal and say, "ooohhhh aren't these delightly?"...she's my sometimes sassy...sometimes grouchy...sometimes lovable, always dramatic...delightly little pill, and today I have told her that I will not sell her to the gypsies :).

I've been digging around and savoring all of my paper-crafting "oldies"...I remember buying a small package of ephemera years ago while my husband and I were in business in Arizona....I must have tucked it away in a very safe location....like I do with so many things that I have never again found....and poof....there it was yesterday waiting for me....and I think I love it even more today than when I first purchased it.   The sweet wood cut flower is from my friend Kim Hesson....I adore it's chunky nature and shape.  

One more before I get to cleanin' and scrubbin' something or other... Fun new to me Cosmo Cricket paper, a Maya Road glittered birdie, Making Memories and K&Co. stickers, and a metal crown from Nunn Designs.

Let's see...on today's agenda:  Cowboy Cookies, painting some super cute farm fresh gourds copper or cream (haven't decided)...decorating the store...figuring out what to make for dinner...taking my best buddy with me everywhere since school is out for the week....ohhhh and I know...I want to shop for some fun Halloween candy to place in some apothecary jars....I need to find you a picture to show you what I mean...and the pickin's are slim here in the sticks....but I'm up for a challenge :)

Enjoy your Friday.

Melis
 
 
  

candied apple october...

**Updated with a fun giveaway!**

Good morning.....is it beautiful where you are today?  I'm just about ready to head outside and decorate my porch with corn stalks and pumpkins....I can't wait, they are still a bit green and have their fuzzy, sprouty tops...thanks to Gramps for sharing them with me.  He has been feeding them to the mules, but saved a bit for me.

Today I have another inspiration photo to share.....it will make your mouth water and makes me wish I knew how to make these beautiful babies....tried and failed last year....perhaps I should try again.   
(Photo from Country Living magazine)

Aren't these devilishly gorgeous?  I wouldn't eat 'em...I'd never get rid of them either....

So, today's card uses the beautiful colors of October.   

I used a vintage image from Heartwarming Vintage, paper from My Mind's Eye, glittered leaf and paper leaves from Making Memories, flowers from Prima, tea-stained twill tape, and wooden button from Papertrey Ink.

Speaking of tea-stained twill tape, I received an email from a business owner directing me to his site and I thought I'd share it here with you.  His site is called TwillTape and is loaded with different widths and colors of twill tape. 

**Here's the fun stuff!  John is offering to give away two $20.00 gift certificates to his store TwillTape.  All you have to do is leave a comment here on my blog today.  You have until Saturday night at midnight to leave me a note and then on Monday morning I'll randomly select two winners who can go shopping for their own stash of twill tape! **

For those of you interested in staining your own, here is how I do it.

I first find twill tape in the fabric section of my craft store made by Wright's.  I buy all different widths, but my favorites are 1" and 3/4".  I use Spiced Chai Black Tea...it's my favorite color.  In a large pot, I use a couple of bags mixed with 3 or 4 cups water.  After the water starts boiling, I throw in my twill tape, turn the heat down, and let it soak.  The longer it soaks, the darker the stain.  After I'm satisfied with the color, I rinse it and squeeze out the excess water and pop it into my clothes dryer for 10 minutes or so.  That's it....so easy and it makes your house smell spicy and cozy. 

Another technique that I love to use is spraying my twill tape with Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels.  All I do for this is lay a strip of twill tape flat on my counter on layers of paper towels.  I then spritz the length of the twill tape with my desired color...the more you spray on, the darker the shade, and then I let it dry.  This technique takes a bit longer because I let it air dry, but it creates wonderful stiff bows.  I normally tie the bows on my cards or projects when the twill tape is still a tiny bit damp, then the bows dry very full and stiff and hold their shape nicely.

Hope that helps a bit and I hope you give it a try...you'll love the beautiful shades you can create.

Thank you all so much for your kind words....I appreciate each minute you spend here and sharing your thoughts with me.

Melis

perfectly imperfect...

Rise and shine....morning has become my friend...I love how the sun lights up the hills in the distance, how the fog floats across the fields in front of our house, the soft, warm, golden feel of the sunshine, how the lazy cows in the pasture make their way to breakfast slowly following one another, how you can see their breath, and the crisp, cool air outside waiting to rejuvenate me. 

 

(Photo from Country Living magazine)

I have been collecting images that spark my creativity lately....I can't wait to share many of them with you....photography fascinates me....I am amazed at the way people photograph beauty in so many forms....so for today, I chose this inspiration piece from Country Living.  I love the combination of colors...the eclectic mix of objects and shapes, I can imagine how these objects would feel if I could run my fingers across them and of course, the layering....  

 
I created this card based on the photo above.   First off, this color combination will forever go down in history as my favorite....creams, pinks, and pale blues....they have always been delicious to me, then of course the sweet vintage bird image from the Birds & Blossoms collection from Heartwarming Vintage....vintage book print, metal accent coated in acrylic paint, tea-stained twill tape (which I have another batch soaking now), and some sparkle....I love to be inspired by something and then see where it leads me.    
 
 Last week I had a bit of fun making a piece of art for my craft room...once again, I can't photograph worth a darn....but hopefully you'll get the idea...   
I made this for Emma's Paperie this month....step by step instructions and all of the supplies can be found HERE....lots of my favorite Melissa Frances beauties included in this project....it just wouldn't be the same without some MF :)

Before I go, I wanted to apologize to any of you who I may have offended throughout the course of my blog....I read a post by someone the other day and it was in regards to the style of blogging where individuals portray themselves and their lives as being perfect....I know I don't focus on the negatives of life here...and I won't, but I don't ever want to come across as having it all and living in a fairy tale.  My life is nothing more than how I choose to look at it....and at the end of the day, I will not complain about the things in my life which are hurtful, negative, painful, or dreary....we all have them, but I choose to focus on the things that make me happy.  There are things that bring me down on a daily basis....tears that come every single day, but I can't be happy and show my gratitude for what I have when all I see is what I don't have....so forgive me, but I will continue to be myself here....I love my life, imperfections and all.

Hope you have a wonderful, autumn-y Wednesday. Go pick a pumpkin for your porch today!

Melis
 
 
 
 

our song...

• Are you hungry?
• Mama will you play with me?
• A few more minutes 'til it's time for homework.
• Did you wash?
• Time for prayers.
• I'm ready.
• Oh, I love you.
• Read me a story.
• I'm hungry.
• Is your tummy full?
• Remember your manners.
• I want Daddy.
• Please and thank you.
• Just a few more minutes.
• Put your clothes in the dirties.
• Time for bubbles and bed.
• 5 more bites.
• Can you help set the table?
• Prayer time.
• Sleep tight.
• Love you so much.
• So glad you're mine.

I heard a song on the radio this morning that made me reflect a bit on the song of our family....the things we say to each other most often...things that have become our song around here....It appears I need to fit more "I love you-s" in.....more positive affirmations of how pleased and happy I am with my little one....a good reminder and something I will try harder to do as soon as I pick her up from school today.  Do you have a song?  Bet you do.

  Another Darkroom Door Santa card for someone special....I still can't get over how adorable and endearing this image is....my fave for sure.  

One more creation made for the Darkroom Door blog... I used a Photo Chip from the Viva la Flora collection as my focal point, ran it through my die cut machine using a Spellbinders Nestabilities, and then embossed it just for fun....love Rachel's beautiful photos....such a creative way to implement them into paper-crafting. 
 
 
Hope your having a wonderful Tuesday friends.

Melis

 

autumn symphony...

Good morning Monday....

It feels wonderful to be back, although I think this was my all time favorite weekend away....I enjoyed my little family so much....most of the time it was just Mama and Sierra and it was fun to go wherever we wanted to go for the day and explore a whole new world together....riding the train or TRAX was most definitely a highlight for her....and when her little face lights up...so does my heart.  We hung out at the pumpkin patch and corn maze all afternoon...had cotton candy and pizza at the BYU game...went on moonlit walks through Temple Square...smelled the flowers in the beautiful gardens on the temple grounds...listened to the Prophet...had fish and chips....went bowling with Uncle Scot, Madi, and Bella, saw both sets of grandparents, rod the escalators more times than we can count, pretended to be an elevator operator....more times than we can count :)...lots of little things that were a first for her....loved every minute of it.  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend too.

I have piles of laundry and  dirty floors waiting for me this morning, but wanted to pop in for a minute.   
  
 
 

A spooky little card set created using Papertrey Ink's 2009 Halloween Tags and Spooky Sweets stamp sets, Vintage Cream cardstock, True Black, Ripe Avocado, and Lavender Moon ink, Plum Pudding satin, True Black gingham, Orange Zest grosgrain, and Summer Sunrise saddle stitch ribbon, and Vintage Cream buttons. 

I also wanted to give proper credit for the fabric flower I made and used on THIS post.  I didn't have time before heading out of town, but think that giving credit is incredibly important....I first saw my super trendy friend Dawn use one on her card HERE, and then watched Heather Bailey make one on Studio 5...needless to say...I am hooked and can't wait to explore these sweet flowers more. 

Lastly, thank you all so much for stopping by and participating in the World Card Making Day festivities.  I LOVED reading your posts....and was so inspired by your kind thoughts and expressions from your heart.

Happy Monday.

Melis

a happy soul...

Happy World Card Making Day...tomorrow!
 
It's a beautiful, sunshiny, apple cider and pumpkin spiced Friday...and I hope that wherever you are, you're enjoying it.

 
I have to get a wee but sappy here....I LOVE the craft, hobby, art, magic, and desire of card making....it is ingrained in me...deep in my soul...and I have had some of the most wonderful experiences come my way through sharing this love with you, others, and the world....so today...and tomorrow, I hope you take a minute and induldge yourself...sit and create something straight from you heart....express yourself and share your soul through creating a card for someone special....think of them while creating and you'll be amazed at what pours out of you and onto your blank canvas as you create....then you'll be hooked, just like me :)  And...if you are so inclined...share your creation with me...I would absolutely love to see what came from your heart...to your hands.

There are wonderful, wonderful prizes at stake here today...all you have to do is leave a comment here and then go to the Moxie Fab World blog and leave a comment.....any comment will do, but I think it would be fun to share something about yourself there...you know, leave a bit of yourself behind....so how about sharing your favorite word....maybe telling others why you love it so...and you are bound to inspire and uplift someone by taking the time to do so.  This contest closes on Sunday, October 4th at midnight. 

Let's see...more fun to be had at the World Card Making Day website....such as oodles of card making ideas, prizes for sharing your cards in the WCMD gallery, a contest where the winning cards will be featured in an upcoming issue of Paper Crafts magazine..so much going on!

Before I go...I'll share my favorite word with you...."CREATE"...it's beautiful and all-encompassing....we can create something from nothing in every aspect of life....beauty comes from creating whether it's the way you create love in your home, amongst others around you, art, gardening, decorating, teaching, music, kindness....the list never, ever ends.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Melis

roadies...

It's Thursday...which means the school week is over for us here in Nevada....so, we're hitting the road...daddy, mommy, and our little pearl.  I wanted to pop in to let you all know of some fun World Cardmaking Day festivities....the actual day to spend in your jammies all day creating beauty to pop in the mail for others to enjoy is on Saturday, but tomorrow I'll be involved in a blog hop in association with the Moxie Fab World blog, Paper Crafts Connection, and the World Cardmaking Blog.  I will be in Salt Lake City enjoying some time with my little one and husband...brother, nieces, and my husband's family....but my card making heart will be cheering you all on as you celebrate this fun day.  While we're away, I want to take Sierra HERE and HERE...we'll be going to a BYU game and spending lots of time on Temple Square. 

 
Hope you all enjoy your weekend...come back tomorrow for some fun and giveaways as well!

Melis

g'night moon...

Morning....it came a bit too soon for us...one of those up all night kind of nights...it was stormy and scary for a little one in new surroundings...ummm...and maybe for her mama too.  But we weathered it together just fine....daddy snored on and on and didn't seem to notice that the roof was ready to blow off...he's very skilled in the sleep department...I need lessons.

 

The moon and stars are so vibrant out here where there isn't a single street light....it's truly breathtaking.  My little one is learning all about the Solar System....I'm amazed...she is soaking in every tiny detail and each night while we're snuggling, we watch the moon and the stars and she tells me everything she knows. 

Last night was a first for her because as she was snuggle in her bed, she could watch the clouds float swiftly and gently across the sky passing right in front of the moon....it was a perfectly witch-y moon....and a small and beautiful wonder for my girl.  I don't think she's ever seen clouds move before...they were beautiful and wispy and glowed around the edges.  So sweet to sit and experience life through the eyes of a child from time to time. 

I created this card using a beautiful Cotton Scrap from Crafty Secrets, a Glimmer Chip from Tattered Angels, Making Memories paper, vintage trim, glitter, adhesive pearls, and buttons of course. 

I have the morning to work and create a few things for my etsy shop....it's a perfect day to bundle up and stay inside where it's warm...perhaps tonight will be a soup night....I can't wait to wish you a Happy October tomorrow.

Ohhhh...and wouldn't THIS make the most perfect warm, cozy, homey, ooey, gooey fall treat?  Sigh....I love you Bakerella :)

Melis

meet jack...

It's the most beautiful time of the year around here in my book....living in the desert we don't really have trees that bring beautiful fall colors....a few turn a vibrant yellow...there are some weeds that turn a beautiful reddish purple...and then of course the rabbit brush which is completely gorgeous as it blooms golden yellow in the fall...but brings with it sneezes and itchy eyes....I don't care....I'll take whatever I can get. 

Pumpkins are starting to make their appearances on doorsteps and porches...corn stalks greet you as you visit a friend....it's like heaven to me :) 

This little card trio was created using Papertrey Ink's Spooky Sweets and 2009 Halloween Tags stamp sets along with Vintage Cream cardstock, True Black and Ripe Avocado Ink, Spring Moss Swiss Dots and True Black Gingham, and Vintage Cream buttons.  Ohhhhh....these were such a joy to make.

For Emma's this week, based on a sketch...

 

I couldn't resist making something Halloween-y out of the sketch provided on the blog....I always shop to my hearts content buying new Halloween goodies....then hoard them and find them again in a year and realize I never touched them....not this year....I will hoard the leftover scraps....but I'm using up the big stuff....too cute not to.  A complete supply list for this can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog...and lots of beautiful creations for the other designers as well. 

Let's see....how 'bout some Darkroom Door???  How I love this stuff.....a couple of things created for the blog there...

 

See why I love this company???  I used the Yuletide Vol. 2 stamp set, Yuletide Vol. 2 Wordstrip, and a couple White Size 8 tags to create these....a bit of glitter, some buttons...some trim....you know...my favorite things...they always sneak in somehow.

One more before I explain why I'm chatting like a nervous Nelly this morning...

 

This was also created for Darkroom Door...I used the Journal stamp set, Full Bloom Montage, White Roses Pearlescent Paper, and Full Bloom Wordstrip.  Of course I snuck in some Melissa Frances as well....it works with just about everything....some vintage sheet music, vintage doily, and my tea-stained twill.

 I'm trying to take my mind off the fact that I sent my little one crying and screaming for her mama to school today....she's all the sudden in a new phase and doesn't want to leave me....I'm so boring, but she loves me still :)  Anyway....it makes me sad and I worry...I'm very good at that....and I'm hoping her daddy could be patient and work his magic with her this morning and get her in the doors to school....I know she'll be fine once she's there.  Bittersweet moments I tell you.

Hope you all are having a wonderful week so far.

Melis

peas porridge hot...

Soup lovers unite...

 

(Photo from marthastewart.com)

THIS is our very favorite Broccoli Potato and Cheese Soup recipe...but you'll notice that it's actually called Broccoli Chowder with Corn and Bacon....I can't ever seem to remember the name...I just know this is the only recipe I use...and it doesn't call for cheese...but I always throw some in right before serving it....my husband LOVES this stuff...says it's better than the gourmet restaurant stuff...such a sweet fellah...and thanks to Miss Martha.

Something fall-ish this way comes...Papertrey Ink's Fall Elegance stamp set, Dark Chocolate and Summer Sunrise ink, Summer Sunrise and Vintage Cream cardstock, Making Memories glitter bookplate and paper leaves, October Afternoon paper, Petaloo flowers, vintage trim, and a Creative Imaginations brad.

Wish I could stay and chat....but, this girl is tired tonight.

Enjoy your weekend.

Melis

what matters most...

Welcome autumn...nights getting cooler...days getting shorter...warm socks, long afternoon shadows, family time, a cozy home, comfort food, sweaters and school, spices and stews, blankets and a fire in the fireplace....I love it all....

Short and sweet today as my little one is home from school now and my husband too....I love it when it's his day off. 

This month at Emma's Paperie we are showcasing a few chipboard projects.  I can't begin to explain my obsession with chipboard, but it's a staple here....I love it's bulk...it's dimension....I love to distress it and rough it up....love to paint it, glitter it, sand it, stack it, and a new to me technique...emboss it.  You can see a tiny glimpse of that in the image above....I've never tried it before, but love the soft, subtle touch it adds.  Just run it through your die cut machine with an embossing folder and it's there waiting for you....see why I love chipboard?  You can find all of the supplies I used on this card HERE at Emma's Paperie. 

Before I go, I wanted my brothers, their sweet wives, my parents, my in-laws, all of my cute nieces and nephews, my sweetheart, and little girl....and you of course too...to listen and watch THIS....I don't even know if my family reads my silly blog...but if by chance they do, then I hope they know how much I love them.  Hugs to each of you as well....thanks for visiting and brightening my day.

I promise to post my Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe for you....it's yum....but I gotta go get started on dinner for tonight....Broccoli Potato and Cheese Soup.

Night.

Melis

simple joys...

My mother-in-law sent home a jar of her freshly bottled pears last night.  When my husband walked in with them I was so touched...nothing could have made me smile more.  There is something about a beautiful jar of peaches, cherries, pears, green beans, etc. that is incredibly beautiful and meaningful....almost as if it's an art that has been forgotten...I am thankful for her busy hands and for the time she spent preparing these and sharing them with my little family...almost too beautiful to eat, but I know how much my little girl will enjoy them.

This card was created using some beautiful Melissa Frances and October Afternoon paper scraps, the Rustic Branches stamp set from Papertrey Ink, along with Vintage Cream cardstock, Summer Sunrise, Pure Poppy, and Dark Chocolate ink, and Summer Sunrise and Pure Poppy vintage buttons.  I love the colors of fall....they make my heart happy.

Another project created for Darkroom Door using the new Yuletide Vol. 2 stamp set. 

I have yet to see a Santa image as completely adorable as this....love it and all of the other images on this set as well....see those cute primitive stars in the background? 

Well....I'm heading out the door....just made Zucchini Chocolate Chip cookies for all of the Primary kids today...we are practicing for our program on Sunday....I can't wait for their parents to hear their sweet songs...they sing so beautifully.

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.

Melis

september babe...

How I love my girl...she melts me...she makes me a better me...she overwhelms me with her presence in my life...she fills my heart...and fills my thoughts with happiness and love...so thankful to be hers. 

This little treasure found it's way home to me not too long ago.  I created it for a book I was invited to contribute to called, The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook.  The book is amazing....so incredibly beautiful and packed with creative ideas.  I made this with my little bean in mind...with stamping and unique ideas for incorporating stamps into projects as my focus. 

You'll notice she is a bit worn after her travels from here to there....just needs a little love...a new picture and I'll keep her safe here in my craft room...so happy she's back.  Believe it or not, she still has those same chubby cheeks...I  kissed them awake this morning and soaked her in before she headed off to school. 

I've fallen for stamping....the possibilities are endless.  You'll notice that on the above project I added stamping to my flowers and chipboard...even on top of glitter....I love to embellish borders, frames, photo corners, etc...stamping is delicious and so much fun. 

I was recently asked to be a Guest Artist for an Australian stamp company owned by my new friend Rachel Greig called, Darkroom Door.  Rachel is an amazing photographer who turns her photos into beautiful products to use in paper-crafting.  I've been busy creating projects for her blog...here is one and I'll share more later. 

I used the Wildflowers Vol. 2 stamp set on this card along with a Full Bloom Filmstrip.  So many beautiful things to see in her store.  Thank you Rachel for your invitation.

Lastly, I couldn't resist creating something in warm fall colors on this first official day of fall. 

Along with these wooden hearts cut by Kim Hesson, I used Papertrey Ink's Vintage Labels and  Flower Garden stamp sets, Kraft cardstock, Smokey Shadow, Fresh Snow, and Dark Chocolate ink, and a Vintage Cream button.  The die cuts are from K&Co., glitter from Doodlebug, gems from Melissa Frances, and trim from a special friend.

Hope your fall is starting out beautiful.

Melis

cozy kitchen...

Sundays are the perfect day for baking...today's special is Nana's Banana Bread and Chocolate Chip Cookies....the combination of them baking together is making our new nest feel so much like home.  Church was busy and wonderful....love my Primary children.  Daddy and Sierra have been out on the front porch lounging in the hammock reading about snakes...her new favorite thing...heaven help me when I see one around here...I know it's going to happen....I hate 'em.  I'm practicing my scream right now...it will be heard  across the hills...

Something quick tonight...with a recipe for you at the end.  This card was created using Papertrey Ink's My Punny Valentine and  Polka Dot Basics II stamp sets, some Vintage Cream cardstock, Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, and Dark Chocolate ink, a Pure Poppy button, Webster's ink and October Afternoon paper, a Melissa Frances glitter chipboard heart, and a die cut from October Afternoon as well.

Nana's Banana Bread

5 Tbs. butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 egg

2 egg whites

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups mashed bananas

1 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 cup sour cream

1/3 cup walnuts...if ya like 'em

Beat butter until light and fluffy, and in sugars, egg, egg whites, and vanilla;  beat until blended.  Add mashed banana, beat on high for 30 seconds.  Add in dry ingredients with sour cream added in last.  Pour into large loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

It's time for the bedtime routine to begin...can't wait to kiss her sweet, sleeping face after she drifts off....one of life's most precious moments.

Melis

golden delicious...

Hello fall...

Hello you all...

It simply must be fall because:

• all though we are still in the high 90's during the day, at night I need a hoodie to be comfortably cozy. (hurray for hoodies)
• the Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Patty Pumpkins are on the shelves (oh yeah...on the shelves)
• according to my husband, the most wonderful time of the year is here....coyote season has begun...he has a spring in his step, a twinkle in his eye, and a cooler full of Dr. Pepper.
• my fall decorations are finding their way to special spots around the house....sunflowers and fall leaves on the mantle, a corn husk and pumpkin wreath on the door....oh, how I want to go shopping for more (take note of this....I haven't stepped foot in Tai Pan Trading in over a year....since my birthday of last year to be exact....somehow I brought home enough stuff to make my front porch look like a yard sale, so I've curtailed my Tai Pan expenditures and am very proud of myself...I really don't think it counts that I sent my mom in for just a few minor items before she came to visit me...)
• the golden delicious apples are ripe and so tasty...certainly apple pie filling worthy.  Great Grandpa brought us a bunch off of his tree and I'm feeling the urge to bottle some.  My mother-in-law makes the most deeeelicious homemade apple pie....not the canned filling kind...not the store bought crust kind...the kind that you will only get at her house...she's got the touch...and the adorable pie safe that I've been eyeballing for just over 10 years now.  I think anyone with a pie safe should make yummy pies no matter what....one of those unspoken rules.

I am happy to report that I am coming to you live from my own house tonight...I am connected again :)

A little something fall-ish tonight.  I love the sentiment on this....I firmly believe in it.  I used  the Papertrey Ink Spiral Bouquet stamp set on this along with Rustic Cream cardstock, Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate, and Spring Moss ink, Vintage Cream ribbon and button, Summer Sunrise buttons, and Autumn Abundance paper.  Kaisercraft adhesive pearls were also used along with a K&Co. die cut, October Afternoon and American Crafts paper.

I have a new card kit up for sale at The Scrappy Gourmet...here's a peek or two. 

My secret involves THIS...not this issue, but one that's coming soon....how did that happen, anyway?  I'm tickled...and floored...

Well....it's time to curl up with my book for a little while as wait for my husband to get home.  Hope you're all tucked in tight.

Night.

Melis

sweet-ums..

Hello and good morning :) 

I'm happy to report that we are all back where we belong...including the hound....darn dog.  We are crazy about him...my husband brought him home as a pup for Sierra 2 Valentine Day's ago....he has a very distinguished and meaningful name....Rifle....and he even smiles (Sierra says so).  He's a great pet....but not a super great coyote hunter...which is the reason behind his introduction into your family....Sierra and I spoil him too much and therefore he'd rather run back home than go hunting with my husband...but we love him.  I love the story behind his name....you might think my husband picked it out...but you'd be wrong....I did.  My dad gave me his very first saddle not too long ago...it belonged to his first horse named Rifle.  His dad, my grandpa, rescued the horse from being taken away to the glue factory.  But grandpa brought him home to my dad when he was a little guy and my dad fed him sugar and Rifle the horse would follow him anywhere and everywhere just like a dog....so now we have a Rifle to remind me of my dad and his gentle, little shadow.  I never knew my grandpa on my dad's side, so maybe that's another reason why I cherish stories like this...anyway, I hope he's around a nice long while.

Today I have a few more projects to share with you before I hurry home to get back to work.....thanks to my mama, I am organized and feeling crafty again.  I love my room...I promise to show you pictures very soon....I need to pound a hole in a wall or two and hang something pretty then we'll be set.  First, a fun project created for Emma's Paperie....our challenge this week was to use the Primary colors in our creation.  All supplies can be found HERE along with more creations from the other designers.

And a couple more goodies using new Papertrey Ink stamp sets including this created with the Peaceful Poinsettia set... And Winter Swirls...

I think that's it for today.....hope you're enjoying a beautiful September wherever you might be.

Love you mom....miss you already.

Melis

providence...

Good Morning.  I'm so happy to have a minute to check in.  We are settling in very nicely.....a few bumps...a few tears from my little lilybean.  She and the dog are not entirely sure they want to stay....she was upset the other night because her dishes were missing from her kitchen and she wanted to move back to the old house.....so mommy made sure they were found and waiting for her when she got home from school.  The dog....well, he ran away this morning.  As Daddy and Sierra took off in the truck for school this morning, he decided he needed to follow, and I haven't seen him since.  I love that boy and hope he comes home soon....I need to go look for him some more.  Other than that and a few tarantulas....we're doing great.  I'm so happy to have my mom visiting today and tomorrow to help me organize my craft room....it will be fun to have her with me.

I have oodles to share with you today....but I think I'll spread things out a bit just so I don't put you all to sleep.  It's Papertrey Ink release time, so I am excited to start sharing a few things with you.  I could never, ever begin to choose a favorite stamp set from Papertrey Ink....ummmm...but I sure do love these three new sets.  Signature Christmas from Dawn McVey....she has the most beautiful handwriting, and Vintage Labels which coordinates with Spellbinders Labels I Nestabilities die cuts.....so much fun.  Annnnd...then of course the ultra irresistible Stocking Prints stamp set.....smitten, I tell you...simply smitten. 

Here is another card made with the new Vintage Labels stamp set with a sentiment from the Tree Trimming Trio set. 

I'll end there for today.  Going back to the title of my post.....this past Sunday I had the honor of meeting someone very special....someone I have long looked up to and admired, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the 12 Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I don't think I will ever be the same, as this man had the power to change my heart, my mind, and my life.  My heart is still bursting with the spirit he brought as he spoke to our Stake and I am forever thankful for the opportune time in my life that brought him to me. 

I sure love ya!  I promise it won't be much longer until I'm back and blogging and responding to your emails as usual....Friday is satellite internet day!

OOoo....and I've been keeping a wee little secret....more to come.

Hope you're doing well.

Melis

Holiday Jump Start...

Christmas wishes and holiday greetings....let's jump right in and kick off the holidays Papertrey Ink style, shall we? 

Our group post this month showcases the new Tree Trimming Trio stamp set and a handmade gift of our choosing.  One of my most favorite gifts to make for the holidays are ornaments....whether they're pillow type, quilted, or fabric pieced...I love 'em...and not one turns out the same....just how I like it.       This little quirky star ornament was created quite quickly with just a few fabric scraps, tea-stained muslin, thread, ribbon, and a button.  I can't wait to sit and create other shapes to accompany this as well such as, a bell, dove, heart, and mitten.  So inexpensive....and hopefully loved  by someone special.

I created a card using the same color scheme so that both of these handmade items would look perfect together when presented as a gift.  Isn't this new stamp set irresistible?  LOVE the jumbo ornaments and large tree....what a fun focal point.

I used Papertrey Ink Scarlet Jewel cardstock and ink, Ripe Avocado and Sweet Blush ink, Sweet Blush grosgrain and button....a fun twist on the traditional Christmas color scheme.  The paper is all from Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses collection.

Be sure to check out these links for the other Papertrey Ink Designers for many more creative ideas:

Becky Oehlers

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Debbie Olson

Geny Cassady

Heather Nichols

Lauren Meader

Lisa Johnson

Michelle Wooderson

Nichole Heady

Niki Estes

And on another note....my first card kit for Frost it Pink is up and available for purchase now.  Here are a few peeks for you.  The kit includes supplies and instructions for 8 cards and 1 tag....it's filled with beautiful things to make your fingers happy.

Have a wonderful night.

Melis

you say tomato...

Summer veggies are the still growing strong here....I can't think of anything I love more than fresh tomatoes...still a bit warm from the sun with a big scoop of cottage cheese....I will miss you big, beefy tomatoes...thank goodness for your friends the pumpkins....the little Miss and I are waiting ever so patiently to watch you  grow so we can  plunk you on the porch.

I only have a few minutes....I feel as if I have neglected you, but I sure don't mean to....first thank you all for your wonderful ideas for online classes....you've got me so excited...I'm just about to burst, but must wait until technology catches up with us at our new home....so I'll be patient.  Meanwhile, please continue to shoot me  your dream class ideas and I'll file them away for later.  I think we'll have such a great time making cards Lilybean style...and other stuff too.

Before I go I wanted to share something happy and cheerful with you...consider it a smile and a warm hug from me to all of you. 

This was created for Emma's Paperie this month...step by step instructions and supplies can be found HERE.

I look at this card and I see the shadows in the background and am reminded that the sun is dipping behind the mountains earlier each day.....sigh...it's been a sweet Summer...enjoy the rest of it.

Goodbye for now.

Melis