Card Tutorial

Hi Everyone!! I know it's been quite some time since I last posted here on the blog.  I took a little needed break to focus on the day-to-day operations of my business, and to attend to some health issues.  I'm feeling great, and after some much needed extra time with my family, I'm rejuvenated and ready to blog!! 

In today's economy, almost everyone is more cost-conscious than ever.  So, today I thought I'd share a little quick and easy project that I made using scrap paper and leftover embellishments from other projects.  To get the most from my embellishments, I cut Prima paper flowers in half and strategically placed them creating dimension by adding layers.  I also cut apart inexpensive ribbon hearts to use as design elements.  This easy card design not only saves precious time, but also money!

Let's get started, shall we…

MMEcard

  • CUT from left to right (top row):  MME (FYH133) paper 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", MME (FYH132) paper 51/4" x 4", and MME (FYH131)  paper 5"x3 3/4"

Bottom Row is cutouts from MME (FYH132) paper, another great way to save on embellishments.

NOTE-All paper used is from the My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart collection

  • FOLD 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" paper in half on the 8 1/2" side to create the card base.
  • ADHERE pre-cut mats together and attach to front of card base.

MMEcard-2

MMEcard-3

MMEcard-4

MMEcard-5

Done!  It doesn't get any quicker, easier, or less expensive!  Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial!

Melissa Logo 55

Blog Giveaway Winner!!!

00607_SJ12x12PaperPacks copy
VS

00635_LondonMarket_12x12Pa copy
Hey Guys!  I know, I'm a bad girl!  I didn't announce the winner of the blog giveaway on Friday.  Well, here I am…better late than never.  I have to say, I LOVED reading the comments.  You all had some very thoughtful ideas on which collection I should use.  It seems like the majority of you chose Spring Jubilee.  A big thank you to everyone that played along.  Unfortunately, I have to pick one winner (not my favorite part).  Okay here goes….drum roll…the winner is:

so torn between both of the choices, if it was me I would use both , but if I had to just choose one it would be London Market…………….
Kitty

Posted by: kitty | Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 05:23 PM

Congratulations Kitty!!!  Email me at melissa@melissasamuels.net and I will email you your $20 gift certificate to www.melissasamuels.net!! 

Washington DC Tour & $20 gift certificate giveaway!!

BdayBook-6
I have lived in Virginia my entire life, but I have never been to the Cherry Blossom Festival or visited the monuments in Washington DC.  I have heard a lot of people say the same about where they live.  There's something about feeling like you can't be a tourist in your own backyard.  Every single year since I can remember, my hubby and I say we're going to see the cherry blossoms, but we never have.  When Chris was little, we took her to the Smithsonian several times, but we never made the cherry blossoms or walked the extra distance to the monuments.  The official Cherry Blossom Festival doesn't start until March 20th, but we decided to beat the crowds.  It was beautiful.  For those of you who don't know, in 1912 Japan gifted DC 3,000 cherry trees.  This year is a special celebration because it is the 100 year anniversary.  For more info visit http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/2012-centennial/

BdayBook-2It was well worth the wait, and didn't disappoint.  We walked to the Tidal Basin to see the trees, then we headed back up the National Mall to see more monuments and the Capitol Building.

BdayBookBob holding the whole Washington Monument in his hand.  Pretty impressive. 

BdayBook-3
BdayBook-5Thomas Jefferson Memorial (being from Charlottesville, I liked this one a lot)
BdayBook-7
BdayBook-8

BdayBook-10Capitol Building
BdayBook-15
BdayBook-13Orchid exhibited at the US Botantic Garden
BdayBook-14
BdayBook-11It was so much fun, I can't wait to start a scrapbook!!!  That's right, scrapping is a thought that's never far away.  It just so happened that 2 very perfect collections from Pink Paislee  just arrived in the store that would be perfect for a mini album to commemorate my trip.

Londonmarket_edits_500
London Market would be the perfect mix of travel and shabby chic.  But…

Springjubileecollection_buttonSpring Jubilee is the perfect spring collection with cherry blossoms on it!!

I NEED your help!!!!  Which collection should I use????  Click on the collection images above to view the entire collection.  Take a look, then leave a comment on this blog post telling me which collection you think I should use.  You have until March 29th to leave a comment.  On Friday, March 30th I will pick a winner to receive a $20 gift certificate to www.melissasamuels.net that you can use toward scrapping your spring trip!!!!

Melissa Logo 55

Birthday Project

Hey Everyone!  If you are a friend on Facebook, you already know March is my birthday month.  I have to say, having so many wonderful friends and a marvelous family has made getting a year older not quite so bad.  I appreciated each and every friend on Facebook who took a moment to wish me a happy birthday…so very sweet and touching!!  I visited my family a couple of weeks ago for a birthday celebration (a little early).  It was great to see my Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters-in-law, and niece.  My hubby took me on a romantic getaway the weekend of my birthday.  It was fabulous.  We had spectacular dinners out, listened to live jazz at the WineLoft, brunch at Millie's, afternoon tea at The Jefferson Hotel, a luxurious facial, shopping… it was amazing!!!  Just like him!! 

Atc-march-14

Atc-march-10

Atc-march-11

Atc-march-12

Atc-march-16

After we got back, my girls took me to PF Chang's for lunch, and cupcakes afterwards.

Atc-march-5
Atc-march-2
Atc-march-3My very good friend Nikki sent me these beautiful flowers!!  And, my girlfriend Carol Paige sent me a dozen roses!!  They spoil me!!!!  A big thank you to them!!!  My cropping girlies gave me a gift card to Flemings, can't wait to use that!  Thanks Pat, Rose, Margaret, and Brenda!! 

It was truly the most special and memorable birthday I have ever had.  I started a book this week to add the photos that I have (unfortunately only camera phone photos) and to document my wonderful adventures.  I started with a Prima Mixed Media Album.  I just wanted to give you a little peek.  I'll be posting more as I finish. 

BdayBook-2
Melissa Logo 55