Melissa Frances

Kick off to Valentine's Day

(Supply List: Patterned Paper: Melissa Frances 5th Avenue Collection •Stamps: Flourishes Hearts • Dies & Machine: Spellbinders Classic Petal, Heart Circles, Classic Heart, Scalloped Heart, Grand Calibur • Cardstock: PTI)

As Valentine's Day approaches, we have some lovely projects to share with you this month!

Today's card comes to us courtesy of Mona Pendleton. She used our 5th Avenue Collection to create this Valentine card for someone special.

Will you be making a Valentine card for your sweetheart this year?

A Christmas Tag

(Supply List: #8 Kraft Tag – by Ranger, Attic Treasures Vol. 2 6x6 paper pad by Melissa Frances, Pearl Cling Stamp Angelic Tidings by Melissa Frances, 5^th Avenue Chipboard accents by Melissa Frances, Tarnished Silver Glass Glitter by Melissa Frances, Reproduction Glass Buttons by Melissa Frances,  clear rhinestone by Melissa Frances, cream seam binding, Tea Dye Distress Ink by Ranger, Ink Applicator with a foam pad by Ranger, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, cream cardstock, Black ink to stamp the Angel image with, Copic markers in E000, E00, E35, E42, Y23, R30, 0,  High Tack Double-Sided Tissue Tape, 1/4", pop dots, glue dots, a scrap of osnaburg fabric, sewing machine and white thread, scissors, craft knife.)

Sr. Creative Director Carolyn Peeler is participating in the "12 Feminine Tags of Christmas" project hosted by Ellen Hutson. Carolyn made the tag above which features our adorable "Pearl" character stamp, who is dressed up as an angel.

Please head over to Ellen's CLASSroom for complete step by step instructions for Carolyn's tag.

2 Christmas houses

We introduced our large do-it-yourself house kits at CHA Winter 2012, and they began shipping this fall. These are not little pieces, for instance the house shown above it 8.5" long x 6.5"wide x 9" high. So they would make a great statement on a mantle or as a part of a holiday vignette. Donna Gibson sent us two houses which she made for display at her local Scrapbook store Whim So Doodle, located in St. Petersburg, FL. Here, from Donna, is a little bit about her fabulous work:
  

This first house is the Large Queen Anne style.  I covered it with MF 5th Avenue papers in Hattie and Essie.  The base is covered with MF Countdown to Christmas -Salutations.  After covering each piece with paper I ran the pieces face down through my Xyron 850 and applied adhesive to the front side. Then I applied Martha Stewart Crystal Fine glitter.  Adding the glitter with the Xyron was super easy and the results are fabulous! The glitter is evenly distributed and it really does stay on!  The credit for that step belongs to this blog, Ain't She Crafty.  I'll definitely be using this method in the future when I want to add some bling to something!

 

I used Zip-Dry glue both for covering the pieces with paper and for assembling the house.  The trees and wreath were dyed using TH Ranger Distress Ink reinker in Picked Raspberry combined with water in a Ranger Mini-Mister. The pearls are from Michael's Recollections line. The fence was painted with a Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber in Snow Cap and then glitter was pressed into the paint while it was wet.  

This second house is the Large Chapel.  I followed the same steps as shown above for covering and assembling the house.  The trees and wreath were dyed using TH Ranger Distress Ink reinker in Pine Needles combined with water in a Ranger Mini-Mister. The pearls are from Micheal's Recollections line. The fence was painted with a Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber in Snow Cap and then glitter was pressed into the paint while it was wet.  The tinsel is TH Rope Tinsel.  The snow accents were added using a DecoArt Snow Writer.

Thanks for sharing with us Donna. We invite you to head to this link on Donna's blog to see more photos of her completed houses and to leave her a comment!

We would like to share as many holiday projects featuring Melissa Frances as possible this December, so we invite you to send us your best creations so that we can share them with our readers! Please send your projects to [email protected] Thank you!

The Blessings of Christmas Card

We received this pretty card from Rea Custer who shows that with a little imagination non-holiday paper can look perfectly in place on Christmas cards! She combined our Jewell (PA363) paper with some basic supplies to create this greeting.

Rea says: I used a base of Pink Pirouette cardstock from Stampin' Up, the patterned paper is from Melissa Frances, the doily, lace  and tinsel ribbon are from my stash, the berries are from Michaels, the sentiment is from Stampin' Up, I stamped it in blue ink from Anna Griffin.  I added some silver Stickles for that extra bling.

Thanks for sharing your project with us and our readers Rea!

Dream card

One of the beautiful things about our paper crafting world is how much we draw inspiration from each other. We received this card, along with a lovely note from Patty O'Malley.

I love, love, love Melissa Frances products!  I made this card inspired by a card from Lea Lawson on the Prima blog.  She used Prima products while I used paper, frame, and sticker image from Melissa Frances.  The flowers are Prima, charm Recollections, swirl from Jolee and Martha Stewart pearl/rhinestone sticker frame and tag.  Hope you like it!

Patty, this card is darling - I'm sure the receiver loved getting it.

Happy Quotes mini album

Today we have a lovely project from Sophia in Singapore to share with you. She says:

I love this wooden teapot shape and only need a few simple embellishments for it.
Did a mini book of happy quotes and it's held by the ribbon to the teapot.
To me , MF papers are great for altering as household display.

This gorgeous mini album showcases our 5th Avenue papers, Sweet Cherub resin accents (CX863) and Diamond Chandelier Drops (GN329).

What a beautiful mini album project Sophia. Thank you for allowing us to share it with our readers.

Thank you...

If you have not already left your comment to be eligible for Melissa's birthday giveaway, please scroll down to yesterday's post.

(Supply List: Melissa Frances products:  5th Avenue 6” x 6” paper pad (GN444), Vintage Attic Treasures rhinestones (GN279), pink glittered heart pop out accents (GN34), 1962 Crepe Paper Collection (GN303) • Other supplies:  The Sky’s The Limit stamp set (Inspired by Stamping), seam binding (Deb’s Simple Treasures Etsy), lace & net flower (Prima), satin flowers, glitter, ink (Stampin’ Up!), die (Spellbinders), paper doilie (Wilton))

Today's card is another beauty from Debbie Marcinkiewicz who has shared her work with us in the past.


Thanks once again for sharing your work with us Debbie!

Happy Birthday Melissa & a Giveaway!

(photo and project by: Fabienne Pernot)

Today we are pleased to celebrate Melissa’s 50th Birthday on the MF blog. Not too long ago, Melissa used to dread getting older. But since fighting through her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, she has been reminded what a gift life is. And now, every additional year represents more opportunities to live life to the fullest!

Given that 50 is such a milestone, we decided to surprise Melissa with a birthday post of epic proportions. We have a ton of people - friends, design team members and former design team members - who wanted to take part in making Melissa’s day a joyful one. So please enjoy this parade of birthday wishes to one very deserving woman. (And, if you’re looking for the giveaway, read to the end of this post where the details will be posted.)

Sr. Creative Director Carolyn Peeler made Melissa this card featuring the brand new Just a Little Something - Pearl stamp along with Melissa Frances trim and patterned paper. If you click on the link to Carolyn’s blog, you can see the handmade bracelet she made for Melissa as well.

Carolyn has the following birthday message for Melissa:

Melissa, I hope that you have a wonderful day today with your family. You are such a fighter and champion and I am grateful to have you in my life. Happy Birthday!

Former design team member Amber Tosh sent Melissa this adorable card featuring some oldies but goodies from our Hush a Bye and Fresh Twist collections.

Her message to Melissa: Happy Birthday Melissa! I hope that God truly blesses you this year.

Karin Aguirre used our stacking box set as a base for a festive decoration. Given how there is an ongoing office joke about Melissa being the Queen, Karin’s project is especially fitting.

Karin has the following birthday greeting for Melissa:

Happy Happy Birthday Melissa!  Remember....It's not about getting older....... It's about living longer and stronger!!  Wishing many more wonderful birthdays and an amazing year to come!

Design team member Anne Kristen made these cute Attic Treasures tags and beautiful wall hanging as a gift for Melissa. (Did you notice that the wall hanging is made on the packaging for the large resin?)



Annes birthday wish for Melissa:

 "Happy Birthday to you, Melissa!! Wishing you all you are wishing for..."

Sherrie Siemens, a member of the Melissa Frances design team, made this lovely card for Melissa and includes this note:

Congratulations on a wonderful milestone that we are celebrating today! You have struggled and persevered to get here and in the middle of it all you have inspired many! Blessings to you in this upcoming year!

Hugs,

Sherrie

(sorry, image out for publication)

Russian design team member Evgenia chose our C’est la Vie collection for her birthday greeting card to Melissa, and made a lovely fabric covered journal as a gift. Evgenia says:

I hope you are having a great birthday Melissa. May all your days be good, full of positive moments and nice people.

Former design team member Linda Albrecht combines a Melissa Frances resin embellishment with fabric to make this gorgeous birthday card.

"What a wonderful milestone to be celebrating, Melissa!  My wish for you is a birthday (and many years ahead) filled with love, joy, and tranquility.  As we age we are blessed with so many new and wonderful things... additions to our family, knowledge to change the things that will improve our lives, endless memories that make us who we are, and beautiful lines on our faces that show how much we have lived and laughed.  May these joys always be plentiful, your smiles many and your life long and prosperous.   Love to you always, Linda"

This gorgeous mini album comes to us from Emeline Seet who used our C`est la Vie Mini Album as a base to create something special for someone special.

This colorful card comes to us from friend of Melissa, and Creative editor of Creating Keepsakes, Megan Hoeppner. Megan included the following note for Melis:

What a treat it is to be here celebrating you today, dear Melissa. Your kind heart and optimistic outlook have always inspired me, especially when my mom was battling breast cancer. You were there for me with words of wisdom and support, which meant the world to me. That’s just the kind of gal you are, which is why I’m thrilled to be among those wishing you a happy 50^th. I hope this day and the year ahead are filled with sunshine and happiness. You deserve nothing less. Warmly, Megan Hoeppner

Lover of vintage style, long time Melissa Frances team member Rachel McAffee made Melissa this cute fairy in a jar!

Make a wish, Melissa!

Happy 50^th Birthday to a strong, hilarious, generous, creative, kind and beautiful woman. I am so blessed to know you and to be a part of the Melissa Frances family. I hope you have an incredible day and are spoiled rotten! Thank you for being such an inspiration to me and so many others. Here’s to another 50 years!

Love, Rachel

Former design team member, Page Maps author, and current editor of Scrapbook & Cards today, Becky Fleck made this sweet card and enclosed the following wish for Melissa:

“Melissa, today I celebrate YOU! Your courage, your strength, your perseverance, your influence and your beautiful spirit. May every good thing come your way today and always. I am a better person for having known you! Love, Becky”

Our resident Francophone DT member, Fabienne Pernot sends Melissa this wee creation which looks good enough to eat!

Fabienne’s birthday wish to Melissa:

  I've always loved birthdays, and I love it even more when it's the birthday of a woman like you! A person who enjoys life, friends, simple pleasures, who I greatly admire. So a very Happy Birthday Melissa!

Long time Melissa Frances design team member Melissa Phillips brings her over the top Shabby Chic stylings to this beautiful celebrate pocket card.

Melissa has the following birthday greeting for Melissa Frances:

"Happy Birthday Melissa!  You are one of the most inspiring women I know and I look up to you in so many ways.  I will never forget the time you have taken to reach out and connect with me.  I consider myself so lucky to have the opportunity of knowing you and calling you my friend."

 

Now, we'd like to invite you to join us in celebrating Melissa's Birthday. We'd like to make this day a really special one for her. So, please leave a comment on this blog post with your birthday wish for Melissa. To be eligible for the giveaway, you must post before 9AM PST on Tuesday, September 4th. On Sept. 4th we will randomly select one commenter to receive a goodie box full of $100 worth of our gorgeous products.

But, wait, that's not all. Our friends at Scrapbook and Cards Today magazine have graciously offered to add a one year subscription to their publication to the lucky winner. How cool is that?!

So, all together now....

We have an update with Melissa's response:

I woke up in bed late today (hubby let me sleep in) and started to look at my facebook on my phone, and was tagged on a photo. It was one of these birthday cards. So came to the blog to check it out. Tears were running down my face as I was reading all my birthday wishes. I am truly overwhelmed and so grateful for all my cards and gifts. Your wishes were humbling and extremely touching thank you all so much.

Life is GOOD!

The Nest Wall Hanging

(Supply List: Lable style backdrop (GN323) • patterned papers: Hydrangeas (PA386), Newsprint (PA379), Ebony (PA362) • C'est la Vie Sticker Book (GN543) • Alphabits stickers (GN568) • Resin Accents: Soaring bird (CX830), Bird Collection (CX831), Garden Party Applique (CX813) • Crepe paper (GN303) • White pom pom trim (GN532) • Tarnished Silver Glass Glitter (GN350A) • Teardrop Chandelier Drop (GN526) • Other, non Melissa Frances supplies: seam binding, double sided tape)

This pretty wall hanging comes to us from design team member Karin Aguirre. Karin made this sample for us and it was on display in our trade show booth at CHA Winter 2012. So many people commented on how soft and pretty it was. It also caught the eyes of the Scrapbook Trends editors who recently included it in their Create: For the Home magazine.

In this gorgeous summer weather, a wall hanging like this would be lovely hanging on the front door.

Thanks Karin!

A fresh Summer project

We have been so inspired this summer by the projects that our customers, from all over the world, have been sending in. We are sure that you have been too!

This altered book by Singaporean designer Jaz Lee is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The fresh green is so evocative of Spring and Summer that it makes me want to pour a lemonade and sip it while I enjoy the photos!

Jaz used one of our Large Resin Frames to frame a niche that she cut into the cover of the book. She embellished the cover with even more resin accents plus papers and tags from our Attic Treasures and 5th Avenue Collections.

The interior of the book can be summed up in one word: WOW!



Our Crown Jewel Brooch (BR002) adds a finishing touch to the birdcage which houses the finished book.

Thanks Jaz for sharing your talent with us. We appreciate it!