Lily Bee Design

National Scrapbook Day Celebration

We are soo excited to celebrate National Scrapbook Day with you all! Many of you are at all day crops, some of you are just squeezing in a little "ME" time at your craft table and others are not crafting at all today but celebrating in spirit, but we thought it would be fun to give away a few of our new collection kits.

Who's ready to get their hands on these brand new collection kits?

Okay, here's how you can have a chance to win these great new collections. You have two chances to win...

• Like us on Facebook and visit us throughout the day, where the Pinwheel collection will be up for grabs. I'll be posting questions from our design team gals all day long and we want to hear your answers. Your comment will be an automatic entry for this random drawing. Note: only one comment per question is eligible for the drawing. We'll announce the winner on the blog on Monday.
• Follow us on Instagram, find the National Scrapbook Day photoand tag your friend for a chance to win the Destination collection - one for you and one for your friend. Tag as many friends as you would like but make sure to tag them separately. We'll announce the winner on Instagram and here on the blog on Monday.

Have a great day today and have a happy National Scrapbook Day!

Kristen's News On Friday

Happy Friday Everyone!  I am so happy to say that our new products started shipping two weeks ago.  So for those of you who have been anxiously and patiently waiting you can find them in stock at Two Peas in a Bucket, and Scrapbook.com.  Be sure to check with your LSS store's as well for those of you who are lucky enough now days to have one.

Congratulations to our April Challenge Winner Denise Price.  She participated in our Inspiration Challenge and created this Love card using our Persnickety Collection.  Please email Jill at wholesaleATlilybeedesign.com and we will send a box of goodies to you. 

 

Scrapbook Circle is featuring Lily Bee in their May Main Kit, called My Favorite.  The kit features our Sweet Shoppe Label Stickers and Destination Paper.  

In their Add-On Kit, Sugar & Spice, you can find our Pinwheel Embellishment Bundle which is a MUST-have loaded with your favorites embellishments on one little card.

We are also teaming up with them and sponsoring a joint challenge mid-month and our fans will have a chance to win the My Favorite kit. We will give away a collection kit to those who play along with the Scrapbook Circle challenge, posting on 5/10.  So be sure to check back for the details.

I Spy some super fun projects using Lily Bee.  First up is Katie Scott's Keep Calm and Travel On layout.  Love the bright cheerful colors she has used from our Handmade Collection.

Another layout from Toni From.  She's got her hands on our newest papers from the Pinwheel Collection.  Love her layering around her photo.

Zuzana Obert created this darling card of encouragement using our Persnickety Paper.

Be sure follow our May Guest Designer Paige Evans.  We are excited to have her and look forward to her projects using Lily Bee this month. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Guest Designer | April | Paige Evans

It's the first Thursday of the month and that means it's time to showcase our May guest designer. I am over the moon excited to welcome someone who I've been fortunate enough get to know and adore. Paige Evans has a great eye for design and has a way of mixing patterns like you wouldn't believe. You'll get to see for yourself throughout the month but first let's get to know a little about Paige.

My very first job when I was 16 years old (12 years ago now) was at a local scrapbooking store in Redmond, WA called Yesterdays. I've been addicted to scrapping ever since! Sometimes I think about what my life would be like now if I hadn't walked in and asked for an application (which they didn't have, they just took my phone number!) because so much of my life has revolved around scrapbooking since then... I work full-time from home for Northridge Publishing (the makers of Scrapbook Trends/CARDS/Simply Handmade/Bead Trends/Cricut/Cricut Idea Books/Create: Idea Books) and I also have the fun and amazing job of being the American Crafts Blog Hostess/Design Team Coordinator. Aside from scrapbooking I love spending time with my husband of six years, Chris, playing with our two-and-a-half-year-old son Fox and 9 month old baby girl Jane. I love to create on a daily basis and enjoy dabbling in everything from fine arts (painting, drawing, sculpting, printmaking, etc.), to bookbinding, basketweaving, photography, graphic design, and more! 

Q&A with Paige:

What is your favorite Lily Bee Design product and why? I love the Brad, Badge, Button & Baker’s Bundle – what more could you need for embellishing? The texture of the brads, the dimension of the badges and buttons, and the string that can be used in so many ways is just awesome.

Where do you find your inspiration? From layouts that people to submit to the magazines I work for, galleries like TwoPeas, Studio Calico, and Pinterest!

What is your favorite subject to scrapbook about? This one is easy – my sweet son and darling daughter!

What is your favorite technique that you like to use on cards or layouts? I love including lots of different patterned papers! The more I can fit, the merrier!

So let's see how Paige worked our new Pinwheel pattern papers and embellishments...

RIGHT NOW by Paige Evans

Journaling says: This picture was taken on Easter Sunday 2013 before we headed to church. Just a snapshot of our little family. Chris holding Fox and Paige holding Jane. We are a happy family!

How to: Lightly distress the edges of a blue cardstock background. Punch 3" squares from each patterned paper in the Pinwheel collection and trim them into triangles again and again until you have a bunch of sizes. Place a photo on the top left side of the background and arrange the triangles around the photo. Embellish the photo with three patterned buttons, a sentiment pennant sticker, and number stickers. Place label stickers on the edges of the layout, trim the excess, and stamp the date on the left one and write journaling on the right ones. Attach a fabric brad on the left and right edges, connect them with a piece of gray baker's twine, and staple the twine in place. Drop black spray mist around the layout. 


Supplies: Pinwheel Collection (Flip-Flops 12x12 paper - PWP311, Cherry Blossom 12x12 paper - PWP303, Jump Rope 12x12 paper - PWP308, Lemonade Stand 12x12 paper - PWP302, Cart Wheels 12x12 paper - PWP312, Picnic Basket 12x12 paper - PWP305, Flower Box 12x12 paper - PWP313, Sprinklers 12x12 paper - PWP307, Kite Strings 12x12 paper - PWP306, Ice Cream Truck 12x12 paper - PWP310, Apricot Tree 12x12 paper - PWP304, Lime Rickey 12x12 paper - PWP309, Brad, Badge, Button & Baker's Bundle - PWB315, Circle & Tag Stickers - PWS341, Label Stickers - PWS316, Chit Chat Stickers - PWS318, Letter Stickers - PWS317)

Amazing, right? I wish I could show you next week's reveal but you'll just have to check back in next Thursday to see 2 gorgeous cards she created.

Thanks so much for joining us this month, Paige!

Cards On Wednesday | Great Outdoors

Hi everyone! Diane here today to share a couple cards for our Great Outdoor theme week. One of my favorite things about being outdoors is the warmth of the sun so I decided to create a couple cards with fun sun phrases.

I have always loved the "Hello Sunshine" phrase so on this card I thought it would be fun to have a rising sun. To complete the scene on my card I added punched clouds and butterflies.

Supplies: Pinwheel (Pinwheel Circle & Tags Stickers PWS-341), Memorandum (9 to 5-MEP128, Whiteboard-MEP129, Office Blue-MEP176, Lemon-Mep177), Happily Lost (Hammock-HLP0087, Sun Soaked-HLP0090)

On this next card I wanted to create a bold, dimensional sun that would really stand out.

I cut the sun out using my Silhouette Cameo with white cardstock and again, three more times in a larger size, each with a different pattern.  I alternated the sun rays on the bottom layer with the 3 different patterns and placed the smaller white sun, sprayed with shimmery mist on top. To finish it off I added the Smile flair and the title "You Shine!"

Supplies: Pinwheel (6x6 Tiny Tablet-PWC319, Letter Stickers-PWS317), Sweet Shoppe (Embellishment Bundle-SSB296, Letter Stickers-SSS296)

I love taking a theme and incorporating it into my projects. It really challenges me to think outside the box and now I have two cards full of sunshine, ready to brighten a friend's day.

 

Favorite Vacation | Challenge

Happy Tuesday, Lily Bee fans! It's time for another Tuesday Challenge!

Keeping with this weeks "Focus On:  The Great Outdoors" - Lisa Dickinson
and I are here to challenge you to scrap your "favorite (dream) vacation."
It can be anything! Anywhere! Just get those vacation photo's out
and scrap away.

Lisa is up first with her beautiful (and sunny!) Bahamas layout:

Lily Bee supplies:  Sweet Shoppe Collection (Lemon
Drop, Cotton Candy, Salt Water Taffy, Candy Stick, Pink Mint and Gumball papers;
Chit Chat Stickers, Label Stickers, Chipboard Stickers);
Destination Collection (Postcard and Bon Voyage papers; Letter Stickers,
Chipboard Stickers, Label Stickers);  Pinwheel Collection (Lime
Rickey, Lemonade Stand, Apricot Tree and Kite Strings papers, Chit Chat
Stickers, Circle & Tag Stickers)

This is what she has to say about her layout:

"Our spring break trip last year was definitely a dream vacation! We stayed
at Atlantis in the Bahamas and everything from the beach, to the hotel, to the
water rides, to the food was amazing (and photo-worthy!).  On this page I tried
to include several of the photos that represented all those aspects of our trip.
I also added in several squares of Lily Bee papers that made the page even more
bright and colorful."

 The squares are such a FUN touch, don't you agree? I love how she incorporated her photo's as 
squares too. Fabulous!

I'm a tad jealous - I wish I had a Bahamas vacation!


I decided to use my favorite impromptu gas station stop find from one of our family
trips up to Tennessee & North Carolina. Just randomly - this Rooster on wheels is hanging out.
It was one of the views that made that trip so fun! Road trips from here in Texas to Tennesee
is one of our fun things to do. It's always a blast visiting family & seeing random things..
as seen below:

Lily Bee Supplies:  Destination (Souvenier Paper, Atlas Paper, Tickets Paper, Letter 
Stickers, Chipboard Stickers, Chit Chat Stickers, Circle & Tag Stickers, Brad, Badge Buttons & Bakers
Bundle), Sweet Shoppe (Licorice Whip Paper, Chipboard Stickers)

I decided to use papers that reflected the colors in my randomly hilarious photo.
Do you see chickenwire? ha!! perfect, right?  I made arrows going up and down
since we were following a map & driving.



 

Now it's your turn! Take on this challenge & have fun doing it!
I can't wait to see your favorite vacations!

 Here's a few things to keep in mind:
- Your layout must use at 60% Lily Bee products.
- Post your layout to our Facebook Page or Flickr Gallery to be eligible for monthly challenge prize. 
- Title your post "4/30 Challenge" so we can find it easily and then leave a comment on this blog post letting us know you've entered.
- Deadline is April 30, 2013, Midnight CST
- One winner from all the challenges will be announced in next month's Kristen's News feature. 

The more you play, the better your chances of winning!

Have a great day!

 

Focus On Monday | The Great Outdoors

Greetings Lily Bee Fans!

This weeks focus on is all about the great outdoors and today, Christine and I have created layouts with a beach theme using two completely different collections, Destination and Pinwheel.

Christine's Beach Love layout is striking with the vivid and bold colors from the Destination collection. Her design is filled with lots of elements to compliment the details of all the bits and piece she has layered allowing her photos to pop off the page.

Supplies:  Destination Collection (Luggage paper, Atlas paper, Tickets paper, Port paper, chipboard stickers, embellishment bundle, label stickers, letter stickers, chit chat stickers)

"Living close to the ocean and the beach means we get to enjoy the sand and the water often!  I wanted to evoke a nautical feeling for this layout, so I chose brown, blue, and red colors from the Destination collection."

"I love that the "B" side of each piece of paper is a different woodgrain pattern!  I love everything about this collection.  It is perfect for scrapbooking vacation photos, or just a drive to the beach to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf!"

How lucky is she living so close to the beach? Thanks for the inspiration Christine!

For my layout, Catching Some Waves, I used the bright and colorful papers from the Pinwheel collection, which compliments my photos nicely. As much as my son hats to put his head in the water, I love that he at least enjoys boogie boarding. It's fun watching him wait for the perfect wave to ride on.

Supplies: Pinwheel (Kite Strings, Picnic Basket, Apricot Tree, Lemonade Stand, Lime Rickey, Jump Rope, Cherry Blossom, Embellishment Bundle, Label Stickers, Letter Stickers, Chit Chat Stickers & Circle & Tag Stickers) Stationery (Harvest Blue)

I mixed up a variety of patterns for my background with the beach-y theme, using surfboard die-cut accents to convey the story behind my photos. I love how they turned out and how nice they look against the white background with a mix of colorful patterns.

Thanks so much for hanging out with us today. We hope you are inspired to put on your flip flops and scrap your favorite beach photos. Cheers!

Trendspotting Tutorial: Arrows

Happy Friday everyone!  This week has been all about incorporating trends on your latest project!  I decided to focus on the very popular trend of using shapes on your layout.  Triangles, circles, and arrows to be exact!  

I love arrows.  They draw your eye to a specific spot and they convey so much movement.  I decided to create my own on the layout below.

Want to make some of these big arrows of your own?  They are easy to replicate because they are built of simple shapes!

Start your arrow off from the back by gathering one of the chipboard sticker banners from any new collection.  Place it on it's side and you have the end of the arrow.  I created the middle by cutting a rectangle the same width as the chipboard.  I make it less blocky, I cut on a diagonal along the top sides, making a small tag of sorts.

To create the arrowhead, I just punched out a square using any coordinating patterned paper.  Cut the square in half along the diagonal to make two triangles.  

Put all the pieces together to make arrows like the ones on my page!

You can vary the size of your arrows by shortening or lengthening the middle rectangle.  To add interest, cut one of the premade arrows from the Flip Flops paper. Have that arrow serve as the arrowhead!  I chose the word "This" and made it a part of my title.  To make the title arrow pop, outline it with black pen and a ruler.  You have instant impact.

I incorporated circles and triangles around the page as well, purposefully placing them where I wanted to draw the eye!  Using repeating elements can really ground a page and make it all cohesive.

Supplies:  Pinwheel (Papers:  Picnic Basket, Apricot Tree, Jump Rope, Flip Flops; Chipboard Stickers; Circle & Tag Stickers, Chit Chat Stickers), Sweet Shoppe (Paper:  Pink Mint, Cotton Candy, Marshmellow, Candy Stick; Label Stickers), Destination (Paper: Passport, Embellishment Bundle Twine)

So...embrace a trend...use simple shapes to make your page unique!

Guest Designer | March | Mary Ann Jenkins

We are back again today with our final project from guest designer, Mary Ann Jenkins. She has wowed us with her creativity and the response to her projects here and on our Facebook page has been tremendous.  Let's check out one last layout from Mary Ann and read what she has to say:

One of my favorite things about all the new Lily Bee paper collections is how well they go together, they all mix and match beautifully. For my layout I used papers from each and every collection!

Supplies Used: Pinwheel Collection (Kite Strings -PWP306, Cherry Blossom - PWPW303), Sweet Shoppe (Jelly Bean - SSP292) Destination ( Passport - DSP327)

With my photo as a starting point, I cut the various oval shapes out of the brown paper to resemble the stone path in the picture, then used the blue chevron stripe paper layered behind it to mimic the water. I added a few layers behind the photo and the strip of red floral paper to bring out the red in my daughters pants and just to look cute ;) Since this is about feeding the ducks, I also added the red feather that I found at my local craft store. A quick and easy layout, but a great memory recorded!

I also want to say thank you again so very much to Lily Bee for having me as their guest designer this month. I've had a great time playing with your fabulous papers!

Thanks for delighting us with your fantastic projects, Mary Ann. You really showed tremendous versatility with our paper and minimal embellishments. Thanks for tackling that challenge we gave you.

Thanks for stopping by today. Make sure to visit Mary Ann's blog and leave her some love!

Cards | Nautical Trendspotting

Hello! Diana here with you today. This week we are trendspotting here at Lily Bee. I am a huge fan of the nautical trend. I have always been a fan of a great navy and white stripe, but the addition of the anchors and red accents makes me swoon.

Diane and I made a few cards for you inspired by the nautical trend — showing you that you don't need to buy a nautical-themed paper collection to still achieve a great nautical project. This is Diane's card.

The nautical theme is everywhere ...clothing, home decor and crafting supplies. The good news is you don't have to have themed supplies to make a fun nautical themed card. Here I used the Memorandum collection for the entire card, even the little flag at the top with my nautical themed greeting.

Supplies for Diane's card:
Memorandum (9 to 5-MEP128, Whiteboard-MEP129, Grapefruit-MEP175, Office Blue-MEP176, Lemon-MEP177, Cubicle-MEP132)

Below are some cards I made.

For my anchor card, I focused on the red, blue and white chevron stripe in the Destination collection. Clouds, the map background and dark woodgrain round out the overall look for the card.

SUPPLIES:
Destination Collection - Landmark
Destination Collection - Postcard
Destination Collection - Port
Handmade Collection - ABC Stickers

 

This lighthouse was cut using the Silhouette Cameo and a variety of papers from the Destination collection. The mix of patterns adds to the fun of the nautical theme.

SUPPLIES:
Destination Collection - Tickets
Destination Collection - Postcard
Destination Collection - Boarding Pass
Destination Collection - Landmark
Destination Collection - Circle and Tag Stickers 

Trendspotting | Sketch Challenge

 

Hello, everyone!  Wendy and I are here today with a sketch challenge for you using this week's theme, Trendspotting.  The nautical theme is hot in the trendy world right now and here's a look at how we incorporated it into our layouts...

I created this sketch so multiple photos could be used and also because I wanted to incorporate some circles into my layout because for some reason or another, I tend not to use them enough in my creations.

 I absolutely adore Wendy's take on the sketch and how she interpreted the large circle element with stitching!  Wendy said, "It was a fun sketch to work with!  I decided to make the circle portion a bit more subtle so I added circle stitching around the photo collage with white thread.  The nautical theme is a bit subtle as well, but it's there!  I cut three anchor shapes with my Silhouette Cameo and placed them around the layout to form a visual triangle.  Of course the overall theme of my layout is completely nautical, as the photos of Meagan were all taken on our boat :)  

Destination (Interstate, Atlas, Passport, Chipboard Stickers, Circle and Tag Stickers, Label Stickers, Letter Stickers), Sweet Shoppe (Lemon Drop) 

 

I was a bit less subtle with the circle element on my layout.  I cut out a large circle in the black and white chevron patterned paper from the Sweet Shoppe collection.  I stitched along the outside edge of it using white thread to give it a more "handmade" feel.  

I also decided to swap out one of the photo spots in the collage for a place to hold my journaling.  I created anchors with my Silhoette Cameo and used both the postitive and negative space when I placed them on my page.  I liked using the anchors to incorporate the nautical theme onto my page, even though my photos were from Easter :)

 

 Sweet Shoppe (Licorice Whip, Marshmellow, Chipboard Stickers, Embellishment Bundle, Chit Chat Stickers, Label Stickers), Pinwheel (Flip Flops, Sprinklers, Chipboard Stickers, Label Stickers, Embellishment Bundle), Destination (Tickets, Chipboard Stickers, Label Stickers)

 How will you interpret the sketch?

We'll pick one winner from all of our challenge entries this month to win a Lily Bee prize package.  Here's a few things to keep in mind:

- Your layout must use at least 60% Lily Bee products.

- Post your layout to our Facebook Page or Flickr Gallery to be eligible for the monthly challenge prize.

- Title your post "4/23 Sketch Challenge" so we can find it easily and then leave a comment on this post letting us know you've entered.

- Deadline is April 30, 2013, Midnight CST

- One winner from all of the challenges will be announced in next month's "Kristen's News" Feature

The more you play, the better you're chances are of winning!  Good luck!

 

   

Focus On | Trendspotting

Hello Lily Bee friends & welcome to a brand new week here on the Lily Bee blog!  I'm Wendy Sue and this is my first time hosting on the blog - I'm excited to introduce this week's theme - Trendspotting!  Our team has been busily tracking down the latest trends and working on fun projects to share with you throughout the week.  Today, Nicole and I are teaming up to share a couple of trend-infused layouts with you!

First up, here's Nicole's gorgeous layout:

And here's what she had to say: 

I’m not gonna lie - I spend way too much of my time on Pinterest.   When looking for inspiration for this project, a few things popped out at me -- neutral p allette pages, metallics &/or ombre designs. I love the look of  each, so why not combine them into one!

I gathered some of my favorite Lily Bee  papers, using the 6x6 Tiny Tablets, and punched some circles in varying degrees  of color and them layered them onto cardstock. I added in the metallics through  stitching and some sequins from my stash and voila! the page was done !

Supplies: Sweet Shoppe (6x6 Tiny Tablet, Chipboard Stickers), Pinwheel (6x6 Tiny Tablet), Christmas Cheer (Mini ABC stickers), Stationery (Oatmeal paper), Persnickety (6x6 Tiny Tablet), Autumn Spice (Clear stamps, 6x6 Tiny Tablet)

I've been loving all of the unique takes on projects using the triangle trend that is so popular right now!  I decided to incorporate a slew of triangles onto a layout and this is the outcome:

I didn't start out with much of a plan - just started cutting triangles and arranging them on the background until I came up with a pattern I liked. 

I also added some circle elements just for fun (you might notice they are arranged in a "visual triangle" which is another fun triangular design element!)

I added some word stickers with little staples, and even added machine stitching to some of my triangles.

I completed my layout by adding a photo strip and a bit of hand journaling.

Supplies: Pinwheel (Cherry Blossom, Lemonade Stand, Picnic Basket, Lime Rickey, Jump Rope, Flip Flops, Cart Wheels, Chipboard Stickers, Label Stickers, Chit Chat Stickers, Circle & Tag Stickers)

I love following the latest trends and watching to see how the trends can be incorporated into any person's projects, regardless of their personal style! What are your favorite trends - have you tried them out on your projects yet? What are you waiting for?!?

   

Tutorial Friday | Framed Dry Erase Board

Well, hello there! Cindy here with a simple tutorial showing you how to convert a large size picture frame into a functional dry erase board.

And by all means, this idea isn't anything new, but kinda new to me. During a four day crop I attended last week, one of my friends showed us how to convert a 5x7 frame into a dry erase board, which was inspired by many ideas on Pinterest. During one of our shopping trips, we hit up Hobby Lobby and I couldn't resist their 50% off deal on all their frames. I love the design and color of the frame, which can easily be spray painted.

Supplies: Pinwheel (Jump Rope & Lemonade Stand, Embellishment Bundle), Christmas Cheer (ABC Stickers)

To begin, remove the glass from the frame and wipe it clean with vinegar & water or plain a spritz of windex, set aside to dry.

Use the insert backing as your foundation and add your pattern paper using a little adhesive to keep it secure. I added a strip of quote bubbles to the bottom of my pattern background embellished a few of them with abc cardstock stickers.

You can easily leave the entire frame bare, but I added an 11x5 inch piece of cork board.

Place the covered insert into the frame and push in tabs to secure into place.

Instead of using the foam squares that came with the package of cork board, I used my hot glue gun. Generously cover the back of cork board and adhere to the outside of the frame.

Add velcro to bottom of frame and dry erase pen and attach.

Make sure the cork is at least the same depth as the frame, so it's flush with the frames edge. Gives it a clean and smooth look without looking too bulky.

Voila! I now have a nice dry erase board hanging in my kitchen I can use to jot down items I need to pick up at the market on a weekly basis. I also use the cork board section to hold coupons, which helps having them out in the open rather inside a container or my purse. Because I am always letting them expire or forget I have them, like I did my $10 Kohl's cash that expired on the 14th.

I added layers of paper flowers and adorned with a large embellishment button and used glue dots to adhere it to the frame. I kept this simple so I can change it up whenever the mood strikes. Plus, it would be fun to change it for every season or holiday.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at my project. Hope it inspires you to create something functional to display in your home.

Guest Designer | March | Mary Ann Jenkins

We're excited to have Mary Ann Jenkins back with us again this week. We challenged Mary Ann to create layouts using primarily patterned paper and just a few embellishments. She rose to the occasion with these clean and simple layouts. Let's see what she had to say...

Hello Lily Bee friends! I have two fun layouts to share with you today. First up, in keeping with this weeks focus of "Outside your Window", I went with a vacation photo taken out of a helicopter window.

 

Don't you just *love* the woodgrain paper with the bokeh hearts!

 

 

Next, I used  a variety of colors for this page about my daughter.

 

We have a little saying between us that I'm so lucky to be her mommy, and that she is like the gold at the end of a rainbow. Of course I had to use gold letters and added some sequins too!

 

 

Supplies Used : Pinwheel Collection ( Apricot Tree - PWP304, Ice Cream Truck - PWP310, Lime Rickery - PWP309, Picnic Basket - PWP305, Sweet Shoppe Collection (Lollipop - SSP286, Lemon Drop - SSP284, Licorice Whip - SSP287, Destination Collection ( Bon Voyage - DSP332, Boarding Pass - DSP324)

Thanks for the wonderful inspiration, Mary Ann! We look forward to seeing what you create next Thursday!

Outside Your Windows, Card Style

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Lisa and I are here today to share some cards that fit the "outside your window" theme!  Read on to find out how we interpreted this fun idea!

First, a super adorable card from Lisa.  She literally created a window...one that invokes spring and happiness!  it is perfect for the season and will work to make any day brighter!

I love how Lisa placed the pretty, little flowers in the window box.  The yellow showing through the panes is cheery and fun.  The strip of Hello words adds the finishing touch.

Supplies: Pinwheel (Paper:  Lime Rickey, Cartwheels, Sprinklers, Apricot Tree; Chipboard Stickers); Sweet Shoppe (Papers:  Pink Mint, Salt Water Taffy)S 

My first take has a lot in common with Lisa's card.  I also made a window of sorts, and used the adorable chipboard butterfly in the Pinwheel collection.

 

I mixed some Destination and Pinwheel here...using the woodgrain Polariod frame as my window.  I placed the butterfly in the center and completed the simple look with a Chit Chat Sticker for an easy to replicate card.

Supplies:  Pinwheel (Paper:  Lemonade Stand, Chipboard Stickers), Destination (Paper: Port), Sweet Shoppe: (Chit Chat Stickers)

For my second card, I thought about what I can actually see outside my window.  The idea of sunshine and a garden came to mind.  

I used the strong woodgrain box as a base because it adds a natural element.  To embellish the chipboard flower, I handcut two leaves.  A simple sentiment pops against the dark background!

Supplies: Sweet Shoppe (Paper:  Marshmellow, Lollipop), Pinwheel:  (Chit Chat Stickers), Destination: (Paper:  Port; Chipboard Stickers)

Thinking about what you see outside your window inspires a variety of ideas.  What card will you create?

Outside your window | Challenge

Good morning Lily Bee fans!! Becky Williams and I are here today to share with you a little challenge. This week on the Lily Bee blog, we are exploring what is outside the window! 

We were challenged to scrap 4 photos about "things" out our window - and no PEOPLE !

For a lot of people, the spring weather has not been co-operating.... Becky shares this pretty page today:

Supplies: Pinwheel (Sprinklers, Flower Box, Flip Flops, Picnic Basket, Cartwheels, Cherry Blossom, Chit Chat Stickers, Embellishment Bundle), Destination (Port, Bon Voyage, Souvenir), Christmas Cheer (Index Journaling Cards), Persnickety (Index Journaling Cards, 6x6 Tiny Tablet). 

Becky shares this with us:

We'd been enjoying kind of a crazy Spring so far but loved the warmer weather until it decided to snow! Yep, snow in Texas in April. I'd just taken pictures of the flowers in our yard, signs of Spring, and then we got the snow- thankfully the flowers survived. I mostly take pictures of my family so this challenge was a nice change of pace for me and helped me to take a closer look at the beautiful things around me, even in the snow. 

I love how Becky has layered stickers and her fussy cut paper pieces!

Take a look at those pretty butterflies too! Makes me hopeful for spring for sure!

Well, up here in Canada, the weather is bad. In fact, as I type this, there is snow falling again. Truth be told, the only thing you would see out my window today is snow! So, I pulled out some photos from last summer for this challenge:

Supplies: Sweet Shoppe (Patterned Paper - Lemon Drop, 6x6 paper pad), Pinwheel (Patterned Paper - Kite Strings, 6x6 Paper Pad, Chipboard Stickers), Autumn Spice (Clear Stamps), Persnickety (Journal Cards)

Although I scrapped about summer, I used a lot of fun, spring color from both the Pinwheel and Sweet Shoppe collections. The Lemon Drop paper is perfect for large sunbeams, which I detailed with some gold metallic thread:

The Pinwheel collection has a lot of great colors in it for spring - and those hexagon piechart shapes are perfect!

You can see that the chipboard embellishments add just the right amount of texture to your page ! I love the florals in the Pinwheel collection.

How will you interpret this challenge???? Do you have some ideas flowing already? Well, share them with us and We'll pick one winner from all our challenge entries this month to win a Lily Bee prize package.

Here's a few things to keep in mind:
- Your layout must use at 60% Lily Bee products.
- Post your layout to our Facebook Page or Flickr Gallery to be eligible for monthly challenge prize. 
- Title your post "4/16 Challenge" so we can find it easily and then leave a comment on this blog post letting us know you've entered.
- Deadline is April 30, 2013, Midnight CST
- One winner from all the challenges will be announced in next month's Kristen's News feature. 

The more you play, the better your chances of winning!