Dec9

Watercolor Gift Tags :: Free Download

Posted on 9 December, 2013 by Melissa

One way I really love dressing up gifts with little extra embellishments is by adding gift tags. Last year I shared with you some gift tags (which are still available for free download here) that I created.

This year, I have created a new set of gift tags and wanted to share them with you. These tags are created from watercolor paintings I have worked on this season!

You can download and print these tags for free, and I hope you will!:)

Click here to download your gift tags

*I didn’t indicate a dot for punching a hole simply because depending on how you want to use them, you may want the hole in various places.

Enjoy!:)

Dec3

Cozy Throw Pillows and more

Posted on 3 December, 2013 by Melissa

Cozy Throw Pillows and more

Hello!

Just popping in to share a few more items that you can now find in my Society6 Shop!

FREE SHIPPING today!:)

Bringing some Christmas cheer your way with some cozy throw pillows

(also available as Art Prints, Canvas Prints, Tote Bags)

Some of my mixed media paintings as throw pillows

I have added a good bit to the shop, so I hope you enjoy taking a minute to check out all the different items available!:)

Have a wonderful day!

Nov30

Family Advent Art and Reading Guide is Here!!!

Posted on 30 November, 2013 by Melissa

Family Advent Art and Reading Guide is Here!!!

Tomorrow is the first day of Advent, and I am so excited to announce that the Family Advent Art and Reading Guide is now available for download through the Story Warren! I hope that through this project many will be drawn deeper into the mystery of God’s gift of Salvation and experience a season filled with wonder an awe. Consider taking time this Holiday season to pause each day, sit down with your family (whether you have children or not), and reflect on the coming of our Savior, Jesus. I pray that you experience life more fully and grow to love Him more this Christmas season!

Click Here to download the Family Advent Art and Reading Guide

Have a Wonderful day!!!

Nov28

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on 28 November, 2013 by Melissa

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov27

Melissa Ellen’s Loft :: Society6

Posted on 27 November, 2013 by Melissa

Melissa Ellen’s Loft :: Society6

Happy Wednesday! :)

I wanted to share with you a new creative avenue I have ventured into, called Society 6. Through this website you will find my art and designs available in art prints, frames, iphone and ipad cases/skins, bags, throw pillows, and more. It is so much fun to see my work on various products and I am really excited to share this site with you!

Also, I wanted to let you know that Society 6 is currently running a promotion, so any order from now through Monday is FREE SHIPPING!:)

Here is a little glimpse at what you will find:

iphone covers

Throw Pillows

We ordered the Winter Holly throw pillow (third one in the row below). It came yesterday and I really love how it looks and am super happy with the quality!

Framed Art Prints, Tote Bags, Stationary Cards

I hope you take a few minutes to check out my page here.

Have a wonderful day!

Nov26

Introducing Project Advent

Posted on 26 November, 2013 by Melissa

Introducing Project Advent

You may have noticed I have been a little less consistent with posting in the past couple months. This is mainly because I have been working on a couple projects, and I am SO excited to share one with you today!:)

I have been given the opportunity to partner with James Witmer, a good friend and writer who has written a Family Advent Art & Reading Guide, You will find the guide featured and available over at the Story Warren.

The art part is where I come in :)

I created original artwork for each day of Advent, which will be available to print and make into ornaments with your family each day as your read through the guide.

Here is a glimpse:

I am so thankful and feel so honored to have had this opportunity to be part of this project, one that is intentional and seeks to turn our focus to Jesus during this advent season.

You can head over to Story Warren to read more about the Family Advent Art & Reading Guide.

I will keep you posted as more details are given and let you know when the guide is available for download!:)

Have a great day!:)

Nov25

Molasses Granola Anyone?

Posted on 25 November, 2013 by Melissa

Molasses Granola Anyone?

Granola… one of my favorites!:) I have been itching to make some and finally restocked our home with some of our favorite ingredients… unsweetened coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and raisins are a few. What I like about granola is that you can put together so many different combinations and there are so many delicious varieties.

I didn’t have any maple syrup and had a little less than 1/4 c. of honey left, so I thought I would try to make some granola with molasses, and am happy to report that it was a success!:)

I thought I would share with you how I made it!

Stir together in a mixing bowl:

3 c. rolled oats

1/2 c. unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 c. raisins

1/2 c. pumpkin seeds

1/2 c. sunflower seeds

1/4 c. ground flax seed

1-2 tbsp. cinnomon

Dash Salt

Pour in:

1/4 c. honey

1/4 – 1/2 c. molasses

Mix well and pour onto baking sheet (I use parchment paper also), and bake at 350 degrees for about a half hour or until golden brown

*Give the granola a little mix at least once while baking

Enjoy!

Nov20

Paperwhites

Posted on 20 November, 2013 by Melissa

Paperwhites

Last year around Christmastime was our first experience growing Paperwhites. I can’t really take much credit for growing them, because they pretty much take care of themselves once put in a little water. Maybe thats why I like them so much… they are hardy and SO fun to watch grow! :) And I love the uniqueness of the bulbs sitting just above the water, with a little bit of the roots showing.

Here is a photo of our Paperwhites from last year:

We made sure to get our flowers started earlier this year. We put them in pots, mason jars, etc. about a week ago, and they have taken off (like I said, these are so simple to grow).

I love the organic roots, green colors, and beautiful white flowers that eventually bloom!

I still think my favorite part is simply watching them grow!:)

Have a great day!

Nov18

Gathering

Posted on 18 November, 2013 by Melissa

Gathering

There is something about gathering around a table with good food and conversation that can be so life giving. I am seeking to learn more about what hospitality lived out in our daily lives looks like… it can be easy to become caught up with wanting our home and food to be perfect, yet these things are seemingly of little importance in light of the opportunities present when gathering around something so familiar… the table. Don’t get me wrong, I really believe that intentionally preparing a thoughtful and delicious meal is important and something I really enjoy, but the lasting and most meaningful moments are created in the simple act of gathering. It is through offering oneself to care for others, in the opening of ones home to create space for honest and genuine conversation, that the deepest parts of our human hearts are touched and opportunities are created to love and be loved. True transformation happens in such moments. What does it look like to open our home to those around us… to let them in, not just for a good meal, but for relationship, for transparency, to be cared fore… hospitality in its most raw form. I am learning and desire to learn more, to have a heart that is caught up with loving the people that enter our home rather than trying to ensure they like me. There is so much value in the act of gathering, and my prayer is that I continue learning what it looks like to be part of that, to open our home and ourselves to others in honest transparency… in raw, selfless, intentional ways.

I know I just said it is not all about the food, and I am still saying that… :) … but I wanted to tell you about a delicious recipe we shared with friends last week! This awesome blog, Green Kitchen Stories was recommended to me by a friend, and I am loving so many of the recipes. We are not vegetarian (I don’t think Jesse would survive:), but there are so many good recipes on this blog and a lot that are also gluten free, which we are!:)

This Aubergine & Lemongrass Curry Recipe was delicious, with eggplant, brussel sprouts, lemon, ginger, and coconut flavors.