New Year's Resolution

This year make a resolution that will last forever, invite the Christ of CHRISTmas to be the Lord of your life./ Faca uma resolucao de ano novo que dure para sempre. Convide Jesus para ser o Senhor da sua vida.

Thank you all of you who have visited my blog during 2013, enjoyed and used my ideas, created and handmade cards and gifts, but most of all read and accepted the message of God's love for you. I wish you a very blessed 2014.

Vanias Reed  

Table Decor for the New Year

I cannot believe 2013 is pretty much over! Here comes 2014. Are you excited to begin a new year? Do you have a celebration with friends and family? Here are a couple of ideas you can use for your New Year's dinner table or save for next Christmas. Wow! Did I say next Christmas already? hahahahaha

The napkin folded as a Christmas tree is not my idea. You can find it at the link posted with the picture below, but the star is. It's a die-cut that you can use to replace the place card. I used gold scrapbook paper (Recollections) and a glitter green gel pen. 

Another idea is the place mat. This one is from the dollar store. Sew a piece of fabric, poinsettias and gold beads (middle of poinsettias) to it, and you have a beautifully decorated place mat for your table.

Here is the "how to" make the Christmas tree with the napkin. The idea is from Handimania 

 I hope you have a wonderful 2014, full of God's presence and blessings. 

Vanias Reed   

Finger Prints "Lights" Thank You

My husband and I are teaching our son not only to be grateful for what he has, but also to express his gratitude to those who bless him. So I decided to make this thank you card with him to send to dear people who gave him Christmas gifts. 

Supplies used for this card
Paper: white note card
Tools: My son's pinky, ink pads, dark green gel pen, ink pen for stamp
Stamp: thank you (stampabilities)
Make cards like this with your children to give to grandparents, uncles and aunts and you'll melt their hearts.

Thank you for visiting my blog and have a very blessed New Year.

Vanias Reed   

Christmas Thank You Card

Now that we celebrated Jesus' birthday and received gifts, it's time to thank those who were generous to us. So today I'm posting a thank you card idea for you. I'll be posting a couple more later. Here it is.

Supplies Used
Paper: White note card, red, green and off white cardstock, cream with hollies paper
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, thank you mini embossing folder (Sizzix)
Embellishments: red ribbon and bow, red gemstone.

Make a special thank you card for those who remembered you at Christmas. 
Thank you for visiting my blog. God bless you and give you a wonderful 2014.

Vanias Reed    

If it Were Not for the Manger...

If it were not for the manger, there wouldn't be a cross.

If it were not for the cross, there wouldn't be an empty tomb.

And if it were not for the empty tomb, there wouldn't be eternal life.

This CHRISTmas we wish you eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas 

and a very blessed 2014. 

Supplies needed for this card

Paper: green, gold, white, dark beige (paper bag color) and red cardstock

Tools: cutting/embossing machine, stripes and border embossing folders,  1' circle punch, colored pencils (green, brown and red)

Stamp: Resurrection cross, Merry Christmas (Stampabilities)

Embellishments: light beige wool (for the manger), lable with sentiment phrase 

The best gift you can receive this year is not something wrapped and put under the tree. The best gift you can receive is the one God sent especially for you. Jesus is the GIFT that our amazing God sent to save us from our sins. Only through Him we can spend eternity with God. There is NOT any other way, and there is NOT anything you can do to earn it. It's a gift!

Thank you for checking out my blog, and have a wonderfully blessed CHRISTmas!

Vanias Reed    

Peace on Earth

Watching a commercial on TV that shows children singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth" reminded me that there won't ever be peace on the world while men refuse to accept that Jesus is the only one who can bring peace. While the human race chooses to be selfish and seek power and wealth only, peace will be just a word. The Bible tells us to make EVERY EFFORT to live in peace with one another, and the only way we can do that is by loving and forgiving people, and lots of compromising. This Christmas I wish you find peace in Jesus, then share it with others.

Supplies used

Paper: Red, dark green and white cardstock, Hollies paper 

Tools: cutting/embossing machine and 'peace' embossing folder (Sizzix)

Embellishments: Red ribbon and bow, red vintage gemstones, ornament 3D sticker.

Thank  for stopping by. Christmas blessings to you and your dear ones.

Vanias Reed  

Warm Christmas Wishes

Even though I grew up in a warm climate, I loved the couple of White Christmases I had when living in Michigan. Now my family and I are back to a warm climate, so I just want to keep the good memories of a Christmas with snow. I made the card I'm posting today for a dear friend, and to bring some of those memories back because I still remember looking through our living room window and seen something similar to the picture in the card. 

Supplies used:
Paper: Green, dark red and white cardstock, Christmas Multi Stripe paper (the Paper Studio)
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, window and window box die (Jim Holtz), colored pencils, Winter Wonderland glitter glue
Stamp: Snowy cabin (Northwoods)
Ink: Black
Embellishments: Warmest Wishes 3D, winter boots and deer stickers, Lacy curtains.  

Thank you much for visiting my blog. My the Creator of all seasons bless you and yours this Christmas and throughout the New Year. 

Vanias Reed    

Vintage CHRISTmas card

"Christmas is coming, my favorite time of year"... " Hark the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the New Born King.'"...Today I'm posting another card with a Christmas music sheet. But this one is more of a vintage card. Enjoy.

Supplies used
Paper: Dark red, white and black cardstock, "Hark the Herald" music sheet, yellow cellophane paper
Tools: computer, printer
Embellishments: Carolers, lamp post and label die-cuts, candle light and holly stickers, red gemstones, pearls

You still have time to make a beautiful card to attach to the gift you are going to give to that special person.
Thank you for stopping by. May God bless your Christmas and New Year.

Vanias Reed    

 

Music and CHRISTmas

Wow! I cannot believe it, 5 days only until Christmas. I can hardly wait. Not because of the presents under the three or the good food, but because it's my Savior's birthday celebration. I love to celebrate with Christmas carols. Music is one more of God's beautiful creations and gifts to mankind. Let's celebrate Christmas with music.

Supplies used for this card
Paper: Red, black, white and glitter dark red cardstock, Silent Night music sheet (Oh Come All Ye Faithful would be better)
Tools: 1' circle punch, tiny circle punch, computer, printer
Stamp: Pine tree
Ink: Black
Embellishments: piano die cut, red 'ornaments' (tine circles punched from the glitter cardstock), gold star sticker, sentiment phrase "Oh Come Let Us Adore Him."

I made this card for my son's piano teacher, but because music is so universal, you can make it for anyone that is special to you.

Thank you for visiting my blog. May the Christ of CHRISTmas bless you and yours. 

Vanias Reed     

"Snowglobe Ornament" Card

How's your card making going? I hope you are making some very special cards for those special people in your life. To help you 'get there', here is another idea.

Supplies used
Paper: Dark green and white cardstock, gold paper, Christmas song music sheet, plastic that comes with the stickers you buy (I always save those)
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, ornaments embossing folder, medium circle punch, gold glitter, spray adhesive
Embellishments: Gold elastic (to "hold the ornament"), 'Joy' in glittered red letters.

Let's keep creating beautiful things for those we love and, why not, that person you don't know, but works at the register of your favorite store?

Thank you for visiting my blog. Have a very blessed Christmas.

Vanias Reed   

CHRISTmas light.

One of the things I like a lot during the Christmas season is to watch carolers singing Silent Night holding candles. Even though there is something special about the light of candles that makes the season more beautiful, the reason for Christmas - Jesus - is way more than that. He is the Light of the world. He came to shine his light in our hearts so we could see the darkness of our sins and confess them to Him. His light brings clear vision of our wrong doing, but it also brings love, abundant love, and forgiveness. The card I'm posting today was inspired by the light of candles, and the joy of knowing that Jesus is my light.

Supplies used
Paper: White, red and green cardstock
Tools: cutting/ embossing machine, holly embossing folder, scalloped oval die, oval dies, glitter red and green gel pens, dark brown, bronze, orange and gold gel pens
Stamp: Candle and hollies
Embellishments: white bow and red gemstone.

This Christmas give your life to Jesus. Invite Him to shine his light in your heart. Then let it shine through you.

Thanks for stopping by. Merry Christmas.

Vanias Reed   

Gift Wrapping

Some of the ladies in my gift-wrapping class say that they have tried hard, but seem not to be able to wrap presents very well. Some just like bags better. I don't see anything wrong with gift bags. Sometimes I prefer them too. Yet I like to make them personal, one of a kind. So today I'm sharing with you a bag that I decorated a bit to give to a dear friend.

Supplies Used
Paper: Red bag, white and red cardstock
Tools: 1" circle punch to make the borders on my sticker
Embellishments: Homemade sticker, white (bow) and red (bag handles) ribbons, red gemstone, Christmas gift tag (see my post from 10/01/13)

Now we have a personalized gift bag that tells the person who is receiving it that they are special.

Thank you for checking out my blog. My the CHRIST of CHRISTmas bless you and yours.

Vanias Reed   

Wise Men CHRISTmas Card 2

Here is another suggestion on cards that can be send overseas. 

Supplies Used
Paper: White card, midnight blue cardstock (Recollections)
Tools: cutting/ embossing machine (Sizzix), Wise Men embossing folder (Cuttlebug), silver glitter glue (Stickles), silver letters (Sticko)

You don't have a cutting/embossing machine, or this particular embossing folder? No problem,  you can order the blue paper already embossed from this Etsy store . It can't get easier than that!

Thank you for stopping by. Happy crafting.

Vanias Reed    

A Merry 'Little' CHRISTmas card

One of my favorite Christmas movies is The Christmas Card. I think it is an excellent idea to send cards to the our troops overseas. So, even if you don't have family and/or friends living abroad, how about making a card to send to a soldier? As I promised on my last post, here is another idea to send overseas.

Supplies used
Paper: Red and white cardstock
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine (Sizzix Big Kick), Tree and Pine Cones embossing folder (Darice Essentials)
Embellishments: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas sticker

How about making this card to send to our deployed troops? It's not difficult to make, it doesn't take much time, it is beautiful, but, most importantly, it will show appreciation for what they are doing out there for us. You can attach the card to a care package. Here is a website with information on how to send items to soldiers abroad. Any Soldier

Thank you so much for visiting my blog.

God bless you,

Vanias Reed   

Poinsettias CHRISTmas Card

If you are like me and have extended family and/or friends abroad, you probably can't send a card that has 3D embellishments or ribbons and bows. So, while I was making the cards I'm going to send over seas, I thought it would be nice to post some of them here to help you. Here is the first one.

Supplies used for this card
Paper: White card, red and white cardstock
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, poinsettias embossing folder (sizzix), red sharpie, red glitter gel pen
Stamp: "May the glory..." (Stampabilities)

There you have it. No 3D embellishments or ribbons and bows, and still a beautiful card to send to someone special.

Thank you for stopping by. God bless you.

Vanias Reed   

Christmas Tree Picture

I love Christmas and I love to take pictures. So it's not difficult to figure out that one of my dreams was to take a good picture of my Christmas tree. We have a Canon DSLR Rebel T4i. After some research and several attempts, here is what I came up with. Set your camera on Manual mode, the ISO on 1600, Aperture (hold the AV little button while turning the dial on the top of the camera to change the aperture) 2.8, and the shutter speed (use the dial on the top) on 1/10. 

Place your child -preferably in their pajamas- in front of the tree for a cute picture. Winter pajamas look better, but we live in a warm climate, so my son wore his summer pjs.

Remember to use a tripod or set your camera on a sturdy surface. You can also create the 'elbow tripod' by placing both your elbows on a table and holding the camera with both hands. In this case it's better to hold your breath while taking the shot. You don't want your picture to be blurry.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Have fun shooting your favorite pics.

Vanias Reed   

Giving Thanks

Even though I thank God daily for all His blessings, today I want to pause a little and give Him a special thank you. There is so much to be thankful for. Beginning with God himself. Just the fact that He loves us SO much that He GAVE His only Son to die on that horrible cross for us is more than enough to thank Him daily. But He didn't stop there, He rose Jesus from the dead guaranteeing eternal life to those who accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. But wait, there is more!!! (Now I sound like those commercials that sell you one product but send you two - hahahaha). The fact is that there is more, much, much more. There is family, friends, food, a place to sleep, talents, creativity, the gorgeous nature, and you... yes, YOU. You have visited my blog and taken interest in what I do. Thank you so much. May God Almighty bless you on this Thanksgiving Day and always. May you have a special encounter with Him before 2013 is over. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Vanias for the Reed family. 

Hollies

I love this time of the year. The weather is cooler, I work on my Christmas projects, enjoy the decorations and lights everywhere, and enjoy seeing the first hollies turning red. So today I'm posting a card that was inspired by the holly bushes we have in our yard.

 Supplies needed for this card
Paper: Green, white, red and glitter white cardstock, hollies paper
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, scalloped oval die, oval die, border punch, mini snowflake punch
Embellishments: Red bow, leaves and hollies stickers, red and green - with holly - brad, Merry Christmas sticker, glitter snowflake.

Get inspired and make something very special for someone. Let them know you love them. 

Thank you for stopping by. God bless you.

Vanias Reed     

 

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Somebody once told me that faith is for those who are not very bright. That statement got me thinking. If faith is not a smart thing, why is it that one believes that there is no God? You need a lot of faith to believe in the big bang THEORY, or any other way that brought the human race to existence. Actually you need more faith to believe that a theory is true than to believe the FACT that God not only exists, but He loves us beyond measure. He is a loving, caring, fair and powerful God. The truth is He does not depend on ones belief to exist. He exists. Period. So, I gave my life to this amazing God when I was 13, and I am sure, as I am here writing this post, that one day I will be in His presence. WE ALL will. Some for the final judgement, and some to enjoy eternity with our Heavenly Father.  So I'm living my life, I'm happy, and I have Him to keep me going when things get difficult. If I am wrong, I have nothing to loose. But, WHAT IF I AM RIGHT? 
I firmly believe that faith is not blind. Faith is wise. That's why the wise men went to see Jesus for themselves, they wanted to place their faith in Him. Be wise and seek Him today too. Find Him, and give your life to Him. I promise you that you will never regret your decision. Here is my Christmas card for you today.

 Supplies
Paper: White card, dark blue, white and gold paper
Tools: Computer and printer, blue glitter gel pen
Embellishments: Dark blue with gold leaves ribbon, wise men sticker

This is such an easy to make card, and it will make a beautiful addition to your Christmas cards for family and friends. 

Thank you for stopping by. May the God Almighty, worthy of our faith, bless you abundantly.

Vanias Reed   

Joy to the World

Sometimes I have to stop and thank God for everything He has done for me, especially for sending His Son to pay the debt I couldn't pay. What a joy it is to know that I'm free to repent from my wrong doings (sins), receive forgiveness and have an awesome relationship with Jesus. What an amazing joy He has brought to my life! He is most definitely the joy this world needs.

Sorry, the bow and ribbon seem to be bronze color, but they are golden like the star.

Supplies Used
Paper: white and red cardstock
Tools: cutting/ embossing machine, polka dots and border embossing folders (Sizzix)
Embellishments: Nativity scene, star and sentiment phrase stickers. Gold ribbon and bow. 

If you haven't experienced what it is to have the joy of God in your heart, don't waste any more time. Tell Him you want Him in your life. Repent for whatever you've done that has sadden His heart. Turn to Him, let Him heal your heart, and bring you His joy. 

Thank you for stopping by, and be blessed.

Vanias Reed    

Crochet Snowman Card

Today I'm posting the second card from the 'Snowman Series'. This one has a cute little crochet snowman that can be used as a refrigerator magnet, a pin or an applique. The pattern is my gift to you. Enjoy.

Supplies used
Paper: Light blue and white cardstock
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine (Sizzix), snowflakes embossing folder (The Paper Studio), snowflakes border punch (Martha Stuart), Circle punches, Winter Wonderland glitter glue (Stickles), red, white, orange and white yarn, crochet hook size G, tapestry needle.
Embellishment: Crochet snowman and yarn sentiment phrase 'Merry'.

Snowman Pattern
Abbreviations:
MR = Magic Ring
Ch = Chain
Sl st = Slip Stich
SC = Single Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
HDC = Half Double Crochet

Snowman Body
Round 1: MR, 11DC in ring, sl st, ch2
Round 2: 2 SC in each st around, sl st, fasten off and weave in ends.

Head
Round 1: MR, 8HDC in ring, sl st, ch1
Round 2: 2 SC in each st around, sl st, fasten off, leave a long tail to sew the head to the body

Earmuffs:
Rd 1: MR, 6 SC in ring, DO NOT fasten off
Sl st along the top of the snowman head until you reach the place on the other side of the head parallel to the first muff. Repeat Rd 1. Sew earmuffs to the head, fasten off , and weave in ends.

Nose:
Using a tapestry needle and orange yarn, weave the yarn into a carrot shape. 

Eyes, smile and buttons:
Knots made with black yarn

Scarf:
Ch 20 (More or less for longer or shorter scarf)
SC 20, fasten off and weave in ends. Sew scarf around snowman's neck.

For a magnet, punch two circles out of white cardstock and glue them to the back of the snowman before you glue the magnetic strip. That way it will be firmer.

 
Thank you for stopping by. Blessings unto you.

Vanias Reed        

Christmas Table Place Tag

Today I'm posting a stocking silverware holder for your Christmas dinner table with a gift tag to replace the place card. The idea here is for the gift tag only. You will find the pattern for the stocking at my Etsy shop 

Supplies Used
Paper: Dark green, red and white cardstock (The Paper Studios), Cream and Green Holly (DCWV)
Tools: Large Tag Punch (Recollections), eyelet and eyelet settler, red glitter gel pen, glitter small alphabet stickers
Embellishments: Holly sticker
Thank you so much for checking my blog. Many blessings to you.

Vanias Reed        

Out of Box Thanksgiving Card

My son's favorite color is blue, and I just noticed I've been using this color a lot lately. This card is not an exception. It is a different Thanksgiving card because it doesn't have any rusty red, orange, yellow or green color in it, but a creative blue. That's why I called it my "out of box" card.

Supplies Used
Paper: Cardboard color, thick blue, and white cardstock.
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine (Big Kick), fall leaves embossing folder (Darice), maple leaf punch (The Paper Studio), Label Ornate #2 die (Sizzix), and white gel pen
Stamp: Clear 'Grateful' (Studio G)
Ink: Blue pen for stamps (Recollections)

I used the layering labels technique for the label with the sentiment phrase. Check my post 'Card+crochet+tip" of 07/01/13  for the tip on how to do that.

Create something new and different, out of the box. I'm pretty sure your friends and family will appreciate your creativity. I know mine do.

Thank you for checking out my blog. May the Lord Almighty, Creator of everything and worthy of all our gratitude, bless you and yours. 

Vanias Reed      

Snowman Family Card

Those who know me know that I love and collect snowmen. Therefore I could not post Christmas cards without posting some of the ones I made with those cute little fellows. Here is the first one.

 Supplies used:
Paper: Sky blue, red, orange and white cardstock
Tools: 1.5", 1" and 3/4" circle punches, precision scissors, fine point white and black gel pen, clear dimensional glitter glue, computer and printer
Embellishments: Pipsqueak white yarn (Bernat)- trimmed.

Thank you for stopping by. God bless you.

Vanias Reed            

Penguin Gift Bag

If you are a teacher,  you are probably thinking of a little something to give to your students for Christmas. Some teachers like to give candy, some prefer to give little toys, or books, bookmarks (see my animal print bookmarks idea)... Whatever your choice is, you will need wrapping. You can buy those plastic favor bags from a store or you can give something more personal. That's why I'm posting a bag that I made for my students as an idea for you.

I used both the bow tie and the snowflake here in order not to post too many pictures, but you will use either one or the other.

 Supplies used
Paper: Small red bag - I bought them in bulk- black, white, orange and red cardstock
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, top note die, triangle, oval and circle punches
Embellishments: bow tie (for boys), snowflake (for girls), clear gemstone.

You can add a personalized gift tag (see my Christmas gift tags) for each bag, and switch the eyes for big wiggly eyes. 
Thank you for visiting my blog, and may the Lord of the Lords give you a wonderful week.

Vanias Reed    

 

Jingle Bells

I have been listening to Christmas songs since the beginning of this month. Today I was listening to Casting Crowns  singing "Peace on Earth". I absolutely love their version of that song. So, inspired by them, I made this card. I hope you like it.

Supplies used
Paper: Red and white cardstock
Tools: Embossing/cutting machine, music sheet embossing folder (Sizzix), Decorative oval cutting die (Nestabilities)
Embellishments: Bells sticker (La Petite), Merry Christmas vintage mini sticker, red, green and gold decorative elastic.

So, this is my version of "I heard the bells on Christmas day..."
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. May the CHRIST of CHRISTmas bless your home. 

Vanias Reed    

 

Golden Thanksgiving

Wow! I cannot believe Thanksgiving is almost here. So, before I continue my series of  Christmas projects, I decided to post a few more projects for Thanksgiving. Today we have a Thanksgiving card with gold fall leaves. Enjoy.

Card "Recipe"
Paper: White card, Rusty Red and Mustard cardstock (the Paper Studios)
Tools: Cutting/ embossing machine (Sizzix), Cutting frame die, cutting oval die (Sizzix), Fall Leaf Background embossing folder (Darice), Gold metallic gel pen (Pentel), Border punch.
Stamp: 'Happy Thanksgiving' clear stamp (Studio G)
Ink: Espresso (Color Box)
Embellishment: Border cardstock strip, cardstock frame with white oval punch, transparent cream color ribbon.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you come back soon. 

Vanias Reed   

Easy Dessert for the Holidays

The other day I was in a store and saw something we eat at Christmas time in Brazil: Panettone! Of course I had to buy one. Like fruit cakes, Panettones have dried fruit, but they are bread. If you don't like dried fruit, you can use the Panettone made with chocolate chip. So I'm posting today a recipe given to me by a Brazilian young lady. It is a very easy and delicious dessert made using the best of two worlds: Brazil and the US. Enjoy!

Panettone Dessert

Ingredients: 
1 Bauducco Panettone (the one in the picture weighs 17.2 oz - 500gr, but you can use a bigger one)
You favorite ice cream - I like Peppermint Stick or Mint with Chocolate chip

Using a bread knife, make a hole in the middle of the Panettone about 5.5 of circumference (wider for bigger Panettone), and as deep as the Panettone.
Fill the hole with ice cream and put it in the freezer for 2 hours or until time to be served. 
When ready, slice the Panettone with ice cream and serve. 

Make something different for you family these holidays. Who knows? It might become a tradition.

Thank you for checking out my blog. God bless you.

Vanias Reed      

Silent Night, Oh Holy Night

57 days for Christmas! I'm so excited. I don't think the night when my Savior and Lord was born was a very silent night. Not with all the animals in the stable. I do believe though it was a holy night because Jesus is holy, and blessed was the night He came down to earth. What a humbling choice He made when He submitted Himself to the care of two of His creatures: Maria and Joseph. Celebrate that night by sharing His love. Make a card with that message and give to a strange, to the cashier at your grocery store, or to your mail carrier. Spread God's love this CHRISTmas!

Supplies Used
Paper: Navy blue, white and midnight blue cardstock (Recollections)
Tools: Clear craft glue and winter wonderland glitter
Embellishments: Pine trees, fuzzy clouds, Oh Holy Night, animals and baby stickers. (Paper House)

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. May the Christ of Christmas bless you and your family.

Vanias Reed    

Let It Snow!

Whether for its beauty or for its temperatures, each of us has a favorite season. When I lived in a cold climate, spring was my favorite. Although I really enjoyed the beautiful colors of the autumn, and having a white Christmas instead of a warm one. But now I live in a very warm climate and, therefore,  I like fall and the beginning of winter better for the temperatures. The card I'm posting today is a Christmas/winter card inspired by a very nice cold front we got here this week. Enjoy.

Supplies used
Paper: White card, midnight blue cardstock (Recollections #99254)
Tools: Embossing heat tool
Stamps:Vintage Pine Tree (Stampabilities), tiny snowflake clear stamp (Studio G)
Ink: Tinted embossing stamp pad (Top Boss), Winter wonderland embossing powder (Stampendous)
Embellishments: White/clear ribbon, snowman snowball sticker, "Let it Snow" handmade sticker

I hope you have a wonderful winter warming up someone's heart with a card.

Thank you for stopping by. God bless you.

Vanias Reed             

 

Creative Advent Calendar

Hello. A friend sent me this, and I thought it was something my blog fans would like to see and perhaps make. It is pretty neat, and you can make one for your family and/or to give as a gift.

It's an advent calendar made with gift numbered gift tags and ornaments. You can make it modern, country, traditional... You name it.  Hang an ornament on the tree each day until Christmas day. I would have a nativity scene ornament for the 25th instead of the reindeer. 

Thank you for visiting my blog. Happy crafting and blessings unto you.

Vanias Reed   

"The Gift" Christmas card

Are you getting inspired for Christmas yet? I hope so. Let's make cards and gifts. Let's think of those less fortunate and help them to have a wonderful celebration of the birth of God's Son. Let us all remember that, even though it's Jesus' birthday,  we are the ones who got the best gift of all: Him.

Card 'recipe'
Paper: White card, dark green and Merry Christmas with hollies (the Paper Studios)
Tools: Gift tag punch, computer and printer
Embellishments: Gold ribbon, oval red sticker (May the True Spirit of Christmas Shine in You), gift tag, red gemstones

I really hope you are excited and ready to make a difference in someone's life this Christmas. 

Thank you so much for checking my blog out. Blessings unto you.

Vanias Reed      

CHRISTmas card with ornament

I am so excited making cards for Christmas. I love Christmas and I love to send cards to family members and friends. Here is one 'fresh out of the oven'. Enjoy.

 Supplies used
Paper: Dark red and off white (the Paper Studios), green with hollies (Recollections)
Tools: Embossing/ cutting machine (Sizzix), Holly embossing folder (the Paper Studio)
Embellishments: red and gold ribbons, holly button, mini wooden ornament.

Thank you for stopping by and God bless you all.

Vanias Reed   

Wreath Thanksgiving Card

I am so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to homeschool because I've learned a lot about the US teaching history. One of the things that I find fascinating about this country is how everything started based on faith. The people and the leaders trusted God for provision and guidance. For me Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to remember those things and to teach our children to have a thankful heart. It is a time to thank God for family, friends, and even the obstacles that we have in life for they help us to grow stronger.  Besides Thanksgiving is celebrated in the fall, the most beautiful season of the year for its colors. So the card I'm posting today is inspired by the season and the gratitude in my heart.

Supplies used
Paper: Rusty brown and vanilla (Recollections), dark green, rusty orange, maroon (the Paper Studios)
Tools: Embossing/cutting machine, border embossing folder (Post Card by the Paper Studios), hawthorn leaves punch, 1"circle punch (for corners)
Stamp: Happy Thanksgiving (Stampabilities)
Embellishments: Green bow

Get inspired by this beautiful season, thank God for all the good things He has given to you, and thank your friends and family with a handmade card.

Thanks for the visit. Be blessed.

Vanias Reed    

CHRISTmas Baby

What an exciting time Christmas is! People seem to laugh more and do more for one another. But most of all, it is the celebration of God's Son birth. It is a time to remember that God humbled Himself to a human form because of His love for us. God created us to be with Him, but our sins (everything that we do that is wrong) separated us from Him. So, He then, sent His perfect Son to do what we can't because of our imperfection, to be the bridge that brings us back to the Creator. There is absolutely nothing we can do to deserve that. It is pure love, mercy (we don't get what we deserve) and grace (we get what we don't deserve). All we need is to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and THE ONLY WAY to be in a relationship with God. Then we ask God to forgive us from our sins and give our lives to Him. Pretty easy huh? On judgement day - and that day WILL COME for everyone - Jesus will the our 'lawyer' standing before God. When God looks at us, instead of seen our sins, He will see the sacrifice His Son did, and the word FORGIVEN "written" all over us. Is that awesome or what? The baby born in Bethlehem grew up, went to the cross, paid for our wrong doings, defeated death and is alive to defend us. The card I'm posting today is all about that baby, the baby that was like no other, the baby who was GOD WITH US!

Supplies used
Paper: Red and white cardstock
Tools: Embossing/ cutting machine, snowflakes embossing folder, scalloped and circle puncher, computer and printer, black and red markers
Stamps: It's a boy, baby feet, Merry Christmas, hands and the Bible verse from the book of Isaiah 
Embellishments: Red ribbon, red gemstones

Celebrate Christmas!!! If you have a personal relationship with God, celebrate even more. If you don't yet, how about starting today? If you need more information on that, send me an email to papercreationsetc@hotmail.com and I will gladly respond.

Thank you for checking out my blog. May God's abundant blessings shower on you.

Vanias Reed    

Wedding Invitation Ornament

What special gift can you give a couple who is getting married during the Christmas season? Of course it is always easier to just go to their wedding list at the store they registered it, but how about adding something personal like an ornament with their wedding invitation in it? Check it out.

 

 Supplies Used:
Clear ornament
Ornament stand (optional)
Wedding invitation
Embossed ornament-shaped tag 
White cardstock invitation (optional)
White ribbon
Silver (or gold if the top of your ornament is golden color) fuzzy wire
Tools: Ornament die, cutting embossing machine, snowflake embossing folder, silver glitter pen, clear gemstones, computer, printer, a pencil, 1/8" circle punch, eyelet, eyelet settler, silver (or gold) circle sticker.

Cut the invitation in horizontal strips between the sentences. I wanted to keep the original invitation, so I made a copy and pasted it to a white cardstock paper before cutting in strips. Roll the strips around a pencil with writing on the outside. Not too tight, yet not too loose either. Put the rolls inside the ornament, they will open showing the details of the invitation like date, address, bride and groom names, etc.

Place the top of the ornament back in place, and tie a white ribbon with a bow to it.

 

Print a sentiment phrase, the date and the couple's initials and glue the paper on the tag. Hang the tag on the ornament with the fuzzy wire. Cover the hole with a sticker. Add clear gemstones. 

Now you have something very personal for the couple to put on their mantel or to hang on their Christmas tree. You can put it with the other gifts in a bag, or hang it outside of your gift wrapping to decorate it.

Use the idea for December weddings, graduations (invitation), new babies (announcement)... 

Thank you so much for stopping by. I wish you endless blessings.

Vanias Reed