Thanksgiving Card + Tips + FREE Template

Hi there. I absolutely love this time of the year. The temperature is lower, it is not so humid, and we can go back to enjoy outside. Besides, it tells me that Christmas is coming. Yay!!! So today I'm posting a last idea for Thanksgiving before I start posting Christmas ideas. Here it is.

Supplies needed for this card
Paper: Red, light brown, aqua green, and white cardstock, transparency
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, bricks embossing folder, wood embossing folder, door die or use the template below
Embellishments: handmade pumpkin sticker, fall wreath sticker, brown self-adhesive brown pearl (for door knob)

Tips
1. The wood embossing folder from Sizzix embosses very deeply. If you have a light weight paper, it will tear it. So, emboss it without the flaps on the base for the cutting machine. Like if you were going to use a die to cut a shape. If you paper is really thin, place a piece of velum inside the embossing folder with the paper you will emboss. You will still see through the velum, and have a beautifully embossed image
2. You don't have the sticker, stamp, or picture that you'd like to have? No problem, cut out pictures from magazines. Glue them on heavy weight cardstock, cut out, and if you want a glossy effect, cover them with Glossy Accents. 

Door Template

Right click on picture to save in your computer to print.

Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a wonderfully blessed week

Vanías Reed 

Easy Thanksgiving Card + Tips

Hi there. I'm so carried on making Christmas cards for children who live below poverty level, that I forgot to post another Thanksgiving card like I said I would. Oops. You can make a child smile with a simple card too. You can make your cards and send to 
Compassion International, ATTN: Christmas Cards for Unsponsored Children Colorado Springs, CO 80997-0004
Just sign your cards,  and write a Bible verse that will encourage the children. Place each card in an blank envelope, then send them to the address above. The dateline is November 2nd.  If you have any questions, please ask them in a comment, and I will answer them as soon as possible. Meanwhile, here is another Thanksgiving card.

Supplies used for this card
Paper: Rusty red, white cardstock, patterned brown, green, golden yellow, and orange scrapbook paper
Tools: Scoring board and scoring tool, maple leaf punch, corner round punch
Stamp: Grateful (Stampabilities)
Ink: Expresso

Tip# 1: The embossing lines on the side, bottom and top of the card were made with my scoring tool on the scoring board. You can use a click pen (with the point inside), and a cutting board to score too. Like seen in this FREE video class

Tip# 2 I made this card without any 3D embellishments because it's going to be mailed. You can use a snowflake punch, for instance, and a Christmas sentiment phrase, to turn the card into a Christmas one. 

Thank you so much for checking out my blog. Enjoy crafting, and don't forget to share your creativity with those in need. ;)

God bless you,

Vanías Reed

Card + Tip on Distress Technique

It was 67 degrees when I went outside this morning. Boy did it feel good! I am one of those people who enjoy cool weather way better than the heat of summer. I always say that you can put on layers of clothes and be warm, but there is only so much you can take off. (LOL). Anyway, the cooler weather, the beautiful autumn colors - at least in my home fall decor (smile), and the Christmas items for sale in stores remind me that we are so close to Thanksgiving. Since I started on my Christmas cards in July, I just had Thanksgiving cards to make. Hoot-hoot!. So here is the first one.

Supplies used
Paper: Rusty red, brown, olive green, and cream cardstock paper
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, wood marks embossing folder, fancy scallop oval punch, small oval die, stamp marker
Stamp: "Count your many blessings..." - I used the stamp marker on the words many and blessings, and stamped them separately.
Ink: black and brown
Embellishments: Pumpkin and acorn 3D stickers, brown twine, small brown pearl  

Tip: Use the stamp pad to gently touch several times the edges of the cream paper to give the distressed look to it.

Thank you for stopping by. God bless you and yours.

Vanías Reed  

Happy Thanksgiving

I just want to make a pause to thank God for all His blessings upon my family and me, and that includes you. You have taken time to check out my blog and enjoy, pin, and/ or share my creations. Thank you. 

From my family to yours.

Vanías Reed     

Cute Turkey Thanksgiving Card

Another fall is coming, and I can't wait! I'm so ready for a cooler weather, aren't you? I mean, if you live anywhere in the south, of course. I know that my relatives and friends up in Michigan and Colorado are wishing it was spring coming instead of fall. (smile). Anyway, whether one prefers a cooler or a warmer climate, I'm pretty sure most of us enjoy to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and friends. It is such an special holiday. To make it even more special, make a card to go with the dish you will bring, if invited to a dinner. If you are the host/hostess, a card will make your guests feel even more special. So here is an idea for you.

Supplies and technique used
Paper: rusty red, olive green, brown, yellow, rust, cherry red, orange, white, black, and cream
Tools: Cutting/ embossing machine, large polka-dot embossing folder, owl builder punch, flower punch, wave border punch, gift tag punch, fall-colors ribbon, brown pearls
Stamp: Happy Thanksgiving 
Ink: black

One of the reasons why I love this card is the amount of layers. I had so much fun making it. 

Thank you for stopping by. Celebrate any occasion with family and friends. Give handmade cards and gifts. But most of all, may God be always the center of all your celebrations

Vanias Reed    

A Fall Thank You

Hi there all Paper Creations, ETC fans. I want to thank you for following my blog, and tell you the good news. For commercial purposes I had to change my Etsy.com store's name. So I present you Crafts Basket . The blog and the Facebook page will keep the same name that you have liked and followed, Paper Creations, ETC that is - at least for now. So check out my store and find there the crafts you have enjoyed here and more. Here is one of the cards I'm selling there.

Supplies and techniques used
Paper: Rust red, mustard, vanilla, white, dark brown, brown, baby blue,   black, orange, forest green, and yellow cardstock
Tools: cutting/embossing machine, frame embossing folder, owl builder punch, scallop oval punch, oval punch, precision scissors, computer, and printer.
Embellishments: Pilgrim and Indian owls, sentiment phrase
Note: I handmade the Pilgrim's hat and collar, and the Indian's bandana and feathers.

Thank you so much for stopping by. May the Almighty God bless your day.

Vanias Reed  

Fall Button Wreath Card

I don't know if it is because earthly colors are my favorite, but just seeing fall decorations in the stores makes me smile. Living in a warm climate, I don't get to see the trees' leaves changing color, so I enjoy what the stores do, decorate my home, make cards and other fall projects. Here is another one of my autumn cards. Enjoy.

 Supplies and techniques used
Paper: rust red, grey, white cardstock
Tools: cutting/embossing machine, lace border embossing folder
Stamps: 'Happy Thanksgiving' sentiment phrase, olive leaves circle (I stamped this three times to get the thickness I wanted)
Ink: light and olive green
Embellishments: 1 yellow button (bigger than the others), olive green, rust red and orange buttons in different sizes, red yearn bow (passed through yellow button holes first)
No time for crafts? That's ok. You can find this and other cards in my Etsy store 

Thank you for checking out my paper creations. May God's abundant grace and mercy inspire you to create something beautiful.

Vanias Reed    

Pumpkin Thanksgiving Card

Fall is almost here, and I'm loving it. When you live in a place where summer is extremely hot, the words fall and winter sound wonderful. Just the thought of a cooler weather inspired me to start making my Thanksgiving and Christmas cards. So here is the first one.

Supplies used

Paper: rust red, white, olive green, rust yellow, and brown cardstock

Tools: cutting/embossing machine, wave edge punch, scalloped oval punch, oval punch, 1 3/4 circle punch (to make the pumpkin - see my post 'Fall Ideas' from 09/03/2014), quilling tool (see picture below), computer, and printer.

Embellishments: green gemstones, pumpkin, paper ribbon.
Note: If you don't have a quilling tool, it's ok. You can use small cylinder to roll the pumpkin leaf.
Not much time for crafts? It is ok. You can find this and other of my cards in my Etsy store

Let's thank God for the blessings of family and friends, and give our family members, and our friends nice Thanksgiving cards. 

Thank you for stopping by. God bless you.

Vanias Reed     

Fall Ideas

What can you do with paper rosettes, a large circle punch, and a gift tag punch? A cute pumpkin to decorate your table, a gift... the possibilities are endless. Try this:

Then use a large circle punch to make leaves

Next make a gift tag

Then use your imagination and creativity to create something like this

Supplies needed
Tools: orange, cream and green cardstock, hot glue gun, got glue, large circle punch, gift tag punch, brown stamp ink (for the effect on the tag)

This is the kind of project that your children can help with, and turn it into a family tradition.

Thank you for stopping by. God bless you.

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. 

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      

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   

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    

Thanksgiving With Lace

Do you sometimes feel like changing things up a bit? I do. Don't take me wrong, I love traditions. But once in a while I like to do something different. 
The card I'm posting today is a Thanksgiving card without the turkey or the pumpkin, instead I used lace and pearls.

Supplies Used:

Paper: Brown, rusty orange, beige and off white (the Paper Studios)

Tools: maple leaf puncher (Recollections), 1/16" hole punch 

Stamp: Happy Thanksgiving (Stampabillities)

Ink: Brown marker for stamps (Recollections)

Embellishments: brown ribbon, pearls, lace, tag

Let me know in a comment how you turn your traditions into something new and exciting. 

Thank you so much for checking out my blog. Have a blessed crafting.

Vanias Reed      

Thanksgiving ideas

Sometimes we all get invited to a special dinner, like a Thanksgiving dinner, and the hostess tells us we don't need to bring any dish. But I believe it is always good to bring her at least a little homemade gift. So today I'm posting an idea for a gift +  gift tags + a crochet pattern for you.

Homemade Apple Sauce

My suggestion is that you make something the whole family will enjoy, like a delicious apple butter. Below you will find a recipe for a delicious apple butter.
Then you can make the lid cover (pattern below) and the gift tags. 

Tag 1

Tag 2

Tag 3

 Supplies used for the tags

Paper:  Maroon and vanilla (Tag 1), Olive green, brown and vanilla (Tag 2), Rusty orange, brown, vanilla and olive green (Tag 3)- (The Paper Studios)

Tools: 1/8" circle punch, eyelets, eyelet settler, Mini maple leaf puncher (Recollections), medium maple leaf puncher (The Paper Studio), wave border puncher (Fiskar), 1/8 inch double rectangle puncher, and yarn.

Stamp: "to, from"

Ink: Espresso

Embellishments: dark green 1/8" ribbon and acorn sticker (Tag 1), brown border and maple leaves (Tag 2), mini maple leaves, green paper strips and squirrel sticker (Tag 3)

Crochet Lid Cover Pattern

Abbreviations used:

mc= magic circle

ch= chain

sc= single crochet

st= stitch

dc= double crochet

sl st= slip stitch

sk st= skip stitch

Rnd 1:  sc 6 into mc

Rnd 2: sc twice into each st (12 sts), ch 1 and turn

Rnd 3: sc 1 in the first st, sc 2 in the next st, repeat around, ch 1 and turn

Rnd 4: sc 1 in each first two sts, sc 2 in the next st, repeat around, ch 1 and turn

Rnd 5: Working in back loops only - sc in each first three sts, sc 2 in the next st, repeat around. Ch 1 and turn

Rnd 6: sc in sc around, ch 1 and turn

Rnd 7: sc 1, ch1, sk st, sc 1, ch1, sk st - repeat around. This is where you will pass the chain or ribbon through. Ch 4 and turn - this will be your first dc

Rnd 8: ("skirt) dc 1, ch3, sl st into first ch, dc 2 in the same sc, *dc 2, ch 3, sl st into first ch, dc 2 in the next sc, repeat from * in each sc

Fasten off and weave in end.

Ch 65 in a different color from the lid cover, fasten off, leave a 'tail' and pass through the cover (rnd 7). Use the 'tail' to hold the gift tag.

CROCK POT APPLE BUTTER

6 lbs. mixed variety apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1 3/4 cups apple cider

2  cups sugar

2 1/2  cups brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1  tablespoon cinnamon

3/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Place all ingredients in the crock pot and mix well.  Cook on the high setting for 2 hours, stirring periodically. Turn the crock to low and cook 7-8 more hours.  Puree if you like a more smooth consistency.

I hope you have a wonderful fall, and celebrate Thanksgiving with your hearts full of gratitude for friends and family.

Thank you so much for stopping by. God bless you and yours.

Vanias Reed  

Magnet Thanksgiving Tree

For those who live in places with cold weather fall is probably just a reminder that winter is coming. But for us who live in a very warm climate and in a place where the trees don't change color, fall is a precious time. The weather starts to cool down, the humidity goes away and we can enjoy the outdoors. So, it's anticipating the autumn that I started doing some projects related to this beautiful season. One of them is the one I'm posting today, which  I call the Thanksgiving Tree. I made this tree for my seven-year-old son. Each day he will write on a leaf something he is thankful for and "hang" the leaf on the tree. I did one as an example for him. We'll start doing it in the beginning of November and go all the way to Thanksgiving, so on Thanksgiving Day the tree will have all the leaves (28 this year).

The tree, the leaves and the sign above the tree are magnets.

Supplies needed

Tree template (you'll find the one I made below)
Paper: Rusty, green and mustard (the Paper Studio)
Tools: Computer and printer, fine marker, magnetic tacky tape
Embellishments: 'fall' leaves - I used foam leaves at the beginning, but it's not easy for a child to write on them, so I used them as a pattern and cut my leaves out of card stock paper.
I made the sign 'Give Thanks' using Word and printed it. The magnetic tape I bought is about 1/2" wide, so I had to cut it in small pieces. 
 

This is the foam sticker leaf  (Fall Crafts) I wrote on.

All the leaves will be at the bottom of the tree in the beginning.

We are using this on our refrigerator door.
Here is the template for the tree. Just right click on it, save to your computer and print it the size you'd like. I suggest 8"x10" at least.

 Please let me know in a comment if you'd like to have a template for the leaves too.

Thank you for stopping by, and may God give us a thankful heart.

Vanias Reed         

Thanksgiving card

Sometimes I get carried on making my projects and forget that, like me when I began, there is someone out there who is just starting and needs simpler and easier projects. So today I decided to post a card for you who would love to start making your own cards, but are afraid of not knowing where to begin. Start clean and simple. Here is a Thanksgiving card for you.

 Supplies you will need for this card
Paper: Embossed rusty and orange; decorated rust color cardstock, and white paper (inside)
Embellishments: A thanksgiving sticker, brown ribbon, and brown gemstones.

Detail inside: two acorn stickers

Sometimes clean and simple is better. I made this card last year for a dear friend whom I know to like clean looking things. Sure enough, she loved the card and kept as part of her thanksgiving decor.

Thank you for stopping by.

Vanias Reed                 

Napkin Holder

Thanksgiving is such a beautiful holiday. Most people start focusing more on family and friends during that season. So, in order to avoid the "huffs and puffs" of Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I like to start preparations and gift shopping as early as possible, and in order to help you to do the same I started posting ideas for the holidays. My last post was about name cards and name card holders. Today, as I promised, I'm posting the napkin holders. Now remember that my posts are suggestions. It's always best if you create your own style. The more personal, the better. 
Here are my ideas.

You can use just plain napkin holders like these

Or even curtain rings like this ( white ones will do great too).

You can add a ribbon and a fall decoration to the plain napkin holders like shown below. I like this idea because I can reuse the same napin holders for different occasions.

To decorate the napkin holder, I  just passed a ribbon through the holder, tied a bow and added a resin fall leaf using a 3D adhesive dot.

For the curtain ring I crocheted a fall leaf to go with the name card holder. That has to be glued to the ring to stay in place. 

You can make the leaves in different colors to be more festive.

Make the card name and napkin holders for a gift. I'm sure you'll make someone very happy.

Here is the crochet fall leaves pattern

Magic circle

Round 1: Ch 1, 6sc in magic circle, sl st to join, ch1 and turn

Round 2: 2 sc in each st around (a total of 12 sc), ch1 and turn

Round 3: 3 tc, ch2,st st in the top of 3rd tc, 2 tc, ch1, st st in next sc. Repeat this 2 more times. 1sc in next st, *2hdc in next st. 

Stem

* On top of second hdc
ch 5, turn, 1sl st in each ch, 1 hdc in next st, 1sc in last st. sl st to join. Fasten off and weave ends.

If you want to crochet the napkin ring, then leave a long tail at the end of leaf to sew it to the ring.

Thank you for stopping by. Blessings unto you and yours.

Vanias Reed    

Name Place Cards + Crochet

Can you believe we are only a month from beginning of the autumn? Before we know it Thanksgiving will be here, and I want to be ready. So today I started to work on a few things like place cards, place cards holders and napkin rings - which I will post later. Here are the place cards and one place card holder.

Place card 1

For this place card I used a 3x5 in index card. Cut it in half and pasted the halves together with lines facing each other. Then I added a ribbon and a sticker. This card can also be used to describe the dishes and/ or desserts you will have on Thanksgiving Day.

Place card 2 and holder

Card supplies:
Paper: Maroon and white cardstock 
Stamps: Clear 'happy' (studio g), Thanksgiving (Stampabilities)
Ink: Cherry and Brown stamp markers (Recollections)
Tools: Metallic green and orange gel pens.

Card holder supplies and pattern below.

Place card 3

Card supplies
Paper: Brown and white cardstock
Stamp: 'Thanksgiving'  from Happy Thanksgiving (Stampabilities)
Ink: Brown stamp marker (Recollections)
Tools: Metallic green, orange and brown gel pens

Pumpkin Name Card Holder Pattern

Rust and Patty green yarn (Red Heart Super Saver)
Hook size F 
Tapestry needle
Cotton balls

Chain 11
Work in back loops only
Row 1: SC in second ch from hook, SC in next, HDC in next 6, SC in last two, ch 1 and turn
Row2: SC across
Row 3- 17: Repeat row 2
Fasten off, leave a long piece of yarn.
Using a tapestry needle, sew the short sides together, go with yarn through one of the openings, and pull together in a circle. 
Fasten off and weave ends.
Use the opposite hole to stuff your pumpkin with cotton balls. Using the tapestry needle, go through the stitches in this hole, pull together, fasten off and weave ends. 

Stem
Magic ring
SC 3 in magic ring. 1ch, turn
2 sc in first stitch, sc in the next st, repeat around
Continue to sc around until stem is to the desired length

Pumpkin Coil
Ch 8 and sc 2 in second ch from hook and all the way across. Fasten off, leave a long tail to sew it with stem on pumpkin. It is the coil that holds the card in place.
I hope you have fun getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. I know I have lots to be thankful for, including you. Thanks for stopping by. 

Vanias Reed    

Thumb Print Turkey

A few days ago I posted a Christmas card as a preview for Christmas. Today I'm posting a Thanksgiving preview. You will make this card with your kids because it's made with thumb or finger prints. This is the kind of card that makes grandparents, uncles and aunts very happy. Enjoy.

Supplies Used
Paper: White card, green, orange, dark red, yellow, gold and brown card stock (some of them are glittered)
Stamp: Happy Thanksgiving
Ink: brown, orange, gold and red
Everything else: orange and red felt, small wiggly eyes, acorns sticker.
Main tool: my son's thumb

Detail inside

My son and I had fun making this card, and the person we made it for loved it.  I hope you make one (or more) too. 

Thank you for checking out my blog.

 God bless you,

Vanias Reed