Couple Silhouette Card + Alcohol Ink Technique

Hello my dear friends. I haven't blogged in a while for several different reasons. But I am glad I can write something today. 2017 went by quickly and a lot happened. God remained faithful and loving as He always is. There is absolutely nothing that can compare to His love for us, including our love for one another. As Valentine's Day approaches, let us not only think of ways to make our loved ones happy, but let us think of ways to show love to people who don't expect it from us. That person on the corner asking for money? Give them something to eat and a bottle of water. How about that neighbor whose name you don't even know? Make them a card with a nice message. BE A BLESSING to someone. Start with a small gesture on Valentine's Day, and before you know it, you will be showing love everywhere to everyone. And, of course, show love to those in your life every day. 
I made this card for my husband - for Valentine's Day - but it can really be used for so many different occasions. I hope, somehow, it will inspire you.

Material used
Paper: Silver fine gliter self adhesive paper, yellow pattern cardstock, black cardstock, red cardstock (awesome cardstock sale here)
Tools: Cricut Air ,  Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Adirondack Alcohol Ink Applicator
Ink: Alcohol ink
Embellishment: Couple silhouette that you can purchase on any size from my Etsy shop


Tip: Put a little bit (drops) of alcohol ink on ink applicator (the removable soft white piece) and gently tap the glitter paper several times with desired color until the paper is completely covered. 

Next time I will post the picture of another card on which I used the same technique, but with different ink colores and create a different effect. Videos also coming soon on YouTube.

Thank you for stopping by. Please subscribe to the email list, and my YouTube channel.
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Box Shaker Romantic Card

Hi there, how are you doing during this cold winter (for us on the north hemisphere), or not so hot summer (south hemisphere)? Today we are getting some really low temperature here in Florida. 48 degrees -actual temperature - but it feels like 41. Or for those who use Celsius, 9 degrees - feels like 5. So we are staying inside, having some hot cocoa, watching a movie... no, wait. That's my son. I am working, cleaning the house - hahahaha. But I have my breaks too (smile). During one of my breaks, I decided to have some fun, so... I MADE A CARD, of course. (smiling again). Here is what I made.

  I saw that sentiment phrase - or something similar - on the internet the other day which gave me the idea for this card.

Supplies used
Paper: White, glitter red,  and red cardstock, transparency film
Tools: cutting/embossing machine, hearts embossing folder, large heart punch, little hearts dies (Avery Elle More Stories set), label die (Die-namics Framed Greetings Die), computer and printer, red gel pen
Embellishments: bakers red and white twine, glitter (red and clear), glittered hearts, label with sentiment phrase

Sometimes I don't have the stamp with the exact sentiment I want. Does that happen to you? What do you do? Change the sentiment? I just use my computer, write and print what I want on cardstock and voilá...

Thank you so much for stopping by. Stay warm, or cool, and have a very blessed weekend.

 Vanias Reed 

 

Not Any Valentine's Day Card

One of the things I love about my husband is that he does not wait for Valentine's Day to show his love for me. Sometimes he leaves a note on the kitchen counter, before going to work, to tell me how much he appreciates everything I do for our family. Other times he will bring me a little something like my favorite candy bar or a single rose. And sometimes he'll just do things at home like washing the dishes, or making the bed, etc. He makes me feel special all the time and not only one day a year. But we still celebrate Valentine's Day, and we still exchange cards. So here is the card I made for him this year. The original idea belongs to a Craftsy instructor. I just put my own spin on it. 

Supplies I used
Paper: White cardstock, clear velum, and blue -patterned with some white - scrapbook paper
Tools: cutting/embossing machine, little fox and moon dies (Avery Elle), stitched hillside border (Lawn Fawn), computer and printer, watercolor markers, white glitter gel marker, colored grey pencil
Stamps: Little fox, stars, and moon (Avery Elle), pine tree (Stampabilities), snowy hillside
Ink pads: Black, forest green, and white
Embellishments: heart shaped gemstones, speech bubble with sentiment phrase "I love you to the moon and back"

So, even if you don't celebrate Valentine's Day, this is a card you can give to that special someone in your life at any time. 

Thank you for stopping by. May God bless you and yours with His abundant love.

Vanías Reed    

Why do We Celebrate Valentine's Day?

 The fourteenth of February is called Valentine's Day. But who was Valentine? What does Valentine's Day mean?
Valentine was a good man who lived in Europe nearly two thousand years ago. He was a teacher - a Christian teacher. At that time the emperor of Rome was not a Christian. The emperor hated the Christians and had many of them put to death.
Those Christians who were real martyrs, and Valentine was one too. He was sentenced to death by the emperor because he taught people about Jesus' love for them. It is believed that he was killed on February 14, A.D. 269
It was more than 200 years after Valentine's death before people began to call any day after him; but at last the 14th of February was chosen, and it has been called Valentine's Day ever since. In France, England, and in the United States the day has been celebrated every year for a long time. 
In France and England ladies and gentlemen used to play games on Valentine's Day. Here is one of the games:
The names of all the ladies were written on pieces of paper and thrown into a box. Then the gentlemen came up, one at a time, and were blindfolded. When one was blindfolded, he put his hand into the box and drew out a piece of paper. The lady whose name was on the paper he drew could then claim him as her "Valentine" for a whole year.
Sometimes they would exchange presents; sometimes the gentleman would make the lady a present, but receive none from her.
In the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated by the exchange of letters, flowers, cards, pictures, chocolate or other gifts. The pictures that we call valentines are of many different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles.
The true purpose for Valentine's Day is for good friends to try to make one another happy. It is a day for beautiful things - for beautiful words, beautiful pictures, beautiful thoughts, beautiful deeds.  Valentine was a good man - his very name means goodness and strength; and Valentine's Day ought to represent that. 

So, now that you know the real meaning to celebrate Valentine's Day, make something for those you love. Cut a paper in a heart shape, write something nice and give it away. In other words, cheer someone up.

Here is an idea from  this website

Valentine's Day Conversation wreath by disneyfamily.com

  

Thank you for stopping by, and have a beautiful and cheerful Valentine's Day. 

Vanías Reed  

Valentine's Day Card

Today is my husband's birthday. His birthday always reminds me that Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and I need to do something about it. (smile). So I start by making a card for him. This year, as I promised in my previous post, I'm sharing it with you. 

Supplies Used
Paper: Red, black and white cardstock
Tools: Scalloped and plain heart punches, cutting/embossing machine (Sizzix Big Shot), Basket embossing folder (Sizzix), computer, and printer
Embellishments: black pearls, matches, red and white twine, small red heart gemstone
Now you now what my husband doesn't (aren't you special?) - the card I made him for Valentine's Day 2015. One cool thing about this card is that it can be used for other occasions too, like an anniversary, for example.

Thank you for stopping by, and have a very blessed weekend.

Vanías Reed 

Valentine Project for Kids

Even though people turnedValentine's Day into a romantic holiday, it is not. It's a day to celebrate those who are important to us; a day to remind them of the special place they have in our hearts. So here is a card you can make with your children to give to Grandpa, Grandma, Daddy, Mommy, a friend... The card is simple because it is supposed to be made by your children. This time you will be just the helper. (wink)

Supplies needed for this card
Paper: Large white doily (you can make your own with a decorative round punch), red, and white cardstock paper, peach (my son calls it 'skin color'), and pink craft paper (you can use only cardstock if you prefer)
Tools: Small heart punch, 1/16 circle punch, red twine
Embellishments: Hand doing 'I love you' in sign language (trace your child's hand on the paper, cut it, and glue the two middle fingers down, as shown in the picture above), small heart, bow on the 'corner' of doily heart.

Fold the white and the red cardstock in the middle (separate), trace half a heart, and let your child cut it (the white heart will be bigger). If your kid is too small to handle a pair of scissors, than use your cutting machine, punch, or scissors yourself. The doily is a little more delicate to let a child handle, so just cut it before starting the project with your child.

Glue everything and, if let your children write a message on the back.

Thank you for stopping by. Happy Valentine's Day, and God bless you. Vanías Reed

Cute Valentines Day Card

Wasn't it Christmas just yesterday? How come we are already getting ready for Valentine's Day? LOL. Here I find myself thinking on what to give my husband, what is the card I'll make for him going to look like, how to AVOID chocolate (that's a good one), what to give my students that does not involve candy (aren't I full of jokes today? hahahahaha). Thinking of a card for my husband, I made this one that I'm posting today. I'll post the one I'm making for him sometime next week, ok?

 Supplies used for this card
Paper: Blue, yellow, black, dark red, and white cardstock paper
Tools: Owl building punch, branch with leaves die (Sizzix), extra large circle punch (Recollections), small square punch (for banner edges)
Stamp: Happy Valentine's Day (Stampabilities)
Ink: black
Embellishments: small heart shaped gemstones

Make a Valentine for the special people in your life, but most of all, make them feel special everyday. But, if you are not feeling inspired to make something, you can find this card and some others at Crafts Basket

Thank you for stopping by.

Vanías 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  

Bear Hugs Card

Today I'm posting another card that can be used for Valentine's Day or other occasions, or even 'just because'.  Here it is.

Supplies used
Paper: Red and white cardstock
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, post card, polka-dots and fancy oval embossing folders, computer and printer
Stamp: 'Bear-hugs-for-you' 
Embellishments: White and red bow, red and clear heart gemstones

It was so much fun to make this card. I hope you make one for that someone special in your life. You can finish the sentence 'Because' with a message inside the card that shows the reason for the 'bear hugs'. 

Thank you for stopping by. Happy Valentine's Day

Vanias Reed   

Candy Style Gift Box - Free Printable Template

Valentine's Day became a big holiday for couples. But I've been blessed with a husband that doesn't wait for Valentine's Day to give me a little something. Once in a while he likes to give me a treat like my favorite candy bar or a rose 'just because...' So, even if you already have a gift and/ or a card for your Valentine, keep this box in mind for any other occasions or 'NOT occasions'. The possibilities are endless. Just change the cover. 

Supplies used
Paper: white cardboard, white with red polka-dots scrapbook paper
Tools: template, 1/4" circle punch, spray adhesive
Embellishments: red bows + optional embellishments shown in pictures below

Template (12"x 12" paper)

Right click on picture to save to your computer and/or print.

After cutting white cardbord, spray it with spray adhesive and glue it to a 12" x 12" scrapbook paper. Let it dray well before cutting and folding.

Some embellishments options

 Thank you for visiting my blog. Happy Thanksgiving.

Vanias Reed   

 

'Valentine's and More' Card

The card I'm posting today can be used for Valentine's Day, but can also be used for different occasions or even as a Thank You card. Here it is.

Supplies used
Paper: White, red, glitter red cardstock
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine (Sizzix), twirl embossing folder (Darice), 1/4" heart punch (Recollections)
Stamps: "You made...", single rose (Stumping Up)

Valentine's Day is almost here, but you don't have to have a special date to make a card for someone you love. Do it 'just because'.

Thank you for stopping by. May God pour his love in your heart.

Vanias Reed   

Crochet Hearts Card + Free Pattern + Bonus Idea

Crocheting and making cards are two of my passions. That's why I like to mix them. Today I'm posting a card that has two cute crochet hearts on it. The hearts pattern is my Valentine for you.

Supplies used for this card
Paper: Pink, red and white cardstock (Recollections)
Tools: Cutting/ embossing machine (Sizzix), Small hearts embossing folder (the Paper Collections), small oval punch, crochet hook
Embellishments: red ribbon, red and white twine, crochet hearts, glitter self-adhesive black letters

Crochet Hearts Pattern

Material
Red and pink worsted yarn
Size G hook

Abbreviations
MC = Magic circle
TC = Treble crochet
DC = Double crochet
Ch = chain
Sl st= Slip stich

MC
In mc  Ch4 TR2, DC 3, ch 1, TR1, ch1, DC3, TR2, Ch3, sl st in mc, weave in ends.

Bonus Idea:
Sew a safety pin on the back of the hearts and turn them into a little gift to be worn on Valentines or even Mother's Day.

 Thank you for visiting my blog. God bless you.

Vanias Reed  

"Beary" Cute Card

One of the things I like about Valentine's Day is that it is not only for couples. You can make a sweet Valentine for anyone who's special for you. So, even though the card I'm posting today is more on the romantic side, you can change one of the sentiment phrases and use it for a friend, a family member, or a neighbor. Here it is.

Supplies used for this card
Paper: Scalloped red card and white cardbord
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, Top Note die, colored pencil, glitter gel red pen
Stamps: Bear holding heart and sentiment I love you 'beary' much! (Stamping up), Happy Valentine's Day (Stampabilities)
Embellishments: Red and white twine

Thank you for stopping by, and have a very blessed day.

Vanias Reed   

Valentine's Day Card with Doily

Sometimes, when it comes to cards and gifts we think that complicated, difficult and expensive will be the best. That's not true. Simple and/or unexpensive can be very good too. And when it comes to get inspired, look EVERYWHERE because an idea can come to you from something that you least expect. Just look at the card I'm posting today and where I got the idea from. 

The inspiration for my card came from the picture below, which by the way is an excellent idea. You will find the steps on how to make it at  Carolina Charm: Valentine Heart Brownie

Supplies used for the card

Paper: Brown-red and white cardstock

Tools: Cutting/ embossing machine (Sizzix), 2.5" circle punch (Recollections), heart punch (the Paper Studios), small polka-dot embossing folder( Cuttlebug), large 3D circle adhesive dots, clear glitter glue

Stamp: Happy Valentine's Day (Stampabillities)

Embellishments: Paper doily, punches and sentiment phrase

Get inspired and create.  Give a card with a brownie to that someone special, you will be glad you did.

Thank you for visiting my blog, and may God bless your day in a very special way. 

Vanias Reed   

 

 

Two Layers Heart Punch Card

I'm a little late with my projects for Valentine's Day, but here is an idea for a card. 

 Supplies used
Paper: white cardstock (2 layers), red polka-dots, love music and flowers scrap paper
Tools: Heart punch
Embellishment: Red ribbon, red and white twine, adhesive letters for the sentiment phrase.

Inside

You will need to use two layers of the white cardstock to make this card in order to "hide" the top inside pieces of ribbon and twine, and the bottom part of the red ribbon.

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

Vanias Reed    

Valentines Wedding Card

What could be better then a wedding to 'kick off' the romantic season? My neighbors are getting married on Valentine's Day, and I wanted to make a special card for them. I saw this idea on Pinterest and made my own version. I hope the bride and the groom will like it.

For some reason the picture didn't capture the fine glitter on the bride dress.

Supplies used for this card
Paper: Black and white cardstock, fine white paper for the inside.
Tools: Cutting/embossing machine, roses embossing folder, precision scissors
Embellishment: White and black pearls, paper roses and self adhesive lace
I had to use precision scissors to make the groom's tuxedo collar and the bow tie.

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

Vanias Reed   

Strawberry Roses for Valentine's

We are getting closer to Valentine's Day and "love is in the air." So, here is a very creative idea that someone sent me. Beautiful, interesting and can be used to decorate a chocolate cake or as a bouquet. 

These roses made out of strawberries seem to be easy enough to make, and you can use regular straws to hold the stems. If you make a bouquet to give to someone, make sure to wrap it in a beautiful cellophane paper and decorate with a beautiful bow. Do not use tissue paper.
Thank you for stopping by. May the God, who is love, bless you and yours. 

Vanias Reed    

My Valentine

The other day, when my husband asked me if I were not going to make a card with a couple's silhouette, I just smiled because I already had that in mind. It's his favorite card style. So here is the Valentine's Day card I made for my husband. I hope you like it. He sure did.

For this card you will need 2 die-cuts: one of the silhouette of a couple, and one of a park pole with lamp as shown below.

You will also need a white cardstock paper to make the card, and a medium dark blue piece of cardstock 1/2-inch smaller than the white paper.

Use tree stamps and black ink for the trees. Just press the stamp on the ink pad once for the first tree; you want the other two or three to have the "fading" look to give the card a dimension.

Look how the tree in the middle looks behind the other trees.

Use a white pen to make stars on the blue paper, then spray adhesive to it. Notice that I have a white sheet of paper under the blue cardstock. That is NOT the card. I was protecting my desk from the adhesive.

Now you can adhere the pole and the couple die-cuts to the blue cardstock

The blue paper will be very sticky because of the spray adhesive, which is good because you are going to sprinkle it with fine glitter.

Remove the excess glitter by tapping gently on the back of the paper. Let it dry and paste the paper on the card.

Draw grass at the bottom of the blue paper with a black fine point pen.

I chose pine trees and drew snow on the branches with the white pen because it is winter, but you don't have to do that if you choose to romance your loved one at some other time of the year. That's right, make this card and give to the love of your life with a candy bar or something else JUST BECAUSE and keep romancing your marriage!

Vanias Reed          

Black and White

On February fourteenth some couples will be celebrating not only Valentine's Day, but also their wedding anniversary. So I decided do make a card that can be used for both occasions. 

 You can always change the red ribbon and bow for a white or pearl color, change the sentiment phrase and make a wedding card instead.

Make a white card

 

Cut a black piece of black cardstock 1/2-inch smaller than the card on each side. Cut the bottom border of in scallops.

Emboss a white piece of cardstock

Die-cut two hearts from the embossed paper, one from a piece of the black cardstock, and one from a black glittered cardstock.

Punch three 1/8-inch circles from the black glittered cardstock.

Cut a piece of white cardstock 0.2-inch smaller than the black cardstock. Adhere a red ribbon to it, then adhere both to the black cardstock. Glue a bow on the ribbon.

Paste everything on the card

Die-cut two scalloped hearts: one black and one white. Paste the hearts as shown. Make a bow-tie and a strip from the white cardstock. Glue them to the black heart like in the picture. Glue embellishment pearls to the embossed heart. Adhere the 1/8-inch glittered circles to the white strip on the black heart.

For the detail inside use the glittered heart, the second embossed heart, and two more glittered circles.

I think this is my husband's favorite Valentine's Day card so far. I hope you like it too because you sill have time to make one for your Valentine. 

Vanias Reed