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