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