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.