Thank You Note

The other day I just stopped to think about all the things for which I am thankful. Wow! Big, big list. To begin, I'M ALIVE! Isn't it great? Then there is the fact that God sent His only Son to die on the cross, and pay for my sins. I have an awesome husband, and a wonderful son, and the list goes on. How about the freedom we have in this country? This beautiful, blessed country called United States of America. So I decided not to send cards to our troops overseas, who fight for the freedom we have, only at Christmas time. I decided to show them how much my family and I appreciate what they do by sending thank you notes now. Here is one of the cards I made to send overseas. 

 Supplies used
Paper: white, red and blue cardstock, glitter white cardstock
Tools: cutting/embossing machine, lace oval punch, oval punch, star punch, stars embossing folder
Stamp: thank you
Ink: black

I hope you get inspired and decide to show appreciation to someone today. If you have kids, get them involved in this "thankfulness wave" (that's what I call it), and make a thank you card for a soldier today.

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

Vanias Reed

Tip on Punches

Hi there. The other day I wanted to use one of my punches to make a card, and it was "sticking" to the paper, and therefore not cutting very well. So I had to find out how to "save" it. Here are two tips that I found to be very helpful for "sticking" punches, or punches that got dull.

How to lubricate your punch

Lubricate your punch by simply punching a piece of wax paper. If the punch doesn't cut a perfect picture, it is ok. The wax from the paper is lubricating it. Repeat the process as many times as necessary until your  punch is no longer sticking when punching paper. If THAT doesn't work, try to spray a little bit of WD40. Be sure to punch scrap paper to clean the excess before using on a good paper.

Sharpening a punch: 

To sharpen your punch, punch a couple of times through aluminum foil or soda can.

Thank you for stopping by. 

May the Almighty God bless you and yours.

Vanias Reed 

Bridal Shower Ideas

Today I posted a sequence of table decor, party favors and gift ideas on my Facebook page. To see the whole thing please click here.

Thank you for visiting my blog and checking out the Facebook page.

God bless you,

Vanias Reed   

Easy, Delicious Cookies

What do you feel like eating on a rainy winter day? Cookies? I like to have a good cup of tea with these "melt in your mouth" cookies. But these cookies, which recipe I'm posting today, are good in the summer too because you can make ice-cream sandwiches with them, and they are SO EASY to make. So whether you are going to wait for winter or you're going to make them right away,  while the children are on school break, here is the recipe for you. 

 2 1/2 cups (20 oz) corn starch
1 can sweet condensed milk
3/4 cup (6 oz) butter or margarine at room temperature

Heat the oven to 350 F
In a medium bow mix the ingredients until smooth (a little sticky) dough forms.
Using a cookie scoop or a teaspoon, place small balls on a cookie sheet (I cover mine with parchment paper first) at about 1 in apart. Bake for 10 - 13 minutes.

Variations
1st. Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut, if you like coconut cookies.
2nd. Add 1 tsp mint or peppermint extract to the mix 

Serve them with tea to your guests. Don't forget to decorate your cups with the little paper butterfly (July 7th post)

 I hope you like these as much as I do.

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

Vanias Reed   

A Christmas Tip: Two Ideas Wrapped in One

Brown bag as gift wrapping. What a simple, but creative idea! Decorate it and use it for a "Christmas Favorite Thing Party". What is a Favorite Thing Party? I'm glad you asked. Each guest brings their favorite item (5 of the same thing) costing no more than $10.00, and a favorite treat or dish to share with everyone! Great idea for us who are tired of White Elephant and Secret Santa. 

I found some of the ideas above in websites and added my own touch. 

Thank you for stopping by. God bless you. 

Vanias Reed    

A CHRISTmas Preview - Free Crochet Pattern

It's Christmas in July! Even though it is hot and humid here, I'm starting to get ready for Christmas. It is never too early, is it? So here is a small preview of the things on which I have been working. It is a card with a cute crochet peppermint ornament. Enjoy!

Supplements used
Paper: Red and glitter white cardstock, candy cane scrapbook paper.
Tools: Crochet hook, precision scissors, computer and printer, white and red yarn, foam mounting, red and white twine, glitter glue
Embellishments: Letters and crochet peppermint. 
Find the pattern for the crochet peppermint here. 

Don't use permanent glue to attach the ornament to the card, so the person to whom you are giving the card will be able to hang the ornament on their tree.

Thank you for stopping by. Merry Christmas in July!

Vanias Reed    

 

Butterfly for Tea Bags

I saw this idea online and fell in love with it, so I decided to put my head and hands to work and figure out how to make it. Here it is, or I should say, here they are because I made more than one. 

It's a little butterfly attached to the string of the tea bag. Isn't it cute? You can find them in my Etsy store

Supplies Needed
Paper: cardstock
Tools: cutting/embossing machine, butterfly die, precision scissors, hole punch, glue and coloring pens.

They are delicate and add a touch of decor to your cup.

 You can give them as a gift (they come in sets of 8 unless custom ordered differently), use for different occasions or just for some tea with friends.









Thank you for visiting my blog. Enjoy a good cup of tea, relax and craft for fun. May God bless you and yours.

Vanias Reed