Did you know in the last 62 days we have celebrated 3 holidays with one more tonight/tomorrow?! And that doesn't include the birthdays (4) we celebrated! Agh! No wonder we are so busy during the holidays!
Well, this last one is a bit more relaxing thanks to having young kids in the house (we celebrate with a little glass waaaay before midnight then go to bed ourselves). The little ones don't really care about a "new year", it's just another day to them - what are we doing today? Mommy, I'm bored! Can I have some more candy?!?
As you may have guessed, our adventures in Advent fell by the wayside shortly through the month. I tried but Little Man was more interested in the other aspects of Christmas (mainly, the gifts) so I worried and prayed and worried some more about teaching him the True Meaning of Christmas. Up to Christmas morning I was really considering cancelling that part of Christmas if he wasn't "getting it". I gave him one last chance before opening presents. Cuddling on the couch, I said, "I have one question before we get started. Why are we doing this?" His answer? Jumping off the couch and dancing excitedly, he answered: "It's a birthday party for Jesus!" Well, I guess prayer does work {just a bit of sarcasm there} so I smiled, thanked God for the best Christmas present ever and let him dig in. What more could I ask for?
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Advent Days 12 - 15
I forget how short Little Man's attention span can be! Of course, with two kids to manage, my attention span is short too.... Oh well, whatever works, right?
I thought I would get a jump start on last weeks activities since they would involve some drying time with the paints and while I"m glad I did that, I've got a back log of activities to post. Some still aren't dry and I haven't started on this weeks activities yet. Though I figure this is some of that "extra" stuff to keep busy through the holidays when I'm not swamped with shopping, wrapping, baking, parties, school programs and all the normal daily stuff so I forgive myself for not posting daily. Do you forgive me too? :)
Day 12: Census
Little Man enjoyed learning about the Census; we went around the house taking a census of kinds of things after craft time. He counted up to 20 which is a first for him. Making the craft was fun for both kids because I poured some flour & egg dye in a plastic baggie for Missy to play with in her high chair. She enjoyed smashing and mushing it all together too. I used two little pebbles I had instead of marbles and used a permanent marker to draw faces on them.
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Day 13: Bethlehem
This was an easy project but Little Man gobbed the paint on so it took overnight to dry. He enjoyed getting use a permanent marker to make the windows. I'm thrilled because I finally found the twine I knew I had bought for this month and get to use it to hang the ornaments instead of the pipe cleaners I had been using.
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Day 14: Stable
While Little Man enjoyed picking up sticks in the front yard, he was dismayed he would have to choose two to break. After that tantrum ended, he ended up picking two he felt were too long and breaking parts of them off to make the stable. He loved cutting the craft sticks with Mommy's scissors as consolation. So much so that we made a two-story barn for Jesus to move into when he gets bigger!
Day 15: Manger
This is the event that probably took the longest. It was the first time I've made or baked salt dough. There was a bit of a learning curve associated with it {that reminds me, I need salt the next time I'm at the store...}. There was enough dough left for us to make a few other things too. Missy didn't like getting her hand jammed into the dough so I could make some handprint ornaments for the grandparents but oh well! Little Man painted the manger all green "because it's my FAVORITE color!" {news to me!}
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
I thought I would get a jump start on last weeks activities since they would involve some drying time with the paints and while I"m glad I did that, I've got a back log of activities to post. Some still aren't dry and I haven't started on this weeks activities yet. Though I figure this is some of that "extra" stuff to keep busy through the holidays when I'm not swamped with shopping, wrapping, baking, parties, school programs and all the normal daily stuff so I forgive myself for not posting daily. Do you forgive me too? :)
Day 12: Census
Little Man enjoyed learning about the Census; we went around the house taking a census of kinds of things after craft time. He counted up to 20 which is a first for him. Making the craft was fun for both kids because I poured some flour & egg dye in a plastic baggie for Missy to play with in her high chair. She enjoyed smashing and mushing it all together too. I used two little pebbles I had instead of marbles and used a permanent marker to draw faces on them.
Day 13: Bethlehem
This was an easy project but Little Man gobbed the paint on so it took overnight to dry. He enjoyed getting use a permanent marker to make the windows. I'm thrilled because I finally found the twine I knew I had bought for this month and get to use it to hang the ornaments instead of the pipe cleaners I had been using.
.JPG)
Day 14: Stable
While Little Man enjoyed picking up sticks in the front yard, he was dismayed he would have to choose two to break. After that tantrum ended, he ended up picking two he felt were too long and breaking parts of them off to make the stable. He loved cutting the craft sticks with Mommy's scissors as consolation. So much so that we made a two-story barn for Jesus to move into when he gets bigger!
Day 15: Manger
This is the event that probably took the longest. It was the first time I've made or baked salt dough. There was a bit of a learning curve associated with it {that reminds me, I need salt the next time I'm at the store...}. There was enough dough left for us to make a few other things too. Missy didn't like getting her hand jammed into the dough so I could make some handprint ornaments for the grandparents but oh well! Little Man painted the manger all green "because it's my FAVORITE color!" {news to me!}
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Advent Day Ten
Day Ten's craft followed up on Joseph's dream with Gabriel - we made a pillow for Joseph's bed. Then a blanket and before long, Little Man wanted to make the bed too! Well, I'll only post the pillow because that's all that's important for the moment.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Advent Day Nine
Daddy was home tonight and able to watch the commotion that we call "Craft Time". Afterwards, he encouraged me that even though Little Man doesn't seem to be paying attention he's getting it. He also said that he's glad that God gave him a patient woman as a wife. Wow! I wouldn't ever call myself patient but if my hubby says it, then I'm grateful he thinks so! :)
My hubby was a little concerned that the first lesson he overhears is about Gabriel coming to Joseph in a dream and telling him to marry Mary, that the child is from God. Little Man apparently chose this lesson to listen to because he didn't understand why Joseph wouldn't want to marry her, did he not like kids? So we ended up getting into why having kids before marriage was a big deal. Now I wonder what he's going to talk about in preschool tomorrow! We also discussed why Joseph was wearing a "dress", did he not like wearing pants? Ha! This kid is too much!
Anyway, here's "pantless Joseph":
(Sorry I can't figure out why they are turned)
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
My hubby was a little concerned that the first lesson he overhears is about Gabriel coming to Joseph in a dream and telling him to marry Mary, that the child is from God. Little Man apparently chose this lesson to listen to because he didn't understand why Joseph wouldn't want to marry her, did he not like kids? So we ended up getting into why having kids before marriage was a big deal. Now I wonder what he's going to talk about in preschool tomorrow! We also discussed why Joseph was wearing a "dress", did he not like wearing pants? Ha! This kid is too much!
Anyway, here's "pantless Joseph":
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Advent Day Eight
Today's craft was super easy and super fun for Little Man. So much so I will have to look into other forms of mosaic work for him to explore.
We ending up making a few other shapes as well just to use up all the extra scraps he kept making but we had a fun time. And now that I'm reading while he's working, he's hearing more of the story. He even remembered doing the candle craft (day 1) and said is this the same thing? Yes!!! He is getting it!!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
We ending up making a few other shapes as well just to use up all the extra scraps he kept making but we had a fun time. And now that I'm reading while he's working, he's hearing more of the story. He even remembered doing the candle craft (day 1) and said is this the same thing? Yes!!! He is getting it!!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Advent Day Seven
Mary's Magnificant: A Song of Celebration
When Gabriel came to her with news both shameful and wonderous, Mary chose faith. When she told her fiance, she prayed. When she met Elizabeth, she sang. And boy, did she sing! Long, loud and filled with faith in God. It was bittersweet for her too. She faced a once-in-eternity blessing from God and also the rejection of everyone else. But she didn't hesitate. Later, when she saw all that happened, she stored it in her heart.
This was a poignant message and an important truth to teach. Above all else, we are to look up and focus on God, not ourselves, and He will bring us through.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Advent Day Six
Now that I think I have a rhythm going I'm ready to post today's craft before noon! Yea!
Little man actually woke up this morning asking to do a craft! And thankfully, I was ready! (well, almost) I wanted to get a little ahead of the game and have paper dolls and outfits cut out with the Cricut (I have the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge and haven't used it yet) but he was a little too ready this morning. So instead of drinking my coffee and checking the news on my computer while he watched Mickey Mouse, I was searching for paper doll images on the web. I printed bodies out on cardstock and dresses on plain paper. He used his scissors to cut out the dresses and colored them in with crayons. I had him draw faces and hair on them (his cousin recently dyed her hair purple, hence the inspiration) and we taped thread to the backs to hang. I like how they turned out, a little big but once we get our big tree next weekend, it won't matter too much.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Little man actually woke up this morning asking to do a craft! And thankfully, I was ready! (well, almost) I wanted to get a little ahead of the game and have paper dolls and outfits cut out with the Cricut (I have the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge and haven't used it yet) but he was a little too ready this morning. So instead of drinking my coffee and checking the news on my computer while he watched Mickey Mouse, I was searching for paper doll images on the web. I printed bodies out on cardstock and dresses on plain paper. He used his scissors to cut out the dresses and colored them in with crayons. I had him draw faces and hair on them (his cousin recently dyed her hair purple, hence the inspiration) and we taped thread to the backs to hang. I like how they turned out, a little big but once we get our big tree next weekend, it won't matter too much.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Advent Day Five
I know I have those clothespins around here somewhere....
Little man was ready to do the craft but I was searching for those clothespins I knew I bought. Ugh! So after a frantic search and a quick prayer for patience with myself, I gave up the quest and picked out what I did have on hand - popsicle sticks. He never realized the picture didn't match exactly and I shouldn't care either (can you say perfectionist?). He loves the result and I love that he sat for the story (told in my words, he's still grumpy if I try to read it out of the Bible) but at least he heard it. And remembered it. It probably helps that Little Miss is still young enough he can remember when I was pregnant (and so were two of my cousins) so this part of the story resonates with him.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Little man was ready to do the craft but I was searching for those clothespins I knew I bought. Ugh! So after a frantic search and a quick prayer for patience with myself, I gave up the quest and picked out what I did have on hand - popsicle sticks. He never realized the picture didn't match exactly and I shouldn't care either (can you say perfectionist?). He loves the result and I love that he sat for the story (told in my words, he's still grumpy if I try to read it out of the Bible) but at least he heard it. And remembered it. It probably helps that Little Miss is still young enough he can remember when I was pregnant (and so were two of my cousins) so this part of the story resonates with him.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Advent Day Two
So after learning that glitter glue DOES NOT dry overnight, I am finally ready to reveal our Day Two craft (only 3 days late...):
I modified the craft a bit to avoid the drying time associated with paint (I know, lesson learned) and had little man decorate a cutout of the crown on construction paper then once dry, we glued it to the toilet paper roll and trimmed as needed. His favorite tool right now is the hole punch and he's loving getting to punch everything and make the little confetti. I'm looking ahead in the crafts to see where we can use those little scraps ( 'cause I'm getting tired of vacuuming everyday!).
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
I modified the craft a bit to avoid the drying time associated with paint (I know, lesson learned) and had little man decorate a cutout of the crown on construction paper then once dry, we glued it to the toilet paper roll and trimmed as needed. His favorite tool right now is the hole punch and he's loving getting to punch everything and make the little confetti. I'm looking ahead in the crafts to see where we can use those little scraps ( 'cause I'm getting tired of vacuuming everyday!).
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Advent Day Four
Little Man got sick yesterday and after battling a high fever and sleeping it off, it took a little work on my part to get him into making a craft. I even had to promise not to read the story "but you can tell me about it". Ha! I love this kid! So we had an actual conversation about Gabriel and what we would do if he came to visit us.
This was a fun craft - he liked making the fan fold of the angel and we sang "Jingle Bells" till bedtime. That little yellow thing on the right? He said he needed to add a sticker, just because. Well, okay then!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
This was a fun craft - he liked making the fan fold of the angel and we sang "Jingle Bells" till bedtime. That little yellow thing on the right? He said he needed to add a sticker, just because. Well, okay then!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Advent Day Three
Today's craft focused on Zachariah, who in the story didn't believe what the angel Gabriel told him and so had to wait in silence until what the angel said came true.
Nate had fun with the glitter glue and cotton balls (our version of the instructions) and as a four-year-old can insist upon - only one eye.
He still won't sit still to listen to the reading but tonight he surprised me at bedtime by choosing two Christmas story books and said, so we can read about our friend Jesus. {tear!} I guess he is listening. And getting it. That's what this project is about and for me that's a win!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Nate had fun with the glitter glue and cotton balls (our version of the instructions) and as a four-year-old can insist upon - only one eye.
He still won't sit still to listen to the reading but tonight he surprised me at bedtime by choosing two Christmas story books and said, so we can read about our friend Jesus. {tear!} I guess he is listening. And getting it. That's what this project is about and for me that's a win!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
A Creative Delay
I apologize that I'm not quite ready for today's post - we've hit a creative delay. I didn't realize how long glitter glue would take to dry! But I promise that once it dries and everything is assembled, I will post the second day with Truth in the Tinsel. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post!
{Don't know what I'm talking about? Check out this post!}
{Don't know what I'm talking about? Check out this post!}
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Advent Day One
If you missed yesterday's post, I am trying to teach my 4 year old son the true meaning of Christmas. I am choosing to do Amanda White's "Truth in the Tinsel" ebook. I like it so far and my son was able to complete the craft but, unfortunately, I chose a hard-to-understand version of the Bible to read to him. I guess I'll be out looking for a kid-friendly version on my errands today! After we made it through the story (to stop for every "shalt" and "wilt" to explain what "shalt" and "wilt" mean) we moved on to making the ornament. The first ornament is a light catcher in the outline of a candle to represent Jesus as the Light in the darkness.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Putting Christ back into Christmas
As we've been approaching the Christmas season, we've been talking as a family about the real reason for the season and trying to move the focus (even just a little bit) off the presents and back on to Christ's birthday. As I've been planning our advent calendar for this year (check out this post from last year) I was agonizing over how to make the activities more centered on Christ and less on the "fluff" of the holiday when my MOPS group discussed the e-book "Truth in the Tinsel" written by Amanda White. Once home I ravaged her website, Facebook page, Pinterest account, etc and finally felt a peace about how to teach "Christmas" to my son. I bought the book (a simple pdf) and ornaments template and got to work.
The focus of the book is to teach the Christmas story to little ones through reading and a fun craft each day. Each craft will make an ornament that focuses on a different aspect of the story - and the kids decorate your Christmas tree without having to buy all those expensive ornaments! (We're doing a real tree this year for the first time and I was worried how I would afford to decorate a much larger tree so this is a double win for me!)
We'll be making the ornaments each day and posting our completed projects here. If you want to follow along, check out Amanda's book "Truth in the Tinsel" and get your own copy (use the link on the right so I get credit for referring you). The crafts are simple and can be done with what you have on hand already. Even if you don't start right on December 1st, you can still pick up and join in on the fun.
Merry Christmas!
The focus of the book is to teach the Christmas story to little ones through reading and a fun craft each day. Each craft will make an ornament that focuses on a different aspect of the story - and the kids decorate your Christmas tree without having to buy all those expensive ornaments! (We're doing a real tree this year for the first time and I was worried how I would afford to decorate a much larger tree so this is a double win for me!)
We'll be making the ornaments each day and posting our completed projects here. If you want to follow along, check out Amanda's book "Truth in the Tinsel" and get your own copy (use the link on the right so I get credit for referring you). The crafts are simple and can be done with what you have on hand already. Even if you don't start right on December 1st, you can still pick up and join in on the fun.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!
Today is a day to celebrate all that we are blessed with and to give thanks to the One who gave it to us. Even when times are tough, there is much to be thankful for. I pray continued blessings to you and your family.
Here is a quick craft I did with my son and his cousins this week for them to hand out to friends.
I used CTMH Kraft paper, cut to 4" x 4" squares, cocoa cardstock cut with the 2" scallop punch and cocoa, cranberry, honey, sunset & olive inks.
I had each of the kids use their thumbs in the cocoa ink to make a thumb print on the cocoa scallop then had them use each finger in the remaining colors to make the "feathers" before adhering the scallop circle. Using CTMH's new chalk marker, they made two eyes on the thumbprint and drew two feet with the Honey marker (retired). Each card took less then two minutes and the kids were able to complete a whole line of them with little help. And did they like getting messy! I should have taken pictures but I was following them quickly to the bathroom to wash hands! But not to worry, since CTMH's inks are waterbased, they are very easy to clean up. I used our stamp cleaner on the furniture where I saw multi-colored finger prints and it came right up. I stamped the sentiment at the top of each card and they wrote their names on the back.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Today is a day to celebrate all that we are blessed with and to give thanks to the One who gave it to us. Even when times are tough, there is much to be thankful for. I pray continued blessings to you and your family.
Here is a quick craft I did with my son and his cousins this week for them to hand out to friends.
I used CTMH Kraft paper, cut to 4" x 4" squares, cocoa cardstock cut with the 2" scallop punch and cocoa, cranberry, honey, sunset & olive inks.
I had each of the kids use their thumbs in the cocoa ink to make a thumb print on the cocoa scallop then had them use each finger in the remaining colors to make the "feathers" before adhering the scallop circle. Using CTMH's new chalk marker, they made two eyes on the thumbprint and drew two feet with the Honey marker (retired). Each card took less then two minutes and the kids were able to complete a whole line of them with little help. And did they like getting messy! I should have taken pictures but I was following them quickly to the bathroom to wash hands! But not to worry, since CTMH's inks are waterbased, they are very easy to clean up. I used our stamp cleaner on the furniture where I saw multi-colored finger prints and it came right up. I stamped the sentiment at the top of each card and they wrote their names on the back.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Stella layout
Going back over some posts, I thought I had showed you some of the work I've done recently only to find I didn't post some. Oops!
Here are a layout I made using "Stella" papers.
Here are a layout I made using "Stella" papers.
Spots available for Saturday's class
I have two more spots available for this Saturday's Card class. Cost is $15 to make 10 cards and we'll meet from 1-4pm. Email me if you are interested.
I also have a few spots for the 3D class on Saturday, November 17th from 1-4pm. I'll have three tables set up with a different 3D project on each. You can make as many of each as you like, cost is dependent on what you make. Email me if you are interested.
I also have a few spots for the 3D class on Saturday, November 17th from 1-4pm. I'll have three tables set up with a different 3D project on each. You can make as many of each as you like, cost is dependent on what you make. Email me if you are interested.
Friday, September 28, 2012
87 Days till Christmas
Have you started designing your Christmas cards this year? It's closer than you think! Less than 90 days to go and what have you done? Keep reading for some designs sure to spark your creativity.
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| Monogram stamps aren't just for initials. Designer: Krista Hershberger |
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| Make a tree out of ornaments. Designer: Nickie Hoffer |
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| Emboss a few stars to create some twinkle in your card. Designer: Nickie Hoffer |
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| A subtle image portrays the true meaning of Christmas. Designer: Krista Hershberger |
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| Artiste Cricut cartridge can create some wonderful, out of the box cards. Designer: Gennette Feagan |
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| Artiste makes an basic card anything but boring. Designer: Gennette Feagan |
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Christmas Card Workshop
I'm still recovering from my awesome weekend! I love papercrafting and the only thing that makes it better is getting to do it with friends. This past weekend was a lot of work to pull off but having so many great friends to do it with makes it worth all the extra effort. Here are a few photos of the day:
But I know you're really interested in the cards we made. Here are a few and I'll share the rest on Friday.
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| This is my "grandmother" Krista. Check her blog out at kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com |
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| This is my "mother" Brenda Rutt teaching a group of ladies. She is a popular teacher at this event! |
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| The best way to decorate a tree is with some handmade items! These are examples of cards we've made other years. |
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| This one isn't a card but it is made with the new Artiste Cricut cartridge from Close to My Heart. Designer: Gennette Feagan. |
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| Add any pretty flower to Christmas-y paper to have a great twist on the holiday. Designer: Sherri Reiff |
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| Frosty Friends and Avonlea make a lovely card. Designer: Krista Hershberger |
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| Dakota paper makes a great rustic background for a symbol of winter. Designer: Martha Zook |
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| Peace is a constant theme throughout the holidays. Designer: Katie Fisher |
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| A little sparkle lights up the Christmas tree. Designer: Brenda Rutt |