Christmas Card Ideas: Quick, Easy and Beautiful

Right now I have set up an assembly line on my kitchen counters. That's where I do a lot of my crafting.  This time I am creating my Christmas cards.  There is still time.  In a few hours, I can whip up at least 20.

I've got the blank cards, a few punchers, some glittery paper, scissors, double sided tape and most of all--my creative mind.

So if you are in panic mode and think you don't have time to make a special, handmade card for the family: Yes! there is still time.  Make them today and send them out tomorrow.

Even if you just make a couple of them, that's fine. There is something so rewarding about making your own Christmas cards.

Mass Producing Christmas Cards: YouTube Series

Catherine Pooler is brilliant card maker.  Check out her YouTube series on mass producing Christmas cards. She likes to cut out her own cards.  I'd rather just buy a pack of blank ones.  Whatever works for you.





Have fun making your handmade Christmas cards!

Craft Tip: A few rolls of duct tape and wow!

Remember when duct tape only came in that boring gray color? Well now it’s amazing how duct tape comes in all sorts of colors and patterns. Wow!

As you know I surf the net a lot, and today I found a gem of a video. It’s very basic, but in just over a minute AlexisAnn2 shows us on Youtube what you can make or decorate with duct tape.

So here is a shout out to Alexis Ann. May she keep bringing us more ideas we can make ourselves with a roll of duct tape.  Maybe next time she'll have a how-to video on how to make those purses?  Hint, hint!

I think these are great ideas for anyone wanting to get kids interested in crafts.  It's quick and easy.

I can't wait to go and find my favorite colors in duct tape! 

The Queen of Rubber Stamping ideas on Youtube

Sometimes I look at all my rubber stamps and inks and wonder what can I create next? What can “wow” me? I often go through books and blogs looking for inspiration.

Let me tell you, on Youtube you’re bound to find that one person who jumps out with ideas and inspiration. One of my favorites is Stephanie Barnard. She’s informative, to the point, not flashy, full of ideas and is fun to watch. On her YouTube channel she describes herself:

“Stephanie Barnard began scrapbooking in 1997 and became a professional designer two years later. Since then, her work has been published more than 400 times in magazines, books and websites.”

I like her simple ideas on her videos. She has dozens posted on YouTube. I’m thinking I can watch at least two a week.

She’s a natural on video and definitely knows her stuff when it comes to rubber stamping. She actually designs many of them. As she puts it “I’m a stamper and I don’t mess around.”

Though, I’m still trying to figure out who is Ken and Cookie.

Knitting isn't only for your grandma

I was wearing one of my knitted scarves the other day at a networking event.  One of my friends grabbed it and said "Where did you get this?"  I said with pride "I made it."

Her eyes popped wide open in disbelief.  You see, everyone knows me in the Dallas area as a hard working reporter.  I don't think there are many who know that deep, deep inside of me there is a "Martha Stewart" type woman just longing to craft 24/7. 

So back to my scarf.  My friend asked me where I learned to knit.  I learned from my mother, books and now when I need a refresher course I head to Youtube.

One of my favorites is Knit67.  What I like about her videos is that they are shot from the angle you will be looking at the knitting needles.  The camera is so close that there is no way you're going to miss a step.  It's not flashy or fancy---so there are no distractions. 

Knitting is a great way to relax while you create.  So now get some yarn, two needles and pull out your creativity.