Simple Sweet Valentine Gift Bags

I made some valentine bags for my daughter's friends.

They are a wholesome, outdoorsy bunch so I wanted the bags to be simple and natural.

I am pleased with the results...

I wanted them each to be unique but I stuck to just a few punches and materials.

Changing the paper colors or adding a paper doily changes the look just enough...

A feather from the chickens is a great natural touch.

My nephew had this tree punch and I have been in love with it forever. 

When he moved, he gave it to me...

Thank you!

I love the heart arrow.

It starts with a twig and two punched hearts.

I punched the holes in the bag and slid the stick in place before splitting a real feather and gluing on the fletchings.

I love how it turned out.

This one is just a heart on a stick...

This one was a variation on the arrow but with a heart for fletchings this time.

The paper fletchings were easier to glue than the real feather.

I love the double twigs as a bag closure.

Even the back of this one is cool where the twigs cross.

Here is a heart rose...

A couple more of those tree punches....

These subtle shades are my favorite....

Last, but not least, there are the owls...

Each is slightly different.

The first one is this little guy where his beak is actually formed by trimming the bag.

I think he's my favorite.

I hope everyone likes their little treats...

Thanks for stopping by....

Linking up with these great blogs...

Quick Winter Greeting Cards

I love making my own cards.

My designs are not usually complex.

I love simple and clean.

I wanted to share two cards that are perfect for this time of year.

Just simple winter greetings.

Start with your card base.

I usually just cut an 8 1/2 x 11 inch piece of card stock in half and fold it.

The bases I used here are prescored and a bit smaller.

I got them around 25 years ago at my favorite surplus store.

Does that make them vintage?

Next cut a piece of patterned paper the same size as the card.

Carefully rip out the bottom left corner.

Take out enough of a piece for your stamped greeting to show in its entirety. 

I like my tear to show the white under the design.

Glue the patterned paper to the front using your favorite adhesive.

Stamp your greeting.

I love Stazon inks. 

 They don't run if the card gets wet.

Punch a couple shapes using a paper punch.

Here I used a snowflake.

Glue on the centers.

I added a clear plastic half round on top.

You could do glitter, buttons, brads or anything else your heart desires.

This basic format can be used for any occasion.

You can make a couple dozen in an evening.

I still prefer a card in the mail to an email...

Thanks for stopping by...