DIY Rustic Gift Wrapping

One of my favorite things about Christmas is wrapping Christmas presents.  The shopping itself sort of stresses me out, but the wrapping is like a mini vacation where my creativity is allowed to roam free as I load up each box with ribbons, bows and other assorted goodies.  As you may have been able to guess, I am loving all the rustic themed gift bags this year.  My mama, being the creative genius that she is, came up with the idea for this adorable wrapping paper.  I made my first batch of it today and got some wrapping done for my husband:

All you need to make this wrapping paper is:
{1} Packaging paper.  This can be found at stores like Big Lots or the Dollar General.
{2} A Christmas stamp & ink.  The idea for this wrapping paper actually formed because we bought this stamp.  Michael's had a BIG sale going on and we got this huge stamp for a little over a dollar!
{3} Versa Mark, embossing powder & an embossing gun.

{How to Make it}

All you do is stamp your image all over the paper.  Make sure to leave a spot or two for your embossed image.

{stamp, stamp, stamp}

Next, emboss your image into it's spot:

 

{I LOVE embossing, it looks so neat!  For those of you who don't know how: simply stamp as you normally would but use Versa Mark instead of an ink pad.  Then cover in embossing powder, remove the excess powder & emboss with your heat gun}

To finish up, wrap your package in your new paper and complete with some fun and rustic toppers.

...Like twine and baker's twine!

{love this}

...for a little extra something, add a small bird or other adornment to the top of your gift.

{I love having this little bird on here, but my husband hates glitter (and the bird is covered in it), so I figured I should probably save it for another time}

{More of a gift bag type?}

The same tecnique can be done to make your own gift bags:

{Check out the red & green mixed embossing.  Pretty neat huh?}

{Your Turn!}

Whether you love the rustic look or know someone who does, these gift wrapping ideas are sure to be a hit!  I can't wait to make more and I can't wait to hear about any that you have made as well.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion

A Message For All Girls (and Women)

Good Morning my friends.  My plan today was to bring you a new cold-weather craft.  However, I have been noticing lately that there is an issue that needs to be addressed.  No, this is not political.  It has nothing to do with social security, taxes or war.  It has to do with the way people (women especially) are viewing themselves in the world today.  With social media being so easy and accessible, girls are making their feelings more and more known.  Wouldn't you agree?  A status update or a new "tweet" only take a moment to make.  Similarly, it is easier than ever to bring people down.  It seems that people think of virtual words as less harmful than face-to-face words.  Just to clear things up:  They are NOT less harmful.

It breaks my heart to see these girls (of all ages) feeling insecure with who they are.  I know that my blog isn't the most popular one out there, but if my message gets across to just one person, I will feel that it was worth my time.  I want each and every woman to know that they are truly special, that they are loved and that they do have a purpose that nobody else can fulfill.

That being said, I wanted to also make a few printables on this subject that I am happy to share with you.  If you or somebody you know would benefit from seeing these words, please do not hesitate to print them out, hang them up, or make them your computer wallpaper.  Use them in any way that will encourage you or those you love.

{Please enjoy & share these free printables}
Image of God 
Keep Being You 
You Are Beautiful 
You are NOT insignificant 
You Are... {You} 

Girls, Women, Everyone listening:
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.  Inside and Out.  YOU ARE NEEDED.  Even when you think that no one notices you.  YOU HAVE A PURPOSE.  God has a plan and I promise you, that in time you will see it too.

I know that it is hard sometimes to see yourself as special.  I know that sometimes life is really really hard and it seems that nothing is going your way.  I know that people are mean and that words really do hurt.  I know that sometimes it is not so easy to figure out who you are.  Yet, I know that you (yes YOU) are so capable and wonderful and specially made to be exactly who you are.  Please don't ever give up on yourself, because I promise you:  There are people out there who have never even met you, who love you and can't wait to see you succeed.  Really.  It sounds crazy but it's true.

Similarly, girls be nice to each other.  Love yourself and don't try to make yourself feel better by bringing others down.  There is enough room in this world for everyone to be happy.  Being mean wont make you happier anyways, not in the long run.  You might be surprised who you can find a friend in, so give them a chance.

Now that I've got that all off my chest, I hope it has made a difference for someone- anyone.  I will see you all again on Thursday.  You are beautiful and you are loved.

Kelsie Ann