Giving Thanks at The Kraft Journal

This week at The Kraft Journal, our challenge is all about "Giving Thanks".  We want to see all your fabulous Thanksgiving cards and projects using any kraft paper, kraft item, or anything that can be purchased at The Kraft Outlet.  The store has so many great and widely-used products that you're sure to have something on hand you can use to qualify for the challenge.  And if not, then treat yourself to some nice new kraft or ivory note cards, shipping tags, bags and envelopes of all sorts and sizes, baker's twine and so much more.  We would love to have you pull out your kraft products, and come play along with us in this week's Thanksgiving Challenge.

My card was created using some patterned paper scraps that my friend had with her when she visited me in September.  I thought they'd be perfect for a Thanksgiving card, so I used them to create this one.  I started with g a Small Buff/Ivory Note Card as my card's base.  Then, I added a Jenni Bowlin Journalling Card (Faith), a Large Manila Shipping Tag with Melissa Frances rub-on sentiment (give thanks), a Bottle Cap with a piece of Jenni Bowlin Flair Icon Flatback Pin (15 cents), several lengths of Natural Hemp Cord and Black Baker's Twine; and also a snippet of both Black Twill Tape & Ivory Twill Tape that I attached to the top of her card using a Tim Holtz mini stapler.

I hope you'll take a peek at these make-shift felt pumpkins.  I've heard people say things like, "I don't have all those fancy die-cuts, or I don't have a cute pumpkin stamp set, etc."  Well, let me suggest this....next time you don't have the right die-cut or stamp, try creating the shape yourself using felt.  I actually use wool felt.  Since I knew I wanted pumpkins, I simply looked at the shape of a pumpkin, and then drew it out on paper.  I cut the paper pieces out (to use as a guide), and traced around them on the felt, then cut the shapes out of small scraps of felt in the appropriate colors.  Once I had my pieces cut, I gently machine stitched them together (or you could definitely hand-stitch them as well)......and there you go. I had my pumpkins!  I encourage you to not get down about the crafts you DON'T have; but to GIVE THANKS for what you DO have, and make the very most of it.  Use the creativity God has given you.  I don't believe that any of us would be doing all this if we weren't somewhat creative.  So, let your creativity run wild.  Next time you need something, improvise.  You just might surprise yourself.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I am so glad you've visited.

Blessings to you,

Karen