Ya Gotta Have Heart

Valentine's Day is a romantic time of the year. Couples get engaged, flowers are sent and candy is given. When I was younger, I loved to receive; now that I am older I love to give.  Maybe it's because I had children and the world was no longer centered around me.

I've been busy the last couple days creating my Mini Love Notes for my shop. It gives me great pleasure when someone purchases these love notes.  I don't care about the money I make, what I care about is other people spreading their love to anyone that matters to them.  It's truly a simple gesture and should be done everyday.

I have one customer who has purchased many Love Notes over the past year and she knows just how to say "Thank You" and "I Love You" to all she meets.  I won't get into how she personally uses them, (that is a private conversation between my customer and myself) but I can share other ways she uses them.  M (is what I'll call her) hands these Mini Love Notes out to anyone who helps her, whether it is in a professional setting or personal. Her daughters have told me she hands them out to people on the street or anyone who "makes her day".  In my estimation, M is the epitome of Love.

It only takes one person to put a smile on someones face or to let them know in little ways they truly are loved. I have been blessed with all the stories my customers share with me knowing love is being distributed one little card at a time.

Barbie

A New Way to Wrap

When it comes to time wrap a special gift for your loved one, consider having a special 9 x 12 envelope made. We all think about gift bags, boxes and bubble wrap, however, there are many items we give that need a special package to place them in.  We live in a very busy world and often do not have the time to spend wrapping or standing in a store trying to find the 'perfect' gift bag for your loved one. Everything is mass produced with no personal touch other than the card you place inside your gift bag.

These envelopes are wonderful for 8 x 10 family portraits, a running or craft magazine, a thin novel or paperback, gift certificates, a special thank you letter to a co-worker or for your boss.

Consider creating a keepsake envelope to store your Christmas cards in, letters from your husband, son or daughter who might be away serving our Country or mementos from a special trip you took.

Think of all the wonderful events you attend. Whether it be a Baby Shower, Wedding, Bridal Shower, a family gathering, your child's classroom party, a Confirmation, Baptism, First Communion, Anniversary, Bar Mitzvah or any other special moment. These wonderful, beautiful, handmade envelopes may just fit your need.

Enjoy your Holidays &
Warm Wishes to Everyone,
Barbie

A Gift to hold a Gift

I recently had a request to create individual Christmas envelopes to hold Gift Certificates. Made from manila envelopes these are beautiful and a gift all by themselves.

Each envelope has been custom designed for each family member and friends.

The back has been embellished with a handmade envelope and card. Each card is designed to match the front with the same theme. Write a special message to your loved one or a special sentiment to a friend.

The handmade envelope closes with a lovely ribbon that is feed through metal grommets for sturdiness and a clean look.

When you have a special gift to give, remember these wonderful envelopes that can be created for any special moment in your life.




Barbie

Elf off the Shelf

Many children are very familiar with Elf on the Shelf and participate in his everyday activities through the Christmas Season.

For those who are not familiar with this tradition, an Elf style doll makes himself present in a home (this item is usually purchased by a parent for their child) and each day a child will find him in a new spot of his house.  Some elves are mischievous, getting into mom's baking four, making a mess of the sock drawer or taking ornaments off the Christmas Tree and playing with the glass balls or handmade items. Other elves are more quiet and like to hide in odd places for children to find him.

The only elf in my world is the elf I call Miss Barb. Miss Barb's Christmas Season has already started in my craft room.  Special orders have been placed, and filled, for Manila Envelope Photo Journals, gift tags, Christmas Love Notes and Wedding Party Love Notes for a special Winter Wedding.  Christmas Cards have been created and with a joyful sentiment nestled inside.

Elves are a big part of the Christmas Season, helping Santa make the toys and putting finishing touches on many special items. I'd make Santa proud if I worked in his Toy Shop on the North Pole.  I now know how his Elves feel at the end of the work day, tired,  physically and mentally, some days overwhelmed but totally satisfied and happy knowing someone special will enjoy a new item from Nellie and Ruth Designs.

Clothespin Gift Tags

Snowmen Gift Tags

Charles Dickens Style Christmas Cards

Manila Envelope Christmas Photo Journal

Interior Page of Photo Journal for 4 x 6 photos and 3 x 5 phtos

So remember this, the next time you are looking for an Elf to help you out this Holiday Season, stop by Nellie and Ruth Designs on Etsy. I'm sure you'll be able to find just the right gift for the person in your life.

Barbie