Surrounded by Love

As we once again get closer to another holiday season and the beginning of yet another year, I'm often reflecting about how precious our time is here on this earth. At Paperthreads, as we started to prepare for the holiday season and activities, many of the designers have been finding themselves over stretched and pressed for time. We wanted to think of some things that would be different for us. We've worked hard to make our Games, Challenges and Swaps to have themes that would be useful to everyone, but at the same time to be a bit "out of the box" and fun!

Well, after thinking for a while on this topic, and reflecting, I realize that while I'm able to be at home with my family by working from home, I seem to not spend the quality time with them that I would like. I then started thinking about some of the best times I had with my family growing and through the years, and immediately I was reminded of the times we sat around the dining room table, playing a game, enjoying each others chatter, and snacking on some foods! Those are the days the I can think back on and smile, feeling warm inside, annd light of heart. They are the days we want to remind each other of. This holiday season is not about the gifts, the concerts, the parties, and all those activities. It's about the stolen moments as a family that you can spend together. Playing a short game of cards, reading a story together, having a quiet family movie night, and just enjoying each others company! The past couple weekends, I've been pulling out the board games, and spending some time with the children, playing Clue, Pit, Cranium, Monopoply, and my old time quick and easy favorite game, ZILTCH!

Paperthreads Team would like to remind you to enjoy these days with your family and friends! Remember to take a break from the routine of it all, take a deep breath, look around you and revel in the love of those around you!

Blessings to All,

Michelle Hessler, Paperthreads

IN THIS ISSUE:

Surrounded by Love

Forum Member of the Month

Create & Cut Tutorial: Creating a Monogram

Stained Glass Ornament Technique

Funtime Scrapbooking Tutorial: Toolbar Facts

Forum Member of Month

by Lori McDonald, Beloved Keepsakes

Wow – I can’t tell you how hard this was. I mean, how do you even go about choosing ONE forum member to recognize from a message board that has over 4800 members? (Yep, I kid you not! I just check and we have 4849 members as I write this!!!) Not to mention that not only do we have that many members – but we have the most AWESOME members on any message board out there!

Ok so… The person I picked for this months forum member of the month has been a member since May of 2006. She has been a rock and a foundation for many in the forum. You can always count on her to welcome new people, to encourage those that are struggling, and to throw in a few laughs along the way.

She has loaded some great files to the forum to share with others and if you need to know anything in Inkscape – she “IS” the person to ask!!!

When I first joined Paperthreads, this person befriended me and helped me get the courage to actually cut something with my machine. (Did you know I had my machine for three months before I actually cut something with it!!)

When WinPC came out, both she and I purchased the software and since then we have relied on each other to muddle our way though.

I know her life is quite busy right now – and she isn’t quite as active as she used to be – but when she is on the forum you can always count on her to participate to the fullest!!

This month I select Sally (otherwise known as “Big Red”) as the forum member of the month!!!
Thank you so very much for all you do to make the Paperthread’s forum the absolute best place to be!!!

For being selected “Forum Member of the Month” Sally will be receiving the “Accept My Thanks” file designed Beloved Keepsakes, which can only be found at Paperthreads.

Create and Cut Tutorial: Creating a Monogram

by Jan Bryson, Sam & Hailey Designs

Creating your own monogram and framing it, or do one for a friend! This is a great way to make a gift for a holiday gift, wedding gift, or even a baby gift!

In this tutorial, Jan takes you through step by step process of creating a Monogram in the Create and Cut software! Learn how to use the weld, outline, and other tools to create your own one of a kind unique gift!

Dowload this great tutorial and get started today! CLICK HERE

Stained Glass Ornament Technique

by Michelle Hessler, Paperthreads

Stained Glass

The art of stained glass is as old as we can remember. With the first stained glass in recorded history starting around the time of substantial church building during the10th Century. You could find stained glass depictions of Christ and other biblical scenes among many of the German and French built churches throughout England.

When we purchased our first home a few years ago, it was originally built in 1912. It had two original stained glass windows still in the front wndows of the home. I was constantly fascinated with the beautiful colors that would come through the windows when the morning sun would come up over the horizon!

With this in mind, I was excited to discover some great tools and the quick ability to create some stained glass effect to make quick and easy ornaments using my cutter, some Gelly Roll Pens, and vinyl! CLICK HERE for the step by step guide in creating your own Stained glass ornaments!

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