Saturday, July 25, 2020

Keeping Christmas {Santa Mail} + GIVEAWAY


It's the most wonderful time of the month! It's always fun when the 25th of the month rolls around and I get a chance to feel the spirit of Christmas for a day or two! Thank you for joining me and the rest of the Keeping Christmas team as we share some fresh inspiration for you to get a head start on your Christmas preparations!
I'm also doing a fun GIVEAWAY for Christmas in July!!! This giveaway is for U.S.  residents only! I will be giving away a $50.00 gift certificate to The Greetery and a brand-new, never been opened Downton Abbey movie! Every year after Christmas I re-watch the entire series, so I thought it would be fun to add this into the giveaway! I will be picking a random winner from the comments left on this post! I will leave the comments open until Tuesday, July 28th at 12 noon MDT! 

Make sure you hop along to the other designers' blogs to see what fabulous inspiration they have in store for you today!

Kelly Lunceford (Creator)
 Claire Broadwater (off this month)
 Nance Salkeld (off this month)


It's no secret that I love a postal theme, and a Christmas postal theme is the cherry on top! I've shared a few Christmas postal ideas already this year, so these go nicely with what I've already made! My mind has been turning with different ways to use the new Create-a-Crate die and I thought it would be fun to make a Christmas crate! 
These are perfect to tuck some holiday treats, maybe a little jar of jam, the list goes on and on! I really wanted to explore stamping on these muslin bags and the idea to make them "Santa Mail" bags popped into my mind! One of my all-time favorite stamp sets is  Santa Stationery and I knew the images would stamp nicely onto the little bags!

I chose a few different images from the set and added them using black and Pure Poppy ink. I did free hand, but you could try putting a piece of cardstock down inside the bags and use a stamp positioner to make sure you got it just right!

I filled the bags up with some Hershey's Nuggets for photography purposes, but you could fill them up with all kinds of things. This 3 by 4 size would be perfect to hold a gift card as well. You could put the gift card in the muslin bag and then add some treats inside the crate. My plan definitely includes some vintage foil wrapped Santas! 

I absolutely LOVE the muslin bags from Papertrey Ink. I used one of those on THIS project (scroll down) but bought some from Amazon for today's project. I would DEFINITELY recommend the ones from Papetrey Ink. These are more flimsy and see-through, which I DON'T like! Oh well....you live and learn!

Once I had the candy inside the bag, I cinched it up and tied the remaining cord into a bow! You could also add a little tag to the cord as well for added detail!

I die cut all of the pieces for the crates and then used the included woodgrain embossing panel to give each crate that realistic look! Also, I found that if I didn't push out the paper that is left in the holes in each of the four corners as I was doing the die cutting, it will leave the circles intact. This eliminates the need to use brads or any other type of embellishment. I was making multiples and I don't have enough mini brads on hand!

I ended up by making three crates and three stamped muslin bags in total! I love having little gifts like this on hand when it comes time to put together my gift ensembles!

I adorned the front of each crate with the beautiful branch from the Winter Sketches Stamp Set. I also used the Santa stamp from the Santa Stationery stamp set, but die cut it using the Pretty Postmarks dies. I used those same dies for the other postal elements for the front. The Special Delivery and wavy postal lines are from the Pretty Postmarks stamp set

The Create-a-Crate die collection comes with the frame portion to add to the end of the crate. I used one of the other sprigs of berries and greenery to adorn this particular end. The sentiment is from the Sentiment Suite: Christmas stamp set and is stamped in black and then I added the die cut frame portion around it using liquid glue.

The other side of each of the crates has another sentiment from the same set paired with the pine cone image from the Winter Sketched stamp set. It adds just the right amount of extra detail that I love!

You could also do a chalkboard look like I did on my peach crate during the release! I just really love the light and airy look of these side panels for this project!

I added some paper shred to the inside of each crate to give it some added detail and charm. It also helps secure whatever it is that you are putting inside the crate. 

Here is the final product all ready to go, minus all of the holiday treats and sweets that will be added when Christmas rolls around! This was a fun project to work on and I can't wait to make more crates for other occasions!

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win my GIVEAWAY!! Thanks for fluttering by!






54 comments:

Julie Bitner said...

Your lovely project has put me in a very festive mood! So pretty.

C said...

I just ordered the crate die! So excited to see you used it for Christmas...love, love, your “Keeping Christmas” posts even though it’s hard to think Christmas in the steamy sub-tropics.
Thanks for the inspiration!

Holly Saveur said...

So gorgeous..lovely crate..and gift..love those cute bags too!
not yet making Xmas cards..still making B-day card gift bags....(Bags with lots of different cards ...so they can send out some love too.....)

Poppyseed Vintage said...

Your Christmas post is such a treat today! LOVE what you did with the crate, and especially love your Downton Abbey tradition!

Dorcas said...

This project is awesome!! Great for a friend, a customer, or just someone to lift them up at Christmas! or adjust for anytime. Thank you for your ideas.

Kelly said...

I’m late to the party but a new Greetery fan! Love your projects and especially love the little treat bags! Thanks for the wonderful inspiring post!

Donna said...

Oh Kelly, your creativity is amazing! I cannot wait for my crate dies to arrive on Monday. Maybe one or several family members will see the crates at Christmas!!! Thank you for sharing your great ideas!

Isabel Z said...

What a feast for my eyes! You are so incredibly talented. Thank you for inspiring me to create and for the chance to win such amazing prizes.

Peg said...

Kelly, your work always inspire me. Love this project!!! Thanks for sharing your incredible talent and a chance to win such a generous prize.

Lisa Schenck said...

Kelly, I just love this post! I love all of your posts!!! You are SO inspiring! I so love The Greetery & love your Downton Abbey tradition, and I would just love to win your generous prize! How nice of you!!!

Debbie said...

Oh My! Super cute! Both the little crate & the muslin bags. Thanks for the Christmas inspiration!

TLady said...

Kelly, I am LOVING this little crate in RED! HOW ADORABLE!!! You've made me think.... WHAT ELSE could be done with this little crate??? Living on a farm (or not,) this little crate seems to be THE THING to have, & is SO CUTE for gift giving from "Down on the farm!" One idea- Easter, filled with Chocolate Eggs! I LOOOVE your little stamped bag too! I've been stamping on fabric here lately too & LOVE IT! THANK YOU for the SUPER Christmas idea! AND for your generous give-away! WHAT A TREAT today here on your blog!

RuthCM said...

Kelly, thank you for creating with items I have on hand and haven't used yet! I love your little Christmas crates. They're not only for peaches!

Jean said...

Such darling projects! What a wonderful way to use these stamps! Thank you for the inspiratioN!

Nancy Penir said...

Oh Kelly, these are so festive and cheery! You detailed them to perfection. Christmas crates are on my to-do list now...

Cindy H. said...

Wow, what a treat it is to look through all these lovely pictures today! They are giving me lots of inspiration for holiday gift giving. I LOVE everything you've created today especially those adorable little crates.

appledaylady1309@aol.com said...

This is such a cute idea for the holidays. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity!

Cindy Otto said...

What a darling idea! Love the crates and I have the Postmark set! I usually give money and candy for my grandkids for Christmas andthis is perfect. I just love your creative ideas and this Keeping Christmas idea has really benefitted me. Thank you so much!

Carol H. said...

Kelly, you always have THE most adorable Christmas projects! I love these little treat crates you made! All are beautiful!

Jan said...

You never fail to amaze me with your clever and cute ideas! These are marvelous--anyone would be thrilled to be on the receiving end of such a darling gift.

Darnell said...

And no one does postal theme art as well as you, Kelly, especially your Christmas designs! These look professionally made from top to bottom!! Hugs, Darnell

pat phillips said...

I have that crate die from the Greetery and it comes together so easily. Thanks for the Christmas idea to use - look likes fun! P.S. - I always like postal:)

TeresaC said...

Kelly, you are brilliant at postal themed cards and all other cards! I am excited to see you those stamps and dies because I have some of them!!

grateful said...

Such a great idea with the crate! It looks adorable. Thank You for the inspiration! With Gratitude, Cassie

Too Graphic Design/ Mary Ann Anderson said...

Kelly, I am such a fan of your card making skills and don't tell you often enough how much inspiration you have given me through the years. You are always so generous with your ideas and your talent. Love that you take the time to remind me of Christmas every month. Your Greetery Christmas crates are adorable and so beautifully crafted. I am always so impressed by your creativity, cute messages and how many lives you touch with your many porch deliveries to your neighbors and friends. I have a new Greetery order waiting for a couple of items to get back in stock. Thank you for inspiring me to be better at reaching out to others.

Kim Heggins said...

Oh my goodness...so much merriment here!!! Love everything you have created from the sweet goodie bags to your fabulous box!!!

Sandy said...

I'm so happy to see a project for Christmas using the create a crate die and some of the older stamp sets from PTI. You always give me ideas to bring out the sets I have put away for a while.

Denise Bryant said...

Beautiful Christmas creations! I love the cute crate box, and the bags are just adorable!
Thanks for the chance to win your awesome giveaway! The gift card would be so fun to use towards my wish list at The Greetery, and I am a big DA fan! Loved the movie in the theater and it would be great to see it again!

Connie said...

Fantastic project ideas, Kelly!

Marcia Hill said...

Your crates and bags are absolutely ADORABLE Kelly...you always have the best ideas for gift giving!! And so glad to hear you're a Downton Abbey fan too...I just love that whole series and the movie too! Thanks for such awesome inspiration today and every month too...I totally look forward to the 25th each month!! :0)

Vickie R. said...

Your little Santa bags are just darling! And I love how you used the create-a-crate with a Christmas theme! Thank you for sharing your endless creativity!

blaze said...

Oh, your Christmas gift crates are over-the-moon darling!!! Every time I see one of your adorable gift ideas, I just melt. You put your heart and soul into every one, and the recipent of your gift must treasure it! Just so you know that your Keeping Christmas posts are doing their job. I have begun, in earnest, my cards for this year. I started by copying 3 of your designs using Pine Blossom from The Greetery: the lilac, pink, and red ones. I actually used 6 different color schemes -- so much fun!

Chris said...

These projects are so beautiful! I especially love what you did with the crates and the little sacks. Thank you for such beautiful inspiration.

Pam said...

Great inspo for the crate. Such cute create-a-crates for Christmas gifts!

Joybug75 said...

So beautiful!! Definitely putting me in the Christmas Spirit! Love the Greetery’s latest release with that cute crate! Beautiful job!

Marie said...

Love this darling Christmas Crate. I haven't purchased the crate die yet, but had planned to do so in August. I get excited when I see a post from you, you do such fun and pretty work.
Love the postage look on the crate as well.

Pat said...

I looked at everything for quite some time. Oh my, you really outdid yourself on this project!
Wonderfully thought out. Super job. Love it all.....

Sue D said...

Clever Christmas crates. Love the postal theme and the stamped muslin bags.

Anonymous said...

Marisela Delgado said: wow, you always make beautiful cards! You are so amazing! I LOVE and miss Downton Abbey! Thanks for such a great giveaway! Marisela. mariandmonsterd@yahoo.com

Nancy said...

You have a very creative mind! Love your Christmas muslin bags and the decorative boxes too. I get inspired every time I visit. Downtown Abbey is the best series ever! Thanks for this opportunity!

jan metcalf said...

Was going to try and 'get by' without Betsy's crate, but you are the best enabler ever! Adorable gifties!! Love your creativity Kelly! Downtown Abbey has come highly recommended but I have not yet taken the plunge, what better time to do so, a pandemic!!

Birgit said...

Your little Christmas crates are adorable!! I always enjoy seeing your "Keeping Christmas" posts and this one is extra exciting because I love your creations, I love Downton Abbey and my birthday is in July, so I'm crossing my fingers, my toes and my eyes hoping my name will come up. Thanks for the generous giveaway.

Notes by Nina said...

Kelly you are the best inspiration, these are such fabulous projects.

Miriam Prantner said...

I love your little crates, but it's those little bags that have my heart! There's something about stamping on muslin that just makes me happy, kind of like white on kraft. There are just so perfect! Thanks for the chance to win too!

Anita said...

Such a cute treat box. A great way to use the crate for another occasion.

Betty said...

Love all the Christmas goodness! That little crate is awesome! I love the Greetery and Betsy’s designs! ❤️❤️❤️

Vikki H said...

I guess that I'll join the line for the wonderful give away! I love Betsy's new company too. Your box is too cute and thanks for the info on PTI's bags.

diane sims said...

How Fabulous!! The Greetery is my very favorite stamp com, and besides Betty, I would know your work anywhere!! I am a huge fan. Thanks for offering such a great gift !

mel h said...

I love these! I’ve never seen Downton Abbey so that would be fun too!

Debbie said...

Hi Kelly, your Keeping Christmas posts are always adorable and filled with inspiration. Now I'm regretting not ordering the the "crate". I hope you have a wonderful week.

Stephanie Clapper said...

I love The Create a Crate so much, it was my favorite product from The Greetery’s last release. Instead of making a crate, I used it as a blue background for my card. It was so unexpected and so pretty! I can’t wait to use them for Christmas and find a theme to decorate like you did with your postal crates. So much fun!

Melissa Sibert said...

Love your Christmas crate project using some old Papertrey Santa Stationary stamps. I haven’t seen the Downton Abbey movie but enjoyed watching a few seasons of the tv series.

Ruthie said...

Kelly these are adorable!!! Love the postal theme too!!

Ruthie said...

Making these cute little boxes and wondered if you put frames on both ends and postage decor on both sides?