Christmas Gifts from The Cherry, More Festive Templates and Well Wishes For All

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

How awesome of you to take the time to visit our festive blog for this super special time of year.  I'm such a crazy, crazy fan of the winter holidays.  All of the houses decorated in their finery.  I've had my tree up since November this time.  I've been feeling so down with all of these restrictions, lockdowns and not being able to get a hair cut or hug my own darn mom.  Officially, I could choose to hug either my mom or my dad, but not both?!  What the hell kind of world are we living in?!  So, I've put my tree up super early and have immersed myself in activities around the house since I can't go out anywhere besides the grocery store.  I've found myself dressing up to go to the grocers lately!  Hehehe...I'll continue to blow the dust off of my new, unworn dress I bought this spring and hope that one day, I'll be able to wear it out.

Nothing helps get over these odd and unfortunate times like perusing delicious recipes, beautiful scrapbooking pages or even going through old scrapbooks and remembering when it completely normal to hug your students and neighbors.  Think of small chores you might be able to do in and outside of your own home.  Of course, if the hardware stores are closed, it could be tough, but then ya just gotta be creative.  We all need to be more creative, right now.

We have to find unconventional or different ways to find happiness and contentment.  I'm in the process of creating a list of things to do if you're suffering from the Quarantine Blues. (Feel free to comment if you've any ideas we can put on it.)

I've put a few templates in our Design Bundles shop that are Commercial Use friendly.  Pop over and see all of our goodies we've put in over the last few weeks.  They are ALL Commercial Use and I've put many products at 50% off, too.  For just a few dollars, you can get new, quality Commercial Use products.

These are today's new templates.  What do ya think of my hand drawn tree?  I had the first two templates in mind for so long.  The first one did not come out as I planned, but it's just the masks that bother me.  Keep reading to see what I and my team have done with it.  They are so clever.  The reason I drew my own tree was because I could not get just the right tree for template number 2.  I needed a huge one that was really wide and would provide enough space for all of these delightful pockets.  I tried once and failed.  Then came back a few days later and the entire thing just came all out really fast.  Feel free to use just the tree template as you like for any page.  

This first page is mine.  I left the masks, but they just ain't do'n it for me.  I'd prefer a slender frame or maybe even a Polaroid style frame with the numbers.  Hilary did something really cool with them, though.  Keep scrolling to see another great idea.

Gorgeous goodies from the Sweet Shoppe!  I finally broke into my DSD stash.

I just love this tiered tray rage.  I'm still on the hunt for the perfect one for in my own house.  I've got a huge island and I would give a pinky toe for the perfect fit on it.  I've only seen a very few and they were either way too small for the space or I'd have to sell a child to pay for it.  Hehehe...I suppose they are not all of the rage in Europe.  I found some glass, footed pie and fruit trays and stacked those.  It's very elegant and even practical.  

I envisioned this template full of cocoa goodies.  Tiny marshmallows, a whimsical mug or two, candy canes...I do love Anita's page.  A lovely traditional touch with a sprinkling of glam and yummy bubbly, too.  She knew I'd like that part.

If you know Cindy, then you'll recognize her sassy page.  Most fitting this time of year.

A Blagovesta kit from the Sweet Shoppe.

Here's a super, super idea on how to use the masks.  Move them around, merge them together and clip in a huge photo.  I just LOVE this idea.  You could use this template for any time of year, right?

More from the Sweet Shoppe and Traci Reed.

Here's our Charlotte stealing the show, again.  Dressed in her Christmas best and adorning the tree with cuteness.  What a super fun page.

Just look at all of that sparkling background effect with a touch of traditional pieces.  The page looks really fresh and luxurious.

I told my gang that I was not digging the masks and that they were very challenging for me and Kim just had to give them a try because of it.  I'd say her page is a jaw dropper.  Not only are the colors beyond fabulous and reminiscent of my home away from home, Florida but she also used our collaboration with Art & Life Scraps, Flamazing Christmas.  Whoo hoo!

She could easily change the date by simply duplicating the zero and ditching the 1.  I'm so glad I went back and change the template up a bit after using it.  I had all of the lights merged which did not lend to flexibility and easy use.  They are separate now.

This is another super fun page with a birthday theme and I find it just perfect.  A fantastic way to use the template, for sure.  Theresa is my star.

A kit from Connie Prince.

Retired goodies from Paty Greif.

How are you digging Felicity's page?  The team went a bit nuts over it.  The kit looks amazing as do the pictures and the overall vibe of the page.  The contrasting blue and red looks sizzling!

Gorgeousness from the Digital Scrapbooking Studio.

You are so lucky that GingerScraps is a having a Christmas sale, right now.  You've only a few more days, but ALL of our new holiday themed templates and kits are 40% off.  We've got well over a dozen products in the shop included in the sale.  Grab a cup or glass of something delicious and peruse our shop and take advantage of the last sale of the year.

Grab this FREE printable calendar from last week.

Here's your new gift.  A free template that is both Personal and Commercial use.  I was thinking you could use the large round ornaments as photo spots.  It might make a gorgeous card, poster, tag...

If you are a subscriber to our newsletter then you should have received all four links to this free kit by now.  If you are still not subscribed, make it your New Year's resolution to join our family and let us spoil you with our digital delights, challenges, anecdotes...

Next week, will be yet another free mini and yet another gift that you are sure to love.  Make sure to read that mail next Saturday so you do not miss out.  There will be a sweet surprise in there that will keep you scrapping for days at least.

Let me show off some holiday projects from older entries that might interest you.

I've got a tutorial on how to design a long card like this one.

Here's another tutorial on how to make a square card.  There's a free template and a free card there, too.

If you are still needing cards to get you through the weekend, check out these.  They are also FREE.

Again, thanks for giving us some of your time.  Especially, in these busy days.  Consider this an open invitation to join us in our scrap-a-licious group on Facebook, Instagram and our Pinterest is totally hopping.  I've got dozens of crafty, creative, homey boards over there.  Delicious recipes (including vegan recipes), gift ideas, freebies from around the web, DIY cosmetics and much much more.

If you have any questions, by all means hit us up.  We are here for your crafting scrapping needs as well as a friend.

I wish for you all a year full of smiles, health and joyful times.

Happy holidays and happy scrapping!

Free Printable Mother's Day Ideas

Welcome to The Cherry On Top.

I've got a totally different kind of blog, today.  We're still providing freebies and plenty of inspiration, but we've got more of a tale to tell as well.  Sit back, scroll through slowly, ooh and ahh at all of the lovely images, read about mom and get inspired to do something lovely for you dear mother.

All of the images are linked up to previous blogs and or the place to find the collections.

As you may know, I used to live in the States.  In 2003, I moved to Europe and now I rarely get to see my parents.  The flight is just a killer for all of us.  Above is my mom with my youngest on one of her few trips to Belgium.  My son that she is holding is now 10 and we've only seen her one other time since then.

I did a traditional scrap showing off a tutorial on how you can use this fun starburst. I've also provided a free template so you can do it, too.  It might not be as difficult as you think.  Up for the challenge?  Click on the image to get to that blog.

The nut doesn't fall far from the tree when it comes to me and my ma.  I get my creativity from her and my dad.  Though, they both will tell you they are not creative. I beg to differ!  My mom has quite an eye for design, though not trained.  She loves interior design and she did go to beauty school for a bit.  Though our styles may not be the same they can be complementive.

One of our few family vacations with the entire family sure holds sweet memories.  I just love scrapbooking my mother and letting all of those memories come flowing back.  Things I'd never think about if I didn't continuously go through these lovely photos every couple of days and then refer back to older blogs, like the ones linked up here and see them all over again.  They always bring a smile and warm my heart.

There's mom with my oldest.  He's 12 now!  What a tiny, little darling and what a wonderful teacher my mom is.  The babies always love my mom.  They felt right at home with her and were always so good. 

Layer up some pretty papers, frame mom and add a few ellies around.  Soft pastels can look so, so sweet.  Make her a traditional or a digital album.  Have it printed professionally or print out the pages and slide them into a traditional album.  I recently blogged how, here and it doesn't take long or cost much.

Here's my Mother-In-Law and my oldest, in Spain.  These pages use Aimee Harrison Designs collections.  If I could match up any designer with mom in mind projects, it HAS to be Aimee Harrison.  Her design epitomises all that is sweet, special, sacred and beautiful.  Just like mom.

The above page was designed with a freebie.  It changes every month on Facebook and I've linked up the page to Aimee's Facebook.  See what's there, now!

Show off photos of your mom's grandchildren beautifully.  Melt her heart through your design and sentimental journaling.

Show off photos of fun, frivolity with real expressions of happiness and love and she may just tear up.

That's my hubs and I beautifully photographed by my autistic 8 year old.  I hope he forever remembers his mother's happiness and candour.  I know I do!

I've linked up Aimee's blog where you can find a freebie for this collection and don't miss out on the "Freebie" button at the top of her blog.

Include photos of you and special places you've gone together.  Nothing like bringing back memories of a great trip with the family.

Think of fun anecdotes to add to your pages.  As much as we love wine, my mother is extremely picky about her wine.  We tease her with her "eggs" and "vinegar" criticism.  Hehehe...Ya gotta add the touch of Jersey accent to get the giggles and guffaws.

Remind mom of times gone by.  That's my hubs with his family when he was quite the character.  Boy, did this shot bring back memories.  Only, I'm not sure how good they were.  They can laugh now, but not back then.  Sure glad I didn't know him then!  Hehehe...Apparently, he was very naughty. 

Family events are another great way to scrap.  Aimee's not afraid to go bright and fun either!  Just look at how gorgeous this collection is!  So many smiles in the photos.

Let's look back at some freebies I've had on the blog that might make mom merry.

I've designed this tea bag envelop template that you can can use to make your own.  I've got several blogs with tea bag designs and tutorials.  Here and here is yet another blog full of more ideas and free printables and tutorials that mom might like.

Recently, I showed how to use Aimee Harrison's borders to make gorgeous book markers.  You can still get this one free by clicking on the preview, above.

Here's a free, printable card also using Aimee Harrison designs.  Think of a sweet sentiment to put on the inside or jump on Google and use someone else's.  Hehehe...

Look!  I've got a free template and tutorial on how to make pin wheels.  Make them large or shrink up the freebie and put them on your scrap pages.

This blog is just full of stuff mom's will like.  Take a long look around and get something just right for your mom.

If you are a mom, I hope you to be the recipient of a nice, stressless day being showered with lavish gifts, love, laughs and all that you deserve. 

Thanks for checking out The Cherry!