Last week my friend Rachel and I took a road trip to Alexandria, Virginia to meet one of my favorite children’s book illustrator/author, Jan Brett. Her detailed artwork is amazing!!! I was thrilled to meet her and get an autographed copy of her newest book, Gingerbread Christmas! I love books and reading as much as I love to stamp! I made these little treats for my students to go with this new Gingerbread story.
I started with a piece of 2 x 7 1/2″ DSP from Candy Cane Lane. I punched one end using the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch. I scored the other end at 2 and 2 1/4. I folded on the score lines and secured each end with a glue dot at the top. I cut the gingerbread house out from another piece of DSP using my Paper Snips and glued it to the front. I stamped the gingerbread man using early espresso ink and punched him out with the Cookie Cutter Builder Punch. The bow tie is stamped in real red ink. I attached the bow tie and the gingerbread man with glue dots. I love the real red stitched ribbon and used that to thread through the top of the paper and around the candy cane. I used the Candy Cane Lane Baker’s Twine to tie a bow and keep it secure . Jan Brett’s team was most generous and gave me extra buttons and booklets for each of my Pre-K students. They are going to love the story and their treats!
Rachel and I had a fun time (until we had to drive home 2 hours in FOG)! Here’s some photos from our adventure.
Now I need your help! Jan Brett is giving away 10 books to the person who receives the most votes from Facebook voters. Go to http://www.facebook.com/byjanbrett and vote for my photo with the tour bus! There’s only 1 week left in the contest and our school would love to win these books! Look for this silly photo of me.
I love to give books as gifts and it is always fun to make something to go with it…a card or a treat (or both). I have given Jan Brett’s book, The Mitten, to so many kids over the years and I would always include a pair of mittens. If you shop Kohl’s, they have a great program, Kohl’s Cares. They sell great classic books with stuffed animal characters (for just $5 each) and 100% of the net profit from the sale support kid’s health and education initiatives in communities nationwide. Whenever a parent asks me what they can do to help their child in school, my first response is always READ!!!! It’s simple, rewarding, and so effective! (I’ll spare you all the research and experience which proves it!)
So, to sum up today’s post…buy a book, make a card or treat to go with it, read to a child, and vote for me on facebook! LOL (Oh, and feel free to shop my online store!)
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!
Just Stampin’
Jeanie
J, I looked through “15” pages of photos on the facebook site but didn’t see your picture! Did you have a title that might help me find it?
Thanks Sheila…I really appreciate you trying. When I posted the photo it said it needed to be “approved”. Guess it just took longer than expected.
I am so jealous. I’m a 1st grade teacher and am in the middle of my Gingerbread unit. I always do it in December and planned on ending this year with the new book! I was thrilled when they came out with the punch . Gingerbread for all the children. We’ve used it for everything. Good luck.
I am starting my gingerbread activities next week…Can’t wait!
You are such a HOOT! I am so happy that you have a fun “field trip” like this! Way to go – I am sure you were in your glory and the bookmark is not only adorable, it is PERFECT for the book! Loved the picture by the truck – it made me laugh thinking of your Museum post!
Unlike the museum pics I can win prizes for this one! LOL
I think her art work is absolutely amazing! I’m envious that you got to meet her.
~M~
She is as fabulous a speaker a she is an author/illustrator! She actually did an art lesson and showed how she does her illustrations! It was wonderful!
Hi Jeanie…looks like a fun trip. My girls and I have all her books. The illustrations are awesome. We met her years ago at a small bookstore in our area and she was so nice. I wish I was aware of her tour…she actually was right down the road from me at my local Wegmans last Sunday…so sorry I missed it! I tried to find your picture to vote but couldn’t find it….do you know what page in the gallery it was on?
She has not changed…just as nice and a great motivational speaker. Wish I could have had my students with me! Evidently my photo had to be “approved” which is why it wasn’t up sooner! (My reputation must precede me. LOL)Thanks for trying!
Awesome books and author! I love your enthusiasm and will vote for you!
Thank you so much!!!
I’ve been a fan of Jan Brett since you told me about her many years ago. I’m so glad you got to meet her!
I always love sharing good books with you!
You got my vote!
Thanks a bunch!
Oh dear . . . I’m trying to catch up on all the posts I’ve been missing. I voted for you . . . I was #48! You were on page 5. Good Luck I hope you win. I love books too. I have a Kohl’s right in my town and I’ll be checking out their program. Have a wonderful weekend.
🙂