Bespoke Envelopes

Yesterday I showed you some wordbooks made using  the CD's from Funky Hand.

But once you have made this project you may be wondering how you are going to send it to the recipient.

Well ! the best way is to make an envelope especially for it ... because until you have decided on the word you want to use ... then you won't know how big the envelope needs to be.

Making your own envelopes means you will be able to get one that fits any size or shape that you want.

And you can make them in any colour that suits your scheme.

Bespoke Envelopes will show you how to create them in easy steps and you will never be short of an envelope again .

Hugs Christina xx

Word Books

Another easy to create book that can be for lots of occasions.  These are some that I have made for my family and friends over the years and they are all made from CD's from Funky Hand

This is one that has proved to be extemely popular and I have been asked to make this several times.

They are very easy to create and as long as the word you want is not too long then you will have no trouble with them at all.

The video instructions to make them can be found  Here  ... but you will also find full instructions on the CD's and the downloads.

A very pretty project to do and you can add all the embellishments that you have from your "Stash"

Hugs Christina xx

Memory Books

This little project is a gift that can be adapted for any occasion... and it is one that will need a box to show it off to it's full advantage. 

Instructions are on the website about the making of this  Memory Book    from the cover  ...

...  to the envelopes inside that will hold all those little treasures.

It can be for any occasion that you want ... the one above is for a new baby (Not Isabella)   and the one below is one I was asked to make for a Silver Wedding Anniversary.

It is one of many easy to do projects that are covered on the website    Card Making Magic

The flowers on the anniversary card are from Wild Orchid Crafts

Hugs Christina xx

Super Easy Fold

This card is so easy to create from just one piece of A4 card... a couple of creases and the card is ready for you to shape and decorate.

I have stamped the images, from Lili of the Valley,  and coloured them in with Promarkers.

They have some lovely new designs out now and you will be spoiled for choice.

I have called this the Tilt Card  and this is the video tutorial on how to get the look for yourself.

It has been on YouTube for a little while and had a good response.

And here's a piece of news I am happy to share with you ...  that my videos have had 602,000 views on YouTube.

So who's a happy cookie then!!

The Rose is created from the Paper Roses Tutorial  and added on top of some white feathers.

The luxury foiled card for the base is from Hunkydory
and you will find some beautiful patterns for all occasions.

The image is one I have had in my collection for a long time and I can't remember where I got it from.

I hope you will give this a try.....it is easy ... honest.

Hugs Christina xx

Less Postage More Style...

I love to make cards with lots of flowers and ribbons on them which often means I have to also make a box to give the card in because of the height invloved.

But what happens if you want to post the card and the cost is too much.... Well! the simple answer is... make it flatter.

That doesn't mean that you have to lose the style, and the card can be just as pretty without the height that
the flowers give.

Cards for Posting is the latest video to be added to the website and is about creating a card that will go easily into an ordinary envelope without compromising on style.

It also covers making the card free standing which will also keep the cost down as it doesn't need an added insert.

The added pink gemstone   "Bling" is from  Want2Scrap 

And the character is from Candy Doodles CD from Polka Doodles and I have coloured her in with Promarkers.

There's not a flower in sight but I had to add the ribbons ... and I still think it is a pretty card.

Hugs Christina xx

Purely personal ...

This is the little beauty that the Christening Cards were made for and I think she is just adorable.... but then I am very biased.

Her name is Isabella and she is my Great Grand-daughter and she was born on the 16th October 2011.

.

It was her Christening yesterday 25-03-12

Isabella  looked beautiful for her big day ... but was extremely bored with the whole proceedings and went to sleep. 

She is the fourth generation to my family and here we are.

Great Grandmother (me)...   Daddy  (my Grandson) with Isabella ... and Grandmother (my Daughter Vickie)

It was a really good day and the sun shone throughout ... and the diet went out the window ... oh! well start again today!!

Hugs Christina xx

Candy Doodles CD

This is another CD from the Polka Doodles  range and they are all just filled with goodies for you to play with.

This one is from the Candy Doodles and the image was coloured with Alcohol  pens from Promarkers

The backgound is Colour Core, and it has been run through the die cutting machine, with an embossing folder, and then sanded to bring out the pattern.

The border is from the the Floral Doily Accents from Spellbinders and it has been linked over the image.  

The border around the image itself has been created using the   Faux Nestie  technique to create a thin edge to the topper.

The Nestabling swirl is from  Want2Scrap and adds the finishing touch.

And the ribbon and flower were made from some ribbon which was wrapped around a new pair of pyjamas I bought at the weekend .... waste not want not !!

Hugs Christina xx

Sugarplum Daisy CD

Staying with the Sugarplum Daisy CD from  Polka Doodles  for todays card. 

I have used the same fairy images from yesterday ... just added them in a different layout.  There are other characters for you to choose in different poses.

They come in four sizes for you to cut out and use with Spellbinders if you have them... or just mat and layer as you would like.

If you aren't happy to colour the images then they come ready coloured so you can just print them off as they are on the disc.

But if you are then you can use the line drawings
 to colour in your self.

The papers are in blue and pink and layered  onto some plain pink card.

The Lacy border is from the Persian  Accents from Spellbinders and it is cut from Glitter card, and the blue satin ribbon has been added to the top.

I thought I would add some blue buttons for a change but then decided to add the flowers as well.

Well why not???   The flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts

The fairy in the foreground has been added with   Pinflair Glue Gel   to give her height, and  the  wings have been sparkled with the lovely Glamour Dust for added effect.

A very pretty card for many occasions.

Hugs Christina xx

New CD from Polkadoodles

The new CD from Polkadoodles is full of delightful images and backing papers that all mix and match together.

It's called Sugar Plum Daisy and it is a pleasure to work with... especially if you like to make really girly cards.

I have made the card with the fold at the top and matted one of the back ground papers onto some turquoise card.

The wings on the images and the flowers have had Glamour Dust added.

The flower strip at the front of the card has been attached to some acetate and bowed slightly, to raise it off the main body of the card.

I stuck it in place behind the matting and then added them all to the card front.

I cut out another of the images and added it to the acetate strip (you can just see the shine on the acetate to the right of the child)

The sentiment is from the CD and that too has been added to a strip of acetate to allow it to float over the card front.

Hugs Christina xx

Persian Motifs and Accents

This another card made featuring the Persian Motifs and Accents from Spellbinders.... I wish they would stop coming up with new ones... it's costing me a fortune ... coz I can't resist them.

But this new set is just so gorgeous it would make any card look beautiful.

I love the lacy effect from the border die and that could be threaded with fine ribbon or dotted with pearls along the edge.

My imagination starts to go into over dive when I see a new addition ot the Spellbinders range.

The background has been embossed with Flora M-bossabilities folder

The oval behind the sentiment is the Floral ovals and I have cut the largest and the next size down.

I stamped the sentiment onto the smaller one before I cut it out and turned it sideways on top of the other.

I used some Nestabling from Want2Scrap ... but I cut it up to fit behind the rotated sentiment piece.

The silk ribbon is threaded through one of the dies from the  Ribbon Buckles  with a pearl added on top... and of course the Hatpin that goes with it.

The Hatpins and end protectors are available from the
Sparkles Group and don't forget to add the code CGDIS5 for an automatic discount at the checkout.

Hugs Christina xx

Cream and Gold

Cream and Gold is such a winning combination for any card,  but really suits the wedding theme which is getting into full swing at this time of the year.

You could add any embellishments that you have in your "Stash" ... but for mine I have added the pearly Nestabling  swirls tucked under the Floral Ovals from Spellbinders.

I have added cream ribbon that is edged in gold and tied into a large bow for the top of the oval.

The sentiment has been stamped onto the oval with Versamark and heat embossed in a fine Gold detail powder.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts  and they have the addition of Glamour Dust along the edge of the petals. 

I created the Decorative Hatpin which is removable and will make a small  a gift for the recipient.

The Hatpins come complete with end protectors from the Sparkles Group  ... and if you add the code CGDIS5  then a 5% discount off your order will be applied automatically at the checkout.

Hugs Christina xx

Spellbinders and Polka Doodles...

These Spellbinders  are some of the ones I bought at the Craft show and they are the Persian Accents, and the Floral Ovals layered over the top of the Romantic Rectangles.

The background has been embossed with the Buttefly Garden Impressabilities and the pink oval with the Crackle embossing folder.

What a great combination it is with the image from the "Pretty Sweet" CD from Polka Doodles.

I have cut small slits along side the childs knees and threaded the ribbon through to make it look as if she is sat on the ribbon, and attached a large bow to the side.... with the Hatpin  added as a small gift.

The pink gemstone swirl is from Want2Scrap and is one of many beautiful designs.

The flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts  and are a mixture of Roses and Carnations, with the Foliage at the back.

They have had a sprinkle of Glamour Dust as the finishing touch.

Hugs Christina xx

Card Making Sketches

Many people sit and look at that piece of card for a long time  because they don't know where to start with cutting or folding it.... and maybe it is a favorite piece that you have stroked for a while.

Making a  sketch  from any idea that pops into your head can help you no end in your cardmaking.

You don't have to have drawing skills, just jot down the idea quickly while it is still fresh in your mind and then whenever you are stuck  you can look back through the sketches that you have drawn ... and inspire yourself.

Drawing out something like this can give you some idea of what the card will look like when you have finished.

Pick out the colours that you like and raid your "Stash" for any embellishments that you have saved up.

Try different colour schemes to see which you like the best.

Add matting and layering panels of different sizes, shapes, patterns , colours and textures to add interest to your card.

Try placing items in a "dry run" before you glue anything in place and that way you will be able to move things around if you don't like the look.

But that sketch can give you the grounding that can be the starting point for any of your creations.

Once you are happy with the look go ahead and glue it all together.

Then the next time you use the sketch ... ring the changes and play aound with it... mirror the drawing, turn it up side down, rotate it in one direction  ... and then the other way on your next card.

With your sketch and your imagination there will be no end to the possibilities you can play around with.

Why don't you pop over to the website at Card Making Magic and join the mailing list to recieve your free copy of the  Newsletter  each month,  and  get your free copy of the

                 "Card Making Sketches"

booklet at the same time.

Hugs Christina xx

Die Cutting Machines

I always respond personally to any questions that I am asked ... but I thought it may be a good idea to also add those questions to the Blog and answer them here as well ... for anybody that may have the same query.

The question was

"What is the difference between the Cuttlebug/Big Shot  and the Grand Calibur?

All die cutting machines do basically the same thing and that is take cardstock and a die through rollers to cut the shape of the die into that card. They can also emboss the shape.

The Cuttlebug and the Big Shot are really good machines. I have the Big Shot and still use it. It is a sturdy work horse that will last me for many years.

But the main difference between these machines and the Grand Calibur is the cutting area.  That is the space in the machine that allows for the die and the cutting plate to roll through.

The Big Shot above has an area that will fit an A5 card (A4 card folded in half) or about 5 x 7"

Both these machines will take dies from other companies but you will need to read the manufacturers instructions on how to layer up the plates to accomodate those different dies.

The Grand Calibur on the other hand is designed with an area that will accomodate the larger A4 size plate ... which means you can load up the cutting plate with more dies to run throught the machine at any one time.

It also means that you can use the larger dies  from other companies that will produce bigger shapes. 

But if you are thinking of buying,  or are already using the smaller dies and you want to collect the large ones, then I would say ...  save for a little longer and get the Grand Calibur in the first place.

There are many die cutting machines on the market so shop around for the best deal you can find.

Each machine has it's own merits and you need to research carefully the machine you are interested in buying to make sure it does eaxcatly what you want it to do.

Hugs Christina  xx

Trellis Card

This was a card that I added to the website along time ago and it has had some really lovely comments about it.

I just ran some card through my paper cutter (obviously not the kind that cuts it into tiny pieces)  and then added them to the aperture.

There is a Video Tutorial on how to get the look and it is very easy to do.

The flowers are made from various punches and dies and added randomly over the front.

But it is very effective and it gets the comments too.

Hugs Christina xx

Stamped Images

The images used on these cards are from the same company as yesterday...Polka Doodles

There are several diffent houses or toadstools that can all be used to create your own village.

You can add trees, fences, flowers and signs to personalise your scene.

Here I used one of the stamps to create the beach house, and the background is coloured in with Promarkers.

But this scene has used the Masking Technique and the same house to create this small village

This is such an easy idea to produce but it can extend  your library of stamps.

Just look again at the ones in your colection and see which stamps you can marry up with a second one to give them a whole new look.

Hugs Christina xx

Cute Characters

Having a focal point to the card gives the eye something to home into., and the composition of it all can make the whole lot  have the "Wow" factor .

And that is something we all want whenever we make that card.

Your focal point could be a flower, a shape, a verse or anything else that you choose to add.

But this card has had the addition of a really cute character.

She is from the "Pretty Sweet" CD from  Polka Doodles  and you will find several more little girls in various poses for you to use.

It is called a "Mini collection" but there is so much stuff on the disc that you will be amazed... and the backing papers are simply gorgeous.

The images come ready coloured  in or with a  line drawing if you prefer to colour your own.

The  Braided Ribbon is shown in a tutorial and makes a very pretty addition to your cards.

The card and the box are made from the papers and character from the CD.

I have sat this one on the edge of the ribbon and the flowers used on all the cards are from Wild Orchid Crafts 

Here is another little girl ... but if you are wanting some wee boys as well then take a look at the "Pretty Tuff" CD from the same company.

Hugs Christina xx

Here's the card...

This is the card I have been making and filming over the last weekend and I am so happy to share it with you.

This is the Pleated Centre Card with Spellbinders.

Again I have used the Labels 20 shape as it really is one of my favourite dies.  I have used all the left over bits from other cards of the Nestabling along the top edge and the effect is quite pleasing

The finished card is so pretty and the photogrpah does not do it full justice ... but I hope you like it and will enjoy the video on how to put it together for yourself.

The second card is done in shades of pink and is very girly. The flowers and leaves are all made form the same papers I used for the pleat and the frame.

The pale pink gemstone Nestabling  from  Want2Scrap   completes  my look,  along with the organza ribbon.

If you try this effect for your self then please let me know what you think.

And maybe you would like to add your photos to the Gallery Page on the website so that we can share your creations.

Hugs Christina xx

My first 100 followers ....

Have you noticed the box at the top of the page that says I now have 100 followers.... YaaaY!

Well thank you to everybody that has joined this Blog ... I am very honoured and amazed at the response.

Both of these cards are 8" squares ...  as I am in a Big Cards phase at present.

I hope you like this card using the Nestabling again and the more I use it ... the more I like it.

This is a clear Diamante swirl that I have cut to the size I needed,  and I have tucked it just under the sentiment,  to emerge from both sides.

There is also a Diamante circle around the edge of the sentiment.

Spellbinders Spiral Blossom die has once again come up trumps with the flowers and the backing paper is from the Floriography CD.

This very pink card has a gorgeous piece of lace along the bottom.

Now I know that lace is expensive to be adding to a card ... but I used such a small piece of it.

The rest will do about three more cards so it works out not too bad cost wise... and it looks so pretty.

I am just waiting for my film crew (Griff)  to do some editing on a new video and the featured card is just fabulous and I can't wait to share it with you. 

So please watch this space and come back to visit soon as the video will be added in the next few days.

Hugs Christina xx

Nestabling

It is well known that I love my Spellbinders. I talk nicely to them every day and they work really hard for me.

I look after them well and tuck them away at the end of each day so that they stay looking good.

I use them to make my cards on a daily basis and I am never disappointed in what they do, and you will find many examples of the cards I have made with these wonderful dies.

The making of this card was featured in   Gatefold Card with Spellbinders and it has had many lovely comments.

A little while ago I was approached by a company who have seen many of the videos that I have made in the Spellbinder Series.

They asked me to try out some of their products. Well I jumped at the opportunity  and over the weekend I have made two more videos using them.

The company is Want2Scrap  and the products they make are designed to work with Spellbinders.

The  Nestabling and Nestaboard    they produce is a real pleasure to work with and the results on your cards can turn them into something really special.

Both products have been used on this card but the Pearly swirl for me is perfect.

The video will explain more about this and it is well worth looking at for your creations .....aaaaand  it's not expensive ... but it sure looks it.

Hugs Christina xx

Re-draw for Blog Hop prize...

I am sorry to say that the winner of the Blog Hop prize of the three sets of clear stamps  did not come forward to claim her prize and so the names have been put back into the hat and drawn again.

I blinfolded my film crew (Griff) and got him to delve into the hat and the name that came out this time is you ...VICKI  .... so please  email me  with your postal address and I will get the stamps out to you straight away.... christina@card-making-magic.com

I am going to add the Random Number thingy to the Blog for the next prize give away so keep coming back to see what is on offer.

There are several things in the pipeline and I will tell you more later.

Once you get the stamps why not add the photos of the cards you make to the    Gallery    page on the website.

It is easy to do and you can add four photos at any one time.

Hugs Christina xx

Faux Nesties

Spellbinder Nestabilities are an excellent addition to your cardmaking "Stash" but I have to admit that they are a little on the expensive side.

So obviously you want to get as much from these dies as you possibly can.

The Labels sets ... and it doesn't matter which ones you have ... are not always the size to fit what it is you want to do.  The Faux Nesties  will show you how to make them work for you.

So imagine that you have a set with five dies in it.... the thing to do is look at them again ... carefully.

You don't just have five dies in there ... you actually have fifteen, because you can use both the inner and outer edges to give you even more sizes. 

Maybe all you want is a thin border around your image ... like the character on the right then follow the steps to get the look.

This card has had the procedure done twice to give the double layered look, and it makes the image stand out really well.

The little girl has been coloured with Promarkers, and the organza ribbon is finished with  flowers from  Wild Orchid Crafts

Hugs Christina xx

Faux Stitching

Many times I want my card with just that little bit of something on it ... and that is a strange statement coming from me as I like to throw anything and everything on my creations.

But maybe just the look of some stitching can be all that is needed and you don't need a sewing machine to get the look.

Around the edge of this card the  Faux Stitching has been created with a white Sakura pen.

These are all the same length but you can vary the length and the style of them with the flick of your pen.

Add Zig-zag stitches for another look especially good if you want to give the look of quilting squares that have been joined together.

And if you  pierce the paper as well then it will take on the look of real stictching even more.

But what ever you do with them as a finishing touch to your designs have fun ... it's all part of doodling and seeing what you can create.

Hugs Christina xx

Faux Book Card

This idea is very effective but for some reason the card does not look straight on the photo... it is I promise you  ... and it looks much better in real life than here.

The Faux Book   is very easy to create and you could make it into a book with any theme that suited your recipient.

The sentiment on this is for a happy retirement but you could make yours as a Birthday book, for a Wedding/Christening/Anniversary ... or maybe a hobby book for a motoring enthusiast or a gardener.

The flowers on this card are made with the Spellbinders Spiral Blossom Die and they have been glittered up with Glamour Dust.

The ribbon has been wrapped around the spine and the background has been created with an Embossing folder  which makes a plain background stand out more.

This one is made in a rich Burgundy colour and says        "Just for You .."   and the ribbon is organza edged with silk.                                                                            

The flowers are again Spellbinders.

But it is another very easy to make card and one I hope you will  try.

Hugs Christina xx

Faux Wood Effect

Time to get the Distress Ink out again to create this Faux Wood effect

This is another easy to produce look that can be very effective on your male cards.

The colour of the ink you use will make the look different, and by varying the lines you can produce thick or thin planks of wood depending on what it is you want to do.

Then you can add whatever embellishments you want to the front

This is another effect that can be made to look glossy by adding the clear embossing powder ... just as you did yesterday with the Faux Leather Effect.

But I have to admit that even with the addition of some flowers this would not be very feminine look on your girly cards.... so give me flowers and "Bling" any day.

This faux wood panel has been embossed in clear powder and then wrapped with string.

The boy wizard has been coloured with Promarkers and he is kind of cute.

I have added the image with Pinflair Glue Gel to raise him up for a 3D effect.

With the addition of the gemstones stars and the Birthday sentiment I am sure he would delight some smalll boy.

Hugs Christina xx

                                    

Faux Leather Effect

Here is another Faux Effect and this one uses masking tape so you will need to raid the household box.

It is another easy to create look and is really good for your masculine cards as they are not really appreciative of flowers, ribbons and pearls .... or any other "Bling"  for that matter.

You will need some Versamark and clear embossing powder too ... but the effect is quite amazing once you get the powder melted, then you can add whatever you want to the card to suit the recipient.

If you make it in paler colours then it can be adapted for your more feminine cards but I have kept these darker ... just for a change.

Back to pinks and flowers later in the week.

The  topper with the dog  has  the Faux Tile effect from yesterday, and I have used the Aged Mahogany Distress Ink for the Faux Leather Effect.

The image has been coloured with Promarkers.

This image also has the Faux Tile Effect in the background.

Both these are from    KennyK Downloads   and there you will find some fabulous images for you to colour yourself.

The shapes have been cut with Spellbinders  ...  (so no surprise there then)  and added to the card with foam pads to raise them up.

You will of course notice the absence of pretty flowers ... and it will take me a week to get over that, but I couldn't resist the ribbons and a few gemstones in the corners.

I hope you will give this effect a try and combine it with the others from yesterday and those to follow. 

Well that's my post for today and now I am going to get ready to go out to dinner because.... It's my birthday and I am going out with my lovely husband .... who bought me the Spellbinders on Saturday for the occasion. 

Hugs Christina xx

Lets try some Faux Effects...

Last month on the Blog I mentioned  Creating Clouds  as a background to your cards ... well over the next few days I would like to cover some more Faux effects that can give another look to your designs.

There are lot of them around and they are techniques that have been used for a long time. But maybe some of them are new to you and you would like to give them a try.  There is no right or wrong way to do these and I am no expert ...this is just the way I do it and it is very easy.

This is the  Faux Tile Effects  and it can just be seen in the backgound.  It gives the look of tiling and is done with clear embossing powder. Click the link for a more detailed explanation on what to do.

It has a very pretty look and will suit cards for any occasion ...male or female so no problems there.

Tomorrow I will add another effect that you may want to try... and I hope you will tell me what you think of the effect if you give it a try.

Hugs Christina xx