Matting Basics A & B

Hi Everybody,

I like to add layers to my cards but sometimes my straight lines are not straight.

So for me the answer was to invest in the Matting Basics that would help me to get a beautiful finish to my designs.

Now you may wonder why you would need two sets of dies that look exactly the same ... yes ?

I know they look the same but there is a difference in the two sets and the video will explain to you the difference and why you may want to get both.

The ones I have shown are the 5 x 7 set  ...but Spellbinders also do an A2 set and a Curved Matting Basics

I find this set so useful especially when I want to create the Hinged Card style ... and the link will take you through to the website tutorial until I add it here to the blog pages.

It is not a long video but I hope it will in some way help you to make that decision of which to buy and even if you need them at all.  

I know I do as I like to have a really neat and professional look to all my cards.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

*PREORDER S6-001 Spellbinders 5 X 7 MATTING BASICS A Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

*PREORDER S6-002 Spellbinders 5 X 7 MATTING BASICS B Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

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Gold Elements ...

Hi Everybody,

I have used the coffee coloured Centura Pearl  from Crafters Companion on this card and mixed it with white.

There's not a lot of extras on this card ... just the single rose from Wild Orchid Crafts   and the pearls "Bling" from Want2Scrap 

The white satin ribbon is from Mei Flower and it makes lovely bows.

There are lots of layers and each layer has been raised with foam pads.

The embossing folder is an M-Bossabilities from Spellbinders and this is the Whimsical Floral.

These folders are usable on both sides and the other side will be different and so you get twice as much for your money.

The inside is lined with ribbon around the layers and the pearls added to enhance the ribbon.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

*PREORDER S6-001 Spellbinders 5 X 7 MATTING BASICS A Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

*PREORDER S6-002 Spellbinders 5 X 7 MATTING BASICS B Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

*PREORDER EL-025 Spellbinders WHIMSICAL FLORA M-Bossabilities Embossing Folder NEW 2013

*S4-409 Spellbinders GOLD MAJESTY CIRCLES Nestabilities Dies

*PREORDER S5-128 Spellbinders FANCY FRAMED TAGS 2 Two Shapeabilities Dies NEW 2012

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A fun card for Christmas ...

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is also the subject of a video tutorial and is just a fun way to make some Christmas cards.

It is also one that older children may enjoy making for their own friends and it will keep them quiet for a little while.

I had a lovely email off a lady in America who told me that she had made cards similar to this when she was first married ... over 50 years ago .... as they couldn't afford to buy Christmas cards

She said she bought some  card and some glitter and made them to give to family and friends ... and she thanked me so much for giving her the memory of that time in her life.

I was very humbled and wrote back to thank her for the lovely email.

It  makes what I do so much more worthwhile to get an email like that from a complete stranger.

The one that was most peoples favorite was the blue one.

I created the cloudy sky with Distress inks and the birds on the wire  was a little  fun idea that  I learned from Barbara Gray of Clarity Stamp

Update  on the Voile ... Lots of you have responded with information on where to get the voile so here are some of them...

• Pauline gets hers from a shop called Charlies in Shrewsbury  
• Margaret has suggested Dumhelm Mill or the market stalls.
• Ann has named Fleetwood Market for Voile and Lace trim

I promise I will get the website address of the Voile people at the next craft show I visit but if you go to any organised by Sincerely Yours then look out for them there 

 More tomorrow ...

 Hugs xx

Causing A Stir ....

Hi Everybody,

Yesterday I added a video to YouTube and it has caused a bit of a stir.

It is showing how I added the pretty Voile to my cards and this is the card featured in the tutorial.

Since then I have had several emails from people asking me where I got the Voile from.

Now you know I got it from a craft show that I went to a few weeks ago.

But the thing is I don't know the name of the manufacturer ... all I know is it was cheap and a bargain.

I am so sorry and I will try to do better next time .... I am now stood in the corner with the Dunces Hat firmly fixed on my head ... and looking very sheepish !!

But what I will do is with the next "Give Away" I will add some to the list of prizes so that whoever wins it will be able to try it for themselves.  Is that a good trade off ??

It is a very pretty and delicate addition to your cards and if you have some then this is the way that I use it on my designs.

 More tomorrow ...

 Hugs xx

Centura Pearl

Hi Everybody,

This pretty card has been made with one of the 3-D embossing folders from Spellbinders and I have used Centura Pearl  Snow White  from Crafters Companion

This folder is the Fancy Framed Labels Eighteen and I have used Labels Eighteen to go with it.

I have also added in the matching Labels Eighteen "Bling" from Want2Scrap  for a coordinated look.

The ribbon is and Ivory Satin from my  "stash" and I have tied it in a single bow and added the flower centre to cover the knot.

The flowers are a mixture of Roses, Cherry Blossoms, Sweetheart Blossoms and Iris.

They have been sparkled with Glamour Dust.

I have also added in some small teardrop pearls around the corsage.

Then I decided to add some pearls along the ribbon to tie everything together.

The card is very pretty but the photo does not give the full effect of the pearly card.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

*PREORDER S6-001 Spellbinders 5 X 7 MATTING BASICS A Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

*PREORDER S6-002 Spellbinders 5 X 7 MATTING BASICS B Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

*PREORDER E3D-006 Spellbinders FRAMED LABELS 18 Eighteen M-Bossabilities 3D Embossing Folder NEW 201

*s4-310 Nestabilities LABELS 18 Eighteen Spellbinders

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Christmas Make ...

Hi Everybody,

Last year I made lots of these for the children in our family and they were so popular that even the adults wanted them for keepsake afterwards.

I made a video of the process and it was very well received.

So I thought I would add this in plenty of time in case you wanted to make some for your family  and add to the boxes what ever you fancy.

Chocolates, sweeties, soaps, jewelry,   Diamonds .... er we ll maybe not !!

The video shows the Advent Calender being made for a child, in fact I made it for Isabella,  but the picture shows a more grown up version that was made for a teenager.

The box die is the Bracket Edged Box and it is very easy to make the whole calender.

But it will take you some time to create 25 boxes and so I am giving you plenty of it to get busy making this lovely Advent Calender.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

The Ballerina ...

Hi Everybody,

Here is my offering this week for Spectrum Noir and isn't she just gorgeous.

She is from the Just Inklined CD  "The Next Big Thing"

But I do believe that the CD is no longer available to buy as they have others now on sale ... which I might add are just as good.

Colors used are very few ...
Skin                  FS2, FS3, TN2, CR1
Tutu/Tights        PP1, PP3, PP5
Crown               GB1 ...       and that is all I have used.

So no flowers and no "Bling" on this one just the coloring and matting and layering.

But I think she is wonderful just as she is.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Soft Cream and Coffee ...

Hi Everybody,

I love this card and it is so much prettier in real life.  The cream card is Centura Pearl from Crafters Companion

I have teamed it with white for a really elegant look.

The wide satin ribbon has been tied in a large double bow and I have added the flowers to cover the knot.

The flowers are a beautiful mixture of coffee and cream Roses and I have sparkled them up with Glamour Dust.

The tiny pearls on the cross sections and those around the edge are from Want2Scrap.

It is a card that could be for any occasion and would make a wonderful  Wedding card.

The frame is created from the Rectangles in the same way as in the video.

The die may be difference but the method is much the same and makes a very pretty way to add those wonderful panels.

The one in the video is the   Quatrefoil Pattern   from Sunrise Crafts  and I love that die.

The list below are the dies I have used for todays card and they all mix and match well together.  In fact all the dies old or new styles will go with each other you just have to try them and see what you like.

But shop around for the best price you can get ... and keep your eyes peeled as new dies are coming onto the market all the time from lots of  different companies

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

*LF-132 Spellbinders GRAND RECTANGLES Nestabilities Calibur Dies New 2011

*PREORDER S5-152 Spellbinders FANCY LATTICE Shapeabilities Expandable Pattern Dies NEW 2012

*S5-189 Spellbinders MAJESTIC LABELS TWENTY-FIVE Nestabilities Dies

*PREORDER S5-127 Spellbinders LABELS 28 Twenty Eight Nestabilities Dies NEW 2012

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Turquoise Voile...

Hi Everybody,

Today I have used the turquoise Voile and the sheets are so fine and pretty.

The background I have used behind the voile is Centura Pearl Snow White and it looks lovely.

You can just see the sparkle in the flowers in the voile and placed on top are the flowers from  Wild  Orchid Crafts

The verse is from Clarity Stamp  and it has been heat embossed in silver.  And the pearl around it is matching Bling for Labels 23 from Want2Scrap

The panel along the left has been created with the Edgeabilities and this one is the Classic Triple Scallop

I have cut it three times in alternating colors and the turquoise is Centura Pearl from Crafters Companion

I bought die  from   Save On Hobbies   because the price is so good.

And I know that some of you wanted the Donnas Alpha when you saw me use it on a card a while ago and it was sold out .... well it will be back in this month and is a very versatile alphabet set to have.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

*PREORDER S6-001 Spellbinders 5 X 7 MATTING BASICS A Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

*PREORDER S6-002 Spellbinders 5 X 7 MATTING BASICS B Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

*S4-347 Nestabilities LABELS 23 Twenty Three Spellbinders New 2011

*E8-003 Spellbinders CLASSIC TRIPLE SCALLOP Edgeabilities Dies New 2011

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White Voile ...

Hi Everybody,

Todays card features some of the pretty white Voile that I showed you a few days ago.

It is Roses with white and silver vine leaves around them and is much more elaborate in real life than the photo shows.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts  and they have been sparkle with Glamour Dust.... and around the petals I have added in some pearls.

The ribbon is a mix of Organza and white with a silver edge toit and both are from Mei Flower  ... then along the length of ribbon I have added a string of self adhesive pearls.

The ribbon centre has a Baby's Breath flower in place over the knot.

I shall be playing with another of the Voile sheets for tomorrows card ...

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

*PREORDER S6-001 Spellbinders 5 X 7 MATTING BASICS A Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

*PREORDER S6-002 Spellbinders 5 X 7 MATTING BASICS B Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

*PREORDER S6-004 Spellbinders 5 X 7 DETAILED SCALLOPS Nestabilities Card Creator Dies NEW 2013

*S5-191 Spellbinders DECORATIVE LABELS TWENTY-EIGHT Shapeabilities Dies

*s4-309 Nestabilities LABELS 4 FOUR SMALL Spellbinders

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Peachy Friend ...

Hi Everybody,

This lovely shade of peach is one of my favorites.

It is made with the Hinged Card   style and following the same principal in the video that was added yesterday.

That video will now be permanently in the Tutorials Section on the blog  and it is the ...  Friendship Card

Wild Orchid Crafts  flowers grace the top of the card and are a mixture of Chrysanthemums and Roses.

I have used Diamante flourishes to enhance the flowers and it is from Want2Scrap

The organza ribbon is from Mei Flower and it makes beautiful bows to add to your cards.

The front panel and the inside have been embossed with the Regency Swirls folder from Crafters Companion

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

*LF-168 Spellbinders GRAND LARGE LABELS Nestabilities Calibur Dies

*s4-111 Spellbinders Nestabilities SCALLOPED OVAL LARGE Classic

*S4-110 Spellbinders Nestabilities CLASSIC OVAL LARGE

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Cards for your Friend ...

Hi Everybody,

The other day I added a video about Storing Your Spellbinders and it was accompanied by the photo of a card.

Someone thought that the video was about making the pictured card .... but nope it wasn't.

So not wanting  to disappoint someone  here is another card made in the same way ... just in a different colour.

And I am now going to do short videos of different  card  ideas  and add them  directly to the Blog pages.

They will be also added on a  permanent basis  in the Tutorials Section  so that they will be easier to find ... and I have just added some new tutorials in there today.

You will also find more of my Design Team  tutorials on the  Spectrum Noir Blog

I hope you will enjoy them and don't forget that there are a lot more listed on the Website ....

Card Making Magic Tutorials

So here is the first one on making the  Friendship Card and I will be adding these to my Etsy shop also




The blue card is Centura Pearl from Crafters Companion and it is a good weight and comes in lots of colours

The list of dies used will be  added at the bottom of the page and is there as guide only.  Shop around for the best deals and don't forget    Save On Hobbies    as there are new dies coming in there soon

The flourish is from   Want2Scrap   and the wide satin ribbon is from my "Stash"

The flowers are from   Wild Orchid Crafts   and if you were not lucky enough to win some then pop over to their website and browse around ... it is well worth a look.

The magazine I told you about yesterday is  called     INSPIRATIONS   and it is available from the   Crafters Companion   website,   Create and Craft TV,   WH Smith  and  Tesco

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

*LF-168 Spellbinders GRAND LARGE LABELS Nestabilities Calibur Dies

*PREORDER S5-160 Spellbinders OPULENT OVALS Nestabilities Majestic Elements Dies NEW 2013

*s4-113 Spellbinders CLASSIC SCALLOPED OVAL SMALL Nestabilities

*s4-112 Spellbinders Nestabilities CLASSIC OVAL SMALL

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Another little Snippet ...

Hi Everybody,

Yesterday I received a copy of this new magazine from Crafters Companion which is the third one in the series.

In it there are lots of Freebies for you to use on your cards and two CD's.

One  CD gives you items to get you crafting straight away from the disc  ... and the other is for Spectrum Noir.

It features Bios of four people that have contributed to the tutorials that you will find on there.

Three of those names are very well known in the crafting world ... and the other one is ..... Ta Dah !!!   ME 

What an honor eh ??   I was asked weeks ago when the magazine was in the planning stages  if my videos could be used ... and only a fool would say   "No ..."

Five of my videos using Spectrum Noir pens have been added and I am so pleased I can't stop smiling.

Today the lady who put the magazine together .... Louisa McLean  ... was demonstrating at a Garden Centre near where I live.

And so I went down to meet Louisa  and thank her personally for including my work on to the CD that is with the magazine.... and I am still smiling Yaay ....

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx