The Card is Yours ....

Hi Everybody,

Busy morning for me and only just got the time now to announce the
Friday Freebie winner. 

 Then later it's off to play with Isabella at her Nana's house for a few hours before settling down for Saturday night TV.

The draw has been done by my "Film Crew" and the winner of the beautiful pink card is ...

Trulyblessed ...

so if you would like to email me please 

christina@card-making-magic.com

with your postal address I will get the card in the post to you straight away.

Please let me know when it arrives with you and I hope you will like it.

Tomorrow I have a brand new  "Give Away" going live with the chance for you to win some lovely Goodies  to play with. So I hope you will pop back then and add your name to the list but  please become a follower if you want to enter for that prize

And I forgot ...

to tell you that I have a new tutorial on Spellbinders Blog  to view and here is the link ... 
 Especially For You 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie 048

Hi Everybody,

This is another card that is much prettier in real life and it is in a beuatiful shade of pink

The wings on the butterfly will need fluffing out again but the background is all glittered.

I have used the Sue Wilson  French Collection Background  and it is quite a substantial die.

The ribbon is from Mei Flower  and it is tied in a double bow.

The bows centre is from Wild Orchid Crafts

The verse is from Sheena Douglass  and there are several on the stamp sheet.  I have stamped it in black and clear embossed it.

If you would like to win this card then all you have to do is leave me a comment ... and please become a follower too

A name will be drawn in the morning and the winner announced in the blog post.  You will then have 48 hours to claim the card and I will send it to you wherever you live

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Birthday Card ...

Hi Everybody,

I like the shade of teal in this card as it is very pale and subtle.

The card is from Anna Griffin - Lovely Layers  and there are lots in the pack to choose from

I have used   Bracket Edge Borders Two  and created layers as I showed you in the Tuesday Tutorial on the 17th Feb

There are other tutorials with other types of border dies on Card Making Magic

The bottom of the card is created with Lonely Hearts  and I have used the inner piece to leave the design in the card

The inside of my cards is lined and created in the Hinged Card Style

The buckle and pearl centrepieces are from Wild Orchid Crafts 

The ribbon is some that I bought in  Lidl  and it is excellent quality in several colors too.  I have a little tutorial to show how I got the   Ribbons and Buckles   look for my design

And to finish the card I have added the Happy Birthday which is Spellbinders Sentiments Three

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Heartfelt Thanks ...

Hi Everybody,

Here is another card done with yellow and I must admit that this color is growing on me the more I use it.

The card is a 6" square and I have teamed it with black for a dramatic look.

I have layered parchment over the dark floral card to subdue it a little and it is held in place with eyelets in each corner

For the centrepiece I have used  Labels 42 - Decorative Accents 

This set has a plainer Labels 42  to match as well as Labels 42 - Decorative Elements  and these dies will all play nicely together

There are four dies in the pack and number one (#1) is always the smallest  so with that in mind I have cut the #4 from Black and #3 from yellow

I have hand cut the sentiment .., which was free with this months copy of Simply Cards and Papercrafts  magazine ... and layered it on to more of the yellow.

The flowers are pale yellow from Wild Orchid Crafts  and I created a matching box for the card too.

"Yes !!"  the more I look the more I like it

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tuesday Tutorial - Gold Majesty Circles

Hi Everybody,

When Spellbinders introduced the concept of the Imperial Gold dies it was a completely new idea to the world of die cutting.

With these dies you had not only the ability to cut and emboss but now you could also deboss the design into the card for a really special look.

For this card I have used mirror card and placed a matching hatpin into the bow.

For the base  cut two #7  5x7 Matting Basics A   in white (#1 being the smallest)

In the color f your choice cut 1  #7 5x7 Matting Basics B  and between this layer and the base card I hand cut another really thin edged layer in mirror card

In a patterned card cut one #6 5x7 Matting Basics A ... I used the spotty card

This video  tutorial explains why I like to make my cards in  this particular way ...  Create a Hinged Card

With  Gold Majesty Circles  #6  cut  and emboss the base layer from Mirror  card

Then  place the dies #4  #5  #6  together on your card and cut and emboss.

You can use  a magnetic sheet to hold these dies in place as you need to make sure that they  will not slip and cross each other or you will ruin the cutting edge

These three will create the frame shown and will give you a lovely deep impression in your card

Place foam pads on the wrong side of this frame and use the wider areas so that they wont be seen.

Add this frame to the mirror card base you cut previously

Layer up the mirror card, colored card and patterned card and use foam pads between the bottom layer and the base card.

Now before I add mine I wrapped ribbon around them so that it will be hidden inside the layers.

I added foam tape to the shaped layers and then added them to my base.

I inked the edges of a sentiment that has been cut into a plain circle and then added it to a Scalloped circle.

I used foam pads behind this and placed into the centre aperture onto the mirror card.

Then with a neatly tied bow with a Hatpin and some gemstones around the edge of the frame I think this is a really pretty card.

The large dazzler has been added to the knot and some flowers are my finishing touch,

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lovin' Diamonds

Hi Everybody,

I had a lovely day out yesterday and we visited the   Sincerely Yours Craft Show   in Leigh.  These shows are held all over the country and so click the link to find out if there is one being held near you.

And a really big "Thank You" to everyone who took the time to say  "Hello"  because they recognised me from Create and Craft ... it was all  my pleasure and really nice to stand and chat with you if only for a little while

I always go armed to these shows with my pennies all clutched in my hot little hand ready to spend and yesterday was no exception.  I bought lots of goodies from my favorite suppliers and tomorrow I will be playing again with the items that I bought.

Amongst my buys are some really pretty satin ribbons from  Mei Flower  as they always tie into a wonderful bow to add to your designs.

I bought some lovely card in pastel colors  at 250 gsm from  AnnaMarie Designs   and this is excellent quality for use as your base card or for matting and layering  And craft shows are always a good place to stock up on many of your staples like glues or embossing powders, acetate or card as you are sure to save some pennies if you do.

So todays card is  from the Spellbinders Laced with Love Collection and this one is called  Lovin Diamonds    It is a 6" square card front and makes creating your card so easy.  Once cut you can add any shaped labels to the front with the verse of your choice.

The one I have used is a stamped sentiment from  Lili of the Valley  It has been stamped in pink and then heat embossed it with clear powder.

The ribbon is from  Mei Flower  and it is tied in a single bow and the dazzler in the centre of the bow is from   Wild Orchid Crafts   ... but no flowers are added to this one ... don't ask me why not !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Pretty Gift ...

Hi Everybody,

This gift started life as a really inexpensive ring bound notebook

It is ideal to be kept by the side of the phone for any messages you may need to take

I opened the ring binder very carefully and decorated it with some really pretty paper.

And what's more there is a video tutorial ... that was done some years ago by me ...  to show you the process.

I have used Spellbinders on mine simply because I have them but you  can use punched shapes or hand cut ones to create this look ... Altered Notebook

The die I used is the  A2 Floral Ribbon Threader  and added pink ribbon to the slots

The flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts  along with the dazzler on the bow

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Freebie Card Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

The sun is shining here in the North West even though it is cold and later today I am going to play with Isabella at making cakes at her Nanas' (my daughter) house

Isabella is my three year old Great grand-daughter and I bought her a cup cake  maker a few weeks ago ... and she loves it and makes cakes for everybody.  I have also got all the little sprinkles, stars and hearts that she can add to the top to make them pretty.

And so onto the Freebie card ...  a name has been picked at random for the winner of the White, Gray and Silver card from yesterday ... and this one is coming to live with you ....

Anne Owens 

please email me ...

christina@card-making-magic.com

your postal address and the card will be on its way to you.

I hope you will like it and please let me know when it arrives with you.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie 047

Hi Everybody,

Todays Friday Freebie is much prettier in real life than the photo shows and I don't think the winner will be disappointed with it.

It is in silver and white and has the addition of ribbons, lace and some soft gray pearls

It has many layers  created using Sue Wilsons dies and these are from the  California Collection

The inside is lined too and the finished card is 5x7

So maybe this is a color scheme that appeals to you and if it is then all you need to do to win it is leave me a comment at the bottom of the post.

Click the word Comment and it will open another box for you to type into.  Then submit ...

But please remember your comment will only be visible once it has  been moderated ... so please don't add it two or three times

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Rosette Blooms ...

Hi Everybody

This simple card is created  as a smaller sized card using  A2 Matting Basics 

I have embossed the top layer with the  Bricks and Bark  embossing folder from Spellbinders just to add more texture to my design

I have been asked how I join the two base card pieces together ... there is a video to show you what I do and I always use a wet glue for a stronger bond

Double sided tape tends to dry out after a while and the card will start to come apart

And although in the tutorial I am using the 5x7 the principal is the same  ...  Hinged Card Style   whichever of the matting basics that you use

And if you are wondering why you would need two sets of dies that look identical  ... here is another tutorial which explains that they are not the same at all ... Spellbinders Matting Basics

I have hand cut the banner shape and topped it with the Rosette Blooms   from the  Celebrations Collection from Spellbinders

The pink ribbon has just been tied into a bow behind the bloom and some pearls added around the tag

A quick and easy card to make or keep in your "Ready To Go " box for any of those unexpected occasions when somebody needs a card in a hurry.  Add any sentiment you have to suit and there you go ...

Just A Note ...

I was due to be on Create and Craft next week but I will not be there.  It is Pats' funeral on Tuesday and I will be attending to say my final Goodbyes to my very dear friend.  

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Spellbinders Labels Eight

Hi Everybody,

This card is created in my favorite style of   Hinged Card  as this works for me every time and stabilises all the embellishments that I add to the front.

I have used a deep purple for this one and I have used  Labels Eight   and the matching  Majestic Labels Eight

At the top and bottom of the Labels I have added in the pretty little Flourish Trim  as an extra

I used a lovely pearl flourish from  Want2Scrap   and I found some matching feathers in my "Stash" so they were added too.

The single flower is from Wild Orchid Crafts  and it sits on top of a lace bow.

The inside is lined and the finished card is created with  5x7 Matting Basics A & B

Buying the Labels of your choice and the Matching Accents or Elements that go with it will always give you lots of choice when you start to make your cards.

And to me it is better to have those dies that match rather than buy random ones to swell your collection.  Look after your dies and make them work ... for a lifetimes pleasure of making beautiful cards

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tuesday Tutorial - Border Dies

Hi Everybody,

Border dies are a useful addition to your crafty "Stash" as they can give you some really pleasing effects very quickly

For this card I have used the Scalloped Borders Three  but although there are different patterns and styles to each of the sets  they all work in basically the same way

I have also used Sentiments Three for this card but take a look at some of the others as you are sure to find some that will suit your needs

For the base cut two #7  5x7 Matting Basics A  in white

With a color of your choice  cut one #7 5x7 Matting Basics B

I have embossed this colored layer with the double sided  Garden Lattice A4 folder

Cut two more layers in white with the  #7 from 5x7 Matting Basics B

With  your choice of  Border Dies  ... add one cutting edge and one patterned piece from the set to one of these white layers

Tape securely in place so that the dies will not cross over and run it through the machine

And at the other side you will have two pieces of card with the pattern in one of them

Emboss the second white piece  of card with an embossing folder and then tape just the cutting edge to this layer

This will give you another layer that is now divided into two and this will be embossed also but will not have the cut out pattern in it

Now you need to layer them altogether so that you have a staggered look.

I have used foam tape and placed the embossed layer on the top of the lacy layer so that the pattern can be seen.

Trim the card at the top and bottom as you need to give you a neat finish and make all the card level.

Once you have wrapped ribbon around these layers add them to the base card and embellish as you would like.

I have added a simple sentiment, a bow and some pearls and that's it

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Do You Remember ??

Hi Everybody,

Do you remember last year that in October last year I told you that I had been contacted via Facebook by a young woman,  Phillipa Griffin,  who asked me if  I would be willing to  help her Charity ... Festive Friends ... and make some Christmas cards for isolated and lonely elderly  people in the Northwest UK

I volunteered all of you in the blog post ...  "Will you help please ?"   ... and I was so happy with the response you  gave me as many of you said that you would.

Well today I have had a lovely message from Philippa and she has asked me to pass on her heartfelt thanks to all of you who sent her cards and here is the message ...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Christina,

I wanted  to thank you so very much for promoting my Christmas pilot project Festive Friends. I am incredibly grateful as your support proved very fruitful, helping us to receive over 270 cards for guests of Contact The Elderly in the Northwest UK

I was overwhelmed by the generosity and creative talent of so many of your readers who took the time and energy to produce simply beautiful handmade cards, and also to write such thoughtful messages inside. Cards also came from ten different countries, so a special thank you to those who sent cards from overseas!

I wonder whether you would be so good as to promote these words on your blog/website/Facebook group to communicate my heartfelt thanks to your readers? I wrote personally to volunteers who enclosed their address, but this was a minority so there are many that I cannot thank personally.

I am awaiting a decision from Contact The Elderly as to whether they wish to expand the project in 2015, and I hope very much that the answer will be Yes. If you would still be interested in supporting Festive Friends this Christmas (although it seems like last Christmas has only just finished!) please do let me know and I will keep closely in touch.

I would also welcome any feedback, comments or suggestions from readers. There are many things that I would try to improve for 2015, but many heads are always better than one!

With many, many thanks once again for helping to cheer the Christmasses of some of Britain’s most isolated elderly citizens.

Warm wishes,
Philippa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Can I also add my Thank You to Philippas'  message and I know you are all wonderful and so very good to me in the way you support me in my endeavors.  And I am up for the challenge again this year and I hope you will be when I add the call again for Christmas cards this year

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

International Ambassadors Blog Hop

Hi Everybody,

The International Ambassadors are hopping again and we hope you will join us on another informal trip to see what is going on this time in other parts of the world. It is a great way for you to get to know us and see our individual styles


Our roles as Ambassadors are to introduce you  to some of the beuatiful new designs that are coming onto the market

And to show you what you can do with the dies that you buy and help you to get the most from each and every one.

There are only five of us but we are based all over the world with Christine Emberson and I based here in the UK.

I hope you will vista Linda in Australia, Yvonne in The Netherlands and Ursula in Germany.

Leave them a comm-net to let them know that you popped by and maybe you will visit regularly once you get to know them

We had so much fun last time  with the Victorian Collection that we thought  we would like to inspire you again.

This time around we are featuring the Spellbinders Laced with Love Collection
and as it is Valentines Weekend we thought it a very appropriate  set of dies to use

So this time I have the honour of starting off the Blog Hop and here are the other stops along the way ...

Christina Griffiths ... you are here
Linda Lucas  ... your next stop
Yvonne Van De Grijp
Ursula Langhammer ... not participating this time
Christine Emberson

My choice for this blog hop is  Lonely Hearts  as I just love the versatility of this die

I have a couple of photos to show you of the cards I have made and there will be more as the year goes on.

Have fun 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Freebie Winner ...

HI Everybody,

So once again the draw has been done and a winner chosen to receive the card on offer.  

And as long as you add your name before the draw is done it will be entered ... there is no cut off point

Sometimes I am late on a Saturday morning so that is an added bonus to you if you are also running late.

The name chosen today is ...

Janelle Winchcole

would you please email me your postal address

christina@card-making-magic.com

so that I can get the card in the post to you straight away

I hope you will like it and please let me know when it arrives with you.

I hope you are enjoying this weekends blog hop and getting to know some of the other International Ambassadors. 

We are using the Laced With Love Collection for this hop and the cards are really beautiful from all my colleagues based around the world.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

In Memory of Pat ..

Hi Everybody,

They say that if you go through life and can count the number of true friends that you have on one hand then you are very blessed and rich to have these friends in your life.

And I mean true friends that are always there for you when you need someone to talk to and they love you for what you are ... with all your faults. Some one to share your laughter and tears along the way.

Throughout my life I have made two two truly special female friends to whom  I am not ashamed to say "I Love You ...."

I may not meet up with them every week but the next conversation will always follow on naturally from the last one and both have been steadfast and loyal to me in my life time friendship with them.

One of them is Christine Kilvington a friend for 47 years and the other is Pat Boyce a friend for 27 years.

But sadly in the early hours of this morning my dear friend Pat lost her battle with Cancer and I will never see her again.  I will never hear her laugh, or see her  twinkling eyes.  Never be able to share another meal with her or go for a drive in the car.

Never stay at each others house again for a fun weekend and get tiddly on sweet white wine and giggle till the early hours of the morning.  I love you Pat and I am going to miss you so much

Sleep tight my friend ...

Friday Freebie 046

Hi Everybody,

This card today is in a lovely shade of peppermint green teamed with crisp white and it looks very fresh indeed.

It would suit any birthday and if you leave off the bows it would be just right for the men in your life.

I have used the Trendy and Simple Collection and this particular one is Contemporary Strip 

The Sentiment is in a swirly handwriting and this is Sentiments Three  and I keep all my sentiments dies in a box on my desk so that they are always on hand

So maybe this is a card that you would like to win and if you do then all you have to do is leave me a comment.

The name will be drawn from the hat in the morning and the winner announced on that days Blog post.

Don't forget to come back and check if it is you as you only have 48 hours to claim it.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

One More ...

Hi Everybody,

Here is one more card from the Victorian Collection as this is one of my all time favorite collections from Spellbinders.

Once again  it features the Royal Circle. but this time in a lovely shade of mulberry red with white.

Adding foam tape to each layer gives the depth to the card that creates the shadows

But this time no flowers and just a simple spotty ribbon around the base with a flower centre to cover the knot in the bow.

The addition of some pearls from Want2Scrap emerging from beneath the circle add that extra touch of luxury to the finished card and I have only used a small portion of the flourish in the packet ... saving the rest for another card or two

This such a pretty die that you can use in other ways ... with other embellishments  ... and other colors and it will give you beautiful results each and every time

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

Victorian Collection - Royal Circle

Hi Everybody,

Today I have a free day to chill after completing another US show featuring the Teal Grand Calibur.

This card is using another die from one of my favorite collections from Spellbinders Victorian Collection

Here we have the Royal Circle and the effect is beautiful for any occasion

I have simply used  the dies and layered them together for a really pretty effect.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts  and if you are new to the idea of adding in some flowers  then they offer some really pretty starter kits

The ribbon is striped grosgrain ribbon that I bought from the craft shows that I go to and the year has already started for the craft shows to begin.

The card is in a lovely shade of blue that gives a really fresh feel.  The butterfly has been glittered and the body line embellished with pearls from Want2Scrap

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tuesday Tutorial - Trendy and Simple

Hi Everybody,

This is a relatively new addition to the Spellbinders range and this one is Floral   from the Trendy and Simple Collection

So with just this one die and a little sentiment I have created a really pretty card to share with you.

If the colors are not your choice then alter the look with some that are.

I have used Cream, 2 shades of Turquoise and a pale pink to make mine and it is a very fresh combination.

Don't forget that the number 1 (#1) in any Spellbinders set is always the smallest.

In the cream cut two from  #7 5x7 Matting Basics A  to make the base card.

In the darker turquoise  cut one #7 5x7 Matting Basics B

In the lighter turquoise cut one #6 5x7 Matting Basics A

Emboss this top layer with any folder that you have in your "Stash" just to add a little more interest to the card

 From the Floral pattern I have cut four layers.

One will be added to the card with foam pads

The other three will be used to cut out the flowers in the die cut and these will be layered onto the base

Decide which layer and color you want to add to the base card

I used foam pads that I had to cut down to make them fit and this will juts give some height to this layer

Then once you are happy with the look wrap some ribbon around these layers before you add them to the base card

Then all you need to do is layer up the flowers with random colors from the other die cuts

Place them on the card wherever you would like them and add a sentiment of your choice.

Add pearls to the centre of the flowers and the knot in the bow and there you have one very pretty card

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card from the show ...

Hi Everybody,

This bright card is one from the Create and Craft show and it will certainly wake you up.

I have used a very deep yellow ribbon and teamed it with the black of the floral paper.

I toned it down a little with the pale yellow flowers but I have to say that I do like it

It seems to grow on you after a while.

So the  paper that I used is from Anna Griffin and there are some lovely designs in the paper stack

The ribbon is from my "Stash" and it is all tangled up with other colors in a bag that I just have to cut off what I need each time.

The die is Labels Forty Six and has a Decorative Element to it also. It was featured last week on C&C and I did several demos with this die set

It may not be your cup of tea but once the colors are to your liking it makes a really unusual centre piece for any of your designs.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Made for Me ...

Hi Everybody,

When I got back home from my travels to Create and Craft there was a parcel waiting for me

Inside was this beautiful card and its' matching box that has been sent all the way from Michigan

I immediately emailed the maker to say a really big Thank You and I asked her permission to show it to you.

 And so this is the card with the lovely verse that Donna made just for me and it is standing in pride of place in my craft room

I showed you the Christmas cards that were made for me and I keep them all.

Thank for this one Donna you made my day

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

The card goes to ....

Hi Everybody,

Just have time to do this draw before I start more preparations for C&C. 

I am there next week doing more USA shows with fabulous Spellbinders and then later in the month back on UK shows. I will be sure to let you know so that you can come and keep me company.

And the winner of this really pretty cream and white card is ...

Oksana

and if you can email me 

christina@card-making-magic.com 

I will get the card in the post to you straight away

So got to dash as I have a Tuesday Tutorial to get ready and watch out for the Spellbinders Ambassadors as we are having another Blog Hop coming up soon ...

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie 045

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is cream and white and this makes the prettiest combination that would be suitable for many occasions

The verse is from  Sheena Douglass  and  there are several on the sheet with some wonderful  big Butterflies

I have added it to the  #4 die from  Spellbinders  Radiant Rectangles

And if you remember that  #1 is always the smallest die in any Spellbinders set you can work out which one it is.

The background is embossed with the A4 folder Ornate Butterflies from Crafters Companion

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts   and they are a wonderful addition to any project and the pearl flourish is from Want2Scrap

So would you like to win this card ??   All you need to do to be in with the chance is leave me a comment.  A name will be drawn tomorrow from those comments and the winner will be announced in tomorrows blog post.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Victorian Collection - Royal Circle

Hi Everybody,

This card is made a little differently from my normal style and I did a video a few years ago on some other ways to create this  Cross Over Card

This one creates a pocket for you add a tag to and you can add a verse or sentiment to this as you wish.

I have  used dies from the  Victorian Collection  to create the topper and the circle die is the Royal Circle

The verse has been stamped and embossed in silver onto Labels Eighteen  and then added with foam tape

I have edged mine with some lovely braid and a dded some peach ribbon to the tag which I have added to the pocket

Today I will be back at home and into my normal swing of things.
I hope you enjoyed the Create and Craft shows and will join me again the next time I am there.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Walk in the Park ...

Hi Everybody,

I hope you can join me today on  UK Create and Craft as I have several shows throughout the day.
8am, 10am, 12noon, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00, 19.00

But in all this busy schedule of doing the shows that have gone  "Live" to USA  ...  we managed to get some free time and went out to brave the cold.

On Monday we went to Ferry Meadows and wandered around the park .... but it was very cold

Never the less we went into the visitor centre and got some food to feed the ducks.

As soon as we walked near the feeding deck they swam towards us and as the food was thrown into the water there  was an absolute frenzy for the food.

The smaller gulls  created most of the fuss and they stole all the duck food

The were several swans too and  although they are such a graceful bird ... they pecked and bullied the ducks away.

We didn't brave it for very long as it was so very very cold ... but we did find somewhere for a very pleasant  lunch and whiled away a few hours in the pub.

This will be a lovely walk in the warmer months and I shall look forward to doing this again later in the year

See you later on Create and Craft and don't forget that the shows can be watched for up to seven days.

And can also be watched via your PC or even on Pinterest.

For my US readers you will find it on ...  createandcraft.com   Look in the Program Guide for Grand Calibur Touchdown Deal and also the Spellbinders Touchdown Deal

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tuesday Tutorial - 3-D Embossing Folders

Hi Everybody,

Todays Tutorial is using a  beautiful  Spellbinders 3-D M-Bossabilities   and you can create this look with any of  these folders ... and the link  above will show you the selection that is available.

Using an embossing folder will create a most beautiful textured background for any of your designs

To use the 3-D folders in your Grand Calibur you will need the pink embossing plate  that came with the machine and you will need to buy the  Raspberry Adaptor Plate  as the folders are quite thick

Open the folder and place the card you are using onto the side  that is raised

It helps the fibres in the card to stretch if you spritz it with some clean water first.

And when adding the folder to the machine put the hinged part so that it goes into the opening first.

This will give you a really deep emboss to your card and then you can trim it to fit the size of card you are creating.

I have used the 5x7 Matting Basics  A&B  to make my Hinged Card   as this is the style that really works for me

With some Gilding Wax of your choice rub over the raised areas with a soft cloth to bring our the beauty in the design.

Then polish it to a soft sheen with some clean cloth.

I have used the Creative Expressions Metallic Gilding Waxes and in the picture below they are from left to right ...

Pearl Moon, Pewter, Cast Bronze and Enchanted Gold

Apply as much or as little as you wish and experiment with different colours for a completely new look

I have used three of the panels to make cards that would be suitable for  any occasion

I have added in flowers from   Wild Orchid Crafts  to the creamy colored one for a soft female look and used Pearl Moon Gilding Wax

I used silver mirror card and white satin ribbon on the other along with Pewter Gilding Wax and that would make a lovely wedding card.

And on the bronze colored one I used Cast Bronze Gilding Wax and added in twine and a bronze button for a more masculine look. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

Treat Toppers

Hi Everybody,

First I would like to say a BIG thank you to my American readers who have been watching the "Live" US Create and Craft shows  and then taken the time to email me and tell me that they have enjoyed the shows.

It is very heart warming to know that you are there and really lovely to read the comments. It is quite an experience for me as the shows are slightly different ... but although nervous I am enjoying it immensely. I am back on UK Create and Craft on Tuesday and Wednesday  this week

This little card is not a very good picture but that is my fault as it was going dark and I was in a hurry to get  all the cards photographed.

But it uses a little die from the Celebrations Collection  from Spellbinders

It is called   Treat Toppers  and it creates the prettiest little windmills for your card.

Here I have made two from double sided  patterned card that is also from the same collection.

I have  added in paper swirls to represent the strings from the windmills

In the centre I have added a  pearl Brad  and added them to the card with foam tape to create different levels.

I created my  card base and the  double frame from the  Pierced Rectangles   from the same collection and these will give you the look of a pierced edge without the hard work of doing it yourself

So no ribbons, flowers or pearls on this card but still a neat little card to give and could be for any occasion

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Doily Art

Hi Everybody,

This really pretty card is simply created with an embossing folder and the impression is so deep that it looks as if it has been decoupaged on the top.

It is a 3-D folder called  Doily Art  and it is from the Celebrations Collection   from Spellbinders

The sandwich for using these folders in your Grand Calibur is the Pink Embossing plate along with the Raspberry Adapter plate as they are very deep

Some tips if you do use these folders ... first is to spritz the card first to soften the fibres and this will give you a deeper emboss.

And  secondly when you add the folder to the machine add it with the hinge in first as this is the folders narrowest end.

Once embossed all I have done is  run over the raised pattern with an ink pad to enhance the design even more, but there is  also a stamp set to match this die set

To the design I have some lovely organza ribbon with a sparkly centre to the bow and it is an easy way to create an impressive card for those last minute occasions.

The sentiment is also a die cut and these make a useful addition  to all your card making or scrapbook pages.

There are several styles to choose from and this is Sentiments One  ... I have added the link to them all so that you can see the choices available to you

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx