Creative Stamping 54 - Life's an Adventure

Hi Everybody,

Another fabulous A4 stamp set is free with this months Creative Stamping 54

It covers many forms of travel and will suit any age group and occasions as well as both men and women.

Plus I am in the magazine this month
WHAT more could you wish for !!!

So here is my video with this free gift and it will be on sale tomorrow in selected supermarkets and craft stores.

Keep a look out for the pack or order a regular subscription from MoreMags.com and then you will always be sure of your copy and of building up your own personal stamp collection.

The stamps are on a different theme each month with a featured designer in the top right hand corner so keep a look out for your favourite one.

Hot Off The Press is this months and there is a bonus paper pack to go with the stamps

And what a really good way to build up your collection with all these stamps, papers and a magazine to boot.

Colouring Vellum Flowers

Hi Everybody,

Many of you have been enjoying the parchment/

vellum flowers and butterflies that I have been making lately.

So I thought I would show you how I coloured the plain white vellum to suit my designs

It is not an expensive product to work with and you can alter it so very easily and it doesn't matter if it goes blotchy  it all adds to the effect.

The blue flowers are the ones I created in the video and I think this card is lovely with a really delicate look to it.

It would be suitable for any occasion with a change of sentiment.

Here  I have used the dies, stamps and embossing folder from the "Christina Collection" that is available with Craft Stash.

I hope you enjoy the video today and will give these lovely flowers a try for your self, it's not long but long enough for a cuppa.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ruby Update and a question ...

Hi Everybody,

Here is Ruby having a cuddle of dad just before we go out for the day. And she looks very contented too.

I can't remember the days before we had her and she has changed our lives so much in the past year.

Question ??

So the question I wanted to ask is mainly aimed at the people who live in and around Blackpool/ North West and who like to craft.

I have been having a really good clean in my craft room and I have sorted out lots of items that I now no longer use. Much of it is unused and still in packets or used only once.

And so I wondered if I should have a  Craft Room Sale Day and invite people to come along and see if there was anything that they wanted to buy. I have dies and punches, embossing folders, die cutting machines, lots of crafting goodies and far too much to mention here.

I even have the complete set of Spectrum Noir pens and the refills if any one is interested in them

I can't send the big stuff abroad as it would cost too much but if you live near me and would like to come along then please let me know at 

christina@card-making-magic.com 

and if there is enough interest then I will make a Sunday free within the next couple of weeks.

The time will be 10.30 till 4pm and I will even provide tea and coffee and maybe the odd biscuit or two. But please be advised that my craft room is at the top of the house with two flights of stairs to climb ... but well worth it when you get there

Let me know what you think please and if you would like to come along

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

I was up early this morning and the sun was shining.... which makes a change from the past few Saturdays. Ruby is already out walking with Griff and tomorrow we are going to go out for Sunday lunch to a dog friendly place in Lytham so she can come with us.  It's going to be a good weekend.

The draw for the card and gift from yesterday has already been done and the name chosen today is YOU ...

Kath

would you send me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and both will be on their way to you straight away.

You have 72 hours in which to claim the prize and please let me know that they arrive safely with you

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Dragonfly Dreams

Hi Everybody,

Lots of people love butterflies but this dragonfly is also very pretty and will decorate your cards to perfection.

The video to show this gift was Dragonfly Dreams and I am adding it here to refresh your memory.

So if this is a die and stamp set that you would like to add to your collection then all you need to do is leave m a comment. 

 In tomorrows blog post a name will be announced as the winner and so you need to come back and check if it is you. 

You will have 72 hours in which to claim the gift and then it will be offered to someone else at a later date. So don't miss out 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tonic Studios Kit 07

Hi Everybody,

Today I am sharing the latest craft kit from Tonic and this is 07 for March.

There are such a lot of dies in this kit that you will be able to mix and match to your hearts content.

There are two distinct styles ... one square and the other rectangle with beautiful shapes to ad as toppers

It is called Picture Frame and here I have used it as a frame on a card front. But it would look lovely with a photo behind it as a free standing frame.

To be sure that you always get your kit then why not subscribe and have it delivered to your door each month.

Here are the links for you  ... 

UK and Europe

US and North America    

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Simply Cards & Papercraft 174

Hi Everybody,

The free gift with this months Simply Cards & Papercraft is this lovely Layered Rose Die Set from Altenew

It will create the most beautiful flowers for you to add to your projects and it is really easy to do.

Maybe in the past you have tried to use the stamps that are layered and not enjoyed the intricacy of them.  Well all the work is taken out of layering with this die set ... and there is a free paper download to help you even more.

The video will show you how to use the dies and I promise you are going to love the flowers and as long as you use three different shades of your chosen colour then you will get the layered look you desire and be very happy with the result

The magazine will be on sale on the 22nd February so if you want this dies set then you will need to be quick as it is going to be very popular. 

Reserve a copy with your newsagent or to be sure that you always get yours delivered to your door then why not consider taking out a subscription at  http://www.moremags.com

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Frilly Flowers & Acetate Leaves

Hi Everybody,

I have been looking at other ways in which to use the flower stamps and dies from the "Christina Collection"

And with this one I was really pleased with the result.

The video is a bit longer than usual but I have lined the inside and created the box to go with it and that takes the time up.

And because of the amount of noise near my house the day I filmed it I have added  more of the music to the film.

I have tried to pick a relaxing piece but for those of you who don't like the music my apologies ...  it was needed today

I hope you will enjoy it all the same and the finished card is lovely with the delicate acetate leaves.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Altenew Layered Plaid

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is using the new Layered Plaid die that I bought this week and that I promised to show you.

It comes in two parts to create the look and I think it is absolutely lovey. You would get a different effect by changing the colours each time.

Vary the look with glitter or mirror card and dress anyway you like.

For my card I have used the flowers and leaves from the Layered Flowers in the "Christina Collection"

And the leaves are done on acetate as I have shown you in other videos.

The "Hello" die is also from Altenew and has a matching stamp set with various add on sentiments to it 

And if you like Altenew products then come back on Wednesday to see the free gift with Simply Cards & Papercraft and you wont be disappointed 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Aldi Brushes ...

Hi Everybody,

A little while I told you about this fabulous find in Aldi of these brushes that are perfect for blending inks.

I bought loads of them to use with my Distress Oxides and they were so good I went back the next day and bought some more.

I got the small brushes at three in a a pack for £2.99

But where to store them was the next step and so I bought this square glass vase and it holds them perfectly so that they can sit on my worktop

At the moment there are thirty in the container and that is enough for me to use with my Oxide inks

You can clean the ink off the brushes with paper towels or baby wipes so that you can use another shade on the same brush.

By that I mean I would stick to shades of one colour and not change the colours completely.

Two shades of pink wont make that much difference but if you add a blue and then blend with a yellow you could get a green and if that is not what you wanted on your project then .....  OOOOOOPPPPSSS !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card Winner

Hi Everybody,

What a busy week I have had and now over the weekend I have some time to play. I have got some lovely new Altenew Dies and I can wait to see what they produce. I will of course be showing you the card once I have made them.

But for now the draw has been done for the Altenew Mistletoe Kisses gift from yesterday and the name chosen at random is YOU ...

Thelma Welch

please email me with your postal address to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and they will be on their way to you straight away.

You have 72 hours in which to claim them and I hope you will like them once they arrive with you. 

Please let me know that you have them safely.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Colours of the Season

Hi Everybody,

Today's card and gift is this lovely large A4 stamp set Colours of the Season.

The featured designer on this collection was Altenew and is a lovely layered Mistletoe stamp which I have used to make the card shown

The stamp set has sentiments as well as images that you can colour in your favourite medium and it's not just for Christmas either.

So if you would like to win this set then all you have to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post and from those comments one name will be drawn and announced in tomorrows blog post.

If you add your name then be sure to come back in the morning to see if it is you. I am happy to send the gift wherever you live and it doesn't matter if you have won one before.

The video that featured this collection is here ... Colours of the Season

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Vellum Flowers & Acetate Leaves

Hi Everybody,

Today's card has really delicate looking flowers on it and it is easy to make

I have made mine as a Wedding card using items from the "Christina Collection"  but it could be made for any ocasion

The video will show you how this card as created along with the envelope to go with it.

But you could just as easily make a box if you preferred.

Most of the supplies that I used are from Craft Stash apart for the little Glitter balls as they are from Wild Orchid Crafts

The video is not too long and I hope you will enjoy it.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Die Cutting Essentials 34 - Basket of Blossoms

Hi Everybody,

Create pretty baskets for your Easter cards this year and fill them with eggs or flowers.

This bumper die set consists of 21 dies for you to mix and match and create the look that you want for your own designs.

I coloured mine with Copics but you can use your favourite method or even use coloured card, as I did for the pictured card,  if colouring is not your thing.

The video will show you several ideas that you may like to try

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

One for the Boys ...

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is for the men in your life that will need a card for birthdays or other occasions where a card can be sent

I have used the dies, stamps and stencils from the Masculine Additions to the "Christina Collection" and made a quick and easy card.

Alter the greeting to suit your recipient and make the envelope match the design.
 Add the Googly Eyes just for fun

The video is not long and so make yourself a cuppa and relax for a little time to view

Use colours and patterns that are in keeping with your recipient and then send it with love 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Inlaid Butterfly Card

Hi Everybody,

Many of you love butterflies and so this card will fit the bill beautifully and it is very easy to make.

I have used the Layered Butterflies dies and stencils from The "Christina Collection" and the video will show you how I created this one

I have lined the inside of this card and made the envelope compliment the card too.

Here are a couple of different colourways and you can experiment with your own scheme to personalise your own cards

Adding a different sentiment can make it suitable for any occasion

I hope you have fun playing with the dies, stamps, embossing folders and stencils from my collection and it is set to grow in the next few weeks

Enjoy the video

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Apple Blossom Dies ...

Hi Everybody,

Today I want to share a new addition to the All Occasions Collection and this is the Spring additions

The original folder was free with a magazine and if you got yours then well done !!

It sparked off a whole new ranges of beautiful folders with lots of different patterns on them and I have done lots of videos using them.

But these new ones are really lovely and there are several new ones for you to choose from.

The video will show which ones I have used how to create make the circular card

But you can get a different look simply by inking up the folder and each side will add the ink in a different area. This is Letterpress and if you are new to card making then it really is quite easy to do

Have fun with these new folders, dies and stamps and combine them with others from the

 All Occasions Collection

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

Don't these Saturdays come round really fast ?? It seems no time at all since the last one and once again it's raining.

 I have had a really busy week and have done lots of videos for you to view. I have also sorted out lots of Friday Freebies for the coming weeks and so I hope you will keep popping back to see what is on offer.

The winner of this weeks Build a Bouquet die and stamps set is YOU ....

Marilyn Mathis

so would you send me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and both will be on their way to you straight away.

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Build a Bouquet

Hi Everybody,

Flowers are always a useful item in any collection as they fill so many gaps on all kinds of cards.

And this Stamp and Die set is perfect for any occasion.

The video Build A Bouquet has had over 6.000 views and lots of people left me a comment on it.

But to be in with chance to win it now you need to leave me a comment here and from those comments one name will be drawn as the winner.

I will announce the name in tomorrows blog post so please come back and check if it is you.

You don't need a blog to enter and I don't mind sending it wherever you live

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Valentines Day Card

Hi Everybody,

It's not far off now for you to send those Valentines cards to the ones you love

And this card is created with the Love & Marriage Additions  to the Christina Collection

This is a really useful set to have for all year round and makes beautiful Anniversary Cards

The video will show you how I made this and decorated the matching envelope

I have used Alcohol markers to colour the flower but you can use your favourite medium if you prefer.  

I do not profess to be an artist but I was quite pleased with the result

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Papercraft Essentials 156 - Scenescape

Hi Everybody,

There is a bumper gift on offer with this months Papercraft Essentials 156 that will help you to make some really pretty cards.

There is Pretty Quick Scenescape embossing folder with lovely stamps to enhance the scene.

Or use them to create a background for you instead as I have done with this card.

There is also a beautiful Prima paper pack and the opportunity to get the Little Bird Die & Stamp set just by paying the postage

I did a video a while ago when the Little Bird set was offered as a free gift with Simply Cards & Papercraft and to refresh your memory here is the link to the video for you ....

  Little Bird Die & Stamp set 

But this Scenescape set is really versatile and would suit male and female cards ... and all age groups too.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Parchment Butterflies

Hi Everybody,

Today's tutorial shows you how I created some lovely Butterflies from parchment and then added them to a card and a box to match. The gold card is from the craft show and I can't remember the supplier/ The parchment is also from the same craft show but I have given you an alternative with Craft Stash ... 

The links are at the bottom of the page for everything else.

This design could be used for any occasion and dressed accordingly to suit. Imagine this as a Golden Wedding Anniversary Card.  A little imagination could make this fit any bill.

Here is the video and I hope you enjoy it with your cuppa.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Fabulous find ...

Hi Everybody,

I know that many of you are not confident with ink blending and over the years I have tried to show you ways and means to get the look that you like. I have used blending tools ... bought and home made. Sponges and ink blending foam as well as a more expensive range of brushes

But yesterday I went shopping in my local Aldi store and this is what I found in the centre isle.

They are brushes that I thought would be perfect for ink blending and they came in three different sizes.

They were priced at £2.99 per pack

There was one large or two medium or three small ones in each pack and it was the three small ones that I decided to buy.

And because they are so well priced at £2.99 a pack I bought four of them.

The colours on the right of the photo are the inks I blended together with the brushes

You can see the colours that I used on each brush and I was really pleased with the result and they are the best priced item I have ever used for ink blending.

And tomorrow will see me in the store buying some more to use with my Distress Oxide Inks and at that price I can have one for most of the colours that are in my collection.

Always one to share a good find ... if you are UK based then get yourself off to Aldi for your own set of blending brushes.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

Every Saturday I seem to say that it's raining ... and today is no exception.  I have spent the morning in my craft room filming some lovely videos for the coming week and I hope you will enjoy them once they are shown

The draw for the card and gift was late today but has now been done and the inner of the Time For Tea die and stamp set is YOU ....

Kewpi (Sally Morrison)

would you email me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and both will be on their way to you straight away

Please let me know when you have them safely

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Time For Tea

Hi Everybody,

A really cute stamp and die set on offer today with lots of inspiration on the back of the pack and in the video

Time For Tea

So if you would like to win this combination then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post.

From those comments a name will be drawn at random and announced in tomorrows blog post so be sure to come back and check if it is you.

Please can you add your full name so that there is no confusion of there are two people with the same first name.

I am happy to send the gift to your wherever you live and it doesn't matter if you have won before

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Another Stamped Background

Hi Everybody,

Using background stamps can be a real time saver especially if you don't have papers or card that matches your design.

For this card I simply stamped the design with Versamark and used white embossing powder on Kraft Card

I coloured portions of the image with pencils.

It was quite relaxing to do it this way and it didn't take me that long.

Once it was done I dotted it with sequins and then add the little sentiment onto a parchment circle

One super easy to make card that can sit in my "To Send" folder until needed 

On another note ... have you noticed the new award in the left hand side bar ?? I have been awarded this because I am at #18 in the Top 100 YouTubers for card making. What an honour and no one was more surprised than me ... but really happy in the process !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx