Mixing Things Up ...

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is a mixture of dies from the new collection and for this one I have used the Rounded Edges and the Oval Nested Fancy Frames.

The edges give a touch of elegance to the design and because they are also nested you can create frames of various sizes using them. 

Here I have simply created the base layers in alternating colours of blue and white and used foam pads to raise the layers up.

They all work so well together and it is fun to experiment and see what designs you can create for yourself. 

This card has used the Torn Edges  and I have created fames for my creation.

Again the layers have been cut in alternate colours.

Both have the addition of sentiments from the Special/Thoughtful Words Die Sets and they are large enough to make a really good focal point on your card fronts.

The flowers are always a special touch for me and as you know I like to add glitter to mine to sparkle them up.

Both cards are 5x7 as that is my favourite size to create cards.

 They are not too big and yet there is room to add embellishments to the card front that are not lost in the design.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ink Smoosh and Gold Edging

Hi Everybody,

I have been doing some ink smooshing using Distress Oxides. 

The one on the left is with Picked Raspberry and Squeezed Lemonade and the one on the right is with Kitsch Flamingo and Mermaid Lagoon.

I have some videos on my YouTube Channel showing this Ink Smooshing Technique if it is new to you. And this one includes Ink Smooshing & Die Cutting also

But for these two cards I have cut out both the panels with the Torn Edges Die Set and then inked up the edges with Embossing Ink and added Gold Embossing Powder. I also added some of the embossing ink using a finger dauber and a stencil on one, and in a random fashion on the other and embossed them the same way.

The other layers for the cards have also been cut
with the same die set making them to fit around the main panel.

I found lots of items on my desk top left over from other projects and I used them to complete both of my cards.

The sentiments are from Special Words, cut in Gold mirror card and backed onto parchment.

I used some pearl flourish to finish off the look on both and I have had this flourish for years in my bit box, but by cutting it up into pieces I made it fit both of my cards.

Both cards have used bits that might otherwise have been thrown away or lost, but now they have been put to good use instead.

I can't choose a favourite as I like them both equally and both will go in my donate box ready to go to the Charity Shop to be sold.

Do you have many bits left at the end of a crafting session? And if you do how do you use them up?

Let me know and maybe some of your ideas can be shared amongst us

I hope you enjoy the two videos I have added, just click the links and it will take to a new page to watch them. They are not long so you won't get bored.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ruby Update

Hi Everybody,

Thank you all so much for your messages and concern for Ruby and here is an update on her progress.

She has had a blood test and it has shown that her liver is not working properly. It is not cleaning the toxins from her body and it is this that is making her sick. She has an infection in the folds in her lips and it is not getting any better because of this problem. So now she is on antibiotics and other stuff to help her and she seems to be responding to the treatment. She is not back to her old self yet and I will let you know how we go on over the next few weeks.

Thank you again for your kindness

More tomorrow …

Hugs xx

No Friday Freebie ...

Hi Everybody,

I am so sorry but there will not be a Friday Freebie this week. 

My Ruby is not well and has been sick all night.  

She is very lethargic and did not come to greet me this morning .

At present she is lying outside in the cool air but shortly I will try to get her into the vets. 

 I will keep you posted as to how she is 

Love 

Christina xx

Nested Fancy Frames - Squares

 Hi Everybody,

Today I am featuring the Nested Squares from the new collection of Nested Fancy Frames.  I  have already added videos for the other shapes in the collection and they are all in a playlist on YouTube for you to view.

In this video I show you how I have created eight cards from this set and once you start to play the list goes on.

I have really enjoyed playing with all these new dies and the cards they can help you to create can be decorated as much or as little as you wish

I always go to town once I start to add stuff and I never know when to stop.

Some of the cards are planned out and put together as the plan but others where spur of the moment ideas inspired as I played with the dies.

This card is a little A6 style and was done as a quick idea to use up the extras.

I liked the outcome though and placing the die cuts the other way round to put the pattern in the centre of the card instead of at the sides. 

And don't forget whatever styles I have demonstrated here can also be achieved with any of the other shapes in the collection.

Just play and have fun as you die cut and see what they can make

This is one of my favourites and I haven't made this style for such a long time, but I will be using this idea again as it looks really elegant once made up.

I hope you enjoyed the video, and the others in this 

Nested Fancy Frames & Special Words playlist on YouTube

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Rainbow Butterfly Card

Hi Everybody,

This pretty card is a slimline version and I have used older die sets to get the look. Make the most of what you already have and that way you will get your monies worth from the product.

I have used the Trellis embossing folder to add texture to the panel and then added it to the card base.

From white card I have blended the inks in a rainbow order and used the Butterfly Border die to cut them out. 

This die set comes in three sections that will cut the butterflies and the outer sections separately.  That way you can create a background for your butterflies any width you prefer.

I kept the outer dies the same width and removed the butterflies die before cutting again to give me the back drop in white. I layered the two portions together.

I cut two of the Single Sided Border strip in white and glued them in place to the back of the butterflies and then added all to the card with foam tape underneath to raise them up. 

I dotted the panel with corresponding sequins and the sentiment is cut from Blue Holographic card, and I like the effect of it all.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Playtime ...

 Hi Everybody,

For these two cards I used the Crackling Campfire Distress Oxide Ink and a blending brush to create an Ombre Effect on my cards.

Once I had done that I ran the panels through my embossing folders, this one is the Perfect Rose folder, and I used a different one for each card. 

With the raised side of the card uppermost I then used the same brush and ink to go over it again but this time with a heavier hand.

That picks up all the raised areas and makes them stand out more on the card front.

I used items left over from other cards that had been cut in white and with foam tape I added them to the card panel.

The orange sequins have been added for effect, and the card bases are both from one A4 piece that has been folded and then cut in half.

For this one I did the same technique with the ink for the background and then used the Trellis folder for this card.

I again brushed over the raised side with my blending brush and it made the pattern stand out on the panel.

The sentiment is from the large Decorative Words die set which I cut three times and stacked together for a really sturdy stand out look. 

Again I have dotted sequins on the front and I am really happy with both of the cards. 

Quick and easy, clean and simple ... for me any way !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Nested Fancy Frames - Circles

Hi Everybody,

Today the star of the show is the
Nested Fancy Frames - Circles
and in this video I have shared how I made a Gatefold Card.

The picture shows a circular card using the largest outer die to create the shape but there are lots of ways to use any of these sets.

In the video I shared the other day using the Nested Fancy Frames Rectangles I have shown you how to alter the shape to the die cuts. 

And you can do the same thing to any of the shapes in this new collection to give you even more possibilities for your designs.

I have created a playlist on YouTube to feature all these new dies and here is the video for the Circles

        

I have also created an Easel Card and that was really easy to do

The papers I have used on this card are from the Simply Made Crafts Summer Fun Pack 

by Helen Griffin.

There are lots of 12x12 paper with lovely designs to them and I have used several of them on my cards.

I hope you enjoy the video and it is just the right length for a brew at the same time !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ruby & Ella ...

Hi Everybody, 

This lovely photo is Ruby lying on my bed in the sunshine and Ella trying so hard to sneak up to her for a cuddle.

Ella follows Ruby around wherever she goes and sometimes it gets bit too much for Ruby. 

Shortly after this was taken Ruby realised what was happening, got up and not only jumped off the bed but she left the room.

But we are making progress bit by bit and when I put food down for Ella,  Ruby will share the same dish. But when I put Ruby's food down she chases Ella off it.

Both are happy and healthy and getting on OK.

The weather has been too hot for Ruby who chooses to lie in the shade but Ella loves being outside.

Here she is sitting on a log trying to catch butterflies.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

Hi Everybody,

It is much cooler here today and there is quite a wind on the go as well. Ruby and I will be going out later but at present I am not allowed to drive since my cataract surgery. But it will be two weeks since the op on Tuesday and I will be back in my car again.  So for now it is walking to the nearest park or the beach which is about a five minute walk away.

In the meantime I have done the draw for yesterdays beautiful leaves and the name is ...

Donna Walls

would you email me please with your postal address to
christina@card-making-magic.com
and the pack will be in the post to you straight away.

Be sure to let me know when it arrives with you and I hope you will enjoy playing with it.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Fabulous Foliage

 Hi Everybody,

Todays offering is a fun foliage set that has lost of different shaped leaves in it.

You can use the leaves as they are or you can add them to a floral display for even more interest. 

Inside the magazine you will find lots of ideas for using these dies and other projects that you may like to try.

All you need to do to be in with the chance of winning is leave me a comment at the end of this post and be sure to add your 

FULL NAME

It doesn't matter if you have won before and I am happy to send the prize to you wherever you are.
But if you do not add your full name then your comment will not even be entered into the draw. 

Be sure to come back over the weekend to see if your name is listed as the winner, and it you are then I know you will love this gift

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Nested Fancy Frames - Rectangles

 Hi Everybody,

Today it is the turn of the Nested Fancy Frames Rectangle Die Set.

In this video I have shown you how you can change the shape from rectangle to slimline, and others too.

I want you to get as much enjoyment from any of my collections as you can as I know they can be a considered purchase.

But they will last you a lifetime if you take care of them which means you can be making beautiful cards for years to come.

Ringing the changes with the way you use the die cuts is what will keep the interest alive and make card making much more fun for you.

This is the exact same set of dies but with just a little trimming it can be made to fit a slimline card. I have added this to an embossed panel to fill the background and I really like the end result.

I hope you will give these ideas a try and look at any of your other dies too to see if they can be adapted to alter  their shapes for your cards.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Torn Edges

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is sharing another from the new collection of dies and this one is the modern Torn Edges. I love this look and it makes lovely base layers as well as frames.

This style also works well with the Rounded Edges and also any other 5x7 dies that you may have in your own collection.

The pink background with the white flowers to this card is a piece of acetate that I have had for absolute years in my cupboard.

I cut it up and used it on several cards and I am really quite pleased with the result.

 I will never be able to replace it because I don't know where I got it from. I just know it was at a craft show a long time ago.

The flowers are paper ones from Wild Orchid Crafts but they no longer ship to the UK.

 Craft Stash have a good selection on their website, or you could always make your own and there are lots of tutorials to show you how to get a realistic look for your blooms.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Nested fancy Frames - Ovals

 Hi Everybody,

This is the vidoe that will share with you how I made the Nested Cards using the Oval shape in a different way to yesterdays card.

There are lots of possibilities with this new die set and I would encourage you to play with them once you have them. 

This is using them to create a base card that I have used in portrait style and if you like lacy cards then these will suit you perfectly.

I hope you enjoy this video, and the collection is now available at Craft Stash.

The links below are affiliated which means if you buy through those links I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Nested Fancy Frames

Hi Everybody,

The new collection is now launched and I am hoping you enjoyed the video that was shown on Facebook Live on the 12th August.

 I will be adding the video to the blog in the next few days in case you missed it last Friday. 

In that video I shared the making of two cards using the ovals die set and I flipped the design around to create two different orientations.

But this picture shows you another way in which the dies can be used and for this I have added it to a 5x7 card front. 

The card base for this is from another new set of dies called Rounded Corners.

This will create the rounded shapes that look so pretty, and because they are Nested dies you can get this look on frames as well as base layers.

The sentiment is from the new Special Words die set and it makes quite a statement on the card front.

There are several Fancy Frames shapes to choose from so I hope you enjoy any that you decide to use.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

I am too hot !! I used to be a fan of wall to wall sunshine but not anymore. I am permanently melting and Ruby doesn't like it either. The only one enjoying this is Ella, the kitten, who finds the sunniest spot in the garden to sit in and just lies soaking it all up. I just want it to cool down ... a lot !!

But the draw has been done and thank you so much for adding your full names it is much appreciated.

So the name this week is 

Peggy Spencer

Would you email me your postal address please to 
christina@card-making-magic.com
and I will get it sent off to you straight away.

Please be sure to let me know that you have it safely and I really hope you will enjoy playing with this lovely kit.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Boxed Kit

Hi Everybody,

Todays offering is quite special as it is a full boxed kit from Craft World. 

In it you will find dies, stamps and an embossing folder, as well as papers, for you to create some lovely projects.

In the paper pack you will find sentiments banners ready to use and the stamps will cover enough occasions for you to add to your designs.

Inside the magazine there are lots of ideas on how to make the most of the kit as well as other ideas that you may like to try.

So if this is a kit that you would like to have then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post with your FULL NAME.

 From those comments one name will be chosen as  the winner and announced in a blog post over the weekend.

So be sure to come back and see if it is your name that is shown ... but it must be your full name. Not nicknames or initials but your full name.

Don't forget to join me today for a brand new launch

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Gold Embossing Powder

 Hi Everybody,

Todays card is using gold embossing powder  on pink card with a stamp set from the Altenew Monthly kits that I subscribe to.

It is a black base card and I have  added in another black layer that has been splattered with gold paint. I have die cut the image out with the matching dies and then added it to the card with foam tape.

It had been dotted with gold sequins and it is a DL size card that will fit into a standard sized envelope. So no extra expense there. 

And now on a completely different subject I am having the cataract removed from my left eye this morning and at least this time I know what to expect from the procedure.

I will be glad once it is all over with though and as I said before, if you are waiting to have this done then it really is worth it. It does not hurt but  I didn't think it was a pleasant experience.

I will try to get done what I can for the rest of the week but please think about joining Lou Collins and me on Facebook Live this coming Friday 12th August, to see the new collection that is being launched, and to try your hand at winning some prizes.

Talking of which .... don't forget to check back and see if your are the winner of last weeks give away as it has not yet been claimed, and it wont be there forever.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

National Friendship Day

 Hi Everybody,

Today some of my friends and I are inviting you to join in with our little Blog Hop.
This is for National Friendship Day, and it is going on in many places.

We are keeping ours small and just to the Co-Brands that are with Craft Stash and so it is more personal and not a long hop that will take you hours to get through.

Helen Griffin UK - https://www.youtube.com/c/HelenGriffinUK Papercrafting with Lou Collins - https://www.youtube.com/c/LouCollins Sheena - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIB4... Sam Calcott - Mixed Up Craft - https://www.youtube.com/c/MixedUpCraft Christina Griffiths - https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristinaGr... FINALLY... Be sure to subscribe, like and comment on each video and then to enter the competition for the big craft bundle, visit https://www.craftstash.co.uk/inspirat...

You can start anywhere you like on the hop but you will need to visit everybody to be in with the chance to win. Be sure to leave a comment at each video and then enter for the big prize that will be on offer by going to Craft Stash 

Here is my video using the lovely die and stamp set "Love Is In The Air" from
Made to Surprise by Sam Calcott  ....

                       

There is sure to be something that you enjoy and so please join us

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

It is a glorious day here today and I have been busy filming videos that I am hoping you will enjoy.
Ruby is waiting patiently to go out for her walk, and Ella is just playing with an empty toilet roll tube. 

I have done the draw for yesterdays give away and the name today is 

Marilyn Coombs

Would you email your postal address please to
christina@card-making-magic.com
and I will get it posted to you straight away. 

It is a pretty die set and I am sure that you will enjoy playing with it.
Please let me know that you have it safely 

Dont forget to join in the blog hop tomorrow for National Friendship Day and leave comments to be in with the chance to win.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Crafters Companion Festive Die

 Hi Everybody,

This copy of Simply Cards & Papercraft has a seasonal die attached to it and it will create pretty little scenes for you to add to your cards.

The magazine is full of some lovely ideas on how you can make the most of this die, as well as other projects that you may like to try.

This could be winging its way to you to join your own collection and all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post.

I will need your FULL NAME please other wise the comment will not be added to the draw. From those comments one name will be chosen at random and the name announced in a blog post over the weekend.

So if you do add a comment be sure to come back and see if it is your name that is shown as the winner.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Sneaky Peak ...

Hi Everybody,

Here is a sneaky peak at a brand new collection that is due to be released with Craft Stash on the
12th August. 

I will be doing Facebook Live with Lou Collins on that day to show the new collection to you. 

There are some beautiful Frames in the set and large words for you to add to your projects.

I have used the Simply Dots embossing folder for the background to this card but there are lots of ways that any of the dies can be used, and not just in the way they are intended

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, but they no longer ship to the UK and so you would need to find an alternative source.

Make a note in your calendar to join Lou and myself on the 12th August

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Special Deal on Card Making Magic

Hi Everybody,

This fabulous deal is available across all the ranges from Card Making Magic so have fun choosing the ones you really like and get one of them for free. 

 And be sure to join me on Sunday when I am taking part in a small blog hop with the
Co-Brands from Craft Stash as part of
National Friendship Day

There will be the chance for you to win a prize that is being put together by all the Co-Brands and will be well worth winning.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx