Kraft Card ...

Hi Everybody,

Here is a card that stay away from the usual pinks and blues and this time I have been playing around with some Kraft Card.

On it's own it can be pretty uninspiring .... but used with another colour the result is quite pleasing. Here I have kept it neutral and teamed it with Ivory and there are lots of layers to this design.

It is an 8" card and I have added the "A"frame to the back which gives you a lot of space on the back for you to add your greeting and signature.... but saves you the pain of finding a suitable insert.

Click to Enlarge

Starting from the base of Ivory card I have layered another panel of Ivory and then added the Grand Decorative Labels 1

It was a wee bit too small so I cut it onto quarters and added them to each corner of Kraft Card which has had the corners rounded.

I made a slit in these panels and then each corner of the Kraft Card has been tucked under the edge of the Grand Labels 1

The next layer has been embossed and again rounded and I have used lots of foam tape to separate every other layer.

The centre panel is Timeless Rectangles and layered with the next size down, and tucked behind that is the large die from Venetian Motifs which has been cut in half and added to each side.

I have used my favorite Labels 20 which has been stamped and embossed in Gold and then decorated with the matching "Bling" from Want2Scrap

I have used leaves form the Foliage set ...  Swirls are Venetian Motifs ... flowers from Daisy Heads  

The butterfly was free with a magazine and is complete with a pearly trial.  A pearl to the centre of the flower and this is a card that I really like.

Hugs xx

Another card for Christmas

Now I like this Christmas Card more than the one featured the other day.

This is using a Spellbinder Christmas die ...  but for the life of me I can not remember which one ... and I seem to have discarded the package when I added the die to my wall.

The centre aperture has  been cut with the largest die in the main  card panel.

A  frame has been  created from the largest and third size and then run through an embossing folder.

The stripy paper insert has been covered with Micro Glass Beads for texture.

The sentiment and the smaller  bauble have been decorated with "Bling" from Want2Scrap  and the long flourish is from the Finesse set of Diamante.

And don't forget  you can add your name to the  Want2Scrap  draw to win $100 worth of this beautiful  embellishment  by clicking this link..... Want2Scrap - Facebook Page 

Click the "Like" button and leave them a comment saying  that  Christina sent you  and you will be included for the chance to win.

Hugs xx

Pearly Baby

I hope you are not getting tired of these babies  ... though with such a lovely image I don't see how you can.

The next video in this series will be about clothes and I will show you some tricks with the pens to get the different looks.  It will be added later in this week  because at the moment my "Film Crew" is rather busy.

Around the edge of this card I have added the look of pearls ... but to use the real thing would cost too much


And so I have used glue to produce the look and the video   Create Your Own Pearls   will show you how to get the look and save money in the process.

Clicking the picture will  enlarge the photo  for a better view and I have varied the size of the pearls for greater effect.

 The charm on the left of the card is a silver baby shoe and I have added it to the  tag  with a silver mobile phone cord.

The number is fabric and raised on foam pads.

I have made the card to an 8" square as that gives lots of room to add the border, and I embossed a square onto it first.

I have added an "A" frame to the back to enable the card to stand ... and I don't need to add an insert to the card doing this.

The   Spellbinders Fancy Tags 3   has the addition of Nestabling around it and that is from Want2Scrap

I am pleased to tell you that my Spellbinder and Nestabling videos are featured on the Want2Scrap Blog page and I thank them for the compliment

Earlier this week I mentioned Micro Glass Beads and I have had several emails asking me about this product as it is quite new. The link will take you to a more detailed explanation and how to use them on your cards.

Hugs xx



Silver and White Wedding Card.

This will be my last "live" post for a few days as I am all ready to go on my Canadian adventure to meet Naomi and her family. 

The cases are packed, we have the tickets, the dollars and the insurance all sorted, the house is clean and tidy and I am so excited about this trip I can't sleep.

My "Film Crew" has all his camera batteries fully charged and he is raring to go.... complete with the silly hat !!

But of course to family nothing changes and at the last minute my daughter has asked me to make  her a special wedding card.   This wedding has been planned for months ... but last night she asked me and it is for this Saturday.

So what could I say???

Click to enlarge

Once again the remit was for the ever popular white card with flowers and so I obliged ...and this is what I came up with.

The silver was added in to the blend to give some sparkle.

I have used two different types of ribbon and layered them at the top of the card and added a bow from the same two ribbons with a Diamante centre.

The  beautiful Diamante  "Bling" is from Want2Scrap

 The Spellbinders used will be in BOLD so that you will know what I have used.

Click to enlarge

The  background is created  from the   Regal M-Bossablities folder.

 The sentiment has been layered onto the Floral Ovals and the Labels 20 with  matching "Nestabling" added to the centre Label 20

The flowers are Spiral Blossoms 1 and 3, with the smaller Bitty Blossoms added into the spray and each of the flowers has  had a silver glitter ball glued into the centre.

I have used the small leaves from the Bitty Blossoms and larger ones from the Foliage set.

Click to enlarge

The Diamante has been used around the edge of the card and of course all self respecting wedding cards need a box and so I have added the flowers and the "Bling" to this as well.

The lid has an acetate centre so that the card can be seen through it ...but at the last minute I decided to add silver tissue paper to keep it safe.

So that is it until I get to Canada ... the next few days posts are all done and scheduled to go out each morning .... fingers crossed.

Then once I get settled Naomi and I will be doing some projects together and of course my Film Crew will be on hand to take some lovely photos or our trip to Prince Edward Island .

Thank you for all the lovely messages about my holiday... both here and by email to the website.

Hugs xx

Nestaboard ... Lacy Ovals

This pretty shape is created from the largest Nestaboard shape in the  Lacy Ovals  and gemstone Nestabling frames the shape.

Both of these products are from   Want2Scrap  and are explained more  in the video  Alternative Spellbinders

The Skeleton leaves,  White Gardenias  and Roses  are  from Wild Orchid Crafts 

There are also some stems of pearls on gold wire but I can't remember where I got them from ...  soreeee!

I have used Gilding Flakes to get the Gold effect and the bottom of the oval has had some tear drops from a pair of un-used earrings added to it.

I also glued into the oval some matching pearls to complete the look.

The sentiment is layered onto a Fluer Di Lis Accent and I cut another in gold card as a shadow effect.  I used the smallest peice of gemstones from the Nestabling to frame it.

Both shapes are suspended from one of the Elegant Posts.

Hugs xx

Nestaboard ... Labels 2

This is another shape from the Nestaboard  family and this one is the Labels 2 that matches the Spellbinder die.

With this one I have inked it up with Versamark and covered it in red embossing powder then heated it and sprinkled in some Glamour Dust while it was still hot.

Around the back of the shape I have added some white lace and  on the front I have used a red Rose  from Wild Orchid Crafts  and curled  the wire from the flower around a  cocktail stick.

Once added to a card it looks totally different ... and with this one I have used a white square doily in the baackground.

The ribbon technique is explained in the tutorial   Ruffled Ribbon  and  is very easy to achieve.

The Nestaboard and the Pearly Swirls are from  Want2Scrap and make a real statement to any card.

Hugs xx

Nestaboard ... Scalloped Hearts

This is a product called Nestaboard from  Want2Scrap

It is compressed board that is used to match ... or instead of the Spellbinder dies. 

It is an excellent alternative to buying the dies ...  as they are pricey and you may not want to buy them.

But these are much less expensive  .... and they give a really pretty effect that you can dress  up anyway you like.

There are several shapes in decreasing size to each packet for you to create your own toppers.

And the company will ship worldwide too.

This is the largest one from the  Scalloped Hearts  I have covered the shape in  pretty pink paper and then edged  it with the matching  pink gemstones from  the same company.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts  and this is the topper that was made using all these wonderful products.

But when added to a card front with a lacy square doily in the background and  the result is very pretty.

The addition of the organza ribbon and the punched butterfly add the final touch and is a card I would be very happy to send for any occasion.

Hugs xx

Playing with Spellbinders...

I love, love, love my Spellbinders and I use one set or another on almost every card I make.

I will add the names of the Spellbinders that I use BOLD so that you will know which sets they are should you wish to purchase them to build up  your own collections.

It is also no secret that I like to add flowers to my cards too.

I just love the effect they give to a card and I openly admit to being a "More is more...." kind of a card maker.

I know it is not to everyones taste and I do love the elegant looks to a more simple card ... I make them that way too ..... but if I can make a card were I can add the "Bling" then I am happy to add it.

I have bought a lot of my flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts   in the past, and the look they give is so beautiful.

But my latest love is the Bitty Blossoms and the Spiral Blossom 3   from Spellbinders

When combined together they make the most beautiful floral spray to grace any card.

On this card I have added the Floral Flourishes behind the flowers and the blue background  is glitter card.

I have also added some Nestabling around the sentiment

The purple colour with pure white make these flowers really pretty and I have sprinkled them with Glamour Dust.

The organza ribbon and the flourish set off the Lacy Ovals and the trail from the butterfly is a left over piece of the pearly swirl.

The Nestabling is from  Want2Scrap and always makes a card look special what ever the style. 

Here I have used them with the Spiral Blossom 1 ... which makes the most gorgeous roses ... and the Floral Flourishes again.     The lovely sentiment is from                                   Clarity Stamp     

The Hatpin is tucked into the flower spray and can be removed by the recipient so don't forget to tell them.

It makes a lovely lapel pin for them to wear.

      

Hugs xx

Candy Doodles CD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs Christina xx

Persian Motifs and Accents

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

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

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

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

The background has been embossed with Flora M-bossabilities folder

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs Christina xx

Cream and Gold

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs Christina xx

Spellbinders and Polka Doodles...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs Christina xx

Here's the card...

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

This is the Pleated Centre Card with Spellbinders.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs Christina xx

My first 100 followers ....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs Christina xx

Nestabling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs Christina xx