Die Cutting Essentials 22

Hi Everybody,

Today this magazine is on sale in selected supermarkets and craft shops or WHSmiths and this is one idea of how to use the really useful Happy Birthday die that comes free with it.

You can also get it direct from this link  

Die Cutting Essentials 22  

In the video I make this card ... and I tell you what I am doing. So for those who prefer me to speak then here it is back to normal

The video is 

Die Cutting Essentials 22- Happy Birthday Die

The lace and flower are from WOC

This pretty round card is using the same die and it looks different when you vary the colours and shapes

This one has been dressed up with flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts

And they have been given the glitter treatment to make them sparkle

The little fabric butterfly is also from WOC

For this one I have used chalks to colour the areas of the die cut.

Don't forget to spritz with a little water to set the chalks or it may rub off the card

All pretty cards and that die cut is a good one to keep on hand for any of your birthday cards

And remember that you can always take your scissors to it and snip away the bits you don't want.

But don't throw them away because they may come in handy on another card

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Die Cutting Essentials Special Vol 4

Hi Everybody,

This Thursday the 23rd  March a new issue of 

Die Cutting Essentials Special Volume 4 
will be on sale in your local craft shops and selected supermarkets and  I am so pleased to say that some of  my cards will be one of the features in the pages.  

And I have a video to give you a sneaky peak of  DCE Special Vol 4  and show you some more ideas that I have designed

There is also a beautiful paper pack that you can use with some deep and dramatic colours in the mix.

The video will show you exactly what is in the pack and I am sure that you will have fun playing with it.

My flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the pearl flourish is from Wnt2Scrap

The ribbon on the hearts card is also in the pack and is a vibrant shade of pink

If you wanted this special edition you can get it HERE

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Spellbinders Graceful Fans (Video)

Hi Everybody,

Thank you all for your feedback on my new style videos and they have had a real mixed response. Some like it and others don't but a lot of people say they didn't like the music.  So in this one I have  toned it down to a more gentle tune.

I won't be doing all the videos like this just the occasional one with a quick card. It keeps things fresh and interesting to change them around a little. I am very flattered that many of you like the sound of my voice (I hate it)

There have recently been a lot of new border dies from the wonderful Becca Feeken and they are all intricate and a pleasure to work with .

And so I thought that a video was in order to show you how I made this really pretty card

This link  Spellbinders Graceful Fans   will take you through to the video and the steps needed to make this top card.

I hope you enjoy this new style video more

The bright gold card is part of a pack from Craft Stash and it gives a real luxury look to the white card and it is easy to cut

The ribbon I already had in my supplies and I used it to create the double bow.

So there are a couple more ideas using the exact same items just arranging them in a different way each time

The way I tie the  bow is shown in the video Tying A Bow  and it is quite easy to do.

Once you get to play with these dies I am sure that you will come up with lots more ideas for yourself.

But as you can see they are very versatile and the gold card sets them off beautifully

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Graceful Fans Card Creator Amazing Paper Grace by Becca Feeken Etched Dies	Christmas Mixed Mirror Card	Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue	5x7 Matting Basics A
5x7 Matting Basics B	PICK & MIX	Platinum Die Cutting and Embossing Machine

InLinkz.com

Tuesday Tutorial - Two Way Street

Hi Everybody,

A pretty floral card is the order for today and this is using dies that I have used before so if you have them it's time to get them out again.

Matting Basics are always useful dies to have in your crafting collection and I use mine regularly

Spellbinders Supplies:

• S6-001 5x7 Matting Basics A
• S6-002 5x7 Matting Basics B .
• S4-710 Two Way Street
• S5-187 Labels Thirty Three
• PL-001 Platinum Die Cutting Machine

Other Supplies:

• Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts
• Ribbon from Mei Flower
• Glitter from Glitter Magic
• Lace and Dazzler from WOC
• Pink and Cream card from Papermill Direct

Instructions:

With die #7 from Matting Basics A cut two and create a cream base card

With die #7 from the B set cut one layer in pink

With die #6 from the A set cut another layer in cream

With die #6 from the B set cut another layer in pink

Cut one layer with the Two Way Street die

Stamp and heat emboss your sentiment onto some cream card and  with die #4 from Labels 33 cut two layers one from the cream sentiment card and the other in pink.

Cut the pink one in half as shown

Arrange around the cream sentiment layer so that a small border is created at the top and bottom

Layer the Two Way Street on to the pink layer with dots of glue 

Add both to the cream layer and wrap these with lace and ribbon 

Add some foam pads on the back 

Layer the next pink layer onto the base card and then add the previous step to the top

Use foam under the sentiment label and add centrally to the card

Glue a small bow in place along the bottom left of the sentiment

Arrange the flowers on to the card as you like and sprinkle them with glitter for a lovely effect.

These are the flowers I have used. Starting from the ;left they are ...

Gypsophila, Chrysanthemum, Carnation, Roses in three sizes 5/10/15 mm

 2 Tuscany Rose buds and a Tulip

Anemone and Cherry Blossom

I have two tutorials that maybe can help you with flower arranging 

Adding Flowers to Cards

Small Flower Corsage

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Pretty Butterflies

Hi Everybody,

This is one of the cards that I featured in the

 Hydrangea Video 

It was using the die that came free with Simply Cards and Papercrafts 160 a few weeks ago

There are lots of ways to use this pretty free gift and in the video I tried to give you some options.

I used coloured inks to create the background using the stamps and then I stamped extra butterflies onto a separate piece of card and fussy cut them out

They have been added to the card just gluing along the body line and raising the wings slightly

The pearl flourish from Want2Scrap has been used to make the butterfly trails from each one

I matted the panel onto some black card and then layered it to an embossed panel before adding to the base card

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card Winner and a Video

Hi Everybody,

The pretty card yesterday was one of several that I made using that technique and I did them all in different colours. Over the past months I have given them all away as Friday Freebies and I hope you have liked them if you where one of the winners.

So this one will find a new home with YOU

Pearl Hudson

would you email me please with your postal address to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and the card will be on its way to you straight away.

Please let me know when it arrives with you.

New Craft Club ...

In many of the craft magazines there has been an advertisement for a new club from  Practical Publishing and they have asked me if I would do a video to show you what is in the first kit. 

The items will change every three months and they will be quality crafting goods that are better priced than buying them individually.

Here it is and all the information to join the club is in the video ... It is only open to UK residents at present.
 Here is Club Create 2017

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

A New Collection

HI Everybody,

I have some really pretty dies to tell you about today and they are all available from Craft Stash.

These are the Stitched and Pierced Collection  and this link will tke you to the full collection of thirteen different sets for you to choose.

Each edge is either stitched or pierced to alternate the look to your layers

I have done four videos to highlight some for you to see and all you need to do is click the links

The first video is the

Stitched and Pierced Ovals

and in the film I show you how I created this pretty card.

Use any embossing folder that you have to add texture to the card and it would look just as good in any other colour too.

The second video is using the 

Stitched and Pierced Circles  

and I have tried to give you some different ideas with this set of dies.

There are more ideas on the video

This pretty card is created with the 

Stitched and Pierced Squares 

and this is one of several ideas for you on the video.

I have added pearls to the centre of my card and on another I have created a shaker card.

And last but not least is the

Stitched and Pierced Rectangles 

In this particular video I have tried to show you some different ways to use the dies and the card to the left is the result of one of those ways

The stitching has been highlighted around the shape with a black fine liner pen

That is a really easy way to accentuate the detail on any of the shapes and sizes that you use.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Another Freebie

Hi Everybody,

Today I have another magazine freebie to tell you about and this one is

 Die Cutting Essentials 21 

This will be on sale in selected supermarkets and craft shops on Thursday 23 rd February.

You can also get it from WHSmiths or direct from More Mags 

 Using that link you can take out  a magazine subscription if you prefer and that way you will always be sure to get your favorite magazine

The gift is called Darling Doilies and it is in three sections to make some lovely adornments for your designs.  

The video is available on YouTube and is

  DEC21 - Darling Doilies

You can keep it simple if you wish and this is just a one layer card so will fit into an ordinary envelope for posting.

Or you can dress it up with pretty flowers and make a box to put it in

Here I have used Roses in two sizes 20mm and 15mm ... plus Tuscany Rosebuds and tulips.

All have been sparkled with glitter and the  gingham ribbon has been glued in place under the bouquet

The flowers and the pearls centre on the bow are all from Wild Orchid Crafts

The pearl flourish is from Want2Scrap

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie 005/17 - Hello Friend

Hi Everybody,

Todays FF is yet another card that was created on video and the title is Ombre Effect and Die Cutting

It was created using the waste pieces from a Spellbinders Grate Effect die and the look is just something a little different.

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

From those comments a name will be chosen at random and the winner announced in tomorrows blog post.

You will need to pop back in the morning to see if it is you who has won the card

You have 72 hours to claim it and if it is not claimed then it will be offered again at a later date.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Chalkola Chalk Markers

Hi Everybody,

This is a product that is new to me and I was asked by Chalkola Chalk Pens   to try them out and tell you what I found.

These are liquid chalks and unlike the powdery chalks I have used in the past they don't need to be set with hairspray as they won't rub off on your fingers

They are designed to be used on non porous surfaces and they wash off easily with water or window cleaner or a wet wipe and leave no marks at all ... not even the red and black markers. Use them on mirrors, plastic, white boards, acetate and windows.

You could really have some fun with these at Valentines Day or Christmas. Imagine drawing red hearts on your mirrors and then being able to simply wipe them off after the day has ended.

But I thought I would try them out on a porous surface and I decided to make a card and film the process as I went along.

Chalkola Chalk Pens  are available from the Chalkola website and the link is at the top of the page or from Amazon 
and you can use this code to get 15% off from either place 15OFFSTR

They are child friendly but I wouldn't let a child under three play with them ... water based, odour free, non toxic and long lasting and BRILLIANT !! 

I have used them to label glass jars and the unit in the craft room so that I know what is in each cupboard. And when I move things around I can simply wipe it clean and re label

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie 004/17 - Butterfly Parchment

Hi Everybody,

This is another card that was created on video in the film 

Butterfly Background on Parchment

It is very easy to do but gives a lovely effect that can be altered with the colour of card that you add under it

The folder that I used is from Crafters Companion but I have had it a while now and I don't know if it is still available

Would you like to own this card ? Then all you need to do is leave me a comment at then end of the post.

 From those comments a name will be chosen at random and the winner announced in tomorrows blog post 

You will have 72 hours to claim the card  and it doesn't matter if you have won one in the past.

I will send the card wherever you live and you don't need to have a blog to enter.

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Papercraft Essentials 143 - Fairy Wishes

Hi Everybody,

The Papercrafts Essentials 143 will be on sale in selected supermarkets and craft shops on the 9th February 

With if comes the lovely free stamp set called  Fairy Wishes and the video is a sneaky peak at what you will get

   PE143-Fairy Wishes

There are two silhouette fairies in this set with 

plenty of sentiments and little items for you to personalise the card

I have given you some ideas in the video and there will be many more in the magazine.  

It also has the embossing folder and you can create some lovely effects simply using that.

You can make it as simple or as intricate as you wish.

But the free gifts that I show you from all the magazines that I cover are of good quality and if looked after will last you a long time.  All you need to do is have fun playing with them and of course enjoying the magazine of your choice at the same time

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie 003/17 - Pink Chalk

Hi Everybody,

Todays card was featured in a video a little while ago using chalks and the effect is a soft and gentle look

The video ... Create a Chalk Background  .. uses some pastel chalks that I have in my stash and they are something that was really popular a few years ago.

It seems to have gone out of favor and so I thought it time that I got mine out again and use them.

I bet you are like me in buying things,  using them for a while and then something else takes your eye and you move on,  and forget about the other stuff you have

Well if you have chalks then give them an airing and you are sure to like the effect.

But don't forget that can of cheap hairspray to spritz the card as that will set the chalks and stop them rubbing off the card again and spoiling the look.

Now if this is a card that you would like then all you have to do is leave me a comment and come back tomorrow and check if it is your name that is listed as the winner. You have 72 hours in which to claim the card and then you will be too late

I am happy to send the card anywhere you live and you don't need to have a blog of your own either
I add a card every Friday so just add your name and you never know YOU could be the winner

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

New Collection from Craft Stash

Hi Everybody,

Today sees the launch of more new dies from Craft Stash and this is the Daisy Chain Collection. I have four new videos showing how I have used this set and they are all ready for you to view.

The first one is to create a background with the stamp set

I have used a favourite trick of muting the background with parchment for a subtle look

The video is Daisy Stamped Background  and will show you how I made this card.

This circular card is created with the dies cutting white card and some colour added for effect.

I love the sentiment on this and it is part of the stamp set .."Goodbye Tension - Hello Pension " a good one to send to many of your retiring friends

For this card I have used the Daisy Chain Border   which gives a really pretty look to the edges of the card.

I have used the glitter card that I featured in a video a few weeks ago and it is available from Craft Stash

And with this card I used the embossing folder to create a Letterpress look for the background to my card

Altogether this is really versatile collection and you will be bale to make so many different looks for any occasion.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Creative Stamping free gift ...

Hi Everybody,

Today I have yet another video for you to view and this one features another free gift.

The video is called Creative Stamping 39 - Truly Scrumptious  and there are so many images for you to play with.

I had so much fun with this as you will see from the samples in the video and there are ,many many more ways for you to use it

You can mix and match to your hearts content with this gift.

It will be on sale on the 26th January so keep a look out for it in your local shops ans supermarkets

Or you can get it direct from Moremags 

Most of the images have been coloured with pencils but they would look equally as good with paints or markers whichever you prefer to work with.

Just have fun with your creations and see what you can come up with.

This Jelly Baby has simply been stacked one on the other to create a fun card that would be prefect for a childs birthday.

You can change the items that are arranged on the cart too and alter the sentiments to go with each one you stamp.

The free gifts in these magazines just seem to get better and better and are the perfect way to build up your own crafting supplies.

There are more idea in the magazine too as well as tips and information to help you create cards that you will enjoy making

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Pretty Quick - Stained Glass Dies

Hi Everybody,

Late yesterday I added four new vidoes for you to see and they are featuring new die collections from Craft Stash  Today I am adding four more with the Pretty Quick dies titled Stained Glass.

The first one features the Stained Glass Rose and Chalks and the pastel chalks give this a really pretty effect.

It is easy to do so if you have them grab the chalks and have a go.

This one is the same die but really quick with just some pretty paper.  Stained Glass Rose and Designer Paper

Dig out those lovely background papers that you have been saving and make this card in noi time at all/

Keep a batch of them ready for those last minute occasions

Next we have the  Dove and for this one I have used coloured pencils and a little blending fluid

But this is yet another quick and easy cards which is after all what these dies are there for ... Pretty Quick cards with no hassle

Stained Glass Dove and Pencils is the video

And last but not least we have the Dove added to some beautiful mirror card that is also available from the Craft Stash website

I featured the mirror and glitter card a little while ago in another vidoe and it comes in a mixed colour pack of ten sheets

So I hope you have enjoyed all eight of the videos that I have added and there are lots more on the way soon as it is time to show you what the freebies are for January in the magazines

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Video Collaboration ...

Hi Everybody,

Today I have a new video on YouTube and this one is done in collaboration with Christine Smith of  Crafti Potential.

Christina and I are on the design team for Craft Stash and so we had some of the same products to work with.

We chose Spellbinders Tranquil Moments and the stamps from the magazine freebie Winter Wonderland that I featured in a video last month.

Christines style is modern and quirky and I love some of the cards she produces. My style is flowers, ribbons and pearls and we couldn't be further apart if we tried

So I hope you will pop over to her blog and have a look around ... tell her Christina sent you and she will be delighted to have you visit.

Here are the videos for you to view ....

If you would like to subscribe to our channels then you will be sure never to miss a new video that we add regularly and please let us know if you enjoyed this collaboration and maybe we can do some more in the New Year

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie 149

Hi Everybody,

Thank you ALL so much for your concern about me being ill and I am glad to say that I am on the mend.

The chest infection that I have is really exhausting and of course as I lay down I started to cough again and so I have lost a lot of sleep.

 I got some antibiotics from the doctor and this is now the third day of taking them and I do feel better.... but my voice has gone  ... which Griff says is no bad thing!!

I was hoping to get lots of new videos done but there is no way you would be able to hear me on the film so I gave that up as a bad job for now.

Losing my voice though has not stopped me typing and so todays Friday Freebie card is here.

It is a little unusual in that it has the background done on acetate with alcohol refills

and glitter.

It is a technique that I shared with you a while ago and you will find the tutorial for it here ...

Caught In Crystal

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the sentiment is one that I have in my "Stash"

So if you would like to win this card then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post and from those comments a name will be drawn

The winner will be announced in tomorrows blog post so be sure to come back and check if it is you

I am happy to send the card any where in the world and it doesn't matter if you have won one before you can still add your name.

You don't need to have your own blog but it would be really nice if you joined the list of followers to this blog and popped back regularly to see what is going on.  Whenever you pop back please leave me a comm net so that I know you have  visited

I am hoping to be back to normal again next week and so thank you for continuing to visit me and thanks again for all the lovely emails and messages that I have had.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx