Beautiful Card Designs Made Easy

October 31, 2013

Matting Basics A & B

Hi Everybody,

I like to add layers to my cards but sometimes my straight lines are not straight.

So for me the answer was to invest in the Matting Basics that would help me to get a beautiful finish to my designs.

Now you may wonder why you would need two sets of dies that look exactly the same ... yes ?

I know they look the same but there is a difference in the two sets and the video will explain to you the difference and why you may want to get both.

The ones I have shown are the 5 x 7 set  ...but Spellbinders also do an A2 set and a Curved Matting Basics

I find this set so useful especially when I want to create the Hinged Card style ... and the link will take you through to the website tutorial until I add it here to the blog pages.





It is not a long video but I hope it will in some way help you to make that decision of which to buy and even if you need them at all.  

I know I do as I like to have a really neat and professional look to all my cards.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx






October 30, 2013

Gold Elements ...

Hi Everybody,

I have used the coffee coloured Centura Pearl  from Crafters Companion on this card and mixed it with white.

There's not a lot of extras on this card ... just the single rose from Wild Orchid Crafts   and the pearls "Bling" from Want2Scrap 

The white satin ribbon is from Mei Flower and it makes lovely bows.

There are lots of layers and each layer has been raised with foam pads.
The embossing folder is an M-Bossabilities from Spellbinders and this is the Whimsical Floral.

These folders are usable on both sides and the other side will be different and so you get twice as much for your money.

The inside is lined with ribbon around the layers and the pearls added to enhance the ribbon.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx








October 29, 2013

A fun card for Christmas ...

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is also the subject of a video tutorial and is just a fun way to make some Christmas cards.

It is also one that older children may enjoy making for their own friends and it will keep them quiet for a little while.

I had a lovely email off a lady in America who told me that she had made cards similar to this when she was first married ... over 50 years ago .... as they couldn't afford to buy Christmas cards
She said she bought some  card and some glitter and made them to give to family and friends ... and she thanked me so much for giving her the memory of that time in her life.

I was very humbled and wrote back to thank her for the lovely email.

It  makes what I do so much more worthwhile to get an email like that from a complete stranger.

The one that was most peoples favorite was the blue one.

I created the cloudy sky with Distress inks and the birds on the wire  was a little  fun idea that  I learned from Barbara Gray of Clarity Stamp





Update  on the Voile ... Lots of you have responded with information on where to get the voile so here are some of them...

  • Pauline gets hers from a shop called Charlies in Shrewsbury  
  • Margaret has suggested Dumhelm Mill or the market stalls.
  • Ann has named Fleetwood Market for Voile and Lace trim
I promise I will get the website address of the Voile people at the next craft show I visit but if you go to any organised by Sincerely Yours then look out for them there 

 More tomorrow ...

 Hugs xx

October 28, 2013

Causing A Stir ....

Hi Everybody,

Yesterday I added a video to YouTube and it has caused a bit of a stir.

It is showing how I added the pretty Voile to my cards and this is the card featured in the tutorial.

Since then I have had several emails from people asking me where I got the Voile from.

Now you know I got it from a craft show that I went to a few weeks ago.

But the thing is I don't know the name of the manufacturer ... all I know is it was cheap and a bargain.

I am so sorry and I will try to do better next time .... I am now stood in the corner with the Dunces Hat firmly fixed on my head ... and looking very sheepish !!

But what I will do is with the next "Give Away" I will add some to the list of prizes so that whoever wins it will be able to try it for themselves.  Is that a good trade off ??






It is a very pretty and delicate addition to your cards and if you have some then this is the way that I use it on my designs.

 More tomorrow ...

 Hugs xx

October 27, 2013

Centura Pearl

Hi Everybody,

This pretty card has been made with one of the 3-D embossing folders from Spellbinders and I have used Centura Pearl  Snow White  from Crafters Companion

This folder is the Fancy Framed Labels Eighteen and I have used Labels Eighteen to go with it.

I have also added in the matching Labels Eighteen "Bling" from Want2Scrap  for a coordinated look.

The ribbon is and Ivory Satin from my  "stash" and I have tied it in a single bow and added the flower centre to cover the knot.
The flowers are a mixture of Roses, Cherry Blossoms, Sweetheart Blossoms and Iris.

They have been sparkled with Glamour Dust.

I have also added in some small teardrop pearls around the corsage.

Then I decided to add some pearls along the ribbon to tie everything together.



The card is very pretty but the photo does not give the full effect of the pearly card.



More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx