Mini - Envelopes

This mini-envelope is a really cute addition to your cards and will use up those odd bits of paper that you have left over.

It is created from different folds so it is best not to use a paper that is too thick or you will find it hard to fold as it is so small.

I have inked all the edges with Distress Inks and added a small velvet brad to the opening.... it doesn't actually keep it closed but it looks pretty.

Use the same papers as the rest of the card for a coordinated look.

And if you wanted too you could add a small message to pop inside the envelope for the recipient.

The small Roses in the centre of the flat flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts  and they just add that extra touch.

Hugs Christina xx

Paper Weaving

This little technique will use up all your left over strips of paper and as long as the colours blend then you can use any patterns that you have in your "Can't throw away" box .... Yep I have one of those too.

And although it says Paper Weaving  this can also work well with ribbons for a really pretty effect.

These papers and the Owl are from the  Papercraft Factory CD from Funky Hand and I have added
some Googly eyes to the character.

There are several collections of papers on the CD and they are suitable for any kind of card that you want to make.

You will also find downloads available on their website ... so they are yours instantly you have gone through the checkout.

Hugs Christina xx

Paper Pleating

This lovely technique has been around for years and another I learned as a child. I really don't remember where I got it from it's that long ago.

Paper Pleating  is easy to do and yet can look so pretty on a card, especailly if flowers are added too.

The flower centres are from Wild Orchid Crafts  and they have been added to some silk ones that I had in my "Stash" and had forgotten about.

Amazing what you find when you have a clear out!!

The Trellis edge is a Martha Stewart punch and the butterflies are peel offs.

This a card I made quite some time ago ... long before the Spellbinder days!!

Hugs Christina xx

Paper Lace

Not to be confused with the Punched Lace I added a couple of days ago..... oh no! this one is going to use up any Doilys that you may have lurking around at the bottom of your kitchen drawers.

Paper Lace  is an easy technique to create and yet still adds a very delicate look for all your cards.

Here it has been pleated along the edge of the card and all the workings have been covered by the white ribbon for a neat finish.

The image is from  LIli of the Valley  and is very cute. I have coloured the bear in with Promarkers.

The additional flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts. 

Hugs Christina xx

Paper Folded Shirt

This is an excellent addition to all your male themed cards and is very easy to make.

You can jazz up the   Paper Shirt any way you want and use it for lots of occasion.

The card open up and any sentiment or invitation can be added to the centre

One of the things I did was to make it into an dress shirt and put a dinner party invitation inside it.

You will find lots more ways to make use of this and it is one of the things I was taught as a child and have never forgotten.

Little did I know I would ever be adding it to some cards in the future.

Make them into Father Christmas outfits and let the kids use them as their cards for their school chums... and teach them how to make them too... it will keep them quiet for a while !

Hugs Christina xx

Punched Lace

Adding lace to your cards can make them look very feminine, but it can also cost money that you may not want to spend.

So how about putting all those punches that you have in your "Stash" to good use. 

They may be flowers, butterflies, stars, hearts, leaves or any others that you may have but they can all be used to create your own lace look very easily. 

This is created from a couple of scalloped strips and then all the punched shapes added in between.

Some have been sparkled up with Glamour Dust and the odd pearl added to the centre of the flowers.

The image is Maude and I introduced you to her a few weeks ago as one of the characters from the "Wrinklies" from Just Inklined 

I think she is just wonderful and such a delight to colour in with Prmarkers.

Hugs Christina xx



Paper Roses

These beautiful flowers can save you a fortune ... if adding flowers to your cards is what you like to do ... and I most certainly do!!

You can use up all your scraps of paper and match them to the colour scheme of the card you are making.

They are very easy to make ... even if you don't have a punch to create the petals.

Paper Roses   are such a pleasure to make and I often spend the afternnon cutting some out and making them up and then I always have flowers on hand whenever I want to add them to a specific card.

There is a neat little trick with Organza Ribbon on this video too to give a vintage look to it.

The next step is to make the flowers look like glass and for that you will need some clear embossing powder to create Enamelled Roses

But if you are having a go at this one then mind your fingers as it gets very very hot....  Ask me how I know this .... Ouch!!


Hugs Christina xx

Paper Folded Butterfly

I thought that maybe this week I would add some little tricks that can be achieved with folding paper ... or Origami as the Japanese say.

There are many intricate designs, shapes and items that can be produced but here are some really easy ones that can be added to cards.

This pretty Dragon fly started out as a Butterfly but with the addition of the swirl it somehow changed the look.

So we'll call it a Dragonfly instead!!

The   Paper Folded Butterfly   is so easy to create and can look so pretty fluttering by to land on your cards

This is another one that I hope you will try and maybe think about adding your photos to the Gallery Page  on the website


Hugs Christina xx

Zig Zag Card for another look

Today has seen me and my film crew (Griff) doing another video and this one is the Zig Zag Card. 

It is one of those folds that give you the choice of either going with the single variety or pushing the boat and out and having a double dose.

This is the single design and it is sometimes called the "Tri-fold Card" and it can be adapted to suit any occasion for male or female.

This one has been kept very simple and is all in cream, with the addition of  a  punched edge and a few butterflies  from  Martha Stewart punches. 

But if you want to go a step further then have a look at the video to make the   Double Zig Zag Card  and decorate it any way you want.

                                                                         

This is what I have done with mine and it makes a very pretty card.

The colour scheme can be any that suits the recipient and you can add any "Bling" that you have in your growing "Stash"

Grab your favorite brew and spend a few minutes watching the video and see what you think ... and maybe you would like to give it a try too.

Hugs Christina

Bespoke Envelopes

Yesterday I showed you some wordbooks made using  the CD's from Funky Hand.

But once you have made this project you may be wondering how you are going to send it to the recipient.

Well ! the best way is to make an envelope especially for it ... because until you have decided on the word you want to use ... then you won't know how big the envelope needs to be.

Making your own envelopes means you will be able to get one that fits any size or shape that you want.

And you can make them in any colour that suits your scheme.

Bespoke Envelopes will show you how to create them in easy steps and you will never be short of an envelope again .

Hugs Christina xx