Friday Freebie Layered Peonies

Hi Everybody,

Hope you are still well and keeping safe, and keeping your selves busy crafting.

I am offering you this beautiful Layered peony stamp and die set to help you do just that.

This video Layered Peonies will show you how I made good sue of it and I love the flowers that I added to my cards.

Now sadly I have no card to give away with this set and the reason is because I have been busy this week packing up 410 Cards with envelopes into cellophane bags for the charities that I support and somewhere in the midst of all these are the cards that I mad in the video.

But I will send you the magazine along with the die and stamps so you will be able to play to your hearts content. So if you would like this set then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post with your FULL NAME .... No full name then no entry ! 

From those comments one name will be drawn and added to a blog post over the weekend so be sure to come back and check if it is yours that is shown.

Good Luck everybody and stay safe 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Hochanda One Day Special

Hi Everybody,

On Friday and Saturday Card Making Magic is going to be the One Day Special on Hochanda. 

Sadly because of the lock down I have to be a good girl and stay at home.

But here is a sneaky peak of some of the dies that will be in the shows, and these are really beautiful so I don't think you will be disappointed with them.

The shows are at 6pm and 8pm on Friday 17th April and at 8am, 12 noon and 4pm on Saturday 18th so if you can make a note of it in your diary and pop along that would be great.

The lovely Lou Collins is going to be hosting the shows in my absence  and I can't wait to be back in the studios again hopefully next month to show you what we have coming up for you with the next collection.

In the meantime I will do my very best to keep you entertained by adding videos and cards when ever I can so please stay with me as it means a lot to me to know that you are visiting my blog and YouTube 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Spring / Summer Stamp & Die Set

Hi Everybody,

Today I have a short video for you and in this I have created two cards using the Spring/Summer Stamp & Die Set.

I stamped the flowers I wanted to add to my card and then coloured them in. I used Alcohol Markers but you can use your favourite medium

The video takes you thought the process of making two cards and that was because I had quite a lot of flowers left over.

Always a good idea to stamp extra while you have the things for stamping out on our desk. The extras will always come in handy ion the future.

So let the video show you how I got my cards created and I hope you will enjoy it. It's not a long one so you won't get bored !!

All my collections are available at   Craft Stash  and they are continuing their deliveries of all crafting supplies throughout this sad and confusing time of lock down. 

Just stay home and stay safe and enjoy crafting while the opportunity presents itself. 

All too soon you may be back at work.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Layered Florals

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is created from a set from Card Making Magic and I have made some really pretty cards using this Layered Florals  Die and matching Stamp Set

For the background I have used texture paste that I coloured with some Distress Ink and the word YOU has been embossed in clear powder to make it shine and stand out.

Its is a 5x7 card created with another Complete Card & Box Die Set and although not shown the box to this is done in the gold card

Please remember that if you are running short of any crafting items that Craft Stash are still operating a full service and anything you order will be delivered to your door.

Always good to know in this time of lock down when we can't go out. 

And the same thing applies to magazines ... take out a subscription and always be sure of getting your favourite one delivered to your door each month

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Easter Weekend 2020

Hi Everybody,

The weather is glorious here in the North West and  Ruby and I went for our  usual walk along the promenade .  On this beautiful Easter weekend there was only us there.

This was part of our walk looking along the prom towards the Tower, everything was deserted and it is so sad.

Normally this road would be full of traffic and people making their way for fun and games into town or going on the Pleasure Beach which you can just see .

The second picture is from the same spot just looking the other way and there's not a soul in sight

It is usually full of people on bikes, roller skates, with babies in pushchairs and of course the dog walkers. 

Children laughing and calling to each other as they make their way to the sand to build castles 

Many other countries are in the same position and I feel so sorry for people who are suffering at this time.

And so grateful to the people who are keeping the country ticking over just by going to work. Stay Safe all of you

I wonder how long it will take to get back to a normal kind of life and if  we will ever recover from the effects of Covid 19

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

Hi Everybody,

I hope you are all still well and safe and making the most of the beautiful weather. I'm making this a short post today so that I can take Ruby out early in case it should get too hot for her.

So the draw has been done and the winner this week is ...

Jennifer Barnett

would you email me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and it will be on the way to you, but please remember that there is no card with the magazine ... soreeeee !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Tonic Die Set

Hi Everybody,

This weeks offer is for the magazine Die Cutting essentials and the "Sending Love" die set that came with it.

A really useful die to have in your collection to create little pockets for the front or inside of your cards, that you can tuck a personal greeting into if you wishes

There is a video to show how I used it but the card is not available with the offer    DCE 61 Tonic Die Set 

I must have had two of these magazines in my craft room and one of them went a while ago along with the card. 

And then in a tidying up process I found this copy and so that is why this is being offered to you now - minus the card.

But if you would like this die then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post with your FULL NAME and from those comments one name will be drawn and the winner announced over the weekend.

So be sure to come back and check if you are the winner

More tomorrow ...

Hugs x

Simply Cards & Papercraft - Wild Flowers

Hi Everybody,

This months Simply Cards & Papercraft will be in the shops this week on the 9th April and it has a lovely offer to go with it that is sure to delight you.

There is a 20 piece stamp set of beautiful floral/leaf  designs and some really lovely sentiment verses to go with it.

Couple that with a coordinating stencil and you have the means to create your own backgrounds and toppers that will blend together.

The video will show you some of the ways in which I have used this set and I am really happy with all the samples

So sit back and relax for a little while as you watch the video and I really hope you enjoy it.

Please consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel by clicking the button that is shown at the end of the video or on my channel and if you click the notification bell also you will be notified every time I up load a new video.

These are just some of the ways you can help my channel to grow and lets YouTube know that you enjoy this kind if video.  Also by clicking the "like" button near the video  and watching the adverts for 30 seconds helps me too. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Beautiful Boxes

Hi Everybody,

With the A5 Nested Rectangles Set you can make no end of boxes in different sizes to suit most things that a crafter would like to add to them

Add a silk scarf, gloves, perfume, soaps, candles, handkerchiefs, craft goodies or even ... chocolates

For this one I have added the pretty Poinsettia Wrap around the box and then dressed it with a big silk ribbon and bow.

Perfect for any time of year and any occasion, and the choice of size is yours with this set of dies.

You can even alter the style of box to suit your needs too.

Have fun and decorate them any way you want with stencils, stamps or just colours but remember that boxes will cost you a lot more in the shops than making your own

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Beautiful Birdcage Stamp Collection

Hi Everybody,

This pretty card is created with just the A5 stamp set from the Beautiful Birdcage Collection

I used the Flourish Stamp at the top of the sheet and then added in the Humming Bird dipping his beak for the nectar from the flowers.

The flowers are in two different heights to add interest to the card and I used small pieces of foam pads behind some of them.

I coloured all the design with Alcohol Markers and dotted the centre of each flower with a white gel pen. The butterflies are stamped in yellow.

Here is another card made from the same stamp set and I have used the feathers to create my background.

Once they have been coloured I have gone over them with a clear sparkle pen.

The sentiment is also from the set and that has been added with foam tape and one single flower added to the edge also with foam underneath.

I used the same colour pens to add little dots of colour around the card and then mounted that panel onto the card front with foam tape.

Quick. easy and pretty cards, and perfect if stamping is your thing

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

The weather here is glorious today and I wonder how many will disregard the rules and go out to the beach or countryside to take advantage of the sun. 

The police are out dispersing groups of people in an effort to stop this terrible virus from spreading.

 I hope you are all keeping to the safety of your own homes and only going out when you need to.

The draw for the Friday Freebie and been done and the two names this week are ...

Ursula Longworth 

&

Val Wallis

would you both email me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and as soon as I can I will get them in the post to you.

Please let me know that you have the prize safely and I hope you will enjoy playing it with when it arrives.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Floral Heart

,

Hi Everybody,

Today I have two Floral Heart 

Cut & Embossing Folders on offer.

There is also a seventeen piece stamp set to match the folder but sadly no card ... and no video either !!

But never the less it is an offer not worth missing for the beautiful cards that this 5x7 folder can help you to make.

Two lucky winners will be chosen this week and so if you would like one of these then all you need to do is leave me a comment with your FULL NAME at the end of the post and then come back over the weekend to see if your name is shown as the winner.

That's it ... not a hard thing to do to win this lovely offering that can extend your own personal stash, and I am happy to send it to you wherever you live ... and at my expense too

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Die Cutting Essentials 64- Memory Box Die

Hi Everybody,

Today Die Cutting Essentials 64 is due to be on sale in your local supermarkets and craft stores, but it may be delayed due to the current situation.
And sadly I don't have a copy to show you either

The product that is with it this month is a lovely Memory Box Die Set called  "Under The Sea"

This is only the second time that Memory Box have been added to the magazines and it is well worth adding to your collection.

For this first card I have added the die cut just as it is and inked over it with Blue print Sketch.

I coloured the small fish and added them with little foam pads to the inner portion of the frame, and then used a white gel pen to add the bubbles

The sentiment is also from the set

The background for this card I created with Brusho Crystals and I cut into the die cut to add to one side of the card front.

The plants and the fish have been coloured and dotted around the card with more bubbles added to them

Quick and easy cards to make. So keep a look out for the magazine when you venture out of your house.

I hope everyone is staying safe and busy crafting to keep away the stress and boredom 

Take Care

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Fun Childrens card

Hi Everybody,

A fun card for a child's birthday is shown today and I have used a mixture of dies to produce it.

The background is embossed with the Happy Birthday Folder and white card

The decoration is from the Oval Scrolls Die Set which has been cut up and used in different ways.

The long strip has been used to weave a pattern behind the image with others just added randomly along the embossed panel.

The Detailed Oval is from the Lacey Nested Ovals in blue with a pale green plain oval underneath to contrast it.

The image is an old one from my stash and he has been stamped onto water coloured paper and coloured with Arteza Half Pan set of colours

The Numbers and Overlays finish the card and can be any age that is appropriate to your recipient.

Quite a nice little card for any boy that is not too girly in the process

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lilac Umbrella Card

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is created in exactly the same way as yesterdays in creating the umbrella from the 

Birdcage Die Set

I have coloured the Umbrella in a different way and only used one of the flowers sprays from the Numbers & Overlays Collection

For the rain drops I have used the

Tonic Nuvo Crystal Drops 

and  once they are completely dry they will be very clear.

The umbrella has been added to the card front with a Wobble Action Spring on the back of it so of course it will move if touched.

I am really enjoying playing with these wobbler thingies at present as they add so much fun to a card and there are 12 in one pack so plenty more to go still.

Don't forget that Craft Stash is still working daily to bring you the crafting items that you need and as always they will give you the best service they can through this troublesome time

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Beautiful Birdcage ...

Hi Everybody,

Today I am using the Beautiful Birdcage die set from Card Making Magic and I thought I would have some fun with this one and use it in a totally different way.

The video will show you the process and once you start to look at dies in another way its amazing what you can see in them.

This would make a lovely Wedding card dressed in the wedding colours. Or indeed for any other occasion you may want to make it for. I kept mine for a birthday and in my favourite colour too.

I hope you are all keeping well and not to distress by the current situation.
I am trying to keep busy and hopefully I can keep you inspired just a little to keep on crafting through these strange times

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Spectacular Swirl Die Set

Hi Everybody,

This pretty hanging heart set is created with the large Heart die from the Spectacular Swirl  

I have cut them several times using both outline and the detailed die together from bright Gold card for effect

The Outline die has been cut again from white card to line two of the panels and the third one is see through.

So to make this up I spaced out three of the detailed gold hearts along my work top 

I ran the ribbon along all three panels and glued the solid white panels to two of them ... one at the top and the other at the bottom. Make the top of the ribbon into a big loop so that you can hang the hearts up.

Then add the other three detailed hearts to the top making sure everything is lined up as you glue them in place, especially on the middle two, as these you can see through.

Add ribbon bows and diamante teardrop shape to the centres and cut a fishtail at the end of the ribbons

Beautiful gift for someones Special Anniversary and decorate it with the Occasions Set and if you add it to a box it would be perfect.

Make it in Bridal colours for a Wedding and decorate with Paper Flowers

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

HI Everybody,

I hope my blog post finds you all well and still finding things to craft with.

 I will be adding inspiration as I can and of course the Friday Freebie will be here to ad a little cheer each week.

The winner of this weeks gift of the card Making Magic Make It Personal Stamp Set is

Carole Eaton

would you email me your postal address please to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and as soon as I can post this to you I will do so.

Please let me know when it arrives with you and I hope you will enjoy the stamps.

I took Ruby out for our one time a day walk and most places are closed.

My Grandson has closed his restaurant too. 

What few food shops that are open have people queuing, with doormen making sure they queue sensibly, and they are only allowing a couple of people in at any one time.

Apparently we are approaching our crisis point and so it is wise to stay home.

Keep safe and happy everybody and be kind 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Make It Personal

Hi Everybody,

Today's offering is from Card Making Magic and it came with Creative Stamping. 

It consists of a large A4 stamp set, a stencil to go with it and of course the magazine, and they will help you to make some lovely cards.

It is well worth having as there are many ideas on the stamp set for you to recreate so you may as well have a go at winning it.

All you need to do is add a comment and leave your FULL NAME.

 No full name - no entry !!

From those comments a name will be chosen as the winner and announced in a blog post over the weekend. So be sure to come back and check if it is you.

I will send the gift to you wherever you are at my expense.

Should the post offices close in this present Coronavirus situation I may have to keep them here until it passes.
 But be reassured that you will get the prize you have won so please keep entering the draw.
It will give us all something to look forward to each week.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Hi ... Fun Card

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is just for a little bit of fun and hopefully it will make you smile.

I have simply used up elements from other cards that have been lounging around on my desk.

For the base I have used the Nesting Ovals and added the die over the fold in an A4 card to keep the pieces joined and create the base.

Then I have used the same die and cut another layer to sit on the top of the base.

The other layers have just been cut in various colours using the subsequent dies from the set.

The image is one I have had printed out from the Just Inklined CD The Next Big Thing which is sadly no longer available and I have coloured it with pencils

I have added Googly Eyes to the snake and created some faux clouds behind him.
The branches are from the Beautiful Birdcage set and the links are all below should you need to view the items.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Photowall - Amazing !!

Hi Everybody,

As you all know if you have been following me for a while that I have started to do some Acrylic pouring and I am having a ball with it.
 It is certainly a way to keep the doldrums at bay even if it is a messy process

But I realise that many of you may not like the idea of it, don't have the space, the time, or the paints and don't relish the idea of being covered in paint, but would still like the look of something original and different.

Boring Bathroom Wall

Well my latest project has been my bathroom, which has one very boring wall, with only a towel holder on it.

I tried to make it a bit more interesting by adding one of my own paintings to the wall but it looked really small sitting there.

Then out of the blue I was asked by a Swedish Company called  Photowall   if I would like to try one or their products in my home and I was delighted to say
 "YES PLEASE"

I browsed their website looking for something that I liked and there are thousands of canvases, murals and wall papers to choose from.
I was really spoilt for choice. 

But eventually I found something that would look brilliant on my bathroom wall called Circling Fish.

The paper roll came in a box complete with the glue to add it to the wall and full instructions.

I also ordered the box of items to help me hang it and that consisted of  paste brush, spirit level, trimming knife, seam roller, trim guard and wall paper brush.

So with all the restrictions that are in place, due to Coronavirus, I decided that the weekend would be the perfect time to get the wall paper up. 

Bright and early on Saturday morning I was raring to go and had everything ready.
 I had cut the paper as instructed, the night before and my glue was mixed.
I added the glue to the wall in portions and hung the paper.

I did this by myself and three hours later this is what it looks like, and it was so easy to do as each strip is numbered  ...

I painted the white radiator to match and to say I am thrilled with it is an understatement.

 It looks amazing and really alters the feel of the room.

Now if you fancy a  Photowall Wallpaper  then take a good long look at their website and you too will be amazed.

Maybe you want a canvas for your home or a mural for a specific area. 

Or maybe you have a favourite photo that you would like to be turned into a canvas, mural or wallpaper, then they can do this for you too.

I urge you take your time and browse everything carefully because there is so much there to choose from and if you use this code frp2020 at the checkout then you will get a 25% discount on your purchase and this is valid until the end of April

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card Making Magic 6x6 Card and Matching Envelope

Hi Everybody,

Thank you for all the lovely comments from Sundays blog post and I wish there was more that I could do. I will try my very best to keep morale ... yours and mine ... lifted by doing my videos and blog posts.

Today I have created a 6x6 Card complete with matching envelope using the Complete Card & Box Die Set.

It was very easy and quick to make and what could be better in these troubling times than to send a card "Just Because" or simply to say "I am thinking of you"

And then once this is all behind us we can give each other a big hug again.

Stay Calm and Craft ...

Ruby and I went for walk yesterday along the promenade. She was so happy to be outside it was lovely to see her running around sniffing at everything again.

We stayed well isolated from other people but I smiled and called hello to those that I passed, and I got many greetings back from them too.

As a side note for those who have asked about my hair ... I have now been doing the Curly Girl Method for almost a year. There is no artificial colour in it at all now it's all my own .
I bought the Curly Girl Handbook and I follow the rules 80% of the time.
My hair has changed over the year and it is now healthy and curlier than it has ever been and I am more than happy with it especially now it is getting longer again

 More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Happy Mothers Day .. to everybody

Hi Everybody,

I do hope this post finds you all well and escaping the effects of Coronavirus. 

It is a very worrying time for all of us and can be very upsetting for those who have to isolate them selves from society.

I sympathise with you and I too, at 72 am, one of those who has to stay in doors.

We have to find things to occupy our time and keep our hands working.

 I have started to do my spring cleaning early

Make use of Facebook, if you are on it, to keep up with family and friends.

 Go back to writing letters or making phone calls to them. 

We may be in an imposed social distancing situation, but we can keep close emotionally and tell people you love that you do love them and are missing their company.

Also think about the people out there who have to face everyday wondering if someone they meet will infect them. People on the front line like NHS staff, shopkeepers, transport drivers, school staff who have to stay open for some children and many many other workers that are too many to mention.

Think also about small businesses who are struggling in a different way. If the supermarkets don't have fresh fruit and veg then try the small green groceries who will also be struggling to keep going

 This hits home to me personally as my Grandson has his own restaurant and has now had to close. He had a full house for Mothers day and now he has none.

 He is operating a Take Away service and I will be taking advantage of that as this situation worsens.

As for me well I will try to give you all something to look forward to each week with the

 Friday Freebie that will include the magazine and the gift that came with it.

I will cover the postage so that it is completely free to you and I am happy to send it wherever you are.

As crafters we can keep ourselves busy with the things we love to do, and remember that you don't need to go to the shops , Craft Stash is always there for items you may need.

 They are still operating a full service though many staff are working from home.

Subscribe to your favourite magazine to make sure you have the inspiration you need, and get it delivered direct to your door, keeping you safe.

And don't forget the NEW online community that has been started for us all

Craft World will be the place to keep in touch with other crafters and enjoy a little fun in the process.  And you will get exclusive videos on a regular basis.

So it's not the end of the world, and many of those who have had Coronavirus have now made a full recovery and  can move forward . 

We will all move forward eventually and things will get back to normal. 

The sun will still shine tomorrow and the rain will still come down, but spring is on the way and so is change.

 Keep smiling and be kind to others and we will all be better for it.

Much love and big hugs to you all

Winner

Hi Everybody,

I hope you are all well and not too lonely with all this isolation. My blog is always open to you if you need to chat about anything and you all know my email address is 

christina@card-making-magic.com.

 Now is the time for us all to bolster each other up until we get through these troubling times

The winner of the prize from yesterday has been drawn from the hat and the name this week ...

Barbara Kelley

please can you email me your postal address to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and it will be on its way to you.

I hope you enjoy the set when you get it and please let me know that you have it safely.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx