Friday Freebie - Cottage Garden

Hi Everybody,

A beautiful set on offer this week to herald in a much awaited spring. Something I am sure we are all looking forward to with great anticipation.

And what's more there is a video to go with it that I really hope you will enjoy watching.

The die and stamp set is called Cottage Garden and the card I make is really pretty

So if this is something that you would like to ad to your own collection then all you need to do is leave me a comment with your FULL NAME ... no full name then no entry !!

Please be sure to come back and check if your name is shown as the winner and then you will have 72 hours in which to claim it.

Good Luck everybody 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Sneaky Peak ....

,

Hi Everybody

I have just added a new video to YouTube but one of the dies is a secret so don't tell anybody. It's the large Heartfelt Thanks die and its not even for sale yet.

But this one and several other sentiment are on their way so please be patient and they will be with you soon.

The video will show you how I created this Gatefold Card  and it's not a long film, but I hope you enjoy it just the same. 

As soon as the dies become available I will let you know and add the links to show you what there is.

All the new dies are quite big and they will fit the tops to your boxes beautifully, as well as make statement points for your cards.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Easy Pop Up Card

Hi Everybody,

It's blowing a gale here so I am glad to be at home. Ruby has gone back to Doggy Day Care this week and she will get to play with all her friends. I always say she is going to Playschool and she knows exactly what I mean when I say that to her. She loves going and they all go out for a walk come rain or shine. Unlike me who is only a fair weather walker !!

Todays card is a very simple take on the pop up card and for this I have used the Alphabet  Upper and Lower case dies ... plus the Overlays for the Upper case.

The leaves have been coloured with Distress Oxide Inks and blending brushes for a faded look and they have been intertwined with the letters.

I used the Rambling Rose stencil to create the background and added gemstones for berries on some of the leaves.

Imagine this style of card done with peoples names added for a table setting at a dinner party. That would be a novel way to welcome your guests and is not hard to create. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Alphabet Card

HI Everybody,

I am sure you all know just how useful an Alphabet set can be for any of your projects. 

Especially if your recipient has an unusual name.

Couple that with a numbers set and you can add whatever you would like to your cards and boxes.

For the cards shown I have used an inlay technique with the letters cut from the stencilled background pattern using both the Upper  and  Lower case 

They have then been reinserted with foam pads to make them stand out. You may find that edging each letter in a darker colour will also make them more prominent.

Decorated the rest of the card front with whatever suits your style and there you will have a lovely card ready to send.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Water Colouring with Arteza

Hi Everybody,

This very pretty floral card has ben created with some of the older pieces from my collections and the dies match the stamps for you to cut out and add to the card.

For the flowers and leaves I used the Spring-Summer Stamp and Die Set and they are all decoupaged onto the card and around the sentiment with foam pads underneath to raise them up

For the sentiment and panels I have used the Sentiments Stamp and Die Set and I have layered the matching panels in two different colours.

The flowers and leaves have been water coloured with  the Arteza Half Pan Paint set and this has very vibrant colours in it and is a pleasure to use

Just to sit and paint with water colours is very relaxing and I end up losing hours once I start to let it flow. It is a way to relieve any stress and just enjoy your self in the moment.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

Here we are again with another wet and windy Saturday. I am hoping it brightens up later in the day so that Ruby and I can go out for a little stroll in the small park near us. Thank you for all the positive comments about my pending knee op. It would deem that many of you have had it done and no body has any regrets. I will keep you all posted as to my progress and I hope that Normal service will soon be resumed !!

The draw has been done for yesterday’s offering and the name is 

Valerija Jakolic

Would you please send me your postal address to

christina@card-making-magic.come

to claim the prize and it will be on its way to you. I really hope you enjoy playing with it all and be sure to let me know that you have it safely.

And a really big thank you to Maggie who has made me a beautiful card to say thank you for her prize a couple of weeks ago. It has pride of place on top of my TV.

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Birds of a Feather

Hi Everybody,

This weeks offer is a stamp set and embossing folder and there is a video to show you how I used this gift called  Birds of a Feather 

This also comes with the magazine and there are always good ideas inside for you to try.

So get the kettle on and make your cuppa, then settle down for a little relaxation time and have a browse through the pages.

Now if you would like to win this set then all you have to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post with your FULL NAME to be in with the chance if winning it. Then be sure to come back over the weekend to see if your name is listed as the winner.

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Beautiful Heart Boxes

Hi Everybody,

This beautiful box is very easy to make and it comes in two sizes. I have chosen to make the smaller one in the video but the method is the same for either size.

There are lots of ways that people choose to put these boxes together but this is the way that is easier for me.

So I hope you will enjoy the video/

It is a little longer than I usually make, but there is a good bit of information there.

This is a selection of the other boxes I have made and the cream one in the lower left corner has has the box lid covered with jut and then flowers on top.

Have fun and think up some different ways to decorate any of your boxes.

They are perfect to give with gifts inside or just as storage for bit and pieces around your own home.

Just have fun as you make them 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

I hope you are all staying safe in this continuing situation. We all hoped that once 2020 was out of the way that things would change but 2021 is not looking a whole lot better as yet. But we live in hopes that they will improve as the year progresses and we can all enjoy a little more normality.

The draw for yesterday’s “Give Away” has been done and this week the name is 

Maggie Coleman

Would you email me your postal address please to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and I will get it posted to you straight away. Please let me know that you have it safely and I hope you enjoy playing with it.

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie = Mix & Match

Hi Everybody

I seem to have sorted out adding photos for the "give aways"  for now and thanks to all those who offered advice. Computers are a real nightmare especially when they decide to do their own thing.

Any way here is a really good offer for this weeks Friday Freebie in the form of a six piece die set complete with the magazine 

You can have fun making different frames and toppers with this set and there are lots of ideas in the pages of the book. 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

Then come back over the weekend to see if your name is listed as the winner. You will have 72 hours in which to email me if you are.

I have no way to chase you up if you don't check so please be sure to come back.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ruby update

 Hi Everybody,

I have just come from the vets and I am so happy to say that Ruby’s eyes are much improved. She still has a way to go yet before they are fully healed but at least there was no mention of operations for her. I have to keep on with the two different types of drops for her eyes and take her back in two weeks and hopefully she will be all clear by then.

Another piece of news is that I have been given an appointment to have the knee replacement operation on my right knee on the 18th of March. I will need to self isolate for two weeks prior to the operation and have a COVID test three days before. I am hoping that by the summer I will be able to walk properly again without pain and take Ruby on a lovely long walk.

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Delightful Daisies Channel Card

 Hi Everybody,

Another lovely card using the new Channel dies from Card Making Magic and this one it the Delightful Daisies.

All my collections are available at Craft Stash and there are more new ones on the way soon.

I think these channel dies make really special cards and I enjoy playing with them.

But I have to confess to a mistake in the making of this one and that was the acetate I used !!

It wasn't thick enough and as I took the photos of the standing card the front panel was bending.
I have added the link below to some thick acetate that will not do this, and it will make your card look so much better. 

There are four sheets to the pack of A4 size and it is strong enough for this purpose as well as boxes and anything else you want to make. The sheets cut easily in your trimmer or with scissors and at £2.49 it wont break the bank

Nevertheless I hope you enjoy the video and will have a go at this card in the future using whichever of the channel dies you may have.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Snowdrops and Text

Hi Everybody,

Here is another card used with the little text border. I have had this such a long time and it was actually free with a magazine.

For this card I have cut three panels and embossed them then run over them with Blueprint Sketch. I added them to the base card with foam tape underneath.

The Snowdrop is stamped from the set and the sentiments and I cut the flower with a little oval die.

I added that to another panel and wrapped the edges with blue ribbon then added that to the card base also

It is a Clearly Besotted set and it came with a text stamp and several Snowdrops as well as some sentiments, but I can't remember which magazine it came with and as it was a special offer it won't be on the Clearly Besotted website.

So my apologies to Ann Topp who asked me about it, that I can't help you further.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

Text Embossing Folder Background

HI Everybody,

This is a card I made quite some time ago but I really like the text stamp and embossing folder background that came in the pack

I don't know if I have shown you this one before but I am still trying to find out where my photos have disappeared to so that I can up load them to the blog.

I also like the colours on this card and it was very easy to make by just embossing each panel separately and then inking the surface.

That way the writing stayed white and can show up on the card.  I stamped the base card and then added the panels with foam tape underneath to add a little more interest.

Its an easy enough card but one that you could add any sentiment too to make it different.

And you could keep it in a box of ready made cards that you can always fall back on if you get stuck and somebody wants a card in a hurry.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

Ruby Update

 Hi Everybody.

Thank you for your concern over Ruby and this is just to bring you up to date on what is happening. The vet put some green liquid into her eyes  and he tells me she has ulcers on her eyes.   The looked really painful and she could hardly open them. Apparently the light is painful for her. 

He prescribed painkillers and some drops that have to be given three times a day to repair the Conjunctiva. She has more drops that need to be given five or six times a day to treat the ulcers. And so I have diligently given her the care she needs and cleaned her eyes every time I administer the drops.

I took her back to the vets last Thursday and the green liquid was put in again and although there is some improvement they are still not right. We have more medication for her and she is still on pain killers and I have to take her back next Thursday for another check up.

I have everything crossed that she will be much improved and feeling better in herself. If she is not improved then the vet says he will refer her to an opthalmagist for further treatment, which is called an Corneal debridement.

Please cross your fingers fo us and hope she will be fine. She is only four and such a beautiful dog.

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Charming Channels Butterfly Cards

Hi Everybody,

I know this is usually a Friday Freebie and I still have magazines and gifts to give away. But for some reason my computer will not allow me to upload the photos of the Give Aways and so I am at a loss at the moment as to how to solve the problem. 

So instead I am up loading another video staying with the Channel Cards and I hope this will make amends for no give away this week.

 I hope to have it sorted just as soon as I can but I am not a PC wizard and they do tend to scare me and confuse me at times ... so please bear with me for now

I know I have added photo of this card before but I can't find the video on the blog so here it is now for you to view and I hope you will enjoy it.

Fingers crossed that I can sort out my problem before next Friday and if I can't 

I will need a new paddle !!!

 And if anybody has any ideas on how to upload photos from an SD card to the PC please let me know

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Rambling Rose Channel Card

Hi Everybody,

Today I am featuring another one of the new designs from Card Making Magic and this one is the Rambling Rose Channel Card that is available at Craft Stash

I have used the dies , stamps and stencil and my colour scheme is pink for all the cards

The video will give you three lovely ideas and I was particularly asked by one of my YouTubers to use  this set ... so here it is

Non of them are hard to make and I hope you will give them all a try.

I have tried to include some useful tips as I go along too so I hope you will enjoy the video.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Snowdrop Channel Cards

Hi Everybody,

Recently I have been asked to do a video using the Snowdrop Channel and matching Stamps and I am happy to oblige.

The video is not long but it covers the making of two cards using the different elements to the die set.

Shown is one of them using the floral dies and for the other I have used the channel itself to crate the focal point.

Both will create a petty card that would suit many occasions but the Snowdrop is the first sign of Spring and so very appropriate at the beginning of February

Your Snowdrops don't have to be white though if you wanted another type of spring flowers.

It's your card and your world and you can do whatever you want with your designs.

Just have fun and enjoy everything while this lockdown continues

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Heart Triple Easel Card

Hi Everybody,

As promised yesterday I have a new video to show you on how I made this card.

Maybe you bought the easel dies that came out from Card Making Magic a while ago and they simplify any measuring for you.

But this is yet another way that you can make them and you can use any nesting dies that you have in your own collections.

The video is not long but it does take you in depth through the steps you will need to do to achieve the look for your self. It may look complicated but I promise you it isn't and you will be surely be delighted with your efforts.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Little Boxes

Hi Everybody,

Making boxes has never been easier with the new dies that are available from Card Making Magic and there are so many ways that they can be decorated for any gender and any occasion.

This little one would be perfect with chocolates for Valentines Day.

Or how about this for a new baby filled with items that any new mum would need.

But if you visit tomorrow I am going to show you, in video format, yet another way to put your heart dies to good use so that you get your monies worth from every set you purchase.

I am not going to say any more you will have to come back tomorrow to watch the video

See you then

Hugs xx

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

It’s raining here and quite cold but we are cozy and warm with the log burner going. Just a little update in my self and Ruby. I have had the first of my Corona Virus injections and the second one is due in a few weeks time. I feel fine with no after effects at all. 

Ruby sadly is not well. She has an eye infection and they have to be bathed regularly and medication done five to six times a day. She is so good and I say to her “ go get in your basket and let me do your eyes”  and off she goes and patiently let’s me clean them and add the gel. She is back at the vets next Thursday so I am hoping there will be a great improvement for her. I hate to see her not well.

But onto the draw which has now been done and the name this week is ....

Christi Neal

Please let me have your postal address to   

christina@card-making-magic.com

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

Please let me know that you have received it ok and I hope you enjoy playing with it.                           

 More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - In The Garden

 Hi Everybody,

Today we move onto a gardening theme with this lovely stamps, dies and embossing folder set that is on offer.

In the Garden is a useful set to have in your own personal collection especially with spring on the way.

You will be able to create some really lovely cards with this and build up the scenes as you go along

There are lots of ideas within the magazine so it will be time for a break and a cuppa when you get this.

Would you like to win this set ?? Then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post with your FULL NAME, to be in with the chance of winning it. Be sure to come back over the weekend to see if it is your name that is shown as the winner.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lacey Nested Ovals & Viviva Colorsheets

 Hi Everybody,

The Oval is always one of my go to shapes as I really like the elegance this shape gives. And this one has been layered with foam tape to give extra dimension to it.

The Roses are stamped and die cut from the Rambling Rose and after I have added them to the oval panel I have lifted the edge of each rose for more shape

The  Roses have been water coloured and I have used  Viviva Colorsheets  They are handcrafted patches of water colour that come in a booklet for you to use.

You only need a tiny dip into them with your wet brush to pick up the colour and they will last you for ages 

You can also mix your own shades on the mixing palette at the back of the booklet and so you will never be short of the shade that you want.

Once they are dry again the will fit neatly into a pocket, along with your water brush, for you to paint on the go whenever you would like

 

This  card could be for any occasion and added to another shaped card if you wished. I have just created this as a standalone version

Play with the shape and see what you prefer landscape, portrait or added to a 5x7 base

 

I thought I would use peachy orange as this is not a colour scheme I go to very often and I do really like it whenever I do.

More tomorrow ...

 Hugs xx

Perfect Panels & Lovely Layers Circle Card

Hi Everybody,

This pretty card is created with pone of my favourite collections and I love the results that I get every time I use any of the shapes that are available.

This one has several layers all created with foam tape and then tiny gemstones dotted around the edge.

It could be for any occasion and used at any time of year, and will surely help you to get your MoJo back on track.

The video will show you how I created this one and it is easy to do. Just be sure to look very carefully at your dies and where the cutting edges are placed.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx