Beautiful Card Designs Made Easy

April 01, 2021

Another folder from Altenew

Hi Everybody,

This card is kept really simple and all I have one is emboss some green card in the folder and then cut the leaves from the card.

I have covered them with Versamark and embossed them with gold powder which has then been heated till it melts.

I have cut another leaf in green from a completely different die set and that has been tucked in with the gold leaves.

A white layer has also been embossed in the same folder and this is used as the background to my card. The gold litter card has been used to edge the panel.

This is just one way that the folder can be used and I am sure there are many more which I will find as I play.

The sentiment is one I have had for years and I have cut that four times and stacked them together with the top layer as black mirror card. The black pearls complete the design and it is a DL style which will fit into a standard sized envelope.

More tomorrow 

Hugs xx

March 31, 2021

Spellbinders "Need A Rope"

Hi Everybody,

This is an embossing folder that I have had in my stash for years. It is one of my favourites from my old Spellbinders Days.

It is called "Need A Rope" but is so long ago that it is now no longer available

Here I have embossed the pink card for a really deep look and then rounded all the corners off as I layered up the card.

The focal point is the white Grand Vinery from the Finishing Touches range by  Creative Expressions.

 I have cut it three times and then stacked them up together for dimension.

I have done the same with the Thank You sentiment and the top layer is in gold glitter card.
 A little red heart finishes off the design and the word Heartfelt is tucked alongside.
Very clean and simple

I have been a bit late adding my blog posts this week, so please scroll back through the pages to see what you have missed. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

March 30, 2021

Altenew 3-D Embossing Folder

Hi Everybody,

Here is another of the beautiful deep 3-D embossing folders from Altenew and this one is Beautiful Bergenia.

All these folders are flying off the shelves and I have bought mine from Bumbleberry Crafts 

They are a UK company that stocks many many of the US brands so it's well worth a browse around to find your favourite dies, stamps and stencils as well as embossing folders.

Should any of these be out of stock than leave your email address and you will be notified once it is back on their website

So for this card I have messy water coloured it using Arteza 36 Half Pan Set and a medium Water brush.
I have cut out the circle from the centre and backed it onto black card. The flowers within the circle have more detail added than the ones outside to make them stand out more. I have also added some sparkle to them with the Wink Of Stella glitter pen.

 This circular panel has then been lined up again with the base and add with foam pads and I have picked out the stamens in yellow  and then added some sequins to the front.

It looks much better in the hand than the photo and I am quite pleased with the result.

Creating a card from these folders is easy as most of the work is one for you.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 29, 2021

Altenew 3-D Embossing Folders

Hi Everybody,

I had these new embossing folders from Altenew to play with last week and they are lovely. 

They are 3-D which makes the embossing so deep in the card,  and with this impression I decided to simply ink over the top very lightly.

This left the two shades of ink that I used sitting on top of the raised areas to give a lovely effect.

I added some black splatters to the frons as well and added some green sequins.

The sentiment is cut from black mirror card and I have use the Creative Expressions dies that has lots of words in it so that you can build up your own greeting.

I bought several of the 3-D folders and I have lots more cards that I will add over the week to show you what I have been playing with.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 28, 2021

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

Thank you all so much for your kind wishes for a speedy recovery after my operation. I am happy to say that I am doing very well. The bruising and swelling has been spectacular but is now on the decrease. 

Tomorrow I am going to get it redressed and to see if the clips can come out.  I have been doing the exercises and there is good movement in the joint. So I am quite excited about how it’s all going.

 But if you remember it was the right knee and left hip that have been causing me the trouble,  so when I go back to see the surgeon he says he will review the hip and decide what to do about it then.

Ruby is being walked by family and my neighbour on a regular basis and now when some body comes to the door she looks at them as if to ask “ Are you taking me out for a walk ?? “ even the postman gets the same treatment.

 Any way onto the winner if Fridays offering and the name this week is ....

Jennifer Barnett

So could you email me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and I will get it on the post to you as soon as I can. Please let me know when you have it safely and I hope you will enjoy playing with it.

More tomorrow....

Hugs xx

March 26, 2021

Friday Freebie -Happy Birthday

Hi Everybody, 

This is a lovely set on offer this week and it consists of a beautiful rose stamp and die along with a square embossing folder that is full of roses.

It will help yo to make some lovely backgrounds and then top it with a fabulous coloured rose.

You will find some ideas inside the magazine which is also included in this offer.

So if you would like to receive this then all you have to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post with your FULL NAME.

But please be sure to come back and check over the weekend if it is your name that is shown as the winner.

This is open to everyone even if you have won before or live abroad from the UK ... so what are you waiting for ????

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 22, 2021

With Love & Best Wishes

 Hi Everybody,

For today's card I have created a Twofer and this one of them shown on the right.

I have again used one of the Deco word dies and as you can see it is the complete focal point of the shaped card,

I have done a video to accompany this set and I hope you will enjoy watching it. I try not to make them too long so you wont fall asleep.

 


This is the other part of the Twofer and is a little more elaborate with flowers, ribbons and pearls, so nothing new there then !!

I really enjoy making this type of card it's what you call "right up my street"

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx



 

March 20, 2021

Winner

Hi Everybody,

Thanks for all your good wishes for my surgery and I am writing this from my hospital bed. I am doing just fine  and the surgeon is happy with the way everything has gone. And I am now getting ready to go home. Vickie is coming for me and she will be bringing Ruby. I will let you know how I am when I settle in at home again.

 I have done the draw for yesterday’s offering and the name this week is 

Jean Marmo

Please can you email me your postal address to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and I will get the prize in the post to you straight away.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 19, 2021

Friday Freebie -

Hi Everybody,

This pretty offer this week will make a beautiful small Dream Cather for you that you can add to your projects wherever you would like one.

The stamps are perfect for making coordinating backgrounds and the embossing folder is full of beautiful feathers.

The magazine is full of inspiration for you to copy and maybe encourage you to try some new ideas.

Would you like to have this to swell your own collections ??? Then all you have to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post with your FULL NAME to be in with a chance of winning. Then be sure to come back and see if you're name is listed as the winner.

I am happy to send this to you at my expense, wherever you live, and it doesn't matter if you have won before. But please do not add any personal details here on the blog.

Once you have checked over the weekend if your name is shown as the winner you will be asked to email me with everything else.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

March 18, 2021

Decorative Words Happy Birthday

Hi Everybody.

This pretty Easel Card is created with the Happy Birthday Decorative Word die and all my collections are available at Craft Stash

The video shows you this easel card and I am sure that this is a style that many of you have tried and enjoyed.

If you are new to cardmaking then maybe this video can help you to see how they are made so that you can go on and try many more in your own developing style

It is never my intention to belittle anybody and yet someone on YouTube accused me of making her feel like a five year old back at school.

If I have ever made anybody feel that way I apologise profusely, that is not what my videos are about.
I deleted the negative comment from my channel as I didn't think it was justified.


As always I hope that the majority of my readers enjoy my videos and I shall continue to make them for as long as I am able to.
 And I am forever grateful to the lovely comments that I get here on my blog, on YouTube, on Facebook and also on my website 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 17, 2021

yrroS oS = So Sorry !!!


 HI Everybody,

If you watched the Craftalong with me on Monday then you will know exactly what the title of this blog post is referring too.
I am talking about the filming of that event and the fact that I managed to get the view the wrong way round.
 Everything was mirror imaged and I have no idea how I did it.

I couldn't repeat it again if I tried. I obviously pushed the wrong button or attached my phone the wrong way round but I honestly don't know.

I am used to doing my videos with my camera attached above me but of course there is no "live link" to that and so I have to do these Craftalongs via my phone, and that is completely new to me.

 I am just glad that Lou stayed in the background to try and help me but technology is not my strong point.

Never the less I hope it didn't spoil it too much for you and a really big thank you for all your comments and for staying with me. I promise I will buck up !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 16, 2021

Floral Decorative Corners

Hi Everybody,

This is another of the new corner dies from my collections and this one is the Floral Decorative Corner Dies.

There are so many dies in these sets and the way you use them is just as varied.
 
In the video I have shown you some of the ways that I have used the elements and put together different looking cards to suit the occasion

They can also be made to fit various sizes of card too so you will never be short of dies to decorate your personal designs.


The cards shown look completely different and yet they are created with the same die set.
The words on this one are from the Ultimate Relations and if it is out of stock at Craft Stash then
leave your name and email address and they will notify you as soon as it is back.

It is another useful set to have and covers all the relatives you may have including extended families

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 15, 2021

Craftalong with me ...

 Hi Everybody,

Please join me this evening at 6pm for a crafting session using the
 Papercraft Society Box 18
for March
 Card Making Making.

The picture shows you the items that are in the box and it is these that I will be using for my designs.

So make a note  to join me at six today as I go "Live" on the

More tomorrow 

Hugs xx 


March 13, 2021

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

I have a lot to do this weekend in preparation for Mondays Craftalong and hospital on Thursday.

 And to make sure Ruby is taken care of while I am away. She is going to Vickie’s to stay with Dougal for a few days until I am home again. People are kindly volunteering to walk her for me while I am out of action and this morning my granddaughter is taking her out.

So as I was up early I decided to get the draw for yesterday’s offering done and the name today is

Janet Boyne 

Would you email me your postal address please to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and the pack will be in the post to you just as soon as I can.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 12, 2021

Friday Freebie - Floral Wishes

Hi Everybody,

Todays offering is a beautiful Floral Wishes Die, stamp and embossing folder set.

Along with the magazine that is full of inspiration for you to browse thorough as you have your cuppa and relax for a little while

There is also a video to go with this offer and so hopefully you will enjoy that too.


So if you would like this offering to swell your own personal collection then all you have to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post with your 
FULL NAME 
I make this request every week as it helps me to identify the correct winner in the event that more than one person has the same first name So if you have never won and you haven't complied then at least you now know why.

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

It doesn't matter if you have won before and I am happy to post the pack to you at my expense.

Make a note in your diary to join me next 
for a free Craftalong on the 
where I will be using the
March  Papercraft Society Box 18 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 11, 2021

Hearts Decorative Corners

 Hi everybody,

This dramatic card would be ideal for any male members in your family and you an take off or leave on the flowers to suit your recipient.

It doesn't show up in the video but there is a bright silver behind the panel that really adds some sparkle to the design.

The video will show you how I made it and it is just over 5inches in size. It could very easily be turned into an easel card  if you wanted.


And if you wanted a softer look then you can always swap out the colours.
My pages are simply to give you ideas and hopefully inspire you to try something a little different if you are new to card making  

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 09, 2021

Rose Decorative Corner

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is again using the Rose Decorative Corner and I think it will become obvious that this is my favourite one in the new corners die sets.

I have used blue and white for this colour scheme with navy blue as my accent shade.

The sentiment is the Ultimate relations Die Set and there are so many in this set to cover ALL family members even into extended families.

I love die cutting because all the work is done with the dies and all I need to think about are best colours ... which and what type of flowers ... the layout for the card, then go ahead and make it for my recipient.

I know that there are people who don't like my style of card making. Some thinks its too fussy. But I love this way and the flowers make it extra special for me and the people that I make my cards for. They love them and that makes me happy.

If you are a clean and simple card maker then that is OK too and I do like that style also, as well as mixed media. But this is always my go to style and the one that I am most often asked for when asked to make a card for someone as a commision.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 08, 2021

Hochanda Card

Hi Everybody,

This is one of the cards that I made for Hochanda last week and I must admit that I really do like this card.

I did the quilted look with the flowers and it looks much better in the hand than on a photograph.

I used the beautiful Rose Decorative Corner and I chose lilac and white for my colour scheme which is always a lovely combination.

The triangles have been embossed to add more interest to the background.

It was good to see it shown on the shows that Pauline demonstrated on and I will try and show you more as the week goes on.

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

March 07, 2021

Ruby Update

   Hi Everybody

This is a quick update on Ruby and I am happy to say that her eyes are now so much better.

The top photo shows how they where a few weeks ago when I took her to the vets. Very red, very weepy and must have been very painful for her.

She could barely open them and she was very out of character. 

But after a few weeks of bathing and drops and regular visits to the vets she is now recovered and I can see those beautiful eyes again.

What a worry it was but now she is back to her gobby self  barking at all and sundry who dare to walk past her house.

Once I am back to normal with my knee surgery I am hoping to go on a good long walk with her maybe along the beach or to the country park that is nearby.

That has a stream running through it and Ruby loves to swim. Typical Spaniel always looking for water and mud.

Someone once told me that a dirty Spaniel is a happy one and that is so true as she loves finding the messiest puddle she can and get in it.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 06, 2021

Winner

 Hi Everybody

I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s Facebook Live if you managed to join me. The new dies are real statement items and the demos that I did showed you s9me of my ideas. If you bought the die sets then I am sure you will come up with many more as you play.

They where also featured on Hochanda and the full bundle of all the six sets of Decorative Corners was a sell out. Pauline Hi key did a grand job with her demos and  she made some lovely cards.  Many of my sample cards where also shown.

The draw for the Christmas Set has been done and the winner this week is 

Pam McKenzie

Would you please email me your postal address to

christina@card-making-magic.com

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 05, 2021

Friday Freebie - Christmas Set

Hi Everybody,

This set will take us back to Christmas but at least you will be early for this year.

The offer consists of die, stamp and embossing folder as well as the magazine and you will find some lovely ideas inside the pages to help you if you get a little crafters block.

Sadly there is no video to go with this ... sorry !!

But if you would like to win this one than all you have to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post with your FULL NAME and your  will then be entered into the hat to win. Be sure to come back over the weekend to see if it is your name that is listed a the winner.

It doesn't matter if you have won before or where you live I am happy to post it to you at my expense

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx
 

March 04, 2021

Decorative Words - Time to Celebrate

Hi Everybody,

On Friday I will be on Facebook Live with the lovely Lou Collins to show you some of the beautiful new dies that are now available from Card Making Magic

There will be some video tutorials for you to view but just to wet your appetite I am adding a new one here.

I have used the Time to Celebrate die set and I am amazed at the size of these dies.

They make fabulous shaped card bases or you can add them to a larger regular shaped card if you preferred.

They are all available now at Craft Stash

The featured card shown above is the style created in the video, so I hope you will give it a try as it really is a lovely style to make. and the video will show you easily how to do it.

I hope you will be able to join me on Friday and add your comments to let me know that you are there.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

March 01, 2021

Gelli Plate

Hi Everybody,

Over the weekend I have been playing with my Gelli Plate. I have had this for years and have used it very very little.

So as I was tidying up in the craft room I thought I would leave it out to use once I had finished. 

I used Distress Oxide Inks on my plate and stencils and came up with all these different patterns.

 But you can use other inks or even Acrylic Paints on them too and I am quite excited to try some metallic paint from Arteza on my Gelli Plate

On some I used clear or white embossing powder and heated it up to give me another design for backings on my cards.

Then I started to make some card using the designs and this is one of them 

I added the background  to an embossing folder panel and I also embossed the heart in another folder too.

The heart and the banner are from the Small Heart Box Set and the sentiment is from the matching stamp set.

I bought my Gelli Plate from Amazon and as I said I have had it a long time. 

  Some of these Gelli Plates have gelatine in them so if that is not for you then try the ones from the John Next Door range as they are made from Polymer, and a lot less expensive.

John Lockwood does a fabulous range of plates. brayers and stencils in all sizes and shapes at very affordable prices so well worth a look before you decide to buy. 

He also has some great tutorials on YouTube on how to get the best from them too.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

February 27, 2021

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

Here we are again with another Saturday morning and this one is bright and sunny. Ruby and I had a bit of a late start today and we are getting so lazy. But we will go out later for a little walk

. I have to self isolate for the next two weeks prior to my knee operation on the 18th.

So onto the draw for yesterday’s offering of the Cottage Garden die and stamp set. The name this week is

  Barbara Youngs

Would you email me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com 

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx