Tuesday Tutorial - Heirloom Rectangle

Hi Everybody,

Todays card features a die that has been around now for quite some time and you may have this is your personal "stash"   If you do it maybe time to get it out again and try this really easy card. 

 The dies do all the work and the flowers are the crowning glory in soft shades of lilac and white

The card has been created with just the one set of dies

Spellbinders Used:

• S6-016 Heirloom Rectangle
• PL-001 Platinum Die Cutting Machine

Other Supplies:

• Flowers, Glitter ball from Wild Orchid Crafts
• Ribbon from my "Stash"
• Pearls from Want2Scrap
• Card from Papermill Direct
• Glitter from Glitter Magic
• Sentiment from Lili of the Valley

Instructions:

With die #4 and white card cut two layers for the base  and a layer in lilac

With dies #3 and 4 together cut another layer in white for the patterned piece

Create the base with the two white pieces by scoring along one a little way down and gluing them together along the small panel

Add foam to the back of the other two and layer the lilac and patterned pieces together

Wrap ribbon around these layers before adding to the base card

Cut die #2 in lilac and emboss this piece for more texture. Add foam pads to the back and arrange over the top of the ribbon

Stamp the sentiment of your choice and cut out with the smallest die

Cut two more in white and one in lilac

Glue the white ones together keeping the sentiment one for the top. This will give depth to the panel

Cut the lilac one in half and arrange around the sentiment panels to leave a small border.

Attach foam to the back of these

Select the flowers you would like.

From left to right I have used:

Gypsophila, Chrysanthemum, Cosmos Daisies, Tulips, Roses

Arrange the flowers in a pleasing display on your card and dot with glue then sprinkle with glitter.

Add the bow and small pearls around the flowers

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Die Cutting Essentials Special Vol 4

Hi Everybody,

This Thursday the 23rd  March a new issue of 

Die Cutting Essentials Special Volume 4 
will be on sale in your local craft shops and selected supermarkets and  I am so pleased to say that some of  my cards will be one of the features in the pages.  

And I have a video to give you a sneaky peak of  DCE Special Vol 4  and show you some more ideas that I have designed

There is also a beautiful paper pack that you can use with some deep and dramatic colours in the mix.

The video will show you exactly what is in the pack and I am sure that you will have fun playing with it.

My flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the pearl flourish is from Wnt2Scrap

The ribbon on the hearts card is also in the pack and is a vibrant shade of pink

If you wanted this special edition you can get it HERE

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Spellbinders Graceful Fans (Video)

Hi Everybody,

Thank you all for your feedback on my new style videos and they have had a real mixed response. Some like it and others don't but a lot of people say they didn't like the music.  So in this one I have  toned it down to a more gentle tune.

I won't be doing all the videos like this just the occasional one with a quick card. It keeps things fresh and interesting to change them around a little. I am very flattered that many of you like the sound of my voice (I hate it)

There have recently been a lot of new border dies from the wonderful Becca Feeken and they are all intricate and a pleasure to work with .

And so I thought that a video was in order to show you how I made this really pretty card

This link  Spellbinders Graceful Fans   will take you through to the video and the steps needed to make this top card.

I hope you enjoy this new style video more

The bright gold card is part of a pack from Craft Stash and it gives a real luxury look to the white card and it is easy to cut

The ribbon I already had in my supplies and I used it to create the double bow.

So there are a couple more ideas using the exact same items just arranging them in a different way each time

The way I tie the  bow is shown in the video Tying A Bow  and it is quite easy to do.

Once you get to play with these dies I am sure that you will come up with lots more ideas for yourself.

But as you can see they are very versatile and the gold card sets them off beautifully

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Graceful Fans Card Creator Amazing Paper Grace by Becca Feeken Etched Dies	Christmas Mixed Mirror Card	Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue	5x7 Matting Basics A
5x7 Matting Basics B	PICK & MIX	Platinum Die Cutting and Embossing Machine

InLinkz.com

Card Winner today ...

Hi Everybody,

Hope you are all well and enjoying the weekend.

 It's pouring down here and Griff was going to take Ruby for a walk but only got as far as the end of the street and turned back.

Both are soaked already.

I have done the draw for yesterdays blue card and the name chosen today is you ...

Pat S Witney

please email me with your postal address to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and it will be on its way to you.

I hope you will like it and please let me know that you have it safely.

Thanks for all your feedback on the new style videos I have done.

 Tomorrow I am adding another and this time I have toned down the music as some people said they didn't like the whistling tune. 

The new one is more calming and the card is lovely once completed.

Please give me your opinions on this one. 

I have done another after this with a magazine freebie that will be going out in a couple of weeks and in that one I talk to you and show you the magazine covers so that you know to look out for in the shops.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie 010 - With Love

Hi Everybody,

This weeks card is pretty in blue and white and the finished size is 5x7.

I have used the blending Dotty and Striped card from AnnaMarie Designs  and the  Modern Stationery  die from Spellbinders

The delicate Sentiments has been cut twice ... once from card and the other from foam and glued together to create a thicker look

If this is a card that you would like to have then all you need to do is leave me a comment. 

From those comments a name will be chosen and announced in tomorrows blog post. Please be sure to come back and see if it is you.

You will have 72 hours to claim the card and then it will go to someone else at a later date.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tonic Studios - New Style Video

Hi Everybody,

If you have had a good look through my blog pages and my website then you will be familiar with the hundreds of videos that I have done over the years.  These videos have been done with the filming and editing from my husband ... affectionately called my "Film Crew"

But a little while ago I suggested that maybe I should learn do more by myself because although he is semi retired he does like to do some jobs occasionally for family and friends.  On those days instead of putting things on hold for later I could simply get on with it and make my own films

I also mentioned this to a new friend that I have made,  through blogging and filming, and I asked her advice. Christine Smith has a fabulous YouTube channel at  Crafti Potential    and she has been really supportive  and encouraging in this my new adventure. 

So with the help that I have had from these two people ... whose opinion I do respect ... I have made a start to make my solo films. The very first one was for the new Club Create 2017 that I added to the blog on Saturday

This one is different again and an experiment to see how it goes Let me know what you think of this new style video ... and I have my fingers crossed that you will enjoy it.

 I will still be doing some the other way when Griff is free but I will be doing a lot more the new way. Here is the video ...

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Water Colour Wednesday - Poppies

Hi Everybody,

This is another image from the Just Inklined CD called The Next Big Thing and I know that many of you already have this in your collections.

But how long is it since you got it out and had a real good look at what is on the disc. 

There are a wealth of images for you to print off and colour and this is one of my all time favorite CD's

So this is Poppies and it has been coloured with Gansai Tambi Water Colours.

Then simply matted and layered with stripy card onto the A2 sized base card

I stamped and embossed the sentiment onto a banner shape of the stripey card and added it with foam underneath, then added in some  enamel dots 

And last but not least I used a glue pen to add some detail and allowed it to go tacky. 

Over the top I rubbed some silver foil to bring out the shape of the petals.

Simple card for any occasion with just a little water colouring in the process.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tuesday Tutorial - Two Way Street

Hi Everybody,

A pretty floral card is the order for today and this is using dies that I have used before so if you have them it's time to get them out again.

Matting Basics are always useful dies to have in your crafting collection and I use mine regularly

Spellbinders Supplies:

• S6-001 5x7 Matting Basics A
• S6-002 5x7 Matting Basics B .
• S4-710 Two Way Street
• S5-187 Labels Thirty Three
• PL-001 Platinum Die Cutting Machine

Other Supplies:

• Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts
• Ribbon from Mei Flower
• Glitter from Glitter Magic
• Lace and Dazzler from WOC
• Pink and Cream card from Papermill Direct

Instructions:

With die #7 from Matting Basics A cut two and create a cream base card

With die #7 from the B set cut one layer in pink

With die #6 from the A set cut another layer in cream

With die #6 from the B set cut another layer in pink

Cut one layer with the Two Way Street die

Stamp and heat emboss your sentiment onto some cream card and  with die #4 from Labels 33 cut two layers one from the cream sentiment card and the other in pink.

Cut the pink one in half as shown

Arrange around the cream sentiment layer so that a small border is created at the top and bottom

Layer the Two Way Street on to the pink layer with dots of glue 

Add both to the cream layer and wrap these with lace and ribbon 

Add some foam pads on the back 

Layer the next pink layer onto the base card and then add the previous step to the top

Use foam under the sentiment label and add centrally to the card

Glue a small bow in place along the bottom left of the sentiment

Arrange the flowers on to the card as you like and sprinkle them with glitter for a lovely effect.

These are the flowers I have used. Starting from the ;left they are ...

Gypsophila, Chrysanthemum, Carnation, Roses in three sizes 5/10/15 mm

 2 Tuscany Rose buds and a Tulip

Anemone and Cherry Blossom

I have two tutorials that maybe can help you with flower arranging 

Adding Flowers to Cards

Small Flower Corsage

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Pretty Butterflies

Hi Everybody,

This is one of the cards that I featured in the

 Hydrangea Video 

It was using the die that came free with Simply Cards and Papercrafts 160 a few weeks ago

There are lots of ways to use this pretty free gift and in the video I tried to give you some options.

I used coloured inks to create the background using the stamps and then I stamped extra butterflies onto a separate piece of card and fussy cut them out

They have been added to the card just gluing along the body line and raising the wings slightly

The pearl flourish from Want2Scrap has been used to make the butterfly trails from each one

I matted the panel onto some black card and then layered it to an embossed panel before adding to the base card

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ruby Update ...

Hello Everyone,

S'me Ruby here and I am now fully recovered from my operation and back to mischief again

I have discovered that I am now big enough to climb onto the back of the chair and look through the window.

And then I have a lovely time watching the world and barking at everybody who passes my house.

It doesn't matter who is sat in the chair ... I will climb on top of them to see what is going on outside.

I am so pleased to be able to play with my best friend Dougal again

He is a Cockapoo and he is alomost the same age as me.

He has just been to the groomers and had his hair cut and I think he looks really handsome

We play together really well but we get a bit noisy and rough sometimes

Our mums take us in Witch Wood and we love it in there.

It is full of delicious smells and trees and bushes that we can run through.

When it has been raining it gets really muddy and Dougal and I love to run in it and we roll each other over.

So when I get back home I have to have bath and this is me after my bath

I am having a snooze on my mums knee in my lovely warm coat and I snore like a train!!

Lots of people have been asking my mum about this coat and so she has added a link for you to see them ....Ruff and Tumble Dog Coats

More next time ...

Bye for now xx

Card Winner and a Video

Hi Everybody,

The pretty card yesterday was one of several that I made using that technique and I did them all in different colours. Over the past months I have given them all away as Friday Freebies and I hope you have liked them if you where one of the winners.

So this one will find a new home with YOU

Pearl Hudson

would you email me please with your postal address to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

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

Please let me know when it arrives with you.

New Craft Club ...

In many of the craft magazines there has been an advertisement for a new club from  Practical Publishing and they have asked me if I would do a video to show you what is in the first kit. 

The items will change every three months and they will be quality crafting goods that are better priced than buying them individually.

Here it is and all the information to join the club is in the video ... It is only open to UK residents at present.
 Here is Club Create 2017

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie 009 - Happy Birthday

Hi Everybody,

So here we are with another of those Ombre cards created with the waste left over from the Grate Effect die from Spellbinders

It is a really easy way to use up what would otherwise have been discarded and the effect is lovely

There is a tutorial on the Tuesday Tutorials page to show you how Using the Waste  can be put to good use.

Now if you would like to have this card then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post,

From those comments a name will be chosen at random and the winner announced in tomorrows blog post.

You will need to come back and check for yourself if it is yours as you will only have 72 hours in whcih to claim the card

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

A New Collection

HI Everybody,

I have some really pretty dies to tell you about today and they are all available from Craft Stash.

These are the Stitched and Pierced Collection  and this link will tke you to the full collection of thirteen different sets for you to choose.

Each edge is either stitched or pierced to alternate the look to your layers

I have done four videos to highlight some for you to see and all you need to do is click the links

The first video is the

Stitched and Pierced Ovals

and in the film I show you how I created this pretty card.

Use any embossing folder that you have to add texture to the card and it would look just as good in any other colour too.

The second video is using the 

Stitched and Pierced Circles  

and I have tried to give you some different ideas with this set of dies.

There are more ideas on the video

This pretty card is created with the 

Stitched and Pierced Squares 

and this is one of several ideas for you on the video.

I have added pearls to the centre of my card and on another I have created a shaker card.

And last but not least is the

Stitched and Pierced Rectangles 

In this particular video I have tried to show you some different ways to use the dies and the card to the left is the result of one of those ways

The stitching has been highlighted around the shape with a black fine liner pen

That is a really easy way to accentuate the detail on any of the shapes and sizes that you use.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Water Colour Wednesday - Albert

Hi Everybody,

Strictly speaking ... not a water colour at all but still done by me

This wonderful character is Albert from the Just Inklined CD called The Next Big Thing which sadly is now no longer around

There are so many wonderful images on this disc and it is such a shame that it has been discontinued

I coloured this quite some time ago and I really love this old man.

He is coloured with a mixture of Spectrum Noir pens and I have used this image of  him  many times in the past.

So I hope you will forgive the fact that he is not water coloured and enjoy him just the same

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tuesday Tutorial - Monstera Card Front

Hi Everybody,

The card today is another of those quick and easy ones to put together when time is of the essence. You could create lots of backgrounds and card fronts and store them away ready to be used when the occasion arises and then simply add the two parts and your done.

Spellbinders Supplies:

• S5-238 Monstera Card Front
• PL-001 Platinum Die Cutting Machine

Other Supplies:

• "Kindness" Stamp and die set
• Brusho Crystal Colours
• Clear Sparkle Pens
• Water Spritzer

Instructions:

With the outer part of the Monstera Card Front die cut three pieces in white card  and use two of them to create the base.

With both parts together cut again in white twice and glue together for strength.

With the separate layer of white card spritz it with water and with the Crystal Colour of your choice  sprinkle the colour over the card. Blot of any excess that runs off and then dry with a heat tool ... or leave it to air dry depending on how patient you are !!

Once dry add the two glued together patterned pieces to the top with foam pads underneath in strategic places so that they cannot be seen from the front.

Brush over the leaves in the panel with a Clear Glitter pen to add some subtle sparkle.

Stamp and emboss the sentiment of your choice and add to the card front with foam.

Add to the bottom left of the card 

There you have a quick card ready to send ... vary the sentiment for other occasions

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

My day ...

Hi Everybody,

So today I am going to be busy and  later this evening I am going out for a special meal because .... It's my birthday !! And the sun is shining here too. It may not stay that way all day but for now it is there in the sky.

This was a card and gift that was sent to me by one of my readers and I asked her permission to show  it to you all.

The card has lots of beautiful flowers on it and the calendar sits on my desk

I want to say a big Thank You to Ann for making this gift and sending it to me it is much appreciated ... MWah xx

I have lots of videos to do today so must dash now and I am doing some alone as Griff is at work this week. So I hope they turn out all right and they are enjoyed as much as the others

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

Well here's a surprise .... I am early today with the winner of yesterday's Friday Freebie. 

I am really organised  today and I have lots to do this morning hence the early start. 

So a name has been chosen at random for the pretty pink card and it is you ...

Lesley

Would you email me please with your postal address to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and the card will be on its way to you.

You have 72 hours in which to claim it and please let me know when it arrives with you.

I hope that you like it when it does

More tomorrow...

Hugsxx

Friday Freebie 008 - Pink Floral

Hi Everybody,

Todays card on offer is the one that I made sometime ago and was offered at the start of the year and not claimed by the winner..

It is in a really pretty pink with flowers to match tucked around the sentiment, and all the petals have been sparkled with glitter.

I have used Tulips, Roses, Gypsophila, Geums and Cosmos Daisies and all have been added with a hot glue gun so that I am certain they won't fall off.

Pink pearls are dotted around the display and on the pink ribbon there is a large dazzler

So if you would like to have this card then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post.

From those comments one name will be chosen at random and notified in tomorrows blog post. It doesn't matter where you live or even if you have won one before and you don't need to have your won blog to enter.

But once the name is announced then you will only have 72 hours to claim it by sending me your postal address by email ... so good luck !! And please check if it is your name and claim this pretty card.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Papercraft Essentials 144 - Spring Garden

Hi Everybody,

Today I am featuring the free gift that will be attached to the Papercrafts Essentials magazine

It will be in the shops on the 9th March so keep a look out for your copy if you like the gift.

The video will give you some ideas of the way I have used this set that is made up of several spring themed stamps and s little Picket Fence die

Papercraft Essentials 144 - Spring Garden   will show you how I made this card and also how to create the clouds in the sky which is something I get asked a lot about.

If you need a more detailed explanation then you will find it her ...  Cloud Effect Sky

It is a very simple technique but is very effective once completed.


Use pale blue or for a stormy sky grey works well.  But try other colours for a fantasy look too.

I hope you enjoy the video and the free gift when it arrives in your craft space

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Water Colour Wednesday - Floral Stamp

Hi Everybody,

These two cards have been created using a  Heartfelt Creations  floral stamp called Sun Kissed  Fleur.

There are other pieces to this stamp set and also a die to cut  out the larger flowers

For the background I used the Wood Pallet Background from Altenew and stamped it in brown

The flowers have been water coloured with Gansai Tambi and I added an enamel dot to the centre flower.  

The layers have been wrapped in ribbon and then added to a bright pink card base 

The Happy Birthday sentiment is one I have in my stamp collection, but they could be for any occasion you wanted.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tuesday Tutorial - Sapphire Dies

Hi Everybody,

It's time to get out those small dies again for a quick and easy card. 

I have used the Basic A set before and so here is another way to put them to good use.  

Having cards that are easy to make is always handy for those times when you need a quick card

Spellbinders Supplies:

• PH-001 Sapphire Machine
• PH5-502 Basic Set A
• S4-563 Phrases 1
• SES-003 Grid EF

Other Supplies:

• Card from Papermill Direct
• Pearls from Want2Scrap
• White ribbon from Mei Flower

Instructions:

Fold an A4 piece of card in half along the short sides and then cut in half to produce two portrait card with the fold at the top.

With some pretty paper create a mat that is slightly smaller and leaves a thin border around the edge.

Create another white mat again leaving a small border and emboss this piece in the folder

Cut the label die  and HI in gold.

Cut the oval  and butterfly in patterned paper 

Cut the flowers in two shades of pink and as many as you would like to add

Thread the label with the white ribbon and attach to the embossed layer

Add these to the patterned layer and attach all to the card base

Place the floral oval to the top of the label and arrange the flowers around the edge

Dot the flowers with a pearl in the centre

Glue the butterfly along the body line and attach to the card then add pearls along the body and add a butterfly trail with a pearl flourish

Add small thin foam pads to the back of the Hi and add in the lower corner of the card

Vary the colour scheme for the next card and use any embossing folder that you have in your craft goodies.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx