Friday Freebie - Woodland Friends

Hi Everybody,

Today's card & gift is a pretty circular die that can build a lovely scene for you to add to your cards

The video will how you some of my ideas and it is called Woodland Friends

The outer edge to the die set can be used on its own as an addition to other cards you may make and gives you the beautiful scalloped edge

So would you like to own this gift??

Then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post and one name will be chosen at random as the winner.  It will be in tomorrows blog post so be sure to come back and see if it is you ... but please leave your FULL name if you enter

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Papercraft Essentials 162 - Ring Of Roses

Hi Everybody,

This months Papercraft Essentials is giving away for free a lovely die and stamp combination.

And the opportunity to download some backing papers, inserts, toppers and sentiments to complete your cards

I enjoyed playing with it and it makes some lovely feminine designs for all occasions.

For this card I used just the stamps to create the background and then coloured the flowers with Copics

There are so many variations you can use with this set and you are sure to enjoy playing with it too.

It will be in the supermarkets and shops tomorrow the 12th July 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Making Boxes ..

Hi Everybody,

I have had an email from a lady who has bought the Complete Card & Box Die Set and is disappointed that the box will not go through her smaller die cutting machine

By virtue of the size of the finished BOX you will need an A4 cutting platform to use them.

The box may be a 5x7 but it has one inch sides to be able to make into a box, and the tuck in fold at the top, and so the die is almost 7½ x 10 ½ and is never going to fit through a 6" gap.

The 6" box in 8x8¾ and again will not fit through  the smaller machines.

But there is a way around this and I have done a video to show you how to overcome this minor problem without going to the expense of buying a larger machine.

 Every other die and folder CAN be used with the 6" platform

I hope it goes some way to answering any questions you may have and will not stop you from buying any of the other beautiful dies in either of these collections

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Clean and Simple

Hi Everybody,

This little card is created very simply in shades of grey and peach.

I did the ink smooshing technique on some water coloured card with Distress Oxide Inks and then cut both layers of the butterfly from it

I have die cut the words in black three times and stacked them for depth and used a black mat to tie the layers all together

The stripes are made with a stencil and some grey ink very lightly for the background and tiny hearts added in the same grey

The butterfly is from the Layered Butterflies die set from Card Making Magic.

The flourish along the body line and for the trail is from Want2Scrap  

Very easy and very simply but really pretty in the hand and would be suitable for a male card too. Swap out the sentiment to match the occasion 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ruby Update ...

Hi Everybody,

I haven't been to visit you for a little while but I have been having lots of fun with my Mum and Dad.

I will be two years old in August and I am really beautiful now. 

Here  I am with my summer cut and it is much cooler when I run around and play.

My best friend Dougal is coming to play today and we had fun in Witch Wood last weekend  chasing balls and sticks ... but I am not allowed to chase squirrels.

Here is a little video of us playing and I am the one making all the noise ... just to let Dougal know who is the boss !!

I like to go to the beach too and especially if I can go in the sea and have a splash about

My mum has got a paddling pool in the back garden for me and I like to go in there to cool my paws down when its a hot day.

More tomorrow ...

 Bye for now xx

Card & Gift Winner

Hi Everybody,

A beautiful day here and I hope it is the same in your part of the world. 

 Can you believe that July is with us already ?? 

Could somebody tell me what happened to May and June.

The draw for yesterdays prize has been done and the name this week is ...

Carole Eaton

would you email me your postal address please to :

christina@card-making-magic.com

and the gift will be on its way to you.

Sadly last weeks prize of the Sparkling Snowflake  has not been claimed and so it will be offered again at a later date

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie -Hearts & Flowers Stamps and Embossing Folder

Hi Everybody,

Today's gift is part of the All Occasions  Collection and the original folder took the craft world by storm.

It proved so popular that it sells out every time it is back on the Craft Stash website. 

It has a video to show you how I used it and it is  called Hearts & Flowers 

So here is your chance to get this for free and all you need to do is leave me a comment and your FULL name.

I will select one name from those comments to be the winner and the name will be in tomorrows blog post.

I am happy to send them wherever you live and you can still enter even if you have won something before. Good Luck everybody 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Glazed Distress Oxides

Hi Everybody,

This techniques is a lot of fun and no two will ever look the same no matter how hard you try.

Let the inks build up the layers and don't worry about it as you work, but choose the colours that will compliment your image or colour scheme.

The Oxides will dry with a chalky look but once you add the glaze all the under colours will come out and the effect is really lovely.

Have fun as you play ... that is what crafting is all about and you will be amazed at the different effects you will get from other colours

When you make them into cards add embellishments to enhance the colours. Die cut them or make them into strips and weave them. Add other die cuts to them ... especially a large sentiment or simply add flowers as I did with one of mine.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Creative Stamping 59 - Summer Holiday

Hi Everybody,

A fabulous A4 stamp set with a summer theme to help you build your collection. Perfect for invitations.

If you make cards for Girl Guides or Scouts then this is going to be the answer to your makes.

There are lots of images to scene build if you enjoy masking when you stamp ... or simply stamp, colour and cut out if you prefer.

The images above have been fussy cut and added with with pads

You can have lots of fun with this free gift and it will be in the shops tomorrow the 5th July.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Fancy Nesting Rectangles

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is created in soft green and lemon and I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but it is really pretty in the hand

I added in lace, flowers and ribbons and some lovely  rainbow gems from Crafti Potential for added sparkle

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I have added a mixture of  Roses, Daffodils and Tulips in yellow and white

I always add them with a hot glue gun for extra security but you need to be careful if you try a hot gun as the glue gets very hot and it will burn your fingers if you don't take care
 .....  How do I know this ????   Ouch !!!!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Spellbinders Floral Oval

Hi Everybody,

This pretty card is created with one of the new dies from Spellbinders and it is the Floral Oval designed by Marisa Job

The finished card is an A2 size and I have backed the trellis with parchment. I have also added it to a silver oval but I can't remember the name of the die

The flowers and leaves have been coloured with Copics and the whole effect is very pleasing

Add in a different sentiment and it would be suitable for any occasion.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tonic Craft Kit 11 - Festive Wishes

Hi Everybody,

I am late with this months video for Tonic and I am really sorry for the delay. 

But here it is and for this I have used the

 Craft Kit 11 - Festive Wishes.

It has lots of dies that can be used for a Christmas theme but you can also use it all year round for other types of card too.

 In the video I have used several techniques that have been covered in other videos to show the versatility of the kit.

This card has been turned into a birthday card and I used a stencil to add the Glimmer Paste

The kits are available from Tonic Studios at the links below ...

UK & Europe

US & North America 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner

Hi Everybody,

I have been offering the magazine freebies now for quite some time and just to make things clear I am offering one of the cards made in the video along with the gift itself.  So yesterdays freebie with the Sparkling Snowflake will also come with the card shown in the photo.

I include a link to the video to refresh your memory of other ideas that you can do with this die set and I send it out as soon as I can to the winner. 

You don't need to have your own blog, and I am not concerned with where in the world you are ... I am happy to send the prize to you anywhere at MY expense. And it doesn't matter if you have won before you can still enter.  

But I do need your Full name  added to the comment that you leave so that there will be no confusion over the winner.  One week I had three people all claiming the one prize so please help me with this request and leave your full name or it will not be added to the draw.

The winner this week is ....

Monica Mueller

please would you email me your postal address to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and they will be sent to you straight away.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Sparkling Snowflake

Hi Everybody,

Back to the Christmas Theme again for today's card and gift offer. 

This one is a 2 piece die set that you can cut into to alter the look and the video that accompanied it is here 

 Sparkling Snowflake 

If you would like to have this gift then all you need to do is leave me your comment and FULL name at the end of the blog post.

From those comments one name will be drawn and announced in tomorrows blog so be sure to come back and check if it is your name that is shown as you will have 72 hours in which to claim your prize

More tomorrow ...

Hugsxx 

Letterpress with Embossing Folders from Card Making Magic

Hi Everybody,

Today I have done some Letter pressing with the folders from my 6x6 Collection, Sunburst and Leafy Frame

In the video I show you the two different looks you can achieve by inking opposite sides to the folder.

You can try this with any embossing folder that you may already have in your crafting goodies

Different colour schemes and the flowers that you add will  alter the look for you and you can make it for any occasion that you need.

I am really pleased with both but my favorite one is the Turquoise and white combination as I think it is so vibrant.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Simply Cards & Papercraft 179 - Botanical Border

Hi Everybody,

There is a lovely die and stamp set with this months Simply Cards & Papercraft magazine and I had a lot of fun playing with it.

I made some really pretty cards all in the same colour scheme and they are shown in the video.

There are more ideas in the pages of the magazine and so grab a cuppa and settle down for a little relaxing "Me Time" 

I like the chosen colours too as they go so well together and I used Distress Oxides in Shaded Lilac, Wilted Violet, Fossilised Amber and Peeled Paint with the odd touch of Picked Raspberry on a couple of the cards. 

There is so much you can do with the stamp set and it will suit many many occasions. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Quick & Easy "Thank You" card

Hi Everybody,

There are certain kinds of cards that it is always good to keep a supply of them ready to use.

Thank You ... Birthdays ... Congratulations etc .... you just never know when one will be needed in a hurry for your self or someone in your family needs one.

This was so easy to do and the dies made the card for me with very little effort on my part

Both of my collection are available at Craft Stash with a Christmas Collection coming soon

The video is not long so have a coffee break while you watch

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Spellbinders Rosy Summer Flowers

Hi Everybody,

This large and pretty bloom is from Spellbinders and it comes in two parts.

The outer die cuts the solid layer and the inner one gives you the shape and petals to your flower.

I have coloured mine with Copics to add shading to the leaves and petals.

I have added them to a Letterpressed background created with my own Sunburst Embossing Folder which is new to the 6x6 Collection from 

Card Making Magic

I have added in a frame made with the Nesting Circles and Quatrefoil Trellis and topped it all with the Birthday Sentiment.

Nuvo Crystal Drops have tied everything together and I am quite happy with the result to my 6x6 top folded card

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Simon Says Stamp - Good Vibes - Debra

Hi Everybody,

A brand new release was added to Simon Says Stamp and this lovely die is Debra from the Good Vibes Collection

For this card I have inked the background and the video will show you how it was created

I have used the "With Love" sentiment form my 6x6 box dies to add to the front.

For this one I used the "Create" from Spellbinders Etched Dies to show that you can make cards for any occasion simply by adding a stacked sentiment.

And also that any dies will play nicely with dies from other companies that you may have in your own personal collections

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

Another Saturday and today the sun is shining and it's going to be a good week. I hope the weather is being kind to you in your part of the world. I have lots planned for this week with lots of videos to be done ready to add to these pages.

The draw for yesterday Music & Dance A4 stamp set has been done and the winner is ...

Maureen Killen

would you email me your postal address please to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

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

I hope you have as much fun with this set as I did and please let me know when it arrives safely with you.

More tomorrow ...

Hugsxx

Friday Freebie - Music & Dance

Hi Everybody,

The stamp set today is for all you music lovers and I had lots of ideas playing with this stamp set called

Music & Dance

This magazine gives you a full A4 stamp sheet every month and is an excellent way to build up your collection.

So is this a set you would like to win?

Then all you need to do is leave me your comment and your full name at the end of the post.

One name will be drawn at random and announced in tomorrows post so be sure to come back and see if you are the winner.

The winners name is always enlarged and in red so if it is you then email me to claim it.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

6x6 Collection Fancy Nesting Circles

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is created in soft pastel colours using the 6x6 Complete Card & Box die set.

I have teamed it with the Nesting Circles to give me a lovely combination for a wedding card

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the added sparkle with the glitter makes them extra special.  

You could make the card for any occasion and alter the colour scheme to suit your recipient.

The 6x6 Collection is such a useful size to have and the added new shapes give you the option to decorate as much or as little as you prefer

But for me it has to be Flowers, Ribbons and Pearls for a really special card 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Die Cutting Essentials 39 - Summertime Scenes

Hi Everybody,

The free gift with this months Die Cutting Essentials Issue 39 is a 12 piece set that will help you to scene build.

There are three different elements to this set ... Cityscape, Fairground and Houses and in the video I show you examples of all three.

You can build others items around the scene you choose,  for a night or day scene,  and then colour the parts in with your favourite medium.

It will be on sale tomorrow in selected supermarkets so keep a look out if this is something that appeals to you.  

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Altenew Build A Flower

Hi Everybody,

Adding flowers of any description to a card is always a pleasure for me.

I just love the look of them in clusters or singly. This one is no exception and it is the Chrysanthemum from Altenew

I used Altenew mini inks to stamp it out as I layered up the design and then the matching die to cut it out.

And there you have a beautiful flower to add to your cards and so easy to accomplish.

I inked and embossed the background with the flourish folder from Card Making Magic to show case the bloom and then dotted it with sequins for a sparkly effect.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Spellbinders Baroque Filigree

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is created with one of the new Cut & Emboss folders from Spellbinders. 

And it does exactly as it says and cuts and embosses all in one go through your die cutting machine

The result is a beautiful pattern in your card that would look wonderful Letter pressed 

For my card I have simply matted and layered it with pink and grey.

The sentiment is from the 6x6 Collection and that has also been cut in pink with a grey shadow effect 

These folders are so easy to use and there are several designs for you to choose from

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

Card & Gift Winner

Hi Everybody,

Dare I say it ???? It's another Saturday and ..... it's raining !! Where has all the lovely weather gone and I am hoping it comes back soon. 

I have a busy week ahead and Griff is putting the final decorating touches to the kitchen.  I will add some photos next week to show you the end result and it has been brought into the modern era with a bang.

The draw for yesterdays All Occasions Stamp set has been done and the name is ...

Gaynor Elder

would you email me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and they will be on their way to you straight away.

Please let me know that you have them safely and I hope you will enjoy the stamp set.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie -Stamps for All Occasions

Hi Everybody,

This lovely stamp set does what it says and it is featured in the video

  Stamps for All Occasions

There is so much that you can do with this set to create different scenes for your self.

Then colour it with your favourite medium to personalise it in your style.

I really like the vertical sentiments in the set as they are so useful and make a change from horizontal ones.

Now if you would like this set then all you need to do is leave me a comment using your full name.

One of those comments will be chosen at random and the name announced in tomorrows blog post ... so be sure to come back and check.  

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Nesting Hexagons & Brushos

Hi Everybody,

This bright and cheerful card is easy to make and the Nesting hexagon shapes give it interest.

Alter the colours for another look and I think it would be suitable fro male cards too

The outer die of any of the 6x6 Trellis dies would help to give the larger frame when used with the Scalloped die from the box set.

You don't need a lot of the powder so each tub will last you a very long time and there are other ways in which it can be used.

I have dressed my card with some Rainbow gemstones from Crafti Potential

But this quick and easy card can be part of your "Go To" stash when you need a card in a hurry.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Papercraft Essentials 161 - Bubbles & Fizz

Hi Everybody,

Papercraft Essentials 161 will be on sale tomorrow and the free gift this month is perfect for male cards.

The gift is Bubbles & Fizz and it is part of the Drinks Trolley Collection that is available at Craft Stash if you wanted to purchase more

The video will give you more ideas and there is a lot of inspiration in the pages of the magazine.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Blue & White With Love Card

Hi Everybody,

I am using the 6x6 Collection again today for this really pretty floral card and I have made the box to match

The card stand means that your recipient can display their card wherever they like and it will look good from all angles

The card is a lovely shade called Marine Blue from Papermill Direct and is my favourite shade of blue to use for card making as it teams so well with white 

My flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

All You Need is ....

Hi Everybody,

Today's card has combined dies from Crafti Potential and Spellbinders and the brick stencil from Craft Stash.

The result is a pretty simple card and you could add any word you wanted to the design to suit the recipient and the occasion.

With the stencil I inked the pattern and then I embossed it in the die cutting machine to impress the pattern into the card for a lovely effect.

I matted it onto some Kraft card to enhance the brickwork and added the flowers with foam pads underneath

Dot with a few pearls and the card is finished.

Quick, easy, clean & simple !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner

Hi Everybody,

Today is warm and sunny here in the North West of the UK and I am going to take full advantage of it this weekend.  So no blog post from me tomorrow ... I am having a day off !!

But the draw for this weeks "Give Away" of Floral Friends has been done and one name chosen at random as the winner and this week it is ,,,

Karen Dakyns

would you email me your postal address please to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and they will be on their way to you straight away.

Please let me know when they arrive safely with you

More on Monday ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Floral Friends

Hi Everybody,

This lovely stamp set also has an embossing folder in the pack and I used it to Letterpress the background on my card.

The video Floral Friends  will give you some more ideas on how I used this set and it is very versatile for fun designs

If this is a set that you would like to have then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post.

So if you are new to leaving comments here is what you need to do ....

• Under my Signature you will see the word comment and maybe a number. 
• The number is how many people have already left one. 
• You need to click that and another box will open.
•  Into that box you can add your own comment and click PUBLISH .... but it will not show up until I have moderated it so please don't add it again
• Use your FULL name to enter
• Come back tomorrow to check if it is your name that is shown in the blog post
• Then email me to let me know it is you if it is your name

Hope that helps

More tomorrow ...

Hugsxx