My Irish Fan Club

Hi Everybody,

Nothing pleases me more than being the "GIVER" of beautiful things. I have so much still in my life and  I enjoy sharing what I have. So let me tell you the story behind this intriguing title and the picture.

As you know every week I give away one of the cover mount gifts that come with the magazines from Practical Publishing. I asked PP's permission to do this and I was delighted when they said yes. 

One of my winners awhile ago was a lady called Elaine Prendergast and she wrote with her address to claim the gift. She told me that she was a school teacher to the Second Class who are 7 / 8 year old little girls.  She has told her class about my blog, and they have looked at the pages and they like my cards.

Elaine is a crafter herself and she has shared some of her own things with the class, as many of them enjoy crafting too, and so I asked if she would like a few more things for the children to use in their class.

I put together this box of items that I have bought in the past and it was full of all sorts 

I posted it to Elaine in Ireland and she took it into her class for the children to see.

This was my gift to the class and I could almost hear the squeals of delight here in Blackpool.

Here they are in front of the box and I wish I could have been there to hear them.

On the table in the centre is all the stuff I sent and I am sure that they have had a lot of fun playing with it.

I sent inks and papers, and embellishments for them to dress up their projects.

Some ready foiled packs for them to put together. And Flowers, Ribbons and Pearls of course !!

There is even a can of shaving foam in there for them to get really messy with

Some of them have emailed messages to me thanking me for their gift.

Elaine sent me the photographs of her class and once I got permission from their parents I am able to write this blog post.

And all these little smiling faces have made me so happy

As a class they have made me this huge card and inside everyone has added their comment and signed it onto a die cut shape.

They love die cutting and have used Elaine's machine, and caused a lot of consternation when they asked Father Christmas for one

Parents started asking what a BIG SHOT was !!!!

And so this is why I say these are my Irish Fan Club

They will all be moving on to a higher class later this year and so Elaine will have to start again with another group of bright smiling faces

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner and some news ...

Hi Everybody,

It is beautiful here today and the sun is really warm. Ruby has just gone for a long walk with Vickie and Dougal while I get some work done, I am busy making samples for next weeks HOCHANDA shows as I am there again with another One Day Special on Tuesday and Wednesday.

I will be on the show at 6pm and 8pm on the Tuesday and at 9am 1pm and 5pm on the Thursday so I hope you will be able to join me for any of those shows. You may notice a difference in me too.

I love hair with curl in it and I have spent the best part of forty years using heated rollers to get that curl.

 BUT now I have discovered that I have natural curls and I bought a book called 

"The Curly Girl Handbook"

from Amazon and the information in there is invaluable.

I started the Curly Girl Method only a few days ago and already I have some wonderful curls in my hair. 

I have followed it to the letter so far and it's not hard ... after all you would wash, condition and dry your hair any way. 

All I have done is change the products that I use to make my hair healthier and over time it will get more curly

So what you see now is my natural going grey hair. No more colouring, no heated rollers, this is what I was born with and I really am liking it. I wish I had discovered The Curly Girl Method Years ago 

So now onto the winner of the Card and Gift from Yesterday. The winner this week is ...

Christine McFee

Please can you send me your postal address to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and the gift will be on its way to you, be sure to let me know when it arrives with you. 

Tomorrow I have a lovely story for you read and I hope you enjoy it.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Creative Corners

Hi Everybody,

This is a die set that I had fun playing with as it can make so many lovely backgrounds for you.

The card that I made here was done on parchment and then coloured with pencils and the effects is really lovely

Creative Corners  is the video to show you what I did and it may be something that you want to try for yourself.

If you would like to win this gift then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post with your FULL NAME and be sure to come back and check over the weekend if it is your name that is shown as the winner.

You have 72 hours then in which to claim the prize and I have no way to chase you up. If you don't come back it will be offered again at a later date.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Die Cutting Essentials 53 - My Little Memory Book

Hi Everybody,

Today I am sharing with you Die Cutting Essentials 53 which is going to be on sale tomorrow 20th June.

The gift this month is My Little Memory Book and that is what it will help you to make.

The picture shows one that I have done and although not very big you can add as many pages to it with the die as you would like.

In the video I show you how I created a card using the same set of dies and I have turned mine into a birthday card.

There is also a stamp set that will work well with this die set and it is the gift with 

Creative Stamping 73 that will be on sale on the 4th July.

The stamp set is called "Let's Make Plans" and so together with the booklet you can add dates, Months and lots of other sentiments to customise your book

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lacey Ribbons Set 1

Hi Everybody,

This pretty card in pale green and pink has been created with one of the Lacey Ribbons added multiple times along the bottom

I also alternated the colours to make the top one stand out more and I matched the shape of the top edge too.

I think it looks really fresh. 

The white ribbon wrapped around the layers has two flowers attached to the top and they are from the Flowers & Tags set and the Layered Florals stamp set

The flowers have been coloured with pencils and added to the front with foam pads

White pearls have been dotted about the card as a finishing touch and I am really happy with the look of this one.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Create a Gift Envelope

Hi Everybody,

Here is a little envelope that is a far nicer way to give money than just handing it over.

The video will show you how I made this one in a blue and white colour scheme and then decorated it with Flowers, Ribbons and Pearls

It is very easy to do and the film will take you step by step through the process

The links are all at the bottom of the page so that you can see what I have used. Some of them are affiliate links which means I get a small payment for items that you buy at no extra cost to you.

Enjoy the video ... it's not long.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner

Hi Everybody,

No matter how hard I try something always crops up on a Saturday to stop mt getting this draw done earlier. But at long last I do eventually get around to it so thank you for your patience. 

So today the name to win the Raymond Briggs Father Christmas  is ...

MaryJean Smith

 would you be so kind as to send my your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

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

I would be glad if you could let me know that it has arrived with you safely and I really hope the you will enjoy playing with it.

There will be another prize on offer next week so be sure to come back and leave your comment with your FULL NAME, and it doesn't matter if you have won before you can still add your comment. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Father Christmas

Hi Everybody,

This is a gift that has been offered before and the winner didn't check for their name and so it was never claimed

Poor Father Christmas is still looking for a new home and it could be you !!

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

I am happy to send this prize anywhere that you live but you will need to leave me your FULL NAME to be in with the chance of winning

I have no video for this one,  as this was released the week that Griff died and so never got done.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lacey Ribbon Set 1 & Water Coloured Flowers

Hi Everybody,

Here is another way to make a really pretty box that is just big enough to hold tealights or candles. Maybe a beautiful pen or even some .... chocolates !!!

It is very easy to do and not really a lot of measuring and it can be as decorated as you like for your recipient

I have used items from the Card Making Magic collections and this shows you that they can all work together nicely.

Here is the video and I hope you enjoy it and will give this little box a try.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

A5 Complete Card & Box Collection

Hi Everybody,

Just in case you missed the Craft Stash Facebook Live last Friday when I told you all about the dies in this new collection I thought I would add a short video to show you instead.

It's not a long film but it will show you the amount of dies you get in each set and there is such a lot for you to play with.

 Making rectangle or oval frames,and matting and layering will no longer be  a problem with the new nesting dies.

 I hope you enjoy them all and if you take care of your dies they will last you a life time.

I will be doing a lot of playing with them in the coming years.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Four Box Sizes from Card Making Magic

Hi Everybody,

I am so excited about the new box size,  as this is one I have been asked about many times.

So I am adding a short video to show you the different sizes, side by side, and then you can choose which you prefer to work with.

They all will make boxes in different styles and also the envelope too.

So if you don't add depth to your cards you can still send them in a beautifully matching envelope.

This whole set of dies and add ons is growing daily and there is so much more to come for you to enjoy.

Thank you for staying with me on this roller coaster ride

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

New A5 Complete Card & Box Die Set

Hi Everybody,

So the new A5 Complete Card & Box Die Set was shown for the first time on Craft Stash Facebook Live last Friday and what a fabulous set it is. 

And there are so many dies in each of the new additions you will be amazed. 

This is the first card and box I have made with the A5 Die Set  and I am going to add some videos to show you more during the next few weeks.

At the present time Craft Stash are offering you 10% off your purchases if you spend over £30 on the either the new A5 collection  or the Lacey Collection  and these offers will run until the 14th June

The flowers on the card are created with the Rose Flourish Die Set and they will be the subject of another video to show you how I got the look for my display.

I am really delighted at the dies and designs in both of these new collections and amazed at the "amount of bang you get for your bucks"  and I hope you will like them as much as I do ... but stand by because there is a lot more to come in the future.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner

Hi Everybody,

What a busy few weeks I have had and two more wonderful collections have been brought to you.

The Lacey Collection  and now the new Complete Card and Box  A5  size. 

The new box dies was shown on Craft Stash Facebook Live on Friday so if you joined me 

Thank You it is much appreciated.

The draw for Friday Freebie has now been done and the name this week is ....

Betty McAllister 

would you email me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

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

I hope you will like it and please let me know when it arrives with you.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Pretty Quick Scenescape

Hi Everybody,

A really useful gift is on offer this week and it is a scenescape and some stamps so that you can create your own adventure as you play.

The magazine is full of inspiration and I am sure you will enjoy the relaxation as you browse the pages.

The video will show you how I made this card  using the Pretty Quick Scenescape 

If this is stamp and folder set that you would like then be sure to leave me a comment at the end of the post with your FULL NAME.  The draw will be done some time tomorrow and the winner announced in the blog post over the weekend

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

 Please remember FULL NAME to enter for the prize.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Gift Card Envelope

Hi Everybody,

This little envelope is a much nicer way for you to give the gift of money or a gift card and you can make it as plain or as pretty as you want.

I used the Lacey Circles to decorate mine with one circle cut in half and both pieces added to the front in layers

I used a little Velcro dot to keep it closed and added the flowers and pearls for a more elaborate look.

I also added a circle to the back as I had done to the front and dotted all the scallops with pearls.

It's plenty big enough to add a card along with your gift and you could add the name of the recipient with an alphabet set of dies.

I shall be doing this in a video shortly so I hope you will come back to view it.

It will be next week now as I am off to the studios to do Craft Stash Facebook Live on Friday so I hope you will join me there, and see what goodies are on offer this week for you to win.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Red Card & Matching Envelope

Hi Everybody,

Today's card would make a lovely Valentines Day one so you'll have to save it till next year now !!

I used the Lacey Circles and they went very quickly when they where on Hochanda.

They are available at Craft Stash and if they should be out of stock then leave your email address and they will notify you once they are back.

It is a beautiful die set ... but then so are the Ovals and the Rectangles. I am happy to work with any of them and of course they play really nicely with the original sets too. Enjoy the video to see how I made what looks like an elaborate card

The patterned piece is some that I brought back from Phoenix when I went over there ... that's how long I have had it. I think it is by Anna Griffin but I don't know if you can still get it.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Hessian Circle Card

Hi Everybody,

What a lucky find when I was searching for some item in my craft room.

 I found this lovely pale pink Hessian and cut it down to fit my card using the dies from the 6x6 die set.

I created the flowers by colouring the parchment that came with last weeks new Card Making Magic Box Set #2 and then cutting them out with the Daisy Flourish Set

I used some bright silver card for the accents on the card and teamed it with pale and dark grey

It is a very gentle colour scheme and is easy to make. The dies will cut through cotton fabric as well so why not try adding some as an accent on your own card for another look.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Hochanda Card

Hi Everybody,

This is one of the cards that was shown on Hochanda last week and it has used lots of the dies from the new Lacey Collection

The base is the 5x7 Card & Box Die Set and layered in Lemon and White with the dies from that set. 

To the top I have added the Lacey Rectangles at an angle for added interest

I have decorated the front with the leaves  from the Daisy Leaf Flourish set, the flourish is from the Pearly Swirls and the large flowers and the ribbon are from the Decorative Collection 

The little verse is from Sentiments Set Two and could be added either to the front or the inside of the card

I am sure that even if you are not a yellow fan you will agree that this is still a pretty card to send or receive 

The Lacey Rectangles are designed to work with the A2 box size but as I have shown you here that it can be added very successfully to a larger card with no problem at all

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

To those of you who joined me on Hochanda this week Thank You very much, your support is very welcome. And what fantastic shows we had with sell outs on every one. I am so happy that you like the new collection as much as I do, and I hope you will have lots of fun playing with it when it arrives with you if you managed to get the sets you wanted.

All of the second edition of the Boxed Kit also sold out so if you got that,  and you had box one set then well done.

The draw for the massive stamp set The 12 Days Of Christmas has been done and the winner is not going to be disappointed with this. It is a huge collection of all the popular rhymes to the song and it can be used all year round. 

I loved it when I played with it and will definitely use it over and over again. 

The name today is ...

Donna Okoniewski

would you email me your postal address please to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and it will be on its way to you.

Please let me know that you have it safely and I hope you really enjoy all the different stamps in these two sets.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - 12 Days of Christmas

Hi Everybody,

This weeks gift is a mega bundle of A4 stamp sheets. All the rhymes for the twelve days are shown and it is such a lot of fun to play with. Somebody is going to be truly delighted with this "Give Away"

and that is a promise.

I really enjoyed all the cards I made with it and you can see in the video that I made a many to show you. But it is stamp set that can be used all year round and make lovely cards for you to send

The video 12 Days Of Christmas  will show you some of the ways that I used the stamps and you can use your favourite medium to colour them in

Would you like to have ALL these stamps in your collection ??

Then leave me a comment with your FULL NAME and be sure to come back tomorrow to check if it is you named as the winner.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Simply Cards & Papercraft 192 Nautical Scenes

Hi Everybody,

Another little scene builder die set is the lovely gift with this months Simply Cards & Papercraft and it will  be in the shops on the 30th May.

The coloured scene is added to a 5x7 card base and I used Spellbinders Matting Basics to make the frame

The video will show you how I did it and it's not a long one today.

Don't forget that the second Box Kit from Card Making Magic is also on sale on the 30th and is well worth taking a look at.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

New Card Making Magic Box Kit Issue #2

Hi Everybody,

So I hope you can join me on Hochanda over the two days ... 29th and 30th May.
I will be there at 6pm and 8pm on the 29th and at 9am 1pm and 5pm on the 30th.
 I am  really looking forward to showing you the new collection and I hope you like it as much as I do.

I also want to tell you about the new box kit that will also be on sale also on the 30th May.

It will be shown on Hochanda but if you miss that it will be in the shops as well or you can get it from Moremags.com

There are some lovely items in this new kit and I hope you will enjoy both playing with the goodies and reading the articles too.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lacey Collection Nested Rectangles

Hi Everybody,

This week is going to be a busy week for me and I have lots of samples to make for the Hochanda show later this week.

Also the second box kit will be out for you to buy, but more about that tomorrow.

This card is really pretty and made with the A2 

Lacey Nesting Rectangles from the Craft Stash

and the bear is an image from my stash, and she is raised up with foam tape to create shadow and interest 

I used my new Arteza Water Colour Brush Pens to water colour her and they blended really well for a lovely effect.

I threaded all the Rectangle Frame with pink organza ribbon and added a bow at the bottom. The verse is from the new ones Set 2 in this Lacey Collection.

It's a fun card that I enjoyed making and  I am sure with a Birthday Sentiment it would please some little girl  for her special day

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner

Hi Everybody,

I am late again and it's raining too so nothing new there. 

Being busy is an understatement at the moment  as I don't seem to have enough hours in the day to get everything done.

But eventually I get to do the draw and this week the name that came out of the hat is 

Carole Eaton

would you email me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

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

I hope you will enjoy playing with the set and please let me know that you have it safely.

And "No" I can't name all the reindeer ... only the one with the red nose !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Festive Friend

Hi Everybody,

This little fella can be your friend and all you have to do is stamp him out and colour him then use the die to cut him out and he is ready to add to your creations.

There are items within the stamp set that you can add to your reindeer such as a hat, scarf and place a sack in his hand that could be full of gifts.

If you would like to have this  Festive Friend  stamp and de set then all you need to do is leave me a comment with your FULL NAME at the end of the post and pop back tomorrow to see if you are the winner. 

You have 72 hours in which to claim the prize and it doesn't matter if you won before or where you live.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lacey Nested Rectangles

Hi Everybody,

Today it is the turn of the rectangles from the Lacey Collection and these are a really useful set to have

In the video I have shown you how I made the frames and to layer them up so that they are on different levels

This means that you can see into the depth of the card and it gives a lovely effect

The colour scheme is a bit bright but a change is as good as a rest from the soft pastel that I like to use ... especially pink !!

So with this colour palette I decided to make one for the girls and one for the boys and it works for both cards.

The pretty flowers are from Petal Lu and they can be seen and bought on Facebook.

I am really pleased that you seem to be liking the new Lacey Collection and I will be on Hochanda next week with the One Day Special on the 29th May. I Hope you can join me 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Die Cutting Essentials 52 Creative Corners

Hi Everybody,

The exclusive gift with Die Cutting Essentials this month is a really useful corner die that can be used for male and female cards

It is called Creative Corners and you can cut the pattern out of the card or leave it in if that is the look you're after.

The choice is yours but either way it will give you a pretty result

The magazine is going to be on sale tomorrow the 23 rd May so keep a look out. Or you could take out a subscription and that way you are always sure of your copy.

I have shown you several ways in which you can ring the changes to your own designs and it can be used for any occasion. 

To colour this card I used Spectrum Noir Pencils and the result is a lovely vibrant card that I then dotted with gemstones

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Birthday Circle

Hi Everybody,

Today's card uses part of a Lacey nested Circle to great effect, and I really love these pastel colours together.

The spotty card is some that I bought from AnnaMarie Designs at the craft show I went to last year.

I embossed the large patterned circle in the Flourish Embossing Folder before I added it to the card and I placed some foam tape to keep it raised off the spotty card.

I wrapped the spine with white ribbon and added the flowers to the top to trail down the left hand side.

They have been sparkled with glitter and dotted with pearls around the outside.

I love this  Lacey Collection ... it is so pretty and very girly, and such good value for money with lots of dies to give you lots of ideas 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lacey Circles Secret Pocket Card

Hi Everybody,

Staying with the Lacey Circles I wanted to show you this pretty card in turquoise and cream

But the difference to this one is the little pocket on the front of the top layer.

A very soft and pleasing colour scheme.

I used a larger circle to cut the base and then added the other layers to the top, mixing the colours as I went along.

For this I have cut a tag and added a sentiment that can be tucked into the pocket.

I used a hole punch in the tag and then threaded ribbon through so that it can be removed by the recipient to read the message.

I used one of the Lacey Ribbons to add extra decoration to the pocket and then dotted the front with pearls.

Just a little unusual for the front of a card and the flowers make it truly feminine

Adds that little bit of fun for whoever you give the card too.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lacey Circles Gatefold Card

Hi Everybody,

Time to move on now to another shape from the Lacey Collection and for this card I used the Circles to create a Gatefold Card.

I chose a lovely shade of blue and teamed it with white for a really fresh look

The card is not a free standing one so you will need the Card Stand to display it

The stand is a really useful addition to your own cardmaking stash and makes a really pretty display from any card.

The Card Making Magic card stand can be used across all the different sizes and it will fit neatly into box with the card for you to give

It is a very easy card to make even with the different layers.
 But, if a card is worth making, it is worth making to the best of your abilities and with the best products that you have. 

So I don't mind adding layers and flowers, ribbons and pearls because I like to give a beautiful card

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner

Hi Everybody,

It's a lovely day here by the coast and lots of people are sure to come for the day out to take in the sea breeze.  Ruby and I have just had a walk down to the sea front and it was very pleasant.

The draw for yesterdays gift has now been done and the winner this week is 

Maureen Wood

would you email me please with your postal address to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and the gift will be on it's way to you.

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

Have fun making snowflakes

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Sparkling Snowflake

Hi Everybody,

Another Christmas gift again this week and this one is a really large snowflake that comes in two parts.

It can be cut from the card by using the outer edge or left in the card if you use just the patterned piece

Looks really pretty which ever way you decide to use it and certainly makes a statement piece on the front of your designs. Cut it from Glitter paper for a spectacular look or double sided sticky sheet to create your own special look for your own Sparkling Snowflake 

So would you like this die to add to your collection??

Then all you have to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post with your FULL NAME

One name will be chosen and announced tomorrow so please come back and check if it is your name that is shown. You will have 72 hours in which to claim the prize

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Last Oval ... for now !!

Hi Everybody,

So far I have shown you how to mix and match the ovals in the new set and the older set with beautiful results.

But how about mixing in some of the stamps that are in the collection.for yet another look to your designs.

For this card I have used only the oval dies that will cut the pattern but leave it in the card and so giving me the pierced look for my oval shape

Then I have used the plain dies that will fit inside these open cuts to create the frame I needed in red.

I embossed this frame in the Flourish Folder and added it to my card with foam tape underneath. And it fits just on the inside of the oval shape. I added one of the Lacey Ribbon dies to the bottom of the oval and used the smaller ribbon die to add across the front of the oval

I stamped and die cut the flowers onto water colour card and coloured them with water colour pencils and a water brush. I added black pearls to the centres of each and added them with foam tape.

The sentiment was cut several times and stacked together for depth. I covered it with Glossy Accents and allowed it to dry overnight before adding it to my design

This card gives you a different look ... it uses other items from your collection ... and it gives you a lovely card that will fit into an envelope. What more could you want ???

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card Making Magic Lacey Nested Ovals

Hi Everybody,

Thank you for the lovely comments about the new collection and I am so happy that you seem to like it.

Today I am adding a video to show you how I created this card which is another Oval but using it in a different way.

And because there was not a lot of depth to it I was able to add it to an envelope that I decorated to match

I used a lovely cream and pink colour scheme and it is very soft on the eye.

If you add plenty of glue to the seams of the envelope it is sturdy enough to go through the post, and you can add an address label to the front for delivery.

Much nicer than those brown envelopes with bills in them !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Still with the Ovals ...

Hi Everybody,

Have you had a chance to look at the new collection yet?  

Craft Stash will be launching it officially on Thursday and I really hope you are going to like.

I think it is wonderful and takes me right back to the street I should be on ... making pretty floral feminine cards

So now I have shown you four different ways that you can use the one Lacey Oval set of dies and I am sure there are going to be many many more.

I haven't had time yet to do some videos but they are on their way ... at the moment I am simply enjoying playing with them to see what I can do.

So far I can say truthfully that I love them all and I am very pleased with all the cards that I have created with any of the new shapes in the Lacey Collection

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx