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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

  Facebook Craft Stash page

More tomorrow 

Hugs xx 

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

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 

Monday the 15th March 

for a free Craftalong on the 

Craft Stash Facebook Live page at 6pm 

where I will be using the

March  Papercraft Society Box 18 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Friday Freebie - Cottage Garden

Hi Everybody,

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

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

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

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

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

Good Luck everybody 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Sneaky Peak ....

,

Hi Everybody

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Easy Pop Up Card

Hi Everybody,

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Alphabet Card

HI Everybody,

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

Especially if your recipient has an unusual name.

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Water Colouring with Arteza

Hi Everybody,

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

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

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

Valerija Jakolic

Would you please send me your postal address to

christina@card-making-magic.come

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

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

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Birds of a Feather

Hi Everybody,

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Beautiful Heart Boxes

Hi Everybody,

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

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

So I hope you will enjoy the video/

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

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

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

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

Just have fun as you make them 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

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

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

Maggie Coleman

Would you email me your postal address please to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

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

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie = Mix & Match

Hi Everybody

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

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

You can have fun making different frames and toppers with this set and there are lots of ideas in the pages of the book. so if you would like this set then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post with your FULL NAME

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

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ruby update

 Hi Everybody,

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

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

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Delightful Daisies Channel Card

 Hi Everybody,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Snowdrops and Text

Hi Everybody,

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

Text Embossing Folder Background

HI Everybody,

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

Ruby Update

 Hi Everybody.

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Charming Channels Butterfly Cards

Hi Everybody,

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

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

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

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

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

I will need a new paddle !!!

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Rambling Rose Channel Card

Hi Everybody,

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Snowdrop Channel Cards

Hi Everybody,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just have fun and enjoy everything while this lockdown continues

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx