Never Stop Dreaming

Hi Everybody,

Todays cards is created with the Altenew Kit called Never Stop Dreaming that was available earlier this year.

 I have used the layering stencils in the kit to colour the flowers

This is such an easy way to get some colour into your designs especially if you are not a fan of actually colouring.

I used blending brushes for the flowers and also for the background stencil and it was  a pleasure to create.

The black lines on the background panel are created with fine liner pen for added interest, and I dotted some sequins around to finish it off.

The sentiment strip is from Craft Stash and there are others words to choose from depending on what you need. But once the sentiment is stamped it is easy enough to use the matching die to cut them out.

Another pretty card that could suit any occasion.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Altenew & Arteza

Hi Everybody,

This lovely card is created with the Altenew Project Life kit from last year and I have layered each of the  floral die cuts with foam pads to give added interest.

I love the subtle colours of the flowers and the background and I did an ink smooshing effect with Speckled Egg and Antique Linen Distress Inks to give me the gradient look.  

 I added the panel to a 3-D embossing folder from another kit and I was very happy with this look once it as fully dried.

The sentiment strip is from Craft Stash and is one of their new Creative Craft Products called 

Ultimate Ribbon Sentiments

I dotted it with orange sequins to tie in with the flowers and the look is very pretty. The finished cards is 6x6 and it would suit any occasion if you swapped out the sentiment.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

Winner

Hi Everybody,

The weather is being very kind for this Bank Holiday weekend .... so far, and I am hoping it stays this way for a lot longer.  Ruby and I have been out this morning but we will go out again later for another run around and hopefully that will settle her for the evening.

I have done the draw for the Bee Happy die and Stamp set from yesterday and the name this week is 

MaryJean Smith

would you email me your postal address please to 
christina@card-making-magic.com
and I will get the pack in the post to you straight away.

I hope you will enjoy playing with it and be sure to let me know that you have it safely.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

Friday Freebie - Bee Happy

Hi Everybody,

A really lovely die and stamp set on offer today and they come with the magazine
Die Cutting Essentials.

The die is a quality 2 piece die set from Apple Blossom that will help you to create some pretty cards.

There are lots of ideas on how to use the die inside the pages of the magazine and it is always a good time to take a break and browse through the pages.

So if this is a set that you would like to have then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the den of the post with your FULL NAME and then come back over the weekend to see if it your name that is listed as the winner.

I am happy to send the pack to you where ever you live and I hope you will enjoy it when you get it ...all I ask is that you let me know that you have it safely. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

Butterfly Trails Panel Card

 Hi Everybody,

I am really enjoying playing with the Butterfly Trails Collection as there is so much that can be done with it to give you cards of all shapes.

They will suit any gender and any occasion too so lots of ways to play with them.

In this video I will show you how I created the panel card and I have made four cards in the video to give you some ideas of how I used them.

And I am happy to say that they seem to be going down very well on my YouTube Channel.

The paper pack that I am using is one that was released with the Pretty Books Collection and it is lovely. The papers are quite thick and good quality and they go really well with the butterflies. and I am sure many other collections too.

I hope you enjoy this video and the cards that I have created in it, and I have added all the videos that I have done with this collection to a playlist called

Butterfly Trails on YouTube

I will be adding more as they are filmed

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Cutout Butterfly

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is another way to use the Butterfly Trails Collection and this is a quick and easy card to recreate  that gives a clean and simple look to your designs.

The video is not long but it is easy to follow and the results are really pretty, and I hope you enjoy the video.

Once again I have used the paper pack that came out with the Pretty Books Collection but it fits so well with the shape of these wings I couldn't resist using it again.

I have another video coming on Wednesday with yet another way to use these dies and stamps and they are all in a playlist on YouTube for you to enjoy

These cards would even suit cards for men too. Make the colours more masculine and leave out the flowers and there you go.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

Hi Everybody,

I hope you are all well and the weather here is beautiful.  This afternoon I am going to see an eye consultant about the cataracts that I have and I am hopeful that this will greatly improve my vision.

At the moment it is difficult to write, read or use the computer as I have to get my nose almost on the page/screen to see what it is I am doing. Making cards it awkward too but having said that I have managed to get videos done for you to enjoy. 

Ruby is going to Dougal's house while I go and then I should have a better idea of what it is that will be done. I have had many good reports about cataract operations and how successful they are but I am still a little apprehensive about it all.

Anyway the draw for the Springtime Butterflies die set has now been done and the winner is ...

Jenny Cottam 

please can you email me your postal address and I will get the pack in the post to you straight away.

It is such a pretty die set and I hope you will enjoy playing with it. Be sure to let me know that you have it safely.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie . Springtime Butterflies

Hi Everybody,

This weeks set is from Die Cutting Essentials and it has a lovely Oval die and some butterflies for you to ad to your designs.

Inside the pages you will find some fabulous ideas on how to use the set as well as other ideas that you may like to try.

Always a good excuse for  a cuppa and some quality time to relax with the magazine.

So if you would like to have this offering to join your own collections then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post with your FULL NAME, and then be sure to come back over the weekend to see if it is your name that is listed as the winner.

I am happy to send the pack to you wherever you are but if your full name is not shown then I won't be adding your comment to the draw.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

Blue and Yellow

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is just a little reminder of what the people of the Ukraine are still suffering. 

This unnecessary conflict has gone on for far too long now and innocent people are being murdered in their own country.

I am not political and I don't have the answers.
All I can see is the horrible things that are being done in this country and Putin is just getting away with it.

He seems to be able to do exactly as he wants and has the rest of the world watching on. 

So please keep these people of the Ukraine, and anywhere else where conflict is allowed to rule,  in your thoughts and prayers and hope that it will all soon be over with for them.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

Altenew Cards

Hi Everybody,

For both of these cards I have used the layering stencil from the February Craft Your Life Kit from Altenew.

The stencils are part of the kit, which also has dies stamps and an embossing folder. but they can be used as a standalone product 

For the yellow flowered card I have stamped the image first in black ink and then used the stencil over the top to create the flowers.

Such an easy way to get a coloured image especially if you are not in to colouring.  

The black lines have been added with a fine liner pen for effect.

For the blue flowers I have simply used the stencil to achieve the layer and then cut it out with the die set.

The die cut has then been added to the card front with foam pads to raise it up

The background to this card is Washi Tape and the sentiment on both cards is from the stamp set in the kit.

The little butterflies are from another stamp set

Easy, effective and pretty cards that would suit any occasion.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Gatefold Butterfly

Hi Everybody,

This is the new collection that has been seen on Create and Craft and the one that Lou Collins and I launched on Facebook Live last Friday

I shared two videos with you then and there are lots of things that can be done with this new die set as well as the sentiment dies and stamps that are part of the collection.

The card shown here is the 5x7 size and the butterfly that this produces is the taller and slimmer version. 

But they work in the same way and whatever technique is shown for one can be achieved with the other. 

In this video I show you how to make both styled of the Gatefold Card using the dies and each one is a lovely card

This pink card is the 6x6 and is a wider butterfly than the other.

But whichever you decide to use you will create a really special card for any occasion.

I have more videos done using this set and each one will show you a different way to get the look you want.

So I hope you will come back and take a look for the next one that will be with you soon.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Sidefold Butterfly Card

Hi Everybody,

Last Friday on the Facebook Live I showed you how to create shaped cards with the Butterfly Trails die set.

Those cards had the join at the top of the wings to create a tent fold and they were decorated to suit each one.

In this video I show you how to create more shaped cards but this time the fold is at the side and so gives you a different look to your designs.

They are just as easy to make and how you decorate them is entirely a personal choice. 

But I have tried to give you ideas that are different from the top fold cards and so give you lots o choice when you use your dies. 

I have so many ideas on how to use this die set and I am sure that you will come up with many many more as you play.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

I hope you are enjoying the Easter Holiday and that the weather is being kind to you. It’s dry and fine here but a little chilly this morning. Let’s hope it warms up for later today when Ruby and I will be out walking.

The draw for the beautiful leaf set from yesterday has been done and the name this week is 

April Rogers

Would you email me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and it will be on its way to you. I hope you enjoy playing with it and be sure to let me know that you have received it safely.

More tomorrow…

Hugs xx 

Friday Freebie - Spring Leaves

 Hi Everybody,

The pack this week is another of the Spring Leaves die set and this will make some lovely designs on your creations for you. 

You can also download some paper to go with the die and the magazine will tell you how to do that.

There are many more ideas, tips, tricks and information inside the pages of the Die Cutting Essentials magazine, and I am sure you will have a good time relaxing with a cuppa as you browse the pages.

So would you like to win this offering ? Then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post and leave your FULL NAME to be entered into the draw and be in with a chance of winning.

Be sure to come back over the weekend to check if it is your name that is shown as the winner

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Facebook Live ...

Hi Everybody,

Just a quick reminder to join me tomorrow at 12.30 on Craft Stash Facebook Live for the launch of the new collection Butterfly Trails.

This is such a pretty and useful set of dies that will create many different styles of Butterfly Cards for you.

Ove the next few videos I will be sharing with you some of the ways in which I have used them, and I have to say that I really like every card that has been produced with this set.

This Friday the 8th I have two videos to show you and the picture shown is yet another video that will be on the blog next week.

So please be sure to come back for some more Butterfly inspiration

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Birthday Wishes

Hi Everybody,

Here is a really appropriate card for any wine lovers that have a birthday coming u soon.

I must admit that this was made some time ago and I forgot all about the card. But now now here it is and it is complete with it's own box.

I used a pink and white colour scheme and card is a 300gsm so nice and sting to create the box 

I have had to add this today because I have been busy doing videos to add to these pages with the new Butterfly Trails Collection.

Lou and I will be showing it to you on the Craft Stash Facebook Live page this coming Friday and it is a lovely die set that I hope you will like.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Sunflower Card

Hi Everybody,

I am adding a card today that I made when we did the Craftathon last week. This was an appeal to raise money to help the people in the Ukraine.

I am sure that by now you are aware that we raised over £7000 and this will go in some small way to help, and I know we all wish that there was more that we could do.

There where some lovely projects created on the day and many names that many of you will already know.

Later on today Lou Collins, who as one of the hosts on the day, will be on the Craft Store showing you the latest of my collections called Butterfly Trails.

I have sent samples to her to show you what the dies can help you to make and I have several videos lined up as well. This set is so versatile and I am really happy with it.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

It’s been really fine here today and the same is forecast for tomorrow too. Ruby and I will be out for a walk and the good news is that her biopsy results have come back and she is all clear. Her wound is healing nicely and I am so happy with all this.

The draw for the Fairy die set has been done and the winner this week is

Ruth Scott

Would you email me please with your postal address to

cheistina@card-making-magic.com

and I will get the pack in the post to you straight away. I hope you will enjoy the prize and please let me know that you have it safely

More tomorrow…

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Fairy Wishes

Hi Everybody,

Todays offer is from Crafters Companion and is a lovely large Fairy Die that will cut beautiful borders along the edge of your cards,

The Die Cutting Essentials magazine will give you lots of ideas on how to use the die as well as many tips and tricks for other techniques that you may like to try.

If this is something that you would like to have then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post with your FULL NAME.

I need your full mane to be able to identify correctly the winner. If two or more of you have the same first name then it becomes difficult and of course anonymous could be just about anyone. So please check that you have added your full name ... your real name and not your media one ... otherwise your comment will not be entered into the draw.

Be sure to come back and see if you are the winner over the weekend. 

I am happy to send the pack to your wherever you live and it doesn't matter if you have won before. 

Good luck everybody

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

What A Day ....

Hi Everybody,

Yesterday was an enormous success for Craft Stash and their Ukraine Appeal.
It was a great honour to take part and despite the nerves and hitches we all got through it unscathed. Lou Sam and Hilary did a fantastic job and when I last checked  the total raised was a whopping £6,325

If you joined in then thank you.
If you won one of the prizes then well done, and I hope you will enjoy your prize.
If you donated then a double thank you to you.

There is still time to donate as the link is open until tomorrow 8th April and Lou will announce the full amount on Facebook Live at 12.30

And if you missed the Craftathon you can catch all the demos on YouTube, but obviously the prizes will not now be available. 

Here are the links for you ...

Craft Stash Craftathon

Just Giving Ukraine Appeal 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

DEC Ukraine Appeal

 Hi Everybody,

Today is the day that we are doing a LIVE Craftathon from 8am until 8pm.
This is to raise funds to help Ukraine in this terrible war that is being inflicted on them.  

Lots of crafters are taking part and many of the names you will be familiar with.
There will be lots of techniques and ideas for you to see and lots of prizes and giveaways too.

To take part in the Craftathon the link is
Craft Stash Craftathon

Leave any of your lovely comments, and you can also help by donating any amount no matter how small,  and all of this will go to help.

The link is

Just Giving Ukraine Appeal

And you can still donate for a short while after the event is finished.
The final amount raised will be published by Craft Stash on their
Facebook Live on Friday at 12.30

Thank you xx

Rainbow of Hope

Hi Everybody.

Rainbows are beautiful things and yet they are nothing that you can touch.

Never the less they give us hope that brighter things are yet to come, and I couldn't wish anything more for our friends in the Ukraine

I cannot imagine the terrible things that they are going through, having to flee for your life with your children, Leaving behind a home that you may have had for a long time. that you have lovingly built up.

Leaving behind all those memories that have been created in and around your home and town. maybe this is where you grew up and now it is in ruins.

I pray that it will be brought to an end soon. Life will never be the same for some of those brave people.

Your home is no longer there and worse still you family and friends are no longer there either. Rebuilding a city and a home can be achieved but losing loved ones in this senseless war can never be un done. 

My heart breaks for all of you in the Ukraine, and anywhere else that is suffering war and blood shed.

And for what reason ????  People will never be cowed and those that have fled have left you with empty, devastated land,  and those that have had to remain will hate you for the rest of their lives.

End all wars now and learn to live in peace

Ukraine Flowers

 Hi Everybody,

This large and beautiful flower is the national flower of the Ukraine and this is a card I have made to support them in their troubles.

On Wednesday Craft Stash is hosting a "LIVE"  Charity Craftathon on behalf of the

DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

We would love for you to join us and this craftathon is going to last all day from 8am to 8pm and all your donations will be gladly received.

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

I hope you are all well and enjoying the weekend. Ruby and I are doing ok and I took her out for a short walk this morning, just around the block and we will go a little further each day. 

The draw for the beautiful peacock from yesterday has been done the the name today is 

Diana Lawton

Would you email me your postal address please to 
christina@card-making-magic.com
and I will get it in the post to you as soon as I can.

I hope you will enjoy colouring this in and please be sure to let me know that you have it safely.
Thanks everybody for taking part in the draw and there will be another one next Friday.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Birds of a Feather

Hi Everybody,

Todays offering is a very special set and this is no April Fool joke.

The set consists of an embossing folder, a large stamp image of a peacock, with sentiments too, and some beautiful papers, that include some gold glitter paper.

A real treat for you to play with and the magazine will give you lots of ideas on how to use the pack.

You will also find some toppers in the paper pack so that you can finish off the cards in style.

So is this a set that you would like to have in your collection ???

Then  all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of this post with your FULL NAME.
From those comments one name will be chosen as the winner and announced in a blog post over the weekend.

Be sure to come back and check if it is you who has won. It doesn't matter where you live or if you have won before, just add you name to the list.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

Ruby Update

Hi Everybody,

Just to let you know that Ruby has had her operation and is now back at home. Here she has sneaked into the bed and is now having a snooze.

We can't go out to walk yet as the wound is still open and I don't want to get it infected. Next week she goes back for a check up to make sure everything is doing ok.

Then we need to wait patiently for the results from the biopsy and then hopefully we will be back to normal.

At present she has a surgical vest on to protect the neck area as it is far too handy to scratch at it.
So fingers crossed and we will be back on the beach and the woods, and more of her favourite walks within the next two weeks 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

With Sympathy ...

Hi Everybody,

These are the type of cards that none of us like to make and hope that we don't need that often. 

But when we do then this is a really elegant style with black flowers on a a simple background

I have used Washi Tape along the side and bottom of the card front as neutral kind of border  and inside the circle cut out I have added a light blend of inks 

The Sun Ray Cut out is from an really old die that was from Card Making Magic and it was free with a magazine years ago.

The sentiment is from the new die and stamps sets at Craft Stash and I trimmed down the sides to fit the front of the card.

Small black sequins have been used to add a subtle kind if interest and to complete the look and this card is now ready to send when the occasion arises. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

Winner

 Hi Everybody,

The weather is amazing here and has been for the past week. Spring has well and truly sprung and there are daffodils everywhere by the side of the road, and Ruby and I have had some good walks in the sunshine.

So the draw for yesterdays offering has been done and the name this week is

Janet  Boyne

Would you email me please with your postal address to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and I will get the pack in the post to you straight away. Please let me know that you have it safely and I really hope you enjoy playing with it 

More tomorrow….

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Spring Leaves

Hi Everybody,

This pretty little die set is called Spring Leaves and it comes with Die Cutting Essentials magazine. There are loads of ideas in =side the mag and you are sure to enjoy relaxing with it for a while.

There is also the opprotunity for you to download some papers and sentiments to go with the set so would you like to win this one ???

If you would would then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post with our FULL NAME

From those comments one will be chosen at random and the winner announced in a blog post over the weekend so be sure to come back and check if it is your name that is shown.

I am happy to send it to you wherever you are 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

A5 Flower Box - 2 Styles

 Hi Everybody,

I have been asked to do a video using the A5 Flower Box set. I have done quite a few now with the smaller 6x6 set and added them here on the blog.

They are of course available on YouTube should you wish to re visit them. I now have hundreds of videos on my YT Channel and they cover all different ideas.

In the smaller box videos I have shown how I have stamped, coloured and cut the flowers from the matching die and stamp set.

But in this one I have simply shown the making of the box in 2 different ways. 

You can decorate yours with any flower dies or other items that you may have and some ideas would be to add toys to the box for a child's card. sporting goods or tools for the men in your life. Gardening items for the keen green fingered people you may know. Books for the book worms or sewing times for the dress makers. The idea are endless.

The video for the Smaller box is here.     6x6 Flower Box and to colour the flowers and die cut them the video is here ...  Perfect Flowers Die & Stamp Set

Hope you enjoy

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Hexagonal Box - Another Style

 Hi Everybody,

Over the last few videos I have shared different ways to create this shaped box, and today is no exception.

 Here is yet another way to create a beautiful box but this one is shorter than the others styles and would suit the addition of chocolates maybe as a gift for your recipient.

I am sure there are other ways that you can come up with to create your own style once you start to play with this new die set.

You can also use any of the other dies in the set to create the edges other than the lace one I have used and you can also add this the other way round to sit up the panels instead of down them. 

Get your imagination working and see what you can come up with and you will be really pleased with the boxes that you make. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ruby Update

Hello Everyone,

It's me Ruby and it's ages since I was here for a chat.  This is me sat in my favourite spot on the back of the sofa looking through the window.

I do, of course, bark at any body that dares to walk past my house. Just to let them know how fierce I am and dangerous to strangers.  Don't I look it ???

I have been enjoying walks with my mum but just recently I have developed a lump on my shoulder. 

My mum has had me to the vet and she said she doesn't think it is serious but as a precautionary measure it would be best to have it removed and checked.

So I will need an operation and then it will be sent to a laboratory for testing. We will have to wait for the results.

 I feel fine and it doesn't stop me going out and running around or barking but I will let you know how I go on and the results. Wish me luck for the end of the month and my op.

Lots of love 

Ruby xx

 

Winner

Hi Everybody,

On this bright and beautiful day.  The sun is shining and that instantly makes you feel better. Ruby and I will be going out later once I have my chores done and probably to the beach so she can have a good run around.

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

Bejay Roles

would you email me please your postal address to
christina@card-making-magic.com
and I will post it off to you straight away.

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Card Making Magic

HI Everybody,

This week I have a gift from Card Making Magic and it is a beautiful edge and outline die called Luscious Lilies.

It comes with the magazine Die Cutting Essential and you will find lots of ideas in the pages for you to try.

It is quite a large die and will make a real statement piece to the edges of your card. or however else you decide to use it.

Now if this is something that you would like to have then all you need to do is leave me a comment at then of this post and add your FULL NAME.

From those comments one name will be chosen at random and announced in a blog post over the weekend. So be sure to come back and check if it is your name that is shown.

This give away is open to everybody and I am happy to send you the pack wherever you are.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx  

 

Hexagonal Box Collection

 Hi Everybody,

Thank you for joining Lou and I on Facebook Live yesterday and I am so sorry for all the issues with playing the video. 

It was the same issue on YouTube also, so no matter where you went the video would not play without a lot of interruptions.

 I have added the complete video here so that you can watch it without the stops and starts and hopefully you will  enjoy it without any messing about.

I also have another video to add yet, but that will be next week and that will show you yet another way to create the box in another size, and so give you more from your dies.
Always something I like to do to give you more 
 "bang for your bucks"

So time now to make that cuppa and relax as you watch the making of the Hexagonal Box.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

New Hexagonal Box

 Hi Everybody,

This is the new Hexagonal Box Collection and this one has an extra die set that will extend the sides of the box for you to make it taller, as this picture shows

There are also extra dies and stamps to enable you to decorate the box to suit your recipient.

The video will show you how I created my box in one style and that doesn't use the extending sides, but there are lots of options especially if you do  have the extra dies.

So there you have a brand new collection that will give you a new shape to add your gift too, and this is just one way to create the box

This collection is now available at Craft Stash and today I will be with Lou Collins doing a show at 12.30 on the Craft Stash channel and there I will show you another way to put the box together and how to extend the sides for a taller box.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx