Bits and Pieces

Hi Everybody,

This card has been made up from all the bits and pieces of left overs from the technique I have shown in the past couple of days mainly using the Elastic bands to create the background. 

The strips that were left are far too  pretty to just put in the trash can and so I put them to good use instead.

I added them to some double sided sticky sheet and then added that to a 5x7 card base.

The flowers are from an Altenew kit called Bitteroot Flower that I have had for some time and it has layered stencils to colour it in. 

They have been added with foam pads underneath to raise them up. 

They have also been added to a die cut that has been cut from Parchment, and that has been added with foam tape placed strategically under the flowers so that it doesn't show 

They say crafters never waste anything and in this case it is true as those pieces that were left have made a really pretty card that some one is going to enjoy getting.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Sympathy Card

Hi Everybody,

I know we don't like to make this type of card but sometimes a Sympathy card is the only thing that is needed. 

This very elegant card is created with the Elastic Band Technique that I shared with you yesterday and it is perfect.

It is not to colourful and over powering and yet the background does a lot to make the card impressive, and it is very easy to do  

For this card I have used black card and brushed over it with anti static. In my case I use talcum powder as it has the same effect as the more expensive powder but this makes my card smell lovely.

I then sprinkled it with silver embossing powder and gently heated it.  The result is really pretty and the silver sentiment and leaves echo the colour.

I added them to a piece of parchment just to make them stand out a little more but it doesn’t detract from the card design..

The card is elegant and suits the occasion well 

More tomorrow …

Hugs xx

 

Everyday Items - Elastic Bands

Hi Everybody,

Do you have lots of elastic bands lying bout round your home?? I know I do and I use them in  lots of different ways. 

But I found this pack of really cheap bands in my drawer and so I thought I would put them to some good use.

I created some backgrounds to use on my cards and these are really pretty, and depending on the colours you choose they can be used for make or female cards.

I had so much fun creating these and I tried it with every colour of embossing powder that I have. Some I liked more than others  and those I made into cards.

Use your dies to cut the card base into different shapes and add layers to accentuate the patterns you create.

This circular card has several layers in pink and silver and the embossing on this was done with pink embossing powder for a more subtle look.

You may not like to add flowers to your cards so if that is the case then leave them clear. 

The actual technique will create lots of interest on your designs just as it is. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Butterfly Cards

HI Everybody,

My apologies but there is no Friday Freebie this week instead I have used these butterflies and added them to backgrounds that are all circles but created in different ways to create some really clean and simple pretty cards.

This one has an inked backdrop to a lovely piece of embossed and glittery acetate that has ben cut with a circular die. I have had the acetate for years and I got it at a craft show

I have used small foam pads in strategic areas to add this to another panel that I have hand drawn around the edges.

This has had Thank You stamped at the bottom in black ink and then all of it added to a card base card with foam pads.

The butterflies have all been cut from 300gsm white card and adhered to a piece of parchment.

This has then been glued to the  centre of the circles along the body line only.

The card to the left has again got an inked circle but to the top of this I have used a stencil to add darker colour. 

This butterfly as been coloured with the same Blue Print Sketch ink.

This one has been turned into a birthday card using a stamp that was free with a magazine.

For this card I have cut a circle from the Fleur Card from Anna Marie Designs and add it to slightly larger piece of peach card.

I have hand drawn around the edge of the circle and the card for decoration and this is also a Birthday Card.

All the butterflies have the addition of pearl flourishes added to the body line and to crate the butterfly trail onto the card itself.

All the cards are an A6 size and will fit into s standard envelope 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Altenew Embossed Card

Hi Everybody,

Todays Card is using the Silk Art stamp from Altenew that is part of the Create Your Life Project kits

I have used this because the flowers are solid and after stamping them in a black ink they could be embossed  with a clear powder. and heated to melt it to create the shine.

I also used the matching die to cut the flowers out and they have then been added to a background card from Anna Marie Designs with foam pads to raise them up.

The little sentiment stamp is from the same set, but the hearts and ink lines around the edge have ben hand drawn with a fine liner pen just for a little extra decoration.

The completed card is a 5x7 base and I have kept the fold at the top.

It can be for any occasion you need it for. Simply swap out the sentiment to suit your recipient.

I could have made the card smaller by using the coloured centre card only but I wanted to add it as a central panel that was offset to enhance the design

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

 

Desk Top Finds

 Hi Everybody,

So the background to this card is what was left over from the Washi Tape Circle that I featured yesterday and I couldn't waste it.

I have added a parchment pocket that has been embossed in a folder,

I filled it with sequins to create a shaker card and then added the other bits and pieces that I found on my desk to decorate the front.

The bird is from a Tim Holtz set that I have had for years and he has been sitting in a cellophane bag just waiting patiently to be used.

I am happy to put him to good use and it makes a change from all the highly decorated ones I have been doing lately.

It is good to change your style every so often as it stops you getting bored with the same old things.
So although it is very different from my style I hope you think he is cute all the same.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Using Washi Tapes

 Hi Everybody,

Here as promised is the latest video where I have used Washi Tapes on my cards. I have a box full of these and I rarely think to use them on my cards.

I should do really because they are so pretty. And that is why I thought to get them out again and put them to good use.

The one shown to the right is using Washi Tapes with some Acetate for a really lovely look that seems to hover above the card base.

I will be trying this again with other colours and shapes and seeing what I come up with

And I also put the cut off bits to some use as well.

Waste Not ... Want Not !! And this card is just as pretty.

Just add the pieces in a random way over the card panel and die cut it if you prefer before adding it to your cards.

Today we have made some flowers from the Washi using flower dies to get the look.

Yesterday I showed you a pink card that had the acetate cut into a heart shape and that would be so useful for occasions like Valentines Day.

Whichever shape you create it will look good and Washi Tape comes in many colours, patterns and widths that you are sure t see somethings hat takes your fancy.

And its not expensive either.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs x

Using your Washi Tape

 Hi Everybody,

Washi Tape is not something I use a lot of but I do have a good few rolls in my stash and so I thought that a little playtime to use some of it up was a good idea.

This card is an A6 and I have added the Washi in strips across an extra panel that will be attached to my base. The large sentiment is one I have had for many years and I added that in black.

The butterfly is from my own Layered Butterflies Collection and that has been cut in white and layered onto a parchment backing. 

I have added flat back pearls to the body line and left the wings free from the card for a pretty floating effect.

This card has used all different sized pieces added randomly an extra card panel and to make sure they are all stuck down I have run this through the die cutting machine.

The sentiment for this is another I have had for years and it is from Creative Expressions and that has also been cut in black.

I have added the words with foam pads under them and also under each of the individual letters to raise then all up.

The butterfly is once again cut in white and added to a parchment backing. This card is a5x7 and both have the folds at the top so they stand in tent fold.

This  6x6 card has had the Washi added in strips to a piece of Acetate, with a small gap between each strip, and cut out with a heart die.

Then under each of the strips I have added  thin strips of foam to raise the heart up. This makes the acetate heart look as if it is floating.

The panel it is added to is irked and embossed in a folder. The word is the same as the first card as is the butterfly, which has black pearls added to the bodyline.

Even though they are all pink they look different because of the size and layout of the Washi Tapes, and each one is pretty card that is ready to send.

I am adding a video to show you how I got the
Acetate Look for my cards.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Two Cards - One Colour Scheme

 Hi Everybody,

Following on from last weeks video of using the same

dies and card to make some cards I have now created these two using card from Anna Marie Design.

The dies are the same for both cards and once again I have dragged out older sets to put them to good use.

These are the Nested Fancy Frames and I have used the 5x7 for the larger background piece and the Ovals for the top.

The sentiment is a sticker from one of the paper packs I have launched but they can be bought separately and save me having to stamp something out. 

I have added mine to extra white card to make it stronger

The colour scheme for both cards is  a pale teal and white and the ribbon matches them but has been added in a different direction, and each one has some cream lace added.

All the flowers are Mulberry paper and I got mine from Wild Orchid Crafts ... but they no longer ship to the UK ... Sorrreeee !! They have been glittered up for extra sparkle

I have used the leaves from my all time favourite Rose Flourishes and each one has decorated hat pin pushed into the centre of them.

So although they are made with the same card, dies and flowers they look different because things have been laid out in a different way.

I really enjoyed making these two and it was nice to get back to adding the Flowers, Ribbons and Pearls again to my designs.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Maureen Wood - Winner

 Hi Everybody,

Happy Mothers Day to you all and I hope you have something good planned for the day.
My family are all meeting up for a Sunday lunch at a lovely pub and we are really looking forward to it.
We can take the dogs too so Ruby and Dougal will get an outing as well. 

It is raining though so they won't get much of a walk.
But yesterday will have made up for that a little bit as we walked  around the grounds of Lytham Hall for a couple of hours, and it was dry and fine.
 We like to take a look at the little garden centre in there as they always have a wide variety of plants for sale at reasonable prices .
Plus the café is very handy as well for coffee and cakes !!

The draw has been done for the In The Garden die and stamp set and the winner this week is

Maureen Wood

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

Be sure to let me know that you have it safely and I hope you envy playing with it, and the Pokey Tool is tucked into the pages of the magazine.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - In the Garden

Hi Everybody,

Todays offering is a beautiful due set that depicts all the items you would need in your garden to make it grow.

And they can be arranged any way you want to suit your own designs.

The stamp set that accompanies it has many occasions on it to suit your recipient and I am sure you will have some fun using this set in the coming summer months.

There is also a Pokey Tool added to the pack that has been handmade by yours truly and that is tucked into the magazine , which in itself is a really good read full of ideas and inspiration that you may like to try.

Would you like to have this in your own personal collection????

Then all you need to do is leave me a comment with your FULL NAME 

at the end of the post and then make sure that you come back to see if it is your name listed as the winner.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Recreating a Design

Hi Everybody,

Todays card shows how I have varied the look of each one by simply changing the colours.

They are all 5x7 and they have all used the exact same dies with the same layers.

 The card is all good quality and the patterns have been varied in each card. The ribbon and bow is different on each card too.

But they all have the same amount of layers, and I have added Mulberry flowers to each one  with the addition of the Rose Flourish die for all the leaves on them.

I have also made a box for each one as they are far too deep to fit into an envelope. 

I have changed the position of the flowers and I think every one of them is a really beautiful card in its own right.

I filmed a video of the process too and I am adding it here for you to view, and I really hope you enjoy watching it.

But it just goes to show what can be done when you can't think of something new.

There is nothing wrong with working with an idea that you know you love, that will work for you and that you know you can create easily each time.

I also been a new video that has been added to Craft Stash using the Just Peacocks Collection and that shares an inking technique and some gold gilding wax , here is the link to that video ...

2-4-1 With Just Peacocks 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Just Peacocks - 3 Ways

 HI Everybody,

Today I am using the new collection called

Just Peacocks
and this time I am adding a video to show how I made three cards using the same die set.

The whole collection is very versatile and can be put to good use throughout the year for lots of occasions.

And you can use the sentiments from other collections to ring the changes if the ones in the collection are not appropriate.

 

I must admit that this card is my favourite of the three made in the video and it was so quick and easy to do

The gilding wax adds the finishing touch to it, though it does make a mess of my fingers. 

The Pebeo one was the gilding wax I used and I have had it for years but I have added an alternative from Craft Stash in the list below as it is less expensive.

The video is not too long and I hope you enjoy my efforts and the cards created.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

More Peacocks

 Hi Everybody,

Here are some mire samples from the Just peacocks Collection and this one uses the single sided Stand Proud die on the Background Perfection Panel.

I have done this one in pink and the finished card is a 5x7.

I have trimmed the Stand Proud peacock from the rest of the card and added it with foam pads to the base, rather than adding all the die cut to the card.

But the result is quite stunning and would make a lovely effect for any occasion. 

Vary the colours for different looks, or use the peacock as a complete panel for the front of your card 

The card to the left is using the Double Elegance to crate a gatefold card.

I have added these panels to some acetate which gives it strength, and the inside of the card is created using the papers from the pack.

Any sentiment could be added to this design or indeed any one of the die cut sentiments in any of the packs.

And this style would make a really elegant Wedding Card.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Just Peacocks

Hi Everybody,

A lovely new collection has been launched at Craft Stash and this is the Just Peacocks Collection.

There are some beautiful dies to help you create gatefold cards or simply add a pocket to the front of your design.

And the papers are such good quality that they will die cut to perfection to enhance your designs.

I have added  a video that has been added to the Craft Stash channel but I will be adding some more to my own channel and of course putting them on the blog as well.

These two cards are showing just some of the items in the collection. 

The top photo is using the die to cut out the feather, ink blended with some lovely shades of teal, gold and blue.

The bottom one is a Letterpressed technique using the embossing folder.

The die and the folder are the same size and can be used individually, as I have done here,  or they can be used together and layered  if you wanted them to,

It is a collection to have fun with and can be used in many different ways.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ursula Longworth - Winner

 Hi Everybody,

Here we are again on this beautiful Sunday Morning. I am hoping it will stay this way as we plan on meeting up later for a dog walk along the promenade. This is my birthday week and my family want to meet up today to celebrate. Next Sunday of course is Mothers Day and that is already planned out.

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

Ursula Longworth

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

I will also include one of the  handmade Pokey Tools for you and I will tuck that into the pages of the magazine.. I hope you enjoy all the pack and please be sure to let me know that you have it safely.

And just to let you know that there is a special promotion going on over at Craft Stash to get a really good discount of lot s of Card Making Magic items 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Spring Special Kit

 Hi Everybody, 

Todays offering is this beautiful A4 stamp set that is full of flowers, leaves and two lovely insects for you to stamp onto your designs.

There are also sentiments in the stamps and some paper to match your cards are included in the pack.

You will also get an A6 embossing folder that can leave a border around the edge of your card.

And the magazine is an excellent read that is full of inspiration and ideas that you may like to try out for your self.

So if you think that you could make use of this and enjoy the process at the same time then all you need to do is leave me a comment with your FULL NAME at the end of this post. 

From those comments one name will be chosen as the winner and announced in a blog post over the weekend so be sure to come back and check.

Good Luck Everybody

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

More Ideas ...

Hi Everybody,

As promised here is the video of the making of eight beautiful cards using matching coloured card and some  imagination.

I really enjoyed using this process and making the shapes fit my designs to get as many cards from the three sheets of card that I had. 

All of the cards are now ready to be sent to whoever I need them for. 

Or alternatively they can go into my charity box to be taken to the shop.

I don't have many old die cuts lying around on my work top any more as I have managed to use them up with the cards I have made

I am glad that this idea of using up ready made die cuts from other creative sessions has sparked your imagination, and I know you will nit be disappointed with the cards that you come up with.

Every crafting session is a learning curve and the more we do the more we learn, and we should enjoy the process as we do.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Mixing Patterns

 HI Everybody,

This cards is just one of eight that I have created from mixing my patterns to vary the looks. This card that has been sitting in my cupboard for a long time.

All the card is from Anna Marie Designs and although the patterns are different the colours are all the same just varying tones and shades.

I filmed it as I was making them and that video will be added on Wednesday and I hope you will enjoy the process. 

It is not a long video but you will have time to relax with your favourite brew

I have used any dies and die cuts  that I have lying around on my worktop and any embossing folders that I have in my collections to add a little more interest to the background.

It is a good way to use up any of the ready cut pieces of card  that may be on your work tops and also to use up any favourite scraps of card that you could have lying around also.

It is always worthwhile having a playtime and using up the things that you already have. Items that may have been pushed to the back of a drawer or cupboard and that you may have forgotten about, and probably not used in quite some time.

I have a folder where I store all the surplus die cuts that I make and they are always on hand is if  I should need something from that folder.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Black & White Flowers

Hi Everybody,

Todays flowers are all stamped in just black and white and cut out with the matching die from Heartfelt Creations. 

It is such an easy way to make as many flowers as you may need for your own designs.

I decided not to colour these and simply make a monotone card for sech size I wanted..

The top card is A6 and the one to the left is a DL and for the back drop to both I used the  Dottie and Striped card that I have from Anna Marie Design.

I have had this card for a long time and each time I go to a craft show I get more from their stall to refill what I have used in the past few months.

It is good quality and comes in a variety of colours and many many patterns.

Those listed below are just some of my favourites, and I use it often in my creations.

 It layers and die cuts so well for any of your designs and never disappoints. 

Re little heart die in the tip card is from Tonic and is one I have had for a long long time.

I can't even remember where I got it from. It is a larger outer die with a smaller inner piece that cuts the small hearts into the card.

Layered together they produce the effect shown and it does come in really useful on occasions.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Anne Owens - Winner

 Hi Everybody,

It was  a lovely day here yesterday for me and Ruby and we went on to the beach in the morning for a good long walk. She loved it on the sand and ran around sniffing at everything she could

It was very busy down there with lots of dog walkers taking advantage of the fine weather. 
And I even managed to get my washing done when we got home again,  and out on the line as well so a double bonus.

But today I am off to Jewellery workshop in Clitheroe with my eldest daughter, and we are going to make some stacking rings.

But in the meantime the draw has been done for the fantastic Carol Singers from Tonic.
This is going to give the winner so much pleasure and it is so well worth winning.

The name today is ...

Anne Owens

so would you please email me with your postal address to
christina@card-making-magic.com

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

You will also find a Pokey Tool tucked inside the pack as well and this is my extra gift to you.
I hope you enjoy all the items and that you will make good use of the pokey tool.

Please be sure to let me know that you have it safely

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Tonic Carol Singers

Hi Everybody,

Todays offering is a really old die from Tonic but it is timeless and will give you endless fun creating the Carol Singer characters for you designs.

You could dress them u so that they are not for Christmas. Maybe they could sing Happy Birthday to someone on their special day.

Get your imagination working and the opportunities are all there. It also has stamps and an embossing folder, as well as the dies, and they are all featured in the pages of this magazine.

So if this is something that you would like to have then leave ne a comment  at the end of this post with your FULL NAME

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

There is s much in the pack that you are sure to be delighted with your win.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Mixed Media

Hi Everybody,

This pretty card is created with an ink smooshed background and then a text stamp added over the top.

 There is also a white goache splattered layer over the base.

 I added a thin line of texture paste around the edge too and then sprinkled that while it was wet with some glitter and allowed it all to dry.

The flowers and leaves are created from some 300 gsm white card that has been coloured with Distress Oxide Inks and a blending brush.

A Pearl embellishment was added to the centre

Each layer of the petals has been adhered together with foam to give height and each layer of petals has been bent up for effect.

The sentiment has been cut from pre printed words that have I already had in my stash, and they have been glued onto some white card as a backing and then layered onto the card front with foam pads.

The finished card is an A6 size and it more impressive in the hand than in the picture but I hope you like it anyway.

More tomorrow…

Hugs xx

Handmade Pokey Tools

 Hi Everybody,

I have been giving away one of these handmade Pokey Tools each week for a few weeks now and I have been asked to show how I made them.

So always happy to oblige I have done just that and I am adding it here for you to view. 

I used these really cheap Turkey Lacers from Amazon for the base and I have literally hundreds of beads in my craft room, from when I used to make the hatpins that I added to my cards.

There are other ways to use up beads, old zips and wire and here are just a few ideas that you may like to try, most of them are videos.

 Creating a Pearl Spray       Adding a pearl spray to your card             Creating A Pearl Flower
Creating Zipper Rose               Decorating Hatpins                                  Working with beads

And here is the video to show the Pokey Tools and who knows you may be lucky enough to get one of these in with the Friday Freebie. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Old dies and stamps

Hi Everybody,

Todays cards are created with a really old stamp set that has a matching die and it is from Heartfelt Creations.

I stamped and cut out lots of flowers for use in the future, but I don't know if the set is still available as I have had it for years.

I coloured them all with the Alcohol Markers from Craft Stash and I am quite pleased with the results.

I roughened up the edges of the knitted card and then added some lace underneath and along the bottom of the card.

The background for both is from Anna Marie's Knitted card and both are Dl just in different orientations.

I got the card at a bargain price at the craft show, but on the website it is the original on.

There are 36 sheets of good quality cards  in different colours for you to use in the pack.

I have since ordered some of their Damask patterned card and that should be here any day now.

I am glad that I rediscovered the stamps and dies as the flowers they make are lovely and the die cuts them all out in one go.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx