Beautiful Card Designs Made Easy

September 05, 2017

Tuesday Tutorial - Victoriana Crest

Hi Everybody,

This beautiful die is one of the new ones from Spellbinders and was designed by Becca Feeken.
It can be dressed up any way you wish but I have kept mine to a simple white with autumn coloured flowers.
Spellbinders Supplies:
  • S6-125 Victoriana Crest
  • S6-082 Classic Elegance Labels
Other Supplies:
  • Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts
  • Pearls from Hobby House
  • Glitter from Glitter Magic
  • Card from Papermill Direct
Instructions:
With outer die cut two pieces and score one of them and bend it back
Add glue to this small strip and glue the two together to form the base card
Level the back piece so that the card will stand
With the two largest dies cut and emboss another panel in white
Add foam tape to the back
With the other dies in the collection cut all in white card
Stamp a small greeting onto the smallest piece
Glue the filigree oval to the plain layer
Add foam to the back of the other pieces
The foam taps adds depth to the layers 
Cut two of the flourishes from the Labels die in gold coloured card
Add to the centre panels of the card front
Choose Autumn coloured flowers and glue onto the flourishes
Dot with glue and sprinkle with glitter
Add tiny pearls around the edge of the oval
Add in the sentiment tag

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

September 04, 2017

Fuzzy Lemon Dies

Hi Everybody,

Today I have two new videos for you using dies from the Fuzzy lemon Collections at Craft Stash.

The first video is with the Fuzzy Lemon Fairy and I have turned this into a shaker card.

The sequins I have used are from the £££ shop and there are so many in a pack they will last you for ages.

I will add the links at the bottom of the post to the supplies


For this card I used the Toadstools cut from one card and add them to another ... so two for one here and no waste.

I have hand drawn the lights between the birds and coloured with Spectrum Noir and Glossy Accents


Get a cuppa and a biscuit or two and relax. I hope you will enjoy both of them 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx




September 03, 2017

Those Cute Little Gnomes

Hi Everybody,

This was the free gift that came with Papercraft Essentials 150 and it has been really popular because the gnomes are so cute.

I had a great fun playing with them and arranging them into scenes for my cards.

If you missed the free gift then you can buy a bigger  Gnomes Stamp Set from Craft Stash

But I was asked if I would show how I coloured in the gnomes and so I created this video to show you what I did.

Colouring Gnomes with Spectrum Noir

I am not an artist by any stretch of imagination but you too can have some fun with these little people and any medium that you choose.

I used my Spectrum Noir but it is the old style pens and I am sure that things have moved on since I got mine a good few years ago now. There are the newer range of SN pens available at Craft Stash

Still I hope you enjoy the video and will give colouring a try. Just have fun and it doesn't need to be prefect.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


September 02, 2017

Card Winner

Hi Everybody,

So the first thing I need to do is offer an apology ... once I bring myself out of the dunces corner !!!

The reason you could not find the link to the Transfer Gel video on Thursday is because .....
I forgot to add it !!

But that has now been rectified and the link is there on the blog post and I am also adding it here too.

And so that I don't show everyone how stupid I was I have not added all the comments asking "WHERE IS THE VIDEO????"

So the draw for the Shabby Chic card has been done and the name this week is you

Brenda Sadler
would you email me your postal address please to
christina@card-making-magic.com
and the card will be on its way to you straight away.

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


September 01, 2017

Friday Freebie 34 - Shabby Chic

Hi Everybody,

I have a really pretty card to give away today in shades of lilac and white.
It has a beautiful floral display with white leaves around the glitter bird cage
There are pearl flowers dotted around and the mulberry flowers are they are sparkled with glitter.
If you would like to have this card then all you need to do is lave me a comment. From those comments a name will be chosen and the winner announced in a blog post over the weekend

I am happy to send the card to you wherever you are.
But please if it is your name that is listed then email me your details within 72 hours.

It will be too late if you wait for a week or two ... the card will no longer be on offer and will go to someone else at a later date.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


August 31, 2017

Transfer Gel and Foil

Hi Everybody,

I would like to share a video with you using the Transfer Gel that I bought the other week

I am really pleased with the result and the cards look very expensive with this fabulous effect added.

I used some of the Creative Stencils from Craft Stash and the Flourish one is my absolute favourite.

For this card I did pink foil on pink card and then layers to give dimension

The sentiment is one I have had for a long time and I thought it would set this foil off perfectly.
Here is the Flourish again but this time it is silver foil on a white background.

I layered it with pink and added in some lovely pink flowers. And that it all it took to create this luxurious card

Imagine this for a Silver Wedding Anniversary card
.... Perfection !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

August 30, 2017

Die Cutting Essentials 28

Hi Everybody,

The free gift with this months Die Cutting essentials is from Tonic Studios and is this very pretty Peace Dove.

The video will show you more samples and another one that you can make for your self 


It will suit many occasions and there is a free sentiment download with many different words and saying on it.

Alter the setting on your printer to get them in sizes to suit your own projects and then either fussy cut them out or die cut them 

The magazine will be on sale on the 31 st August in supermarkets and craft stores or you can always get it direct from MoreMags

Why not take out a subscription there so that you never miss your copy.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx




August 29, 2017

More All Occasions ...

Hi Everybody,

Here are the latest additions to the All Occasions Collection and this is part of their Christmas range

This card features in a new video and the link is here ...
 and it is easy to recreate.

I used Distress Oxides for the background and the wave die in the set to create the channel.

The snow flakes are all glittered and the card is really pretty in the hand

This one is from the Merry Christmas folder and the die set and that video can be found here ..
 and is the Letterpress technique

I hope you enjoy all the vidoes that I am adding this week 

More tomorrow ...

Hugsxx

August 28, 2017

Apple Blossom - All Occasion Collection

Hi Everybody,

This post was added a while ago but due to a technical hitch with Craft Stash it had to be removed. That is why there are already comments at the end of the post. But now that things are sorted it can be reintroduced.

It is to tell you about the additions to their All Occasion Collection (AKA "That Folder") which sells out time and time again.

Now they have decided to extend the
and so there are more folders that will mix and match with each other,  and lovely dies that can aid that process.

There are also some stamps that will cover all occasions and they will fit into the wave die to add to the card

I also have two new videos featuring this new collection and I hope that you will enjoy both.

The first video uses the Letterpress Technique and one of the new folders and I show you how easy it is to mix and match them for another look to your designs

The second one shows you how I created the flower from the die set 

There are lots of ideas in the videos and here is another that I did way back in February 2016

So grab yourself a cuppa and relax as you view the three short tutorials and I hope you enjoy the extended
 that is available from Craft Stash now ... and there is much more to come soon

More tomorrow ...

Hugs 

August 27, 2017

More "Goodies"

Hi Everybody,

The postman has been busy delivering items here for the last few weeks and here are some more of the things that I have been buying.
I treated my self to the whole collection of Distress Oxides Inks and they are fabulous to work with.
They blend so easy and are very forgiving with sponges.

I also bought the Scrubber Pad and the Stamp Shammy to make sure that I keep all my stamps cleaner than I have in the past.

I got the ATG to add layers to my cards and that is the pink thing on the right. I don't usually get on with tape runners so I will let you know how I do with this one. I end up all tangled up with the tape and I have no idea what it is I do wrong 

The label maker on the left is to label and file all my dies, stamps and magazine freebies neatly so that I can find them when I need them. And the Dymo will make smaller labels to add to my cards and I am sure you have seen that in use several times in the last few vidoes.

So I have to go now as I have a lot of plastic packets that need labelling and filing .... and if things stand still long enough in my craft room .... they get labelled  !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugsxx

August 26, 2017

Card Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

I hope you are all going to enjoy this Bank Holiday weekend and the weather forecast is quite good ... for a change !! I have quite a plan for this weekend which I will tell you about later in the week.

But for now the draw has been done for yesterdays Shabby Chic card and the winner this week is ...

Denise Bryant
would you email me please with your postal address to
christina@card-making-magic.com
and the card will be on its way to you

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

August 25, 2017

Friday Freebie 33 - Shabby Chic

Hi Everybody,

This card is in shades of Autumn with gold, browns and pale yellow.
There is a lot going on with this one and the finished size is 5x7.

I have added lace leaves to the display and some gold metal corners along the left.

If this is a card that you would like to have then just leave me a comment at the end of the post.
From those comments one will be chosen at random and the winner announced over the weekend.

I will send it you at my expense wherever you live, and it doesn't matter if you have won one before. You can still try again

I promise you that this card looks much better in the hand as the photo is not the brilliant .... sorreeee!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx




August 24, 2017

Tonic Studios Cute Critters

Hi Everybody,

I am absolutely delighted with the new dies from Tonic Studios as they make the cutest of cards for any age group

This is Percy Panda and I have sat him in amongst some bamboo and he has eaten all the leaves already !!

The Bamboo and Prickly Pear die are from Spellbinders and they just add more to the card.

I played all day with these dies and created some really pretty cards and videoed the making of Leo Lion for you to view.

The video is here ...  Tonic Studios - Cute Critters  and I hope you enjoy it.
This character is Hetty Hippo but if you leave off the fluttery eyelashes you can turn this into a boy.

I am sure that you will come up with many more ideas if you start to play with these dies and I will certainly be using them a lot for children's cards in the future.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx




August 23, 2017

Papercraft Essentials 150 - Enchanted Corner

Hi Everybody,

The die and stamp set from this months
 Papercraft Essentials 150
 is so cute. I could have played with this all day

The variations are endless with these little fellows and I am sure that you will come up with many many more.

Inside the magazine there are lots more ideas for you but I have added some of mine to the video.



It will be in the shops tomorrow the 24th August and this is sure to go quickly because of the fun factor with it

There is also a free paper pack with this issue and that will help you to create some pretty scenes for your Gnomes

Stamp as many of these little men out as you need and colour them up.

If you don't use them all then you can keep some ready to add to your next project


The dies will cut out the gnomes and the lantern and parcel for you or you can simply stamp them onto the gnomes themselves.

Have fun with them and see what you can come up with

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx




August 22, 2017

Tuesday Tutorial - Bird Sanctuary

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is really quick and easy and for this I have used bright colours and feathers. I have hand written the sentiment around the edge of the card and it's not supposed to be neat. It is purely a fun card that could go to any age or gender
Spellbinders Supplies:
  • 6x6 Matting Basics A
  • 6x6 matting Basics B
  • Bird Sanctuary 
  • Platinum Die Cutting Machine
Other Supplies:
  • Lace from Wild Orchid Crafts
  • Ribbon
  • Feather
  • Patterned Papers
Instructions:
With die#8 from 6x6 Matting Basics A cut two panels in purple and create the base card
With die #8 from 6x6 Matting Basics B cut another panel in a deeper shade of purple
With die #7 from the A set cut two panels in patterned paper and cut one of them in half
Cut the birds from some purple card and ink through the die to add shading to the bodies
Cut one more bird from some bright coloured card and flip it over. 
Ink through the die and this bird will be facing the other way
Add a brightly coloured tail feather to this one
Layer up the papers and wrap with lace and ribbon
Add these to the base card
Hand write "One In A Million" around the edge of the card
Sit the purple bids on the ribbon to face one way and the bright bird to face the other
Send with love 

More tomorrow ...

Hugsxx


August 20, 2017

Card Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

Sorry for the delay in posting the winner of Fridays Shabby Chic card but once again Saturday escaped me and I don't know where it went.

A name has been drawn at random from the comments and this weeks winner is you

Deborah Artliff
please email me your postal address to 
christina@card-making-magic.com
and the card will be on its way to you

Please let me know when you have it and I really hope that you will like it

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

August 18, 2017

Friday Freebie 32 - Shabby Chic

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is a Christmas card and I know it's early but if you win it you can either send it of keep it. But here it is for you to see.

It is quite a large card and very decorated with lace, angels and flowers as well as the Christmas Tree.
If this is a card that you would like then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post and then come back over the weekend to see if it is your name shown as the winner.

The name is always drawn at random so that everyone has a fair chance so please only add your name once. I am happy to send the card to you wherever you live but I would like you to let me know when you have it

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


August 17, 2017

Ruby Update - First Birthday ...

Hello Everyone,

I had to stop by today to tell you that I am ONE year old  today... and simply beautiful. 

Well that's what my mum tells me every day and I believe her. I think she has good taste !!

We have had some lovely adventures in the last few months and I am so glad I found my human mum and dad.

 They love me very much ... and spoil me too 
 I went to Dougals birthday on the 4th when he was one and we shared his doggy birthday cake 

Here I am watching him and hoping that he saves me a bit

We had a lovely walk in Lytham on Sunday and I had a little bit of ice cream.

And you know your dog can have some too if they are lactose happy ... which I am.

It was really warm that day and it was a pleasant walk.

But once we got home I got in my basket and had a little sleep. 

A girl needs her beauty sleep you know to look as good as me 

More next time ...

Love from Ruby xx 

August 16, 2017

Creative Stamping 47

Hi Everybody,

Today I am adding a Christmas card but not in traditional colours.

I have used the stamps that are the free gift with Creative Stamping this month and I really like the muted look of this card.

The magazine will be on sale tomorrow in selected supermarkets and craft stores

The video will give you some other ideas that you may like to try and you can fine it here ...

The size of the stamps sets with this magazine are amazing as there are so many different images on one sheet.

It is good quality material and really good value as there is so much information inside the pages.

Always a good read with a cuppa to make you feel refreshed and raring to go with some new technique or instructions on a card idea.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

August 15, 2017

Tuesday Tutorial - Ornamental Crest

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is a mixture of old and new and there are several lovely layers in the making.
It also incorporates my beautiful flowers, ribbons and pearls to make a classic white and silver design for any occasion.
Spellbinders Supplies:
  • S6-001 5x7 Matting Basics A
  • S6-002 5x7 Matting Basics B
  • S6-081 Ornamental Crest
  • S5-298 Classic label 33 Deco Elements
  • S4-110 Classic Ovals 
  • SEL-006 Horsehair Embossing Folder
Other Supplies:
  • Sentiment from JustRite Stampers
  • White card
  • Silver Card
  • White Ribbon
  • White Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts
  • Diamante
  • Glitter
  • Foam pads
Instructions:
With die #7 Matting Basic A cut two pieces in white to create the base card
With die #7 Matting basics B cut another layer in white and emboss in the folder
From silver card cut the largest die in Ornamental Crest
From white card cut the largest die from Classic Labels 33 and from the second largest cut another silver layer
Add foam pads to the back of all these layers
Add these three layers together and stick to the embossed layer
Wrap with white ribbon before adding to the  base card
Stamp in black and clear emboss the sentiment of your choice and cut out with the oval
and add with foam pads underneath
Selection of white flowers from the left:
Gypsophillia, Tulips,  Rosebuds, Cosmos Daisies, Lilies, Cherry Blossom, 
Arrange the flowers down the left side and dot with glue then sprinkle with glitter.
Add in the bow and glue the diamante centre in place
And there you have a silver and white card you will be happy to send 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

August 14, 2017

Buying Spree ...

Hi Everybody,

I have been visiting Amazon a lot lately and taking a look at some of the crafting goodies on there. And so I decided to treat my self to a few of them and they arrived over the weekend. They have been super quick as some things I only ordered Friday and yesterday, Sunday they where delivered.
So here is a picture of some of the items that I have bought.
I already have the Gansai Tambi Water Colours which I love using and you will have seen them often in my videos. And I have bought now the Starry Colours which are a beautiful collection of golds 

I also ordered the case of finger daubers which are really useful in applying small areas with paint, inks or chalks. There are 40 daubers in a case and they are items I use a lot. 

The tub is Transfer Gel which is used with foils and I am going to be doing some videos with them in the next few weeks.

But the special treats that I thought I deserved are the Teflon Bone Folder and the Crystal Katana pick up tool for pearls and gemstones.

I am sure that they will be seen regularly in my videos and I know that I am going to enjoy working and playing with both in the future. I have more items still to come and I will share them with you once they arrive

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


August 12, 2017

Today's Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

Sorry for the late post but I have had a busy day in the sunshine, and very pleasant it was too. But the draw for yesterdays Shabby Chic card has been done and the winner is you ...

Marjorie Bates ...

Can you email me your postal address please to
christina@card-making-magic.com
and the card will be on its way to you.

I hope you will like it when it arrives and please let me know that you have it safely.

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

August 11, 2017

Friday Freebie 31 - Shabby Chic

Hi Everybody,

Here is another Shabby Chic card on offer and this one is a delicate pink and green colour scheme

It is done as  a birthday card but the wooden sentiment can always be removed if you wished.

The flowers cascade down the card and are around a little picture frame at the top.

The flowers have been glittered and are a mixture from
Wild Orchid Crafts

If this is a card that you would like to have then all you need to do is leave me a comment ... and then pop back over the weekend to see if it is your name listed as the winner

You will have 72 hours to claim the card so you will need to check as I have no way of chasing you up if you don't

Good luck everybody and you can enter whenever you like even if you have won one before.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx