See Through Trellis Card & Envelope

Hi Everybody,

Today I am using the "Christina Collection" to create this really pretty card that is just the right depth to fit into an envelope.

It is very easy to make but you will need some sturdy card so that it will stand by itself

I used  a Super Smooth 300 gsm white card from Papermill Direct and it is really good for all your base cards

But because of the thickness of the card you may need to pass it through your machine more than once to cut it ... but well worth it once you have done so

I also decorated the envelope with butterflies to match and the card fits in perfectly so saving postage costs for you.  

I added the Birthday Verse from the Verses Stamp Set to the inside of the card as I know that some people prefer that.

I hope you will give this style a try as it's not hard to do and the card is so pretty once you have it in the hand

Craft Stash are having a really good sale of my "Christina Collection" 
at present and it will run until the 17th March.

Quote the code CMM15 at the checkout and you will get 15% off items that you buy even if they are on Pre Order ... bargain!! 

More tomorrow ..

Hugs xx

Spectrum Noir Pens ...

Hi Everybody,

I am so sorry to postpone the Craft Room Sale until a later date but with the new kitchen going in this week it would not be feasible to have it with all the mess.

However I do have some things that I can let you know about and the first one is Spectrum Noir Pens.

I have the full set of 168 pens and some of them have the brush nibs attached for a beautiful blend

They will be sold with the refill for each pen and most of them are unused.

Plus I will also add in some spare nibs too.

I am selling them complete with the storage unit that you see them in so all you need to do is add them to your desktop or a shelf as I have done here.

They are an absolute bargain at £250 for the whole collection of 168 pens ... 168 refills ... storage unit and spare nibs

That's less than £1 per item with storage and nibs free.

 But please don't ask me to split them ... they are going as the complete lot. 

So if you would like to buy these then email me christina@card-making-magic.com to let me now

I am happy to pack them up and send them anywhere but you will need to pay the postage and packing your self

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card and Gift Winner

Hi Everybody,

I hope you have all had a good week ... I have had birthday celebrations that have lasted the whole week but it's not everyday you get to be 70 so I have made the most of it.

But now it's time to get on with some work so over the weekend I have some filming to do.

Next week Griff is going to be fitting us a new kitchen so he will have his work cut out.

But because of this I am going to postpone the Craft Room Sale until a later date.  Once the kitchen is sorted then I will advertise it again and hope that you will still want to come

Any way the draw for the card and gift from yesterday has been done and the name this week is YOU...

Susan Manning 

could you email me please your postal address to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and they will be in the post to you straight away

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie -Enchantment Collection

Hi Everybody,

Now this is stamp set that I was truly enchanted with and there is such a lot that you can do with it

Perfect for male and female cards, young and old it is sure to delight you

  Here again is the video on using this set 

Enchantment 

Would you like to win this A4 set of stamps ???   

Then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post to be in with the chance.

Don't forget to come back in the morning to see if it is your name that is announced. Good Luck !

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Up to Date ...

Hi Everybody,

What a week this has been and I have lots to be grateful for.

On Tuesday it was my birthday and last Sunday my Daughter and Grandson arranged a Sunday lunch for the family at a really lovely restaurant.

I had flowers and gifts and lots of gift cards to spend as I want. 

My Granddaughters bought me Pandora charm and so I went to town and got the bracelet and more charms to add to it. 

It is in the new Rose colour and it is sparkly and beautiful and I shall wear it a lot. Especially today when I go to my Grandsons restaurant this evening.

I used all of the vouchers and gift cards that I had been given and got lots of goodies. Perfume ... New shirts ... New sun glasses ... and lots more. Then we went to lunch and that was a lovely meal too.

Today my YouTube followers are  way over 52,000 and this week they have rolled over to 10 million views ... can you believe those figures. I am amazed but so very very happy about it.

And to top it all I have a brand new collection of 6x6 Card & Box die sets coming out so watch this space. This is a size that many of you have asked for and it will be with us soon. And it too is a beautiful collection

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Papercraft Essentials 157 (PE157)

Hi Everybody,

Kinetic Cards have been around for years but this months Papercraft Essentials is giving you the dies to make them really simply.

When I made these years ago there was measuring to do and that spinner part was created with pennies.

But in this video I show you how to create these kinetic element easily with card.

The stamp set with the gift will give you other images that you can use to personalise the card for your self.

The magazine will be in the shops on the 8th March so be sure to get your copy.

And then have some fun playing with this concept and creating your own design from items that you may already have in your own crafting stash

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lace Background- Crafti Potential

Hi Everybody,

This beautiful Lace Background is created with one of the new stamps from Crafti Potential 

(aka Christine Smith)

It so feminine I loved adding it to my cards along with the flowers, ribbons and pearls.

And although it is an A6 stamp it can be used very easily to produce a larger pattern for your background

The video will show you how I made this card and give you ideas for several more too.

But with a change of colour it can be made to look more masculine or even be used as a Sympathy card.

 So lots of occasions can be covered with any of the new stamp sets from Crafti Potential.

They are only available at Craft Stash so pop over to their website and take a look for your self

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Crafti Potential - Layering Stamps

Hi Everybody,

I have been playing with the new stamps from Crafti Potential again today and I love the designs that Christine has come up with

For today's video I have shown you how two of the collection play really nicely together, each knowing where to fit on the other.

They are the Fleur de Lis and the Quatrefoil.

Used independently they will give you lovely backgrounds ... but use them together and the effect is gorgeous.

There are eight designs in this collection and each one is special for the type of background you may want to have.   I have used them with dies from the "Christina Collection" as well as sentiment dies from Tonic and Creative Expressions

They will suit male and female and work really well with any other stamps and dies that you may have. So pop over to Craft Stash and take a look at this brand new addition to their website

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Crafti Potential - Stamp Collection - Hearts

Hi Everybody,

This week has seen the exciting addition of some new stamps from my lovely friend Christine Smith.

Many of you will know of her from our YouTube collaborations and her blog is

Crafti Potential 

She makes the most amazing cards and we have completely different styles.

But working with her stamps has been really good and they can fit my style very easily.

There are eight new A6 stamps and there is sure to be something that you like.

Here I have used the hearts and the video will show you how I created this card.

It's not long but I hope you enjoy it all the same 

I have more videos to add using some of the other stamps from Christine's collection and we are also planning another collaboration video where we will use both of our collections together and see what we come up with.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

For the last few Saturdays I have told you that it was raining here in Blackpool. Well today when the rest of the country is struggling with the snow .... we haven't got one flake of the stuff. Apart from waking up Tuesday morning to see everything covered white, we have escaped the worst. And the snow on Tuesday soon went and we have had nothing since.

Living by the coast helps to keep it away as the salt air does something to snow and it very rarely sticks for long here.  So when it rains I am merely passing on what the weather is doing .... it's not a complaint and I am very happy that the snow has left us in peace. 

Now having said that it will be six foot deep next week !!

The draw for the card and gift from yesterday has been done from the comfort of my warm and cosy house and the name this week is YOU ....

Margaret Wilson

so if you could email me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

they will be on their way to you straight away

Please let me know when you have them safe and sound

Next week I have some lovely vidoes coming up for you to view introducing the brand new collection at Craft Stash from Crafti Potential and next Fridays "Give Away" is a large fun stamp set from Creative Stamping. So I hope you will come back and join me to see whats going on 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - All Occasions Stamps

Hi Everybody,

On offer today is another A4 stamp set and this it the  All Occasions Stamps

There are some beautiful stamps and sentiments here to grace any of your designs and you are sure to have fun playing with it.

The video to show this set is All Occasions Stamps  and it is not long so I hope you will take a look to remind you of the tutorial.

Now if you would like to win this ever useful set then all you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of the post.

 From those comments one name will be drawn and the winner announced to tomorrows blog. Be sure to come back tomorrow to check if you are the winner.

  Craft Room Sale Day 
and the date is going to be the 18th March 2018
If you emailed me about this then I will send you the address and for others that are interested then please email me 
christina@card-making-magic.com

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Altenew Layering Dies

Hi Everybody,

Thank you for the response to my

  Craft Room Sale Day 

and the date is going to be the 18th March 2018

If you emailed me about this then I will send you the address and for others that are interested then please email me 

christina@card-making-magic.com

Here is another of the layering dies from Altenew and I have really enjoyed playing with these.

They have quite a hefty price tag on them so they wont be every bodies cup of tea but I thought they looked so versatile and can make a card very quickly.

I chose a pale blue and mint green for this card but it would look really special with glitter card added to one of the layers

The addition of a few sequins dotted around are my finishing touch

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Creative Stamping 54 - Life's an Adventure

Hi Everybody,

Another fabulous A4 stamp set is free with this months Creative Stamping 54

It covers many forms of travel and will suit any age group and occasions as well as both men and women.

Plus I am in the magazine this month
WHAT more could you wish for !!!

So here is my video with this free gift and it will be on sale tomorrow in selected supermarkets and craft stores.

Keep a look out for the pack or order a regular subscription from MoreMags.com and then you will always be sure of your copy and of building up your own personal stamp collection.

The stamps are on a different theme each month with a featured designer in the top right hand corner so keep a look out for your favourite one.

Hot Off The Press is this months and there is a bonus paper pack to go with the stamps

And what a really good way to build up your collection with all these stamps, papers and a magazine to boot.

Colouring Vellum Flowers

Hi Everybody,

Many of you have been enjoying the parchment/

vellum flowers and butterflies that I have been making lately.

So I thought I would show you how I coloured the plain white vellum to suit my designs

It is not an expensive product to work with and you can alter it so very easily and it doesn't matter if it goes blotchy  it all adds to the effect.

The blue flowers are the ones I created in the video and I think this card is lovely with a really delicate look to it.

It would be suitable for any occasion with a change of sentiment.

Here  I have used the dies, stamps and embossing folder from the "Christina Collection" that is available with Craft Stash.

I hope you enjoy the video today and will give these lovely flowers a try for your self, it's not long but long enough for a cuppa.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Ruby Update and a question ...

Hi Everybody,

Here is Ruby having a cuddle of dad just before we go out for the day. And she looks very contented too.

I can't remember the days before we had her and she has changed our lives so much in the past year.

Question ??

So the question I wanted to ask is mainly aimed at the people who live in and around Blackpool/ North West and who like to craft.

I have been having a really good clean in my craft room and I have sorted out lots of items that I now no longer use. Much of it is unused and still in packets or used only once.

And so I wondered if I should have a  Craft Room Sale Day and invite people to come along and see if there was anything that they wanted to buy. I have dies and punches, embossing folders, die cutting machines, lots of crafting goodies and far too much to mention here.

I even have the complete set of Spectrum Noir pens and the refills if any one is interested in them

I can't send the big stuff abroad as it would cost too much but if you live near me and would like to come along then please let me know at 

christina@card-making-magic.com 

and if there is enough interest then I will make a Sunday free within the next couple of weeks.

The time will be 10.30 till 4pm and I will even provide tea and coffee and maybe the odd biscuit or two. But please be advised that my craft room is at the top of the house with two flights of stairs to climb ... but well worth it when you get there

Let me know what you think please and if you would like to come along

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

I was up early this morning and the sun was shining.... which makes a change from the past few Saturdays. Ruby is already out walking with Griff and tomorrow we are going to go out for Sunday lunch to a dog friendly place in Lytham so she can come with us.  It's going to be a good weekend.

The draw for the card and gift from yesterday has already been done and the name chosen today is YOU ...

Kath

would you send me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and both will be on their way to you straight away.

You have 72 hours in which to claim the prize and please let me know that they arrive safely with you

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Dragonfly Dreams

Hi Everybody,

Lots of people love butterflies but this dragonfly is also very pretty and will decorate your cards to perfection.

The video to show this gift was Dragonfly Dreams and I am adding it here to refresh your memory.

So if this is a die and stamp set that you would like to add to your collection then all you need to do is leave m a comment. 

 In tomorrows blog post a name will be announced as the winner and so you need to come back and check if it is you. 

You will have 72 hours in which to claim the gift and then it will be offered to someone else at a later date. So don't miss out 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tonic Studios Kit 07

Hi Everybody,

Today I am sharing the latest craft kit from Tonic and this is 07 for March.

There are such a lot of dies in this kit that you will be able to mix and match to your hearts content.

There are two distinct styles ... one square and the other rectangle with beautiful shapes to ad as toppers

It is called Picture Frame and here I have used it as a frame on a card front. But it would look lovely with a photo behind it as a free standing frame.

To be sure that you always get your kit then why not subscribe and have it delivered to your door each month.

Here are the links for you  ... 

UK and Europe

US and North America    

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Simply Cards & Papercraft 174

Hi Everybody,

The free gift with this months Simply Cards & Papercraft is this lovely Layered Rose Die Set from Altenew

It will create the most beautiful flowers for you to add to your projects and it is really easy to do.

Maybe in the past you have tried to use the stamps that are layered and not enjoyed the intricacy of them.  Well all the work is taken out of layering with this die set ... and there is a free paper download to help you even more.

The video will show you how to use the dies and I promise you are going to love the flowers and as long as you use three different shades of your chosen colour then you will get the layered look you desire and be very happy with the result

The magazine will be on sale on the 22nd February so if you want this dies set then you will need to be quick as it is going to be very popular. 

Reserve a copy with your newsagent or to be sure that you always get yours delivered to your door then why not consider taking out a subscription at  http://www.moremags.com

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Frilly Flowers & Acetate Leaves

Hi Everybody,

I have been looking at other ways in which to use the flower stamps and dies from the "Christina Collection"

And with this one I was really pleased with the result.

The video is a bit longer than usual but I have lined the inside and created the box to go with it and that takes the time up.

And because of the amount of noise near my house the day I filmed it I have added  more of the music to the film.

I have tried to pick a relaxing piece but for those of you who don't like the music my apologies ...  it was needed today

I hope you will enjoy it all the same and the finished card is lovely with the delicate acetate leaves.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Altenew Layered Plaid

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is using the new Layered Plaid die that I bought this week and that I promised to show you.

It comes in two parts to create the look and I think it is absolutely lovey. You would get a different effect by changing the colours each time.

Vary the look with glitter or mirror card and dress anyway you like.

For my card I have used the flowers and leaves from the Layered Flowers in the "Christina Collection"

And the leaves are done on acetate as I have shown you in other videos.

The "Hello" die is also from Altenew and has a matching stamp set with various add on sentiments to it 

And if you like Altenew products then come back on Wednesday to see the free gift with Simply Cards & Papercraft and you wont be disappointed 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Aldi Brushes ...

Hi Everybody,

A little while I told you about this fabulous find in Aldi of these brushes that are perfect for blending inks.

I bought loads of them to use with my Distress Oxides and they were so good I went back the next day and bought some more.

I got the small brushes at three in a a pack for £2.99

But where to store them was the next step and so I bought this square glass vase and it holds them perfectly so that they can sit on my worktop

At the moment there are thirty in the container and that is enough for me to use with my Oxide inks

You can clean the ink off the brushes with paper towels or baby wipes so that you can use another shade on the same brush.

By that I mean I would stick to shades of one colour and not change the colours completely.

Two shades of pink wont make that much difference but if you add a blue and then blend with a yellow you could get a green and if that is not what you wanted on your project then .....  OOOOOOPPPPSSS !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card Winner

Hi Everybody,

What a busy week I have had and now over the weekend I have some time to play. I have got some lovely new Altenew Dies and I can wait to see what they produce. I will of course be showing you the card once I have made them.

But for now the draw has been done for the Altenew Mistletoe Kisses gift from yesterday and the name chosen at random is YOU ...

Thelma Welch

please email me with your postal address to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and they will be on their way to you straight away.

You have 72 hours in which to claim them and I hope you will like them once they arrive with you. 

Please let me know that you have them safely.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Colours of the Season

Hi Everybody,

Today's card and gift is this lovely large A4 stamp set Colours of the Season.

The featured designer on this collection was Altenew and is a lovely layered Mistletoe stamp which I have used to make the card shown

The stamp set has sentiments as well as images that you can colour in your favourite medium and it's not just for Christmas either.

So 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 and from those comments one name will be drawn and announced in tomorrows blog post.

If you add your name then be sure to come back in the morning to see if it is you. I am happy to send the gift wherever you live and it doesn't matter if you have won one before.

The video that featured this collection is here ... Colours of the Season

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Vellum Flowers & Acetate Leaves

Hi Everybody,

Today's card has really delicate looking flowers on it and it is easy to make

I have made mine as a Wedding card using items from the "Christina Collection"  but it could be made for any ocasion

The video will show you how this card as created along with the envelope to go with it.

But you could just as easily make a box if you preferred.

Most of the supplies that I used are from Craft Stash apart for the little Glitter balls as they are from Wild Orchid Crafts

The video is not too long and I hope you will enjoy it.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Die Cutting Essentials 34 - Basket of Blossoms

Hi Everybody,

Create pretty baskets for your Easter cards this year and fill them with eggs or flowers.

This bumper die set consists of 21 dies for you to mix and match and create the look that you want for your own designs.

I coloured mine with Copics but you can use your favourite method or even use coloured card, as I did for the pictured card,  if colouring is not your thing.

The video will show you several ideas that you may like to try

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

One for the Boys ...

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is for the men in your life that will need a card for birthdays or other occasions where a card can be sent

I have used the dies, stamps and stencils from the Masculine Additions to the "Christina Collection" and made a quick and easy card.

Alter the greeting to suit your recipient and make the envelope match the design.
 Add the Googly Eyes just for fun

The video is not long and so make yourself a cuppa and relax for a little time to view

Use colours and patterns that are in keeping with your recipient and then send it with love 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Inlaid Butterfly Card

Hi Everybody,

Many of you love butterflies and so this card will fit the bill beautifully and it is very easy to make.

I have used the Layered Butterflies dies and stencils from The "Christina Collection" and the video will show you how I created this one

I have lined the inside of this card and made the envelope compliment the card too.

Here are a couple of different colourways and you can experiment with your own scheme to personalise your own cards

Adding a different sentiment can make it suitable for any occasion

I hope you have fun playing with the dies, stamps, embossing folders and stencils from my collection and it is set to grow in the next few weeks

Enjoy the video

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Apple Blossom Dies ...

Hi Everybody,

Today I want to share a new addition to the All Occasions Collection and this is the Spring additions

The original folder was free with a magazine and if you got yours then well done !!

It sparked off a whole new ranges of beautiful folders with lots of different patterns on them and I have done lots of videos using them.

But these new ones are really lovely and there are several new ones for you to choose from.

The video will show which ones I have used how to create make the circular card

But you can get a different look simply by inking up the folder and each side will add the ink in a different area. This is Letterpress and if you are new to card making then it really is quite easy to do

Have fun with these new folders, dies and stamps and combine them with others from the

 All Occasions Collection

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Card & Gift Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

Don't these Saturdays come round really fast ?? It seems no time at all since the last one and once again it's raining.

 I have had a really busy week and have done lots of videos for you to view. I have also sorted out lots of Friday Freebies for the coming weeks and so I hope you will keep popping back to see what is on offer.

The winner of this weeks Build a Bouquet die and stamps set is YOU ....

Marilyn Mathis

so would you send me your postal address please to

christina@card-making-magic.com

and both will be on their way to you straight away.

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Friday Freebie - Build a Bouquet

Hi Everybody,

Flowers are always a useful item in any collection as they fill so many gaps on all kinds of cards.

And this Stamp and Die set is perfect for any occasion.

The video Build A Bouquet has had over 6.000 views and lots of people left me a comment on it.

But to be in with chance to win it now you need to leave me a comment here and from those comments one name will be drawn as the winner.

I will announce the name in tomorrows blog post so please come back and check if it is you.

You don't need a blog to enter and I don't mind sending it wherever you live

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Valentines Day Card

Hi Everybody,

It's not far off now for you to send those Valentines cards to the ones you love

And this card is created with the Love & Marriage Additions  to the Christina Collection

This is a really useful set to have for all year round and makes beautiful Anniversary Cards

The video will show you how I made this and decorated the matching envelope

I have used Alcohol markers to colour the flower but you can use your favourite medium if you prefer.  

I do not profess to be an artist but I was quite pleased with the result

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Papercraft Essentials 156 - Scenescape

Hi Everybody,

There is a bumper gift on offer with this months Papercraft Essentials 156 that will help you to make some really pretty cards.

There is Pretty Quick Scenescape embossing folder with lovely stamps to enhance the scene.

Or use them to create a background for you instead as I have done with this card.

There is also a beautiful Prima paper pack and the opportunity to get the Little Bird Die & Stamp set just by paying the postage

I did a video a while ago when the Little Bird set was offered as a free gift with Simply Cards & Papercraft and to refresh your memory here is the link to the video for you ....

  Little Bird Die & Stamp set 

But this Scenescape set is really versatile and would suit male and female cards ... and all age groups too.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx