Card Making Sketches

Many people sit and look at that piece of card for a long time  because they don't know where to start with cutting or folding it.... and maybe it is a favorite piece that you have stroked for a while.

Making a  sketch  from any idea that pops into your head can help you no end in your cardmaking.

You don't have to have drawing skills, just jot down the idea quickly while it is still fresh in your mind and then whenever you are stuck  you can look back through the sketches that you have drawn ... and inspire yourself.

Drawing out something like this can give you some idea of what the card will look like when you have finished.

Pick out the colours that you like and raid your "Stash" for any embellishments that you have saved up.

Try different colour schemes to see which you like the best.

Add matting and layering panels of different sizes, shapes, patterns , colours and textures to add interest to your card.

Try placing items in a "dry run" before you glue anything in place and that way you will be able to move things around if you don't like the look.

But that sketch can give you the grounding that can be the starting point for any of your creations.

Once you are happy with the look go ahead and glue it all together.

Then the next time you use the sketch ... ring the changes and play aound with it... mirror the drawing, turn it up side down, rotate it in one direction  ... and then the other way on your next card.

With your sketch and your imagination there will be no end to the possibilities you can play around with.

Why don't you pop over to the website at Card Making Magic and join the mailing list to recieve your free copy of the  Newsletter  each month,  and  get your free copy of the

                 "Card Making Sketches"

booklet at the same time.

Hugs Christina xx

Die Cutting Machines

I always respond personally to any questions that I am asked ... but I thought it may be a good idea to also add those questions to the Blog and answer them here as well ... for anybody that may have the same query.

The question was

"What is the difference between the Cuttlebug/Big Shot  and the Grand Calibur?

All die cutting machines do basically the same thing and that is take cardstock and a die through rollers to cut the shape of the die into that card. They can also emboss the shape.

The Cuttlebug and the Big Shot are really good machines. I have the Big Shot and still use it. It is a sturdy work horse that will last me for many years.

But the main difference between these machines and the Grand Calibur is the cutting area.  That is the space in the machine that allows for the die and the cutting plate to roll through.

The Big Shot above has an area that will fit an A5 card (A4 card folded in half) or about 5 x 7"

Both these machines will take dies from other companies but you will need to read the manufacturers instructions on how to layer up the plates to accomodate those different dies.

The Grand Calibur on the other hand is designed with an area that will accomodate the larger A4 size plate ... which means you can load up the cutting plate with more dies to run throught the machine at any one time.

It also means that you can use the larger dies  from other companies that will produce bigger shapes. 

But if you are thinking of buying,  or are already using the smaller dies and you want to collect the large ones, then I would say ...  save for a little longer and get the Grand Calibur in the first place.

There are many die cutting machines on the market so shop around for the best deal you can find.

Each machine has it's own merits and you need to research carefully the machine you are interested in buying to make sure it does eaxcatly what you want it to do.

Hugs Christina  xx

Trellis Card

This was a card that I added to the website along time ago and it has had some really lovely comments about it.

I just ran some card through my paper cutter (obviously not the kind that cuts it into tiny pieces)  and then added them to the aperture.

There is a Video Tutorial on how to get the look and it is very easy to do.

The flowers are made from various punches and dies and added randomly over the front.

But it is very effective and it gets the comments too.

Hugs Christina xx

Stamped Images

The images used on these cards are from the same company as yesterday...Polka Doodles

There are several diffent houses or toadstools that can all be used to create your own village.

You can add trees, fences, flowers and signs to personalise your scene.

Here I used one of the stamps to create the beach house, and the background is coloured in with Promarkers.

But this scene has used the Masking Technique and the same house to create this small village

This is such an easy idea to produce but it can extend  your library of stamps.

Just look again at the ones in your colection and see which stamps you can marry up with a second one to give them a whole new look.

Hugs Christina xx

Cute Characters

Having a focal point to the card gives the eye something to home into., and the composition of it all can make the whole lot  have the "Wow" factor .

And that is something we all want whenever we make that card.

Your focal point could be a flower, a shape, a verse or anything else that you choose to add.

But this card has had the addition of a really cute character.

She is from the "Pretty Sweet" CD from  Polka Doodles  and you will find several more little girls in various poses for you to use.

It is called a "Mini collection" but there is so much stuff on the disc that you will be amazed... and the backing papers are simply gorgeous.

The images come ready coloured  in or with a  line drawing if you prefer to colour your own.

The  Braided Ribbon is shown in a tutorial and makes a very pretty addition to your cards.

The card and the box are made from the papers and character from the CD.

I have sat this one on the edge of the ribbon and the flowers used on all the cards are from Wild Orchid Crafts 

Here is another little girl ... but if you are wanting some wee boys as well then take a look at the "Pretty Tuff" CD from the same company.

Hugs Christina xx