Beautiful Card Designs Made Easy

December 22, 2013

Stamping Tips

Hi Everybody,

If you are a seasoned crafter then please just skip the next post  as I don't mean to talk down to any of you at all.

But I have been asked for help  by some ladies that are new to  all things card making ...  and especially about stamping.

They want to know how to get a clean finish to their work as some of them are left with speckles and a bit of  mess on what is otherwise a good piece.

So I have put together  a short video to explain some of the things I do when I want to stamp my sentiments, characters or scenes,  in the hope that  it may help some of the lovely ladies who take the trouble to write to me and ask my advice.




The video is not long and I hope it helps to answer some of the questions I have been asked and thank you for sending me your queries ... it is my pleasure to help wherever I am able.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

December 21, 2013

Labels Four Collection

Hi Everybody,

A couple of days ago I used the Gold Labels Four.

Todays card stays with Labels Four but this time using the Nesting Labels Four and the 5x7 Elegant Labels.

The blue card is Centura Pearl and it has been layered with white and it makes for a very fresh look.







The sentiment is from the Sentimentals Range by  Crafters Companion   and it has been embossed in silver.

The flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts   and the pearls as always are from  Want2Scrap

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx



December 20, 2013

A2 Cards ...

Hi Everybody,

Yesterday someone sent me a plea to make some videos with cards in a smaller size ... namely A2 as she had bought this size Spellbinders and was not very happy about it.

Please don't be despondent about your purchase  Fizz as there is so much you can do with this size die and hope fully I can give you some ideas.

I also had emails from several  other people this week with the same request.

So I am going to do some tutorials to show you what you can achieve with the smaller dies.

Fizz  you also asked me about sizes and weights and so this video will explain some of the basics ... because as a new card maker it can be confusing.



Both of the cards on todays post are also using the Matting Basics A and B sets in the A2 size.    Just because the card is small doesn't mean it can't be dressed up as the larger ones.

The list at the bottom of the page will show you what some of the other A2 Card Creator dies look like ... and these are the ones I will be using in the next few videos.

I am   NOT  for one minute suggesting that you go and buy all these dies ... only that I will be giving some ideas with them

The videos will be with you soon and I hope they will help.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx





December 19, 2013

We are Special ....

Hi Everybody,

Cream is the order of the day for this little card but it has lots of layers to it.

I have teamed it with a really pale shade of green with paler cream flowers on it and it works quite well together ... though the green is not really showing on the photo.

The verse is from the Every day sentiments from   Lili of the Valley  and is just one of a set of lovely verses on one sheet

The dies have  been layered with foam tape, and with  Satin edged Organza ribbon wrapped around the bottom.

The single rose is from  Wild Orchid Crafts  and I have sparkled it with fine glitter from  Glitter Magic

The beautiful pears are from  Want2Scrap  and I have added tiny ones all around the Scalloped edge

Please Note ...

I have been using the older Spellbinders in many of the latest cards that I have been showing as they are such a considered purchase,  and they are some I have had for a long time.

We all need to get as much use out of the SB's that we buy,  after all  you don't buy a set of dies for a one time use only. 

But I must stress to you that you can get them cheaper if you shop around .... Ebay, Amazon, Save on Hobbies, Sunrise Crafts, Once Upon a Stamp and many many more discount places.

The list of the dies that I add at the end of each post is there for information  purposes only to show you the dies available ... so that you know what to look for when you go shopping.

Do your research and find the best possible  price for your self ... you owe it to yourself to get the bargains.


More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx





December 18, 2013

Spellbinders Flower dies

Hi Everybody,

Thank you for your comments on the flowers added yesterday ... it seems I am not the only one to like flowers.

So here is another tutorial on using Spellbinders dies to create some very pretty ones for your cards.

There are lots more videos on the website using different materials to create even more ...  and  not just with Spellbinders.

If you have the time pop over there for a browse around.

Here are some links for you ...
Organza Flowers ...  Felt Flowers with SB  ...  Ribbon Rose  ...  Paper Roses  ...  Enameled Roses




Below you will find a list of some of the dies that I have used to create flowers on some of my cards over the years.
  Many of these dies are available at a very good price from   Save On Hobbies   

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx