Walk in the Park ...

Hi Everybody,

I hope you can join me today on  UK Create and Craft as I have several shows throughout the day.
8am, 10am, 12noon, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00, 19.00

But in all this busy schedule of doing the shows that have gone  "Live" to USA  ...  we managed to get some free time and went out to brave the cold.

On Monday we went to Ferry Meadows and wandered around the park .... but it was very cold

Never the less we went into the visitor centre and got some food to feed the ducks.

As soon as we walked near the feeding deck they swam towards us and as the food was thrown into the water there  was an absolute frenzy for the food.

The smaller gulls  created most of the fuss and they stole all the duck food

The were several swans too and  although they are such a graceful bird ... they pecked and bullied the ducks away.

We didn't brave it for very long as it was so very very cold ... but we did find somewhere for a very pleasant  lunch and whiled away a few hours in the pub.

This will be a lovely walk in the warmer months and I shall look forward to doing this again later in the year

See you later on Create and Craft and don't forget that the shows can be watched for up to seven days.

And can also be watched via your PC or even on Pinterest.

For my US readers you will find it on ...  createandcraft.com   Look in the Program Guide for Grand Calibur Touchdown Deal and also the Spellbinders Touchdown Deal

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Tuesday Tutorial - 3-D Embossing Folders

Hi Everybody,

Todays Tutorial is using a  beautiful  Spellbinders 3-D M-Bossabilities   and you can create this look with any of  these folders ... and the link  above will show you the selection that is available.

Using an embossing folder will create a most beautiful textured background for any of your designs

To use the 3-D folders in your Grand Calibur you will need the pink embossing plate  that came with the machine and you will need to buy the  Raspberry Adaptor Plate  as the folders are quite thick

Open the folder and place the card you are using onto the side  that is raised

It helps the fibres in the card to stretch if you spritz it with some clean water first.

And when adding the folder to the machine put the hinged part so that it goes into the opening first.

This will give you a really deep emboss to your card and then you can trim it to fit the size of card you are creating.

I have used the 5x7 Matting Basics  A&B  to make my Hinged Card   as this is the style that really works for me

With some Gilding Wax of your choice rub over the raised areas with a soft cloth to bring our the beauty in the design.

Then polish it to a soft sheen with some clean cloth.

I have used the Creative Expressions Metallic Gilding Waxes and in the picture below they are from left to right ...

Pearl Moon, Pewter, Cast Bronze and Enchanted Gold

Apply as much or as little as you wish and experiment with different colours for a completely new look

I have used three of the panels to make cards that would be suitable for  any occasion

I have added in flowers from   Wild Orchid Crafts  to the creamy colored one for a soft female look and used Pearl Moon Gilding Wax

I used silver mirror card and white satin ribbon on the other along with Pewter Gilding Wax and that would make a lovely wedding card.

And on the bronze colored one I used Cast Bronze Gilding Wax and added in twine and a bronze button for a more masculine look. 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

Treat Toppers

Hi Everybody,

First I would like to say a BIG thank you to my American readers who have been watching the "Live" US Create and Craft shows  and then taken the time to email me and tell me that they have enjoyed the shows.

It is very heart warming to know that you are there and really lovely to read the comments. It is quite an experience for me as the shows are slightly different ... but although nervous I am enjoying it immensely. I am back on UK Create and Craft on Tuesday and Wednesday  this week

This little card is not a very good picture but that is my fault as it was going dark and I was in a hurry to get  all the cards photographed.

But it uses a little die from the Celebrations Collection  from Spellbinders

It is called   Treat Toppers  and it creates the prettiest little windmills for your card.

Here I have made two from double sided  patterned card that is also from the same collection.

I have  added in paper swirls to represent the strings from the windmills

In the centre I have added a  pearl Brad  and added them to the card with foam tape to create different levels.

I created my  card base and the  double frame from the  Pierced Rectangles   from the same collection and these will give you the look of a pierced edge without the hard work of doing it yourself

So no ribbons, flowers or pearls on this card but still a neat little card to give and could be for any occasion

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Doily Art

Hi Everybody,

This really pretty card is simply created with an embossing folder and the impression is so deep that it looks as if it has been decoupaged on the top.

It is a 3-D folder called  Doily Art  and it is from the Celebrations Collection   from Spellbinders

The sandwich for using these folders in your Grand Calibur is the Pink Embossing plate along with the Raspberry Adapter plate as they are very deep

Some tips if you do use these folders ... first is to spritz the card first to soften the fibres and this will give you a deeper emboss.

And  secondly when you add the folder to the machine add it with the hinge in first as this is the folders narrowest end.

Once embossed all I have done is  run over the raised pattern with an ink pad to enhance the design even more, but there is  also a stamp set to match this die set

To the design I have some lovely organza ribbon with a sparkly centre to the bow and it is an easy way to create an impressive card for those last minute occasions.

The sentiment is also a die cut and these make a useful addition  to all your card making or scrapbook pages.

There are several styles to choose from and this is Sentiments One  ... I have added the link to them all so that you can see the choices available to you

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Todays Card Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

So todays late start  is due to the fact that I had a late night filming for C&C shows that are going out to USA.   And so this morning was a well earned lie in and a lazy hotel breakfast.

Next week I am back with Spellbinders, on February 3rd and 4th,  with the Pick of the Day and there are several shows for you to choose from.  I hope you will be bale to join me and maybe send in your email to let me know that you are there.

The Friday Freebie card has been drawn as usual by my "Film Crew" and the name this week is ...

Donna Okoniewski

Could you send me your postal address please so that I can send the card to you.

Email me please at 

christina@card-making-magic.com

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

More tomorrow