Picture this ...

My "Film Crew" ... in his retirement ... has decided that he is going to keep fit,  and so he has taken to riding his bike again.

He dons his helmet and his fingerless  "Go Faster" gloves and cycles his way around the streets.

Now we have a lane that runs behind the house that has security gates at each end and they have to be opened and closed each time.

Am I setting the scene for you with this story ???

Well Griff ... without getting off his bike ...  opened it and wheeled his way through .... then still on his bike he tried to pull it closed  behind him as he went.

But his back wheel got caught in the gate spokes and ... as he tried to pedal away  ...... He Fell Off !!

He didn't even have time to put his foot back down to save himself and so the bike just went sideways.... and so did he.

At that moment in time a lady with her children and dog walked past.

And the dog decided to cock it's leg up on the lamppost ... and so they all  had a good view.  

He hurriedly picked himself up and started fiddling with the bike.   "Chains ...." he muttered as he smiled sweetly at her.

 The kids laughed and when he told me so did I

I  had vision of the woman saying to her husband ... "I've just seen a  poor owd man fall off his bike..."

 He's not hurt I hasten to add  ... just his ego is a little dented.

The link for the   Grand Decorative Cicle    is stiil open till the end of the month

Hugs xx

I am so excited......

Hi Everybody,

As you know I have been busy adding colouring tutorials with the Spectrum Noir Pen system

The videos  have been  featured,  all of them,  on the Spectrum Noir Blog.

The link is to the latest addition to the series,  but the most exciting news was that it prompted this email.

I received  this last evening  from Jennie Black who is the director of education for Spectrum Noir and this is what she wrote .....

Christina,

I am totally thrilled with the video that is on the website today.  I would like to have you part of our teacher accreditation program, and approve you as Spectrum Noir Accredited Instructor,  as well as your Accredited Colorist Status. 

You have shown outstanding teaching skills, and we would be proud for you to hold this title.

In addition, I would be honored if you would allow me to show your video at our upcoming instructor meeting that we are holding next week.

I am thrilled with your work and so happy you are willing to share it with the world.

Jennie Black

Director of Education,  Spectrum Noir

Isn't that just the best compliment any body could get and I am absolutely thrilled.  I read it out to  Griff last night with laughter and tears at the same time.  I can't believe it ....I just wish I could be at their meeting but alas it is in America.   But what a buzz it gave me last night I can't tell you how I feel.

Now onto other things... if you are wanting to enter the draw for the Spellbinders then you have to go here ....Grand Decorative Circles   and add your name to the list .... but only once please as duplicates will be removed to keep it fair to everybody.
I believe that there have been some problems with adding your links .... well I have been onto InLinkz and they have told me how to sort it ...... so it's sorted.... I hope.

Please let me know if there are any further problems.... email me christina@card-making-magic.com ... and you don't need to have a Blog either, just leave the URL box blank

Another thing is that people think they can't enter if they live in Germany or America.  Please add your names ... you have as much chance as anybody else and I will be delighted to send you the dies wherever you live.

Coming Soon ...

My "Film Crew" is busy at the moment in the garage creating a wonderful surprise for all of you and it is something that I will be giving away to one lucky winner... and I know you will all want one when I do.  

Hugs xx

Don't forget to add our name to the Linky to win the   Grand Decorative Circles

Another "Freebie" for you...

Hi  Everybody,

This is the continuing saga of the wrong Spellbinders from Scrap-Mart.

They have given me an apology and offered me a voucher to spend in their shop.... and told me to keep the dies.

So because I now have two sets of the same dies I am offering you the chance this month to win the extra set.

The Grand Decorative Ovals   produce  quite a large oval ... which can be used to create the whole card shape or used to add matting and layering effects to your designs.

It is a set well worth having and the offer will run throughout January ... so if you would like to be the winner then add your name to the box.  The same rule applies as the last give away and that is no duplicate entries please.

If you add your name more than once it will be removed to keep it fair to everybody.  And if you are new to the Blog and wanted to become a follower then that would be very nice too.

Leave me a comment and let me know that you have entered or what you think of the blog itself.

If you don't have a blog it is not a problem  ... just leave the URL BOX BLANK  ... but please leave your name.

Good Luck 

Hugs

Another way to use ...

Hi Everybody...

I told you the story about the late Spellbinders I have only just got ...  and of course it is far too late to use the Holiday Tree on my Christmas cards.

Not to be outdone I have used it anyway.

I am always encouraging you to think outside the use for which a die is intended and this one is no different.

So I have cut it out .....

... and the turned it on it's side and added it to the corner of the card.

I then trimmed the edges to fit and glued it in place.

Click the photos .... it makes them bigger

I have added in a double layer of Gingham and some Organza ribbon and a  Gingham bow.

The tiny red rose in the centre is from
Wild Orchid Crafts.

My topper is a stamp from Crafters Companion
coloured with Spectrum Noir Pens.

Not bad eh ???

Hugs xx

Colouring with Green

Hi Everybody ...

Yesterday saw my "Film Crew" up his ladder filming the latest video in the Colour Class Series.

This fabulous Dragon is from the Just Inklined CD  "The Next Big Thing"

There are some really good images on the CD but if you click the link it will take you to their website where you can buy the  images individually.

For this tutorial I have used the six pen set and the Colour Class Greens will show you how I coloured him in.

The links to the others in the series are in the right hand column on the website,  and each will open a new window for you to view.

Once he is coloured you can decorate the card any way you wish.

The background on both cards is finished with Clouds ... and the short video will show you how to get the look for yourself.

I have added in  colour coordinated flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts

The sentiment is from Lili of the Valley

The branches are using the Spellbinders Cherry Blossom set.

And my beautiful "Bling" is from Want2Scrap

Hugs xx