Do I Like It ???

Hi Everybody,

This is a card that I am not too sure about as I really am not partial to yellow.

For this I have created a background from stamps and embossed it.

It has then been matted and layered it onto plain yellow card. The next white layer has also been embossed and again matted to yellow.

The stain ribbon has been wrapped around the middle before adding the whole lot to the white base card.

I have cut two of the Gilded Gate and laid them on their sides to make the filigree background to the sentiment.

The centre panel and the two corner pieces  has been cut from the Lattice Accents and Motifs and then layered with Scalloped Ovals and the Floral Ovals and I have used foam pads to give them some height.

The sentiment is from a set that I bought at the GNPE and there is no brand name to it so I can't tell you who made it.  I have stamped it in yellow and then em,bossed it with clear powder.

The Diamante "Bling" is from Want2Scrap  and completes the look of a card I don't think I like very much now that it is done.

Hugs xx

3D Embossabilities Folder

Hi Everybody,

Spellbinders have recently brought out these new 3D embossing folders and this one is the Framed Labels 18 

It is the one I have used to produce many of the Letterpress Cards that I have shown you over the last few days... and it has raised a number of questions about the folders themselves.

The  effect from inking up this folder is very pretty and makes a whole card all by itself.

In the video I used the Big 'n Juicy Ink pad but you can use any water based inks that you have.

Distress Inks work really well.

The reason for water based inks is that they will wash off the folder with a little water, or a baby wipe, and leave the folder ready to use again.

But if you use a permanent ink then the plastic that the folder is made from will stain and discolour and although you wash it the stain will probably remain on the folder.

The folders are very deeply etched and so will  give you  a really good impression on your card.


The  pattern inside the inked folder can be seen on the left  in these photos and the printed card is on the right ... . and as I showed you in the video for the Letterpress Technique   the look  can be achieved with any embossing folder so there is no need to rush out and buy more.

In the photographs you can see the difference between the two sides.

But remember  that the raised side you ink up then that is the side that will be coloured.

When the ink is dry you can trim the panel neatly around the edges.

Then mat and layer it onto some matching or contrasting card to add to your designs.

And here again is the finished card... and I have used the inked card just above.

I used a glue pen to pick out the Fleur Di Lis pattern at the bottom of the card and then sprinkled it with Glamour Dust.

The sentiment is from a pack that I bought at the GNPE and there isn't a manufacturers name on it so I can't tell you who made them.  Soreeee !!

It has been stamped onto the Labels 20 and edged with the matching "Bling"  from Want2Scrap.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts  .... and if you like adding flowers to your cards then watch out for the next  "Give Away" ..... coming soon

I think that covers most of the questions and I hope you will give this technique a try ... you won't be disappointed with it.

Hugs xx

Wedding Card

Hi Everybody,

This is another  Letterpress  Card and this one is made  for a  Wedding.

I have kept the colour to a soft cream and added in Gold metal corners to opposite ends.

I lightly rubbed the Antique Linen Distress Ink over the raised areas to enhance them a little more.

The sentiment has been stamped onto the largest of the Scalloped Ovals and then matted onto the Floral Ovals.

It has been embossed in gold and trimmed with a gold peel off.

The flowers are shades of cream and they are from Wild Orchid Crafts.  and the petals on each has been sparkled with Glamour Dust.

The trim around the middle of the card is pearl tear drops and is also from WOC and it is very pretty.

Tomorrow I will add cards with other items on them as I am sure you must be getting fed up of all the Letterpress cards.

Hugs xx

Pink Letterpress Card

Hi Everybody,

No post yesterday as we spent the whole day getting my daughters old house ready for the new people.  The whole place shines and smells gorgeous.

We steamed and shampooed everything ... we even vacuumed the Venetian blinds and steam cleaned the wallpaper.  So now the new people can move in and have nothing to do as everything is ready for them.

Here is another of the Letterpress cards and this one is crated with Victorian Velvet and the Framed Labels 18 3D M-Bossabiliteis folder

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and they are a mixture of Roses, Carnations, Cherry Blossoms, Tulips and buds.

The Diamante "Bling" is from Want2Scrap  and makes this card look really special.

The white Organza ribbon is from my "Stash" and the centre has the addition of a Dazzler.

This is using the same folder and colour scheme but with the other side of the folder inked up.

This gives a different look to where the colour is added.... but is just as pretty.

The video  Letterpress Technique  has now been added to the website and I hope you will find it useful.

Hugs xx 

Lovely in Lilac...

Hi Everybody,

Today we have moved my youngest daughter from her old house to ours for three weeks until her new house is ready for her to move into.

And so my house looks like Steptoes back yard with all the stuff around.

I don't know how one small person can have so much stuff and most of it has gone into storage.

So this is just a short post due to lack of time... and energy !!

This is another card using the Letterpress Technique and yesterday I made a short video on this technique... and the page will be will be added to the website on Monday.... and I will post the link then.

For this card I have used the 3D M-Bossabilities folder
Framed Labels 18  and the Dusty Concord Distress Ink.  The bottom half to the card has been sparkled up with Glamour Dust and wrapped with some lace.

The flowers are a beautiful  arrangement from Wild Orchid Crafts and they too have the addition of Glamour Dust to the petals.  It is much prettier in real life.

Hugs xx

Red and White

Hi Everybody,

This card is a long way from the neutral ones I featured yesterday and is a very bright and busy red.

 It has lots of layers to it and is much better in real life than the picture shows.

All the Spellbinders used will be BOLD  so that you will know what has been used.

So starting from the base this is what I have used....

The white base has been embossed with the A4 folder Garden Lattice and I have  double layered  this onto red and then white card.

I have then cut the 5 x 7  Enchanted Labels 28 in red matted it to white and then red again and added it to the card front with foam tape to raise it up.

Red Organza ribbon has been wrapped around before adding these layers to the base card.

The next layer is a hand created background that is stamped using  one of the new colours from Distress inks  and this is Festive Berries.

It was then cut from A2 Filigree Delight  which is embossed  with the Lattice folder and then matted to red and then white card.

The  hearts have been cut from the Vines of Passion die which is a two part set and the centre of the filigree has been filled with glitter... and added with even more foam tape to give definition.

A large pearl is in the centre of the bow to hide the knot and there you have it ..... not a card you can miss really as it is so vibrant.

Hugs xx

Cream, White and Black ...

Hi Everybody,

The theme for these cards is keeping things simple and just using three neutral colours.

Cream, White and  Black are all that I have used and I have embossed each of the panels for effect.

The flowers are one of the Die D-Lites from Spellbinders  and this one is the Asters and Poppies.

The sentiment has been added to one of the Fancy Tags 3 and I have cut it twice and added the black one to the back for a shadow effect.

All the panels have been added with foam pads and the ribbon is a double one with White Organza and some Grosgrain with little flowers in the weave.

The button is one that  I removed from a cardigan when the garment was thrown away ... I knew it would come in handy one day!!!

This card uses  Bluebells and Lily of the Valley and is another of the smaller Die D-Lites.... and they have been added to the Filigree Vase.

I have matted to the white base card  Enchanted Labels 28 and this is a big die.

The cream centre part is Labels 30 which I have embossed

The white Organza ribbon is wrapped around the card  and the pewter button is another from my button jar.

All have been matted and layered onto white and black and black pearls added in the top right corner.

Then last but not least  is this one.

For this I have used  the Gilded Gate 2 and I have cut the whole lot from White card .... and then chopped off the gates and used them as a grid.

They have been matted and layered onto alternate white and black panels and the white one has been embossed.

I have added in some "Bling"  from Want2Scrap on this card and I quite like the finished look of them all.

Hugs xx

Busy Day ...

Hi Everybody,

I have been busy playing with the new dies from the Craft show and here are some of the cards thatI have come up with.

I have tried to make them all completely different to each other and to cover several occasions when we would need to make a card.

The Lilac one is using the Radiant Rectangles and I love this die because it is so versatile and ornate.

They can be mixed and matched to create a number of shapes in all sizes and when added to a card make it look rich..

The Floral centre to the card has Glass Beads added and the butterfly was free with my monthly magazine.

This pink  card is for a wedding and I have used the Large Shoe and the Lattice background from Stamps by Chloe.

The sentiment is added to another of the Radiant Rectangle shapes and has been embossed in silver.

The flowers have been sparkled and they are from Wild Orchid Crafts

I have added in some  pink "Bling" along the side of the shoe and it is from Want2Scrap     The shoe itself has been decoupaged with three layers and all matted and layered onto pink and white card.

And last of all I have made  a Sympathy Card using the Crosses 2 from Spellbinders.

I have kept this one very simple in white and used the Opulent Ovals to create the centrepiece.

The background has been embossed and I have used white Cosmic Shimmer glue to create the pearls.

I have cut two sizes and layered them with foam pads and altered the orientation of one.

The silver background to the sentiment is the smallest die from Locking Loops

Hugs xx

Delightful Daisies

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is made from the new 3D M-Bossabilities folder Delightful Daisies from Spellbinders.

I have used the Letterpress  technique with the Big 'n Juicy Waterfall Ink and I really like the effect it gives.

The Butterfly is from the Les Papillion and I have cut it in turquoise and white and added gemstones to the body line.

The ribbon is Organza from my stash with a turquoise Dazzle in the centre to cover the knot.

The sentiment has been added to the Decorative Labels 1 and I have added in some matching "Bling"  form Want2Scrap

It has all been double matted onto turquoise and white card and an "A" Frame added to the back to display the it.

So this is just a short post for today but I do like the card.

Hugs xx

Back to Spellbinders...

Hi Everybody,

Today I am helping my daughter with packing as she is moving house in two weeks time.

We have to get everything ready to go into storage for a short while until the house she is buying is ready for her to move in to.

She text me the other day with her moving date and I asked jokingly "Oh and where are you moving too" and she text back with "Your house for about three weeks...."

So the card featured is one I made a while ago and uses the new Imperial Gold dies from Spellbinders.

I have used the Gold Labels Four and layered it with Gold Ivy for a very pretty combination.  I have used some pink Organza ribbon topped with pink silk ribbon and a button form my button jar on the knot.

The Pink swirl flourish is from Want2Scrap 

The background has been embossed and the edges pierced and I have done a little video on Pierced Edges that may help you if you are new to the idea.

Here is a sobering thought .... I have had to go to the Doctors because apparently my blood pressure is high and I asked him why as I have always had low BP.

He said   ... "When you are young your veins are like flexible tubes ... but when you get to your age they are like ....er  rigid pipes"      well thanks for that Doc ... I felt about a hundred and two ....

See you tomorrow

Hugs xx

Green Card Fixed ...

Hi Everybody,

I had a lovely day out yesterday and caught up with all my friends news over lunch and coffee.

Then when I got home I had the green card with the wonky pearls staring accusingly at  me ... and so I had to make it right.

This is what I did......  I cut around the edge and removed the wonky bit and then remounted the centre part on two more layers.

I embossed the white layer and then matted into onto the green base card.

Some pearly "Bling" from Want2Scrap in two different sizes was added to the top left and bottom right and an "A" Frame made for the back of the card to display it .... and now .... I like it better.

I also did the same thing to the pink one and I added the centre part to the Locking Loops in Pink.

I pierced the edges of the next white layer and matted it onto the pink base.

The addition of some Swirly rhinestone Bling completes the look.

And now I am a happy bunny with two much prettier cards.

Hugs xx

Quick Post ...

Hi Everybody,

This is a quick post today as I am going out for lunch with a friend and won't be back until later in the afternoon.

This one uses the Crosses Two set and it could be for many different occasion.

I have cut some silver foiled Acetate to cover the front of the card and this is beautiful.

I bought it at the craft show and it is foiled with butterflies and is quite thick.... thick enough to use as a card in it's own right.

The border at the top is from the Asian Accents set and both this and the crosses have been cut from Si;ver Mirror card.

I have cut all the crosses and laid them side by side and then matted the sentiment onto some more silver card and added some gemstones in each corner.

This could be for Easter, Confirmation, maybe a wedding card and even a Sympathy card.  the crosses can be used singly or in any combination and it looks much more luxurious in real life then on the photo

Thank you for all your support yesterday over the negative comment and the wonky green card.... which I will fix and show you what I have done with it..... more tomorrow.

Hugs xx

New Dies...

Hi Everybody,

Here are two cards using some of the new dies that I bought at the weekend.

 They feature the 5 x 7 Enchanted Labels 28 and it is quite a big die.

I have done it in two different colours and added in some of the smaller dies that I have.

The sentiments on both have been stamped and embossed and I have wrapped ribbon around the mats.

Easy cards to make and I love that die ... so intricate and yet looks very delicate.

The edges to the pink one have been rounded.

But this green one is going in the bin ....

 Look carefully at the white dots around the side .... they are not even on both sides and so it has to go. Ooooops !!

I may just take it apart and start again ... can't believe  my own stupidity ...  I must have been on another planet when I made this one.

In the centre panel I have added two of the pieces from the Damask Motifs as a frame behind the sentiment.

The swirly bits are from the Jewel Fantasies ... but have you noticed there are no flowers on either of them.

More cards tomorrow as I carry on playing with the dies.

Yesterday I had a comment left for me on YouTube by someone with an attitude problem.

They had watched  my Colour Class Reds tutorial where I have coloured the rose with an image from Just Inklined.

The person told me that I should learn to draw and not use other people images.....

I responded to the comment and I also added the story to Facebook .... and within a short space of time I had 59 people adding their own comment in support of ME ....

I cannot understand the thinking behind the comment as not every body can draw and so the best way to get a good result is to use a stamp, stencil or digital image and then enjoy the colouring in process.

If we did not use other peoples drawings then the artists that do the wonderful drawings would soon be out of business.

I would never be so rude as to leave a negative comment anywhere.  If I don't like the page that I am on or the video that is in front of me then I would just leave and find things that do interest me.

I was not angry or upset .... just baffled by the attitude.

Hugs xx

One Lucky Person ....

Hi Everybody,

Well today is the day  ... and the random draw for the  Spectrum Noir Pens  has been completed by InLinkz.

I won't keep you in suspense any longer because we now have a name ... and it is my great pleasure to announce that the lucky person is ...

Linda Parker  

and she has now been notified by email of her fantastic win.

I need your address please Linda so that I can get your prize posted to you straight away and then you can get playing with your pens.

If you are new to these Alcohol based pens then there are lots of videos to help you get the blends you want at 

Card Making Magic

This image is from Saturated Canary and has been coloured with these pens

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I have sparkled up the edges of the petals with Glamour Dust.

Watch out for the next "Give Away" and see if you can win that one ... and I will tell you more about that nearer the time.

Hugs xx

Craft Show "Goodies" 2013

Hi Everybody,

Home again after a really enjoyable weekend away at the Craft Show.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn this time and it was very good ... and a lot more reasonably priced than the last hotel we stayed in.

These are some of the things I bought and I can't wait to get playing with them all.

I eventually got my Grand Decorative Circles and I also bought the Grand Decorative Labels One.

But all the ones I bought have fancy edges to them and they are lovely.  I also got the large A4 M-Bossabilities folder and that will enable me to emboss a whole sheet of card in one go.  And I got a lot of magnetic sheets to store them on.

Some of the other items are the new colours in the Distress Inks and they are very bright for summer cards..... need more blenders to go with the new colours....and I know just the place to buy some too !!

I got all the usual stuff like glues,  glitters, Gilding Flakes and Alcohol Blending solution.

And I bought some of the "Stamps By Chloe" as they are just lovely and I can't wait to show you what I come up with using them.

It's nearly time for the draw to be done so if you haven't added your name to the list it will soon be too late.

Head on over to the page for your chance to win some   Spectrum Noir Pens    .... the winner will be chosen on Tuesday.

Hugs xx