Beautiful Card Designs Made Easy

February 18, 2014

Birthday Card ....

Hi Everybody,

Yesterdays  card has been  very well liked on  here, on YouTube and on  Facebook and one or two of you have already tried it for yourselves .... and like the results.

I  knew you would love it ... Yaaaaay !!

Todays card goes back to a birthday theme and would you believe ... it's pink !!

I have used several different dies to make the card and  layered them all together with Mirror Card and foam tape.

The ribbon is from  Mei Flower  and the Diamante swirl is from Want2Scrap






The Bitty Blossoms  flowers have been glittered with a really fine blend from  Glitter Magic

And of course I had to do a video on these particular templates, and other Blossom dies,  and this video has been around now for almost two years.


Now this is the bit that amuses me no end .... it has had 8,350 views ... 27 comments ... 64 people like it ....
  and one person doesn't !!


What is there not to like ????  If it's not what they thought it was then all they have to do is leave the channel.....   Beats me !!

The  "Give Away"  is still on and will run until Saturday.  There are lots of new names on this list and please remember you need to be a follower to win ... and although 404 people have entered there are only 65 comments.

Please leave me a comment and then I will know you have been ... especially if you want the prize ... not too much to ask !!


More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


February 17, 2014

Perfect for a Wedding ....

Hi Everybody,

I made this card and videoed  it to show you what I did and I can't wait to know what you all think of it.

It has been on YouTube since Friday and has had over a 1,400 views already and 37 comments ... and people seem to like it.

This picture  does not do it justice as it is a really beautiful card full of sparkle on the filigree panel



The listed die is the only one I have used and as I say in the video it can be a bit fiddly to cut.

You may need to pass it through your die cutter a couple of times.

But I tell you it is so worth it and you will be really pleased with the end result.

Now for the supplies used ....

The flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts   and all the glitter used on the panel and flowers is from Glitter Magic   ... and this is the glitter that is in the "Give Away"

The lovely lilac  pearls are some of the Bulk Buy "Bling"  from  Want2Scrap   and the ribbon with a silver edge is from Mei Flower

The sentiment and the  Paisley embossing folder  are from  Crafters Companion  ... and the link will take you straight to the  A4 folder.


If you haven't see the latest "Give Away" then now is the time to take a look at the prize and


More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

February 16, 2014

Beautiful Ribbons ...

Hi Everybody,

As you know I love to add flowers, ribbons and pearls to my cards.  For me they really turn the card into something special.

This is a card I added a few days ago and I listed the dies used then ...  but the reason I am adding it again is because it was the one featured in a video tutorial.

It shows you how to change the color of ribbons and flowers to suit your design and it doesn't cost the earth to do it.

It also works on lace and pearls too.

All you need is an alcohol refill of your choice and a small spritzer bottle.

The  Isopropyl Alcohol is from the chemist shop and it cost me £11 but the bottle will last for ages and color many hundreds of items for me to add them to my cards





You may need to order it ... as I did ... but the chemist had it there the same day for me to collect.

The organza and satin ribbons that I use are from  Mei Flower   and just a plain white and I used Spectrum Noir refill  PP3 to change them into a beautiful delicate shade of pink.

So by making use of your refills you can always have ribbons to match your designs ... and it is always cheaper to buy white flowers, ribbons or lace and color them your self.

And if you don't have the refills then this  tip was left on YouTube and is an excellent alternative ...

 Tip from Sheila Hogg
If you don't have any re inkers, the inner of an old felt tip pen that no longer works can be used instead as there will be plenty of pigment to mix with the isopropyl. Use a pair of pliers to pull out the pen tip and crack the casing, pull out the tube inside and with the tip add to the isopropyl in the spray bottle and presto you have your own alcohol ink. Just top up with more isopropyl when needed, it will still yield more pigment.

Have you added your name to the "Give Away" yet ??  If not the click the link for your chance to win the prize on offer  ... here's the link  but you will need to be a follower and please leave me a comment to say you have been.


More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx



February 15, 2014

Time for a "Give Away"

Hi Everybody,

Some time ago I bought the Sea Scape stamp by Sheen Douglass only to order it twice by mistake ... I know stupid girl !!

Well my mistake is to your advantage because I am giving the stamp away along with other goodies in the pack.

So what is in the prize ....

Sea Scape by  Sheena Douglass
2 sheets of patterned  Voile
3 packs  of pearls from Want2Scrap
6  metres of ribbon
I pack of the  glitter from  Glitter Magic
1 reel of  ribbon
1 set  of  See D's stamps

If you would like to win this prize then add your name to the list ... but only once please as duplicates will be removed.

If there is a red cross by the side of your name then don't worry about it. It just means that you can delete your name if you wish to and if you add it more than once then please delete one of them.  

No one else can see the cross other than you ... so no  one else can delete your name by accident.  

February 14, 2014

Charms again ...

Hi Everybody,

The other day I added the video to show you how to add charms to your cards but they were all silver and that may not be the color that you want to add.

So here is s short video to show you how to alter the color of them to suit your project.

Now I know I have said it before but I need to add it here again ... and that is if you know about these things then please ignore the video as I am  not  trying to teach experienced  card makers anything.

But there are new people coming to card making for the first time and they don't know ... and so this is for them.

To help them build the confidence they need to be as good as you ...  the seasoned card maker.




Here is a close up of a metal corner that I have covered in Pink embossing powder.

The ribbon is the one that has been colored in the next video which will show you what I did.

The beautiful flowers are from Petal Lu  and they are very delicate and pastel shades.

But you can choose colors and styles for your self from Lucindas' Facebook page.

The metal corners are from Wild Orchid Crafts  but the same technique can be applied to die cut corners as well and they look just as good.

The card is made to the Hinged card style and I have used Labels Thirty Four layered on top.

The sentiment  and the embossing folder are  from Crafters Companion  and the folder is called Regency Swirls and it is lovely.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

February 13, 2014

A Card for children ....

Hi Everybody,

I thought I would delve back into past videos for todays post.

This card has been on YouTube for almost two years ... and I was using  flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts  even then.

But it seems to be having a new lease of life as it has had lots of views in the last few weeks... and some lovely comments

So here to fascinate your children is the Magic Slider Card

I know on first glance it seems very plain but the fun starts when it is pulled open via the tag at the top.

Children love it and want to know how you did .... but don't tell 'em ... it's your secret.

The stamped Teddy Bear is from Crafters Companion  but it is such an old stamp that I don't know if it is still available.  The poppy stamp in the video is from Clarity Stamp




The video is not long but I sure hope you enjoy it and will give it a try.  

Then stand back and watch children use it, especially the younger ones,   and see the look on their little faces

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

February 12, 2014

How Charming ...

Hi Everybody,

Sometime ago I was asked to do a video on how I add charms to my cards.

I am sorry Ann that it has taken me so long to do it ... but here at last is little tutorial.

There are lots of ways to add them but I have shown you the quickest and easiest ways.

You will also notice on the mat with the charms that there is a mobile phone loop and these can also be used to attach small charms.

They can be looped over the flowers or threaded in with the ribbon and look just as good ... the only problem is they are a bit flimsy and the charm can fall off and get lost so that is why they are not included on the video.





The large key on this card is the one added in the video and I also add a small heart charm to the back of the card that says "Handmade with love"

The little hearts come in gold color as well as silver and there are many in a pack and they are quite reasonably priced.

But they do add a nice touch to your cards ... especially if you sell them .

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

February 11, 2014

Craft Show Ribbon

Hi Everybody,

Here is the first card with my craft show goodies on it and it is the pretty gingham ribbon  from  Mei Flower 

It is so soft and easy to tie and there are 25 yds on each roll.  I bought it in pink pale blue and turquoise  ...  so lots to keep me going.

The panel is once again using the Tied Together embossing folder.

I have been asked where I got mine from and it was Sunrise Crafts 

But this is an embossing folder that sells out rapidly each time it is featured and so at the moment it is out of stock.   As soon as it is available again I will let you know.

The sentiment is from Crafters Companion

Another of my buys is the fine glitter on the flowers.  It is a lot more subtle than the one I usually use but both are from   Glitter Magic   and the flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


February 10, 2014

A2 Curved Borders One

Hi Everybody,

Over the last few days I have added videos on the Borders dies from Spellbinders.

They are in response to several emails asking me how they are used.

And so we have had  ...
Scalloped Borders One
Bracket Borders One

In those videos I  have tried to give some different ideas and I will add more as I make the cards but todays card is something a little different.

In this video I have made a Gate-fold card using the Curved Borders and I hope that you will enjoy it.



The flowers are a mixture of Chrysanthemums, Roses and Cosmos Daisies  from   Wild Orchid Crafts

They have the addition of fine glitter from   Glitter Magic 

I bought a new one  from their stand at the craft show.  It is a pure clear glitter with no color in it at all and the sparkle is lovely on  the petals.

The pearls add something extra to the flowers and they are from Want2Scrap  and if you cut the flourish into smaller pieces then a little goes a long way and is not expensive to add to your cards.

The ribbon that I have wrapped around the card in the video is from Mei Flower and is a soft satin that is easy to tie into a bow.

I bought some new ribbons from them at the craft show and I will  highlight  it for  you on some cards this week.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx






February 09, 2014

A2 Bracket Borders One ..

Hi Everybody,

First of all   an apology  about the information that there was a craft show  this weekend at the Reebok Stadium.

Don't ask me where I got the information from coz I  don't  remember .... but there wasn't  .... it's not until the 31st May

I have smacked my legs and made myself stand in the corner with the dunces hat on for misinforming you all  ... I  am  suitably chastised !!

So we went to the one in Manchester instead and I bought some really lovely items that I will show you over the next few posts.

As we drove past the Bolton turn off on the motorway  Griff said ....  "Will you just look at all those people going to the Reebok ...  for a craft show that some body told them was on this weekend"  ... and I had to laugh  ... stupid girl !!  Soreeee xx

Well onto the card for today ....the other day when I added the  Sunshine Yellow Card   there was a comment that it would look nice in another color ... so here it is and it comes with a little video to show the die used.



My flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts   and they are given the sparkly treatment with a  fine glitter  from Glitter Magic   as it always enhances the look of my corsages.

The sentiment and the Centura Pearl card are  from   Crafters Companion   and the ribbon was some in my ribbon box.

The pearly "Bling" is from  Want2Scrap  and matches the Spellbinders Fancy Tags Three  and combined they all make  for a very pretty  card.



The inside is lined with the filigree pocket to add another label where the sender can add a signature  if desired.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx




February 08, 2014

Tied Together in Pink ...

Hi Everybody,

Here is a very pretty card in Pink Centura Pearl embossed with the Tied Together folder once more.

I enjoy using this folder as you can dress it up as you wish ... either plain or fancy.

I like to add pearls on to the cross sections but there are lots of ways to make it even prettier.

The flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts and I have added punched leaves into  the corsage.

I have been asked many times which punch is this.  It is the Ash Branch  from  L-Em  and this is the link to the item.

It is one I use quite regularly on my flowers and it is very delicate in the display.

I have added in some glitter to the petals and it is from Glitter Magic  that little bit of sparkle makes all the difference to your display.

The flower trim is from Wild Orchid and the ribbon was in my "Stash"   The verse is from Crafters Companion and is from the Sentimentals Range.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx



February 07, 2014

Tied Together in Teal ...

 Hi Everybody,

It is time for the craft shows to start again this year and I am torn between two on the same weekend.

There is the big one in Manchester at Event City but there is also one at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton ... now which one shall I go to ????

Why not both ... Bolton on the way to Manchester ... oh my I am so clever !!

Todays card is very similar to the yellow card from a couple of days ago  but this time I have used Teal.

The lovely sentiment verse is from the Sentimentals Range from Crafters Companion

The  Tied Together  embossing folder has been used along the bottom and each cross section has the pearls added.

The Bracket die has been used to create the raised pattern along the top and  bottom, and the pattern along each side is using the  Stitches  Die from  Tattered Lace

The flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts  and as always they are sparkled up with glitter from   Glitter Magic 

Got to go and get ready now .. going out to dinner with my "Film Crew" ... and we have two cards ready to film over the next few days for you to see.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


February 06, 2014

SB Labels Thirty Four

Hi Everybody,

I have used the 5x7 matting basics for this card and the Labels Thirty Four ... and I can't show you the picture of these yet.

The background is the 3-D M-Bossabilities folder for Labels Thirty Four and I have simply layered the labels shapes on top.

The lovely white satin ribbon is from Mei Flower  with a Diamante heart sparkler in the centre, and a couple of small pins pushed into the knot.

The ric-rac braid is from a pack that I bought from TKMaxx.

I love this turquoise  shade nearly  as much as  I love pink, and the pretty flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts  and the little organza butterfly is from my "Stash"

The flowers have been sprinkled with a fine glitter from Glitter Magic  for an added effect to the corsage.

Some of you seemed to enjoy the yellow card yesterday and thank you for your comments. And some would like to see that card  in another color ... so away I go to make the card ....

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx






February 05, 2014

Sunshine Yellow ...

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is created with yellow Centura Pearl from Crafters Companion   and I have used it with some yellow ribbon that I found in my ribbon box.

The sentiment is also from Crafters Companion and is another from the Sentimentals.

The flowers are white and from Wild Orchid Crafts  and they have the usual sparkle from Glitter Magic

The pattern at the bottom of the card is the embossing folder called Tied Together and in the cross sections I have used Mother of Pearl pearls from Want2Scrap

I have used another of the border sets and this one is the Bracket Borders One

It has been added to a Hinged Card  and lots of layers have been added.

Yellow is not really a color I use much but this card  is much prettier in real life than the photo shows.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx