Made for me by Maggie and Christine

Hi Everybody,

Over the past year I have made some pretty cards that have had some wonderful comments from all of you and they are very much appreciated.

You seem to have enjoyed the things I have posted and the videos that Griff and I have done... and we have many more planned for the coming New Year.

But over the next few days ... as we head towards Christmas Day  ... I would like to show you  the beautiful hand made cards that  some of my followers  have taken the time to make and send just for me

The red one is from Maggie, and I have her permission to show you the card she made for me and added my name to it.  It has beautiful Poinsettias on the front and she has used the Spellbinders to perfection. I have never met Maggie but she often leaves me  lovely comments and emails me.

The Blue one is from Christine and I have know her for the grand total of 46 years. We met in Woolworths in Helston when both our husbands where in the Navy at Culdrose. This card has been stamped and decorated with snowflakes and Fir trees.

Both of them are very special to me  and will take pride of place on top of my TV along with the other cards that I will show you over the coming days.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

It's not Pink ...

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is a million miles away from pink but I like it just the same

I made a card in my favorite style with the Hinge   at the top and it is a 5x7 which is a lovely sized card to create.

Not small but not too big to be posted and will take a nice flower display too boot.

I layered this with cream card and a designer paper from Anna Griffin.

But the shade of green was a little too bright for me once I had added it and so I diffused it by adding a piece of embossed parchment over the top

I added large pearls to each corner to hide the glue dots holding the parchment in place.

I wrapped the blue ribbon around the layers from top to bottom for a change.

The large oval was cut from the cream and this beautiful die is the Fleur de Elegance   from Spellbinders Classic Collection .. and is one of my favorite sets to use.

I used the flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts  and they are a mixture of Roses, Cherry Blossom, Rose buds, Tulips  and Sweetheart blossom

The lovely verse is from  Clarity Stamp  and it has been stamped in green and clear embossed.

I have added in HatPin to complete the look and pushed it through the bow.

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

Here I am ...

Hi Everybody,

Late start today because I have been watching Junior Master Chef on TV.  It was the final and the three finalists are amazing they way they can put food together.

It takes me all my time to cook a roast dinner and I would love to have been there to taste the beautiful meals they all came up with.  Phoebe was the winner but every one of them is very special.

So a name has been chosen and  the winner of the Gold card is YOU ...

Ann Lauzon

Can you send me your postal address please to 

christina@card-making-magic.com

and I will pop the card in the post to you straight away.

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

Friday Freebie 038

Hi Everybody,

I am so sorry to disappoint you with the C&C shows but the cancellation really was out of my hands

However I will be sure to let you know when I am back again though I won't be there until next year now.

So here is the card for todays Friday Freebie and it is a lovely gold and white offering

I have used the new  Decorative Labels Thirty Nine  from the Spellbinders Classic Collection

It is such a pretty and ornate die and the possibilities are numerous

I have stamped the sentiment and embossed it in gold fine detail powder to blend with the card

The flowers are all white and from Wild Orchid Crafts

They are a mixture of Roses, Cosmos Daisies. and Cherry Blossoms and they have all been sparkled with Glitter Magic

If this is a card that you would like to win then all you need to do is  leave me a comment at the end of the post and if you are not already a follower then please join.

A winners name will be chosen and announced in tomorrows blog post so please come back and check if it is you.

You will have 48 hours to claim the card and I really hope the winner will like it once they get it home.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

A Gilded Life ...

Hi Everybody,

This is a complete change for me and working with these bezels is something I have never done before I went on my trip to Spellbinders in Phoenix

We did a workshop with Stacey and these are what I made.

Now I know there are experts out there who will think they don't hit the mark ... but this is my first attempt and I was quite pleased.

They are the Chandelier and Heart  Bezels from Spellbinders   A Gilded Life  collection and I have added the link so that you can view some of the other products that are available.

The jewellery that can be made is fabulous and with practise you can make it too.... and better than I have done.

I added in some of the self adhesive strips from Want2Scrap  to add a little more adornment to my pieces and maybe I will wear one on Create and Craft today.

News Extra 

I am sorry to tell you that the Spellbinders shows lined up for TV over today and tomorrow have been taken off Create and Craft because  they have sold out of the Teal Grand Calibur ...

You have been busy treating yourselves to Christmas presents  and you have bought them out and  now there have no more  in stock at present ....

 Disappointed ???  Yes ... me too !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Three ways to use ...

Hi Everybody,

Today I would like to introduce you to this beautiful die template from

Spellbinders Victorian Collection 

 it is called  Heirloom Oval (click the link)

 The set is in three parts and it can be used in many different ways.  Here I have tried to show you three ways to make this die work for you so that you get the full value from your purchase.

The first card has used the die to create the base  which has been hinged at the top to use in portrait view.

Then another layer is cut with the filigree pattern and layered on the top with foam pads.

I used the smaller centre part raised again with foam pads and added a simple pre printed greeting topper from Anna Griffin

The ribbon, hat pin and the  Wild Orchid Crafts  flowers all compliment the card which is very simply decorated

The second card has used the three largest dies to create the filigree pattern cut in white.

I then used the outer edge and the inner one to cut another frame in pink but without the filigree pattern in it and glued these two together

I cut another complete shape in white and added a verse to this before adding in the frame I have just created.

Then add all of this to your matted and layered base card and decorate as you wish.  I have used Crinkle Ribbon and WOC flowers ... plus the hat pin

The third card creates the base card and hinges it on the long sides to use in Landscape view.

A frame has been created as in the second card and added with foam pads to the base.

I have decorated with WOC flowers and added in a pearl flourish from Want2Scrap

All my flowers have been sparkled with Glitter Magic

I hope I have helped you to see that by varying the Orientation  the color and the decoration you can create really pretty cards that you will be proud to give

And now I am on my way to the Create and Craft Studio to show you the Teal Grand Calibur tomorrow

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Winter Dress Form ...

Hi Everybody,

Over the weekend I have been busy creating this beautiful dress form in satin and lace.

And although it didn't start out as wedding dress Griff says it would be a lovely gift for a winter Bride

I gave the dress form two coats of flesh colored paint and allowed each coat to dry

Once dry I wrapped the whole dress from in cling film and created a separate bodice for it from paper mache and gauze to stiffen it.

I did two layers,  allowing each layer to dry thoroughly,  and then I cut it up the back with sharp scissors  and removed it from the dress form and took away the cling film.

I carefully shaped the top and trimmed the bottom of the bodice to make a lovely shape and then covered it in  ribbon and lace .. and trimmed it as needed

The back of the dress was laced together with thinner ribbon where it had been cut off the dress from.

It took me all day to add in layers of the tulle, lace and ribbons

I carefully placed tiny gemstones from Want2Scrap   along each length of the ribbon  and I cut them into fish tails

The tiny white roses are from  Wild Orchid Crafts  as are the pearl and diamanté gemstones on the bows.

It really is much prettier in real life and the question is ... who do I give it to?

Maybe Isabella my Great Granddaughter would love it.  I am going to watch her sing Carols at her nursery school today.

I can imagine the teacher saying "Come on Isabella ... sing"   and she will reply "In a minute ..."

Three year olds can be such fun

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Oh dear me ... It's pink !!

Hi Everybody,

After the drama of yesterdays card I thought I would return to ...  a nice gentle Pink !!

For this card I have used the  Tied Together  die for the background and this is also an extendable pattern.  I got mine from   JGD Crafts  and the link above will take you to the actual die on their website.

To extend these  patterns,  on this or any other extendable die ... either lengthways or widthways ... all you need to do is line it up with the previous pattern and cut it again.

The beautiful assortment of  flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts

The ribbon is some that I brought back from Phoenix and I know that some of you don't like big bows,  but this ribbon ties so easily that I couldn't resist.

The lacy piece at the bottom of the card is created with the Flourish Trim   and is one of the Die D-Lites from Spellbinders.

A really pretty die and although small is very versatile for adding that extra touch to your designs.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Autumn Colors

Hi Everybody,

Now I know it's cold and Christmas is on the way ... but I thought a little card in Autumn Colors would make a change

This is the  Leaves A Fallin'   die from Spellbinders and is one of the new ones from the Trendy and Simple Collection.

I have just cut the entire die out as it is and added it to my card but you could also cut the leaves out of the card and use them individually in a flower display.

I have changed the color scheme too as my usual choice is white base and a pastel color.

But for this card I have gone for deep brown and tan with a lovely olive green.

The flowers are deeper colors too and they are from  Wild Orchid Crafts  and I have added in the sparkle with glitter from Glitter Magic

The ribbon  is some that I brought back from my trip to Joannes craft store in Phoenix  but I cannot remember where the large Autumn leaves are from.

Into the mix I have added three small Hatpins in colors that match the card and the inside has been lined too.    Sentiments Four    is cut all in one strip and so easy to apply and especially good if your hand writing is untidy ... like mine !!

Want2Scrap  self adhesive pearls are all around the frame.  Different for me but I do like the card

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

This weeks Winner ....

Hi Everybody,

This is a busy week for me as I will be back on your TV next week.  I have four shows for Create and Craft and I am really hoping that you will join me... and maybe send me an email in to the show

Bur more on that later as I know that you are waiting for me to say who has one this weeks card. Well it's you ...

 EMA

and so if you can email me please ...

christina@card-making-magic.com 

with your postal address then I will get the card in the post to you straight away.

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

So back to next week ... I will be with you at 3 pm and 6 pm on the 18 th and again at 10 am and 2 pm on the 19 th ... then home in time for Christmas.

I will be featuring the  new Teal Grand Calibur from Spellbinders.  I have had lots of emails about the box that I made the last time I was there and so... Fingers crossed !!  I will have the time to show you again 

I will keep you up to date with what is happening as I should have a little more time to keep on blogging this time.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx 

Friday Freebie 037

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is staying with a more laid back feel and there are no flowers on this one

It is created in peach, black and white and has a rather dramatic feel to it.

I have used the Botanical Swirls  and I also added a video to show you how to get the best result from any of the expandable dies

The Diamanté  flourish is the luxury touch to this card and it is from Want2Scrap




If you would like to win this card then all you need to do is  join the growing band of followers and then leave me a comment to let me know you have been to visit ... and would like to have the card.

A name will be drawn from the hat by my trusty "Film Crew" and the winners' name will be announced on tomorrows blog post.

Please come back to check if it's you who  has won as you will only have 48 hours in which to claim it by sending me your postal address.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Masculine Card

Hi Everybody,

Just in case you missed the update on the Butterflies die from yesterdays post ... the die is available in limited quantities and so if you see one then you will need to grab it quick

One of my readers Helen Aiken has located this die at Sunrise Crafts ... but be quick or it will be gone

I am often asked for ideas for male cards as this is an area we all seem to struggle with each time we need to make one.

Well there couldn't be a more simple card to put together than this one

All it uses is an embossed background ... a border die ... and some ribbon and a sentiment ... and that's  it ... job done.

So to be more precise I have cut my base card from brown card and layered it with a deep  leaf green.

The top layer is cut in white and I have embossed it with the Diamond Fleur De Lis EL-031 M-Bossablities folder. It gives a really deep pattern into the card and is excellent for any card

The  border is cut with   Petite Monarch  and I have added tiny pearls to each point.

The ribbon is just a thin gingham from  Mei Flower  and I have added a pearl buckle to it. The sentiment is from Anna Griffin and matches the color scheme perfectly.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Two Ways to Use ...

Hi Everybody,

This pretty die template is the Spellbinders Butterflies and is one of their expandable range

I have been informed that this die is available and so if you see it grab it quick as once it is gone ... it will be gone forever 

Helen Aiken has just found it here at Sunrise Crafts  for you   Butterflies Pattern

Todays post is to show you two different ways in which I have  used  this die.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For this one I have simply cut the whole die from some pink card and used it as it is, and teamed it with a soft cream

I created a frame around the cut piece with Matting Basics and added it on foam pads to give dimension

I wrapped it all in pink ribbon before adding it to my base card.

Then I  added the bow with a dazzler for the knot and a little sentiment that can be for any reason you wish.

The outside edge of the frame has been surrounded by a white pearl strip that is self adhesive and it is from Want2Scrap

I have added a small heart to each of the Butterflies

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the second card I cut the whole piece in green and then carefully cut out the butterflies.

I spattered the butterfly embossed background piece of  cream card  and added it to the same green card as the Butterflies.

The Butterflies have been layered two together and the wings bent upwards slightly

Each Butterfly has a pearl body and small trail just to add the finishing touch

The verse on the second card is from Sheena Douglass  "Little Bit Sketchy" range

And there you have a very easy card that looks nothing at all like the first card and yet uses the same expandable die template.

I hope you will enjoy playing with any of the Spellbinders that you have in your collection and looking at them in ways other than their intended use.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Reflective Moment ...

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is  in a pretty shade of blue teamed with white  and the die used is the  Reflective Moment  from Spellbinders

If you click the link you will see what the die template looks like and it is a large 5 x7 set

I have embossed the background piece of blue and then added the die cut panel with foam tape to give dimension

The sentiment is from  JustRite Stampers  and is the one that will fit the Labels Twenty Nine

I have also added that panel with foam and then edged it with Diamanté from Want2Scrap  for a really pretty finish

The beautiful flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts  and as usual I have added fine glitter from  Glitter Magic

The satin ribbon is from  Mei Flower  and I have tied it in a bow and added a dazzler to cover the knot

Another card that I like and it's not pink !!

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Back with pink ....

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is once again in my comfort zone with Flowers, Ribbons and Pearls.

I have used the Anna Griffin papers and these are some that I got while in Phoenix.

They are from a box of 5x7 papers called Lovely Layers and the patterns, colors and quality is exceptional.

I have embossed the panel before adding it to the card front to give more texture

I cut two of the border strips Petite Monarch and added in some pearls

I have wrapped it with two types of pink ribbon and a double bow with a cluster of flowers over the centre

The flowers and the white leaves are from Wild Orchid Crafts   with added sparkle from Glitter Magic    The pearls are from Want2Scrap  and the little sentiment is also from Anna Griffin

Yes !! I like this little 5x7 card

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx