Anniversary and another friendship card

Hi again!

I really did mean to start a major clear out of my papers etc accumulated over years but I had no sooner started than I came across these beautiful Anna Griffin papers just begging to be used up.

I had to make an anniversary card for my youngest daughter so I started with no particular design in mind.

The embossed panel was in my odds and ends folder so I nabbed that and then just matted and layered the papers together.

The sentiment is from my new Downton Abbey CD and the wine glasses are the Downton Abbey dies that accompany it. The background plaque is a very golden oldie from Marianne Design but I thought it just suited what I wanted to do.

Pearls are from my stash and I couldn't have found ones any closer to the colour if I'd tried. 

It's a really simple card and easy to build but of course I was left with bits and pieces over. 

That led me to the next card - you know what it's like! :) 

This one is slightly bigger but again I've just matted and layered and used some of my older dies from my stash as well as the border die from the Downton Abbey series.

The sentiment is an Anna Griffin one.

The corners are cut from a Cheery Lynn die, the centre panel is cut from a Marianne Design die set.

It's so easy to forget what is hidden away in your stash isn't it?

I was watching one of Sue Wilson's programmes the other day and she said she only ever made card fronts. I didn't know that. She adds a little easel to the back if she intends to send or give them to someone so that they are easy to display. I thought if the queen of die cutting can do that I'll give it a go!

I have the small easel die from Tim Holtz so it's perfect for this wee job. 

I'm not sure how they will be received but what a saving on card stock! 

You learn something new every day.

Have a great afternoon/evening. Catch you soon!

Christmas cards

Good morning and welcome to the blog today.

I've been busy making Christmas cards but mostly with the remainder of my mega Hunkydory kit I bought a while ago. I don't think I'll ever use that all up and no point in posting them as I didn't stray too far from the ideas booklet with these. :) 

I received my domed window die and the Mazarine blue and Ulysses butterfly sets to complete that part of my collection yesterday. I'm loving this window die and I put off getting it for ages but I wish I'd gotten it sooner. It's a good size and I think will be very handy all year round - I may have to add the window box die too for spring and summer flowers etc. :)

Papers - Papermania - At Christmas Time

Die'Sire - ivy 

Marianne - Topiary tree, bird

Tonic - Domed window

Sentiment - Craftwork cards

Inka Gold - Indian gold paint, lava green, lava red

I was trying not to get myself into the picture which is why the funny angle of the first one but I think this one gives a better idea of the gleam of the Inka Gold - lush!

A sideways view to show the layers

A very quick card using the Tonic Holly rings die

Spellbinder snowflake

Joy snowflake border

Lace from stash

Sentiment - Craftwork cards

White ink - Antiquities Frosted Crystal  - Ranger

Another quick one using the Tonic Bow rings die set, sentiment from Christmas cracker die

Ivy - Die'Sire

Ribbon from stash

Well that's me for today. I hope you are well and looking forward to the week end.

Don't spend all your dosh in one shop if you are battling the Christmas rush.

Take care and I'll see you soon!

Deck the Halls

Hi, I hope you are having a great weekend. The sun is shining here and it's lovely and fresh.

I've been busy with some of my buys from the show today. This card and gift box is being entered into the Tonic Facebook comp so if you are on FB I would love you to add your vote (if you would like, of course) :) 

Sizzix Pro -  Milk box carton die

Tonic - Holly Rings, Christmas Sentiments 1, Sensational Sprigs and Gothic border punch

Die'Sire - bows, ivy

Marianne poinsettia

Anna-Marie antique gold and red pearl pearlescent card stock 

Core'dinations green card stock

Viva Decor Inka Gold - Indian gold

Gold mirri board

Gems from Crafty Devils

The centre detail of the box front using Tonic holly rings die, Die'Sire ivy and Marianne poinsettia dies

The inside of the card is decorated to complement the front

The corners are from the Tonic sensational sprigs die set and I've trimmed them to suit my card

Thank you for calling in today and for your company. :)

I have a wee cautionary note for you today as well. I brought out my brand new Tonic diamond swing punch to use for the box edge and border. It's a lovely pattern and one I knew I would be able to get a lot of use from. Tonic punches are geared to enable you to cut through up to 400 gsm. All well and good but don't be daft like me and try to push them beyond their limit. I tried two layers of card stock stuck together with red liner tape to make the long edging for my box. BIG MISTAKE!! Arrgghhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I broke my punch good and proper, my fault, no one else to blame and now it's in the bin. :(

I ordered another one quick smart but that'll teach me to be a bit more careful in the future. I hope it's a timely warning for someone else - think before you punch. :) 

...o o o o O o o o o...

Holly

Good afternoon. I hope it's lovely where you are. We are having a very bright and sunny day and the temperature is mild. Let's hope it lasts!

Today's card features Holly one of my new digis from Wee Stamps. She's another beauty and I am just loving colouring these in at the minute. 

Digi stamp - Wee Stamps - 'Holly'

Papers - First Edition - Silent Night

Sizzix on the edge pennant die

Marianne design poinsettia dies

Memory Box swirl die

Sentiment - Craftwork Cards

Large snowflake - DieSire die from Crafter's Companion

I've coloured the image with Promarkers and Prisma pencils

Skin - soft peach, oatmeal, blush, baby pink

Hair - Umber, burnt sienna, cocoa, sandstone, ivory

Clothes - Marine, duck egg blue, cool aqua

Tan, satin, almond and Prisma French Grey 70% pencil

Leaves - Pine, forest, leaf

Berries - Burgundy, berry red, red

Other colours - gold, mustard, walnut,cocoa, caramel

I decorated the inside very simply with matching card stock and paper

A sideways view to show the layers

I hope you are having a great weekend. It's Downton tonight - yipee! so glad to see that back on our screens. 

Catch you soon, take care!

Silent night, Holy night

I've another Christmas card using my new Crafter's Companion Christmas dies today.

Image - LOTV square

Dies - Crafter's Companion - ivy, lampost and sign

Paper from the Molly Bloom Christmas Carnival pack

Memory box - Fabulous phlox flower die

Stamping Up scallop edge punch

Ribbon, gems and button from my stash

Vintage photo and mustard seed distress inks

Sentiment from CC 'Sentimentals' - Christmas Magic

A sideways view

I cut the ornate edges off the sign die and used the rest to stamp the greeting.

Close up of ribbon detail

A view to show the dimensions

As with my first card using these dies, I had a ball. I cut enough ivy to make several cards. :) The little flower centres I've used on the wreath were lying on my desk and part of the Memory Box phlox die set. I just love using up those wee itty bitty pieces don't you? 

Thank you for calling in today. I hope it's a dry one - we had torrential rain last night and I was just glad I didn't have to be out in it.

See you soon!

'Tis the season to be jolly'...

It's back to Christmas. Well I couldn't resist since my order from Crafter's Companion arrived yesterday afternoon. I bought a couple of the new Christmas dies and spent a very enjoyable hour or so putting this card together.

Designer papers - My Mind's Eye and Lasting Impressions

Ivy embossing folder - a freebie with the last CC magazine

Lampost and Sign die; Ivy die  - Crafter's Companion

Sentiment - CC Sentimentals 'Christmas magic'

Seam binding (medoc), wooden button from stash

Snowtex for the snowy effects

Vintage photo distress ink

I've sanded the embossed panel and then gone over it with Brilliance 'Galaxy Gold' ink

A sideways view to show the layers

I had a ball making this card. I'm loving the new dies and can't wait to use them again.

If you got the 4dd from Create and Craft you will know what I mean. I have so many of them on my wishlist as they are all really useful dies and, as you know, I love dies!

As we hurtle through the week, the darlings are at a drama summer school. Callum is only there for a couple of hours and Jude for six. They are putting on a show at the end of the week and we have our tickets booked. The boys are loving it and it's good to know they are being challenged and having fun at the same time.

I'll let you know how the concert goes!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a good day. :) 

It's launch day for Camden Town

Launch day is here and you will be able to buy the versatile Camden Town kits as the POW today.

I've popped on three topper cards and two versions of the banner stamp today. Sorry it's so picture heavy but just had to show you the new shaped ones as well. :) 

I've used Centura Pearl for the card base and edged it with a Die'sire lace border die (1)

The mats are Core'dinations card stock

I've used Spectrum Noir pens for colouring

The lace, ribbon, pearls and glittery heart are all from the embellishment pack

I've coloured the banners to tone with the fab embellishment pack ribbons and pearls.

Here I've used one of the beautiful printed card stock sheets, a topper from the topper sheets, the Grace Frame Die'sire die and the sentiment and mat are cut from another of the card stock sheets. 

I've used a matching background paper for the insert and I love this combination of colours.

This is another version using the banner stamp and some of the little flowers and sentiment from the same sheet.

Again the lace, ribbon and charm are all from the embellishment pack.

I've used Spectrum Noir pens to colour the image

CR 1, 2, 7

1B 2, BT 7, 8

CG 1, 2   GB 3

Core'dinations card stock for matting

Now for the two concept cards. They open to reveal a little platform area (that's what I call it anyway!).

I've used elements from the topper sheets and a butterfly charm on this one.

A sideways view. The little platform slides through to the back of the card so that it can lie flat for posting.

It's a really neat idea.

The second card in a beautiful lilac and soft green combo. There are four in the kit.

A close up of the floral detail. I've used elements from the topper sheets, decoupaged the large rose and die cut leaves from a Marianne design die to finish.

I hope you enjoy the launch. Don't forget to join Dawn as she brings this new collection to you today.

Have a super day!

Camden Town POW

Hi and good morning. I hope you are well and having a good start to the week.

I've two more samples of the soon to be launched Camden Town kits by Hunkydory.

They are the POW on Friday the 10th May and will be presented by our lovely Dawn on Create and Craft.

I have used a sheet of the patterned card stock for the base of this card. 

The little cupcakes are one of the stamps available with this launch and I've kept the details very light as I didn't want to cover up all that gorgeous pattern.

I've used the Waltzing frame Die'Sire die as a mat and cut the pink circle from another of the beautiful sheets of card in the pack.

The little hearts are in the embellishment kit and the sentiment is on the cupcake stamp sheet.

The cupcakes are coloured with Spectrum Noir pens

I've used TN 1,2

BT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

PL 1, 2, 3

Blender pen

I've popped one of the matching inserts into the card to finish.

I've made a stepper card from Centura Pearl cardstock for my second card today.

Paper is from the background paper pack

Core'dinations card stock for the mats

Elements from the topper sheets

Birdcage stamp

Charm, lace and pearls from the embellishment pack

Die'Sire lace border die 2

I've coloured the birdcage with Spectrum Noir pens

PL 1, 2, 3

BT 4, 5, 6

The inside of the card is decorated to complement the front of the card.

I hope you are enjoying the sneak peeks from the DT.

Don't forget to check out the Crafter's Companion blog and FB page for more fun cards from the team.

Thank you for joining me today. Have a good one!

Elfin Lanterns Easel Card

 It's the middle of the week and not long to go before Crafter's Companion bring us the new Faerie Poppets and Angel Whispers double CD, stamps and kits launch.

This is the first card I made using this gorgeous image and forgot to post first! :) 

 He is my favourite image from the collection. 

Stamp - Elfin Lanterns

Die-Sire Ornamental Frame

Die-Sire Scalloped tags

Die-Sire Grace Frame

Die-Sire Lace border 3

Small image is from the Card Companions on the CD

Patterned paper - from CD

Sentiment from Elfin Lanterns stamp set

Core'dinations card stock from the Chocolate box collection

The image has been coloured with Spectrum Noir pens

Skin - TN 1, 2. FS 2, CR 3

Greys - 1G 7, 5, 3. 1

Browns - GB 9, 7, 5, 

Hair - GB 1, 2

Lanterns - EB 6, 2, GB 8, 5, OR 1

Others - OR 3, DR 3

A close up of the sentiment and small image

A sideways view of the card. I didn't manage to get an 'inside' look at the card but I get so fed up with nowhere to put a greeting on easel cards that I attached a full card to the easel so that it could be lifted up. I've lined it to complement the front of the card and added a greeting from the Verse Writer on the CD.

Thank you for calling in today.

Have a good one - I'm off out with my friends Gwen and Joy to do some crafty shopping. Dear knows where we will end up or what we'll buy!

Faerie Poppet card

Hi and welcome to a new week on the blog.

I've another sneak peek of one of the beautiful fairy images from the Faerie Poppet CD due to be launched as POTW on 19th April.

This image is from the Fabric Prints Design 8 sheet. I'm no use when it comes to sewing machines and all that so I have to stick to paper and card. I printed the image onto a white linen card to give the texture of fabric and resized it to the middle size option.

The sentiment is from the Sentiments Design 1 sheet

Paper from the CD

Embossalicious Regal swirls folder

Die-Sire Ornamental Flower frame - for the sentiment mat

Die'Sire small rose and blissful flower dies

Lace edging from my stash

I used some crinkle ribbon from my stash and added the quilled flower and some stick pins to finish.

I hope you are enjoying all the sneak peeks that the DT have posted. Check out the Crafter's Companion blog and FB page for more inspiration.

Thank you for joining me today. Have a great week!