This card features one of the prettiest Spellbinders dies, which is the mask from the Venetian Accents.
The tags have been made using the Studio 490 Tag Topper Art Parts, which were painted with Distress Crackle Paint. A tag shape was cut to fit each of the tag toppers. One tag was heat embossed using Cosmic Shimmer Vintage Ultra Thick Vintage Blush embossing powder. The second tag was heat embossed using Tarnished Silver from the Cosmic Shimmer Vintage Ultra Thick embossing powder range.
The tags have been added to layers of blush card, a plain base, then a layer which has been pierced around the outside edge, then a third layer covering the bottom half of the card, which has been embossed using the Spellbinders Garden Lattice M-Bossabilities folder. This embossed piece has been topped with a die cut lace trim, using the Heartfelt Creations Decorative Lace Border die.
The bows have been made by spritzing and scrunching two colours of seam binding ribbon and making bows from these, then topping each with a dazzler.
The sentiments have been die cut using the Spellbinders Back to Basics Tags set and been tied to the bows with bakers twine.
Happy crafting!
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Gilded Poppies
Here is today's card . . .
Quite a straightforward design, using milk coloured card and metallic vintage gold card, with gilding flakes. The poppies design is from the That Special Touch Poppies Mask.
I sponged Cosmic Shimmer Flake & Glitter Glue through the mask using a piece of Cut 'n' Dry foam. The mask was then removed and gilding flakes were applied, before being brushed over with a large stencil brush to define the gilded image. The decorative frame was cut using Spellbinders Decorative Labels Eight and the standard Labels Eight dies.
The photo doesn't show it very clearly but the milk layer of card was embossed using the Couture Creations Intrinsic Embossing Folder.
The bow was made using a piece of champagne sheer wrinkled edge ribbon and a brown dazzler, both from Creative Expressions.
Happy crafting!
Quite a straightforward design, using milk coloured card and metallic vintage gold card, with gilding flakes. The poppies design is from the That Special Touch Poppies Mask.
I sponged Cosmic Shimmer Flake & Glitter Glue through the mask using a piece of Cut 'n' Dry foam. The mask was then removed and gilding flakes were applied, before being brushed over with a large stencil brush to define the gilded image. The decorative frame was cut using Spellbinders Decorative Labels Eight and the standard Labels Eight dies.
The photo doesn't show it very clearly but the milk layer of card was embossed using the Couture Creations Intrinsic Embossing Folder.
The bow was made using a piece of champagne sheer wrinkled edge ribbon and a brown dazzler, both from Creative Expressions.
Happy crafting!
Friday, 5 July 2013
Summer has arrived!
It's a lovely sunny evening as I prepare this post, and looks like we are in for a beautiful weekend. I am going to a charity Garden Party tomorrow so the weather should help entice the crowds.
A twisted easel card today in blush . . .
The card front has been embossed (but I have a confession - this is a sneaky peek at a new embossing folder design coming soon), before being die cut using the Spellbinders 5 x 7 Detailed Scallop die set. The embossed area has been highlighted with distress inks. I made two little slits with a craft knife, either side, to thread some seam binding ribbon through from the back, making a bow at the front.
The sentiment comes from the Creative Expressions Special Sentiments stamp set and has been die cut using the smallest die in the same 5 x 7 Detailed Scallop set.
The "stopper" for the easel has been made by die cutting a long piece of card using a die from the Spellbinders Parisian Accents set and seam binding ribbon has been threaded through this. Flowers have been added, made from spiral flower dies.The leaf sprays come from the Spellbinders Foliage Two die set.
The finishing touch was adding the butterfly.
This was die cut from an old drinks can, which I cut into, and was then coloured using alcohol inks.
Happy crafting!
A twisted easel card today in blush . . .
The card front has been embossed (but I have a confession - this is a sneaky peek at a new embossing folder design coming soon), before being die cut using the Spellbinders 5 x 7 Detailed Scallop die set. The embossed area has been highlighted with distress inks. I made two little slits with a craft knife, either side, to thread some seam binding ribbon through from the back, making a bow at the front.
The sentiment comes from the Creative Expressions Special Sentiments stamp set and has been die cut using the smallest die in the same 5 x 7 Detailed Scallop set.
The "stopper" for the easel has been made by die cutting a long piece of card using a die from the Spellbinders Parisian Accents set and seam binding ribbon has been threaded through this. Flowers have been added, made from spiral flower dies.The leaf sprays come from the Spellbinders Foliage Two die set.
The finishing touch was adding the butterfly.
This was die cut from an old drinks can, which I cut into, and was then coloured using alcohol inks.
Happy crafting!
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Pure Pleasure
Today's post shows a quick card made using an embossing folder.
Emboss a white piece of card using the Couture Creations Pure Pleasure embossing folder. Extend the pattern by moving the folder along the card and embossing for a second time.
Using a blending tool, gently rub over the raised areas with Distress Inks.
Highlight the flower centres with glitter or a glitter glue.
Die cut the butterfly embellishment using Spellbinders Les Papillions die set.
Stamp the sentiment using the Creative Expressions Special Sentiments stamp set.
Happy crafting!
Using a blending tool, gently rub over the raised areas with Distress Inks.
Highlight the flower centres with glitter or a glitter glue.
Die cut the butterfly embellishment using Spellbinders Les Papillions die set.
Stamp the sentiment using the Creative Expressions Special Sentiments stamp set.
Happy crafting!
Monday, 1 July 2013
Polished Silk Daisies
Today's card features the Cosmic Shimmer Polished Silk Glitters and Foundations papers.
Cover a piece of coconut white card with a sheet of adhesive film. The film has protective backing sheets either side of the adhesive, one which feels more like paper and the other which is more shiny. It usually doesn't matter which side you peel off to stick to the card but this time you need to make sure the shiny backing is left on the adhesive and the backing sheet on the opposite side is removed.
Die cut an assortment of flowers using the Spellbinders Jewelled Flowers die set, from one end of the card. Peel off the shiny protective backing layer from the adhesive on one of the die cut flowers (keep this shiny backing to one side) and pour Silver Chrome polished silk glitter on. Tap off the excess and pour it back into the pot. Polish the glitter with your finger for a few seconds. Repeat this process with the other die cut flowers using Western Blue and Penny Copper polished silk glitters.
Trim a rectangle from the remaining piece of card. Peel off the backing paper and place the shiny die cut flowers you put to one side earlier onto the sticky adhesive. Pour Silver Chrome polished silk glitter onto the card and polish as with the flowers earlier.
Remove one or two of the shiny flowers and pour Western Blue polished silk glitter onto the card. Polish this colour into the card. Remove the remaining shiny flowers and pour Penny Copper polished silk glitter onto the card and polish as before.
Layer this onto white card, and co-ordinating backing papers, as shown.
Trim with a bow and your message then add a few dazzlers to the flower centres.
Happy crafting!
Cover a piece of coconut white card with a sheet of adhesive film. The film has protective backing sheets either side of the adhesive, one which feels more like paper and the other which is more shiny. It usually doesn't matter which side you peel off to stick to the card but this time you need to make sure the shiny backing is left on the adhesive and the backing sheet on the opposite side is removed.
Die cut an assortment of flowers using the Spellbinders Jewelled Flowers die set, from one end of the card. Peel off the shiny protective backing layer from the adhesive on one of the die cut flowers (keep this shiny backing to one side) and pour Silver Chrome polished silk glitter on. Tap off the excess and pour it back into the pot. Polish the glitter with your finger for a few seconds. Repeat this process with the other die cut flowers using Western Blue and Penny Copper polished silk glitters.
Trim a rectangle from the remaining piece of card. Peel off the backing paper and place the shiny die cut flowers you put to one side earlier onto the sticky adhesive. Pour Silver Chrome polished silk glitter onto the card and polish as with the flowers earlier.
Remove one or two of the shiny flowers and pour Western Blue polished silk glitter onto the card. Polish this colour into the card. Remove the remaining shiny flowers and pour Penny Copper polished silk glitter onto the card and polish as before.
Layer this onto white card, and co-ordinating backing papers, as shown.
Trim with a bow and your message then add a few dazzlers to the flower centres.
Happy crafting!
Saturday, 29 June 2013
Just for Lesley!
It is thanks to Lesley that I have been given the push to post more designs on this blog. I hope you enjoy seeing them.
Here is today's card.
This is one of the samples I made for Julia Watts' recent Creative Expressions shows on Create & Craft, for their Christmas Event. Sorry the picture is a bit blurry.
The base of the card was made using two layers of Rich Plum card, with the smaller of the two being pierced all around the outside edge.
The Metallic Vintage Gold layer was embossed using the Couture Creations Baubles & Baubles embossing folder. The pattern was extended to fill the whole of the gold layer. The strip of plum card was embossed using the Couture Creations Message In A Tree embossing folder. I rubbed over this with Creative Expressions Vintage Golden Green metallic gilding wax to highlight the design.
The sentiment has been stamped using the Creative Expressions Winter Greetings stamp set. I stamped using Perfect Medium and then applied Cosmic Shimmer Detail Black embossing powder.
Now for the bauble toppers! I love these!!! They have been stamped from a new stamp range at Creative Expressions which are already cut out and mounted onto cling foam. This one is called Beaded Bauble. It has been designed to fit the Spellbinders Heirloom Ornaments (2010) die set but if you don't have these dies it is quite easy to cut out by hand.
I stamped them onto the plum card using Perfect Medium then added Cosmic Shimmer Detail Gold embossing powder. Once these had been cut out I added beads of Cosmic Shimmer Vintage Plum Pearlescent PVA, as shown. I strung a few seed beads together to hang the baubles from.
More to follow soon!
Happy crafting!
Here is today's card.
The base of the card was made using two layers of Rich Plum card, with the smaller of the two being pierced all around the outside edge.
The Metallic Vintage Gold layer was embossed using the Couture Creations Baubles & Baubles embossing folder. The pattern was extended to fill the whole of the gold layer. The strip of plum card was embossed using the Couture Creations Message In A Tree embossing folder. I rubbed over this with Creative Expressions Vintage Golden Green metallic gilding wax to highlight the design.
The sentiment has been stamped using the Creative Expressions Winter Greetings stamp set. I stamped using Perfect Medium and then applied Cosmic Shimmer Detail Black embossing powder.
Now for the bauble toppers! I love these!!! They have been stamped from a new stamp range at Creative Expressions which are already cut out and mounted onto cling foam. This one is called Beaded Bauble. It has been designed to fit the Spellbinders Heirloom Ornaments (2010) die set but if you don't have these dies it is quite easy to cut out by hand.
I stamped them onto the plum card using Perfect Medium then added Cosmic Shimmer Detail Gold embossing powder. Once these had been cut out I added beads of Cosmic Shimmer Vintage Plum Pearlescent PVA, as shown. I strung a few seed beads together to hang the baubles from.
More to follow soon!
Happy crafting!
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Flower Box and Butterflies
To start today's card I die cut a piece of white card using the Spellbinders 5 x 7 Elegant Labels Four die set. I stamped two of the butterflies from the Elegant Butterfly clear stamp set in the top half of the die cut card. I then stamped the same images again on another piece of white card and then cut them out. These were layered up onto the corresponding stamped images.
The Spellbinders Die D-Lites Flower Box die was used with black card and this was glued on the lower half of the white card.
I cut a mat from Teal card and embossed this using the Couture Creations Crazy Daisy embossing folder.
The final mats were cut from black and white card.
Happy crafting!
The Spellbinders Die D-Lites Flower Box die was used with black card and this was glued on the lower half of the white card.
I cut a mat from Teal card and embossed this using the Couture Creations Crazy Daisy embossing folder.
The final mats were cut from black and white card.
Happy crafting!
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Floral Border with Butterflies
A dramatic red and black card today, using the Spellbinders Floral Border Die D-Lites die.
The background was stamped using the small butterfly and a flower from the Elegant Butterfly Clear Stamp Set. The small butterfly, together with the large butterfly from the set, were then stamped again on another piece of red card and this time embossed with clear embossing powder, before being cut out. The two butterflies were then shaped slightly and glued onto the stamped background. The butterflies' trails were added by trimming one of the self-adhesive black pearl swirls.
The flower border was die cut from a piece of black card. 3mm self-adhesive black pearls were then added to the flower centres.
The card was finished by adding alternating mats of black, red and black card.
Happy crafting!
The background was stamped using the small butterfly and a flower from the Elegant Butterfly Clear Stamp Set. The small butterfly, together with the large butterfly from the set, were then stamped again on another piece of red card and this time embossed with clear embossing powder, before being cut out. The two butterflies were then shaped slightly and glued onto the stamped background. The butterflies' trails were added by trimming one of the self-adhesive black pearl swirls.
The flower border was die cut from a piece of black card. 3mm self-adhesive black pearls were then added to the flower centres.
The card was finished by adding alternating mats of black, red and black card.
Happy crafting!
Monday, 22 April 2013
Floral Corner One with Daffodil
I have used quite a few Spellbinders dies on this card, mixing things up a bit.
The daffodil stamp and the message come from one of the new Creative Expressions "Singles" stamps, which come pre-cut and mounted onto cushion cling. A lot, like this one, also come with a free sentiment. They retail at £4.99. I stamped the image and sentiment using Jet Black Archival ink, onto milk coloured card. I then embossed this with the Cosmic Shimmer detail clear embossing powder from Creative Expressions. I coloured the flower with Distress Markers and a water brush.
I die cut the daffodil using the beautiful Spellbinders Opulent Ovals die set. The sentiment was die cut using one of the dies from the Spellbinders 5 x 7 Elegant Labels Four set. I also used the new Floral Corner One Die D-Lites die set to decorate two corners of the mat under the daffodil image. You get a flower die separate to the corner die, and I used this to decorate the sentiment tag. The ribbon threaded through the tag is Champagne Sheer Wrinkled Edge ribbon.
The metal corners I have used are the Creative Expressions Art Deco Metal Corner Embellishments.
The mat under the daffodil image was cut from a piece of Vintage Gold card. This was then embossed using the Moroccan Mask from That Special Touch.
Happy crafting!
The daffodil stamp and the message come from one of the new Creative Expressions "Singles" stamps, which come pre-cut and mounted onto cushion cling. A lot, like this one, also come with a free sentiment. They retail at £4.99. I stamped the image and sentiment using Jet Black Archival ink, onto milk coloured card. I then embossed this with the Cosmic Shimmer detail clear embossing powder from Creative Expressions. I coloured the flower with Distress Markers and a water brush.
I die cut the daffodil using the beautiful Spellbinders Opulent Ovals die set. The sentiment was die cut using one of the dies from the Spellbinders 5 x 7 Elegant Labels Four set. I also used the new Floral Corner One Die D-Lites die set to decorate two corners of the mat under the daffodil image. You get a flower die separate to the corner die, and I used this to decorate the sentiment tag. The ribbon threaded through the tag is Champagne Sheer Wrinkled Edge ribbon.
The metal corners I have used are the Creative Expressions Art Deco Metal Corner Embellishments.
The mat under the daffodil image was cut from a piece of Vintage Gold card. This was then embossed using the Moroccan Mask from That Special Touch.
Happy crafting!
Monday, 8 April 2013
And the winners are . . . .
Vines of Passion
Here is another sample from the recent Pick of the Week shows on Create and Craft.
This is a really pretty set (Spellbinders Die D-Lite Vines of Passion) which could be used in so many combinations.
Happy crafting!
This is a really pretty set (Spellbinders Die D-Lite Vines of Passion) which could be used in so many combinations.
Happy crafting!
Saturday, 6 April 2013
Friday, 5 April 2013
Can you see what it is yet?
This was another sample made for the recent Pick of the Week shows on Create and Craft.
It is actually using the Spellbinders Bonsai Tree Die D-Lite shape. I cut it four times from some red card and placed them in the four corners of a white square of card, to make the topper.
Happy crafting!
It is actually using the Spellbinders Bonsai Tree Die D-Lite shape. I cut it four times from some red card and placed them in the four corners of a white square of card, to make the topper.
Happy crafting!
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Creative Expressions Sheer Inspiration Blog Hop
Welcome to everyone taking part in the Sheer Inspiration Blog Hop, if you've come here from Gillian Simson's blog you're in the right place.
My project, using a selection from the Creative Expressions 5-yard ribbon reels, is a Ribbon Wreath.
The base is a polystyrene ring which I bought at my local craft shop for about £3. You also need some dressmakers pins and your ribbon. I chose to use Silky Crush Ribbon in cream, champagne and brown, plus the Sheer Wrinkled Edge Ribbon in champagne and Grosgrain Stripe Ribbon in brown and ivory stripe.
The first thing I did was tie a hanging loop around the ring using some of the ribbon. The remaining ribbon needs to be cut into lengths of approximately 4-5", so this would be an ideal way of using up your off-cuts and ribbon scraps.
Curl each piece of ribbon into a circle shape, as shown, and then pin through the overlapping part and into the polystyrene ring. Continue until the polystyrene can no longer be seen.
This colourway was used to make a Decoration celebrating a Golden Anniversary, but you could easily pull out some of the colours and replace with say red and green to recycle your ribbon wreath for Christmas, or use multicolours for a Birthday decoration.
Don't forget to check DT Member Kim Dellow's blog on Friday for a special surprise.
Your next blog in the hop is Shary Nettleship.
Here is a list of everyone involved in the hop:
1. Tracy Evans
2. Trish Latimer
3. Jean Gursoy
My project, using a selection from the Creative Expressions 5-yard ribbon reels, is a Ribbon Wreath.
The base is a polystyrene ring which I bought at my local craft shop for about £3. You also need some dressmakers pins and your ribbon. I chose to use Silky Crush Ribbon in cream, champagne and brown, plus the Sheer Wrinkled Edge Ribbon in champagne and Grosgrain Stripe Ribbon in brown and ivory stripe.
The first thing I did was tie a hanging loop around the ring using some of the ribbon. The remaining ribbon needs to be cut into lengths of approximately 4-5", so this would be an ideal way of using up your off-cuts and ribbon scraps.
Curl each piece of ribbon into a circle shape, as shown, and then pin through the overlapping part and into the polystyrene ring. Continue until the polystyrene can no longer be seen.
This colourway was used to make a Decoration celebrating a Golden Anniversary, but you could easily pull out some of the colours and replace with say red and green to recycle your ribbon wreath for Christmas, or use multicolours for a Birthday decoration.
Don't forget to check DT Member Kim Dellow's blog on Friday for a special surprise.
Your next blog in the hop is Shary Nettleship.
Here is a list of everyone involved in the hop:
1. Tracy Evans
2. Trish Latimer
3. Jean Gursoy
6. Tracey Laughton
9. Kim Dellow (don't forget to check Kim's blog for a special surprise from 10am on Friday 5 April 2013).
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
Large Birdcage
If any of you were lucky enough to get some of the Spellbinders Die D-Lites, from the recent Pick of the Week shows on Create and Craft, you may recognise this card. I was delighted to be asked to make some of the samples for the shows and this was one of them.
The Die D-Lite is called Bird Cage 2 (S3-203) and I cut this from the Vintage Gold card from Creative Expressions. The bird and the branch stamps come from the Creative Expressions "Birds" stamp plate. The decorative frame was cut using the new Spellbinders 5 x 7 set Elegant Labels Four.
Keep an eye out tomorrow for the Creative Expressions blog hop, for the chance to win some great prizes.
Happy crafting!
The Die D-Lite is called Bird Cage 2 (S3-203) and I cut this from the Vintage Gold card from Creative Expressions. The bird and the branch stamps come from the Creative Expressions "Birds" stamp plate. The decorative frame was cut using the new Spellbinders 5 x 7 set Elegant Labels Four.
Keep an eye out tomorrow for the Creative Expressions blog hop, for the chance to win some great prizes.
Happy crafting!
Sunday, 31 March 2013
Easter Greetings
Hope you are all having a great Easter weekend.
Here is my card to wish you all "Easter Greetings".
It uses one of the new Creative Expressions pre-cut Single Stamps - "Chirpy Chick" (UMS022).
This range of single stamps are already mounted onto umount cling cushion and cut out for you, ready to get crafting straight away. Many of the single stamps also come with a free sentiment stamp, which is also mounted onto umount cling cushion and cut out for immediate use.
The Spellbinders die sets I used to make the easel card, mats and layers were Grand Circles (LF-114), Grand Decorative Circles One (LF-015) and Stately Circles (S4-388).
The centre image was stamped in black Archival ink and then coloured using Distress Markers.
The paler chicks in the background were stamped by colouring the stamp direct with the same Distress Marker colours, and then pulling the colours out using a water brush.
Here is my card to wish you all "Easter Greetings".
It uses one of the new Creative Expressions pre-cut Single Stamps - "Chirpy Chick" (UMS022).
This range of single stamps are already mounted onto umount cling cushion and cut out for you, ready to get crafting straight away. Many of the single stamps also come with a free sentiment stamp, which is also mounted onto umount cling cushion and cut out for immediate use.
The Spellbinders die sets I used to make the easel card, mats and layers were Grand Circles (LF-114), Grand Decorative Circles One (LF-015) and Stately Circles (S4-388).
The centre image was stamped in black Archival ink and then coloured using Distress Markers.
The paler chicks in the background were stamped by colouring the stamp direct with the same Distress Marker colours, and then pulling the colours out using a water brush.
LOOK OUT FOR AN EXCITING BLOG POST ON WEDNESDAY 3 APRIL 2013
for the chance to win some great prizes!
Happy Crafting!
Saturday, 9 March 2013
What no die cutting!
Something a bit different from me today, using stamps and inks but no die cutting.
The gorgeous rose design is from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Floral Silhouette". I inked up the stamp using Distress Markers and stamped the image onto white card. Using the corresponding colours in the Distress Ink pads, I blended ink to frame the image and then inked the border of the mat beneath.
The bow is made from the Creative Expressions Sheer Wrinkled Edge ribbon and has a circle dazzler in the centre.
Happy crafting!
The gorgeous rose design is from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Floral Silhouette". I inked up the stamp using Distress Markers and stamped the image onto white card. Using the corresponding colours in the Distress Ink pads, I blended ink to frame the image and then inked the border of the mat beneath.
The bow is made from the Creative Expressions Sheer Wrinkled Edge ribbon and has a circle dazzler in the centre.
Happy crafting!
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Crazy Daisy
Today's card has been made using a Couture Creations embossing folder called Crazy Daisy. It's a bit smaller than their usual folders, but has a very pretty design on it.
The folder was inked up using a Clear Perfect Medium pad, on the side of the folder which has the background most prominent. The white card was embossed in the usual way and then clear embossing powder was applied to the card and heat embossed. Picked Raspberry and Salty Ocean Distress Inks were then blended over the image. Where the clear embossing was in the background, the ink did not settle, making the raised flowers pop.
The white flowers were made using the Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms die set, inked with Picked Raspberry Distress Ink. The blue flowers were made from pale blue card. Two circles of card were cut into spiral shapes. The spirals were then wound to form the blue flowers. The edges of these flowers were inked using the Salty Ocean Distress Ink pad.
Happy crafting!
The folder was inked up using a Clear Perfect Medium pad, on the side of the folder which has the background most prominent. The white card was embossed in the usual way and then clear embossing powder was applied to the card and heat embossed. Picked Raspberry and Salty Ocean Distress Inks were then blended over the image. Where the clear embossing was in the background, the ink did not settle, making the raised flowers pop.
The white flowers were made using the Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms die set, inked with Picked Raspberry Distress Ink. The blue flowers were made from pale blue card. Two circles of card were cut into spiral shapes. The spirals were then wound to form the blue flowers. The edges of these flowers were inked using the Salty Ocean Distress Ink pad.
Happy crafting!
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Life isn't about finding yourself . . .
. . . it's about creating yourself
This card features one of the characters and a sentiment from the Creative Expressions "Steampunk Sirens" stamp set. The kraft papers are from Canvas Home Basics and the bow has been made using two colours of Amercian Seam Binding ribbon with a brown Dazzler.
Happy crafting!
This card features one of the characters and a sentiment from the Creative Expressions "Steampunk Sirens" stamp set. The kraft papers are from Canvas Home Basics and the bow has been made using two colours of Amercian Seam Binding ribbon with a brown Dazzler.
Happy crafting!
Monday, 25 February 2013
Yellow Tulips
Another card using one of my favourite stamp sets from Creative Expressions, "Floral Silhouette".
I coloured the tulips stamp with Distress Markers. The gold frame was die cut using the Spellbinders Resplendant Rectangles.
Happy crafting!
I coloured the tulips stamp with Distress Markers. The gold frame was die cut using the Spellbinders Resplendant Rectangles.
Happy crafting!
Sunday, 24 February 2013
A Pink Rose
Hope you are all enjoying the weekend. Here is today's card:-
The rose image is from the Creative Expressions stamp set "Floral Silhouette". I used Distress Markers to ink up the stamp. The embossed paper in the background was made using the Spellbinders M-Bossabilities folder "Whimsey". The butterfly is from the Creative Expressions stamp set "Meadow Flora" and, again, was inked up using Distress Markers. The Dazzlers are the Medium Square Dazzlers from Creative Expressions.
I am off to Stamperama today with some friends, so it should be a good day.
Happy Crafting!
The rose image is from the Creative Expressions stamp set "Floral Silhouette". I used Distress Markers to ink up the stamp. The embossed paper in the background was made using the Spellbinders M-Bossabilities folder "Whimsey". The butterfly is from the Creative Expressions stamp set "Meadow Flora" and, again, was inked up using Distress Markers. The Dazzlers are the Medium Square Dazzlers from Creative Expressions.
I am off to Stamperama today with some friends, so it should be a good day.
Happy Crafting!
Monday, 18 February 2013
Bloomin' Great Day
Hello crafters - hope you are all well.
Today's card is a flower pot of blooms to hope you all "Have a Bloomin' Great Day!".
The blue background paper and the flower pot, have actually been cut from the Tim Holtz Idea-ology Holiday Past Paper Stash pad. Although it contains some beautiful Christmas papers, there are also quite a few which can be used for any occasion. The Creative Expressions "Flourish" embossing folder has been used on the white card mat. The pretty pale blue crochet ribbon and the blue Dazzlers are also from Creative Expressions. The flowers and "stalks" have been cut from the Spellbinders Jewel Flowers & Flourishes die set.
Happy crafting!
Today's card is a flower pot of blooms to hope you all "Have a Bloomin' Great Day!".
The blue background paper and the flower pot, have actually been cut from the Tim Holtz Idea-ology Holiday Past Paper Stash pad. Although it contains some beautiful Christmas papers, there are also quite a few which can be used for any occasion. The Creative Expressions "Flourish" embossing folder has been used on the white card mat. The pretty pale blue crochet ribbon and the blue Dazzlers are also from Creative Expressions. The flowers and "stalks" have been cut from the Spellbinders Jewel Flowers & Flourishes die set.
Happy crafting!
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Newsprint Rose
Today's blog post is a card which includes a newsprint rose. I wanted to try Sue Wilson's tutorial from her DVD but changed it slightly so that, rather than using a stamped image, I used a Spellbinders die cut shape.
I cut three Spellbinders Big Scalloped Circles, all the same size as each other. You can use any of the scalloped dies. The smaller ones will reduce the size of your finished rose. Likewise, the larger ones with give you a large rose, but for each rose you need three identical die cuts.
The stamped flower that Sue uses has six petals. The scalloped circle has twelve scallops, so I used two scallops to each of the petals Sue used. I stamped the scalloped circles using the Creative Expressions Newsprint A6 background stamp in black ink, on both sides of the card. The first scalloped shape is cut from the point between two scallops, to the centre of the flower, just leaving a slit. This will be the base of the rose. You overlap the first two and last two scallops and glue in place. The edges are curled around a paintbrush handle. The second scalloped circle has a wedge cut out which is a sixth of the shape, so cut between two scallops to the centre (as before) and then move around two scallops and cut another slit to meet the centre point. Keep this tiny wedge as it will curl up to form the centre of your rose. The third scalloped circle has two wedges cut out as one piece, so the slit is made, as before, to the centre, and then count around the edge four scallops and cut towards the centre. This will give you two pieces, one is a third of the circle and the other is two-thirds of the circle. Join layers 2, 3 and 4, as in the base layer, by overlapping the edges and gluing, and then shaping the edges. Before compiling the layers of the rose, snip a piece off the bottom of each. This is easier to do if you lightly fold the shape, giving you a point at the bottom to snip off. Use plenty of the Cosmic Shimmer dries clear glue inside each layer. Once the glue had set I inked the edges of the rose using the Peacock Flowers Distress Ink pad. If you are lucky enough to have Sue's DVD, it gives much more detailed instruction, but don't hesitate to ask if you have any queries.
The teal flower and the black flower have been rolled by cutting a spiral, free-hand, from a circle of teal card and a circle of black card.
Other products used include the new Spellbinders 5 x 7 Detailed Scallop die set, a Couture Creations embossing folder called Dream (coming soon), flourishes cut from the Spellbinders D-Lites Fantastic Flourish die and a sentiment from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Special Sentiments".
If anyone would like more detail on any stage please leave a comment with your question. I will be more than happy to elaborate but thought this post was getting a bit long!
Happy crafting!
I cut three Spellbinders Big Scalloped Circles, all the same size as each other. You can use any of the scalloped dies. The smaller ones will reduce the size of your finished rose. Likewise, the larger ones with give you a large rose, but for each rose you need three identical die cuts.
The stamped flower that Sue uses has six petals. The scalloped circle has twelve scallops, so I used two scallops to each of the petals Sue used. I stamped the scalloped circles using the Creative Expressions Newsprint A6 background stamp in black ink, on both sides of the card. The first scalloped shape is cut from the point between two scallops, to the centre of the flower, just leaving a slit. This will be the base of the rose. You overlap the first two and last two scallops and glue in place. The edges are curled around a paintbrush handle. The second scalloped circle has a wedge cut out which is a sixth of the shape, so cut between two scallops to the centre (as before) and then move around two scallops and cut another slit to meet the centre point. Keep this tiny wedge as it will curl up to form the centre of your rose. The third scalloped circle has two wedges cut out as one piece, so the slit is made, as before, to the centre, and then count around the edge four scallops and cut towards the centre. This will give you two pieces, one is a third of the circle and the other is two-thirds of the circle. Join layers 2, 3 and 4, as in the base layer, by overlapping the edges and gluing, and then shaping the edges. Before compiling the layers of the rose, snip a piece off the bottom of each. This is easier to do if you lightly fold the shape, giving you a point at the bottom to snip off. Use plenty of the Cosmic Shimmer dries clear glue inside each layer. Once the glue had set I inked the edges of the rose using the Peacock Flowers Distress Ink pad. If you are lucky enough to have Sue's DVD, it gives much more detailed instruction, but don't hesitate to ask if you have any queries.
The teal flower and the black flower have been rolled by cutting a spiral, free-hand, from a circle of teal card and a circle of black card.
Other products used include the new Spellbinders 5 x 7 Detailed Scallop die set, a Couture Creations embossing folder called Dream (coming soon), flourishes cut from the Spellbinders D-Lites Fantastic Flourish die and a sentiment from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Special Sentiments".
If anyone would like more detail on any stage please leave a comment with your question. I will be more than happy to elaborate but thought this post was getting a bit long!
Happy crafting!
Saturday, 16 February 2013
Tatty Button "Just Swingin'"
Apologies for being A.W.O.L. for a few days. We have been really busy getting ready for the Stitches Trade Show in Birmingham. Tomorrow will be my first visit to the show so I am really looking forward to that.
Today's blog post shows one of the new Spellbinders die sets, called Just Swingin'.
It is a really pretty die, which incorporates its own frame. I cut the image first in a dark brown colour and then cut a second image in a bright green card. I snipped the leaves sections from the brown tree and paper-pieced the green leaves in their place. The set comes with two dies to cut two lengths of rope, plus a seat die (which I cut in brown card) and a rubber tyre shape die. I used bakers twine instead of cutting the rope shapes. The character is Tatty Button from Creative Expressions. I stamped and coloured the image and then cut it out. It was a perfect fit for the seat of the swing. I layered these pieces onto a piece of white card, which I had lightly inked using Distress Ink pads and a piece of torn paper, to create a background of sky and rolling countrywide.
The base of the card was made from the same dark brown card (as used for the tree trunk and frame) and two co-ordinating pale blue papers from the Creative Expressions Foundations paper range. I edged the polka dot paper with a Spellbinders edgeabilities die, so that I could thread some blue and green American Seam Binding ribbon, adding a bow, with a pale blue frosted Dazzler in the centre.
The fence was cut from a piece of metallic pewter card, using the Spellbinders D-Lites die called Wrought Iron.
The sentiment comes from the "Tatty's Text" stamp set in the Tatty Button range.
The card was completed by adding a couple of the metal corner embellishments from Creative Expressions.
I hope this project inspires you - it was great fun creating it.
Happy crafting!
Today's blog post shows one of the new Spellbinders die sets, called Just Swingin'.
It is a really pretty die, which incorporates its own frame. I cut the image first in a dark brown colour and then cut a second image in a bright green card. I snipped the leaves sections from the brown tree and paper-pieced the green leaves in their place. The set comes with two dies to cut two lengths of rope, plus a seat die (which I cut in brown card) and a rubber tyre shape die. I used bakers twine instead of cutting the rope shapes. The character is Tatty Button from Creative Expressions. I stamped and coloured the image and then cut it out. It was a perfect fit for the seat of the swing. I layered these pieces onto a piece of white card, which I had lightly inked using Distress Ink pads and a piece of torn paper, to create a background of sky and rolling countrywide.
The base of the card was made from the same dark brown card (as used for the tree trunk and frame) and two co-ordinating pale blue papers from the Creative Expressions Foundations paper range. I edged the polka dot paper with a Spellbinders edgeabilities die, so that I could thread some blue and green American Seam Binding ribbon, adding a bow, with a pale blue frosted Dazzler in the centre.
The fence was cut from a piece of metallic pewter card, using the Spellbinders D-Lites die called Wrought Iron.
The sentiment comes from the "Tatty's Text" stamp set in the Tatty Button range.
The card was completed by adding a couple of the metal corner embellishments from Creative Expressions.
I hope this project inspires you - it was great fun creating it.
Happy crafting!
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Love tied in a ribbon
Today's blog post is a card made using a Couture Creations embossing folder called Encaustic (a strange name but a cute image).
The sentiment is from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Celebrations" and has been framed using the Spellbinders Labels Twenty Two die set . The Butterfly comes from the Spellbinders Les Papillions die set (the first butterfly set).
The embossing was highlighted using a Salty Ocean Distress Ink pad and the two little birds were picked out with glitter.
The sentiment is from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Celebrations" and has been framed using the Spellbinders Labels Twenty Two die set . The Butterfly comes from the Spellbinders Les Papillions die set (the first butterfly set).
The embossing was highlighted using a Salty Ocean Distress Ink pad and the two little birds were picked out with glitter.
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Black and ivory papers
Just two colours used on today's card, black and ivory, and it's all about the papers.
I chose papers from Canvas Home Basics, called Black & Ivory Damask which is in a 12 x 12 sheet and a spotty design from one of their 6 x 6 paper pads. I die cut two scalloped circles from black card. The arrow banners from the Spellbinders Nautical Frames & Accents set were used for the sentiment. A "faux nestie" was created for each of the arrows, by drawing around the die itself onto some black card and then cutting these out by hand.
I curved the arrows to add some interest.
Not easy to photograph but hopefully you get the idea.
The leaves flourish is another one of my favourite dies and comes from the Heartfelt Creations Belle Rose die set.
The sentiment comes from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Warmest Wishes". I cut the stamp into two so that I could fit it onto the arrow banners.
The card was embellished using black self-adhesive pearls and some organza ribbon roses.
Back soon with another card.
Happy Crafting!
I chose papers from Canvas Home Basics, called Black & Ivory Damask which is in a 12 x 12 sheet and a spotty design from one of their 6 x 6 paper pads. I die cut two scalloped circles from black card. The arrow banners from the Spellbinders Nautical Frames & Accents set were used for the sentiment. A "faux nestie" was created for each of the arrows, by drawing around the die itself onto some black card and then cutting these out by hand.
I curved the arrows to add some interest.
Not easy to photograph but hopefully you get the idea.
The leaves flourish is another one of my favourite dies and comes from the Heartfelt Creations Belle Rose die set.
The sentiment comes from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Warmest Wishes". I cut the stamp into two so that I could fit it onto the arrow banners.
The card was embellished using black self-adhesive pearls and some organza ribbon roses.
Back soon with another card.
Happy Crafting!
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Not just for Christmas!
Today's card shows that "Christmas" designs don't have to be just for Christmas. I wonder how long it will take the Spellbinders fans to recognise which die set I have used for this cheery Birthday card?
This next picture gives you a better clue . . .
Have you got it yet? It's actually using five snowmen from the Frosty Forms die set, to make up the petals of a flower. I inked through the die to highlight the pretty decorative pattern. All of the little curly elements have also come from dies in this set, including using some of the waste parts which look like hearts.
The other shapes were die cut from the Spellbinders Exquisite Circles die set.
The sentiment comes from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Kind Thoughts".
If there is anything else you would like to know just leave me a comment and I will reply as soon as I can.
This next picture gives you a better clue . . .
Have you got it yet? It's actually using five snowmen from the Frosty Forms die set, to make up the petals of a flower. I inked through the die to highlight the pretty decorative pattern. All of the little curly elements have also come from dies in this set, including using some of the waste parts which look like hearts.
The other shapes were die cut from the Spellbinders Exquisite Circles die set.
The sentiment comes from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Kind Thoughts".
If there is anything else you would like to know just leave me a comment and I will reply as soon as I can.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Serene Butterflies
This card has been made using the Couture Creations embossing folder called "Serene".
I lightly inked the raised embossed areas using a Shaded Lilac Distress Ink pad. I highlighted parts of the butterfly with some glitter and added the Crystal Stick Pins.
Another card to follow soon!
I lightly inked the raised embossed areas using a Shaded Lilac Distress Ink pad. I highlighted parts of the butterfly with some glitter and added the Crystal Stick Pins.
Another card to follow soon!
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Les Papillions Two
Today's card showcases some of the new Spellbinders dies, in particular the butterflies (Les Papillions Two) but also the pretty Grand Decorative Labels One and the Curved Matting Basics sets. The sentiment comes from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Garden Sayings". The butterflies have been cut from two shades of blue card and a top layer of parchment.
I had some butterflies left over, so I made a second, more simple card, Just Because ...
I used the Spellbinders Fancy Lattice die on the second card.
Happy crafting!
I had some butterflies left over, so I made a second, more simple card, Just Because ...
I used the Spellbinders Fancy Lattice die on the second card.
Happy crafting!
Monday, 28 January 2013
Artful Lady
Hi everyone.
An easel card today.
An easel card today.
This card was made using Sam Poole's "Artful Ladies" stamp set from Creative Expressions, together with the Foundations papers. The image has a lot of open space so is ideal for paper piecing.
The two lilac flowers were made from stamping the large flower image from the set onto co-ordinating papers. The white flower was made using a Spellbinders die. The white card layers were embossed using one of my favourite Couture Creations embossing folders, called "Intrinsic", and were then lightly inked with the Shaded Liliac Distress Ink Pad. The sentiments come from the "Art Phrases stamp set, also by Sam Poole.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Steampunk Siren
Something a bit different for me this time (no ribbon and no flowers)!
The main image is from the Creative Expressions "Steampunk Sirens" stamp set. The background has been created using the Metal Effect mask from That Special Touch, used with the Antique Rose Cosmic ShimmerVintage Mister, on black card. As well as the die cut cog embellishments, I made a fan to replicate the fan being held by the siren. The sentiment comes from the Creative Expressions "Vintage Vixens" stamp set.
Another card to follow soon!
The main image is from the Creative Expressions "Steampunk Sirens" stamp set. The background has been created using the Metal Effect mask from That Special Touch, used with the Antique Rose Cosmic ShimmerVintage Mister, on black card. As well as the die cut cog embellishments, I made a fan to replicate the fan being held by the siren. The sentiment comes from the Creative Expressions "Vintage Vixens" stamp set.
Another card to follow soon!
Monday, 21 January 2013
Birthday Girl
Hi crafters. Another card to show you.
This image comes from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Fashionista - A Day Shopping". The sentiment comes from "Fashionista - Best Friends". The papers are the Foundations double sided Dot & Dash collection. I thought the lips and sunglasses matched the image perfectly and came from the Studio 490 embellishment range.
Hope you are all keeping warm and safe. The snow looks very pretty but isn't very helpful if you need to travel anywhere.
Happy crafting!
This image comes from the Creative Expressions stamp set called "Fashionista - A Day Shopping". The sentiment comes from "Fashionista - Best Friends". The papers are the Foundations double sided Dot & Dash collection. I thought the lips and sunglasses matched the image perfectly and came from the Studio 490 embellishment range.
Hope you are all keeping warm and safe. The snow looks very pretty but isn't very helpful if you need to travel anywhere.
Happy crafting!
Monday, 7 January 2013
Wishing You Happiness
This card was to show some of the fabulous Canvas Home Basics papers from Creative Expressions (I used the Black and White Damask, Black and White Ribbon Stripe and Black and White Life Newsprint on this card).
The large flower and the aperture and frame for the sentiment were made using the Spellbinders Blossom Five die set.
The two smaller flower embellishments and the swirls were cut using the Spellbinders Jewel Flower & Flourishes die set.
Happy Crafting!
The large flower and the aperture and frame for the sentiment were made using the Spellbinders Blossom Five die set.
The two smaller flower embellishments and the swirls were cut using the Spellbinders Jewel Flower & Flourishes die set.
Happy Crafting!
Sunday, 6 January 2013
Thank You
I am so pleased to have had so many lovely comments on my new blog and to receive my first blog followers, so "Thank You" everyone.
My next card will be posted tomorrow - I hope you will check it out.
Happy Crafting!
Thursday, 3 January 2013
New Year's resolution for 2013
This time last year I embarked on a new journey and career change. My crafting hobby became my full-time job. The year has flown by and I thought it was time I started a blog to share some of my creations, ideas and thoughts. I hope you enjoy seeing what I have been up to.
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Dare to Create
This card was made using the Creative Expressions stamp set "Steampunk Flowers" (designed by Sam Poole).

You will discover that I do love flowers and I thought it would be fun to use these.
The flowers were stamped onto red and black co-ordinating papers and heat embossed. The flowers were then cut out and layered up, as shown.
The leaves were cut using the Spellbinders Foliage die set. The smaller sprays were cut from card with double-sided self-adhesive paper attached, so that Luna Silver Vintage Mica Flakes could be added to them.
The centres of the flowers were embellished using clear Dazzlers.
Take care and happy crafting!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)




