Beautiful Card Designs Made Easy

September 30, 2017

Card Winners

Hi Everybody,

Hello to a wet and windy Blackpool today and I was going to go out dog walking this morning but I am a fair weather walker and so the walk is off. Ruby will be back tomorrow for her latest up date so I hope you will join her then.

And next week I have some really pretty cards to show you and one that is great for men in the Tuesday Tutorial and very easy to make.

Next Friday the card and gift "Give Away" begins and I have got the first five ready to go. They are listed on the winners page if you wanted to see which ones are coming up

But for now the draw for the two cards from yesterday has been done and hopefully they will find new homes this week.  I can't guarantee which one you will get but the names of the winners are ....

Bill Ali 
EFT Christine
please can you both email me to
christina@card-making-magic.com
with your postal address and the cards will be on their way to you

I hope you will like them and please let me know when you have them safe and sound.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


September 29, 2017

Friday Freebie ... 2 Shabby Chic cards

Hi Everybody,

Today I am offering two Shabby Chic Cards and these are the last ones for now because next week I have something really good to offer you.

Both of these cards have been on the blog before and were unclaimed... for whatever reason.

So here they are again and if you would like one of them then all you need to do is leave me a comment



The card above is a 5" square and this Christmas card is quite a large one at 7" square

I am happy to send them wherever you are and all I ask is that you let me know it has arrived safely with you.

So there you have the last two Shabby Chic for a while but please pop back next week for a really special run up to Christmas

I am giving away a free gift with the card that was made with that gift.

They are from the magazine freebies but it is too expensive for me to send the actual magazine each week especially if you live overseas .... so sorry if you thought it was the magazine as well

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

September 28, 2017

Layered Stencils

Hi Everybody,

I have been playing a lot recently with stencils as there is so much you can do with them to add that extra something to your design

This is a new one that has been added to Craft Stash and this is the Snowflake/Snowman stencil duo

There are several to choose from and this one was so easy to use.

The video will show you how I created some different ones with this set and it is not long

Snowflake/Snowman Layered Stencil  has been used for this card too but they look totally different and this one is a little more sophisticated

Have a look at the other designs and there may be one that really appeals to you.

But whatever you do have fun playing

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx



September 27, 2017

Magazine freebies ...

Hi Everybody,

There are two new magazines on sale tomorrow so here's a sneaky peak at what you can do with them. 

Each one has a video to show you how I made the cards featured here.

The first one is Die Cutting Essentials 29 and the video will give you other ideas as well.

This one is quick and easy ... just what you need when you have lots of Christmas cards to make.

The next one is Simply Cards & Papercraft 168  which has three border dies for you to create a scene.  

It is called Scenic Winter but I have created other cards from the same die set to show you that it is something that can be used all year round and for many occasions

So here we have the winter scene and I have used lots of glitter on the snow for this card.

I used Spectrum Noir to colour in plain white card and I created a winter sky behind it.

But this is the same die set and for this I created a summer scene 

I added the two people to one side and they are flying a kite on the hillside with a cloudy summer sky behind

I had a lot of fun using this die set and I am sure that you will come up with many more as you play.

There are lots of ideas within the pages of the magazine too for you to try.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx



September 26, 2017

Tuesday Tutorial - Bella Clair Border

Hi Everybody,

Today we are making a Gatefold Card and it is easy to do using one of the new dies from Spellbinders designer Becca Feeken. 
This die comes in three parts with two cutting edges and the patterned panel for the border.
The links will be at the bottom of the post for you to see my supplies
Spellbinders Supplies:
  • Bella Clair Border
  • Francesca Label
  • Platinum Die Cutting Machine
Other Supplies:
  • Pink Pearls
  • Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts
  • Glitter from Glitter Magic
  • Thin pink ribbon
Instructions:
With the colour of your choice take a 20cms piece and measure in 5cms from each side, score and fold towards the centre. Don't worry about the length at present as we will trim it to the required size later
Place the patterned die and the curved cutting piece on the outside edge and cut
Tape in place so the the dies can't cross as you cut.
Move the dies to the other side and making sure that they are level cut these also
Trim the card as need to remove the surplus pieces and make it the length of the die
With the card flat add a line of pearls along each of the front panels as shown
I also added flowers to mine
Stamp the sentiment of your choice and with the Francesca labels die #3 cut it out.
Use the same die and trace around the outside edge onto some pink card  and cut it out.
This will give you a Faux Nestie that is slightly bigger then the sentiment label
(If you need a more detailed explanation please visit Faux Nesties )
Line the back of the card with some pretty paper and add the sentiment with foam pads
Use a piece of patterned paper to line the inside back of the card
With the largest die cut another piece in white and level the bottom
Score a little way down and add glue to this area
(For other ways to make a card stand please visit Creating a Card Stand )
Glue the small strip to the back of the card making sure that the straight edge is level with the bottom of the card
This will allow the card to stand correctly
Add some matching ribbon and slot it through the holes in the Gatefold edges
You can tie this into a bow or leave it open if you prefer.
The back of the card will look like this and stand unaided and leave to more room to add your signature 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


September 25, 2017

New Videos ...

Hi Everybody,

Today I have some new products that are on the Craft Stash Website and these are all geared up for Christmas.

Both of these sets are Nesting Dies and they also have a stamp set that will compliment them.

They can be bought individually if you prefer but the price for the bundle is well worth considering.

The Nesting Christmas Tree has been done with Distress Inks and is in contemporary colours ... but it was fun to make and is very vibrant.    Click the links to view the videos

The Nesting Christmas Bauble has been created with Card Candi and I bought loads of this from a craft show.

I have simply glued it direct to the die cut and filled the spaces with glitter.

Another pretty card and again easy to make.

The stamps can be used as additions to any other cards you make but both work really well together.

The links at the bottom of the page ill show you the products I used to make them

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

September 24, 2017

Weekend Away ...


.

Hi Everybody,

Last weekend was brilliant and you know part of it as I went to Alexandra Palace to the craft show there.

I met Christine Smith from Crafti Potential for the first time even though we have chatted and been friends for over a year on Facebook. 

We met up with Natalie Helyer and Amy Gray from Craft Stash and had a good natter.

Here we are with the large stained glass window and it was beautiful

And a really big THANK YOU to ALL the ladies who visit my blog and came over to make them selves known and say "Hello"  it was so lovely to meet you all 

On the Sunday Griff and I went to the Harry Potter Studio Tour and that was amazing.

We spent almost five hours in there and we looked at everything.
We tried the Butterbeer ice cream and it was delicious


This was our walk down Diagon Alley and all the sets are just as they are used in the films.

 It makes me want to see them all over again and I do have my own boxed set that my daughter bought for me at Christmas

We came home yesterday in very heavy traffic, but what a really good weekend we had.

And that explains my absence from posting for a few days.

But now it is back to normal again until the next time we go away for a little break

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


September 23, 2017

Card Winner ...

Hi Everybody,

Hope you are all enjoying the weekend. This is a quiet weekend compared to the last one and I will tell you more about that tomorrow.

This morning I have added an extra box on the left hand side to link you to the Spellbinders Posts that I do for them.  There are more ideas that you may like to try.

 But for today we have done the draw for yesterdays Shabby Chic.
I just hope the winner claims it this week as it really is a pretty card.

So the name chosen as the new owner is you ....

Margaret Wilson
if you would email me please with your postal address to 
christina@card-making-magic.com
then the card will be on its way to you straight away.

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

More tomorrow ...

Hugs x


September 22, 2017

Friday Freebie 37- Shabby Chic

Hi Everybody,

This week I have another Shabby Chic card on offer and it is one that was here a few weeks ago.

It is really pretty in Lilac with lots of glitter and flowers. It is being offered again because it was not claimed and so if you would like this one then leave me your comment at the end of the post. 

I ask that it if you are going away on holiday and know that you will not be able to claim it then please do not add your name. 

It stops someone else who really would like it from claiming it.

Can I also add please that you leave your full name as the other week I had two people with the same first name claiming one card 

I have two more cards that I can offer as the FF and I will add both of them next week.

Special News

 Starting on the first Friday in October  I am going to be doing something a little special.

I will be offering a card that used a magazine freebie to make it. So along with the card I will be giving away the actual freebie too. 
(The GIFT and not the magazine)
 I will show you the picture of both gift and card so that you can decide if you would like to enter and win that particular one. The card will also have been in a video to make it

This offer will run all the way up to Christmas so lots of chances for you to be a winner.  

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

September 21, 2017

Tonic Craft Kit 01

Hi Everybody,

Today I am playing with the new September kit from Tonic Studios.

There are some really lovely papers in this kit full of texture and all in Autumn colours

The die set is quite big and there are seven pieces to it. There is also a stamp set and other items to add to your crafting stash.

The video 
is not very long and it shows you how I made this card.

The next kit will be along soon and has even more goodies in it for you to play with.

So I hope you will make a cuppa and sit and relax for a little while as you watch the video

You can find out more about the kits at by clicking the link  and watch the video on their page to see what is in the next months kit ...

UK & Europe  
US & North America

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

September 20, 2017

Papercraft Essentials 151

Hi Everybody,



This bumper issue of Papercraft Essentials will be on sale tomorrow and the paper pack that comes with it is lovely.

I used one of the scene sheets for my card here and added the other elements as I went along.

The video  .. Sending Christmas Wishes .. will show you what I did to make this one

It can be used all year round though so change the papers and give it some florals instead.

The postbox is really suitable for male cards too

The magazine will be in selected supermarkets and WHSmiths as well as direct from More Mags 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

September 19, 2017

Tuesday tutorial - Boo to You !!

Hi Everybody,

Ghosties and ghouls are on their way and so I thought I would make a card to go with the season.
This was super quick to make ... just a little inking and die cutting and there you have it.
Spellbinders Supplies:
  • S2-262 Boo Web Holiday Die
  • S4-836 Spider Web Card Front
  • Platinum Die Cutting machine
Other Supplies:
  • Orange Ink
  • Grey Ink
  • Black Ink
  • Versamark
  • WOW sparkle embossing powder
  • Glossy Accents
Instructions:
With the outer die of the Card Front cut the base by folding an A4 card in half and placing the die with one of the short cutting edges off the fold
Cut another layer slightly smaller than the card
With both dies together cut the Spiders Web
Ink over with Black and Grey inks
Dab the Versamark on in random areas and sprinkle with the sparkle embossing powder.
Heat until melted
With the extra layer sponge on orange and black inks in random areas and then spritz with clean water and blot off to leave a mottled effect
Cut the web and BOO! twice in black card and stack together
Add the inked layer to the base card and glue the web on top 
Add the smaller web into one corner and the word Boo! to the centre of the web
Add Glossy Accents to the word and some areas of the web
I used a label maker to produce my Greeting

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


September 16, 2017

Card Winner ....

Hi Everybody,

This post is very late going up because today I have been to Alexandra Palace and had a lovely day shopping for crafting goodies. I also met Christine Smith from Crafti Potential
  This is the first time I have been to this craft show but it was really good to meet up with some old friends and catch up with what is happening in their lives

So now I am back at the hotel  and we have just done the draw for the Shabby Chic card from yesterday

The name this week is you ...
GJ 
would you email please with your postal address to
christina@cad-making-magic.com
and the card will be on its way to you.

Please let me know when you get it and I hope you will like it

More tomorrow...

Hugs xx

September 15, 2017

Friday Freebie 36 - Pretty in Pink

Hi Everybody,

This card is a 6" square and has shades of Pink, Aqua and Yellow in it and lots of pearls.
 The inside is also lined and there is some very lovely floral lace attached along the left side.
This is another that looks better in the hand and it would love to find a new home soon.

So if this is a card that you would like to have then you know what to do !!
Leave me your comment at the end of the post and from those one name will be chosen at random as the winner.

I will add that name to a blog post over the weekend and then you have 72 hours in which to claim it for your self

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


September 14, 2017

Fun Stencil ...

Hi Everybody,

I have been having a splurge with stencils just lately and there are so many designs that I like.

This one was so unusual and I couldn't resist. I tried it in two different colour ways and I really like both of them.

The options are endless with this one. For this card I used Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry and Shaded Lilac and I edged the layer with gold Gansai Tambi

On both cards the dies are from Sevenhills Crafts and there are accompanying sentiment stamp with them both

The colours on this one are Fossilised Amber, Twisted Citron and Tumbled Glass

I have added Glossy Accents to both sentiments words

This stencil makes for a look that is modern and would suit any age group male or female ... so altogether a useful addition to my crafting stash

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


September 13, 2017

Creative Stamping 48 - Christmas Stamps

Hi Everybody,

Everything is gearing up for Christmas now and for card makers there is never a wrong time to start the cards that you may need.

This months Creative Stamping is no exception.

They have an A4 stamp set called Away In A Manger and the featured designer this month is Wild Rose Studios

On the sheet there are lots of other designs and I have used water colours on mine for a soft and gentle look.

The video
is using water colours and I have my favourite Gansai Tambi and a number 4 brush.

I like this size brush because it is fine and has a really good point to it which is ideal for getting into small areas on the image.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

September 12, 2017

Tuesday Tutorial - Lunette Arched Borders

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is using another die from Becca Feekens Venice Lace Collection.
 This one is called Lunette Arched Border.   The links are all at the end of the post.
Spellbinders Supplies:
  • 5x7 Matting Basics A
  • 5x7 Matting Basics B
  • Lunette Arched Borders
  • Shapeabilities Sentiments
  • Platinum Die Cutting Machine
  • Blistered Embossing Folder
Other Supplies:
  • Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts
  • Glitter from glitter Magic
  • Ribbon from Mei Flower
  • Card from Papermill Direct
Instructions:
With the largest die from Matting Basics A cut two panels in white and create the base card
With the largest die from Matting Basics B cut another in turquoise
Use the 5x7 Blistered Embossing Folder to add texture to the card
With one of the patterned dies and the outer cutting edge from the Lunette Arched Borders cut three panels in various shades of turquoise moving the dies up each piece as you go.
Layer them all together and wrap with ribbon around the top
Add them to the embossed layer
You can have these arches facing upwards or down the choice is yours
I added mine to face upwards
The flower selection is from the left ...
Roses, Carnations, Anemone, Tulips added with hot glue gun.
Dot with glue once added to the card and sprinkle with glitter
Add in the bow as you like.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx