Beautiful Card Designs Made Easy

August 12, 2013

Red Heart ...

Hi Everybody,

This card is a bit of a cheat because the hearts,  on the front,  have been pinched from another card that was sent to me by my "Film Crew"

They are foiled and so pretty I couldn't let them go to waste and so I removed them from that card and here they are.

The white panel has been em,bossed with one of the 8 x 8 folders from Crafters Companion and it is the Chantilly Corner

The sentiment has been stamped and embossed in gold and added to the banner.

The  two ribbons are tied separately  with the  Bow maker   and then added together with a button over the knot.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx





August 11, 2013

New embossing folder ...

Hi Everybody,

This card took no time at all to make and is good for those "Have you got a card for ....."   moments that we all get.

The main feature of this one is the embossed panel.

It is  one of the new 8 x 8 folders called Elegance and it is from Crafters Companion. 

The folder embosses with two different patterns at the top and bottom of the card and gives you the ideal spot to add your ribbon

I have used some pale blue Glitter card between the layers

The sentiment here is from Clarity Stamp   and I have stamped it in the Blue and  embossed it with a clear powder onto Labels 20

The matching Pearls "Bling" is from  Want2Scrap


So a very simple easy card to keep for those unexpected moments

More tomorrow ...

hugs xx







August 10, 2013

Back to Spellbinders ...

Hi Everybody,

Here's another one to go in my  Christmas store and I am getting quite a selection ready to send now .... how sad is that when it's only August.

I am not usually this early with cards for Christmas but I have a lot of plates juggling at present and so I need to be organised.

To the card ..... This one is made using a lovely antique gold and white  card.

The base is white with another layer on top that has been embossed with the Dainty Dots A4 folder from Spellbinders.

The gold layer has been hand cut in the FauxNesties style and then the white layer is suing one of the new 8 x 8 folders from Crafters Companion

This folder is called Seasonal Music  and I have rubbed gold embossing paste over the surface to enhance the notes.

(And just as a side line for those who asked me about the Ebosser .... it is now back in stock with Crafters Companion)

The Poinsettias are from the Tattered Lace   and they have been cut from the white and the gold and layered up alternatively.... with a pearl centre.

The gold organza ribbon finishes the card and the inside is lined with gold and white layers.

 I would like to stress that the pictures at the bottom of the post are for you to see which Spellbinders have been used ... it is up to you to source them in your own country at the price you want to pay.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx



August 09, 2013

Pale Skin

Hi Everybody,

Here is another colored image and she is from Saturated Canary

Colors used ...
Hair                               TN1, TN2 TN7
Eyes                              TB2
Skin                               FS2, FS3, TN2, CR1
Pinafore                        TB1, TB2, TB4
Boots                            BG2, BG4, BG6
Eggs                              EB1
Grass                             DG2, DG4
Chicken                          TN1, TN2, EB1

In the first tutorial for The Art Studio using the Spectrum Noir pens I covered coloring in Pale Skin... and the result was very well received.

So in the next tutorial I will be covering the subject of dark skin and the concept of this scares many people into thinking they cannot get it right.  Well I am here to show you that you can and  together we will get the perfect look for you images.

It will be in depth  so get your pens ready to join me on another adventure with Spectrum Noir.  This image is called Egg-tra special from Saturated Canary.   But you can use any image that you have in your Digi or stamp collection

The tutorial will be available, to purchase,   at the end of this month.  More information nearer the time.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx


August 08, 2013

Creating a Background ...

Hi Everybody,

One of my commitments as part of the Spectrum Noir Design Team is to do short tutorials on ways to get the most from the pens.

Today  Spectrum Noir  have added my short video to their website and this is the card that I have created for the post.

Colors used ...
Hair          TN2, TN5, TN7
Skin          FS2, FS3, EB2, CR1
Eyes          DG2
Clothes      PP1, PP3, Blender  Symbol BP5

The image is from Saturated Canary and is a digital download so once you have paid for it you have it instantly .... no waiting for the postman to deliver it.

Te main purpose of the video is to show a simple way to create a background with the same pens you used to color the image.  The colors I have chosen are the BP5 and DG2  from the symbol on the T-shirt and her eyes.

There are many many more tutorials on the SN website and they cover many different techniques to give you the best result ever.

The embellishments to this card are Card Candi from Craftwork Cards   and the tiny flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts  and I popped one rose in her hair.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx



August 07, 2013

Please Read ....

Hi Everybody,

I am publishing this comment received yesterday  on it's own page because I feel it warrants a complete reply.  I do not mind criticism but when it is un-warranted  then I need to respond.  Here is the comment ...

Dear Christina, I love your stuff but am disappointed that you use so much stuff from the States. Your stamps and bling and dies are all only available in the US when you show them and therefore only available to us, mere mortals, if we pay a lot of money in postage on top of the cost of the items. We have recently seen Kanban crafts disappear because Hunkdory gets so much publicity that the British company could not compete and the British cardmaking industry is now the poorer. AS a UK crafter can you possible demonstrate some loyalty to UK markets and show us what e can make using UK designed and produced products. If there are any left! I am pleased that you promote Meiflower and Wild Orchid Crafts, but there are so many good UK companies out there who need all the promotion they can get.

My reply is ....

Thanks for your comment and I am sorry to disappoint you ... but you need to do your research a little more carefully before adding this type of comment.   I will go though all the points you make in the order that you have made them.

Firstly the stamps you mention are usually off a CD or they are Digital downloads and so only cost you the charge for the Digi and it is yours ...no extra postage involved and available worldwide.  The dies I use are Spellbinders and they are available everywhere.  The last ones I bought where from Create and Craft TV which is very UK based.

The "Bling" I use is available in UK and I tell you whenever I have used it and give you the link to the companies involved.  I buy mine from Want2Scrap but that is my choice. I tell you about it on the blog because it is good quality ... but I don't say that you have to buy it from there.  That would be your choice and you would have to pay postage for many items wherever you get them from.

Not quite sure what you mean by Mere Mortals ..... I am the same as you with the same kind of outgoings and  a limited income and I am retired.  But I don't smoke, buy designer clothes, drink a lot or waste money and it is my choice  to spend on my hobby and my website/blog.

You mention both Kanban and Hunkydory in the same sentence and you seem to suggest that Hunkydory has put Kanban out of business.   Both of these are UK companies .... Hunkydory has their own shop in Preston and they supply many Kanban products on their website.  So how is British card making the poorer?

As a UK crafter I think I MORE then show my loyalty to the UK market ...and all you need to do is look back through some of my older posts.  I give links to many many  UK companies in my posts ......

Crafters Companion .. based in Newcastle ... and the makers of Spectrum Noir
Polkadoodles .... based in York
Funky Hand  .... based in Newcastle
Lili of the Valley ... based in Bradford
Sunrise crafts .... based in Wolverhampton
Hunkydory ..... based in Preston  ....
Tattered Lace, Creative Studios, Pink Petticoat, Clintseed Crafts, Just Inklined ... to name but a few .... need I go on?

Some of these I have featured for a whole week to showcase their products.   And many of their products have been used in the "Give Aways" that I have done regularly all this year.... and much of that at my own expense.

 How much more supportive of UK products can I be?  I can only support the company ... if I know about the company in the first place,  and I have limited time ... the same as you  ...and so I can't spend all day on a PC looking for them.

The companies I mention are companies whose products I use and I know that the quality and the service is excellent.  This is why I pass the inks onto the people who visit my website/blog  in the hope that I am doing them a good service

So once again I am sorry to disappoint you  ... but please get your facts correct before you write to me again.    And last but not least I have not added your name to save you any embarrassment.


One for Christmas ...

Hi  Everybody,

This is such a simple card to create and used very few dies.

The base is a Hinged Card that has been matted and layered with silver Mirror Card.

The top white layer has been created with an  embossing folder.

The centre piece has been stamped with Versmark using the one that matches Labels 29.

I have embossed it with Silver Bells from the Wow embossing powder range and it looks fabulous in real life.

The Fancy Tags Three has the matching "Bling"  attached and that makes my focal point.

I have cut several Poinsettias from the Tattered Lace   Festive Range and the edges have been inked with Antique Linen.... the sentiment is from the Word set also from the same company.

So this is another card in my stock of cards to send out when the Jolly Season comes around.   

If you would like to learn more about Spellbinders then please consider buying my new class with The Art Studio.   Create Beautiful Cards with Spellbinders Class 2   is available to buy now.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx




August 06, 2013

New Spellbinders Class ...

Hi Everybody,

I have been busy behind the scenes getting a
 ready for The Art Studio and it is now available  for you to buy. 

In the first class ... which will always be available to you ... I showed you how to create three different cards but I did it all on one complete video. 

This time I have changed the format  and given you three cards ...  in three separate parts. 

Which means you will have one complete card on one video that you can stop and start as you wish.  More bite sized chunks that will be easier for you to follow at your own pace.

The cost is the same for all my  individual  classes ... and there are now 2 Spellbinders classes and 1 Spectrum Noir class.

Please note that the cost is per class and that the second Spellbinders class is in three parts ... but it is still just ONE Class... with one price for all three parts. 


The classes are  now listed on The Art Studio website.  Once you have joined the classes are accessible 24/7 and there is a permanent link to them in the side bar  which will give you access to all the classes.

If you experience any problems please go back to The Art Studio as they are always happy to help you sort things out until you are completely happy with your purchase.

So please come and join me for this easy to follow class and learn how to   

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

With you in Mind ...

Hi Everybody,

For this all white card I have used several Spellbinders and layered them all together with foam pads for a lovely effect.

The top layer has been embossed and the lower part removed with the Scalloped border.

 The  part that was removed has been added to the top of the card with foam pads so as not to waste it ....

The pearly "Bling" is from  Want2Scrap  and matches  Labels 23

Many of  the die sets  have the complimentary matching bling  and that can really make a feature of the die itself.

Some have the matching stamps that go with them too.... and tomorrows card will show you the stamp that matched Labels 29

The sentiment is from JustRite Stampers and it has been stamped and embossed in silver.

The beautiful ribbon is wrapped around the bottom of the card and adds the finishing touch to this pretty card that would suit many occasions.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx









August 05, 2013

Peachy Peach ...

Hi Everybody,

Back to Spellbinders for todays card and the sentiment I just happened to find at the bottom of a drawer so I have no idea where it came from

I have stamped and heat embossed it in silver and cut it from Fancy Tags 3 and to this I have used the matching pearl "Bling" from Want2Scrap

The flowers are a mixture from   Wild Orchid Crafts  and I have added some Glamour Dust to the petals for added sparkle.

The white background is embossed with the large A4 Garden Lattice folder and the peach centre panel is embossed with  a Dotty pattern.

I have used the new Majestic Labels 25 to create the focal point and the swirls behind the flowers are just sections of the  large Bella Rose flourish.

This card looks totally different from the one featured on the 1st August even though it uses the same die set.

But a paler colour and another way to layer the dies produces a new look for your creations.

The organza ribbon from   MeiFlower   has been wrapped around a pencil to get the twirl and a central pearl hides the knot.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx




August 04, 2013

Colouring Time ...

Hi Everybody,

This character is from the Just Inklined CD "The Next Big Thing" and she is one of the Wrinklies.

I have coloured her with Spectrum Noir ...

Skin                        FS2  FS3  TN2
Hat/Bag                  LV1  LV2
Dress/Hatband        PL1  BP2  BP6
Slippers                  CG1  DG2
Hair/Walker            IG4  IG6

All these colours are from the six pen sets and together they will colour a multitude of designs for you.

They are from the  Pale Hues,  Pinks,  Greens,  Purples and Cool Grey and all these can be purchased from Crafters Companion

There is a tutorial using nothing but the   Ice Grey   set to create a Christmas scene and is the easiest video on colouring to start with.

You will also find many more tutorials .... including some of mine ... at  Spectrum Noir   and new ones are being added all the time.

The doily is from my "Stash" and the sentiment is from   Lili of the Valley   and says "Believe that you are Wonderful"

The ribbon was wrapped around a new pair of pajamas and went straight in to my box ready for just such an occasion.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

August 03, 2013

Captivating Squares ...

Hi Everybody,

This is another of the new dies from Spellbinders and this is Captivating Squares.

The packaging is the only way to show you the set as they have just been launched in the CHA trade show in USA.

The card itself is made just using the this set and the sentiment heat embossed in silver onto the Decorative Labels 22

The card itself is small at 4" square.



The sentiment has been stamped and heat embossed in silver and is from  Lili of the Valley

The only other addition is some blue spotty ribbon around the bottom of the card and the flower from Wild Orchid Crafts

The Diamante swirl is from Want2Scrap  


More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx










August 02, 2013

Teal and White...

Hi Everybody,

I love this colour scheme of teal and white ... and I love that Quatrefoil Pattern die too.

To get this look I have used the Grand Labels and grand Circles and embossed the background for texture.

The Quatrefoil Pattern is available from Sunrise Crafts  and it creates the most gorgeous look for any of your creations.

The flowers along the bottom are a mixture from  Wild Orchid Crafts  and the colour matches the card to perfection.

The lovely ribbon is part of a pack of 24 different reels that I picked up from TKMaxx ... (while Griff was looking for a new wallet) ... and they just fell into my basket ... so what could I do ??

I have added in some frilly lace along  the bottom of the card tucked just under the ribbon and it looks lovely in real life ... but not very clear in the photo.

The large pearls are from Want2Scrap  ... who have some wonderful new items  to  inspire you

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx




August 01, 2013

Majestic Labels 25

Hi Everybody,

This lovely card is created from some of the newest dies from Spellbinders ... and the only way I can show you the set is to show the photo of the packet they are in.

Each element of the set can be used in different ways to give you lots of looks for your designs.

They also match the plain Labels 25 and I have used both sets together to give a layered look.





The background has been embossed and the red ribbon has been wrapped around the layer before it was added to the base with foam tape.

The look is Lacey and delicate and I really do like this card... but I am going to try it in other colour schemes too.

The sentiment has been heat embossed in silver and it is from Lili of the Valley

It has been added with foam pads to the Medallion 7 and then onto Fancy Tags 3 for effect.


More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx