Beautiful Card Designs Made Easy

March 31, 2012

Bespoke Envelopes

Yesterday I showed you some wordbooks made using  the CD's from Funky Hand.

But once you have made this project you may be wondering how you are going to send it to the recipient.

Well ! the best way is to make an envelope especially for it ... because until you have decided on the word you want to use ... then you won't know how big the envelope needs to be.

Making your own envelopes means you will be able to get one that fits any size or shape that you want.
And you can make them in any colour that suits your scheme.

Bespoke Envelopes will show you how to create them in easy steps and you will never be short of an envelope again .

Hugs Christina xx

March 30, 2012

Word Books

Another easy to create book that can be for lots of occasions.  These are some that I have made for my family and friends over the years and they are all made from CD's from Funky Hand

This is one that has proved to be extemely popular and I have been asked to make this several times.

They are very easy to create and as long as the word you want is not too long then you will have no trouble with them at all.
The video instructions to make them can be found  Here  ... but you will also find full instructions on the CD's and the downloads.



A very pretty project to do and you can add all the embellishments that you have from your "Stash"

Hugs Christina xx

March 29, 2012

Memory Books


This little project is a gift that can be adapted for any occasion... and it is one that will need a box to show it off to it's full advantage. 

Instructions are on the website about the making of this  Memory Book    from the cover  ...

...  to the envelopes inside that will hold all those little treasures.
It can be for any occasion that you want ... the one above is for a new baby (Not Isabella)   and the one below is one I was asked to make for a Silver Wedding Anniversary.


It is one of many easy to do projects that are covered on the website    Card Making Magic

The flowers on the anniversary card are from Wild Orchid Crafts

Hugs Christina xx









March 28, 2012

Super Easy Fold

This card is so easy to create from just one piece of A4 card... a couple of creases and the card is ready for you to shape and decorate.

I have stamped the images, from Lili of the Valley,  and coloured them in with Promarkers.

They have some lovely new designs out now and you will be spoiled for choice.


I have called this the Tilt Card  and this is the video tutorial on how to get the look for yourself.

It has been on YouTube for a little while and had a good response.

And here's a piece of news I am happy to share with you ...  that my videos have had 602,000 views on YouTube.

So who's a happy cookie then!!

The Rose is created from the Paper Roses Tutorial  and added on top of some white feathers.

The luxury foiled card for the base is from Hunkydory
and you will find some beautiful patterns for all occasions.



The image is one I have had in my collection for a long time and I can't remember where I got it from.
I hope you will give this a try.....it is easy ... honest.

Hugs Christina xx


March 27, 2012

Less Postage More Style...

I love to make cards with lots of flowers and ribbons on them which often means I have to also make a box to give the card in because of the height invloved.

But what happens if you want to post the card and the cost is too much.... Well! the simple answer is... make it flatter.

That doesn't mean that you have to lose the style, and the card can be just as pretty without the height that
the flowers give.

Cards for Posting is the latest video to be added to the website and is about creating a card that will go easily into an ordinary envelope without compromising on style.

It also covers making the card free standing which will also keep the cost down as it doesn't need an added insert.

The added pink gemstone   "Bling" is from  Want2Scrap 

And the character is from Candy Doodles CD from Polka Doodles and I have coloured her in with Promarkers.

There's not a flower in sight but I had to add the ribbons ... and I still think it is a pretty card.

Hugs Christina xx

March 26, 2012

Purely personal ...

This is the little beauty that the Christening Cards were made for and I think she is just adorable.... but then I am very biased.



Her name is Isabella and she is my Great Grand-daughter and she was born on the 16th October 2011.

.

It was her Christening yesterday 25-03-12
Isabella  looked beautiful for her big day ... but was extremely bored with the whole proceedings and went to sleep. 


She is the fourth generation to my family and here we are.
Great Grandmother (me)...   Daddy  (my Grandson) with Isabella ... and Grandmother (my Daughter Vickie)

It was a really good day and the sun shone throughout ... and the diet went out the window ... oh! well start again today!!

Hugs Christina xx



March 25, 2012

Candy Doodles CD

This is another CD from the Polka Doodles  range and they are all just filled with goodies for you to play with.

This one is from the Candy Doodles and the image was coloured with Alcohol  pens from Promarkers

The backgound is Colour Core, and it has been run through the die cutting machine, with an embossing folder, and then sanded to bring out the pattern.
The border is from the the Floral Doily Accents from Spellbinders and it has been linked over the image.  

The border around the image itself has been created using the   Faux Nestie  technique to create a thin edge to the topper.

The Nestabling swirl is from  Want2Scrap and adds the finishing touch.

And the ribbon and flower were made from some ribbon which was wrapped around a new pair of pyjamas I bought at the weekend .... waste not want not !!

Hugs Christina xx







March 24, 2012

Sugarplum Daisy CD

Staying with the Sugarplum Daisy CD from  Polka Doodles  for todays card. 

I have used the same fairy images from yesterday ... just added them in a different layout.  There are other characters for you to choose in different poses.

They come in four sizes for you to cut out and use with Spellbinders if you have them... or just mat and layer as you would like.

If you aren't happy to colour the images then they come ready coloured so you can just print them off as they are on the disc.

But if you are then you can use the line drawings
 to colour in your self.

The papers are in blue and pink and layered  onto some plain pink card.

The Lacy border is from the Persian  Accents from Spellbinders and it is cut from Glitter card, and the blue satin ribbon has been added to the top.

I thought I would add some blue buttons for a change but then decided to add the flowers as well.

Well why not???   The flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts

The fairy in the foreground has been added with   Pinflair Glue Gel   to give her height, and  the  wings have been sparkled with the lovely Glamour Dust for added effect.

A very pretty card for many occasions.

Hugs Christina xx

March 23, 2012

New CD from Polkadoodles

The new CD from Polkadoodles is full of delightful images and backing papers that all mix and match together.

It's called Sugar Plum Daisy and it is a pleasure to work with... especially if you like to make really girly cards.

I have made the card with the fold at the top and matted one of the back ground papers onto some turquoise card.

The wings on the images and the flowers have had Glamour Dust added.

The flower strip at the front of the card has been attached to some acetate and bowed slightly, to raise it off the main body of the card.

I stuck it in place behind the matting and then added them all to the card front.

I cut out another of the images and added it to the acetate strip (you can just see the shine on the acetate to the right of the child)

The sentiment is from the CD and that too has been added to a strip of acetate to allow it to float over the card front.

Hugs Christina xx

March 22, 2012

Persian Motifs and Accents

This another card made featuring the Persian Motifs and Accents from Spellbinders.... I wish they would stop coming up with new ones... it's costing me a fortune ... coz I can't resist them.

But this new set is just so gorgeous it would make any card look beautiful.

I love the lacy effect from the border die and that could be threaded with fine ribbon or dotted with pearls along the edge.

My imagination starts to go into over dive when I see a new addition ot the Spellbinders range.

The background has been embossed with Flora M-bossabilities folder

The oval behind the sentiment is the Floral ovals and I have cut the largest and the next size down.

I stamped the sentiment onto the smaller one before I cut it out and turned it sideways on top of the other.

I used some Nestabling from Want2Scrap ... but I cut it up to fit behind the rotated sentiment piece.

The silk ribbon is threaded through one of the dies from the  Ribbon Buckles  with a pearl added on top... and of course the Hatpin that goes with it.

The Hatpins and end protectors are available from the
Sparkles Group and don't forget to add the code CGDIS5 for an automatic discount at the checkout.

Hugs Christina xx

March 21, 2012

Cream and Gold

Cream and Gold is such a winning combination for any card,  but really suits the wedding theme which is getting into full swing at this time of the year.

You could add any embellishments that you have in your "Stash" ... but for mine I have added the pearly Nestabling  swirls tucked under the Floral Ovals from Spellbinders.

I have added cream ribbon that is edged in gold and tied into a large bow for the top of the oval.

The sentiment has been stamped onto the oval with Versamark and heat embossed in a fine Gold detail powder.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts  and they have the addition of Glamour Dust along the edge of the petals. 

I created the Decorative Hatpin which is removable and will make a small  a gift for the recipient.

The Hatpins come complete with end protectors from the Sparkles Group  ... and if you add the code CGDIS5  then a 5% discount off your order will be applied automatically at the checkout.

Hugs Christina xx


March 20, 2012

Spellbinders and Polka Doodles...

These Spellbinders  are some of the ones I bought at the Craft show and they are the Persian Accents, and the Floral Ovals layered over the top of the Romantic Rectangles.

The background has been embossed with the Buttefly Garden Impressabilities and the pink oval with the Crackle embossing folder.

What a great combination it is with the image from the "Pretty Sweet" CD from Polka Doodles.


I have cut small slits along side the childs knees and threaded the ribbon through to make it look as if she is sat on the ribbon, and attached a large bow to the side.... with the Hatpin  added as a small gift.

The pink gemstone swirl is from Want2Scrap and is one of many beautiful designs.


The flowers are from  Wild Orchid Crafts  and are a mixture of Roses and Carnations, with the Foliage at the back.


They have had a sprinkle of Glamour Dust as the finishing touch.

Hugs Christina xx

March 19, 2012

Card Making Sketches

Many people sit and look at that piece of card for a long time  because they don't know where to start with cutting or folding it.... and maybe it is a favorite piece that you have stroked for a while.

Making a  sketch  from any idea that pops into your head can help you no end in your cardmaking.

You don't have to have drawing skills, just jot down the idea quickly while it is still fresh in your mind and then whenever you are stuck  you can look back through the sketches that you have drawn ... and inspire yourself.

Drawing out something like this can give you some idea of what the card will look like when you have finished.

Pick out the colours that you like and raid your "Stash" for any embellishments that you have saved up.

Try different colour schemes to see which you like the best.

Add matting and layering panels of different sizes, shapes, patterns , colours and textures to add interest to your card.

Try placing items in a "dry run" before you glue anything in place and that way you will be able to move things around if you don't like the look.

But that sketch can give you the grounding that can be the starting point for any of your creations.


Once you are happy with the look go ahead and glue it all together.
Then the next time you use the sketch ... ring the changes and play aound with it... mirror the drawing, turn it up side down, rotate it in one direction  ... and then the other way on your next card.

With your sketch and your imagination there will be no end to the possibilities you can play around with.

Why don't you pop over to the website at Card Making Magic and join the mailing list to recieve your free copy of the  Newsletter  each month,  and  get your free copy of the
                 "Card Making Sketches"
booklet at the same time.

Hugs Christina xx




March 18, 2012

Die Cutting Machines

I always respond personally to any questions that I am asked ... but I thought it may be a good idea to also add those questions to the Blog and answer them here as well ... for anybody that may have the same query.

The question was

"What is the difference between the Cuttlebug/Big Shot  and the Grand Calibur?

All die cutting machines do basically the same thing and that is take cardstock and a die through rollers to cut the shape of the die into that card. They can also emboss the shape.

The Cuttlebug and the Big Shot are really good machines. I have the Big Shot and still use it. It is a sturdy work horse that will last me for many years.

But the main difference between these machines and the Grand Calibur is the cutting area.  That is the space in the machine that allows for the die and the cutting plate to roll through.

The Big Shot above has an area that will fit an A5 card (A4 card folded in half) or about 5 x 7"

Both these machines will take dies from other companies but you will need to read the manufacturers instructions on how to layer up the plates to accomodate those different dies.

The Grand Calibur on the other hand is designed with an area that will accomodate the larger A4 size plate ... which means you can load up the cutting plate with more dies to run throught the machine at any one time.

It also means that you can use the larger dies  from other companies that will produce bigger shapes. 

But if you are thinking of buying,  or are already using the smaller dies and you want to collect the large ones, then I would say ...  save for a little longer and get the Grand Calibur in the first place.

There are many die cutting machines on the market so shop around for the best deal you can find.

Each machine has it's own merits and you need to research carefully the machine you are interested in buying to make sure it does eaxcatly what you want it to do.

Hugs Christina  xx




March 17, 2012

Trellis Card

This was a card that I added to the website along time ago and it has had some really lovely comments about it.

I just ran some card through my paper cutter (obviously not the kind that cuts it into tiny pieces)  and then added them to the aperture.

There is a Video Tutorial on how to get the look and it is very easy to do.

The flowers are made from various punches and dies and added randomly over the front.

But it is very effective and it gets the comments too.

Hugs Christina xx