Archive for cardmaking

The next card on the list of cards which I have from the promise auction was a "Sister" Birthday Card, which also had to reflect the intended's 30th birthday.

SisterBirthdayCardI haven't got any brothers or sisters so believe it or not this was the first "Sister" card I have ever made!

As usual I had left the making of this to the last minute so I decided to use my tried and trusted card making formula.

(As an aside I'm not the world's greatest cook so at the start of each year I work a really good recipe for a dinner party and then make it over and over again until we have worked our way through all our friends, and then it's time to find another new recipe! Same reasoning behind my card making when I'm on a tight schedule!)

SisterBirthdayCardInsertThe base mat on this card is  bubble metallic rich pink. I was told that the recipient is "girly" so I routed out a suitable background paper. (Oh how I wish I could still wear stiletto heels like those on the paper!)

The "30" was straightforward - cut from  the George cartridge on my Cricut. Unfortunately the Mirri card I used was quite thick so I had to finish cutting the numbers out with a cutting knife and I slipped - disaster averted when I covered up the splice with a card making handbag charm tied with some ribbon!

Sister30thBirthdayCardCharm

I was a liitle stuck over what to use for  "sister" - the sentiment rubber stamps I had were too small and most of my peel offs were either silver or gold. However right at the bottom of my peel off box were some pink letters and stars.which were perfect for the Mirri card. On the same peel off sheet were the "Happy Birthday"sentiments , which again I matt and layered.

In 2 or the corners I used a tiny matching gem stome embellishment.

The insert was pale lilac and at either side of the card I used a shoe card making punch to compliment the theme of the card.

Anyway I hope you like my Sister Birthday Card - the photographs were taken at night time so they are a little dark.

 FARM USE ONLY  Vinyl Stickers 2x13 12 pcs Off White Peel  Rub
FARM USE ONLY Vinyl Stickers 2x13 12 pcs Off White Peel Rub
Paypal   US $10.00
 FARM USE ONLY  Vinyl Stickers 2x13 6 pcs Off White Peel  Rub
FARM USE ONLY Vinyl Stickers 2x13 6 pcs Off White Peel Rub
Paypal   US $5.00
Silver Outline Peel Off Stickers Pirates Pirate Ship Boats Boys Sea
Silver Outline Peel Off Stickers Pirates Pirate Ship Boats Boys Sea
Paypal   US $.95
DIAMOND Sparkle Peel Off Borders Sticker Sheet Card Making Craft Scrapbook
DIAMOND Sparkle Peel Off Borders Sticker Sheet Card Making Craft Scrapbook
Paypal   US $1.57
GT Dyno Air BMX Bike Frame  Fork Sticker Set Peel off Back Self Adhesive
GT Dyno Air BMX Bike Frame Fork Sticker Set Peel off Back Self Adhesive
Paypal   US $44.99
1963 Topps Peel off Sticker Willie Mays Giants MINT
1963 Topps Peel off Sticker Willie Mays Giants MINT
Paypal   US $39.99
   1
Powered by phpBay Pro

A good friend of ours turned 60 today and he also retires (lucky him). Now I've known the date was looming for a few weeks now but it was only this morning that I got time to sit down and make his 60th Birthday Card.

60thBirthdayCardNow I hurridly routed around in my stash and found this wonderful background paper from the Transatlantique Collection by Graphic 45.

The sheet was a 12"x 12" but the center image fitted perfectly onto my 8" x8" card. I mounted it onto gold bubble foiled card and then a pearlescent brown.

The image was so rich and striking that I didn't really want to distract from it so I decided to keep the sentiments to the minimum and added no further embellishment.

60thBirthdayCardInsertThe "60th" is a simple black peel off, mounted onto an oval cut from the pearlescent brown card and then framed with a scalloped edge gold foiled card. Both of these were cut using Nestabilities.

I fixed the ovals using double sided sticky pads to add dimension to the card.

For the insert I used a lovely warm sand colored sheet and kept it plain (i.e. without my usual punched corner!). For the outer edges of the inside of the card I used the cut offs from the original sheet which showed old shipping line posters.

I have to admit I was very pleased with the result and now only wished I'd bought more sheets of this beautiful paper as it is one I picked up from a bargain bucket and was reduced by 66%.

Motto of the story - even if you're not sure how you will use it, if it's a bargain buy it as you'll put it to good use one day!

NIP Spellbinders Nestabilities Floral Ovals S4 356 Scrolled Ovals
NIP Spellbinders Nestabilities Floral Ovals S4 356 Scrolled Ovals
Paypal   US $19.99
Spellbinders Nestabilities Petite Ovals Large  Petite Ovals Small
Spellbinders Nestabilities Petite Ovals Large Petite Ovals Small
Paypal   US $39.95
Spellbinders Nestabilities Large Scalloped Octagons  Large Octagons
Spellbinders Nestabilities Large Scalloped Octagons Large Octagons
Paypal   US $31.95
Spellbinders Nestabilities Anemone Flower Topper NEW
Spellbinders Nestabilities Anemone Flower Topper NEW
Paypal   US $16.21
Small Deckled RectanglesSpellbinders Nestabilities S4 201 New
Small Deckled RectanglesSpellbinders Nestabilities S4 201 New
Paypal   US $15.95
Spellbinders Nestabilities Shapeabilities Pendants Borderabilities Dies Lot 120
Spellbinders Nestabilities Shapeabilities Pendants Borderabilities Dies Lot 120
Paypal   US $187.50
Spellbinders Nestabilities STANDARD CIRCLES LARGE die set NEW
Spellbinders Nestabilities STANDARD CIRCLES LARGE die set NEW
Paypal   US $10.14
Spellbinders Nestabilities CLASSIC RECTANGLES LARGE die set NEW
Spellbinders Nestabilities CLASSIC RECTANGLES LARGE die set NEW
Paypal   US $7.99
Spellbinders Nestabilities LABELS TEN 10 die set NEW
Spellbinders Nestabilities LABELS TEN 10 die set NEW
Paypal   US $16.05
   1
Powered by phpBay Pro

Whilst browsing the web I found this clip from the BBC about how to make a Victorian Christmas Card.
I hope you enjoy it - please note viewers outside of the UK may not get access to this video.

For download instructions and templates Click Here

By carefully choosing which rubber stamps, background papers and toppers you use you can make your cards look like traditional or Victorian Christmas Cards.

Technorati Tags:

I am gradually making my way through a list of special request cards. The lady who gave me the list is very organised and has listed them all in date order, given the loose description of what she wants, and who the card is for.

Well here is the next one on the list -  an 80th Birthday Card.

80th Birthday CardI don't know whether the lady this handmade birthday card is intended for has good sight or not but I decided to make a colorful bold card.

As in all my "specials" I have used a 8" x 8" card blank. I routed around in my stash of papers and found this one in a box my good friend, Linda, had given me. It is a K & Company glittered design ( I think from the "Berry Sweet" range).

I matt and layered it onto cream hammered and pale green cardstock.

Th "80" is cut from my old and trusted friend, the George cartridge for the Cricut, using the same cream and pale green card stock.

Handmade80thBirthdayCardInsertThe numbers have been mounted using 3D sticky pads onto a Nestabilty circle, layered onto cream card stock cut with another Nestability die. I used larger 3D sticky foam pads to raise this from the base of the card.

Routing around again in my stash ( Note to self - I really must get more organised!!) I found a packet of die-cut cardstock which matched the paper.

The pink flower die-cut  was perfect to add balance to the card using once again 3D sticky pads.

For the insert I chose a pink sheet - and stuck random punched butterflies from the cream and green cardstock along the edge. The idea being that I picked up the 3 main colors from the paper. However on reflection I wished I had used a cream insert.

Anyway the card has been delivered and the lady who ordered it is delighted with it, so now onto the next on the list!

EK Success Abstract Flower 5 punch Compact Great for Card Making  More
EK Success Abstract Flower 5 punch Compact Great for Card Making More
Paypal   US $5.95
500  Mixed Lot Die Cuts Punchies Punches Crafts Card Making Scrapbooking
500 Mixed Lot Die Cuts Punchies Punches Crafts Card Making Scrapbooking
Paypal   US $5.59
Flower Mini Card Making Scrapbooking Craft Punch Paper
Flower Mini Card Making Scrapbooking Craft Punch Paper
Paypal   US $2.98
Card Making Scrapbooking Craft Punch Paper Bowknot
Card Making Scrapbooking Craft Punch Paper Bowknot
Paypal   US $3.29
Long Gift Card Making Scrapbooking Kids Craft Flower Border Paper Punch 48mm
Long Gift Card Making Scrapbooking Kids Craft Flower Border Paper Punch 48mm
Paypal   US $.99
Paper Shaper Punch fr Card Making Scrapbooking Big Leaf
Paper Shaper Punch fr Card Making Scrapbooking Big Leaf
Paypal   US $7.99
LOVE Heart Shape Christmas Gift Card Make Paper Punch Making Scrapbook DIY Craft
LOVE Heart Shape Christmas Gift Card Make Paper Punch Making Scrapbook DIY Craft
Paypal   US $.99
DIY Card Making Paper Shaper Punch Scrapbooking Leaf A1
DIY Card Making Paper Shaper Punch Scrapbooking Leaf A1
Paypal   US $.99
NEW Card Making Paper Punch Scrapbooking Craft DIY Leaf
NEW Card Making Paper Punch Scrapbooking Craft DIY Leaf
Paypal   US $.99
   1
Powered by phpBay Pro

Not a card making post this time - but a video.

I often talk about the cards I sell at Longton Community Church, well I thought you might like to see our new video about the Church.

I hope you enjoy it!

Everyone Matters from Longton Community Church on Vimeo.

On 4th September I shared with you the Handmade Dedication Cards which I made for Elijah. Well today we had another Dedication in Church, this time for Elijah's baby cousin, Emilie.

HandmadeDedicationCardThis time both Emilie's Grandmother and her Auntie (Elijah's mum) wanted cards.

For the Grandmother's card I thought I would just create the same design as I did for Elijah, just changing the colour scheme to pink, instead of blue. Anyway you know what they say about the best laid plans.....

...So this is how the design turned out! Silver foiled embossed card has been layered onto silver Mirri board on a 8" x 8" white card blank.

The centre piece, as in Elijah's card, is a mock book made from a Nestability die. The front page has a pink inlay behind it.

The centre bookmark is a thin strip of ribbon with a miniature cross charm on it. A pink Mulberry Rose embellishes the top of the book, whilst each corner of the matt has a pink pearl embellishment to finish the card off.

The insert I made for the card was in pink with a card making punch cross in the bottom right hand corner.

DedicationCard

The second card I made again features the child's name and the service date, but this time I used the circular eyehole Nestabilty die, sitting it onto a circular matt (Nesties again), and then a silver Mirri Board eyelet matt. (The idea was that this would resemble a flower head, like those on the background card.)

Both of these photograghs were taken whilst it was still quite dim this morning. Although the photos are quite dark it does show clearly the printed pink embossed pattern of the background card.

Two green butterfly embellishments "flutter" around the flower head , and a beautiful angel charm completes the card.

In this case the insert was pale green to compliment the butterflies.

I hope you like them both!

Card Making Charms are a great way to add interest and embellishment to your cards and they are not expensive! Check out some of the deals on offer today....

15pc BABY Charm Set Pacifier Stroller  Feet Jewelry  Card Making Shower
15pc BABY Charm Set Pacifier Stroller Feet Jewelry Card Making Shower
Paypal   US $3.50
20 tibetan tea spoon charm pendants 26mm cardmaking jewellery
20 tibetan tea spoon charm pendants 26mm cardmaking jewellery
Paypal   US $1.58
Charms Frames Die Cuts Scrapbooking 4 Styles Crafts Card Making
Charms Frames Die Cuts Scrapbooking 4 Styles Crafts Card Making
Paypal   US $1.35
6pc Grapes  Wine Barrel Charms Party Jewelry  Card Making Wine Glass Craft
6pc Grapes Wine Barrel Charms Party Jewelry Card Making Wine Glass Craft
Paypal   US $2.25
SAFTEY PIN Charms x 6 STEAMPUNKGOTH BABY Jewellery  card making FREE POST UK
SAFTEY PIN Charms x 6 STEAMPUNKGOTH BABY Jewellery card making FREE POST UK
Paypal   US $1.57
WEDDING CAKE Charms x 5 card making  scrapbooking fimo FREEPOST TO UK
WEDDING CAKE Charms x 5 card making scrapbooking fimo FREEPOST TO UK
Paypal   US $1.57
12pc CUPCAKE CHARMS Scrapbooking Birthday Parties Earrings Card Making
12pc CUPCAKE CHARMS Scrapbooking Birthday Parties Earrings Card Making
Paypal   US $2.25
6pc BIRTHDAY PARTY Charm Findings Jewelry  Card Making Scrapbooking
6pc BIRTHDAY PARTY Charm Findings Jewelry Card Making Scrapbooking
Paypal   US $2.25
CLEAR MINI GLUE DOTS Adhesive Scrapbooking Buttons Charms Card Making Stamping
CLEAR MINI GLUE DOTS Adhesive Scrapbooking Buttons Charms Card Making Stamping
Paypal   US $3.99
   1
Powered by phpBay Pro
How to Read the Tarot The Keyword S Sylvia Abraham
How to Read the Tarot The Keyword S Sylvia Abraham
Paypal   US $2.00
Powered by phpBay Pro

Technorati Tags:

My eldest son, David, has just finished a year's work at Castle Church, Stafford. The Church has a craft group  and they made this lovely card for David when he left.

CollageCardI personally have never thought about making a Collage Card but I have to say that this card is very striking. What the photogragh does not show is that the collage is behind a sheet of acetate so it has a "gloss" finish to it.

Now I know this type of handmade card is not everyone's cup of tea (it wouldn't do for us all to be the same!) but I really like it.

The collage is made from handmade paper and embellishments. The card blank is one that is made especially for inserts so that once you have put in your centre piece the front folds back in on itself and seals the work inside.

This type of card blank can be used for cross stitch inserts, freestyle sewing etc.

Handmade Paper Collage

Handmade Paper Collage

Now the last time I did any collage work was way back in primary school so I don't know what my attempts at this type of card would be like, although I'm certain they wouldn't look anything like as good as this one!

If you want to have a go at making your own Collage Card then all you need to get started is some handmade paper:

5 BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE MULBERRY PAPER ORCHIDS IDEAL FOR CARDMAKING
5 BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE MULBERRY PAPER ORCHIDS IDEAL FOR CARDMAKING
Paypal   US $1.82
50 Mulberry Paper Greeting Card Making ideas handmade
50 Mulberry Paper Greeting Card Making ideas handmade
Paypal   US $14.99
10 Shabby Pink Wedding Rose Paper Crafts Flower Basket Cardmaking Deco ZR40 518
10 Shabby Pink Wedding Rose Paper Crafts Flower Basket Cardmaking Deco ZR40 518
Paypal   US $5.00
Handmade Craft Paper For Bookmaking Cardmaking Collages  MORE
Handmade Craft Paper For Bookmaking Cardmaking Collages MORE
Paypal   US $5.00
YELLOW STARS HANDMADE PAPER DIE CUTS X15 CARD MAKING SCRAPBOOKING
YELLOW STARS HANDMADE PAPER DIE CUTS X15 CARD MAKING SCRAPBOOKING
Paypal   US $1.98
50 Mulberry Paper Birthday Card Making handmade supply
50 Mulberry Paper Birthday Card Making handmade supply
Paypal   US $14.99
Handmade10 floral design Chiyogami paper for card making scrapbooking
Handmade10 floral design Chiyogami paper for card making scrapbooking
Paypal   US $1.09
10 VERY SMALL HANDMADE PALE LILAC MULBERRY PAPER LAVENDER SPIKES CARDMAKING
10 VERY SMALL HANDMADE PALE LILAC MULBERRY PAPER LAVENDER SPIKES CARDMAKING
Paypal   US $3.16
10 Handmade Fiber Paper 12 Scrapbooking Arts Crafts Stamping Card Making Color
10 Handmade Fiber Paper 12 Scrapbooking Arts Crafts Stamping Card Making Color
Paypal   US $2.54
Powered by phpBay Pro



In my last post I mentioned that Linda had given me 50+ handmade cards for me to sell at Church so I thought it would be nice to share a couple of the Handmade Birthday Cards with you.

Handmade Birthday CardsWhen Linda offered to make some cards for me she asked what I wanted - the answer was anything! But she had to bear in mind that these cards are sold for £1(GBP) so that impacts on how much work or embellishments go into the card.

Every single card she gave me was beautiful and I think you'll agree that the purchasers are getting a real bargain!

As usual I don't think the photos are doing the cards justice (Christmas wish list = new camera?).

The blank cards are actually white but look a little pinky in this photo. The rest of the colours Linda has used are really subtle pastels.

She has inked the backgound and masked out a "moon/sun". Linda is great at rubber stamping and has stamped a brown branch onto the background.

The birds have been stamped onto pearlescent card and then have been cut out. She has curled them slightly before sitting them on their branches and that gives the card a little dimension. FlowerBouquet

Linda loves glitter! So a little around the edge of the matt on one card, and on the "moon" on the other makes the cards look special.  A rubber stamped sentiment finishes off each card.

I really love the "clean" feel of these cards and I know they will sell like hot cakes on Sunday!

Then to round things off after she had gone home, Linda sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers to thank me for having them - with her giving me so many beautiful cards, and for giving me permission to share them with you,  I think it should have been me sending her the bouquet!

new 41 packs TIM HOLTZ CLEAR STAMPS CLING STAMPS HUGE LOT DISTRESS INK
new 41 packs TIM HOLTZ CLEAR STAMPS CLING STAMPS HUGE LOT DISTRESS INK
Paypal   US $120.00
Ranger Ink Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads Spring Limited Edition 3 Pack
Ranger Ink Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads Spring Limited Edition 3 Pack
Paypal   US $14.99
Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink Pads NIP 10 Colors NEW Quality Ink Pads
Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink Pads NIP 10 Colors NEW Quality Ink Pads
   US $25.95
10 Packs Tim Holtz Assorted Rubber Stamp DISTRESS INK Scrapbook NEW
10 Packs Tim Holtz Assorted Rubber Stamp DISTRESS INK Scrapbook NEW
Paypal   US $21.50
Lot 6 Ranger Tim Holtz Acid Free Distress Ink
Lot 6 Ranger Tim Holtz Acid Free Distress Ink
Paypal   US $9.99
21 pc lot TIM HOLTZ stampers anonymous stampsdistress inksideaology adornments
21 pc lot TIM HOLTZ stampers anonymous stampsdistress inksideaology adornments
Paypal   US $22.27
   1
Powered by phpBay Pro

At Church today we had a Dedication Service for one of our youngest members, Elijah. This is a service where the parents commit to explaining the Christian Faith to the child, and we the Church Family commit to supporting the family whenever or wherever we can. When the child is older it is up to him/her to make the decision whether or not they want to be baptised.

DedicationCardThis is the Dedication Card I made for Elijah's Grandmother to give to him. Actually that  is not completely true, I started the card off  and was just making the "book" when my friend, Linda, who had come over for the weekend from the Isle of Man, helped me finish it and completed the design.

I have to say Linda is, in my opinion, one of the best cardmakers in the UK. - That's not just a friend's flattery - some of her work is truly exceptional!

Unfortunately I had to rush to take the photographs before Church this morning and they're not so good.

DedicationCardBook DetailThe "book" is cut from a Nestabilty die - the pages have been curled and  pale blue ink has been brushed across the edges. Because the die sizes are such, Linda painstakingly cut  base blue card to shape to sit between the white "pages" and the silver Mirri board "cover". The white satin ribbon has been glued down with a pearl embellishment to hide the glue spot.

The cross has been rubber stamped in Slate Grey ink and it comes from a set available from Stampin'Up. Although the photo does not show it clearly the cross has been stamped flat onto the white card and then a duplicate cross has been layered over it using 3d foam pads.

DedicationCardInsertA simple cross has been punched into the pale blue insert. As you'll have gathered I love using card making punches on the inserts. I have quite a selection but am always on the look out for more.

As you can see from the photos a satin bow and some more embellishment pearls help to balance the card and complete the design.

I normally make cards on my own so it was really good making this, sat on the floor,  with Linda whilst watching Saturday night TV. I feel so blessed to have good friends.

Linda was also kind enough to bring over about 50 cards which she has donated to my card stall for Mission work. I'm sure a few of them will find their way onto this blog soon!

Spellbinders Labels Twenty five 25 nestabilities s5 077 cuttlebug sizzix
Spellbinders Labels Twenty five 25 nestabilities s5 077 cuttlebug sizzix
Paypal   US $19.97
Spellbinders Nestabilities S4 125 Classic Scalloped Circles Die Templates
Spellbinders Nestabilities S4 125 Classic Scalloped Circles Die Templates
Paypal   US $17.50
Spellbinders Nestabilities S4 133 Classic Scalloped Rectangles Die Templates NEW
Spellbinders Nestabilities S4 133 Classic Scalloped Rectangles Die Templates NEW
Paypal   US $17.00
Spellbinders Labels Fourteen 14 nestabilities s4 290 cuttlebug sizzix
Spellbinders Labels Fourteen 14 nestabilities s4 290 cuttlebug sizzix
Paypal   US $18.99
Small Deckled RectanglesSpellbinders Nestabilities S4 201 New
Small Deckled RectanglesSpellbinders Nestabilities S4 201 New
Paypal   US $15.95
SPELLBINDERS NESTABILITIES S4 232 BLOSSOM TWO 5 DIE TRIPLE FUNCTION FEATURES
SPELLBINDERS NESTABILITIES S4 232 BLOSSOM TWO 5 DIE TRIPLE FUNCTION FEATURES
Paypal   US $11.95
SPELLBINDERS NESTABILITIES S4 206 PENDANTS RENAISSANCE HEARTS 4 DIE TRIPLE NEW
SPELLBINDERS NESTABILITIES S4 206 PENDANTS RENAISSANCE HEARTS 4 DIE TRIPLE NEW
Paypal   US $11.95
SPELLBINDERS NESTABILITIES S4 249 BIG SCALLOPED CIRCLES LARGE 7 DIE TRIPLE DIES
SPELLBINDERS NESTABILITIES S4 249 BIG SCALLOPED CIRCLES LARGE 7 DIE TRIPLE DIES
Paypal   US $11.95
SPELLBINDERS NESTABILITIES S4 126 CLASSIC SQUARES LARGE 7 DIE TRIPLE FUNCTION
SPELLBINDERS NESTABILITIES S4 126 CLASSIC SQUARES LARGE 7 DIE TRIPLE FUNCTION
Paypal   US $11.95
Powered by phpBay Pro

If you are a regualr reader of this blog, or my website, you'll know that I make Cards for Charity, namely for mission work in Uganda & Macedonia.Last night I had the priviledge of hosting a "Meet & Greet" fundraising evening for 2 of the pastors from Uganda, Nicola & Silas Tayebwa.

NicolaandSilasTayebwaThese are 2 very special people ( to learn more about who they are and what they do take a look at King of Kings Ministries International).

I have to admit that all I really did was to provide our house as the venue - the superb catering was done by Chris & her daughter Amanda, who despite running a busy business provided the most superb champagne, strawberries & canapes.

In my dining room I set up the dining table as a card stall. Nicola also provided some Ugandan coffee,CardsonDisplayand handmade Ugandan bags.

About 70 people attended the evening and I'm pleased to say that I sold about 40 handmade cards. It's a good job that my friend, Sally, gave me so many cards as my stocks are running quite low - not that I'm complaining!

Nicola  also brought some handmade bead necklaces and earrings  - these are made by the Ugandan women out of magazines and cardboard. They take a long time to make and each set is totally unique.  The only problem with them is trying to decide which set to buy! Everyone seemed to enjoy the evening and didn't seem in a rush to leave - always a good sign!

BeadsOverall the evening raised £500 (approx $815) and Nicola & Silas were overwhelmed by people's generousity.

Luckily we only had only 1 minor mishap and that happened as we were preparing for the evening - the day before Chris dropped a beautiful floral display for the entrance hall. After she had dropped it off we went out shopping and came back home to find that the arrangement had been remodelled whilst we were out!

Jazz

Our dog, Jazz, must have decided that all the sprigs of hedgerow berries did not add to the arrangement so he decided to eat his way around it! We got home just as he was about to demolish the last lot of berries. Luckily with a bit of readjustment from Chris the arrangement looked glorious.

FloralDisplayFrom the way Jazz's ears are down in the photo I think he knew he'd done something he shouldn't have!

When I make cards for charity the proceeds all go to mission work, which is my particular passion. However why don't you think of raising funds from your card making for your favourite charity?

Whatever you decide to do "Happy Card Making"!