Teal Roses...

Happy Monday,

I will be on Hochanda a week today with my Brand new winter stamps, I will be sneak peaking these later in the week!

Back to today and another large from made with the mini striplet, this time using the mini rose garden triplet in teal and milk.

I stared by cutting the second die in the double pierced squares set form Sue Wilson for CE.  This is the perfect size for making the frame.  I simply placed the filigree section of the striplet on each edge in turn to make the detailed frame.





To make the frame in the centre I used one of the smaller squares in the set to cut an aperture in the centre of the milk piece.  I then added double sided adhesive to a piece of teal  foundation card and stuck the milk filigree frame to this and covered the exposed adhesive with diamond sprinkles.  Next I used the next size down to cut an aperture in a piece if teal foundation card. I then used the largest die in the set to make the frame around the frame ( if that makes sense) in the teal card.









I stamped a sentiment in the centre of a scrap of milk card using turquoise  pool colour cloud blending ink.

To finish I made a bow using the jute twine and added a spray of laurel leaves, these I had shaded with the colour cloud.  I then cut a couple of the string flowers and shaded these the same.

Don't forget Phill Martin is on Hochanda today with his new stamp range at 9am, 12pm, 4pm and last chance at 7pm!


Enjoy...

Sunday Quickie...

Happy Sunday,
A quick post today sorry as I've been whizzing round the country again and am short on time sorry.

This is one of the samples form my shows this month on Hochanda.  I did my usual of using one of Sue's dies to make a frame this time its the mini gemini Vela.  I simply cut a square of coconut foundation card and cut the filigree and one outside edge around each of the four sides.

Next I used the double pierced squares to make a set of frames form the middle of the border piece.  I rotated one to make the centre frame, added a shaded piece behind and a sentiment.  I finished with some of the stunning laurel leaves and a diagonal folder flower in ivory felt.

Have a great Sunday, enjoy...

Butterfly Border...

Happy Saturday,

For the winners of this weeks card giveaways please scroll down!  Today I will be doing in of my last demo days of the year ( just one more and a workshop at JGD crafts to go this year)  Today's I will be at Strikes Garden centre at Weaver vale.  This card is one of the demo pieces and combines the September release of Creative Expressions dies by Sue Wilson and the newest release.

I started by die cutting the butterflies in flight mini triplet four times form a piece of coconut white foundation card cut to a square with the second die form the double pierced squares die.  This gives this filigree frame with all the detail of the butterflies in flight.

For the centre panel I cut another square using die 6 from the set, I then embossed this whilst in the die using the couture creations large daisy embossing folder.  Fir the peony wreath I cut four of the brand new peony cluster die form coconut white card.  Next I cut the matching flowers form duck egg and cobalt foundation card.  I mounted these behind the apertures in the cluster using different shades across the cluster.  Next I mounted these together using foam tape to give different levels to make the circle.

I then cut a few of the separate butterflies form the mini triplet set in duck egg and mounted these, as if in flight, across the frame and centrepiece.  I added pearls for the bodies ( Or Thorax Mrs D!) using the pearl strips.

I finished with blue satin bow and a selection of small stick on pearls on the ends of the filigrees on the frame.

I will be demoing this and other cards tomorrow so pop in and say hi if you are around and can get away from the Christmas Shopping!


Enjoy...

Winners...

Happy Saturday,

As promised here are the winners of this weeks Card Giveaways!

Wednesday - C A W

Thursday - Barbabra W

If you want to email your addresses to lockers@live.co.uk I will send these out to you next week!

Its quick...

Happy Friday,

I sincerely hope all my U.S. blog family had a happy thanksgiving yesterday!

A quick card from me today and another demo card from my Hochanda shows this week.  This one is simpler to make than it looks honest.

I stared by stamping the Apple Blossom stamp to die for with Archival ink ( watering can which is a dark grey so it doesn't look too stark) onto a 13 x 13 cm square of coconut white foundation card. Next I used the summer Garden watercolour palette from cosmic shimmer to paint in all the flowers.  I used a selection of the purple and lilac shaded in the set to colour the image.  The great thing about the mica watercolours is that the mica adds a real shine to the piece which can be seen as you've the card.

  Hopefully some of you saw this on air and know what I mean.  Next I used the outside die from the butterflies in flight mini striplet to cut the stamped image into three equal pieces.

The remainder of the card was just a set of blue dusk layers from mounted onto a square card made with layers of the coconut white and blue dusk.






Next I coloured a piece of coconut white card with the colour cloud and cut it out using the outline die form the classic vase.  I then cut a frame using the insert and outline from the same set and mounted then together to make the base vase.  I cut off the bottom section and added this to the top to make a different shaped, wide necked, vase.

I stuck this over the centre panel to make it look like a 3D vase with the flowers in there.


I finished with a tie and bow made of white seam binding that I coloured using the Decadent Denim colour cloud blending ink form Phil Martin's range for Cosmic Shimmer.
I will announce the winners of this weeks card giveaways tomorrow ( Saturday)

Enjoy...

Beavering away...

Happy Thursday,

Well as the title suggests I am beavering away as I have received the samples of my new winter stamp range.  Im calling this a winter into spring as one set is designed to cover occasions over winter and early spring.  I can't say any more but there amy be some sneak peaks popping out in the next couple of weeks.  The full range launches on Hochanda on the 7th December.

back to today and here is a sample from my last show of the day yesterday on Hochanda this one was made using just the delicate garden frame this time in Raspberry and coconut white.

I really like the flower sprays on the pearl sprays which make a real statement in the centre of the card.

AS I have 2 copies of this card now lol if you would like to win this card simply leave a comment below and I will send you the one I made on air!

More tomorrow,

Enjoy...

Fire and Ice butterflies...

Happy Wednesday,

I hope you all enjoyed last nights show those of you who managed to tune in and watch how this card was made  Read below for 2 chances to win this card!   I am back on today at 9am, 12pm, 4pm and last chance at 7pm,  I will be carrying on with demos form the fantastic one day special bundle of Sue Wilsons die range,

Todays card is the demo card I made last last night using Sue Wilson's Fire and Ice technique with floating panels of butterfly mini striplet.

heres a few more close up shots...







I do think that the sentiment looks really nice in the silver dream gilding flakes and saves a lot of time in stamping and embossing to get the same look.

There are 8 more demos to come on todays shows, it would be great if you can tune in for a few of them.


If you would like to win this card there are 2 chances Im giving this version away here on my blog simply leave a comment below and I will randomly select a winner on Thursday.  If you want another chance ti win simply leave a comment join the win this card post on the Hochanda blog HERE


Enjoy...

Hochanda Ho...

Happy Tuesday,

Im back at Hochanda this evening at 8pm for the launch of the One Day Special of the September release of Sue Wilsons die range for Creative Expressions.  I thought you might like to see a sneak peak of one of the demo cards I have planned for either tonight or tomorrow shows ( tomorrows times are 9am, 12pm, 4pm and last chance at 7pm)  

A card with a difference for todays post and show as Ive used green!  This is a colour I rarely use however this card is completely shaded with colour cloud blending ink for this version i used Decedent Bamboo.  On the show I will be demoing this card in another colour I hope this will show the flexibility of designs.

All the dies and collieries used will be available on tonights ( and tomorrows) shows and the instructions so just an ingredient list today.  I will however list detail instructions for this one at the weekend with the demo card in whichever colour we choose on the show!

Ingredients:

Creative Expresions Craft dies by Sue Wilson

Classic Vase

Catkin stems

Ornate Oval

Decadent Bamboo colour cloud blending ink

coconut white foundation card

Star Sparys embossing folder

Enjoy...

Something Brighter!...

Happy Monday,

I had a fab day yesterday in Darlington with Frankie , Robyn and the ladies at Frankie's Craft, Coffee and Chat thank you all for a great day and lunch! lol

Back to today and I thought id show one of the samples that displays one of the dies I will be demonstrating on Hochanda tomorrow for the launch of the One Day Special at 8pm.  I used a selection of dies form the release which I have been showcasing for the last few weeks,  Tomorrow is the last One Day special for the September release of dies and there are some beautiful dies in there epically the delicate Garden frame which I used to make the flowers and butterfly on this card.

I stared this by cutting the heraldic square form sky blue card I then mounted this onto a pierced square of coconut white foundation card.  I then cut out the centre aperture using the square outline die from the set and added a thin border of the blue..


I added acetate behind this and made the section into a shaker card by adding foam tape and a piece I had stamped the louts inner stamp to die for onto using the indigo mist colour cloud blending ink.  I poured in grape mica flakes which, because of their big size, make a beautiful shaker card.

I added one of the white pierced squares and another line of the blue before adding the piece to a Bokah background I made from Lilac Whisper and Indigo mist colour cloud blending ink.

Next I cut one of the delicate frames and cut this into four to make corners just to offset the busy look of the background.  I added these in each corner to frame the frame as it were.

Finally i cut a piece of scrap form making the background and cut flowers using the small flower die that also comes in the set, along with the side facing butterfly.  I arranged these along the left hand side to create a focus.

I will be demonstrating this die along with the butterfly triplet and others from the range tomorrow and Wednesday on Hochanda.  Miss Julia Watts is on Hochanda today at 11am, 2pm and 5pm with some stunning Justrite stamps and she will be sharing her fabulous tips and experience, tune in if you can I know I will be (to see what tips I can nick lol)

Enjoy...

Back to blue...

Happy Sunday,

AS I mentioned yesterday I am in Darlington for a workshop today at Frankies craft and chat I can't wait to see some of the ladies again as a couple of them attended my workshop in Northallerton!  I am doing different projects this time as I always like to show something new!

Todays card uses another of the stamps to die for released for the new range of Craft Dies by Sue Wilson for Creative Expressions.  I have chosen a simple palette of blues for todays with a simple stamped image that makes elegant ( hopefully) cards easy!  I started by stamping the new corinthium scroll stamp onto blue dusk foundation card using perfect medium.  I then heat set this with cosmic shimmer true white detail embossing powder, which gives a look of porcelain IMHO.




Using my craft knife I hand cut an aperture in the centre of the stamped image to reveal the sentiment which I stamped, in the same as above, onto a scrap of the blue dusk card.  I then foam mounted the sentiment behind the stamped image to give an interesting relief.


I then prepared the top layer for this, firstly I cut the matching aperture using the outline die form the ornate oval my friend set again.  I then cut a strip across the bottom using the filigree section form the opulent octagons die set.  I took a scrap of blue dusk and just embossed the opulent octagons set in it.  I then used Sue Wilson's fabulous technique of cutting out section of this embossed piece, in this case the octagons, and placed them directly behind the white die cut.  The next picture shows what I mean!

I then added the whole front piece over the stamped image so that the blue shows as different levels beneath the striplet die cut.  I added s tie and bow made form blue seam binding with another Pearl Embellishment in the centre.

A few layers of blue dusk and coconut white finish what is hopefully a simple yet elegant card.



Enjoy...

Baby Pink, me...

Happy Saturday,

Im demoing at the Strikes Garden centre in Congleton today it would be great if you could pop in and say Hi, especially as I know so many of you are deep in prep for Christmas!

I know its not my usual colour but all the elements seemed to come together in this card, using the new dies and matching stamps to die for, in baby pink!  I just love the clean crisp yet soft way this harmonises, what do you think are you a pink person?


I started by stamping the brand new tumbling leaves stamp to die for onto coconut white foundation card.  I then coloured the image in using distress markers, worn lipstick and mowed lawn if my memory serves me right!

I then cut the aperture in the centre using the matching die form the ornate oval - my fried set.  I also cut the lovely sentiment that comes in the set and shaded through the die using pretty in pink colour cloud blending ink.  Whilst I had the ink out I colluder a piece of white seem binding using the ink and a smoothie by dragging the ribbon between the top of the felt in the pot and the base of a smoothie.  If you drag the seem binding or ribbon slowly you get a solid colour in difference form the ombre look you get by pilling it quickly.

I threaded the ribbon through the circle fixing it on the back so that it goes over and under the aperture ( this is better illustrated in the pictures!)  I then  adhered a piece of acetate behind the aperture and attached the sentiment to that so that it appears to be floating.

Next I took a piece of double sided adhesive sheet and aded it to another layer of coconut white foundation card.  I the  covered this in marshmallow mica flakes which in real life add a level of depth and subtle sparkle to the card.

To finish I added a few layers of the white and baby pink with a couple of stands of the cream jute twine for balance across the back layers.  I made up a bow using the coloured ribbon and jute and added this at the bottom.  I finished with one of my all time favourite CE embellishments the larger Pearl embellishment which I have on my shows next week as these will always be a stable of my crafting.

I hope you have enjoyed this journey into Pink, another new stamp to die for tomorrow when I shall be in Darlington for a workshop.

Enjoy...

Orange Blossom...

Happy Friday,

It seems everyone liked the orange blossom dies, how about a stamp to match?  Today's card uses the brand new shaded orange blossom stamps that match sue's new dies and features a bit of a change for me, not stamped in black or grey?!?

I started by stamping the orange blossom stamps onto coconut white foundation card using deep purple archival ink.  I then cut them out using the matching dies and shaped the flowers using a ball tool and the mat I use for my stamping.  I then cut the matching leaves and shed through the die to get the foliage using the new mini smoothie.  I used the fine point which gave me a great deal of control over the ink.

I then shaded the flower and foliage using the smoothie and a little of the deep purple ink to give more dimension to the flowers.

For the base of the card I cut an aperture using the central die form the new Cathedral background.  I stuck this over a background I created as a test of a technique I have been working on for my new stamping show on the 7th December ( I have been playing with some Brand New stamp designs which will be launched on the 7th December)  I call the technique Seed Pearl background, however this is a sneak peak you may have to tune into the shows or my blog on the 7th ti see how it was done ( I am a tease at times lol)

I made up a set of games using the double pierced rectangles using both A and B sets to give me the central frame with its with of an inch layer.  The new B sets are great as they give you perfect layers with a small neat border and let you have detailed piercing all over!

The rest of the card was put together as shown using a combination of the rectangles with a central spray of the flowers and foliage which highlight the sentiment, from my tulip elements clear stamps set, stamped onto the smallest Pierced flags from Sue Wilson for CE.  I love the way that each collection builds so that the piercing on the tags and flags matches perfectly with the new squares and rectangles.

Another new Stamp to Die for tomorrow!


Enjoy...

Edited as spelt really badly lol x

New Sue...

Happy Thursday,

I promised my first sample made with the stunning new collection of dies from Sue Wilson for Creative Expressions and for the first I had to use, of course the Opulent Octagons die.  I do have a bit of a soft spot for the striplet collection i just love the design and the flexibility and this collection has 2 amazingly designed options!

This is one of the cards the ladies and I will be making in my workshop in Darlington on Sunday so I don't want to spoil it by giving detailed instructions as that wouldn't be fair.  Simply to say I cut the triplet 4 times and mounted it onto acetate to give this window frame look.



For the centre I used the new Orange blossom flowers and leaves ( there are of course stamps to match more of those tomorrow) but for this card I thought the complexity of the die cuts deserved just the flower made up in white and set with the matching foliage.

more tomorrow,

Enjoy...

CE Wednesday...

Happy Wednesday,

Well the new design team has I believe been chosen so I guess we are all waiting to see who made the team for the next year!  I'll let you know the announcement as soon as I know!  Back to this weeks design for my place on the design team and it's Christmas ( well we all need as much inspiration as [possible especially as its November already!)

This month we are using a selection of Sue Wilson's dies for Creative Expressions and I have chosen the Frosty mini background and the classic poinsettias for this weeks card.

I stared by cutting the background in coconut white foundation card.  Next I made a frame for the background using Sues double pierced squares die range.  I cut a larger frame using dies 3
and 7 in rich red foundation card .  Next I embossed dies 6, 5 and four in coconut white and cut the frame out using dies 6 and 4 this gives a stunning embossed frame with additional piercing embossed into it.

I foam mounted this white frame over the red one and mounted the frosty background behind this.  The frosty background is rectangular so I cut the excess off to make it into the square she.  I feel its always important to remember that you don't need to use a die straight as it cuts you can use them in so many different ways!

I then stamped the shaded poinsettia using red geranium archival ink.  I cut them all out using the matching classic poinsettia die and shared them using a smoothie and the same ink ( I couldn't find my scarlet woman couture cloud)

I made up the Flowers and added a mini gold dazzler as a centre I then grouped these together with a few holly sparks I cut in Brunswick and pastel green foundation card.  I added berries to the holly in the spaces provided using red apply twinkles from cosmic shimmer.

Finally I made up the card as shown with a layer cut with the largest die in the double pierced set ( these really have become my go to die set) and a few layers of the red.

To see what the rest of the team have come up with then click HERE and leave a comment on there if you have time!

Back tomorrow with the first of my samples using the NEW Craft dies from Creative Expressions designed by Sue Wilson

Enjoy...

Purple Wave...

Happy Tuesday,

Another sample form my Hochanda shows last week and I thought you might like a sail along the purple wave!  I know this is a dark card for me but its nice to mix things up sometimes lol!  I started this one with a panel cut with the rose garden triplet insert die into amethyst foundation card.  I matched the die against the previous cut to give me a larger panel of the beautiful rose trellis. This is hopefully more evident in the below picture.

Next I made a frame using the double pierced rectangles in rich plum using three of the dies to emboss the frame and 2 to cut it to give the stunning dotted pattern over the frame.  I mounted this over a piece of card which I shaded using colour cloud blending inks.








Next I took a long piece of amethyst foundation card and cut the bottom in a wave using the centre and one edge die form the lynx mini Gemini die.  I used cosmic pearl PVA glue to add pearl dots to the ends of the waves in the die.  I mounted this over a piece of rich plum cut to the same size as the original piece.

I then cut a selection of flowers from the string flowers set and moulded them to make the petals pop out.  I added a pearl centre into each one and arranged these over the frame with a seam binding bow.

Finally I added a pierced flag die cut stamped with forever, from my tulip elements clear stamp set cut form the same colour clouded background piece.

Enjoy...