Beautiful Card Designs Made Easy

February 28, 2013

Bird in a Gilded Cage...

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Hi Everybody,

This card has been created using Gilding flakes for the birdcage and once again it looks much better in real life.

I like using this colour for my cards as it is one of my favorites... and of course pink is the best.

The backing paper is some that I have designed myself.

I have used a glue pen and some Glamour Dust to pick out the large Flourish along the left hand side and wrapped the   ribbon around before adding it all to the main base card.

The panels have been layered  onto  turquoise card.

I have used the middle size die from Spellbinders Grand Decorative Ovals  and cut a turquoise oval.

I added Gilding Flakes to a Scalloped Oval then added a  white Classic Oval ...  and on the top I have added the Birdcage.

I have used Gilding Flakes from  IndigoBlu  and they have some really stunning mixes of flakes.

This one is called  "Gin and Tonic" and it is a lovely combination of silver and pale green, with a tiny hint of gold.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts  and I have added in the "A" frame to the back to display the card.

Hugs xx 

February 27, 2013

Pretty in Green...

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 Hi Everybody,

This is a little bit different for me as I am not a great lover of greens ... but now that it is finished I am quite pleased with it.

The backing papers are some that I have designed myself and I have matted and layered them onto some white card.

The Romantic Rectangles base has been layered with Fluer Di Lis Rectangles.

The  Floral Ovals is layered with a Scalloped Oval  and all have been separated with foam pads.

Labels 20  is on the top with the sentiment that I have heat embossed in silver and  I have added in the matching "Bling" from Want2Scrap   as for me this is finishing touch.

And my flowers are as always from Wild Orchid Crafts  I have used a mixture of different sized Roses, Cherry Blossoms and the leaves are from a punch that I bought at a craft fair.

The Braided Ribbon  is in a video tutorial and I have used green and white satin ribbon.  The whole thing looks much nicer in real life....

Hugs xx


February 26, 2013

Pink Rose...

Hi Everybody,

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Remember the flower that I thought was a  "Cabbage"   well here it is coloured again as a Rose.

The image is from "The Next Big Thing" CD from Just Inklined   which has some fabulous images for you to colour.

For this I have used Prisma Colour Pencils and they give a beautiful water coloured effect which is very pretty.

I added in a square white doily to the background and the backing paper is from the Cherry Blossom Lane CD  from PolkaDoodles

The stamp was one of  a set that I bought form the Event City craft show that I went to a few weeks ago... and the ribbon is Grosgrain in a beautiful shade of pink.

The next big craft fair for me is the GNPE in Harogate and that is my favorite one.  I will be there list and pennies in hand on the 17th March.

And can I just tell you that now that the winner of the  last "Give Away" has been chosen that you ALL  need to watch out for the next one in March.  

There is going to be an amazing prize that will go to ONE lucky winner and you won't believe your eyes...      'nuff said for now !!    

 Hugs xx

February 25, 2013

Flowers Everywhere...


Hi Everybody,

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Here is the start to another busy and exciting week.

I added the Flower Corsages to the "My Shop" last week and at  first  nothing happened and I thought "Oooops"  that was a mistake.

But I got up on Saturday morning and there where lots of orders for them in all colours ... which was amazing.

I made and packed up several of them and they are  going to  Australia,  New Zealand , Canada and  Sweden  as well as UK.

I  have also included in the pack a length of ribbon and a bow  to match your chosen colour scheme ...  as well as the extra panel for you to add a sentiment... and the backing card will also match and can be used on your designs.

So now you can make both sides to your card the same and the ribbon will add the finishing touch and a really big   Thank You   to all of you who bought them.

On Friday I had a visit form this gorgeous  little girl.

This is my Great Granddaughter Isabella  at 17 months old, and we spent a happy hour playing with two old buttons and an empty paper packet.

So much fun from simple objects and she was a real delight to play with.

Just look at those big brown eyes  ....

The winner of the last "Give Away" has claimed her prize and it is on it's way to the Netherlands.

But watch out for the next one ... it is one you will all want to win.  (Nudge, nudge, wink, wink know what I mean .... )

Hugs xx



February 24, 2013

And the Winner is .....

Hi Everybody,


Over the week the draw has been running for one person to win the   PolkaDoodles  Cherry Blossom Lane CD 
Today sees the close of that draw the lucky winner was drawn at random by InLinkz.  

 Well the winner is .....

 Jacqueline

... and she has been notified by email  of her win.

So well done Jacqueline you have won a super prize of not only the Cherry Blossom Lane but I have added in some beautiful "Bling" from  Want2Scrap  for you to add to some of the  cards  that you can make with your prize.

You will find and also a lovely die from   Joy Crafts   that will enable you to add your cards to a neat stand for your recipients to display them.

I have given the  links here to the three products in the prize so that you will be able to buy them for your self if you wish.

It really is a super prize and as soon as I have your address Jacqueline I will post it off to you straight away.  So please don't do what what one winner did ... and not claim it .... 

The winner of the earlier February draw ...  Lisa F ...  has got her prize,  all the way to USA, and is highly delighted with it.

Hugs xx

February 23, 2013

Paper Creators 5th Challenge ...

Hi Everybody,

Today is the start of the fifth  challenge over at Paper Creators 

The theme this time is "Flowery Delights" set by Moi

If you add your card then you could win £10 to spend in the shop on some of the delightful  images

There are many for you to choose from and your prize will go along way.

This card is a 15cms square and I have decoupaged the Teddy bear up with five layers.

I added Glamour Dust to the sentiment that is printed on the panel and the image is pre-coloured so no need to worry if you don't like colouring in.

I have used yellow this time ...  which is a colour  I don't use much.

The flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts where some that I just happened to have in my "Stash"

The Pearl flourish is from Want2Scrap

The inside of the card has been finished with the panels that come on the sheet  and the ribbon is again some that I already had.


Altogether a really pretty card that could be for any occasion and so easy to put together for a quick make.

Because it was challenge day I have extended the   "Give Away"   until tomorrow ... so if you haven't added your name to the list yet...  now is time to do it as the winner will be chosen then.

Hugs xx

February 22, 2013

Another Item in My Shop...

Hi Everybody,

Since I opened  My Shop   it has been doing very well. I am delighted to tell you that my Blenders are being used all over the world and the orders are taking not much more than a week to get to you,  even to Canada and USA.

I am also pleased that many of you have taken the time to tell me how delighted you are with your purchases and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support.

My Film Crew / Chief Blending Tool Maker has been busy making another batch ready to go.

Also the Hatpins have had good reviews and one lady even bought ten packs at one go ... I think she is opening her own shop !!   And I am now getting repeat orders for them.


But since I showed you the cards in the shape of a book I have been asked it I will sell the Flower Corsages too.  

These have now been added to the shop and you can choose the shape and colour that you prefer.

I have embossed the flower panel and I am adding in an extra panel for you to add your sentiments too and then the sided to your book will match.

They will be made to order and so no two will be the same.

But they will have a mixture of flowers and leaves.

Some may have pearl or Diamante trim others may have feathers ... but each one will have a matching Hatpin.
So please pop over and take a look ... there may  be something there that catches your eye.

I will be adding more in the coming months and I will keep you posted as to my progress.

The  Give Away  is still running until Sunday morning so add your name to the list

Hugs xx

February 21, 2013

Same image - three sizes ...

Hi Everybody,

Digital cardmaking is so easy to do and you may have many CD's in your crafting "Stash"

 But maybe you aren't making the most of them and using them to their full potential.

This picture shows you the same image from the Cherry Blossom Lane CD created in three different sizes for each card.

And if you would like to win a copy of this CD from PolkaDoodles then you need to click this link...


 This card is made to a 15cms square and the two rabbits have been cut out.

I have used backing papers and the sentiment from the CD and the flower has been decoupaged with a pearl centre.

I have added a pink bow and pearl to the top left and matted it all onto a darker pink card.
 This one is a larger 15 x 21 cms and the image has been re sized accordingly.

I have used lilac lace and a gingham ribbon on this with a pearl in the centre of the bow.

The large Rose in the bottom right is re sized and decoupaged with three layers on to the card and the sentiment is added with foam pads.
And this one has the two rabbits printed out to almost A4 and added to a white base card.

I then cut around the base card to make it free standing and it opens up so that an insert can be placed inside if needed.

The addition of pearls into the  centre of the flowers on the dress to the left, and some glitter and yellow ribbon on the dress to the right is all I have done.

There is nothing added to any of them that wouldn't be in any craft "stash" and the CD has done all the work in giving me pretty things to add to the design.

More tomorrow  ....  

Hugs xx

February 20, 2013

More from the PolkaDoodle CD

Hi Everybody,

Here is another fabulous image from the Cherry Blossom Lane CD from PolkaDoodles  and if you pop over there you can buy any of Nikkys' CD'S for £9.99

But if you would like to win a copy along with other Goodies then HERE     is the link  ...  add your name to the list for the chance to win.

This cute character is one of those that have been pre coloured so nothing to worry about if you don't like to colour them yourself.

The beauty  of digital  images is that  you have the  option to re-size them if you wish  and  I have made  this one really large and printed  it off at  A4

He has been  added to some  Acetate and I have decoupaged the head, hat and right arm with the teddy.

I have also added three layers to the slippers to make them really stand out.

He then has a blue pom pom to the end of his night cap and pearl buttons on his PJ's

The  backing paper and the sentiment is also from the CD

I have added it them to the inside using eyelets to attach the paper to the Acetate and hidden the sentiment  behind the character

I have stood him alongside a 12" ruler so that you can see the size of the finished card.

But although he is large the card will still fit inside an A4 envelope and I bought mine from Cardcraft Plus  which is a UK based company.

I think he looks really special and what child wouldn't be delighted to get something like this.

But these images can be adapted for anybody and not just for kids.... I know a few Granddads that would love this

Hugs xx

February 19, 2013

Another Spectrum Noir Tutorial...

Hi Everybody,

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Now here is a card with a difference and not one you would send out on a regular basis.

But having said that if you knew your recipient really well it would be sure to get a smile as a birthday card.

This one has been done for a Halloween Card and the image is from a Just Inklined   CD "The Next Big Thing"

To be honest I don't really know if it is still available or has been discontinued.

Any way the main reason for showing this is to tell you that there is a new tutorial out in the Colour Class Series using the Spectrum Noir Pens .

Colour Class - Reds   and in the video I have used the image that I thought was the cabbage .... Doh!!

Still I hope you will enjoy the tutorial as this seems to be the colour most people are a bit scared of.

If you would like to enter for the latest "Give Away" then here is the link for the

When you get to that page just click the blue button at the end of the list of names ... it says   "Add Your Link"  and add your name and email address.  If you don't have a blog then leave the URL box BLANK   .... click the submit button and that's it your done.  

I will send the prize anywhere so if you want to win it you know what to do,,,,

Hugs xx

February 18, 2013

Another Give Away ...

Hi Everybody,

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Yesterday I showed you an  image from the new CD  from   PolkaDoodles

I said that I had one copy to give away ... coming soon.

Well  I decided to bring it forward to coincide with Nikkys'  "Fabulous February"

All her CD'd are going for  £9.99 for this month... which means you can still get the CD at a bargain price ...  if you don't manage to win.

And so here it is a new Give Away that will run until Saturday Morning

One lucky winner will get the new  CD Cherry Blossom Lane ... plus a pack of beautiful   Pearl Flourish "Bling"  from Want2Scrap   ... plus a Card Stand Die from Joy Crafts so that you can display the cards you create.

The CD has lots of beautiful characters and they come two different ways ... one for you to colour yourself and the other is ready coloured for you if you don't want,  or feel confident enough,  to colour your own.

There are matching envelopes and inserts, as well as background scenes and the most gorgeous papers you could want.

Here is what you need to do.... become a follower if you aren't already ...  or have bought something from   " My Shop" .....  and leave me a comment please.

Add your name where the blue Frog button is ... leave the URL box blank if you don't have a blog,  but add your email address so that you can be notified if you win.

 And don't worry about the red cross at the side of your name it just means that you can delete it if you wish ..... and please do if you add your name more than once as all duplicate entries will be removed.

Good Luck 

Hugs xx



February 17, 2013

New Card...

Hi Everybody,

This pretty cards is from the new PolkaDoodles   CD called  Cherry Blossom Lane and it is gorgeous.

There are some really fabulous characters, embellishments, flowers, sentiments and papers on their for all your digi crafting needs.

And this is just to wet your appetite because in a few weeks time  I am going  to be giving away ... to one lucky winner ... a CD of their very own.

And PolkaDoodles are bringing out a set of stamps that will coordinate with the CD ... for all you stamping experts.

Everything on this card is from the CD ... the image,  the scene, the sentiment and even the flowers.

All I have added in is the Bling to frame the image, the white ribbon, bow and button, and I have added in some flat backed  pearls to the centre of each flower.

So you will need to pop back regularly to see when it is on offer ... become a follower ... and then once the post goes live you can leave me a comment too.

February 15, 2013

Thinking of You ...

Hi Everybody,

It is very late in the day to be doing a Blog post but never the less here I am....

This is another Spellbinder card and this one us using the Labels 20 in the centre with the sentiment layered on top.

The other dies used are the Floral Doily Accents and Motifs.

I have used the border and created a central panel with Centura Pearl card which has been embossed.

Then I have double layered white satin and organza ribbon and wrapped it around the panel, and along that I have added in a line of pearls.  Pushed through the bow is a beautiful glass beaded Hatpin with a pink Rose in the centre of the glass.

The Labels 20 has the addition of matching pearl   "Bling" from Want2Scrap   and large pearls have been added to the centre of the bow and each of the corner pieces.

I have used foam pads to separate the layered the sentiment and the Labels 20 onto other parts of the floral Doily shapes to create the large panel that they all sit on.   The floral  paper is in a lovely shade of turquoise 

It has been matted and layered with white and turquoise card and an "A" frame created to display it... and it is an 8" card ... and have you noticed ... not a flower in sight !!

Hugs xx

February 14, 2013

New Hatpins

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 Hi Everybody,

I have been busy adding in beautiful Hatpins to "My Shop" and these are some of the newest ones to be made.

They have pearls, glass beads, fabric beads and rhinestones in them ... and some have charms attached to them also.

They are 3" ling pins and they come complete with end protectors  ...  so no nasty accidents with them.

I have used only the best quality materials that I can find and they are in a mixed pack of gold and silver coloured pins.

And they will not fall apart with use.

This is a new selection that has arrived today and they are gorgeous.... I can't wait to get busy making them up.

Everything I make ...  hatpins, cards,  flowers, butterflies are all made in a smoke free,  pet free environment.  And I will be adding some into the shop later.

This close up shows you the detail in some of the
items and those rhinestone Shambala beads are so beautiful.

But they would look wonderful as Hatpins on a wedding card.

So it is snowing here and I have hatpins to make up ... can't sit here all day chatting.

Bye for now 

Hugs xx




February 13, 2013

Mothers Day Card

HI Everybody,

Do you remember the little flower display from Mondays post ??

Well here it is made up into a card for Mothers Day which is on the 10th March here in the UK

I have layered up a turquoise panel cut with the  Romantic Rectangles and white layers with the scalloped and plain oblongs which I have embossed.

Then the largest from the Floral Ovals is layered with the second size and the centre piece was shown  in Small Flower Corsage.

I have wrapped ribbon around these layers before adding them to the white base.... which is Tri Fold Card

I have added a bow with a beaded button centre and some turquoise trim along the middle of the ribbon.

The same trim has been used to accentuate the letters for MUM.

The Alphabet set  is  from the  Save on Hobbies 



Alphabet and Numbers are really good basic sets to keep in your crafting "Stash"  so that you can can add any name, age or date  that you wish to any of your cards cards.

Hugs xx