Saturday, 30 November 2024

Festive Tags quick cards

 How's your Christmas card making going? All done and ready to deliver? Nearly there just a few to get made? Or Wait..What..Christmas cards 😱 ? Whatever stage your at today's inspiration will show how easily and quickly you can get some beautiful stylish cards made. 

Made using the Festive Tag kit from Stampin' Up! And the oh so elegant Brushed gold cards and envelopes . These 2 products are all you'll need to create 15, yes 15! Quick and beautiful stylish cards.  

The Festive Tag kit is what I call a self contained kit. It contains all you need to create 15 tags , 3 each of 5 designs.  The kit includes all the die cut sentiments , tags, images, embellishments, twine and adhesives all you'll need is a pair of scissors! 

Festive tags kit stampin up brushed gold cards and envelopes quick easy elegant Christmas cards

The brushed gold cards and envelopes are sooo stylish and luxurious.  Ready scored and ready for you to create with. They come in  a pack of 20 cards and 20 envelopes. Both the back and front sides of the cards are foiled. And the envelopes are foiled too 😀.


Festive tags kit stampin up brushed gold cards and envelopes quick easy elegant Christmas cards

All you'll have to add to create the cards is some extra adhesives. I'd recommend some liquid adhesive / tape and some 3d foam. 

Festive tags kit stampin up brushed gold cards and envelopes quick easy elegant Christmas cards

The tags have gold foiling on them too so the card bases and the tags work so well together. 
The simple layout and simplicity of creation make these elegant cards super quick to do. I think it took about 10 minutes! to make 5 so you could make 15 in half an hour! 
So if you're not finished or even started those Christmas cards this might be the way for you 😃

Festive tags kit stampin up brushed gold cards and envelopes quick easy elegant Christmas cards

If you're in the UK and don't have a Stampin' Up! I'd love to be yours.  You can visit my online shop by clicking Here

Wednesday, 27 November 2024

One of a Kind one sheet wonder part 3

 Today I'm sharing the final part of my One of a Kind one sheet wonder mini series.  Today's cards use the 2 remaining panels cut from the A5 sheet created on day one. You can find that post Here. The simplicity of the design of these cards is enhanced by the basic white card bases and mats.

The first card uses the larger of the 2 remaining  panels. Measuring 10cm x 6cm this panel is accompanied with die cut circle and detailed snowflake die cut from a scrap of basic white cardstock.  Place the circle die then the outline snowflake die and the detail snowflake die together. Space them equally so that you can use all 3 die cut pieces over the 2 cards. The snowflake dies are from the one of a kind stamp and die bundle.

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder cards

These pieces are then adhered to a white panel on the front of a white card base. Stamp the chosen sentiment directly below the pattern panel using smoky slate grey ink. A single large iridescent gems is popped into the center of the detail snowflake. 

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder cards

The final card uses the 14.4cm x 3cm panel of pattern paper. Adhere the panel to a mat of basic white cardstock measuring 10cm x 14.4cm.  Then stamp your chosen sentiment,  using the grey ink again, along the long side . Adhere the outline snowflake die cut to the band and add 3 iridescent gems to the center. Adhere the whole panel to the card base using 3d foam. This is a landscape card.

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder cards

I hope you've enjoyed this mini series and will give the A5 one sheet wonder cutting guide a go. 

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder cards

Here is the cutting guide and a link back to Part 2

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder cards


Monday, 25 November 2024

One of a kind one sheet wonder part 2

 ðŸ‘‹ hello and welcome. I do hope you're all safe and well. Here in my small part of the world we've been experiencing some extreme weather from storm Bert. I live next to a wonderful forest but the high winds we've been experiencing make it sound really noisy! But the craft goes on so today is part 2 of my One of a kind one sheet wonder mini series . 

For today's cards you'll need the panel measuring 10cm x 8.5cm the One of a Kind dies and a circle die. Place the circle die toward the top of the panel central one both long sides. Next place the outline snowflake die and the detailed snowflake die inside each other and the circle die. Once die cut separate the pieces and use them to make the 2 cards below.

The first sample uses the circle diecut and the detailed snowflake die cut.  Adhere to a simple white mat on a white card base.  Stamp the sentiment directly on to the white mat below the circle die cut. A simple iridescent gems in the center of the snowflake die cut is all that's needed for this simple card.

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder cards

For the second card there are a few layers but still keeping the colour palette predominantly white.
Take the 10cm x 8.5cm panel and the outline snowflake die cut and adhered them to a 10.5cm x 9cm mat of white cardstock.  Now adhere a white mat measuring 14.4cm x 10cm  on to a white A6 card base . 
Next, using 3d foam , adhere the snowflake panel to the card base. A sentiment on a narrow strip of white card goes across the front and a few iridescent gems are added to the center of the snowflake. 

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder cards

What do you think of this twofer? ( that's 2 cards from 1 lot of die cutting 😉)

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder cards

Below is the cutting guide for the one sheet wonder  and here is the link to part 1 of the mini series Click here
One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder card


Saturday, 23 November 2024

One of a kind one sheet wonder

 Hello 👋 I know it's been a while but I'm still here 😀 Today I'm sharing the first of a 3 part inspiration using an A5 one sheet wonder and the amazing One of a Kind stamps and dies. 

Everything starts with a piece of A5 cardstock.  You could of course make this with a piece of pattern paper measuring 14.85cm x 21cm ( A5) but a custom made piece is more unique don't you agree 😉. 

Take the cardstock and using 3 colours of ink and a blending tool create a softly blended panel. I have used pale blue, soft lilac and a subtle pink as these give a gentle look.

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder card

Next use the cutting guide below to cut your panel up.


For today's card you're going to use the 14.85cm x 8cm panel and the detailed snowflake die from the one of a kind bundle. With careful placement die cut 7 of the detailed snowflake dies from the panel.
Next adhere them in a flurry across a 10cm x 14.4cm panel of white cardstock.  There a several ways to apply adhesive to delicate die cuts one of the simplest is to take wet glue and place it onto a wipe clean surface the dab a piece of sponge in it. The use the sponge to apply the adhesive to the back of the die cut. Another way is to use double-sided adhesive sheets. Add the sheet to the back of your cardstock before die cutting.  Then carefully remove the release sheet and add the die cut to your project. 


One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder card

A swoosh of iridescent ribbon behind the sentiment and some iridescent gems sprinkled around help to give the card a very whimsical feel don't you agree?

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder card

Please pop back over the following days to see how the rest of the one sheet wonder is used. 

One of a kind stampin up one sheet wonder card

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

One of a kind

 Today I'm taking part in a Stampin' Up! UK event in Reading , Berkshire.  I'm honoured to be one of the demo's presenting 😱 I have to admit to being a bit nervous but excited at the same time! Here is the card I'm sharing with my fellow demo's.  Wish me luck 🫣

Here's the card I'll be sharing.  It's using the beautiful One of a Kind stamps. Don't you just love how versatile snowflakes  are? Their unique nature lends itself to non traditional colours so well!

One of a kind stampin up gift card holder card Christmas

Inside is a hidden pocket for either cash or a gift card/ voucher.  A simple addition that makes a somewhat boring gift that little bit more special.

One of a kind stampin up gift card holder card Christmas

Well that's all for now as I'm off to the event . Wish me luck 😉

Sunday, 17 November 2024

One of a kind

 Where do you get your inspiration from ? Is question I'm often asked and one of the main answers is you! After hosting an amazing all day class yesterday I was inspired by the creativity of the wonderful group of crafters I spent the day with. Inspiration can be found in many places but for me crafting with others and for others is often the best way. What about you? Where do you find inspiration? 

The colour of today's card was inspired by one of the cards created in the class yesterday by a wonderful crafter called Lindsey Wallace. She created an amazing blended background for one of her projects . This led to me using the fab One of a Kind stamps to make an embedded resist technique background.  This fun stamp set is so pretty. 



The technique is easy start by heat embossing you chosen images randomly over your cardstock using clear embossing powder.  Once heat set blend your inks over the panel. Top tip keep a clean soft cloth or tissue to hand and every so often gently buff the ink off the embossed areas. This allows the images to pop through the inked area nicely. 

One of a kind stampin up embossed resist blended background Christmas card

The take a little water and splattered it over the panel placing a piece of kitchen roll over it immediately to soak up the water droplets and excess ink. Then take a wink of stella and splatter over the panel for extra glimmer. 

One of a kind stampin up embossed resist blended background Christmas card

The sentiments in the One of a Kind stamps are so cute. A simple swoosh of iridescent stripped trim and a few clear adhesive sequins finish the card nicely .

One of a kind stampin up embossed resist blended background Christmas card

I hope you enjoy today's card and maybe found a little inspiration from it 😉


Thursday, 14 November 2024

White Christmas card

 I have a problem and I'm hoping you can help... I love colour, I use it all the time but I have a secret desire to create using just white! So no colour 😱 Now I've tried before and often dream about how to accomplish this but it's a work in progress.  Do you have the same problem? Do you try to create with no colour? 

Here's a fairly simple white Christmas card. White is perfect for winter cards don't you think? As always when working with white you have to consider texture because how else are you going to create interest on your card? Another thing to consider when working with no colour is depth. Layers help create that all important interest on your card. 

So here it is...

Christmas Friends stampin up all white Christmas card

The texture on the front is created using the fantastic Forever plaid 3d embossing folder. The parcels , swag and stars are all die cut  using the the Christmas Friends dies as is the circle appature,  such a useful set! 

Christmas Friends stampin up all white Christmas card

The stars, bow and parcel ribbon are all die cut using the oh so beautiful white glimmer paper from a mixed pack of Pink, green and white glimmer paper. Using glimmer or glitter is another great way to add a little something something to your all white no colour card.
But how do you add a sentiment 🤔 . Well the technique  used for this card is to heat emboss using silver embossing powder.  I'm not sure it really counts as an all white or no colour card now though 🫣
What do you think? Do you have any suggestions?  If you do please share as I continue my search for the perfect no colour card.

Christmas Friends stampin up all white Christmas card


Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Fun pop out gift card holder/card

 Today's post is a follow up to my Facebook live from Monday. Below are the measurements for this fun pop out gift card holder/ card. 


The card needs 2 pieces of cardstock measuring 14cm x 14cm, 1 piece measuring 23cm x 14cm scored at 11cm, 1 piece measuring 16cm x 10cm scored at 2cm  and finally a piece measuring 16cm x 4cm scored at 1cm from each end.

To see how this all goes together watch here


This is a fun and interactive card that makes giving a gift card just a little more fun 😀


Monday, 11 November 2024

60th birthday card

 Today's post is about friendship. Yesterday I celebrated my childhood friends 60th birthday. Rosalyn and I meet when we were 9 and have been friends ever since over 50 years! 😱 Although it wasn't her actual birthday we had arranged to have lunch with another long time friend, only 38 years this time, we did a little crafting and a lot of chatting 😀 as you'd expect! It was such a lovely time. We even had birthday cake 🎂 😋.  

Not all friendships are that long standing some are very new! Last Friday and Saturday I made some new friends at #backstage@home. This was a Stampin' Up! Event that even though it took place on-line had lots of break out sessions where we got put into smaller groups of 4 or 5 to brainstorm and chat . As SU is a global company I  got to chat with fellow demo's from north America, the south Pacific and Europe! I was even fortunate enough to be in a group with Shelli Gardner the founder of the company! I love that my crafting passion gives me the opportunity to meet new people and create connections and community with so many diverse people! 

But one thing I did find time for in my busy weekend was to make a card to celebrate my friend Roz and with her permission I'm sharing it today.

60th birthday card stampin up

I have used the Beautiful Layers of beauty stamp, die and mask bundle to create the focal point on the front of the card. The colour palette was dictated by the pattern papers chosen for the inside of the card.

60th birthday card stampin up

A special birthday deserves a special card and the rich gold and chocolate colour palette works wonderfully with the Nature's Sweetness patern papers. The candles are simple 1cm by 6cm strips of the gorgeous paper and the flames are made with a gold glimmer paper,sadly retired, and the Bough punch. Super easy which is very good when you need to make 60 of them!
To create the space for all these candles cut 3 panels 10.5cm x 29.7cm and score each at 14.85cm.  Next use a stip of the coordinating paper to attach the panels together . These 2 strips of pattern paper measuring 10.5cm x 6cm scored at 3cm act as a hinge on the reverse of the panels. Then cut 2 panels measuring 14.85cm x 10.5cm.  These are attached to the front and back of the concertina portions. 

60th birthday card stampin up


I decorated the back of the card as the place to write my personal message because no space goes un decorated! 

60th birthday card stampin up

To keep the card closed cut 3 lengths of gold twine which are secured behind the back panel. These then wrap around and tie in a fun bow.

60th birthday card stampin up

Making and giving a card is a great way to share not only your creativity but also a way to show that you care and value the recipient. So make a card and give it to a friend these little pieces of artwork hold far more value than you think and strengthen the bonds of friendship. 
And here is my dearest friend Roz with her yummy cake. 

60th birthday card stampin up


Thursday, 7 November 2024

Live at 5 measurements

 Hi 👋 if you saw my Live at 5 on Monday below are the measurements and a scoring/cutting guide. If you didn't see it here are the finished boxes...

Take a bow stampin up easy elegant box

And here is the video...


The box starts with 2 pieces of pattern paper each measuring 15cm x 15cm.  Score one at 4cm on all 4 sides. In the video I recommend cutting the tabs on the this one so that you know that this is the base.

 Score the second one at 3.9cm on all 4 sides. This will become the lid. Now you're going to take a piece of coordinating cardstock measuring 9cm x 29.7cm.  Score at 7cm, 14cm, 21cm and 28cm.

Take a bow stampin up easy elegant gift box

Watch the video to see how easily it all comes together to create these elegant boxes. 

Tuesday, 5 November 2024

Christmas Friends

 Today's project is a little bit of a marmite one. Marmite is a yeast spread here in the UK that people either love or hate. I happen to love it especially on hot buttered toast yummy 😋... but back to the card 🤣. It's not the Christmas Friends stamp set that might make you go one way or the other on the card because this is just a super cute stamp set!

The reason this card is a little how shall I say it 🤔 .... polarising... is the colour palette! 

Christmas Friends stampin up something different yellow lemon lolly Christmas card

Yes it's a yellow Christmas card 💛! After thinking about what to make I came to the conclusion that I don't think I've ever made a yellow Christmas card!  Now pink, purple, orange all non-tradional colour palettes for the festive season I've made but never yellow! Not wanting to leave it out today's sample is most definitely yellow forward 🤣
By blending lemon lolly ink over a die cut circle keep the center lighter and the edges a deeper tone you can create a bright pop of colour to use behind the oh so cute mr moose 🫎. 
Mr moose is coloured with light and dark pecan pie Stampin' Blends (alcohol markers) with lemon lolly scarf, socks and skates. 
The sentiment is from a set called One of a kind and works well especially as the Christmas Friends dies have these cute little  music notes 🎶 !


Christmas Friends stampin up something different yellow lemon lolly Christmas card

For the inside there was a scrap of embossed white cardstock on the table that called out not to be wasted 😉 

Christmas Friends stampin up something different yellow lemon lolly Christmas card

So what do you think? Yes or no to a yellow colour palette for Christmas cards?

Sunday, 3 November 2024

Christmas Friends

 A quick post and a quick card using the cute Christmas Friends stamp set today. 

It all starts by creating a mask for the character of choice, in this case the owl. Making a mask is where you stamp the image on to a piece of making paper or as in this case stamping along  the edge closest to the sticky part of a sticky note. Then fussy cut the image out along the stamped edge. Next stamp the same image where you want it placed on your cardstock mat. Use the mask to cover the image. 

Then apply ink using a blending tool over the masked area and beyond as desired. You can then also add splatters of ink to add further interest to the mat.

Then remove the mask and uncover your stamped image and colour as desired. 

Christmas Friends stampin up masking ink blending Christmas card

The colour of the blending on this card is a pretty soft lilac called fresh freesia.  Not your typical Christmas colour but certainly eye catching 😉

 

Christmas Friends stampin up masking ink blending Christmas card

I had to add another cheeky owl to the inside of the card. Do you decorate inside your cards?

Christmas Friends stampin up masking ink blending Christmas card

The appropriate sentiment from the stamp set and a few sequins to match his pink hat and the card was complete.








Friday, 1 November 2024

Christmas Friends

 Today's card features a fun technique called mirror or reverse stamping. This technique allows you to have your image face the other way. This is really useful when you want your characters to face each other as in todays Christmas Friends inspiration.  The cute mouse just calls out for a friend to sing with don't you agree? 

Christmas Friends stampin up mirror reverse stamping technique Christmas card

To All you need to do this is a smooth surface .  The smooth surface could be a silicone mat or a glass cutting mat or even a piece of acetate.  
Now stamp your image onto the smooth surface then place your cardstock on top and gently apply even pressure making sure not to rub. You don't want to smudge the image. You might want to practice a few times so that you become familiar with the pressure needed etc.
Once you've taken the cardstock up your image will be facing the opposite way!

Christmas Friends stampin up mirror reverse stamping technique Christmas card


Christmas Friends stampin up mirror reverse stamping technique Christmas card

Christmas Friends stampin up mirror reverse stamping technique Christmas card