Cherry Blossom

 

I've had this cherry blossom stamp and die set since 2010, it was a freebie from a magazine. With spring in the air, it seems a good time to get it out and use it again!

4 different birthday cards now made to showcase the branch of cherry blossoms

Card Candy Galore

 

Back in 2010 I won a large box of Craftwork Cards Candy dots in assorted colours.  They have appeared in my blog over the years here, here and here

I did buy a Christmas tree stamp which uses them and featured that back in Nov 2023.  I  have just bought this Bubble Bloom flower  stamp off eBay to try and use up few more.

However, it only uses 16 per stamp (the smaller dots are Nuvo Drops), and I have hundreds to use up!

Wedding Bells

 

I felt in the mood to make some wedding cards recently

It must be that spring is in the air

or perhaps that we are planning a wedding in the family for later this year!

These are always lovely cards to design and make

Especially using embossed backgrounds and the 'happy couple' silhouette die  that I have had for years!

Another selection of birthday cards I have made with the toppers I bought last month

some male, some female and a few for children too.

Helping to make up a box of cards which will be donated to charity soon

 

Easter Cards

 

Just made a selection of Easter cards

Some with a religious theme

but many featuring cute Easter  eggs and bunnies!

Tip Top Toppers

 

Looking around my craft room, I realised I have far too many backing papers and coloured cardstock piling up.

So I found a bargain lot of  random toppers on eBay to try and help use some up!

They are from Hunkydory, Create & Craft and Kanban and cover a whole range of subjects.

I was very pleased with the selection and in the last 2 days have made 18 cards

and still have so many, many more left to use!

Black Card Embossing

 

Whilst browsing on Pinterest, I came across some birthday cards using black cardstock, embossed and then highlighted in gold or silver ink.

So thought I would have a try too!

These were all made using long-forgotten embossing folders that have been languishing at the back for too long

Not the best photos, they look better in real life!

Charming

 

Late last year, I was gifted some cardstock and lots of small gold or silvertone charms to use on my cards

The brass effect tools look good on these mens birthday cards

And bottles of wine always help a celebration card!

Especially when paired with Champagne glasses and a corkscrew!

This time last year ...

 

......I bought this lovely oval floral stamp from Honey Doo Crafts, so it was about time that it re-appeared in the blog!

I have used it several more times over the last 12 months, so it has proved its worth!

Plus, I've just made a cute anniversary card, these die cut cats were last featured on another anniversary card back in February 2024!

Last of the Christmas Cards

 

Just had time to make a few  more Christmas Cards before I pack away all my Xmas stash until next time.

Despite making hundreds of cards in 2025, I still have 3 large boxes of paper, mirri card, stamps & embellishments ready for next year.

But they are now all safely stowed away until September, when the Christmas spirit will emerge again!

So many cards....

 

Well, I'm pleased that I have managed to make so many Christmas Cards this year.

They say that giving of cards is dying out, and I understand that postage costs are unfortunately so high, but it is still lovely to have a display of cards on the mantlepiece.

I have managed to donate over 300  Christmas cards to good causes and charities this year, along with making another 50 for families & friends, I just love this hobby! I like the creativity of making something from scratch - often with no idea how they will turn out in the end, reusing and recycling materials. It can be done at any time of the day or night and can doesn't need to take up much time. Plus it also helps to reduce stress and give a feeling of achievement. Carry on Crafting!