Die Cutting Essentials Magazine - issue 49

The latest copy of Die Cutting Essentials magazine caught my eye in the newsagent yesterday with its Paris themed freebie

These two cards were made by cutting the whole die using yellow and pink cardstock then snipping out the Eiffel Tower and a rose and swapping them over along with the borders. Different background papers, sentiments and embellishments help to give two elegant birthday cards!

This card again used just some of the die with the border cut from Kraft paper against a Vintage French backing paper I have had for years!

Costic Shimmer Metallic Gilding Polish

I must confess I have had these pots of Metallic Gilding polish  by Cosmic Shimmer for some time, but never really got on with them - I found the paste sticky and difficult to apply.

But them I spotted them being demonstrated on Hochanda the other day and realized what I had been doing wrong - apparently you need to create a 'ski slope' of the paste with the applicator at the side of the pot to get it out! And give a spritz with water before you close the lid.

A quick whiz over embossed  card gave a great effect with a lovely shimmer - so now I must get them out more often!

Spellbinder Shapeabilities Oval Heirloom Dies

I know these have been around a long time, but I have only just discovered them whilst looking for a nice oval border die!

I like their flexibility so that you can cut a matching fussy edge background to layer the border

plus there is a fancy label to go in the centre - that just matches the oval sentiments from Craftwork cards that I use all the time

A bit of Stenciling today

Today I've done some stenciling to make backgrounds using the waste from some 'Craftwork cards' die cut sentiments and stars shapes

I used the ink dusters and a couple of the Ranger Distress Oxide inks that I picked up at a car boot sale last month to make both of these cards and finished them off with a wooden guitar or cat

And I'm quite pleased with the results!

Debbi Moore Magazines

I bought 3 old copies of Debbi Moores Magazines 'Bringing Inspiration to You' off eBay at a bargain price. 

They didn't have the  CD's - which is fine, because I just wanted the printed papers and ideas

Plus I don't have a CD drive on my computer any more!

I like the fact there are loads of  embellishments and sentiments to go with the main images in each issue

Three of a Kind ....

Today I've been playing with one of my die sets that gives this lovely oval border. Each of these cards has the intricate border cut out of a yummy chocolate glitter card and backed with a gold sparkle card.

Each card then has a wooden embellishment of butterfly, bird or guitar

 and then different sentiments and backing papers - for 3 similar but different square birthday cards

Inking Up Old Stamps

Whilst rummaging through my large collection of stamps I realised there where so many that I hadn't used before.

These are all from the sets free with Creative Stamping Magazine - one of my favourites, as they have such a great selection with each issue

I must make the effort to used all the stamps -not just one or two each time!

Age and Glasses of Wine should never be Counted!

One of the Honey Doo stamp sets that I picked up at the car boot sale last week is called 'Just the One' and is great for wine lovers!

I think these birthday cards could be suitable for many of my friends!

Two Weddings and an Anniversary ....

Following on from yesterdays post I made 2 wedding cards with the Bride and Groom Silhouette die

Then finished off with a wedding anniversary card that features one of the Honey Doo stamps embossing in silver and coloured with watered down distress oxide inks to give it a delicate feel

Today's Car Boot Bargains

I visited my first car boot sale of the year this morning and picked up a big pile of crafting goodies from a lady who was having a clear out ( to make room for more stash!)

There was a box of 16 stamp sets from Honey Doo crafts (usually £8 a set) -sentiments, snowflakes, numbers and lots of flowers, 6 different distress oxide ink pads (at least £5 each new), several dies including a tonic Fairy (£11) and 2 ink duster brushes. I paid £18 for the lot and was very pleased with these additions to my craft room

I haven't got any Honey Doo Crafts stamps, so decided to try some out with a bit of heat embossing

So, these are my first makes from my new stamps - a couple of Sympathy cards and a Christening card. Really pleased with the quality of the stamps, now off back to the craft room for some more stamping!

Scrapbooking Mojo returns

There are some lovely 12 x 12 papers in with the Faerie Dust package so I though I would try and match one to a photo taken at the Magic Kingdom in Florida last year

Cinderellas castle at dusk looks fabulous when all lit up!

It also inspired me then to set out some older photos that I've been meaning to scrapbook for ages

These are both WIP (Works In Progress), that's the fun of scrapbooking, you can just keep coming back and adding more til you are satisfied!

Faerie Mojo

Last February I won a  massive parcel of Faerie Dust papers and embellishments from Graphic 45. 

I made and blogged about a few cards and then put the parcel to one side. Well, I have just re-discovered it whilst putting away all the Christmas card making stuff and feel inspired to sprinkle a bit more faerie dust around on my cards!

Certainly helps to brighten a dull and wet weekend!

Card Making Magic Stars!

Last year I mentioned about the Masculine dies and stamps I won from Christina Griffiths  & Card Making Magic

Well, I have now got around to using the stars die from that set and have made 3 of a kind birthday cards for men, using different colour schemes and backing papers

They were quick makes, so I must remember them in future if I need to produce a card in a hurry!

Creative Stamping Magazine Issue 67

I am a big fan of Creative Stamping Magazine because of their great freebie stamps and this months issue is a cracker! A wide range of  fab vintage images.

Couldn't wait to get started and felt so inspired by them!

Made a few non birthday cards for a change

And this is work in progress with brushos  and gilding wax for the backgrounds

More Hibiscus Wreaths from Tattered Lace

Following on from yesterdays post, here are a couple more cards made from the different colourways of the hibiscus wreath that you can download from Tattered Lace - the cream one works well for sympathy cards.

Tattered Lace Magazine Issue 62

I don't often buy this magazine as it is rather expensive at £12.99, but I decided to treat myself this month, as I really like the Hibiscus flower wreath die that comes with it.

It also came with some tropical  Flamingo papers that I matched up with this bird that was cut from a freebie die from another magazine last year

As with all Tattered Lace magazines you can download the images that fit the die in lots of different shades, so that you can produce these wreaths over and over again.

And of course, you can use the die on plain card as well, here I just softened it with a little dusky pink ink around the edges