Good Heavens

Cant believe how long it is since my last post. Must resolve to post more often.

We are looking forward to heading off to Potters resort in Norfolk so we can watch the World Bowls. We are going with Mel & Colin Highland.

I have been doing lots of crafting recently but thought I would post some pictures of cards I did for an orders. 

This was for a sisters golden anniversary. The recipient was so pleased with the card that they have framed it. Now that really is a compliment.

This one is also for a golden anniversary - this time from a wife to her husband.

A wedding card for a friends daughters.

And finally, another wedding card for the customers nephew.

Stamping & Colouring

Allen bought be 96 Spectrum Noir pens for Christmas & I have started playing with them. It takes me back to my childhood but it is relaxing to do.
My first 2 attempts have turned out well & for a beginner I am happy with the results.
The first one uses a Tilda image & backing sheets bought from Craftsuprint in pinks & plums. I have also had my Cuttlebug die cutting machine out to make some flowers & swirls.

The second one is also a Tilda image but this time I have done the backing sheet myself using a Designer resource from Craftsuprint. Cuttlebug Flowers & swirls to finish.



Will post others as I do them.

More Wedding Items

Having completed the previous wedding order I thought that would be it. Then I was approached by a couple who are getting married In Gibraltar & then having a reception back at their bowls club. Their only remit was that it had to be black & white theme.

I decided to do the table settings as easel cards. Decorating with black & white daisies & black butterflies with gems.

I then used the same back sections on the table plan which was done on black and decorated in reverse to the settings with white & black daisies and white butterflies.

Delivery tomorrow so fingers crossed that they like them.

Wedding Order

I have finally finished the order for Wedding Reception stationery.  Delivery tomorrow ready for the wedding on Sunday. In total I have made 108 place settings & 13 table numbers plus a table plan with 13 medium size settings attached to cerise pink card. Everyone of the 134 items had to be hand cut plus a rose for each one. Then organza ribbon was attached & finally a matching bow. It is the first time I have done an order of this type but am really happy with the final results.

The table numbers & place settings - couldnt photograph all of them so just done 3 of each. Luckily they are going to write everyones names on the place settings.

The table plan all ready for them to fasten on their typed table lists.





Carnations for Mum

One of the Craftuprint designers Robyn Cockburn has recently done a range of her designs with Carnations on. These were my Mums favourite flowers & I dedicate this post to her. It is more than 26 years since her death & I still miss her. So Mum wherever you are - this ones for you xxxxx



Brendas first hand crafted card

Brenda & Rod have been visiting us from Dorset.

While here their friends Nancy & John have been housesitting & looking after their dogs etc. Brenda has been helping cut out craft sheets for the cards I make & has made a thank you card for John & Nancy who are keen bowlers.

The picture shows Brenda proudly displaying her first ever hand crafted card.



Orchids & Butterflies

I have just tried a new large easel design card by Carol Dunne & am really pleased with the finished result.
It features large orchids & butterflies. Enhanced with gold pearls & glitter Im sure it will be a big success.



Trial for Designer

I recently asked a designer to do me some matching inserts for some of sheets that I have. When she replied she asked me whether I would try out 2 new kits that she was doing to see what I think. Having agreed she sent me the kits through & I set to work.
Both are on the same theme of cascades for weddings. The first is a straight edge with curved banners. Based on a template from Carol Dunne.

The main thing I liked on this design were the individual letters to put onto the banners & although it makes a great card it doesnt for me have that wow factor. But......

This is the second design which has a scalloped top to the sides & straight banners. Now this one certainly has the wow factor. The decoupage work on both is the same.
I reported back to Deborah, sending her the photos & giving her the couple of small things that need changing. She has told me to chose a design from Craftsuprint and she will send it to me free as a thank you.
If you want to see more of my cards click on the link above. To see more designs by DEBORAH DAVIES click on the link then go to Card Making & select a designer.





Scalloped Broderie Anglaise Cards

Ann Marie Vaux has just released some new designs for a scalloped square card. These all have lace on & look great when completed. Have just done 4 & uploaded to Craftsuprint. If you want to view more great designs click on the banner at the top.



New Home

Asked to make a new home card with a difference I chose a Carol Dunne Cascade Deluxe design. This was easy to construct but looks amazing.

To check out more of these Cascade cards by Carol Dunne click on the Craftsuprint banner at the top of the page.



Silver Anniversary

I wanted an unusual design for a Silver Wedding card & chose a Carol Clarke design - Silver Wedding Window Card. This is such an easy design to make up, but with a few silver peel offs mounted on silver mirror card then cut out, it becomes a stunning card.

To see more of these amazing designs by Carol Clarke click on the Craftsuprint banner above.



Anniversary Card

I havent blogged much for the last month - so much to do & so little time to do it.

Have just finished another card order with a special anniversary card as the main item.

For those of you familiar with the Glitter Girls Keepsake embossing Boards - the centre panel is made from the Art Deco Board, using part of the main frame, embossing both inner & outer sections plus the oval centre. A simple floral spray with organza ribbon gives it an elegant look.

Necessity is the mother of invention

This morning I was getting ready for my craft group & my printer decided it wasn't feeling well so was going to have a day off. No amount of cajoling would convince it to work, so I was left to organise 1 more card which wouldn't need any printing. A rummage through my sheets of card produced sheets with pink roses - now to design a card round that. The girls arrived & it was still swimming around in my head, so while they worked on the first cards, the ideas came to fruition & this is what emerged.

The flowers are ceramic & I was really happy with the finish design. As Marina said, my printer having a day off made me come up with the design - just glad I didn't have to do all 4 like that.

Another monochrome card

Have been trying out my new embossing boards again with another monochrome card.

This one also features a backing sheet designed by Karen Adair of Craftsuprint - called Black Satin. It gives the central panel a nice effect, and the simple white butterfly just finishes it nicely.

Monochrome Card

This is the first card made with one of my new Keepsake boards which Allen got me for Christmas & a Marianne Silhouette die.  I love the monochrome cards & I am sure the new boards will be getting lots of use.

Special Christmas Card

I have had to wait before I could post the blog as the person  the card was made for hadn't received it. One of my crafters husband asked me to do a special Christmas card for his wife Marina. So this was what I came up with. The card is made using the Keepsakes Tall Books embossing board and the box is designed to fit it & show off the card as it has acetate it the window. It also has a stand to support the card.

Crafters Christmas Cards

Since I started running the craft group I said that they had to make each others birthday & Christmas cards. It is always nice to see what they come up with. These are this years Christmas cards made for teacher (me).

Clockwise from 12 - made by Gilly, Pammy, Irene, Mavis, June & Marina. Centre is by Janet. I am so proud of them all.

Thoughts

I was asked on Saturday to make a card for Allens' nephew Stephen to send to his new baby daughter at Christmas. Stephen is serving in Afghanistan & will miss his daughters first Christmas.
One of the Craftsuprint designers responded to my request for a special sheet & within 12 hours it was up on the site & in my basket. The card was made, but it the first time I have ever made a card which made me cry while making it.  I found it very emotional.  The designer of the sheet said she felt exactly the same.

I hope & pray that all our troops stay safe & return to their families.

New Concept Cards

A designer on Craftsuprint (Karin Johansson) has come up with a new concept for cards - a Doolirama. I just had to have a go.  The card is so easy to make, looks effective but most import still fits a standard C5 envelope and the box folds down.

I think this must be my favourite of the new concept cards to come out recently, and I'm sure I'll be doing others in the range.

To view more of my cards click on the Craftsuprint banner above to take you straight to my gallery.

Todays special card

I bought a lovely sheet from Craftsuprint by designer Helen Williams. The sheet is a vellum backing sheet of lilies & roses. When I came to make up the card I couldn't find a decoupage to add and finish the card. I sent a message to Helen asking if she had a decoupage sheet to match. She hadn't but offered to send me the jpeg image so that I could make up my own decoupage. Five minutes later the email arrived and I printed off 4 copies.
Whilst watching Doctor Who I cut out elements to make up my decoupage. Having attached the backing sheet to cerise pink mirror card and then added to a white card I assembled the decoupage. Added iridescent glitter to some of the flowers and a cerise pink greeting.
Really happy with the finished card and sent a photo to Helen with a big thank you for sending me the image.