Into the Box

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

This card features the Into the Box Technique. I stamped the Creative Expressions Mini Stamp onto Coconut White Card using Jet Black Archival. I decided how much of the car I wanted inside the box and placed the Spellbinders Labels 25 die in the appropriate place. I drew around the inside of the die with a pencil, avoiding the stamped image. I cut around the section of the car that was on the inside of the pencil line plus a few mm more. I seated the die back in place with the cut part of the car over the die on the non-cutting edge side. I secured with removable tape and ran through the Grand Calibur

I popped a decorative paper left over from the card in the April 13th post behind the aperure.

I stamped the sentiment that comes with the Mini using Jet Black Archival. I cut it out using Spellbinders A2 Matting Basics and inked through the die with Black Soot Distress Ink.

I assembled the card as shown adding a Tim Holtz Idea-ology piece from my stash and piercing around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

The Gift of Christmas

Hi Bloggers.

As the title suggests, I have a Christmas Card to share with you today -

For the background, I first stamped the reindeer from the Justrite Holiday Magic Clear Stamp Set using Fired Brick Distress Ink. I then stamped the 'STOP HERE' sentiment from the same stamp set using Festive Berries Distress Ink. I made sure the ink was dry and ran it through the Grand Calibur with the Spellbinders Holiday Magic M-Bossabilities Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the design and inked around the edges with Fired Brick.

I stamped the stocking from the Justrite Christmas Gifts Vintage Labels Two Stamp Set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Berry Red Aurora Embossing Powder. I cut it ut using Justrite Vintage Labels Two Dies and inked through the die with Fired Brick.

I stamped the sentiment from the Christmas Gifts Stamp Set, again using Perfect Medium and embossed with Berry Red Aurora. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Four Dies and inked through the die with Fired Brick.

I tied a bow using Burgundy/Ivory Striped Grosgrain Ribbon and added a Red Dazzler.

I assembled the card as shown adding an Idea-ology Christmas Noel Adornment, some Cream Pearls and some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Berry Red around the edges.

Before I sign off, I have some exciting news from Creative Expressions to share -

Would you like to be given fabulous Creative Expressions stamps every month absolutely free? Then we would love to hear from you...
We are currently looking to recruit new passionate crafters to join our 2013/14 Creative Expressions Design Team (CEDT) to make fabulous projects using our products and rubber designs!
What’s in it for you?

There are some fantastic benefits to being a member of the Creative Expressions Design Team! As a member, you will:-

·         Receive a new set of Creative Expressions rubbers stamps every month (absolutely free) as well as a selection of other crafting goodies to work with to create your weekly projects.

·         Receive a fantastic 25% discount on all products that Creative Expressions Supply (this discount applies only to RRP of products & is only applicable when ordering from Creative Expressions directly).

·         Enjoy regular links to your blog through to the Creative Expressions website, blog and social media channels.

·         Receive a CEDT 2013/14 badge to display on your blog &/or website.

·         Have your creations showcased on the Creative Expressions website, marketing materials & social media channels.

·         Be joining a fantastic new innovative & exciting Design Team!

To find out more information on how to become part of the Creative Expressions Design Team, click on this link: http://blog.creative-expressions.uk.com/

The closing date for entries is Friday, 6th September 2013 at 5pm GMT.
Good luck and we really look forward to seeing your projects!

I hope some of you will have a go.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

There are Big Ships

Hi Bloggers.

Here's a card from yesterday's shows -

I love the detail on the Tea Clipper stamp (one of Sam's designs). The Persian Sea Aurora Embossing Powder keeps all the detail and looks absolutely stunning (I think) with this stamp. Salty Ocean Distress Ink is a perfect partner for the Persian Sea Aurora Embossing Powder too.

On to the card - for the right-hand side of the background, I misted with Cosmic Shimmer Egyptian Blue Vintage Mister. I dried it with my heat tool (I'm impatient!) and then inked through the Knitted Mask (don't you think it looks a bit like rope or even waves?) with Salty Ocean Distress Ink. I moved the mask down the card to extend the design. I ran a piece of Kraftcore Cardstock through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Heavy Duty Embossing Folder and sanded it to reveal the core.

I stamped the Tea Clipper using Perfect Medium and embossed with Persian Sea Aurora. I cut it out using Spellbinders Card Creator Fancy Postage Edge and inked through the die with Salty Ocean. I threaded some Bakers Twine from the Vintage Set through the holes.

I stamped the sentiment that comes with the Tea Clipper, again using Perfect Medium and embossed with Persian Sea Aurora. I cut it out using another die from the Fancy Postage Edge die set and inked through the die with Salty Ocean.

I assembled the card as shown adding a couple of Idea-ology Mini Gears and a Custom Fastener to the Kraftcore panel and some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Cobalt around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Ho Ho Ho

Hi Bloggers.

Just before I share today's card, I wanted to let you know that I have an extra show this week. It's on Tuesday at 2pm and it's the Heartfelt Creations Christmas Stamps and dies that Sue launched at CHA last week.

Here's today's card - a real quickie Christmas Card.

For the background, I used a piece of Milk Card. I ran it through the Grand Calibur with the Snowflake Frame Mask. I highlighted the embossed areas with Golden Light and Deep Red Gilding Wax and then edged the whole piece with Fired Brick and Aged Mahogany Distress Ink Pads using Cut n Dry Foam.

I popped some DS Adhesive onto some card and die cut a Spellbinders Labels 22. I peeled off the backing and rubbed some Fire Red Polished Silk Glitter into it. I stamped the Santa from the Justrite Christmas Labels 22 Stamp Set using Pergect medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Berry Red Aurora Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Three Dies and inked through the die with Fired Brick.

I stamped the sentiment from the same stamp set, again using Perfect Medium and embossed with Berry Red Aurora. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Four Dies and inked through the die with Fired Brick.

I tied a bow using Burgundy/Ivory Striped Grosgrain and added an Idea-ology Noel Christmas Adornment.

I assembled the card as shown adding some Cream Pearls and some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Berry Red around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Merry Christmas

Hi Bloggers.

I've a few Christmas Cards to share - hope you don't mind!

Here's today's offering -

The background on this one features Alcohol Inks but this time I used them on Silver Mirri Card. I popped some Aqua, Cool Peri and Denim Alcohol Inks onto my applicator tool and inked all over the Mirri Card, replenishing the ink when necessary. Next, I popped some Snowcap Mixative onto my craft sheet and used it to stamp the 2 snowflakes from the Justrite Inner Thoughts Stamp Set (on order for my Amazon Shop).

I wrapped a piece of White Silky Crush Ribbon around the background. I tied a bow using 2 lengths of the Silky Crush Ribbon and added an Idea-ology Christmas Adornment adding a pearl in the centre.

I stamped the sentiment from the Justrite Grand Christmas Sentiments (I have ordered some of these for my Amazon Shop) using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Labels 20 and inked through the die with Broken China Distress Ink. I cut a Justrite Vintage Label Four Die out of Black card and at the emboss stage added the Spellbinders Holiday Magic M-Bossabilities Folder.

I cut a holly border out of Coconut White Card using Spellbinders Holly Accents and inked through the die with Broken China.

I assembled the card as shown adding some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Silver Lustre around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Happy Father's Day

Hi Bloggers.

A nautical theme for today's card from the recent Pick of the Day. Not long now till Father's Day.

For the background, I covered a piece of card with Idea-ology Symphony Tissue Tape, wrapping the excess around the back of the card. I added a bit of colour to it with Weathered Wood and Faded Jeans Distress Stains. I wiped off the excess ink and then inked around the edges with Pool Adirondack Dye Ink using Cut n Dry Foam.

I then randomly stamped the anchor and ships wheel(?) stamp from the Justrite Anchors Away Clear Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival. I coloured around the ships wheels with Sunflower Matt Drawing Ink from the Summer Fayre Set.

I popped the map frame onto my acrylic block and placed the ship stamp in the centre. I stamped using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut in out using Justrite Nested Oval Medallion Dies and inked through the die towards the centre with Pool Adirondack. I coloured the outer frame using Marigold Matt Drawing Ink from the Autumn Shades Set and the inner frame with Sunflower from the Summer Fayre Set.

I stamped the sentiment from the same stamp set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Clear Powder. I cut it out using Justrite Antique Tags One Dies and inked through the die with Pool Ink.

I tied a knot using Black/Ivory Grosgrain Ribbon.

I assembled the card as shown adding some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlscent PVA in Black around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Here's to You

Hi Bloggers.

One for the guys today.

For the background, I used Coconut White Card. With the stamp in my hand, I randomly stamped the Newsprint A6 Stamp using Black Soot Distress Ink. I did the same with the Bubbles A6 stamp and then finished off with the Plaid A6 stamp using Fired Brick Distress Ink. (I have ordered some more stock of A6 stamps. They should be here soon.) I made sure the ink was dry and then edged with Black Soot using Cut n Dry Foam.

I stamped the Beer Glass from the Cheers Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Labels 28 and inked through the die with Black Soot. I cut a mat out of red card using the next size up.

I stamped the sentiment from the same stamp set, again using Jet Black Archival and embossed with the clear powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Matting Basics B and inked through the die with Black Soot. I cut a mat out of red card using the next size up.

I assembled the card as shown adding some Idea-ology Custom Fasteners and Mini Gears to the corners and some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Black Pearl around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Keep Calm & Drink Beer

Hi Bloggers.

One for the guys today.

For the background, I ran a piece of Tan Card through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Adagio Embossing Folder. I had to run it through a second time to extend the pattern (join hidden by the ribbon!). I inked around the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink using Cut n Dry Foam. I popped an Antique Copper Faux Screw Brad in each corner.

I stamped the main image from the Creative Expressions Cheers Stamp Set onto Milk Card using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I coloured it in using Cosmic Shimmer Matt Drawing Inks from the Garden Twist and Autumn Shades Sets. I cut it out using Spellbinders Labels 28 and inked through the die with Vintage Photo.

I stamped the sentiment from the same stamp set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Decagons and inked through the die with Vintage Photo.

I wrapped a piece of Brown /Ivory Striped Grosgrain around my background. I popped a piece of Idea-ology Journeyman Tissue Tape onto my craft sheet and then stamped one of the beer glasses onto it several times using Jet Black Archival. I coloured it in using the Cosmic Shimmer Matt Drawing Inks and then wrapped it around the centre of my ribbon.

I assembled the card as shown adding some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Dark Bronze around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Three Cheers Again!

Hi Bloggers.

Just to let you know that I've ordered some more of the stamp sets from this set of shows so they should be in stock in my Amazon store soon. Will let you know when they arrive.

Another guy card today.

 For the background, I randomly stamped the Newsprint stamp (with it in my hand) using Black Soot Distress Ink. Then I did the same with the Bubbles Stamp using Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink. I made sure the ink was dry and then ran it through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Adagio Embossing Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the pattern and then inked around the edges with Black Soot using Cut n Dry Foam.

I stamped the Beer Glass from the Creative Expressions Cheers Stamp Set 3 times using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut them out using Spellbinders Labels 28 and inked through the die with Chipped Sapphire.

I coloured a piece of Idea-ology Nostalgic Tissue Tape with Stonewashed Alcohol Ink and wrapped it around the background. I stamped the sentiment from the Cheers Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Matting Basics B and inked through the die with Chipped Sapphire.

I assembled the card as shown adding some Antique Silver Faux Screw Brads and some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in White around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Green Beer

Hi Bloggers.

It's St. Patrick's Day next month and there's an appropriate sentiment on the Creative Expressions Cheers Stamp Set. Here's one of the green cards I made for the shows last Monday.

For the background, I inked through the Stone Mask with Peeled Paint Distress Ink using Cut n Dry Foam. I then stamped the 'Celebrate' stamp from the Cheers set several times using Peeled Paint. With the stamp in my hand, I randomly stamped the Plaid Stamp using Forest Moss Distress Ink. I made sure the ink was dry and then inked around the edges with Forest Moss using Cut n Dry Foam. I added an Idea-ology Custom Fastener to each corner.

I stamped the pitcher from the Cheers Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I coloured it using Meadow Lime, Soft Moss and Jade Teal Cosmic Shimmer Matt Drawing Inks from the Garden Twist Set. I cut out using Spellbinders Labels 28 and inked through the die with Peeled Paint.

I stamped the sentiment from the same stamp set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with the clear powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Matting Basics A and inked through the die with Peeled Paint.

I assembled the card as shown adding some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Black Pearl around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Beer is Proof

Hi Bloggers.

Thank you so much for your emails and comments here on the blog. I'm glad you enjoy the shows and the samples that I share here on my blog. Your support is much appreciated.

This was my first demo yesterday -

For the background, I inked through the Stone Mask onto some Khaki Card using Pumice Stone Distress Ink using Cut n Dry Foam. Then, with the stamp in my hand, I randomly stamped the Newsprint Stamp using Black Soot Distress Ink. Then using the same method, I stamped the Bubbles Stamp using Pumice Stone Distress Ink. I made sure that all the ink was dry and then I placed the second largest of the Spellbinders Decorative Labels 8 where I wanted it and ran it through the Grand Calibur to create an aperture. I edged around the edges of the background with Black Soot using Cut n Dry Foam.

I placed the background onto a mat of black card and roughly marked where the aperture was on the black card. I dusted the black card with my anti static bag and stamped the Bubbles stamp onto the black card using Perfect Medium. I added Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder and heat set. I added the background to black card using 3d foam.

I stamped the sentiment from the Creative Expressions Cheers Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Labels 28 and inked through the die with Black Soot.

I stamped a beer glass from the same stamp set, again using Jet Black Archival and clear powder. I coloured it in using Cosmic Shimmer Matt Drawing Inks. I used Sea View from the Garden Twist Set for the froth and the glass, Marigold and Umber from the Autumn Shades Set for the beer. I cut the image out with scissors and went around the edges with a black marker pen to hide any white bits. (sorry the photo is a bit blurred!)

 I added an Idea-ology Custom Fastener and a couple of Idea-ology Mini Gears.

I assembled the card as shown adding some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Black Pearl around the edges.

I'm sorry that the Mini Gears and the Custom Fasteners that I used in the card were not on the shows - they were removed from it without us knowing. Unfortunately, I have none in stock. If you wish to purchase the Mini Gears you can see a list of stockists here. If you wish to purchase the Custom Fasteners you can see a list of stockists here.

I'll post the brother to this card tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Monochrome Bauble

Hi Bloggers.

Back to monochrome again today. I always come back to this colour scheme - one of my favourites.

For the background, I dusted a piece of milk card with my anti-static bag. I inked all over the Holly Mask with Perfect Medium, popped it onto my milk card and ran it through the Grand Calibur. The ink transferred to the debossed pattern in the card. I sprinkled some Cosmic Shimmer Black Sparkle Embossing Powder over and heat set.

I stamped the bauble from the Creative Expressions Christmas Bauble Stamp Set using Perfect Medium. I sprinkled some Cosmic Shimmer True White Embossing Powder over it and heat set. I cut it out using the Spellbinders 2011 Heirloom Ornament die set. I threaded an Idea-ology Bauble onto some Baker's Twine from the Primary Set, tied a bow and added it to my bauble. I looped some of the twine around the back of the card and then added the bauble to the background using 3d foam pads.

I put some 8mm and 5mm Cream Pearls in the corners.

I finished the card off with some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Black Pearl around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Classic

Hi Bloggers.

Back to Vintage Cars today but still using Spellbinders dies.

This card uses the out of the box technique that Sue taught me some time ago and you can read how to do it in this post.

For the background I covered a piece of Milk card with some Idea-ology Journeyman Tissue Tape. I coloured some of the lettering using Scarlet Flame Cosmic Shimmer Matt Drawing Ink from the Autumn Shades Set. When I demonstrated this on TV I added the Compass Mask at this stage and spritzed with Black Night Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Mister.

I stamped the image from the Creative Expressions Vintage Cars Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I coloured it in using Scarlet Flame from the Cosmic Shimmer Autumn Shades Matt Drawing Inks Set and Black Night from the Summer Fayre Set. I then cut it out using the Out of the Box Technique and the Spellbinders Back to Basics Hexagon die set. I inked through the die with Black Soot Distress Ink. I also cut out a black hexagon.

I cut a Back to Basics Tag and inked through the die with Black Soot. I cut a Fancy Tag out of black card, cut in in half and glued it at the back of either end of the basics tag. I popped a couple of Silver Faux Screw Brads through the holes. I added the word 'Classic' using the Idea-ology Ransom Alpha Parts.

I coloured a Watch Face Charm using a black Promarker (you could also use Pitch Black Alcohol Ink). I threaded some Black Baker's Twine through an Idea-ology Shabby Accoutrement. I added both of these to the top right-hand corner of the card.

I finished the card with some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Black Pearl.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Flowers are Proof

Hi Bloggers.

Today I'm sharing one of the cards that I made for the Spellbinders Pick of the Week last month. Sue Wilson will be launching a new Spellbinders Pick of the Day on Tuesday evening and she has some of the dies we had on our shows added in to her shows. She also has lots of dies that we didn't have and I can tell you I really need most of them! So, if you don't want to spend any more money at the moment, I suggest that you sit on your hands during Sue's shows because I guarantee you will need lots of them too!

Anyway, here's the card. I did kind of demo it but I had to change a lot of it because of the sellouts.

For the background, I randomly stamped the butterfly image from the Studio 490 Botanical Art Stamp set all over some Coconut White Card using Cobalt Archival. I then popped it through the Grand Calibur with the Spellbinders Venetian M-Bossabilities Folder. I popped it through a second time to extend the pattern. I then inked all over with Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink using Cut n Dry Foam.

I stamped the sentiment from the Studio 490 Sentimental Art stamp set using Cobalt Archival. I did not emboss it. I cut it out using Scalloped Labels One and inked through the die with Chipped Sapphire. I cut a Labels Twenty-Seven out of cobalt card. At the emboss stage I added the Grid Mask. I cut 2 circles out of Coconut White Card using the Asian Accents Die Set and inked through the die with Chipped Sapphire.

I cut a border out of Coconut White card using the Asian Accents die set. Using my scoreboard, I scored down every peak and every trough on the border (hope that makes sense). I then concertina folded the border and glued the two ends together using Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue. I cut a small circular motif out of one of the die sets (Sorry- can't remember which one and I haven't got the card to check) - you can use any small circle nestie or a circular punch. I popped a piece of super sticky tape in the centre and popped my border flower on top. I then added a good squeeze of Cosmic Shimmer Glue and put it aside to dry for a while. I cut 2 'leaves' out of cobalt card using the Venetian Motifs die set. When the glue on the flower was dry I added a coupe of foam pads and then a Studio 490 Embellish Your Art Flower to which I had added a little Chipped Sapphire ink. I tied some American Seam Binding around a couple of Idea-ology Memo Pins and added them sticking out of the flower.

I assembled the card as shown adding some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in White around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.