What's new with you?

Hi Bloggers.

I have shows today on Create & Craft at 12noon for 2 hours with Nigel and at 5pm with Genevieve. Hope you can join me.

Here's today's card, based on a sample that Sue Wilson made for the show.

The background is a piece of Coconut White Card run through the Grand Calibur with the embossing folder that comes in the Party Time Couture Creations 3 in 1 set. I ran it through a second time to extend the design.

I stamped the Doilies Stamp from the 3 in 1 set of the same name, using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer True White Detail Embossing Powder. I then popped it inside the the embossing folder from the same set and ran it through the Grand Calibur. 

I wrapped some Black American Seam Binding around towards the right hand side and added a bow 3 lengths of the same. I added a Crystal Sparkler to the centre of the bow.

I cut some little doilies out of red and black card using the dies from the set, stacked them up and added some White Pearls to the centres.

I stamped the sentiment from the Creative Expressions Gratitudes Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Folder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Labels 28 and inked through the die with Aged Mahogany Distress Ink.

I assembled the card as shown adding some Black Pearls to the corners.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Party Time

Hi Bloggers.

I have shows today on Create & Craft at 12noon and 4pm - both scheduled with Leonie.

Today's card features the Party Time 3 in 1 Set from Couture Creations -

For the background, I used the embossing folder that comes in the set and ran it through the Grand Calibur with some Coconut White Card. It is possible to extend the design neatly - I'll try to show that in a demo. I inked around the edges with Dusty Concord Distress Ink. Using some of the cupcake stamps in the set, I used Dusty Concord to stamp them in some of the circles in the embossed design.

I stamped the main image from the set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer True White Detail Embossing Powder. I cut it out using the die from the set. I stamped some more cupcakes using the Perfect Medium and embossed with the True White Detail Powder. I cut a Spellbinders Fancy Postage Edge die out of Rich Plum Card.

I stamped the sentiment from the set onto some Mauve Card using Perfect Medium and embossed with the True White Detail Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Distressed Edges.

I stamped some of the bunting stamps from the set onto Rich Plum and Mauve Card. Some I stamped using Perfect Medium and embossed with True White Detail Powder, others I stamped using Dusty Concord Distress Ink and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut them out using the appropriate dies in the set. I folded each one around a length of Baker's Twine as shown, gluing the front to the back with Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue.

I assembled the card as shown adding some 5mm White Pearls and some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in White around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Launching Couture Creations 3 in 1 sets

Hi Bloggers.

So, this morning at 9am I'm launching a new range from Couture Creations. They're called 3 in 1 and you get some clear stamps, a co-ordinating embossing folder and a set of co-ordinating dies in each pack. There are 6 packs on the show.

I've had a lot of help with samples for the show. My thanks go to Sue Wilson, Nikki Payne and all 10 members of the Creative Expressions Design Team. I should perhaps mention now that Creative Expressions are holding a blog hop featuring the Design Team and some of their 3 in 1 creations starting on Tuesday - full details can be found here.

You'll see from the samples on the shows that the sets are very versatile - suitable for any level of expertise. Today's card is a very simple one to get you warmed up.

This card uses the set called Butterfly Notes. I used Kraftcore card so the stamping is a bit distressed on this one (my excuse!). I stamped the large stamp from the set towards the bottom of the card using Coffee Archival. This stamp matches the embossing folder that comes in the set. I lined it up within the folder and ran it through the Grand Calibur. I then sanded the image a little to reveal some of the core.

I stamped some of the other stamps from the set at the top of the card, again using Jet Black Archival. I stamped the butterfly with the notes twice on a piece of Kraft Card using Coffee Archival. I used the co-ordinating dies in the set to cut out a whole butterfly and the top set of wings (it's easiest if you make yourself a template for this). I edged them with Victorian Velvet Distress Ink, shaped them and glued them on top of the butterfly stamped on the Kraft Core.

I cut a Justrite Vintage Labels Four Die out of Kraftcore and sanded it. I stamped the sentiment that comes in the Floral Wreath Set using Coffee Archival. I cut it out using a Spellbinders Fancy Postage Edge Die and inked through the die with Victorian Velvet. I added a couple of brads from my stash.

I stamped the flower onto Kraftcore using Coffee Archival and cut it out using the co-ordinating die.

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

I'll see you at 9 with Debbie.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Love, Peace & Joy

Hi Bloggers.

Another slight change in plans this weekend. I'm still doing shows on Saturday and Sunday but will actually be launching the new Couture Creations products in an extra show tomorrow (Friday) at 9am. That'll be me - up at stupid o'clock again! I hope to be able to post a sneak peak from the shows tomorrow but I'm really up against it so please bear with me.

Here's today's card -

Justrite Stamps - Christmas Vintage Labels Four, Festive Poinsettia
Justrite Dies - Vintage Labels Three Dies
CE Stamps - Newsprint Holly
Spellbinders - Holly Motifs, Layered Poinsettia, Holiday Magic M Boss
Olive Archival
CS Golden Green Sparkle Embossing Powder
Distress Ink Pads - Peeled Paint & Forest Moss
That Special Touch - Tree and Angels
Self Adhesive Sheet
CS Polished Silk Glitter - Dark Emerald
Green/Ivory Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Cream Pearls - 3mm & 5mm
CS PVA - Vintage Golden Green

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

The Greatest of Gifts

Hi Bloggers.

Completely bogged down with prep for the weekend so just some pics and ingredients list today - sorry. Will be like this for a couple of days - sorry again!

Justrite Stamp Sets - Inner Thoughts, Holiday Magic, Festive Poinsettia
Justrite Dies - Vintage Labels Two, Vintage Labels Four
Spellbinders - Layered Poinsettia, Holiday Magic M Boss
Jet Black Archival
CS Clear Embossing Powder
Aged Mahogany Distress Ink
Burgundy/Ivory Grosgrain
5mm Cream Pearl
Victorian Metal Corners
CS Berry Red PVA

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Peace on Earth

Hi Bloggers.

It's all change with my shows this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday I'll be launching some brand new Couture Creations products (times in left hand sidebar of this blog) and my Heartfelt Creations shows have been moved back a week to Sunday 24th November. All this is subject to change of course!

Here's today's card -

Simple, quick & easy Christmas card today.

For the background, I ran a piece of Cobalt Card through the Grand Calibur with the Spellbinders Holiday Magic M-Bossabities Folder. I rubbed some Enchanted Gold Gilding Wax over the surface.

 I stamped 3 of the images/sentiments from the Justrite Oh Holy Night Stamp Set using Cobalt Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut them out using Spellbinders Heirloom Ornaments 2013 and inked through the die with Faded Jeans Distress Ink.

I ran some blue/white Baker's Twine down the card to each bauble and added a bow tied from 2 lengths of the same twine.

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

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Santa Stop Here

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

For the background, I ran a piece of Coconut White Card 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 Distress Ink. I pressed some Victorian Metal Corners into a Perfect Medium Ink Pad, added Cosmic Shimmer Christmas Red Sparkle Embossing Powder and heat set. I attached them to the corners of the background using Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue.

I stamped the Santa image from the Justrite Christmas Labels 22 Stamp Set using Vermillion Archival. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Three Dies and inked through the die with Fired Brick. I cut a Spellbinders Heitloom Ornament 2011 out of Burgundy Card and embossed through the die with the Spellbinders Holiday Magic M-Boss. I tied a knot in a piece of Burgundy/Ivory Striped Grosgrain.

I stamped the sentiment from the Justrite Holiday Magic Stamp Set using Vermillion Archival. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Two Dies and inked through the die with Fired Brick. I cut the pointy end off a wooden cocktail stick and glued it to the back of the sentiment panel.

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

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Hi Bloggers.

You may have noticed the appearance of a new bar at the top of this blog. I wanted to make it easier for you to find my Amazon and eBay links. I've also got some pieces of beadwork that I'm offering up for sale if anyone is interested - I'll pop those on there as soon as I can get some photos loaded and take some measurements. You can get back to this section of the blog by clicking on the Home section.

To answer a few questions about the beading I shared yesterday. The pattern for the Garden Necklace can be found for free at www.aroundthebeadingtable.com. Stephanie Burnham has a shop called The Bead Scene just outside Milton Keynes and my friend Sue Stallard runs classes in Milton Keynes usually 1st Friday every month. She also teaches in Leighton Buzzard and other places around England.

Here's today's card -

For the background. I covered a piece of card with Double Sided Adhesive Sheet and removed the backing. I dusted the Snowflake Frame Mask with my anti-static bag (you could ink it with Perfect Medium instead). I popped it, dusted side down, onto the adhesive and rubbed Cosmic Shimmer Brilliant Blue Polished Silk Glitter into the exposed adhesive. I made sure I rubbed all the excess glitter off the mask and then removed it. I added Cosmic Shimmer Silver Chrome Polished Silk Glitter, rubbing it into the surface.

I popped some more Double Sided Adhesive onto some card and die cut some snowflakes using the Spellbinders Snowflake Pendant 2012 die set. I trimmed some of the end bits of a couple of the snowflakes and covered all of them with Silver Chrome Polished Silk Glitter. I added a 5mm White Pearl to the centre of each.

I stamped the image from the Justrite Holiday Magic Stamp Set using Cobalt Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Three and inked through the die with Faded Jeans Distress Ink.

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.

Beadwork

Hi Bloggers.

Today I thought I'd share some photos of the pieces I completed on my little holiday this week.


Garden Necklace (Around the Beading Table) -

Embelished Peyote Bracelet (Sue Stallard) -

Twist & Shout (Stephanie Burnham) -

 

Bad Hair Day (Sue Stallard) -

I had a fab few days - now back making samples for my next shows. My Amazon Store is open again for those of you who are interested.

I'll be back tomorrow with a card.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Just Thinking of You

Hi Bloggers.

A guys card today -

For the background, I stamped one of the leaves from the Creative Expressions Autumn Leaves Stamp Set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I rubbed Vintage Golden Green Gilding Wax over the leaves to make them 'pop'.

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 Captivating Squares and inked through the die with Oregano Adirondack Dye Ink using Cut n Dry Foam. I cut a larger Captivating Squares Die out of Brunswick Green Card.

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

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Give Thanks

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

For the background, I ran a piece of Coconut White through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Super Powder Puff Embossing Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the design and inked around the edges with Oregano Adirondack Dye Ink.

I stamped the sentiment from the Creative Expressions Autumn Leaves Stamp Set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Gold Detail Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Pearl Effects and inked through the die with Oregano Adirondack. I cut a larger Pearl Effects out of Black Card.

For the kind of stripey background behind the black mat, I had a bit of fun with ink and a plastic bag! I used a clean plastic food bag and popped my hand in it. I scrunched it up a bit and then picked up some ink from the Butterscotch Adirondack Dye Ink Pad. I used this to stamp onto a piece of Coconut White Card. I repeated this a few times and then did the same with Terra Cotta, Oregano and Meadow Adirondack Dye Ink Pads (I cleaned the bag each time I changed ink pad). I made sure the ink was dry and then ran it through the Grand Calibur with the Creative Expressions Bark Embossing Folder. I dusted it with my anti static bag and then rubbed Perfect Medium carefully over the surface just picking up the peaks in the design. I added Cosmic Shimmer Gold Detail Embossing Powder and heat set. I cut out one of the Spellbinders Distressed Edges dies and inked through the die with Oregano Adirondack.

I stamped a couple of leaves from the same stamp set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Gold Detail Embossing Powder. I cut them out using scissors and then coloured the veins with Oregano Adirondack. I made a ribbon flower out of Black Crochet Ribbon.


I assembled the card as shown adding a 5mm Black Pearl in the top corners and some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in Olympic Gold around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Thank You For All You Do

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

For the background, I stamped the border from the Creative Expressions Autumn Leaves Stamp Set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer True White Detail Embossing Powder. I then ran it through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Hyper Magical Embossing Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the design.

Unfortunately, the doily die is not available at the moment.

I stamped the sentiment from the same stamp set, again using Perfect Medium and embossed with True White Detail Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Scalloped Labels One. Leaving the die cut in the die, I stamped through the die with one of the leaves from the set with Perfect Medium. I removed it from the die and added the powder and heat set.

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.

Joy

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

The background is the Caught in Crystal technique as per Sue's tutorial here. On my sample I used Cosmic Shimmer Clear Crystal Lacquer, Cool Peri, Aqua and Denim Alcohol Inks and I sprinkled a little Silver Chrome and Ice Blue Cosmic Shimmer Polished Silk Glitter instead of Mica Powder.

I stamped the Beaded Lattice Bauble using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I coloured in with a slection of Cosmic Shimmer Matt Drawing Inks, Mica Powders and Watercolours (sorry I can't remember the exact colours as I coloured this at Ally Pally). I cut it out using Spellbinders Heirloom Ornament 2012. I added a few 5mm White Pearls and a bow tied from 3 lengths of American Seam Binding in Blue White.

I stamped the sentiment from the Love & Joy at Christmas Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Clear Powder. I cut it out using a Justrite Vintage Labels Four Die and inked through the die with Faded Jeans Distress Ink.

I cut some snowflakes out using the Snowflake Pendant 2011 and 2012 die sets. I added some pearls to the centres.

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

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Just Thinking of You

Hi Bloggers.

I'm off for a little holiday today. Hopefully Blogger will be kind and correctly schedule my posts for me. I have a bunch of easy cards to post while I'm away - I'm sure you can appreciate that I have loads to do before I go. My Amazon Store will be closed for a few days. I'll re-open it on Friday.

Here's today's card -

Easy peasy quick card.

I stamped the sentiment from the Creative Expressions Autumn Leaves Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Labels 32. I cut a Spellbinders Captivating Squares Die out of Black Card.

The fancy square doily has been cut using the Couture Creations Tatted Lace Die - such a pretty die.

I cut some mats out using Spellbinders Grand Squares.

Job done!

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Every Day is a Gift

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

For the background, I ran a piece of Coconut White Card through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Super Powder Puff Embossing Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the design.

I popped some Cosmic Shimmer Flake & Glitter Glue onto my Craft Sheet. Using a piece of Cut n Dry Foam I picked up some of the glue and dabbed it all over the large stamp in the Creative Expressions Autumn Blessings Stamp Set. I stamped the image onto some card and then cleaned my stamp with a sheet of Grime Boss. The glue remains tacky until you put something on it. I added some Red Speckle Gilding Flakes and removed the excess with a piece of Rubbit Scrubbit.

I stamped the sentiment from the same stamp set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Silver Shine Detail Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Four and cut a larger diefrom the same set out of Rich Red Card .

I tied a bow using White Crochet Ribbon and added a Fancy Pearl Embellishment.

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

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Treat Yourself!

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

For the main background, I ran a piece of Black Card through the Grand Calibur with the Creative Expressions Fauna Embossing Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the design and then rubbed Cast Bronze Gilding Wax over the surface.

For the panel on the side, I dusted a piece of Coconut White Card with my anti static bag and then stamped one of the leaves from the Creative Expressions Autumn Leaves Stamp Set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer True White Detail Embossing Powder. I inked with Butterscotch and Terra Cotta Adirondack Dye Ink using Cut n Dry Foam. I used a piece of Kitchen Roll to remove the ink from the leaves.

Unfortunately, the doily die I used on this card was not available when I did the shows so when I demoed this card I used the Coutured Creations Dazzling Die. I inked it with Butterscotch and Terra Cotta Adirondack.

I stamped the dress from the Creative Expressions Belle of the Ball Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I coloured in using Cosmic Tone from the Cosmic Shimmer Skin Tones Matt Drawing Ink Set, Yellow Ultra and Orange Mica Powders from the Cosmic Shimmer Autumn Sunset Mica Spray Set. I cut it out using Spellbinders Labels 28 and inked through the die with Butterscotch Aditondack.

I stamped the sentiment from the Belle of the Ball Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Distressed Edges and inked through the die with Butterscotch Adirondack.

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

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

To Someone with a Fabulous Purse-onality

Hi Bloggers.

I made this card at Ally Pally in September. It's not brilliant but I thought I'd share it as I have the Precious Purse Singles Stamp Set in my Amazon Store at the moment.

The background is on Khaki Card. With the stamp in my hand, I randomly stamped the Vintage Filigree Stamp using Victorian Velvet Distress Ink, the Newsprint Stamp using Tattered Rose Distress Ink and the Bubbles Stamp using Dried Marigold Distress Ink. I made sure the ink was dry and then ran it through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Taylor Embossing Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the design and then rubbed Enchanted Gold Gilding Wax all over the surface. Once dry I buffed it up a bit with a dry wetwipe and inked around the edges with Dried Marigold.

I stampled the Precious Purse using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I coloured in using Copper and Pale Gold Mica Powders from the Cosmic Shimmer Metallics Mica Spray Set and Orange Mica Powder from the Cosmic Shimmer Autumn Sunset Mica Spray Set. I cut out using Spellbinders Decorative Labels 8 and inked through the die with Dried Marigold.

I stamped the sentiment that comes with the purse, again using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Distressed Edges and inked through the die with Dried Marigold.

I stamped a couple of leaves from the Heartfelt Creations Open Leaf Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut them out using the Heartfelt Creations Classic Leaf Die Set. I made a scrunched flower out of Black Card using Spellbinders Blossom 5.

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.