Hugs & Kisses

Hi Bloggers.

Thanks for all the emails and comments yesterday - much appreciated. I'm so glad you liked the stamps & dies. I was so excited when I found out that I would be bringing them to you. Today I have a demo from yesterday. This card took me forever to make and when I had finished it I didn't like it at all. My son, Nathan, really liked it so I slept on it (not literally!) and liked it much more in the morning. Quite often the case when you've stared at the same card for too long!

Anyway, here it is -

I don't often make easel cards and I did make a bit of a mess with the measurements on the sample but the demo was done properly. I obviously need more practice!

I started by folding a piece of Coconut White Card in half and then I folded one side in half again. I trimmed this to make a 5 3/4" square card. I cut 2 pieces of green Bazzil card to measure the same size. I also cut 2 pieces of Coconut White Card 5 1/2" square.

For the top section, I inked through the Fretwork Mask with Old Paper Distress Ink. I then ran it through the Grand Calibur with the Sea Garden A4 Embossing Folder. I rubbed some Enchanted Gold Gilding Wax all over to highlight the embossed pattern.

I stamped 2 of the doilies from the Justrite Doilies & Lace Clear Stamp Set using Olive Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Golden Fish Lustre Embossing Powder. I cut them both out using Spellbinders Stately Circles and inked through the dies with Old Paper. I added an 8mm Cream Pearl to the centre of the smaller one.

I stamped the Heartfelt Creations Sunkissed Fleur twice using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut them out using the Sunkissed Fleur Die. I coloured the petals of 5 flowers with Old Paper Distress Ink using Cut n Dry Foam. I then rubbed some Enchanted Gold Gilding Wax over them. I shaped the petals and stacked them up to make a couple of dimensional flowers. I added a pearl to each.

I stamped some leaves from the Heartfelt Creations Bold Leaf Stamp Set using Old Paper. I cut them out using the Classic Leaf Die Set.

On the other piece of White Card, I stamped the Sunkissed Fleur Background using Olive Archival and embossed with Golden Fish Lustre. I inked around the edges of the piece with Old Paper Distress Ink using Cut n Dry Foam. I stamped the sentiment from the Creative Expressions Natures Sentiments Stamp Set using Jer Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Labels 29 and inked through the die with Old Paper. This was my stopper for the easel so I attached it to the base background with 3d Foam Pads.

I coloured some small flowers in the same way as before and added them either side of the stopper.

Sorry some of the pics are not very good - I will be investing on a new camera soon I think.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia

Hope Your Day Blooms

Hi Bloggers.

I have shows on Create & Craft today at 12noon (with Nigel) and at 5pm (with Genevieve) - hope you can join me.

As promised here's a card made from the Heartfelt Creations Burst of Splendour Collection -

Again, a very simple card - the stamps really do all the work for you (well, there's a bit of cutting out to do, but you know what I mean!).

Simple background on this one - just a piece of Coconut White Card. I stamped the sentiment from the Creative Expressions Natures Sentiments Stamp Set in the bottom right corner using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I then san it through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Extra Flint Embossing Folder.

I stamped the Dahlia from the Blooming Dahlia Stamp Set 3 times using Jet Black Archival and embossed with clear powder. I cut 1 out whole, less on the second and a smaller amount on the last so I could decoupage them up. There are endless possibilities with this as there are so many petals. Of course, cutting out is optional, you could just use a larger Spellbinder die. I coloured all the layers using Milled Lavender Distress Marker.

I stamped some leaves from the Classic Leaf set and the Open Leaf Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Clear Embossing Powder. I cut them out using the Classic Leaf Die set and coloured all the leaves using Crushed Olive Distress Marker.

I cut a Spellbinders Matting Basics A out of Coconut White Card and at the emboss stage I added the Extra Flint Folder. I cut the largest of the Spellbinders Timeless Rectangles out of Rich Plum Card.

I assembed the card as shown adding some 8mm White Pearls in the corners and some dots of Vintage Plum Cosmic Shimmer Pearlecent PVA around the edges.

Hope to see you later.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia

Winner of the Spellbinders Giveaway!

Hi Bloggers.

The winner of the Spellbinders Dear Old Dad die set is .....

JANICE WALLACE

Please email me at juliawattscrafts@gmail.com with your address and I'll pop it in the post to you.

All for now.

Julia

Sneaky Peak from tomorrow's shows

Hi Bloggers.

It's that time again when I have to decide which card to share with you from the next shows. Always a difficult decision - as is deciding what demos to do on the shows. There are 2 new collections from Heartfelt Creations and some lovely stamps from Justrite. Today, I think I'll share a sample from the Sunkissed Fleur Collection from Hearfelt Creations. It's not a clever card but I do like how it turned out. There are lots of ideas on how to use this collection on the Hearfelt Creations Blog (you'll need to look at the archive posts as this collection was launched in the US in May I think) including a couple of videos on how to colour them and shape them - well worth a visit. You can see all the products on the shows on the Creative Expressions website here.

Anyway, here's the card -

As I said, not a clever card. I stamped the border from the Sunkissed Fleur Border & Corner Stamp Set on each side of a piece of Coconut White Card using Coffee Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I coloured them in using Distress Markers - I used Mustard Seed, Dried Marigold & Crushed Olive. I stamped the Sunkissed Fleur Stamp using Coffee Archival and again embossed with Clear Powder. I used the Sunkissed Fleur Die to cut all the flowers out at once (I made a template to help line it up). I have found that it cuts better with an extra pice of card as a shim. I selected the appropriate size flowers to match some of the flowers on the border and coloured them in to match. I shaped them, glued them into place with Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue and added some Cream Pearls. I inked around the edges of the background with Scattered Straw Distress Ink using Cut n Dry Foam.

The sentiment is from the Creative Expressions Natures Sentiments Stamp Set. I stamped using Coffee Archival and embossed with clear powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Marvelous Squares (not on the show) and inked through the die with Scattered Straw Distress Ink. I cut a mat with a larger size of the Marvelous Squares and adin inked through the die with Scattered Straw. I don't seem to have a photo of that bit but you can see it on the main photo.

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.

For those of you who like to buy from my Amazon Store (Thank You!), I won't be stocking any of these stamps as it's very hit and miss as to whether I can load these into my store. I can never tell till I try it! It's too risky for me in case I can't - I still have Justrite Christmas Stamps left. See this post if you're interested.

I'll be back tomorrow with a card from the Burst of Splendour collection. Before that, I'll be back later today with the winner of the Spellbinders Dear Old Dad die set. Tracey Singleton - I  haven't heard from you to clain your prize. I will re-draw on Monday if I don't hear from you.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

On Your Special Day

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

The background is simply a piece of Coconut White Card run through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Petal Pleasures Embossing Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the design and inked the very edges with Salty Ocean Distress Ink. I wrapped some White Satin Edged Organza around the centre.

I stamped the Delightful Lily using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Persian Sea Aurora Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Spellbinders Decorative Labels 27 and inked through the die with Salty Ocean.

I stamped the sentiment from the Heartfelt Creations Classic Message Pre Cut Set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Persian Sea Aurora. I cut it out using Spellbinders Labels 29 and inked through the die with Salty Ocean.

I tied a bow using the White Satin Edged Organza and added a Heart Dazzler.

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

I'll be back tomorrow with a sneak peak from Sunday's shows. Don't forget to leave a comment on the previous post for your chance to win a set of Spellbinders dies.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

We've reached 1000 followers

Hi Bloggers.

Some of you may have noticed that we've just topped 1000 followers! Thank you all so much for your support for this blog.

So, it's time to draw a winner! The winner of the set of 3 Distress Stains is 

TRACEY SINGLETON

Please email me at juliawattscrafts@gmail.com with your address and I'll pop them in the post.

As this is such a milestone, I've decided to do an extra giveaway. So, leave a comment on this post and on Saturday I'll draw a winner. The prize is a set of Spellbinders Dies - Dear Old Dad

Good luck!

All for now.

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.

Ocean Treasures

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

For the background, I inked through the Woodgrain Mask with Butterscotch Adirondack Dye Ink using Cut n Dry Foam. I then wiped some Aqua Adirondack Dye Ink over one side of the Couture Creations Peacock Pleasures Embossing Folder, popped the background inside the folder, closed it and ran a brayer over the folder to transfer the inked pattern to the background. I made sure the ink was dry and then dusted the piece with my anti static bag. I stamped some shells and starfish (from the Justrite At the Beach Oval Medallion Labels Stamp Set) along the bottom using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer True White Detail Embossing Powder.

I stamped the main image from the same stamp set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I coloured in using Cosmic Shimmer Matt Drawing Inks. I used Scarlet Flame from the Autumn Shades Set, Blue Lace from the Soft Velvet Set, Sea View from the Garden Twist Set and Sunflower from the Summer Fayre Set. I cut it out using Justrite Nested Oval Medallion Labels Dies.

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 Justrite Antique Tags One Dies and inked through the die with Butterscotch Adirondack.

I assembled the card as shown adding a couple of Idea-ology Custom Fasteners and some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in White around the edges.

Have you heard that the Couture Creations Tied Together Embossing Folder is now back in stock? Please scroll down to read the previous post for info and details of other items new and back in stock in my Amazon Store.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia

Couture Creations Tied Together Embossing Folder now back in stock!

Hi Bloggers.

Just a quick post to let you know that the very popular Tied Together Embossing Folder is now back in stock in My Amazon Store here. Don't miss out - limited availabilty! Please remember when ordering that postage starts at £2.70 for one item. For each extra item you only pay an extra 10p.

I've also re-stock a bunch of Foundations Card Packs (sorry no Teal this time). You can see all the colours in stock here. Please note that the stock pics for the card aren't really that good - the ruby, cobalt and Rich Plum card are much darker - really yummy!

I've also got a couple of Sam's really popular Zentangled Stamps from her shows last week.

Zentangled Owl

Zentangled Blossom

All for now.

Julia.

The Circle of Love Never Ends

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

For the background, I stamped the Justrite Garden Gate Background twice using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Ruby Lapis Lustre Embossing Powder.

I stamped the sentiment design from the Justrite Circle Of Love Vintage Labels Three Stamp Set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Ruby Lapis Lustre. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Three and inked through the die with Victorian Velvet Distress Ink. I cut a Spellbinders Stately Circle out of Raspberry Card. I stamped the frame from the same stamp set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Ruby Lapis Lustre. I cut it out with another Justrite Vintage Labels Three Die and again inked through the die with Victorian Velvet.

I cut 2 of one of the Heartfelt Creations Timeless Amour Dies out of Raspberry Card and popped them behind the design.

I tied a bow using a couple of lengths of Vintage Ribbon and added a Heart Dazzler.

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

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.

Thinking of You Always

Hi Bloggers.

Here's today's card -

For the background, I simply ran a piece of Coconut White Card through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Chiaro Embossing Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the design (it is a repeating pattern). I then rubbed Pearl Moon Gilding Wax all over. Once dry, I inked around the edges of the background with Faded Jeans Distress Ink using Cut n Dry Foam.

I placed the Justrite Autumn Damask Background onto my craft mat, swiped the Faded Jeans Ink Pad over the stamp and placed a piece of Coconut White Card on top. Holding it in place with one hand, I rubbed over the surface with the other hand. I carefully removed the card from the stamp and repeated the process with another piece of card. I trimmed the pieces so I had 3 panels each 2" wide. I matted them onto some Cobalt Card.

I stamped the blossom image from the Justrite Circle Of Love Vintage Labels Three Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I coloured it in using Cosmic Shimmer Matt Drawing Inks. I used Blue Lace and Blue Cotton from the Soft Velvet Set and Soft Moss from the Garden Twist Set. I cut it out with scissors and went around the edges with a Black Promarker to hide any white bits. I stamped the frame from the same stamp set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Arctic Lake Lustre Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Three Dies and inked through the die with Faded Jeans. I cut a Spellbinders Stately Circle out of Coconut White Card and inked through the die with Faded Jeans.

I stamped the sentiment from the Creative Expressions Warmest Wishes Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Clear Powder. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Four Dies and inked through the die with Faded Jeans.

I assembled the card as shown adding some 8mm White Pearls in the corners, a Pearl Swirl and some dots of Cosmic Shimmer Pearlescent PVA in White around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia

Make a Splash

Hi Bloggers.

Thanks for all your comments and emails yesterday. Glad you enjoyed the shows.

Here's a demo card from yesterday (sorry about the picture quality) -

For the background, I used Coconut White Card. I stated by randomly inking through the Grid Mask using Antique Linen Distress Ink. Then, with the stamp in my hand, using the same ink pad, I randomly stamped the Justrite Garden Gate Background. Finally, I stamped the starfish from the Justrite At the Beach Oval Medallion Labels Stamp Set, again using Antique Linen. I made sure the ink was dry and then ran it through the Grand Calibur with the Couture Creations Chiaro Embossing Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the design (this is a repeating pattern) and then inked around the edges with Antique Linen.

I stamped the main image from the At the Beach Set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Olympic Gold Lustre Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Justrite Nested Oval Medallion Labels Dies and inked through the die with Antique Linen.

I stamped the sentiment from the Creative Expressions Warmest Wishes Stamp Set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Olympic Gold Lustre. I cut it out using Spellbinders Standard Circles Large and inked through the die with Antique Linen.

I stamped a couple of the shells from the At the Beach set and the Starfish using Perfect Medium and embossed with Olympic Gold Lustre. I cut them out using scissors and added them to the card using 3d Foam.

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

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia

Friends Warm the Heart

Hi Bloggers.

I have shows today on Create & Craft at 11am with Genevieve and 4pm with Nigel. Hope you can join me.

Here's today's card -

For the background I randomly inked through the Basket Weave Mask with Faded Jeans Distress Ink. Then, with the stamp in my hand, I randomly stamped the Justrite Garden Gate Background Stamp using Tumbled Glass Distress Ink. I then stamped the blossom stamp from the Justrite Circle of Love Vintage Labels Three Stamp Set using Faded Jeans. I made sure the ink was dry and then ran it through the Couture Creations Peacock Pleasure Embossing Folder. I ran it through a second time to extend the design and then inked around the edges with Faded Jeans.

I stamped the sentiment from the Circle of Love set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Silver Lustre Embossing Powder. I cut it out using a Spellbinder Stately Circles die and inked through the die with Faded Jeans. I stamped the frame from the same stamp set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Arctic Lake Lustre Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Three dies and inked through the die with Faded Jeans. I cut the largest of the Stately Circles and inked through the die with Faded Jeans. I cut the smallest of the Grand Stately Circles out of Cobalt Card.

I stamped the Justrite Garden Gate Background using Faded Jeans and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I cut out 3 x 6 petal flowers and made a flower following this tutorial. I tied a bow using White Sheer Wrinkled Edge Ribbon and added a couple of Crystal Decorative Stick Pins. I cut a couple of the leaf flourishes using the Heartfelt Creations Ornamental Add On dies, I cut the berries off.

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

See you later!

Thanks for dropping by.

Julia.

If friends were flowers

Hi Bloggers.

As promised, here's a card I've made for tomorrow's shows -

For the background, I inked up the Justrite Garden Gate Background stamp with Old Paper Distress ink and stamped it onto Coconut White Card. I made a smaller panel by stamping the Justrite Autumn Damask Background Stamp using Antique Linen Distress Ink. I joined the 2 pieces together and hid the join with a piece of Blue White American Seam Binding.

I stamped the flowers from the Justrite Circle Of Love Vintage Labels Three Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder. I coloured it in using Distress Markers. I used Antique Linen, Old Paper, Scattered Straw and Wild Honey. I stamped the frame from the same stamp set using Perfect Medium and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Olympic Gold Lustre Embossing Powder. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Three Dies for the outer edge and Spellbinders Standard Circles Large for the aperture. I inked through the die on the outer edge only with Antique Linen. I cut out a Spellbinders Stately Circle (on my show on 18th August) and inked through the die with Old Paper.

I stamped the sentiment from the Creative Expressions Warmest Wishes Stamp Set using Jet Black Archival and embossed using Clear Powder. I cut it out using Justrite Vintage Labels Four Dies and inked through the die with Antique Linen.

I tied a bow using 2 lengths of the American Seam Binding and added a button from my stash with a little bakers twine threaded through it.

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

I've finally got around to adding a business page on Facebook. You can find it here. My own page is just for family and friends but if you like my business page then you can be kept up to date with what I'm up to as well as finding out here on the blog. You can also follow me on twitter here. I'm not particularly active on Facebook or Twitter - no time! So don't expect too much!

Thanks for stopping by.

Julia.