Love is in the air...

Hi

It's often the case that the calendar dictates what sort of cards we make, and when we make them, and Valentine's Day is a good example.



I couldn't share this Valentine's Day card with you before now because my husband reads my blog!  That was a little frustrating, but never mind...

Still, perhaps it might give you some ideas for next year's Valentine's Day - or you could always adapt it when you need a card for that special occasion, such as an anniversary.

Its a very simple card but I felt it was effective - and my husband must have thought so too, because he was bowled over when he opened the envelope.

I don't know why but I always regard red and white as being the 'traditional' Valentine's Day colours, so I kept to those.  By embossing one white layer I was able to lift the card by giving it added dimension, which I felt gave it some additional interest.


I used more layers than I normally would but it gave depth to an otherwise flat card. I graduated the layers by just 0.5cm at a time. It also meant that I was able to be economical with my card stock and cut some of the smaller layers out of the bigger ones - as the next layer hid the gap and stopped the card becoming too heavy. The filigree heart at the centre was cut out with a layer of 'Stick it' so that I could add my usual glitter.

I know that many people who make cards struggle when they try to decide what to write in the card.  It's not surprising really - if you've been with someone for over 20 years it can be hard to come up with some loving words you've not used before.  My advice is, don't panic, and write truthfully from the heart.  You can spend days coming up with a clever verse but often those three little words 'I Love You' speak volumes... Alternatively Google is a wonderful tool!¬

I hope you like this simple card and, as always, I'd love to read your comments.

Thanks for popping by

Corrine x

Tickled pink about different colours

            

Hi there, 

I had an idea for a card design the other day - nothing unusual about that of course - but this time I was curious to see what difference it would make to produce an identical second card with a different colour scheme. And here they both are.     

Firstly I chose my colour schemes and then cut out my three layers to be used for the matting. These are 20x20cm cards so the layers are 19.5x19.5cm, 19x19cm and the patterned papers are 18.5x18.5cm but you can adapt the dimensions to whatever works for you.

Next I set about creating the apertures. I selected 4 circle dies to use. These are 4 sequential dies in the set that I have. Using the smallest of the four I created the mask to create the image. Out of an off cut of white card I cut out the smallest circle, keeping the part with the circle cut out. I put this to one side.

The next step was to cut the aperture out of the patterned paper. Centering the die in the middle of the paper I cut out the 2nd sized circle. Then, because I like to be frugal (except when buying shoes and handbags!) I cut out the two frames to go on top from the pieces to be used for the matt and layering. Once its all put together you can't see where the card has been taken from and it also slightly reduces the weight of the finished card. I cut the biggest frame using circle die 2 & 4 and the smaller frame using circle die 2 & 3.

Now for the fun part. To make the image I cut a piece of white card into a square slightly smaller than the patterned paper and then fixed the mask on top in the centre - I use re-positional tape to hold it in place. With chalk on a piece of cotton wool I created the backgrounds - its just a case of playing around until you get the effect you like, and blending well. Apply the chalk right up to the mask for a neat edge. I then removed the mask and stamped and embossed the image in the centre. For this image I added a small amount of glitter on the branches. I think the glitter just lifts it a little. And I must say I really like the way the image runs over the edge of the background. By using a bigger circle die, a lovely white frame is left when assembled. 

The card is made up by matt and layering in the normal way. Just make sure you centre up the image before you stick it down. I put it behind the patterned paper - it's easier.

Finally don't forget to add the ribbon before the card is fully assembled. Then you can tuck it in between the layers and it can sit underneath the circle frame at the front.

This little experiment taught me that sometimes, changing something as basic as the colours used can give a whole different 'feel' to a card, and it's something I'll bear in mind when coming up with future designs.

I'd be really interested to hear what you think of these cards, and if you've had a go, why not let me know how they turned out?     

Corrine x

Thinking of you

Hi there

Many thanks for popping by. I'm really sorry there's been a short delay in posting but I was laid low with a Winter flu bug and I was just too ill to post my weekly update. I'm glad to say that I'm fighting fit now so normal service has been resumed.

Life brings its occasional sorrows and misfortunes to us all, and in the last week I've had to make two cards to send to friends to let them know they are in our thoughts. I thought I would post pictures of both cards in case they inspire you should you find that you have to make your own 'Thinking Of You' cards.

I like this card as it appeals to my 'arts and crafty' side. I kept the colours quite muted but I wanted something pretty to cheer up our friend. The addition of a homemade bow (made simple by using my trusty bow-maker), some lace and MDF craft shapes are all in keeping with the theme. I sprayed the flowers with Perfect Pearls Mist to soften up their appearance and added Cosmic Shimmer in Golden Pearl to tie the layers together. The wording is made with the Die'sire Only words die.

The second card I made has alternative layers of pale lilac pearlescent and white card. The top layer of card is embossed and I cut out a matching frame for my words, wrapped some matching ribbon round the top three layers of card and made a double bow on my bow-maker. The butterflies just add a little bit of interest and I've added pearl drops on these  as well as on the message and within the embossed pattern. I hope this card will bring a smile to the face of my friend, who is having a tough time at the moment.  It's good to know our friends are thinking of us when life is being unkind, and a card is a great way to send that message of support.

Why not let me know which card you prefer, and why? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Bye for now - and I promise to post my next blog a bit sooner!

Corrine x