Friendly Wishes Part 2!

SO - have you been wondering what the card inside the bag looked like?  Well your wait is over!

So here you have it - we used the pen to marker technique to colour the stamp for the front of the card.  It's such a "full" stamp that the card doesn't need much else - so just a couple of th elittle flowers to help coordinate the bag and card - a stamped message inside and the card was complete.

Who would you send this card to?  I can think of a few people who deserve to receive it!

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Friendly Wishes

You may have noticed that the last post had a little flower in the corner - but I didn't say where it had come from.  The reason for that was that I couldn't remember!  It wasn't quite a senior moment - but I needed to double check before I posted!

Anyway - we used that stamp set to make this lovely little set at training.

Friendly Greetings

This is a lovely alternative to presenting a card in an envelope.  We used one of the new glassine bags and stamped the lovely little flower over the bag to link it in with the card.  A couple of quick banners made with the triple banner punch, a punched decoration and voila!  It's held together by the little peg.  to be honest I was really surprised by these pegs.  I've seen them around for a few years and assumed that the stampin up ones would be like those.  I should have known better!  They are slightly bigger and less fiddly to use - so I can see them coming into their own to help display cards at Christmas - as well as for making cards!

Fancy seeing what's in the bag?  Then pop by in a couple of days!

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Watercolour Thank You

Cucumber Crush!

SO this is one of the cards that we made at training using one of the new 2015-17 in-colours.  It was the first time that I had used the new lace - and I was amazed at how soft and malleable it was.  Just like my swap - we used the envelope paper as a background - it really does represent fabulous value!

Do you like the little flower - it's really sweet and looked lovely with a punched shape from the petite petals punch.  This is a really easy and quick card to duplicate - so why not give it a go!

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Sea Street

Telford 2014

Did you notice that Sea Street is one of the sets on offer this week?  It's such a cute set!  When it first launched my good friend Fiona was asked to prepare a display using the stamps for the UK demonstrators attending the Stampin Up Regional Event at Telford.  This is what she came up with - aren't they fab?!!

Quick Reminder

Have you checked out the latest deals yet?  Don't forget they are limited numbers - so if you want something you need to act!

I'll be back with more crafty inspiration in a couple of days.x

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More Awesomely Artistic

Fabulous Swap

Isn't it amazing how two cards using the same stamp set can be so different?  This is one of the swaps that I received at our local training event in July.  I love the monochrome type effect - and the card is even more stunning in real life.  It was made by the lovely Sheila Grant - but I don't have her "recipe" so can't tell you exactly which colours and papers she used.

Awesomely Artistic

So it's been a few days since my last post - apologies for that - I don't always have time to craft and come up with new things to show you.  So I thought I would show you some of the creations I have made in the past.

A fairly recent past is this card - I started it at the training day in May - but it took me a little while to finish it!

Finished!

I can't take credit for the basic design - that was Charlotte from the European Stampin Up Office - but as I couldn't quite remember the finished version I guess I have tweaked it a bit!  I particularly liked using the burlap "ribbon" - I often overlook this ribbon but I have plans for it in the future!  I shredded the edges and used some of the threads underneath the greeting. I know that idea has been around for a while - but it was the first time that I had used it.  I was quite pleased with the outcome.

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Birthday Blossoms

Ever had one of those occasions where you need a card unexpectedly?  I spent the last few days at my Mum's and as always had taken a small craft kit with me so I could experiment if time permitted.  I had no intention of making any finished cards.

Then Mum reminded me that it was my Aunt's Birthday in a few days.  She is really poorly at the moment so I wanted to send her a nice greeting - but what could I put together? i had only whisper white card stock with me, a few inks and one stamp set.  It was one of my favourites from the new catalogue that I hadn't had time to play with yet.

I remembered a card that my good friend Fiona Whitten had made with this set and so I set about casing it.  (Case means to copy and share everything!)  I managed to scrounge a piece of Pool Party card stock from my mum and this is what I came up with...

Birthday Blossoms

I kept the colour way and basic layout very similar to my friend's  but added a couple of extra embellishments.  I was delighted with how it turned out and I trust my Aunt will be pleased too!  Thank you Fiona!

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Have you got yours?

Have you checked out the weekly deals yet?  They went live this morning.  I am very tempted a by a couple of the items... so if you are local to me and can collect - why not piggy back onto my order and save yourselves the postage and packaging!

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Work of Art and Wetlands

I showed you a few cards that a friend made using my Wetlands set - so I thought I would show you a card that I made with it last summer.  I cased it from a card I saw elsewhere - but I can't remember who it was or where I saw it.  If you know who it was please let me know so that I can give credit where it is due.

Memories of Summer

Apologies that it is not a great photo - but I hope you get the idea.  I loved the way Work of Art had been combined with wetlands to evoke the image of summer.   Such a simple card and so effective - the idea would work really well in a scrapbook.

And as I am showing cards using Work of Art - here is another card I made.  Again a very simple idea, quick to make - but I think it works!

Norts and Hearts!

I used the 2014 - 16 In-colours for this card.  If you'd like to get your hands on this fabulous versatile set - you can go to my shop by clicking on the link at the top left of the page.

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Technique Tip

Have you ever wished that Stampin' Up! had a wider range of coloured embossing powders?  Have you tried to heat emboss but the ink has dried too quickly?  Well there is a simple fix to the problem that will allow you to heat emboss with ANY dye based ink just like I did with my tissue holders.

heat embossed image

First - ink your stamp using a VERSAMARK ink pad.

Next - BEFORE stamping, ink your stamp in your colour choice,  (The versamark ink layer will help to keep the stamped image wet and give the embossing powder something to grip.) and THEN stamp your image.

Cover your image with CLEAR embossing powder and heat as normal.

REMEMBER to clean your stamp  - even if you intend to stamp the same image again - otherwise you will contaminate your Versamark ink pad.

So why not give it a go and open up a new world of coloured heat embossing!

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Wetlands

I love this stamp set, but haven't had much time to play with it.  So I lent it to my friend and downline Jackie for her to have a play.  These are the lovely cards that she came up with - aren't they fabulous!

This was made using a mask - isn't it effective!

I love the way Jackie softened the reflections to make them more realistic.

Great card for a man - and I love the use of the linen thread.

I know these have inspired me to use this set more - I hope it has inspired you too!

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Don't miss out!

Last week many of the weekly deals sold out within a few hours - I've never known that to happen before!!  So do be quick to check them out today!  There are some REALLY good deals this week - but my favourite bargain has to be the magnetic platform for the Big Shot - you can save more than £10!

I love my magnetic platform and use it so much I'd be lost without it.  If you haven't got one - NOW is the time to act!

I'll be back with some more crafting inspiration for you tomorrow.

Crafty hugs

Diane xx

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Make your own Tissue Holder

Ok - this might look difficult - but it really isn't!  Just follow the steps in order to avoid some easy mistakes!

Step 1 - Cut your card stock to 18cm x 19cm.  With the 19cm side at the top, score down vertically at 1cm, 4cm, 15cm and 18cm

Step 2 - Rotate your card so that the 18cm side is at the top.  Score down vertically at 1 cm, 6.5cm, 9.5cm and 15 cm

Step 3 - cut 2 pieces of dsp/cardstock  10.5cm x 2.5cm and 2 pieces  10.5cm x 5cm.  Glue these to the panels (it should be easy to see where each fits.

Step 4 - Turn the card stock so that the decorated panels are one on top of the other and with the 1cm edge at the bottom.  Using an extra large oval punch, insert the card stock into the punch roughly in the centre and punch out a hole in the centre of the first decorated panel.

Step 5 - Using the diagram to help you - snip into the tabs at  either side of the box.  I have shaped some of the tabs by cutting diagonally.  you will need to remove some panels.  Take your time and do one at a time!

You should end up with something that looks like this!

Step 6 - Use a bone folder to crease your score lines.

Step 7 - Decorate and cut a panel/shape of your choice that will cover the oval opening.  I used Wild about Flowers stamp set and lots of Labels framelits.  I chose to heat emboss my image.  I will post a quick technique post explaining how you can heat emboss with ANY Stampin Up dye based ink pad tomorrow.

Step 8 - Attach your panel to the front of the box using a brad.  This should allow your panel to swing open and allow access to the tissues!

Step 9 - NOW add glue to the one cm tab and join the two ends together to create a box!  Fold in your tabs at both ends.

Step 10 - To stop your panel swinging too freely, place a small decoration at the base of the panel so that it just catches - I punched some flowers with the itty bitty accents punch and added a few basic rhinestones for some bling!

Now add your tissues!

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Did you guess right

Did you work out what they were?

Yes that's right!  They are holders for the individual sized pack of tissues.  I have seen these made in a number of styles - but I wasn't sure they were right for me!  However, seeing the ideas put forward by others inspired me to create a tissue holder that suited me.  And especially important was quick access for when my hayfever strikes!

I made them in a variety of styles using the 2015 - 17 in-colour inks and card stock, the new envelope paper and the beautiful Wild about Flowers Stamp set and lots of labels framelits.

If you would like to know how to make these little holders - I will post the instructions when I get back on Tuesday!

Just to get you guessing!

I am meeting up with some other demos for a crafty training session on Sunday.  As always we try to swap items that we have made so we get new samples and ideas.  So I have been busy making my swaps - but I can't show them to you yet as it might give the game away for my friends!

So here is a little teaser!

Hmmm - what could they be!

All will be revealed tomorrow - and I will post instructions on how to make them next week!

Instructions for A5 Card in a Box

So I promised you some more details on how to make your card in a box.  Well here is the first stage.

Outline of score lines and cuts

You should end up with a piece of card stock that looks like this

Step 1 - with the A4 card in landscape position, score the vertical lines at 7, 14, 21 and 28cm.

 Step 2 - turn the card to portrait position and cut a 2cm strip off the long edge

 Step 3 - Score a vertical line at 11cm

 Step 4 - Turn the card back to landscape and cut the shorter vertical lines (they should be 8cm in length)until you reach the centre score line

 Step 5 - Remove the tab next to the vertical cut lines (measures 1.5cm x 8cm)

Step 6 - Use a bone folder to crease all your folds - remember that the "flaps" will fold outwards and the box inwards.  If you wish to punch a decorative edge - do this now.

Step 7 - Using the 2cm strip - cut two sections to create your Z folds - aim to make the "tabs" either side of the 7cm panel equal sizes. I have suggested a "tab " of 1cm - 2cm depending where you want your centre bars to lie.

 Step 8 - Use a strong adhesive on the remaining tab ready to join your box  - if using a wet glue I would suggest waiting until you have decorated your panels.

Step 9 - Cut 4 panels 10.5cm x 6.5cm to decorate the lower sides of the box.  These can be dsp or stamped/embossed card stock.  If you wish to add a second layer - cut them 10cm x 6cm.

Step 10 - Cut 4 panels 7.5cm x 6.5cm to decorate the outside of the flaps.  TIP - do check the panels are on the sides that will be seen before attaching them!  Again if you want a second layer cut them at 7cm x 6cm.

Step 11 - Once your panels are decorated you can adhere the tab and create your box.

Step 12 - Add some glue/tape on either end of your "Z" fold piece of card and insert it into the box, just below the top surface approx 1/3 of way accross the box.  Then do the same with the other piece.  this divideds your box into approx 3 segments and you can attach your decorate elements to them to create the 3D effect.  just remember that when you press your card flat it still has to fit into the envelope - so don't get too carried away!

Decorated sides

Inserted "Z" folds

I used cocktail sticks to help me gain some additional height with these balloon elements.  Also sticking one element to another, as I did with the star helps to build the 3 D effect.  Don't forget to add elements to your back panel and inside the front edge!  Using all these surfaces helps to create dimension.

I hope you have fun as you make your very own Card in a Box.  If you have any problems or questions just drop me a line at diane@craftyducks.co.uk

Weekly Deals

Hi Folks

Well that was unexpected!  Many of the weekly deals have already sold out - I can't remember that ever happening before!  So you are not imagining that the number of items available has shrunk!  So it might be worth acting quickly if you see something you like in the future weeks!

Also - i haven't forgotten about posting the instructions for the card in a box. the first part is written - I just need to add a few more bits and they will be good to go!

A5 Card in a BOX

The Birthday Card!

Our fantastic entertainment - very professional!

Our friend's birthday is Dec 25th - so she decided to celebrate her "big" birthday six months later. We had a lovely time at her party and were fantastically entertained by her daughter and friends! Obviously I needed a special card for the occasion! I wanted to make a larger version of the card in a box so set about working out the new dimensions - it proved easier than I expected! I then used the stamp set Celebrate Today and matching framelits - to create the theme for the card. Although I used retired paper - it is very easy to substitute others.

 For those of you experienced at making such cards the basic instructions are as follows:- With an A4 sheet of cardstock orientated in landscape - score at 7cm, 14cm, 21cm and 28cm. Turn the card stock to portrait orientation and trim 2cm off the long edge - this will give you your "Z" sections. Then with the card still in the same position - score lengthways at 11cm. Cut along the score 7cm, 14 cm, 21cm and 28cm score lines from the "shorter" side to the centre score line. Then fold/decorate and glue as usual.

 I will post step by step directions with pictures in the next day or so which will help make things clearer or for those new to this style of card.

 Have fun xx

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Newsflash!

Just a really quick post to let you know that from 1st July (Yes that IS tomorrow!) - Stampin' Up! are adding new items to their clearance rack. That's lots of goodies at up to 60% discount to be had! AND - for a limited period (July 1st - August 4th) they are adding a discount of up to 30% on selected items in the Weekly Deals! They change every Wednesday - so keep an eye out to see what bargains you can grab! Don't forget - you can order through my online shop - just remember to choose me as your demonstrator and to allow contact when you purchase - so I can send you a little thank you! I promise not to bombard you with unwanted emails! Happy Shopping!

And Finally ...

So here is the last in this style of card. It suits a more formal gent! I created the pin stripe look by drawing the stripes onto some basic grey card stock. The tie was created using some satin ribbon (retired) and I used DSP (retired) to make the shirt. It is very easy to substitute alternative paper and ribbon to create your own suited gent!

Once you get started on these cards it can be hard to stop! Why not try an embossed card to create a "wooly pully" - or a bow tie and waistcoat/cardigan for a grandad? There are lots of ideas for creating a tuxedo available - which is one of the reasons I kept to the slightly more quirky! Not only do they make great Father's Day cards - but they are also good for Birthdays too. If you would like more detail on any of these cards - then please email me and I will send you the instructions that I used to create them. Happy crafting xx

More Male Cards

So having made the T Shirts - I wondered about other clothing related cards I could make. I love the By The Tide stamp set and it occurred to me you could make a Hawaiian style shirt using them! This one always makes me think of my brother - I really must send it to him one day!

So for this one I stamped and sponged the card using calypso coral, pool party and island indigo. I used some small button brads that Stampin up used to make - but you could easily change them to the new brads. I reckon this one is good for a BBQ too! Have fun - One more to come tomorrow! Diane x

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Father's Day

I guess it's coming to that time of year when we start to think about making male themed cards. Father's day is always slightly strange for me - I lost my dad some time ago so I find myself designing and making cards which I can't send. In a way it is a little weird - but it also gives me time to pause and remember a very special person. I hope you like these ideas - they are a little bit different and quirky - a bit like my dad!.

These "T" Shirts give a more youthful twist on your card. I used Pool Party and Real Red card stock which I then distressed. A couple of circular punches created the neck and a pen the faux stitching. I chose the "feel goods" stamp set to create a logo - but you can easily personalise the card to suit your purpose. I'll show you some more of these ideas in the next few days. Diane x

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Just couldn't resist!

Ok - so I haven't actually made these myself - but I couldn't resist showing you what I meant by ice-creams and cupcakes! For the first time Stampin Up are allowing us to use some of their pictures - so this is taken from the catalogue.

I think by now you are getting the picture! I really can't believe just how many stamps are in this set and the variety of cards you can make with it.

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Not bad for £19.00 with £2 going to a great cause! Hope you all have a lovely weekend. I'm off to the Throckmorton Airshow on Saturday - so no card making that day - but I guess an opportunity for future project life and scrapbooks! Happy Crafting xx OOPs! Forgot to remind you to check out the weekly deals - there are some very tempting offers available only until Tuesday 9th June. They change every Wednesday! You can see them by clicking on the button on the left side of the blog!

The final sprinkles - for now!

Ok so I have just a few more cards to show you today. I really fell in love with the "Every cloud has a silver lining - you just have to look up to see it" saying - so I got a bit cloud happy! I discovered that I love the effect of the colours on the black - but also just how effective it could be on white. I tried glossy accents on some and basic rhinestones on others - I hope you like the ideas - they were inspired by a range of cards that I have seen online - unfortunately I didn't keep a note of any names - so if you recognise any please let me know so I can credit you. I love the simplicity of the first - the bright sparkle of the second - but I think my favourite is the last! I just love those little flowers! Anyway - I do have more ideas for using the set as ice-creams, cupcakes and baskets of goodies - but I've not had time to finish those yet. I am working quite a bit this week and next - but hopefully I will still be able to show you something new in the next few days.

More Sprinkles of Life

I promised some more samples with this cute set - so here goes!

This card was inspired by my good friend Fiona Whitten. This time I used the "tree top" to stamp a background before stamping and punching 4 more to layer over the tree. I loved the idea of being able to make a smaller tree into a much bigger version. The little flowers are so easy to line up and because it is a single flower it is easy to mix and match the colours of the flowers (although I didn't on this occasion!) Before i added the layers, I used two oval framelits to cut a channel around the tree and then layered smoky slate paper underneath. I really like this look and it could be used to create an unusual spinner card with the apple spinning round!

This is another version using just the single tree - but still very effective! Just in case you are wondering I used the Work of Art stamp set to create the "hill" and the polka dor embossing folder to create texture - it just doesn't show very well in the picture. Keep crafting!

Sprinkles of Life

So where did that week go? I think I was having too much crafty fun with my friend who was staying for a few days. Still we did get to play with a new stamp set! Sprinkles of Life is very easy to miss as it is tucked away inside the back cover of the catalogue. It's a super cute, very versatile stamp set that can cover so many occasions - and better yet it has a matching punch that will cut the cloud/icing/ice-cream and tree - not to mention all the other accessories! This first card is one of my favourites - very simple!

Truthfully I haven't quite finished this card yet - I need to mount it on a card base! However, I think you can see the idea! I embossed the background with the large polka dot embossing folder in smoky slate. Then I stamped the cloud in soft sky and punched it out using the new Tree Builder punch. I punched out a rainbow of raindrops with the punch and lots of scraps and added some silver 1/8th ribbon for a little sparkle. The saying was stamped in smoky slate and die cut using the project life cards and labels framelits. For a final touch I added some crystal effects on the raindrops to make them shimmer! For more ideas using this stamp set check back tomorrow!

Wow - what an offer!

Just had to give you all a quick heads up! From 2nd to 30th June you can get 2 stamp sets FREE when you join Stampin' Up!. SO for £99 you can choose £130 of products from the catalogue PLUS 2 extra stamp sets of any value! With the new catalogue launching tomorrow there will never be a better time to make inroads into your wish list! There are no catches or hidden nasties! You do not have to sell or buy a single item once you have joined - you can simply enjoy your bargains! However, if you want to take this opportunity to supplement your income or crafty habbit then you will be supported and encouraged by myself and an amazing team of stars! Interested? Drop me an email or text and I will call you and have a chat - no pressure, no hassle - just a chance to ask questions! And to wet your appetite...

New cattie countdown!

A quick reminder that the weekly deals have been posted. Click on the link on the left of the page to discover some bargains! This week they are all items from the Spring/Summer Cattie - which ends on 2nd June. Make sure you get your favourites before they are gone - and don't forget the retirement list too! The good news is that means we are just a week away from the new annual cattie. SO I guess I should show you some of the sneak peeks I have been promising you!

I received this swap from Monica Gale - isn't it lovely! It features some of the new in-colours and envelope paper. The colours are Mint Macaron and Watermelon Wonder - two of my favourites. She has also used some of the new 12 x 12 envelope papers that match to create the stripy background. It is fantastic value and definitely one to look out for.

An Open Heart

So here is the next of my swaps for you to enjoy. Today I have chosen to show you a card that is possibly my favourite swap. Again this is a stamp set that I am missing. I was first tempted by it when Stampin Up made a Christmas sample in their impressions magazine (for their demonstrators). However I resisted. Then I received this beautiful swap...

The stamp set is called an open heart. I love the combination of colours that have been used for this card - soft sky, crumb cake and early espresso. Combined with the Hardwood stamp set it create a card that is not only lovely but is also easily adapted for men. Often one of our most challenging customers!

Telford swaps

So I did promise that I would show you some of the swaps that I received at Telford (an event for stampin up demonstrators). I was very lucky and received some beautiful pieces of work - so thank you to everyone who swapped with me. I've put the items together in batches - and yes - there are some sneek peeks that i will put up at soon! So here are the first few...

So these two beautiful swaps have been made using a stamp set called Kinda Eclectic. It's one of those sets that you look at and are not quite sure what to do with it. Well I hope these two gorgeous samples will show you just how fabulous it can be. they are very different in their colours - but they work so well. Sadly I don't think my photo shows the dimensional effect of the card - where the leaves have been fussy cut shaped and mounted on dimensionals to really make them pop. I've been trying very hard to resist this one - but it's getting harder and harder!

Don't miss out

Have you checked out the retired list yet? There's just over a week left before we lose these items for good. Lots have already sold out but there are still some fabulous bargains to be had. And don't forget to check out the weekly deals at the same time - new items are launched every Wednesday. Click on the links to check them out! Of course we are very sorry to see them go - but the good news is that it means a new catalogue will be launching soon! It's packed full of yummy new stamp sets , colours, dies and fabulous kits - making crafting easier than ever! Email me if you would like a copy of the new catalogue and keep your eyes out in the coming days for some sneek peeks of he new items!

So... fancy sharing some fun?

Perpetual Birthday Calendar

Ok - I'll admit it - when I first saw this project kit and stamp set I thought it was really cute and a fantastic gift to make for someone - but I didn't really think much about how else the stamps could be used. Then I was inspired by a card posted by sara (one of my downline) and I decided to take another look. I'm sooo glad I did as I had so much fun playing with them creating backgrounds that I knew they had to be the base of my swaps and gifts for Telford. In the end I made 7 different tags - but I could have carried on... Hope you like them x

Then I made a little envelope book to hold them and gave them to my "grandchildren" as gifts!