crafticious

Easter Card & Basket - Tutorial & Downloads

2011-04-23T14:26:00.002+01:00

Please forgive me if I don't post very much over

the next couple of weeks.

Brief update:

My old computer finally died on me.

I lost my work so had to redraw on OH's laptop.

The new computer arrived, but there was a mix up

as to what I needed (my programmes wouldn't load).

It's being returned and a new one will be arriving

within the next couple of weeks.

I'll be very restricted with what I can do until then.

I'm using OH's laptop because it has Internet access, but

this is limited so I can only pop on and off occasionally.

Once I'm up and running I'm sure it will all be worth it!

SO.......

Later than I'd planned...

here are the templates and tutorial for my Easter cards and baskets.

(Sorry, the images are not great).

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

The card:

1) Print the download sheet 'Easter Eggs Template'

onto plain white card and cut out your template.

2) Following the directions on the template,

position it onto an A5 half fold card blank.

3) Draw round in pencil and cut out.

note: Cutting with scissors can sometimes leave

a slightly jagged edge in places. If this happens

run gently round with an emery board to smooth

them down.

I cut the lower half again then;

1) Stamped using VersaMark and Inkadinkado

'Bold Damask' clear stamp.

2) Highlighted with crystal glitter.

3) Wrapped a length of 5mm (0.25 inch) wide

pink grosgrain ribbon round the top.

4) Attached it to the lower section of the card.

5) The top half of the card was stamped using

VersaMark and Hero Arts 'Leaf Flourish'.

6) I finished by adding pink marabou feathers,

a paper rose and leaves.

Easter Basket Tutorial

This is a guide sheet showing details of the

flaps etc. that I refer to in the tutorial,

If you're not sure - check back here.

1) Print the download sheet 'Easter Basket Template'.

Cut out, score along dotted lines and cut the two slits

marked in red (the handle will be fed through these later).

This side is the inside of your basket.

2) Turn your cutout over.

This is the outside of your basket.

If you want to stamp a pattern - now is the time.

note: If you are applying glitter, avoid the base

and flaps (a-d).

I didn't and it makes them very resistant to gluing!

3) Cut out the handle.

a) The template gives you the end details and

handle width - you decide how long you would

like it to be.

My handles are 270mm (10.5 inches) long.

b) To run ribbon along the handle -

anchor it at either end using tape.

Make sure you tape over and to the reverse side.

This will prevent the ribbon from being pulled off

when you feed the handle through the side slits later on.

c) Fold the ends to form an 'arrow head' - as

shown in the above picture.

4) Fold along all of your scored lines and

glue your base flaps (a) and (b) to the

inside base.

5) Glue base flap (c) to the inside base and

at the same time side flap (d) to the inside

of the basket side.

6) Stand the basket upright.

You can see the flaps in the base.

7) Apply glue to the inside lining flaps (1 & 2),

these are the ones without slits cut into them.

8) Fold them into the basket and fix in place.

9) Feed a handle end through a slit
as shown in the image above.

10) You will find it easier to feed through
if your liner flap is at right angles.

11) Open the handle end and gently pull
the handle so the tab is straight and fully positioned
to the slit.

12) Apply glue over the handle tab and
on the inner lining flap as shown.

13) Fold the liner flap into the basket and fix.
Repeat this process on the other side.

14) Your handle is now locked into position
and your basket sides are lined.

15) Finally, glue the 'base liner' into the base of
your basket.
This secures your base tags (a, b &c).

I added a paper rose and lined the basket

with pink marabou feathers.

Free Download Sheets

Easter Basket Template

click on image & open fully before saving

Easter Egg Card Template

click on image & open fully before saving

Easter Sentiments Tags

click on image & open fully before saving

Happy Easter!

Should be back fairly soon...

Hugs

Easter Card and Basket

2011-04-17T01:08:00.001+01:00

Here's a little Easter project I've been working on.

I will be loading templates and a tutorial as soon as I can.

Unfortunately my computer is on its last legs.

It's very old and has been failing for quite some time now.

It had a major crash a few days ago and is beyond repair.

After several hours on the phone to Dell,

we managed to recover enough to chug along...

on a wing and a prayer.

Good news is - I have a new one arriving on Monday!

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

I thought this would be a great project to do with the kids.

The dotty pattern was made by dabbing the eraser end of a pencil

onto a VersaColor ink pad 'Fresh Green'
and stamping it onto the card.

Not everyone can eat sweets
so this is an idea for an alternative.

There is a hatpin on the card and I filled the basket

with crafting goodies - three VersaColor small ink cubes

and three pots of 'Perfect Pearls'.

I'm going to try and load, at least, the templates before Monday.

I'm soooooooooo looking forward to my new computer

but very nervous about how long it will take to load everything

and get it into action.

Thank you for visiting
and I hope to be back very soon!!!!

Hugs
X

Pastel Tulip Cards

2011-04-07T18:55:00.017+01:00

Here are a couple more cards I've made

using my free download sheets 'Tulips' & 'Tulip Leaves'.

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

I free-hand embossed the base using my Eazi Score board.
The sentimentis are from Paula Pascual's 'Big Sentiments'
stamped using VersaColor Heliotrope.

This is another easel card.

I'm really enjoying making them!
The sentiments are from Hero Arts
'Happiness Messages' clear stamps, stamped
using Pretty Color 'Green 7#'

The embossed background was made using

Cuttlebug embossing folder 'Floral Fantasy'.

I wish they would put the name on the folder!

Next - I'm thinking Spring, Easter and am working on an

unusual pop-up.

See you soon and thank you for visiting.

Hugs

Tag Easel Card Tutorial

2011-04-02T20:14:00.010+01:00

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

Tag Easel Card Tutorial

1) Start with a 140mm (5.5") square tent fold card

2) Cut a 140mm (5.5") square card front panel

3) Cut a tag;

a) 150mm (6") high

b) 80mm (3") wide

c) Score a line 10mm (0.5") from base

This is a valley fold.

4) Taper the top two corners of the tag.

5) Card back;

Open the card flat, outside facing you,

and cut a centred slit-

a) 10mm (0.5") down from the card centre fold.

b) and approximately 85mm (3.25") wide (slightly

wider than your tag).

6) Card front;

with the card still open-

a) score a line across the centre.

This is a mountain fold.

Close the card

7) Tag;

a) Cut a contrasting colour mount, slightly

smaller than your tag, and short enough to

avoid covering the tag score line.

Attach the mount to your tag.

b) Punch a hole centred and towards the top.

Decorate the inside of your card
before moving on to stage 8

8) Front facing you, open card.

a) Slot the top of your tag through the slit

you cut earlier (stage 5).

b) The top of the tag should line up with the

card centre fold,

c) and the tag score line with the base of your

card.

Close the card.

9) Card closed, front facing you.

a) Apply glue to the section of tag that is visible.

10) Fold up and fix to the front of your card.

11) Card front, lower half only.

Apply three strips of double sided tape or glue.

a) Make sure you cover the tag flap.

This will add extra strength to the 'pully' mechanism.

12) Attach your, 140mm (5.5") square, card front

panel, making sure you line up the top, bottom

and sides with your card.

Open the card so the tag pops into view.

Attach a tassel or ribbon.

You can easily make this card any size you like.

Just remember that the tag is always 10mm (0.5")

longer than your card height -

this being the tag section you fold up and glue

to the front of your card (9a & 10 in the above tutorial).

Many thanks for taking the time to visit.
I'll be back soon!

Hugs

Mothers Day - Tulips Easel Card

2011-03-31T15:06:00.000+01:00

Here's a slightly different approach to the 'Easel Card'.

It works using a 'pully' mechanism.

Pull the tag and the card moves into position.

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

There are free download sheets for the tulips,

leaves & sentiments tags at the end of this post.

I've used three of the larger tulips

from the 'Tulips' download sheet.

Printed onto the same lightweight card

as I used for the matting and layering.
I attached them using 'Pinflair' dimensional glue,
love that stuff!

I've also used two large and one small leaf

from the 'Tulip Leaves' download sheet.

Printed onto green paper, cut out and texturised
in the same way as the flowers.

The sentiments on the front are stamped using

Hero Arts 'Happiness Messages' clear stamps
and VersaFine 'Onyx Black' ink pad

'Happy mothers day' is the small, large boarder 'heart tag'

from download sheet 'Mothers Day Sentiments Tags'

Printed onto yellow card.

I layered two pieces of the same card underneath

the heart so it's slightly raised. It doesn't need anything

as thick as dimensional foam pads.

When the tassel is pulled it reveals a large tag -

a perfect spot for writing your message.

I like the fact that it has a 'secret message' feel to it.

Here's a tutorial for the flowers:

Tulip Tutorial

1) Print the 'Tulips' sheet onto coloured card

and cut out three petals per flower.

a) The outside edges of the petals have more shape

b) the inside edges have a smooth curvature.

2) Work embossed texture lines down each petal

using a medium to fine embossing tool.

I use my embossing mat from my 'Wizard' as a work surface

(Don't worry about making your embossed lines neat & tidy).

3) Lightly run an ink pad over the petals.

this will pick up your embossing.

You can sponge to soften the ink edges.

a) For the centre petal you only need to ink the tip.

4) Flick the edges of the petals up

as shown in the image above - this defines the inner

edges & gives the flower subtle dimension.

5) Glue the front two petals together.

a) Imagine you have pinned them at this point so...

b) you can pivot the petals to decide how wide

c) or narrow you would like your flower.

6) Glue the third (centre) petal to the back

lining up the base so it doesn't show at the front.

7) Add 'dew drop' highlights using 'Glossy Accents'

or similar.

I found it's better to put the nozzle onto the card,

squeeze a small amount & flick off. This makes more

of a dew drop shape and less of a dot.

You can see the 'dot effect' in my previous post - last image.

It's less believable but we learn from our mistakes!

Download Sheets:

Download Sheet One - 'Tulips'

click on image & open fully before saving

Download Sheet Two - 'Tulip leaves'

click on image & open fully before saving

Download Sheet Three -

'Mothers Day Sentiments Tags'

click on image & open fully before saving

Coming next - 'Tag' Easel Card Tutorial.

Thank you for taking the time to visit, it's always appreciated.

Hugs,

Spring has sprung - Tulips!

2011-03-26T18:00:00.016Z

Spring is here - YEAH!!!

I haven't deserted you.

I've been working hard on this next project.

Hope these images give you an idea of what I've been up to...

It's taken me a while.
I've been working out how to re-create these beautiful flowers,

in the quickest, easiest way possible.

Boy - simplicity can be very hard!!!

I'm almost there...

I'll be posting templates and a tutorial
in the next couple of days.

(It's a quick & easy project)

Just in time for Mothers Day.

Back to putting the finishing touches together.

Hugs,
X

Pop Up Card - Valentine Flowers

2011-02-11T18:17:00.033Z

This is the most dramatic pop-up mechanism I have

ever come across.

It's much easier than it looks and no measuring required!

I've used a DL size for my card.

( I like to make it slightly wider than standard,

I score along the A5 half fold score line

and it still fits easily into a DL envelope).

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

'golics' has made a video tutorial at 'instructables',

here's the link: pop up flowers

He has tons of fabulous 3D projects.

He's very fast with his instructions so I've included

two download sheets to help:

1) Glue positioning guide

2) Flower positioning guide

The sentiment stamp (miss you) is from Paula Pascual's
'Big Sentiments' set.

I layered two of the flowers from my

'Six Petal Flowers' download sheet.

Printed onto red lightweight card, cut out and

glittered with black holographic glitter.

The embossed background was made using:-
Craft concepts embossing folder 'Budding vine'

'LOVE' was a free stamp from a stamping mag

(quite some time ago).

I'll find the mag and post the details -

it has to be one of my most used stamps.

I stamped onto red card using VersaMark and

embossed with 'detail gold' embossing powder.

Glue Positioning Guide

Only use a dot of glue as shown.

If you glue the whole petal the flowers

won't pop up correctly.

Guess how I know that!!!

Flower Positioning Guide

Download Sheet One

Flower Centres - Black

click on image & open fully before saving

Print this sheet twice

onto any colour A4 lightweight card.

Cut each sheet into four equal pieces.

Follow golics instructions for folding

& cutting the flowers.

You only need seven so you'll have one spare.

Download Sheet Two

Six Petal Flowers

click on image & open fully before saving

These flowers and hearts are sized so they can be

pyramaged on top of each other if you prefer.

Download Sheet Three

Hearts

click on image & open fully before saving

Happy Valentine's Day.
Hope you have fun!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog

Elaine x

Alphabet Sheets - 'Bubble Gum' Blue & Lilac

2011-02-04T13:24:00.009Z

Here's the last of my

'Butterflies & Dragonflies' decoupage set.

We still have very little, quality, light here in London

so the image below is a bit 'rainy day'.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A CLOSER VIEW

It goes without saying really - these alphabets

will allow you to make any message or name, no matter

how unusual.

I've made the outside & inside lines as simple as possible
so they're easier to cut out.

Free Download Sheet One

Alphabet - 'Bubble Gum Lilac'

click on image & open fully before saving

Free Download Sheet Two

Alphabet - 'Bubble Gum Blue'

click on image & open fully before saving

I have never been able to contain myself when I'm excited
so...

I have THE pop-up of all pop-ups coming next.

It's easy, no measuring and

the pop is unbelievable!!!

I tested it out, on several people,

and it got a WOW every time.

(OK Elaine, compose yourself)...

Just putting the final touches to the samples, downloads,

and link to a brilliant Guy who has lots to share.

Back soon and thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.

chocolate bar alphabet click here

Small Gift Bag Template & Tutorial

2011-01-31T09:13:00.027Z

I love working with boxes, bags and packaging.

This gift bag will hold a small present,

candy or jewelry would be perfect.

There's a downloadable template at the end of this post

The bag measurements are:

90mm (3.5") high x 85mm (3.3") wide x 40mm (1.5") deep

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A CLOSER VIEW

You will need;

One A4 sheet of paper.

Glue

Two lengths of ribbon or cord.

If you are using a printable backing paper:

Print the paper.

Flip the sheet over & return it to your printer.

Print the template on the reverse.

Making the bag:

Cut out and score along the dotted score lines.

Set the folds by folding them forward & backward

so the folds will work both ways (mountain & valley).

'Setting' the base folds

1) Pinch the diagonal, base folds

2) on the reverse - fold them in and press

3) open out, turn the paper over,

repeat the folds on the pattern side

Bag top

4) open the paper and fold the top back

5) turn the paper over and use the guides

to punch holes through the two layers

Bag sides

6) Fold the top flap back to the inside

and fold the sides as shown above.

7) Glue along the inside of side flap a

8) the glued side a slots over side b as shown above
9) Flatten the bag to make sure the sides are glued

together in the correct position.

Base fold

10) Bring the base up (there is a score line to help)
and place a finger on the outside base

11) pushing the inside folds down & pulling

the edges c upwards

12) Flatten edges c inwards & d outwards

13) Apply glue to the first flap and

press into position as shown

14) Apply glue to the second flap

15) and position it over the first.

16) A crease is visible at the base of one side of the bag

17) but not on the other.

Thread cord or ribbon through the punched holes,

on either side of the bag, and tie inside to fix them

Download Sheet One

Small Gift Bag

click on image & open fully before saving

Below is an extra sheet.

I have sized the decoupage down and included

some blank circle sentiments tags

so you can stamp a message of your choice.

Download Sheet Two

Blank Tags, Small Butterflies & Dragonflies

click on image & open fully before saving

Thank you for taking the time to visit.

chocolates decoupage sheet click here

Circle Sentiments Tags & Boarder Ribbons

2011-01-28T12:30:00.000Z

Here are the 'circle sentiments' and 'boarder ribbons' sheets

Free Download Sheet
'Circle Sentiments Tags'

click on image & open fully before saving

I've given the tags a large colour boarder

so they can be punched out easily.

Here I've used the 'Stampin Up' scallop circle punch.

Turn the punch upside down to line up with

the centre of the tag then punch.

Simples!

This will work with circle pinches too.

Free Download Sheet
'Boarder Ribbons'

click on image & open fully before saving

I have more sheets to come from this set.

Got a little bit carried away I think,

but I enjoyed it.

Still to come:

Alphabet sheets.

Small gift bag template.

Thanks for popping by.

Back to the drawing board and I'll be back soon!
X

Backing Papers - 'Butterflies & Dragonflies' Set

2011-01-26T22:43:00.000Z

Here are the backing papers from my

'Butterflies & Dragonflies' set.

'Bold Dots' Backing Paper - Free Download

click on image & open fully before saving

'Bold Stripes' Backing Paper - Free Download

click on image & open fully before saving

I'll be back soon with the 'ribbon boarders' & 'sentiments tags'!

Have fun and thanks for visiting.

'Butterflies & Dragonflies' Free Decoupage Sheet

2011-01-24T23:00:00.005Z

These cards were made using my

'Butterflies & Dragonflies' Decoupage set.

There is a free download sheet at the end of this post.

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

They are much brighter than they look in the photograph,

London is quite cloudy right now,

so the images are little bit 'grey'.
Oh roll on summer!

The 'Thinking of You' sentiment is
a Paula Pascual stamp - 'Big Sentiments'

I love Paula's stamps!

Stamped using VersaFine Onyx Black.

The 'Thank You' sentiment is my design.

I'll be loading the sheet for this later in the week.

DOWNLOAD SHEET

'Butterflies & Dragonflies' Decoupage.

click on image to open fully before saving

I have backing papers, boarder ribbons and

sentiments that I will post through the week.

Thanks for popping by,

Elaine x

Butterfly Decoupage Card

2011-01-23T16:56:00.002Z

OK humour me.

I'm really enjoying digital drawing at the moment.

This is a card I've made from a 'Butterflies & Dragonflies'

decoupage paper I've just designed.

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

I've designed a whole set including backing papers,

ribbon boarders and sentiments tags.

I'm just putting the finishing touches to the sheets and

will be posting them through the week.

Hope you'll have fun with them

If you haven't discovered Curt's wonderful blog yet

it's a must go visit!

He is sooo talented and has the best sense of humour.

Have a look at his latest cards, they're fabulous (as always)

and he's used a quote and chocolate from my last download sheets.

You would think they were made for his card!

Here's the link: Curt's World

Thanks for popping by and Ill be back soon!
X

Chocolate Themed Cards

2011-01-20T15:54:00.008Z

Here are a couple of cards I made using the sheets

in my previous 'chocolate' posts.

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

With this card I simply printed off the decoupage sheet.

Cut out the chocolates and decoupaged them on top

using 3mm foam pads.

The message is from the same sheet - cut out

and glued into the centre of the card.

I printed the decoupage sheet twice, once onto beige card stock

this is the base, and again onto ivory card stock - the layered
chocolates and message.

For this card I used the 'Chocolates', 'Chocolate Bar Alphabet'

sheets & striped backing paper.

I stamped a flourish over the backing paper.

I cut out the large heart and decoupaged the small heart on
top using 3mm foam pads.

I dotted the centre with 'Rainbow Antraciet' & 'Brown' glitter.

I've only just discovered this glitter and I love it.

It's Kars glitter which I bought from cardcraft-uk

There are some fabulous colours and the sparkle is subtle.

Great for adding texture without the full on glitz.

Just a note - the bottle has a fine nozzle which I removed,

it's not necessary and it prevents you from returning the

surplus glitter to the bottle.

Thank you for taking the time to visit.

'Chocolates' Decoupage Sheet

2011-01-15T12:55:00.001Z

Had to slip a quick decoupage sheet in!

'Chocolates' Decoupage Sheet

click on image to open fully before saving

The centre frame is blank so you can

decoupage one of the quotes or

stamp a message of your choice.

Thanks for visiting
& hope to see you again soon.
X

'Chocolate' Words & Backing Papers.

2011-01-14T21:10:00.003Z

Add these sheets to the downloads in my previous

two posts and you will have a complete set.

'Chocolate Quotes' Free Download

click on image to open fully before saving

I've colour co-ordinated all of the sheets so

they will work together.

'Scratch' Backing Paper Free download

click on image to open fully before saving

Check out the links at the end of this post.

There are some funny and amazing facts about chocolate.

'Dots' Backing Paper Free Download

click on image to open fully before saving

'Chocolate Words' Backing Paper

Click on image to open fully before saving

Great links to all things chocolate:

facts-about-chocolate.com

- fab quotes, jokes and information.

virtualchocolate.com

- quotes, recipes & lots more.

telegraph.co.uk

- from the 'QI' TV gang, amazing facts about chocolate.

2020site.org

- lots more fun facts

We all know too much of anything is bad for you.

Did you know that 22lb (40 bars of Dairy Milk)

is the lethal dose for human beings?!

Ending on a more positive note:

Chocolate is rich in anti-oxidants, which reduces

the risk of heart disease and cancer and it doesn't

cause acne.

Thanks for popping by and make sure you don't

eat more than 39 bars of Dairy Milk in one go.

Hugs

Valentine 'Chocolate Bar' Alphabet

2011-01-11T22:23:00.000Z

I'm back, with more chocolate!

'Chocolate Bar' Alphabet

click on image & open fully before saving

I've piped some in light and some in dark chocolate
so you have a choice.
Alternatively,
you can just go completely wild
and use both!

Back soon,

'Valentine Chocolates' - Free Downloads

2011-01-10T16:03:00.017Z

Valentine's Day is just around the corner

and I've been making chocolates.

No calories though because they're virtual.

'Chocolates' Download Sheet One A

click on image & open fully before saving

If you have saved the above sheet before - this one is
amended so is slightly different.
The earlier one slipped through quality control...
...can't get the staff these days!

I've had so much fun making these that I've decided it's chocolate week on crafticious.
There will be more sheets coming including 'alphabet Buttons',
'chocolate words' and some samples along the way.

'Chocolates' Backing Paper Sheet One
click on image & open fully before saving

Thanks for popping by and I'll be back soon.

Have fun!

Pop Up Exploding Cube Card Tutorial

2011-01-06T00:27:00.004Z

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

This card folds completely flat and fits inside a half A4 envelope.

There are two sheets to download at the end of this post.

The first is a template for the pop up cube base.

The second is a positioning & cutting guide

for an A5 acetate sheet.

To make this card you will need:

one A4 sheet of card for the cube base

one A5 sheet of acetate for the centre pop and acetate strips

(Strong acetate is needed for this project I buy mine from

Joanna Sheen or use recycled packaging where possible).

one A4 sheet of paper for the positioning & cutout guide

Numbers, stars & sentiments tag from the download in my previous post

Hole punch, jump ring, glue, scissors, sticky tape, craft knife,

metal rule and cutting mat.

Print the first download sheet (at the end of this post)

onto an A4 sheet of card.

After cutting out you will have 11 pieces as shown above.

1) Piece A - score along the dotted lines and fold into a cube.

2) Piece B - score along the dotted line, fold and glue inside the open corner of A to lock the cube together.

3) Score and fold piece C as shown above.

4) Glue into position in the centre of the cube

as shown in the diagram.

Print download sheet two, at the end of this post,
onto an A4 sheet of paper.
This is a positioning and cutting guide for the centre pop up.
Position an A5 sheet of acetate over the top of the guide.
Cut out the numbers (from the download sheet in my previous post) and glue them onto the acetate,
following the printed guide which shows clearly through the acetate.
Cut out along the red lines.
The base of your acetate cut-out has a slit forming two flaps A & B
Glue flap A onto the front of the centre strip (piece C) in your cube
and flap B onto the back of your centre strip (piece C).
The centre strip is visible in the image below - number (3)

Here's a photograph looking down on the cube card.
Cut out the stars you want to use in the explosion and glue each one onto a strip of acetate about 5mm wide

and no longer than 16mm.

These can be attached to the inside front, back & sides of the cube.

Vary the heights & angles to make the explosion more interesting.

When you have finished glue the inside panels D to K to the insides of the cube.

They cover and anchor your centre acetate (flaps A & B)

and all of the acetate strip (stars) ends.

(1) in the above image shows the acetate fixings uncovered

(2) shows after a panel has been glued to the inside cube.

note: before you finally anchor the acetate 'star' strips

close the cube card to check they don't over-run the envelope dimensions.

The sentiments tag is attached to the cut out centre of the zero
using a jump ring,
There are hole punch guides marked out for you.

Download Sheet One - Pop Up Cube

click on image to open fully before saving

Download Sheet Two -
Acetate Positioning & Cut Out Guide

click on image to open fully before saving

I'll be developing this idea over the next few weeks

so there will be more projects to come.

I know it doesn't look it but this is a very simple pop up.

I hope I haven't made the instructions too complicated.

Pop-up Valentine Flowers - click here

Exploding Cube Card - Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T17:31:00.002Z

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

Here's the card I made from the download sheet in my previous post.

I will load a tutorial in my next post.

It folds completely flat and fits a half A4 envelope.

Wishing you all the very best for 2011.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hugs,

New Year - Free Download & Digital Stamps

2010-12-29T15:42:00.000Z

New Year Free Download Sheet

Click on image & open fully before saving

OMG! It's the 29th already!!!

I thought I'd better get these on fast.

The sheet above is with a New Year card in mind.

I'm making a sample but, as it's close to New Year, the downloads are here first.

I've sized the tag so it can be suspended

from the centre of the zero.

The next two sheets are digital stamp sets:

1) 'Numbers'

2) 'Tags'

These follow the same style but can be used all year round.

There are tags for New Year, Birthdays and Anniversaries.

I've tried to keep the outlines of the numbers simple

so they're easy to cut out and layer.

'Numbers' Free Digital Stamp Set

Click on image & open fully before saving

'Tags' Free Digital Stamp Set

Click on image & open fully before saving

I have to say I've had enough of winter and snow.

I don't mind if we have a 'Heat Wave' in January,

just a small one will do

I'm not asking for anything big.

Wishing you all a very happy and fulfilling New Year.
X

Christmas Paper Wreath & Flower Tutorial

2010-12-17T14:38:00.013Z

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER LOOK

This wreath is made from 12 rectangles of lightweight card.
There's a tutorial on Stephanie's fab blog: Homemade Gift Ideas
The principle is that whatever size you decide to use
each rectangle needs to be twice as long as it is wide.
The fold couldn't be simpler.

I used 12 rectangles measuring 140mm (5.5") wide x 280mm (11") long
It took 12 A4 sheets to make this wreath
but it is large: 450mm (17.7") across
I recommend that you glue the pieces together
or tape them at the back- but take more time than I did
to make sure the centre circle is even!

I've included a tutorial and free template for the flowers
I stamped the leaves using See-Dees stamps 'Leaves 50052 '
stamped with VersaColor 'Evergreen', cut out and glossed.
The snowflakes were made using Martha Stewart Snowflake punch.
Punched in plumb and silver holographic card.

The next few samples have been 'thrown together',
just to give you an idea of other options.
This one was made from 12 x 12 scrapbook paper.
The rectangles measured 4" x 8".
Twelve rectangles using 3 sheets of paper.
Finished size is: 11.5" across.

Here I only used 8 rectangles, 100mm (3.9") x 200mm (7.8").
Finished size: 250mm (9.8") across.
Another idea for decorating - simply wind decorative ribbon round.

Here I used 12 pieces of white card.
Stamped in black VersaFine using Stampin Up stamp 'Sanded'.
Decorated with a random scattering of gemstones.
Imagine decorating with sweets, masks, small presents, photographs
the list is endless.
It's a great project to do with the Kids!

Hellebore Flower Tutorial

From the template at the end of this post:
1) cut out a flower and ink the centre and petal tips.
2) I dabbed over with Adirondack Dabber 'Pearl'
3) scrunch the petals as shown in the diagram
4) smooth open and curl petals upwards & inwards,
nip the tip of each petal to give definition
5) glitter the edges of the petals and finish with
a holographic snowflake and flat backed pearl glued to the centre.

Flower Bud Tutorial

1) punch thin card using a scallop edged circle punch

and cut a five scallop section away, put this to one side
2) glue the 9 scalloped piece into a cone (overlapping one scallop)
3) cut between scallops, not completely to centre
4) fold each alternate petal back out of the way
5) roll the four remaining petals tightly in
6) roll the outer four petals tightly
7) pinch them in and over the first four

Hellebore Flower Template
Click on image & open fully before saving

This wreath can be used for so much more than Christmas -

summer party, dinner party. anniversaries, weddings, New Year

to name just a few.

It works nicely as a table centre piece too!

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and thank you for visiting!

Elaine x

Free template - easy gift box

2010-12-06T14:20:00.012Z

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

Here are three easy 'pillow' gift boxes with free templates at the end of this post.

The 'watermarked' background on the large and medium boxes are stamped using
VersMark Dazzle watermark stamp pad 'Champagne' and
Inkadinkado clear stamp set 'Bold Damask'

Sentiments are from Kaisercraft clear stamp set -
'Christmas Sentiments'.
The holly leaves were made using a punch -
Woodware 'Large Holly Leaf'.
I've also drawn one for you on 'template one'.

On the small box I traced over the word 'joy' with Art Institute glue, using the fine nozzle,
and glittered with Art Accentz 'Moss'.
The background is spritzed with Adirondack Acrylic paint 'Pearl' diluted in water.

The inside flaps need a finger hole so I used a 22mm (0.9") circle punch.
You don't have to match the size drawn on the template
but I wouldn't recommend any larger punch than the one used here.

The most difficult part to these boxes is scoring the curve accurately.
You can use the guide on the template
or the off cut from cutting your curved edges - see image below.

A fine scoring tool is helpful.

Run a tumble drier cloth over the dotted line first -

this helps the scoring tool glide nicely and it smells good too!
Always use wet glue to glue box flaps,

it's much stronger than double sided tape.

Finished box measurements are:

Small ;
78mm long (3") x 60mm high (2.4") x 20mm deep (0.8")

Medium;
98mm long (3.9") x 75mm high (2.9") x 25mm deep (0.9")

Large;
148mm long (5.8") x 110mm high (4.3") x 40mm deep (1.6")

Easy Gift Boxes (small & medium) download sheet one
Click on the image and open fully before saving

Easy Gift Boxes (large) download sheet two

Click on the image and open fully before saving

I'll be giving you details of the flower in my next post.

Thanks for popping by and your comments are always appreciated.

small gift bag template & tutorial click here

Free template - Christmas favour/gift boxes

2010-11-26T13:37:00.010Z

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

Favour boxes are increasing in popularity and are a great alternative to Christmas crackers on the festive table.

Unlike crackers, you have complete freedom to choose the contents - anything from small gifts to mints, chocolates or sweets.

I have designed a small tapered box here and there are free templates at the end of this post.

I've included a template for the flower too.

I first saw this flower on Sarita's blog: Little Princess Cards.

Her work is stunning so allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy it!

There is a superb tutorial for this flower here:

Creations with Christina - yet another hugely talented artist.

I used Craft Concepts embossing folder 'Budding Vine' for the textured panels on all of these boxes.

Misted here using Cosmic Shimmer 'Lava Red'.

The leaves were made using X Cut Embossing punch 'Beech Leaf'

Here I used Cosmic Shimmer 'Peacock Green' to add depth to the embossed panels.

The flower centre was made using Martha Stewart 'Snowflake' punch.

Punched out in black and glittered with black holographic glitter.

On this box I dabbed lightly over the embossing using a VersaMark ink pad,

then brushed Perfect Pearls 'Heirloom Gold' across the surface.

The flower is misted with Cosmic Shimmer 'Purple Violet'.

I didn't have a dark gemstone so used a lilac gem and tinted it darker using a purple Promarker.

To make the box:

1) Glue flaps 1 & 2 to the inside front

2) Glue flaps 3 & 4 to the inside sides

3) Fold the front flap in and glue in position

This strengthens the front of the box

and locks flaps '1 & 2' in position.

The made box measurements are:
Top - 68mm square (just over 2.5 inches)
Base - 55mm square (just over 2 inches)
Hieght - 33mm (just over 1.25 inches)
and it only requires one full UK A4 sheet of card

Favour Box download sheet.

Click on the image and open it fully before saving

Grunge flower download sheet.

Click on the image and open it fully before saving

Oh this has taken me so long to post...
I'm not sure which is slower - my 'old' computer or my 'young' BT Internet connection!

I have cobwebs on my iced-up fingers!!!

Keep warm......
X

Free Christmas Pyramage - 'Santa Hugs'

2010-11-10T08:50:00.005Z

Here's my Christmas pyramage and backing papers.

There are free downloads at the end of this post.

I have only used three layers of the pyramage here: 2, 4 and 6.

You'll find they're all numbered on the sheet.

Each image allows up to six layers.

Before assembling the layers I inked lightly round the edges

using Distress Ink 'Chipped Sapphire'.

It's my new black!

I attached acetate over the back of the card aperture

then fixed the pyramage onto it.

The sentiments are from Inkadinkado clear stamps set,

'Cool Christmas'

Download Sheets

Click on the images to open them fully

before saving.

These are large images to ensure a good print quality.

'Santa Hugs' Pyramage sheet

Christmas Backing Papers

Thanks for popping by
X

Halloween Tags - 'Trick or Treat'

2010-10-30T02:28:00.007+01:00

Trick or Treat?

These are my Halloween 'trick or treat' tags.

There are some free downloads at the end of this post.

The Tags:

I printed the tags,
cut them out,
then sponged them with distress inks.
Simple washing-up sponges - cut into small sections - are just as effective as 'craft sponges'

The inks I used were Rangers Distress inks;

1) crushed olive

2) rusty hinge

3) barn door

4) chipped sapphire

To finish;

I mounted each tag onto a 37mm x 70mm piece of black card,

trimmed the corners and punched the hole.

I cut thin strips from the plastic used to make the bags

and threaded one through each tag.

The letters are highlighted with black holographic glitter.

The bats:

1) I printed the bat onto white cartridge paper, cut out and

traced onto black card, then cut out.

2) Scored down the wings

3) Folded along the score lines to dimension the bat wings.

The eyes:

Print then apply a light coat of gloss/varnish to each eye.

Allow to dry and cut out.

Shaping the eyes:

You will need a half-spoon and a quarter-spoon measuring scoop.

1) Place the 'eye' (print-side down) into the half-spoon measure.

2) Gently press the quarter-spoon measure into this.

3) Tip the 'eye' out, onto an embossing mat,

gently work the back of the quarter-spoon, in a circular motion,

across the reverse of the 'eye'.

I attached the bats and eyes using paper springs - made from strips of red paper.

The bags:

The treat bags are made from 350mm squares of black and orange carrier bags.
I cut the edges in a zig-zag pattern.

Filled with a small selection of sweets

and a Halloween joke.

Here's the link for the jokes and lots of fab Halloween stuff:

Halloween Jokes

I printed the jokes onto coloured paper and cut into strips.

Download Sheets

Click on images

and make sure they are full size before you save.

'Trick or Treat Eyeball Tags'

'Trick or Treat Tags'

'Trick or Treat Bats'

Thanks for visiting and hope you have a Happy Halloween!

Halloween Card - 'Skull-duggery'

2010-10-21T19:20:00.003+01:00

Using the tent fold in my earlier tutorial 'tent fold card'

I introduced an aperture for the eyeballs.

The skull is a free download from this fantastic graphics website :
papercrave

it has lots of other lovelies too!

I printed the skull, cut out and traced onto ivory opalescent card.

I traced and cut it out twice so it could be layered onto my card.

The edges are inked with MEMENTO Bahama Blue ink.

The eyes and bone are from my free download 'Eyes & Bones'

I attached each eye to a strip of acetate
and glued it to the inside front fold.

I love the way the eyes bob about when the card opens.

The cobweb stamps are Basic Grey - 'Eerie Collection'
Stamped using VersMark and embossed with silver pearl.

More Halloween, with links, soon!!!!

Halloween - 'Eyes & Bones' free download

2010-10-20T16:40:00.000+01:00

Click on the image, make sure it is fully open, then save.

This is a full A4 sheet.

I do so love Halloween!

I'll be loading my card (and some fantastic Halloween links) very, very soon.

Have fun!

Tent fold card - 'Poppy'

2010-10-16T17:00:00.001+01:00

Here's a variation on the tent fold card.

Mum wanted something a little different for her craft classes and I'd seen this fold on QVC.

The featured cards were gorgeous but they required a very large sheet of basic card stock.

I wanted to use standard A4 card and here's what I came up with:

A 120mm square card using two (UK) A4 sheets.

There's a tutorial at the end of this post.

I made the flower using the Woodware Dahlia flower punch

and the flower centre - Woodware blink blink punch.

The stamped background 'SU - Baroque Motifs' stamps, embossed with fine detail gold.

Sentiments 'Big sentiments by Paula Pascual' embossed with fine detail gold.

Tutorial

You will need two A4 sheets of card

1) From the first
cut a strip measuring 297mm (length of A4) x 120mm

2) Score A4 half fold (line 7 on the Eazi-Score board) in the centre

and 25mm in ('box line 2' on the Eazi-Score board) from either end.
Eazi-Score board- Diamond Card Craft

3) fold into a 'tent' as shown above.

4) From the second A4 sheet

cut a strip across the width (210mm) x 120mm high

5) score the centre - A5 half fold (line 6 on the Eazi Score board)

and A5 gate fold (line 3 on the score board) either end

6) Fold a s shown above

7) Attach the card to the piece you have just made.

flap (1) is attached under the base

flap (2) is attached on top

Hope you have a go - I think I'll be playing with this fold a little more.

Perhaps an aperture would be fun?

Thanks for popping by and I'll be back soon - promise!

Tim Holtz at the NEC Birmingham

2010-02-22T19:07:00.003Z

Guess who we met at the NEC this weekend?

It doesn't get much better than this...

Mum, Tim and Me

What a fantastic Guy.

A HUGE talent and so willing to share his knowledge.

Isn't it obvious that he absolutely loves his work.

No Ego - just a fantastic sense of humour and a wonderful personality.

We managed to snap a few samples of his work to show you.

He just makes everything look so effortless

This was made by Tim's friend, Karen - isn't it fabulous!

The flowers are grungepaper, covered in printed paper then inked with the Rangers new colours.

Grungepaper holds it's shape, so when the petals are curled they stay put.

You can visit Tim's Blog here: Tim Holtz - Live the life you've imagined...

Still pinching ourselves!

Janet and Elaine

Fairy Diorama Card with Tutorial

2010-02-09T18:49:00.092Z

The definition of 'Diorama' is 'a three dimensional model, usually of a landscape'

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

For this card I used a fairy stamp, stamped using VersFine (Onyx Black) and coloured using marker pens.

It was made from just two sheets of UK A4.

My measurements are in millimetres but for those of you who prefer to work in feet and inches - there is an excellent tutorial written by Diana Gibbs on Splitcoaststampers.

When folded flat this card will fit perfectly into a standard C6 envelope.

Here's How to make it:

You will need to cut two pieces of card measuring 190mm wide by 105mm high. These will form the back and the front of your card.

Full details are as follows:

A) Score line 40mm from edge

B) 110mm between score lines

C) 105mm high

D) 190mm wide

You will also need to cut one piece measuring 150mm wide by 105mm high. This will form the middle panel.

Full details are as follows:

B) 110mm between score lines

C) 105mm high
E) Score line 20mm from edge
F) 150mm wide

The next stage is to decorate your three panels:

1) Back panel - I stamped the flowers and leaves in VersaFine then spritzed the whole panel with Cosmic Shimmer Mists purple violet and peacock green.

2) Middle panel - this aperture needs to be smaller than the front panel aperture

Stamped round outer edges using the flowers and leaves.
Fairy stamped to the centre left.
Coloured using marker pens.
Aperture cut roughly following the outer leaf and flower stamped images

3) Front panel - this aperture needs to be larger than the aperture on the middle panel

Stamped round outer edge using flowers and leaves
Coloured using marker pens
Aperture cut to roughly follow the leaf and flowers stamped images

The fairy wings were stamped again. coloured, cut out and decoupaged onto the middle panel fairy. Glitter highlights were added to the front (3) and middle (2) panels.

Gluing the card together

Run glue or double sided tape down either side of the middle panel (2) flaps and fix to the inside sides of the back panel (1).

Run glue or double sided tape down the reverse of both front panel (3) flaps and attach to the outsides of the back panel (1) side flaps.

That's it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Elaine x

OUR FIRST AWARD!!!

2009-12-09T13:47:00.000Z

A BIG thank you to the wonderful MARTHA for giving us this award - we are 'Over the Moon'!
It should be passed on to 5 others and we have listed our nominations at the end of the post.

OK, there are 35 questions to answer,

each answer must only be one single word

- DIFFICULT -

but here goes:

(Elaine)

Where is your cellphone?.......................BIN
Your hair?...........................................Highlights
Your Mother?......................................Tireless
Your Father?........................................Patient
Your favourite food?.............................Vegetarian
Your dream last night?...........................Colourful
Your favourite drink?.............................Bacardi&Coke
Your dream/goal?..................................Fulfilment
What room are you in?...........................Hall
Your hobby?..........................................Craft
Your fear?.............................................Spiders!!!
Where do you want to be in 6 years?...........Dancing
Where were you last night?......................Friends
Something that you aren't?........................Wealthy
Muffins?..................................................Banana
Wish list item?.........................................Time
Where did you grow up?.........................Yorkshire
Last thing you did?...................................Webbing
What are you wearing?............................Thermals
Your TV?................................................Off
Your pets?...............................................Noisy
Friends?...................................................Fantastic
Your life?.................................................MAD
Your mood?.............................................Reactive
Missing someone?.....................................Always
Vehicle?....................................................Feet
Something you're not wearing?...................Shoes
Your favourite store?..................................Hardware
Your favourite colour?................................Red
When was the last time you laughed?..........Today
Last time you cried?...................................Today
Your best friend?........................................GillHBB
One place that I go to over and over?..........Garden
Facebook?..................................................No
Favourite place to eat?.................................Informal

We would like to pass this award on to:

JULIA - It's always a joy to visit Julia's blog and her work is an inspiration
LYNNE - Gorgeous blog, gorgeous work and Lynne's use of colour is magical
SALLY - Sally is a mum, full time teacher and manages to fit her wonderful crafting into all of this!!!
MICHELLE - Michelle's work is, quite simply, stunning - I'm going to start taking exploding box lessons from her!
VICKI - Vicki's scrapbook pages are wonderful and packed with inventive fun

It may be that not everyone has the time to take part in awards but please visit these people - they will inspire you!

Elaine and Janet.

Gift Box Template - 'Snowflake'

2009-11-19T18:18:00.002Z

his hexagonal gift box measures 45mm high x 85mm wide

(1 3/4" high x 3 3/8"wide)
There's a free downloadable template at the end of this post.

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

I used Stampin-Up card - 'Almost Amethyst' it's one of my favourite colours.

I printed directly onto the card (the template sheets are drawn in grey so the lines are not too heavy).

I cut out using a craft knife and made sure that the printed lines went to the inside of the box when gluing it together.

The stamp was a snowflake.

Stamped using VersaMark and embossed with 'Sea-foam White' powder.

I added a few crystal glitter accents and some flat backed pearls.

To finish I ran a Brilliance ink pad - 'Moonlight White' round the edges and sponged across the lid sides.

- Hexagonal Gift Box Template -

Click on the images to open full size then save.

These sheets are set to print grey so the lines are not too prominent if you print directly onto your chosen card stock.

They appear very faint but will print OK.

- Box & Lid Liner, Lid Mount & Gift Card -

This second sheet is optional but the liners finish the box off nicely by hiding the glue flaps inside the box and lid.

Thanks for popping by

Elaine

Pop Up Christmas Card - 'Snowmen'

2009-11-16T16:13:00.003Z

This card was made using exactly the same process explained in our earlier post - 'Pop Up Card Tutorial'.

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

Instead of using the decoupage sheets 'Presents' I stamped and cut out two snowmen - ('Funstamps - Snowman' wood mounted stamp).

I've had this stamp for at least a couple of years but this is the first time I've actually used it. How bad is that!

The snowmen were stamped using VersaFine Onyx Black then coloured using watercolour pencils and a blending pen.

The background is chalked then stamped over with a small snowflake stamp. I stamped in VersaMark and used 'Seafoam White' embossing powder.

To finish I added crystal glitter highlights.

I doodled the 'snow ball mountain' and the snowmen are juggling doodled snowballs mounted onto the tips of acetate strips so it looks like they're in mid air.

I wanted the second snowman to reach out from the card and his arm to be in a different position to the original stamp.

Masking off didn't work so here's what I did:

- Changing a stamped image -

1. Stamped the snowman twice. Cut out the second - I used this later, to trace round (4).

2. Pencilled in the shape I wanted the second snowman's body to be.

3. Inked over the pencil, dotting inside my inked line (to match the style of the stamp's lines).

4. Placed the cut out snowman, from earlier, where I wanted the second hand to be.

5. Pencilled round the arm and hand.

6. Worked over the pencil lines as before.

7. Finally I cut out the amended snowman.

8. The variation on the original stamp.

Hope you have a go and thanks for visiting!

For free Xmas pyramage & backing papers click here

Pop up Valentine Flowers - click here

Free Download - Xmas Card Pop Up Tutorial

2009-11-10T10:55:00.002Z

Here is a tutorial for a simple pop-up Christmas card, based on a half A4 tent fold card blank.

There are free downloadable sheets at the end of the post.

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER LOOK

We've used our stamp - Hero Arts 'Leaf Flourish', stamped using VersaFine Onyx black.

EJ Craft Designs

The present is attached onto a stamped panel using small 3D foam pads and then to a silver mirror board mount using double sided tape.

The base card has been stamped again, inside, using VersFine Onyx black with a few crystal glitter highlights to finish.

The presents are attached using folded strips of card - more details below.

Here we've stamped with VersaMark and embossed with our 'Silver Dollar' embossing powder.

The presents and tag were printed onto silver metallic adhesive foil.

Crafty Computer Paper

The make of this fab film is 'print IT'

print IT

After printing leave to dry for at least 15 minutes.

Roughly cut out the pieces you need.

Peel off the backing.

Stick them to matching colour card.

Cut out as you would normally.

- POP UP TUTORIAL -

From the downloaded sheets cut one large and one small present.

You will also need to cut a tag.

To attach the presents to the inside:

Cut two strips of card:

1) 40mm high by 100mm wide (just under 4" x 1 & 9/16")

2) 20mm high by 80mm wide (3/4" x 3 & 1/8")

Fold each in half and in half again making quarter folds.

Form the strips into cubes so the folds work in the correct direction.

Open them flat and apply tape to three of the four quarters as shown above.

Fold each strip back in half with the two sections that are taped facing you.

With the two quarters that are taped facing you, attach the large present (face up) to the large tag.

A) Attach it close to the tag fold but not covering it.

B) the untaped section is visible on the reverse

Attach the small present to the smaller tag in the same way.

Printed side facing you, attach the small present to the large present -

C) lining up the base of the tag to the base of the large present.

Before removing the double sided tape backing from your tag

Open your card and position the presents -

line up the edge of the large present tag to the card centre fold (D & F)

Check that the top of the present doesn't run over the edge of the card (E)

If it does trim the end of the tag (F) until it fits.

Remove the tape backing and place in position.

Close the card, making sure that the presents remain in position.

Press firmly across the front of the card then open - the presents will pop up and forward.

The tag:

Cut a strip of card narrower than the tag and almost twice it's length.

Fold in half and apply double sided tape to both sides

Attach to the back of the tag.

Position and fix the tag to your card whilst the card is open.

FINISHED!

- DOWNLOAD SHEETS -Click on the images (this will open them to full size) then save.

They will need to be printed in 'Landscape'.

Have Fun!

Elaine

Pop up Valentine Flowers - click here

Free Download - Halloween Lantern

2009-10-30T16:17:00.003Z

A short break from Christmas because Halloween is here!!!!

If you haven't made a pumpkin lantern yet these are the quickest, easiest lanterns you can make.

There's a free download at the end of this post.

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A CLOSER VIEW

Print onto any colour paper - the choice is yours. Paper is better than card because it allows the light, from your candle, to shine through.

These lanterns have been printed onto UK A4 landscape.

If you have a laminator - run them through it. This will waterproof them and they will happily stand outside even if it rains.

After laminating simply roll the lantern into a tube, prick holes top, middle and bottom and fix with small brads.

If you haven't laminated you can glue or tape.

Place a night light into a glass or jam jar and pop the lantern over it.

They look good in daylight but they're fab when it gets dark!

Cut across the middle of the print-out and you have two shorter lanterns.

The best thing is - when Halloween's over, open the brads, and these lanterns can be stored flat in an envelope - ready for next year.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO OPEN IT FULL SIZE THEN SAVE

Just a few words of caution here, as with all candles, it isn't safe to leave them unsupervised, especially around children.

Adding sand or a small amount of water to the jar before inserting the candle is a good extra safety precaution.

Happy Halloween!
X

Click HERE

for Halloween Tags Project

Click HERE

for Halloween Card Project

Free Downloadable Decoupage Sheets - Christmas Robins

2009-10-28T17:21:00.019Z

As Christmas is just around the corner here's a quick and easy Christmas card project for you. We've really enjoyed making the samples and there are two free downloadable sheets at the end of this post.

A4 half fold card - 'from our family to yours'

The background was made using our Hero Arts 'Leaf Flourish' wood mounted stamp and VersaFine Onyx black ink.

The ribbon is 6mm wide red grosgrain (a favourite of ours).

Applying Glossy Accents to the eye gives the robin it's typical bright eyed look

These cards are very easy and quick to make and the ribbons give them a real touch of luxury.

The holly was simply punched from lime green light weight card, using our large holly punch, and edge-tinted with VersaColor 'Tea Green' Add berries using a red marker and finished off with Glossy Accents. Alternatively you could use small red gemstones.

This card uses our 16mm red grosgrain ribbon, bows are not always necessary, with some of the wider ribbons a knot can be just as effective and much easier!

Here we used our red satin 'baby ribbon', it's a small card and so the delicate baby ribbon suites it perfectly.

Or just keep the cards simple by mounting the images onto coloured card.

We've kept the outlines very simple so there's no fiddly cutting out.

Click on the sheets below to open full size then save.

Finally - here are links to three wonderful sites with information on our beautiful native Robin:
RSPB - Robins
BBC Wildlife - The secret life of the robin leaving the nest
Arkwildlife - Robin

Thanks for visiting and have fun!

For free Xmas pyramage & backing papers click here