Flowers, Ribbons and Pearls

Apology

2025-10-13T18:50:00.001+01:00

Hi Everybody,

I am so sorry that I have not been around for a while but last week I was not well.

I took the time to rest and take things easy until I felt better and I am happy to say that I now do.

But having said that I am still taking time off. I have such a lot of cards already made and I have such a lot of boxes to make for them and there is no point in filming that as it will just be a repeat of other videos that I have already done on that subject.

In the meantime there are lots videos on the blog and also on YouTube that I have done for you to view and I will try to get back to you just as soon as I can but I must admit my mojo has gone serious walkabouts.

Much love to you all

A6 Cards for a change ...

2025-10-03T08:00:00.034+01:00

Hi Everybody,

I have had a rest from making flowers and my favourite card size of 5x7 and these two are both A6 sizes.

They are created using the same designer card from AnnaMarie Designs, just used in different ways.

There is another card on there as well under the circles and the flowers, but it is not quite visible.

They have the same sentiments, the same Mulberry flowers and the same Rose Flourish leaf set.

I have used other dies in my collections to give me the patterns on the card and one of them has lace added to it and some beaded strip alongside the panel.

All the flowers have been glittered and for this card I have roughened up the edges of the top panel.

I am trying to use up the items that I already have in my sash without buying new stuff and it is amazing what you find when you start to have the clear up.

May items bought years ago and forgotten about ... until now !!

And it gets rid of all the previously cut card that I have left over in my bit box ... waste not, want not !!

This card has the detail created from white card to sit over the third design in the card and they have been added with foam tape underneath

So although I have used the same things I have tried to use them in different parts on the cards to give each one a unique look

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Another Way to use Pages

2025-10-02T08:00:00.007+01:00

Hi Everybody,

For this card I have again used the Pretty Book pages but I have added them in a different way to my card.

Here I have adhered two pages in different patterns so that one overlaps the other. The top page has the detailed layer and both have been added at an angle.

The sentiment is added to the bottom of the card and the flowers placed in three areas and glittered.

The dark green leaves have been added behind the blooms.

If you look carefully at the designer card underneath it has little feet on it and so would be an excellent choice for a baby card .... but my brain wasn't working when I made this and so it is a birthday card instead.

It is a 5x7 size and the fold as always is at the top and the mix of Mulberry flowers have ben added with a glue gun.

This card has the matching box to it and that is another older die set.

I added decoration to each of the pages on this book and I also created a stand for it which fits inside the box at the same time.

There are other designs on my YouTube Channel in the
Pretty Book Playlist.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Pretty Book Collection Card, Box & Stand

2025-10-01T08:00:00.037+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This is an older card that I made some time ago but I am including it again because it has the tutorial to go with it for both making the card and then the box and stand.

Together they make a lovely gift for someone's special occasion and if you have the dies then they are easy to make.

It is beautiful in any colour you choose and you can add any flowers to this that you may already have.

I have added the bookmark to the centre and threaded it fist with ribbon.

Hope you enjoy the making of this lovely gift.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Happy Birthday in Pink

2025-09-30T08:00:00.003+01:00

Hi Everybody,

A pretty 5x7 card with a large oval cut into silver mirror card for the front.

It covers some pretty pink 300gsm star card from
Limetree Crafts.

I get mine from the craft shows they attend but you can get the same card on line and they are UK based.

There are many different designs and colours to choose from and well worth a visit.

The mirror card is embossed and I think that is also from Limetree Crafts but I am not sure about that one.

The butterfly is cut form the same card and has gemstones along the bodyline and has been layered onto parchment.

The floral display is Mulberry Flowers and they have been glittered and added to green and silver leaves.

Very quick and easy to make and yet very pretty to send for someone's birthday

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Pretty Book Pages

2025-09-29T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Everybody,

The card to the right is created using a really old die set from Card Making Magic called the
Pretty Book.

It makes the base shape for you and then you can add as many pages to your book as you would like

I have also used the filigree pattern for the top page and then added in extra butterflies and some Mulberry flowers.

I have glittered the flowers and added gemstones to the body lines of the butterflies

There is also the addition of a decorative hat pin that can just be seen on the left side of this card.

The centre book mark has been threaded with blue ribbon and a small bow glued to the top.

This card is a birthday version but on my YouTube Channel in the Pretty Book Playlist you will find wedding and Baby Card version as well.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Using Feathers ...

2025-09-26T08:00:00.035+01:00

Hi Everybody,

Todays card has the addition of an organza flower but for this one I have added it to some feathers instead of leaves

I have also added in some half back pearls to the flowers petals and some of the feathers.

It has been layered onto a white base card which is a 5x7 with the fold at the top, with pink and woodgrain layers to create the look.

I have cut a silver frame from two oval dies and used a patterned die to create the trellis pattern in the centre.

This has then been added to a plain pink background oval and added with foam tape underneath.

To help everything stay together I have glued the feathers and the flower to a peice of card board that is not visible from the front, and then glued that to the card itself.

The feathers came in a pack with lots of them and they are really cheap.

They go a long way, come in lots of different colours and will last you for ages.

Just another idea to throw into the mix ...

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Making Flowers Hessian

2025-09-25T08:00:00.057+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This quick and easy card was created using one of the stiffened Hessian flowers that I stamped some text onto and then die cut into the petal shape I wanted.

It has just been added to a stencilled background and I have tucked green leaves behind the bloom. The stencilling is done onto Kraft Card

The sentiment is cut from silver mirror card and stacked with white card to give it depth. I have hot glued the flower to the card front for safety.

The finished size is a small A6 but I have kept the fold at the top.

Here is the video in case you needed to refresh the process

Pop Up Boxes

2025-09-24T08:00:00.003+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This was a little box that I made years ago and videoed the process. I created mine in pink and made it as a baby card.

I also have a video on my YouTube channel using dies to create the same box, but if you don't have any dies then this one will show you how I made the box without using any dies at all.

You can add to the centre of yours anything that you would like to suit the person you are making it for.

For example tools as a tool box for a handyman, gardening instruments for the garden lover , butterflies, hearts for Valentines Day or anything else that you prefer.

I am adding the link to the video here and remember that this is an old video though still relevant today.

Once the pop up box is created you will need a further box to gift it and the next video will show the creation of that one as well.

A really easy project to do and it will create a very beautiful gift for any occasion.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

More floral cards ...

2025-09-23T08:00:00.005+01:00

Hi Everybody,

Todays cards are created at the same time a yesterdays two are the same size as them which is A6.

These too also have stencilled backgrounds to them and use the same sentiment, die cut to blend with the card

For the card to the right I stamped, in Versamark, the flowers onto some parchment, and heat embossed with gold powder.

They are coloured from the wrong side with pens and then free hand cut out.

I die cut a thin zig zag strip in pale pink and added the parchment over the top .

The sentiment has ben cut three times and stacked together and the little gemstones have been dotted around the front for decoration.

For the card to the left I have used a stencil that comes in three parts to give the pattern and once again added die cuts that are left over from other projects.

This flower is a felt one and this was covered in a video a while ago.

The pearls are simply left white and dotted around the panel.

So although created in a similar way to yesterdays cards they all look different due to the additions and the flowers that have been used.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Floral Cards

2025-09-22T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Everybody,

These two cards are both A6 size and created in the same way.

They both have a stencilled panel added to the base card created with Distress Oxides, and both use bits and pieces that I have found in my bit box.

Both have handmade flowers attached to them and both use the same sentiment cut several times in different colours and stacked together for depth.

For this card to the right I have added my stencilled panel to another layer of black card and added the die cut panel at an angle and trimmed the edges.

The flower is made from felt and both flowers have been covered in a previous videos.

The pearls on both card were originally white and I have coloured them to match the card with alcohol markers.

The card to the left has no other layer to it and these flowers are made from an old pair of jeans.

I have mixed in some other white mulberry flowers and leaves to this display just to bulk it out a little more.

Both cards are created with a top fold and are now ready to send.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Autumn Themed Card

2025-09-19T08:00:00.003+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This pretty cards has been created with the 5x7 Plaited with Love die set, that has been around for a long time now.

I have used tones of orange and brown for this design and used the die to add the trellis pattern into it..

It also has a large Hessian flowers on the front with green leaves pushed in behind the bloom.

Each petal has a diamante flower in the middle of it.

I have added the display to a brown tag with the hole at the top and threaded it with orange ribbon.

Between the layers to the card I have glued in cardboard to give some height.

It is not that deep that it won't fit into an envelope, but you can always add it to a box if yours turns out deeper than mine.

The "So Sorry" sentiment is layered in gold and added to the bottom of the panels.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Octagon Box & Layers

2025-09-17T08:00:00.003+01:00

Hi Everybody,

As a change from making flowers I thought I would throw in a video for making boxes that I did some time ago.

This is the Octagon Box and I made several trays to go on the inside that can be filled with anything you like.

My favourite was the layer with chocolates on it and I can tell you they didn't last long.

The depth to the sides of the box can be altered to suit you simply by adjusting the size of the card that you choose and the video will show you how.

I did this video six years ago but it is still relevant and up to date today so I hope you enjoy it, especially if you have the box dies that I designed.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Hessian Flower in Orange

2025-09-16T08:00:00.019+01:00

Hi Everybody,

Here is another of the Hessian flowers that I made in a previous video and I still have quite a few flowers that I can use up on my cards

This one was created with a circular die and coloured with Distress Oxides and a large gold centrepiece added to the middle of the bloom.

It was made very quickly with a stencilled background and then I added in the extra shapes that I have cut with a trellis die.

The finished card is a 5x7 and I have different shades of orange as the layers to the front.

It is another card that was quick and easy to make and this is another one for my charity box that is once again filling up.

I spent hole day over the weekend just making boxes to go with those cards that have the deeper flowers on them, and now they are ready to go also.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Using Desk Top Finds

2025-09-15T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This card is using all the desk top finds that I already have on my desktop and I am happy with the result.

The Trellis in the centre is from the Plaited with Love collection and this is one of my all time favourite die sets.

The flower is made from Hessian and I have coloured it with Distress Oxides, and I share that process in a video that is on YouTube.

Making Flowers with Hessian

The gold card has been embossed in a folder and then added to a knitted card background and the finished size is a 5x7.

I always make extra die cuts when everything is out for just such an occasion as this and then it is quicker and easier than starting from scratch every time I want to make a card.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Perfect Panels ...

2025-09-12T08:00:00.024+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This is one of my favourite die sets and I designed this a long time ago, so long ago it is now no longer available.

But if you are lucky enough to have it in your collection then maybe you would like to get it out again.

I used this set a lot and it made some really beautiful cards all of which got sold on Etsy.

Perfect Panels

is not a long video but it will show you how I made this card.

I made this card in may different colours and each one was a pretty as the other.

And this is still a die set that I use on a regular basis and I am never disappointed with the end result.

I am re-visiting many of my older dies sets lately as I am still determined to use the items that I already have and not to buy any thing new.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Restocking Base Cards

2025-09-11T08:00:00.002+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This has been one of those days where I have needed to re stock on items that I need on a daily basis.

The main task I have done is create new base cards ready to use.

I use A3 card that I buy in a smooth white variety that I get from Hobby Craft

I fold the card in half along the long side.

Once folded and scored with my bone folder I trim it down to a 5x7 size and keep the fold at the top

From that A3 card I can get two cards and this morning I have cut forty cards ready to use, and I still have lots of A3 card left.

I store them in an empty ice cream tub and that keeps them on my desktop so that they stay flat and straight

I have repeated the process folding the same A3 card in half along the short side and cut that every 4" to give me four 4 cards that are a fraction short of 6"

I don't waste the bits that are cut off either.

The shorter pieces can be used for stamping sentiments onto and storing in a safe place and the longer pieces can be used to make backgrounds with.

For these pieces I have used Distress Oxides in Antique Linen and Broken China.

I have inked smooshed the colour onto the card, stamped the flowers in black ink. added text to the card with the Broken China.

Then with Versamark I have added the other patterns and heat embossed gold powder onto the panels.

They are now ready to use on my base cards when I come to make a card. I can use them as they are, layer them onto other pieces or cut them into flowers. in fact I can do whatever I want to with them.

Just an idea you may like to try and it is cheaper than buying ready made base cards.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Making Flowers - Foamiran

2025-09-10T08:00:00.002+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This is a lovely product to work with and foamiran can create really lovely flowers for your cards.

You can get it in lots of places and it usually comes in packs often with different colours in each pack.

It is easy to work with and you can mould it with the heat from your hands to create the petals.

But I find it easier to use an ordinary household iron, set on a low heat, to get the foamiran to curl a little bit more.

Making Flowers - Foamiran

There are all different styles of flowers and many different ways to make them .

You will find lots of tutorials on YouTube showing you what to do and this video is just one of the styles that can be made.

As always use any flowers and leaf dies that you have and make the card how YOU like it.

You can also add any embellishments that you have in your own bit box.
This card has the fold at the top and it is a 5x7 with layers to the front.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Black & White Flower Card

2025-09-09T11:48:00.004+01:00

Hi Everybody,

The weather here today is glorious and it will soon be time for a dog walk.

I have taken Ruby to the groomers for a bath and a haircut as she missed the last one when she was poorly.

But now that she is better again Dougal and I will go and collect her and then we will go walkies ...
somewhere where it is clean !!

Todays card is an old one that has been created from an older die and stamp set that I have had for years

The flowers have been stamped in black and heat embossed with clear powder then cut out using the die.

I think the neutral colours make such a change from all the coloured card that I have used in other designs.

It is a DL size and I have layered it with black and white spotty card on a plain black layer.

I have added small flower pearls to the centres and a black acrylic butterfly also.

I have also done the same design in a coloured way to ring the changes.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Pink Felt Flower

2025-09-08T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Everybody,

I am in the process of using up some more of the flowers that I have made over the past few months and this large one is created with felt.

I have hot glued it in place, with other types of flowers added to the sides, and green leaves tucked in behind.

The black die cut is one I found on my desktop from a previous project, and I have added with cardboard underneath it to a pink layer and then the white base card.

The pearls are from a pre-formed circle embellishment that I have cut down to fit around the flowers.

It is a simple "Thank You" card and it is very pretty and the finished size of this card is A6 with the fold at the top.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Christmas Mistletoe

2025-09-05T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is for Christmas and features some Mistletoe on a lovely swirly background.

Both dies are from my own designs but are really old collections and so probably not available any more.

But if you already have them then get them out again and make use of them.

The background dis in in three parts and I have cut mine in pink, black and white and layered them together.

The Mistletoe leaves are cut in dark green with the berries represented in silver.

I used some pink glitter card for the bow and the sentiments were already in my bit box.

It is a5x7 card with the fold at the top and this is the first of the batch for this Christmas which comes around far too quickly.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Pretty Felt Rose

2025-09-04T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This is another circular design that is done in layers with stitched edge dies and plain ones on white card.

I have also cut a detailed layer in silver and used some card board underneath to raise it up from the base.

Around the edge of the pattern I have woven some thin pink organza ribbon in and out of the pattern and then ended with a little bow in the same ribbon to one side.

I found this sentiment on my desktop and used circular pearls around the edges and added this with small pieces of cardboard too.

The rose is made from pink felt and I have glittered the edges of the petals.

The white leaves have been tucked behind the bloom and I used hot glue to keep it in place.

Don't forget when you are making a card with a curved edge that it will not stand up alone unless you level off the back part of the card.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Making Flowers with Crepe Paper

2025-09-03T08:00:00.003+01:00

Hi Everybody,

Todays card is made from Crepe Paper and this is really cheap and relatively easy to get hold of. The video is very short and the results are pretty, and would be suitable for many occasions.

Use any flower or leaf dies that you have and also any embossing folder too. Your card will look different to mine but the principal will be the same.

Making Flowers - Crepe Paper

Crepe Paper comes in many different colours so choose your favourite ones and make some flowers.

You could pierce the middle of the flower and add some stamens if you preferred, but again use anything that you already have in your stash.

Don't go buying any new stuff ... we all have items that we bought and have not used in a long time or even at all. Now is the time to get them out again.

The little butterflies are some that I have had for many years and they were sent to me by one of my readers when I said I liked the ones I had but was running out of them. I get a brand new roll in the post and I am sill using them on my cards.

I cannot remember the name of the person who sent them to me but thank you they have been very handy.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx

Baby card

2025-09-02T10:15:00.000+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This card is one created quite some time ago and it is another one that will welcome a new baby. You could make this any colour you preferred and add flowers to it if you wanted.

I have made many circular cards in the past and this one also has a smaller circle added to the top that has been embossed.

The butterflies have been stamped and cut out with dies to add to the card and the sentiment is also stamped and cut with a banner die.

I have no idea where the stamps and dies are from as they are all very old. But I find I buy items and use them once, or sometimes not at all, and then they get stored away and never used again.

Not just dies and stamps but all types of things and then I forget what they are for …. And so I made my decision not to buy anything new and so far I have stuck to it and probably saved myself a lot of money.

You will see that many of my cards will be using the same dies, stamps, ribbon and card stock that is in my craft room

This is a very quick and easy card to create and is sure to please the parents, and I am sure the baby would be very happy with it too

Bye for now …

Hugs xx

Denim Dahlia

2025-09-01T08:00:00.014+01:00

Hi Everybody,

This flowers is created by adding some cheap white glue and a little water to the denim to make it stiffer and then cutting it out with a really old dahlia die from Spellbinders.

It is the same technique I shared with you in the Hessian video for making your fabric have more shape to create the flowers.

Use any dies and glue that you have but don’t add too much water. Paint it onto the fabric which an old paint brush.

You will need to allow the glue to dry over night and you may need to run it through the die cutting machine several times to get the die to cut through the fabric.

Once cut I added two layers together, off setting the petals as I did and then hot glued a pearly centrepiece to the middle of the flower.

I added the same type of pearl flower to the bow.

I have layered the card base in blue and silver, and used die cuts that I found on my desktop that have been left over from other projects.

The silver mirror card has been added to an embossing folder for more texture.
Then all the layers have been added to a white 5x7 base card with the fold at the top.

Bye for now ...

Hugs xx