Birthday Wishes from Across the Pond

So the return of my recent blogging has all be revolving around Christmas. Although this is normal for crafter's as we have to start early to ensure we have plenty ready come August/September for the Autumn and Winter fares. I know for non crafter's this can be a shock to the system and many don't really want to see Christmas this early on, so although I will have some future Christmas blog posts, for the time being here are some non Christmas Card and projects. 

This first blog post away from Christmas is a shaker birthday card I have made using Sue Wilson's die collections. There are 3 separate die collections from Sue used on this card. There are her Australian die collection and 2 of her finishing touches die collections. I love Sue Wilson's die's, they are by far my favourite die collections to use. They really are fun to use, not to mention so detailed and pretty. Many are so different in other styles out there, but not in a way where you look at them and think I don't know what id create with them as believe me there are some die ranges out there that try to bring out some very different styles and I think "I haven't got a clue how I will use them".          So the finished card that I have created can be seen in the photo below this paragraph. Beyond that you will see the full list of products that I have used and additional photos of how I have created the card. The finished card that I have created looks like this;

The Products I have used to create this card are below;

Sue Wilson die collections by Creative Expressions;

 Finishing touches;

 sweetheart flowers - CED1455

 Beaded swirl flourish - CED1457

Australian collection;

 Sydney - CED8104

PaperMill Direct;

Baby Pink plain 240gsm card stock

 White linen 255gsm card stock

 White super smooth 250gsm card stock (sentiment & insert)

Stix2 Anything;

 Glue glider pro - S57128

 19mm x 38mm x 3mm 3D foam pads - S57137

 5mm x 1mm x 50m double sided foam tape on a roll - GPAL11035151

 Pva glue with metal tip - S56890 

 6mm red liner tape - S57090

 8x8" card blank & envelope (6 pack) - S57340

 8x8 clear cello bag - K624

 Silicone glue - S57100

 Low tack stencil tape - S56994

 Non stick craft sheet - S57132

 Acetate 100 micron - S57131  

 Pick up tool twin pack (pokey tool) - S57373

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When die cutting the heart flowers in pink, keep the inner hearts that have come out and keep them to create the shaker centre of the card. I have also die cut a couple of the hearts in white card just so i can get some white hearts for the centre of my shaker card.

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Papermill Direct Baby Pink, White super smooth                                                    and White Linen card stock.

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Just some of Stix2 anything Adhesives and product range                                     used to create this shaker card.

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All the die cut elements cut out using Papermill Directs card stock. The only thing I changed after I had taken this photo was that I die cut the flourish in Pink and not white. 

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When it comes to making the shaker element of the card, you want to make sure the are no gaps in the surrounding 3D element. For this, the best thing to use is Stix2 foam on a roll. This enables you to run the foam around corners and circles without creating a break where your shaker elements can fall out. Please note that when you run the foam around in a circle, it is normal for the backing to tear slightly. This is ok as you will find the actual foam is in tacked. I also recommend using a 2mm or 3mm foam on a roll. I only had a 1mm roll so just doubled up the layers of 1mm foam tape.

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The end result turned out like this. For the insert I have printed my verse onto White super smooth and matted and layered it onto Baby Pink card. 

Thank you for taken the time to pop across to my blog and have a wee look and read. Feel free to leave any comments or ask any questions and I will get back to you. 

In the mean time please also pop across to my                                             Facebook page and give me a Like;

www.facebook.com/craigscardcreations.

www.creative-expressions.uk.com

www.papermilldirect.co.uk

www.stix2.co.uk

Until next time, sleep tight!

Craig x

A Very Merry Christmas Deco Large Hunkydory Crafts Design Team Samples.

Every year, Hunkydory fans are always waiting on the new Christmas decoupage collection. Last year in 2016 everyone waited on the first Christmas Deco Large Collection released by Hunkydory Crafts and as always, they did not disappoint  Then comes the 2017 Christmas Deco Large collection which is just phenomenal  Decopage is my favourite card style to make and I love the Deco Large collections and this one is by far my favourite. The images are simply stunning, the detail is outstanding and the foiling as always is just  on point. The turn around for making my samples was quite short however I enjoyed every second of it, took me a while to come up with some ideas but the ideas I came up with are different, well some are different but I am really pleased with them all. It was a full on weekend last weekend making the samples and late nights too but it was so worth it. I am especially pleased with the Christmas shaker parcel I made that you will find at the end of this blog post. 

When it comes to the layers I prefer and love to use 3D foam pads, I do occasionally use Silicone glue by Stix2 or Glue Gel by Pinflair but over all its 3D foam pads. I love to use larger 3D foam pads as you can cut them down to any size you want however dont forget you can also get 5mm foam pad squares and even smaller ones that are perfect for Deco large, it just means you dont clog up your scissors with adhesive residue. 

For the first time ever I have blogged all my Design Time samples on the day the collection has launch. Usually what I do is post some of my samples day by day on my Facebook page. Which if you have a minute  please head across and give my page a like - www.facebook.com/craigscardcreations 

So enough blabbering on, below you will find photos of all my samples I have made using the "A Very Merry Christmas" Deco Large Collection. Some that have extra dimension when it comes to acetate will have additional photos. 

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This 8x8" card has been made using the "Santa Claus is coming to town" Deco Large sheets. I decopaged the elements onto the back ground card instead of the main topper image. I then created a acetate box wrap using the snowfall foiled acetate. The layers are Black Adorable Scorable and Gold Mirri card.

I made a co-ordinated box to gift the card in. The box has been made using Hunkydory Crafts A3 Adorable Scorable and the layers co-ordinate with the card when it comes to the Black A/S and Gold Mirri Card. The embossed layer is a piece of Ink Me card stock and embossed with a Crafters Companion 8x8" embossing folder. The small square layer is left over from the backgroud card blank.

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This is an A5 card made using the Robin Redbreast Deco Large sheet. The bottom of the background card has a lovely holly border that I cut out using my small Fiskars scissors and created a bridge or a border wrap at the bottom to give extra dimention. The layers are EverGreen Adorable Scorable and Gold Mirri card. 

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I kept this 8x8" card quite simple where it was all about matting and layering. The image used is called "Christmas Choir" The layers are Deep Purple Adorable Scorable, in actual fact it is a Purple from one of HD first limited edition A/S bundles they have done. The Mirri layer is their Rainbow Mirri card.

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I Love this image from the collection, it is titled "A classic Christmas" and I love it because its just that - A classic Christmas. The main base is Ever Green A/S on a layer of Gold Mirri card. I placed a sheet of Snowfall foiled acetate on top. The Deco Large image its self also has a small lager of foiled acetate on the 2nd or 3rd layer and then have created an acetate dome again using the foiled acetate and the borders from  the background card. I have also added some Snow Drift diamond sparkles.

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The Deco Large image used on this card is called "Winter Woodland". The background card as two pattered columns on each end so I have cut them off and made a couple of  foiled columns using the Snowfall Foiled acetate. The Adorable Scorable used is like a Metallic Blue colour and I have used some Rainbow Mirri card.

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This card is very different and it is in fact a card. I have created a large snowflake card using my Brother ScanNCut and Hunkydory's A3 White ink me card block and A3 Rainbow Mirri card. The image used is called "Santa's Sleigh Ride". On the inside I have created a square matt where it can be written on. 

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This image again is one of my favourites if not my absolute favourite, I love Labrador dogs and this image is just so cute. It is titled "Cosy Christmas Eve". This card like a previous one I layered the elements onto the background card instead of the foiled base that comes with the collection. I created an easel card added some ribbon to finish off. The border flag ends have been cut from a border on the background card. 

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I thought I would created a wall hanging using this image called "Let's Build a Snowman". I used a set of square layering dies by Tonic Studios and sandwiched between the layers is a sheet of Snowfall Foiled acetate. 

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Then it comes to my final project which was actually my first project I made. It wont surprise you it took a long time to create. It took the full Sunday and Sunday night to make. It has been made using the image called "Christmas Cottage". The idea started as a simple shaker card that then evolved to a shaker box that then turned into a shaker parcel. The Adorable Scorable used is Poinsettia Red and again the snowfall foiled acetate. The inside is filled with diamond sparkle snowdrift, glitter and small snowflakes cut from my Brother ScanNCut. Considering it took a long time to make, it was well worth it and I am so pleased with the end result. 

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There are also another 3 Deco large sheets in the collection that I was unable to make samples using due to running out of time. They are called "Little Shepherd Boy", "Winter on the Canal" and "Toyshop Treasures". This full collection really is simply stunning and you will enjoy using it. 

I really hope you like my samples whether your a Hunkydory user or not and please feel free to leave any comments and again head across to my Facebook page and give it a like. 

Craig x

DL Poinsettia Card

Cant believe I'm actually doing  blog post, the last time I blogged was back on the 6th September 2016. Iv been meaning to get into blogging again but it can be a time consuming thing to do. I have taken photos and written instructions of previous cards and projects iv made with the intent to blog them, but i never did get round to it.

So here we are, fingers crossed and all going well, the start of many blog posts. This one I have kept quite east and straight forward but as I continue over time they will get more detailed with better photos and instructions including step by step instructions.

So for this blog post, I have recently received the new Poinsettia dies by Tattered Lace, well its from the flower forming range that purchased off Create and Create. When making some Christmas cards from previous Hunkydory Crafts Christmas collections, I came across a strip of background card left over that was a perfect size for a DL card so the idea of mixing the 2 together just instantly popped out at me. I was really pleased with the end result. The Ruby Red card stock is by Papermill Direct and the Gold Mirri card is from the Mirriboard brand. The Card blank and adhesives are by Stix2 anything including the DL cello back to keep it safe once finished. 

Hope you like the end result and feel free to leave a comment. 

I couldn't craft without my Stix2 products. For this card iv used their DL card blank, 3D foam pads, Silicone glue, double sided tape and their pokey (piercing tool). I also used their pva glue with metal tip which I forgot to include in this photo.

To create the Poinsettias i have used the flower forming poinsettia die range by Tattered Lace. I used Papermill Directs ruby Red 240gsm for the flowers  and dark Green 240gsm card stock for the leaves. the leaves didnt come with this collection. They came with a previous flower collection also by Tattered Lace. For the centre of the poinsettias I have used gold Mirri card by the Mirri Board brand. 

I made 2 sets of Poinsettias and on 1 of the sets I used Pebeo renaissance Gold gilding wax and lights rubbed the edges to give a slight distressed look to the Poinsettias. I really loved the look if these however I did choose to used the un gilded Poinsettias for my finished card.

Photos of different views of my finished DL Poinsettia Christmas card.

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Thank you for checking out my blog post.                                                      I appreciate you taken the time to look.

Craig x 

Make the most from your Topper sheet.

Hello, it's been a while since I lat blogged anything so thought it was about time I got on and blogged. 

 This time I haven't done a step by step tutorial on how to make a specific card or project, what I have done is tried to show you how many cards you can make from one Hunkydory Crafts topper sheet. I have added a couple of my own bits and bobs but in general the main element and background is from the topper sheet and coordinated background card. 

 The show you this, I have chosen Hunkydorys Botanique collection that came with their latest Crafting with Hunkydory magazine - issue 31. The topper sheet I have used is titled Birthday Bloom. 

 As you will see from below there are a number of different styles and sizes you can make. Simply by adding some adorable Scorable or if you don't have AD, any coloured card stock such as Bazzill Basics will also work well. As I said, the card finishes are additional but the main cards have been made using the collection. 

 The cards have been created using Stix2 anything adhesives. 

I just used some Cherry Pie Adorable Scorable and gold mirri. The ribbon is from my HD stash and the flowers have been cut using AD. The card candi are little extra. 

 Again, I have used Adorable Scorable and Gold Mirri card. The spider web, now and card candi are little extras. 

This 7x7 card is using the main image on one of the background cards. The border is from the topper sheet. I have added the Adorable Scorable, Gold Mirri card and bow. 

 This DL card is made using a topper and background card. Just added Adorable Scorable and Gold Mirri. 

 Other than the Adorable Scorable, Gold Mirri and ribbon, all I have done is made my own sentiment. 

Hopefully I have shown how far each topper sheet can go and still create lovely looking cards.

Craig 

www.facebook.com/craigscardcreations 

www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk

www.stix2.co.uk

Stylish Bumble Bee 8x8 card.

 Well hello, thank you for take the time to pop across here and have a look and read of my blog post. 

 Hope you all had a great weekend, what ever trouble you decided to get up to? Did you get some sun? Wasn't the best here but however yesterday (Monday) was a cracker of a day. The sun was out all day and was very warm, so much so I took Beau for 2 long walks, a small walk at night and he even had a water fight with the water hose.  

 I can't get enough of the stylish silhouettes & more specifically the bumble bees. I keep saying my next blog post using the stylish silhouettes with a card or prodject make using one of the other elements and laser cut designs but I keep going back to the bumble bees haha. Not sure if it's the combination of the black and yellow and mixing it up either hexagon stamps. 

 I was going to use my Brother ScanNCut but when I was in Hobbycraft last week, I picked up Crafters Companion new magazine with has some mini hexagon dies and embossing folder so I think this is why I made another card using the Bumble Bees. 

 The backing of the Hexagon apertures is yellow distressed gingham patterned paper from a 12x12 paper pad I bought when I was in Michaels craft store in NYC coming up to a year ago. I love it and always like to combine the use of it with my Stylish Silhouettes. I would walk back to Michaels just to get a lot more paper pads. 

 It wouldn't be a card of mine with out using Bazzill Basics. 2 brands of card stock I always and only use and that's Hunkydorys Adorable Scorable and of course Bazzill Basics. When it comes to cutting my elements I always use my Fiskars products. Other than my 12" guillotine I have by Tonic Studios - all my cutting equipment is Fiskars. 

 Of course it wouldn't be one of my cards without being made using Stix2 Anything adhesives. The only adhesives i use when it comes to my own cards and projects. Nothing will ever come close to beating their products and it's not something I will ever want to try. It's pointless as they can't be beaten.

 It's a slightly longer blog post today but I hope you enjoy it and if you do follow the tutorial, I hope you have lots of fun. 

 

Hunkydory Crafts; www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk

Wishes on Wings Honeybee and Ladybug laser cuts.

http://www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk/stylish-silhouettes-wishes-on-wings-honeybees-ladybugs-sil1003.html

Wishes on Wings - Sentiments and Wishes laser cuts.

http://www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk/stylish-silhouettes-wishes-on-wings-sentiments-wishes-sil1009.html

Wishes on Wings "Bees Knees" clear stamp set

http://www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk/wishes-on-wings-stamp-set-bees-knees-silstamp103.html

6x6 Foiled patterned card stock

http://www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk/stylish-silhouettes-wishes-on-wings-luxury-foiled-card-pad-fcp10.html

"Ink me" A4 card

http://www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk/ink-me-professional-stamping-card-50-sheet-value-pack-stamp112.html

4mm White pearls

http://www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk/diamond-sparkles-gemstones-4mm-pastel-pearls-gem135.html

Stix2 Anything;

www.stix2.co.uk

9mm double sided tape - FPAL2732950

http://www.stix2.co.uk/double-sided-flushedge-tisssue-tape-9mmx50m?filter_name=FPAL2732950

19mm X 38mm X 2mm 3D foam pads - S57137

http://www.stix2.co.uk/foam-pads-19mm-x-38mm-x-2mm?filter_name=S57137

5mm X 5mm X 3mm 3D foam pads - S57083

http://www.stix2.co.uk/5mmx5mmx3mm-craft-pads-value-pack?filter_name=S57083

Pva glue with metal tip - S56890

http://www.stix2.co.uk/30ml-ph-neutral-pva-glue-with-metal-nib?filter_name=S56890

Low tack masking tape - S56994

http://www.stix2.co.uk/stencil-tape-24mmx25m?filter_name=S56994

8x8" card blank 6pack - S57340

http://www.stix2.co.uk/paper-and-card-range/card-and-envelopes/8''-8''-white-card-and-envelopes

Bazzill Basics;

 Yellow smooth card stock

 Black smooth card stock

Addition items;

 Yellow gingham 12x12" paper - Tattered & Worn collection - Reflections (Michaels store NYC)

Gold Promarker pen

Black Promarker pen

Onyx Black ink pad - Versa Fine 

Mini Hexagon die set - Free with Crafters Inspiration magazine by Crafters Companion

Gemini die cutting machine - Crafters Companion

Coloured/gold parchment paper - own stash 

12x12 paper trimmer and embroidery scissors - Fiskars 

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1- Mat your chosen foiled card stock onto a piece of black card stock measuring 16cm X 16cm and then onto a piece of Yellow card stock measuring 17cm X 17cm.

2- Using your 4 1/2cm hexagon die, die cut 4 apertures in the bottom right hand corner.

3- Take your 3 1/2cm hexagon die, die cut 1 aperture in the top left hand corner. 

4- Using the 4 1/2cm & 3 1/2cm hexagons dies nested inside each other, die cut 4 large hollow hexagon shapes.

5- Now using the 3 1/2cm & 2 1/2cm hexagon dies nested inside each other, die cut 1 hollow hexagon shape. 

6- Take your chosen pattern background paper and trim to 14cm X 14cm.

7- Attach your background paper to the back of your foiled card stock using pva glue with metal tip. 

8- Take your yellow die cut hexagons and attach back into the die cut hexagons apertures that have been backed with the patterned paper. 

9- Mat and layer your layers using double sided tape or your chosen adhesives while adding 3D foam pads on the back of the yellow square layer. 

10 - Cut a piece of black card to 20 x20cm, yellow card to 19 1/2 X 19 1/2cm, White card to 19 x19cm and yellow patterned paper to 18 1/2 X 18 1/2cm. 

11- Take your patterned background paper and your triple honeycomb stamp and stamp the image randomly around the edges. Randomly colour in certain honeycombs with gold Promarker and mat onto white card stock. 

12-  Matt and layer all the card stock layers and stamped paper and attach to an 8x8" card blank using double sided tape. 

13- Take your foiled layered hexagon square with 3D foam on the back and place on to your Matt and layered card base. 

14- Using a black Promarker, colour in your laser cut bumble bee and sentiment. On the sentiment and the body of the Bee place a piece of yellow card stock being using your pva glue. Then behind the wings, add a piece of coloured/gold parchment paper also using your pva glue. 

15- Using 3D foam pads on the back of the Sentiment and the bumble bee, attach to your card base. 

16- To finish off your card, colour in 4 White 4mm pearls with the Gold Promarker and attach to your card in all 4 corners. 

www.facebook.com/craigscardcreations 

Thank you for stopping by. Please keep a watch out for my next blog post. 

Craig X