Card for a Piano Player

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I made this for a fellow piano player using a recycled image. I used adhesive piano key paper down the edge of the card and punched out black notes, and added recycled sentiment.


Christina says ...

This is an unusual card with a particular person in mind, and it always helps to know the recipients hobbies and interests..... especially men!!

It is always useful to go through old cards that you still have.

Maybe they are no longer fashionable, cards do go out of fashion when new ideas come onto the market.

Perhaps you don't like them any more, or you're just not happy with the way they turned out.

Don't just throw them away, no have a look and see if there is some element from the card that can be salvaged and re-cycled for another design that you have in mind.

It saves you money in the long run and we all want that ... to buy more crafting goodies for our "Stash"

Card for my one year old nephew

by Rosie
(Scotland)

Very simply made card using scalloped circle and a clown image.
The wording was self adhesive stickers.


Christina says ...

Children always love the bright and breezy colours that make up a design for them and on these kind of cards you can let our imagination run riot.

Make them as bright as you can, but be careful items don't fall off that could choke a small child.

There are more ideas for childrens cards in the Cardmaking Ideas section in the NavBar to your left.

And many, many more in the Novelty Cards
Some you can make especially for children, and others that the kids will enjoy making for themselves ... especially in the school holidays.

Oriental Cards

by Rosie
(Scotland)

These Oriental Cards are made following simple instructions and some improvisation.

I added flower gems, scalloped squares and matching punched mini flowers to complement the design.

Christina says...

The Oriental theme is very popular in the card making arena at present. And these are really lovely Rosie.

The colours and the embellishments that are added can all enhance the theme and make the cards really individual.

There are lots of kits around that will give you all the elements needed to produce the look and some of the handmade papers are really lovely.

Red is considered very lucky and when teamed with gold is the choice for Bridal outfits in some parts.

Decoupage cards

by Rosie
(Scotland)

These Decoupaged cards where made a while ago and I enjoyed making them.

I liked the images so much I got the stamps too, which I will now have to try out.

Christina says...

Decoupage is an old technique but it has been adapted to suit modern methods.

When it first started it involved layers of the same paper image, and varnish in between each layer to seal the paper and build it up.

It was used to decorate books and lampshades, as well as furniture and could get very messy.

In fact any item could be decoupaged and invariably was.

These days it is a much easier production but the results can be just as spectcular.

It still consists of adding layers to build up the image but this is done by the use of foam pads, foam rolls or silicone glues.

The method is to add ever smaller areas of the image to make it look as if it is 3 dimensional, and of course kept to a proprtion that can be added to the front of a card.

They can be floral, or animals, or children as Rosie has shown in her cards.

And there are some really cute cartoon characters that make delightful cards for all age groups and occasions.

Stamped Embossed Male Card

by Rosie
(Scotland)

Husbands Birthday Card.

This male themed card was made for my hubbys birthday.

I used a crimper for the gold card backing and then inked the edges in black.

I finished it with black gems and a sentiment.

I enjoyed doing this and he liked it too.



Christina says ...

Male cards are always difficult to produce.

They don't want pink, flowers, lace, ribbons or feathers on them...so where do you go from there!!

It helps to know the man you are making the card for and then you can design it around him.

Cars, sport, hobbies, job or girls are usually some of the things you can feature, and worth considering when you start.

Keeping the colours neutral helps too, and black, brown, navy, white and blues are all very good choices.

The crimping that Rosie has used is very effective, and the finished card is very elegant.

But give me some pink and "Bling" any time and I will make cards till the sun goes down.

Wedding card & Valentine/Anniversary card

by Rosie
(Scotland)

The Wedding Card I made was a card kit, and the only things I added were the pearls to frame it and the foam hearts.

The Valentine Card was made with a punched, black, glossy heart which I adhered to embossed cream paper and then fixed to the base card.





Christina says ...

The Wedding Card is always a popular card to send and can be "Blinged" up to your hearts content.

The Bow Front Card can be found in the More Projects section, and there is a Video on how to make the beautiful Trellis Card in the Tutorials section.

Both would be absolutely gorgeous to send as wedding cards, or indeed any "Specaial Occasion"

It is, as always, the embellishments that are added to the card that make it truly unique and the foam hearts that Rosie has used are really lovely.

Pearls and gemstones can make all the difference, and a touch of glitter to a wedding card can really set it off.

The embossing on the Valentine Card enhances the glossy heart and there are lotes of Embossing Folders on the market that can be used in most makes of Die dutting Machines

Take a look in the the Materials and the Embellishments sections.

The links are in the NavBar to your left.

Sympathy Card and 2 Easel Cards

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I made the sympathy card by stamping and embossing a rose and I cut around the shape.

I then matted it to silver mirri card, again cutting the outline shape.

I used an oval then to frame it.

The easel "girlie" card is for my niece and the Westie is for my box.

I have only made a couple of easel cards before and thought they were awful but hoping to improve.


Christina says...

Easel cards are so easy to make and yet so effective, and they can be used for any occasion.

I like to add lots of embellishments to mine to really make them stand out from the crowd.

Flowers and gemstones can make all the difference and a bit of glitter to mmake them sparkle.

There is a tutorial on the website for the Double Easel Card....and if you are really adventurous then why not try the Twisted Easel Card too.

And last but not least the Double Twisted Easel card is also there.

You will find the instructions to make all these, and lots more cards, in the Easy Projects section ...the button is on the NavBar.

Happy Crafting

Baby Girl Cards

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I like to recycle, so the pram card was made from wrapping paper.

I used it for the main image, and I also added peel offs to frame it.

Then I added foam flowers and stamped the sentiments.



Christina says...

A New Baby is always a good reason to make a card and these are really lovely.

"Bling" can be added, especially on those for a girl, so make the most of adding flowers, ribbons, pearls or gemstones to these cards.

Even lace and feathers can be used, and there are some really lovely charms on the market.

The pastel colours are a pleasure to work with and the results can be truly special.

In the Easy Projects section you will find a Baby Pram Card that was very easy to do from circular shapes.

And with the addition of some lace it is a lovely card to send to welcome the new arrival.

Baby Boy Card

by Rosie
(Scotland)

For this Baby Boy Card I used a gingham backing paper and matted the baby image on to a scalloped oval.

I added glitter gel pen round the edge of the oval and used a peel off sentiment for the bottom.

Christina says ...


Baby cards are always a pleasure to make in soft and pastel colours, and Ginghams are always a popular choice.

They certainly make a lovely backing for either boy or girl babies and I am sure the parents woulld be thrilled to get a card like this.

There are lots of chipboard shapes around that can be added to your cards.

But if you want to make one that is different, and customise it for a special baby that you want to welcome into the world then take a look at the Baby Pram Card in the Novelty Cards section in the NavBar to your left.

Forever Friends Easel Card

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I enjoy making this type of card. The image was a freebie in a magazine.
I backed it with a doily and added a sentiment and pearls and ribbon.
The card itself is pearlised.


Christina says...

Easel cards are very effective and so easy to make.

You will find many variations on this card in the Easy Projects section from the Double and Triple Easel to the Twisted ones too.

There are also video Tutorials for some of them and the others will be added soon.

Give them a try ...you won't be disapointed.

Gatefold Teenage Male Card, Easel Card and Panelled Card

by Rosie
(Scotland)

A Gatefold card I have attempted for the first time. It took ages edging it with peel off borders. I hope my nephew likes it. The inside I decorated with glitter stickers and paper.

The Westie easel card is decoupaged and the Robin is a layered panel card.

Christina says...

More beautiful cards Rosie thank you for sending them in. I love the panelled card.

2 Baby Easel Cards

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I enjoyed making these Baby cards.

I used a doily to back the image on one of the cards and inked the edges in pink.

Then I just finished with foam flowers and a gem in the centre.


Christina says...


Baby cards are always a pleasure to make and the pastel colours are so clean and fresh. Ginghams always seem to work well on these cards too.

Easel cards are very popular and are so easy to make. You will find videos in Tutorials
on how to create several variations on this theme.

Try the Double Easel for a really special look and the Triple Easel too.

And then there are the Twisted Variations on each card for a really stunning look.

They can be used for all occasions and will make the recipient wonder how you did them and marvel at your expertise.

Embossed Silver Rose Card

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I love black and white cards, so I thought I would try a very simple sympathy card.

They are quite difficult at times to make.
I just used a black card blank, and some silver card to back the image I had stamped.

Then I used a silver inkpad, and some clear embossing powder to create this.

I added a ribbon, a sentiment and 2 jewels to finish it.

I am an amateur at making cards and this was my first go at heat embossing technique.

Christina says...

A very pretty card for a very sad occasion, and for your first attemt at heat embossing Rosie it is lovely.

Heat embossing produces some beautiful effects.

You will need a heat gun though for this technique, and some embossing powder.

The powders comes in many colours but a clear one will allow the colour underneath to show through.

One way to use this is shown in the Video Tutorials which you will find in the NavBar to your left.

Peel Off Cards

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I loved making these Peel Off cards as they were so simple.

Laying them straight on to card front was a bit fiddly.

I used both the peel off and the image left behind, so in effect you get 2 for the price of one.

I laid the first image onto white card, then the negative I matted on to Mirri card then added jewels and sentiments.

Christina says...

The humble Peel Off is a very useful addition to anyones "stash" and can look really pretty. But they are often overlooked by cardmakers.

There are many lovely designs and with your imagination some incredible results can be achieved. They are relatively cheap to buy too and won't break the cardmaking piggy bank.

This is a good way to use the negative Rosie, and so gives you two cards for the price of one, and as resourceful crafters we never waste anything.

Wedding/Anniversary card

by Rosie
(Scotland)

Wedding/Anniversary card

This Wedding card was made ages ago using a stamp and metallic brush pens. I framed it with sparkly gems.

Christina says...

Wedding cards are a wonderful occasion to add the "Bling", and clear crystal gemstones make it look really rich.

The metallic pens come in a variety of colours and my favourites are from Sakura. They give a lovely deep finish and are very easy to use.

They can be used to add sparkle to a fairy wing, or highlights on that pretty flower. And they are excellent for adding a Faux Stitched Effect around the edges of your cards.

This is a very pretty card Rosie thank you for sending it in.

Baby Cards

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I really enjoyed making these Baby cards.

I made the easel card using wrapping paper for the backing and for the punched daisies.

Then I finished them with pearls.


Christina says...

Baby cards are something I always enjoy making. They can be made from all the pretty pastel colours that are aorund.

Gingham is a real favourite for these cute cards, and they can be made to any style of card you want.

A really special one is the Memory Book in the More Projects section and the recipient could add photos or a lock of hair to the envelopes.

It makes a lovely gift as well as a card and is easy to do.

Another idea for a baby card is the Baby Pram Card and you can find that in the Novelty Cards section ...both are on the NavBar to your left.

Christmas Cards 2010

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I made all my Christmas Cards for 2010 as I didn't want to buy them.

I love decoupage but it proved too expensive the year before, so I opted to keep things as simple as possible.

I recycled images from previous cards, and used stamped images. I coloured them in using glittery gel pens.

I was delighted to get feedback from some of the recipients saying they were going to keep them.

I'm not an experienced cardmaker just a novice who enjoys trying.

Christina says...


Christmas is always the time of year for all the glitter and bling you can find.

There are lots of products around that can help you achieve the snowy effect too. Flower Soft on the snowmen to make them look real.

Rosie these cards are delightful and I can imagine all the recipients being thrilled to get them from you.

The problem is you will never get away with sending a shop bought one now.

Recycling is a clever way to use up cards that where sent to you....incorporate them into next years and add stuff from your stash to ring the changes.

Trty to remember who sent you which card though so that you don't end up sending them back their own card.....Oooops!

glitter card

by rosie
(scotland)

I used a glitter card for the base and made an offset gatefold.

I colured the glitter card slightly and added image on left side of fold.

Christina says...

Glitter card is such a versatile addition to your stash and can be used for lots of different occasions.

It comes in a wide range of colours but some of the cheaper varieties will shed their glitter as you use it.

It is worth shopping around to make sure that the brand you use odesn't do this...nothing worse than giving a bald card!!

You can also buy encapsulated card and this has the glitter layered between a clear top coat.

This means it doesn't shed any glitter and will look good for all your projects. It is however more expensive to buy.

If you have Glitter Glue then why not consider making your own glitter card by trying the technique on the website.

You will find the page in the Materials section on the NavBar to your left....just look for Glitter Glue and give it a try.

Decoupage Bird and Sympathy Card

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I made these Decoupaged Cards today. The bird image is layered using diamond shapes, and I used silver mirri to mat it.

The corner peel offs are also silver. I felt it didn't need much else as the base is black glossy card.

I will add the sentiment later.

My brother asked me to make the sympathy card for a friend.

I used a backing paper from a digital download.

I then placed a black panel on the top and edged the bottom using a border punch.

I finished it with black gems. I just added a white panel inside the card, and silver peel off roses to opposite corners.


Christina says...

Sympathy cards are always going to be difficult to make, especially if it affects you on a personal level.

But if you keep them simple and elegant they will always be acceptable, and they are a card that we may all have to make at some point.

Adding Flowers to the card can be a lovely touch but don't overdo it. Maybe you know the persons favoutire flower and can add that in small proportions.

Black gems or pearls like Rosie has used are always a lovely addition.

You will find some more ideas for Sympathy Cards in the Cardmaking Ideas section

Baby Card

by Rosie
(Scotland)

Baby Card

This Baby Card was made by folding the top right edge of the card and then decorating the inside.

I stamped and coloured the image with brush markers and added glitter, pearls and the sentiment to finish.

Christina says...

Baby cards are a real pleasure to produce and the colours are so fresh and clean.

I love creating these and there are some lovely characters that can be added as your focal point.

I like to keep to the pastel shades, and the card doesn't have to pink or blue.

Consider the pale turquoises lemons and greens, as well as peach and lilac.

There are lots of images to choose from either on CD's or stamps and they can be stamped in a colour ink to match your chosen shade

Recycled CD Card and Anniversary Card

by Rosie
(Scotland)

This was my first attempt at recycling using an old CD. I just used gems for sparkle and a peel off sentiment, then finished with a flower to cover the middle.


Christina says...

Recycling everyday objects can save you some money when it comes to cardmaking, but you need to look at things in a different way.

Using up ribbon that is wrapped around a gift, or taking it off unused clothes before you throw them away.

Removing the tabs that hold clothes onto coat hangers will make some little bows and all can go in your stash for another use.

Taking buttons off things that you no longer have a use for is a really good money saver.

Recycling Christmas cards for next year is another idea and I am sure you can think of lots more once you start.

The CD on the card front is a novel way to use them and they can also make good coaster mats too.

Always look carefully at stuff you think you don't want ...crafters don't throw away anything if they can help it.

There is a section on recycling in the NavBar and it is full of other ideas to make things have another life.

Boys Black and White Card

by Rosie
(Scotland )

I made this boys card a while ago for our nephew.

I folded the top right edge down and decorated the inside with black and white checked paper.

I stuck the football motif on to white card then matted it onto the black and finally I added 2 black circles.

I also added black pearls and peel offs.

Christina says...

Male cards are always the difficult ones to make and so many crafters shy away from them. But a lot can be achieved if you stay with more neautral colours and omit the flowers.

Black and white always works well and of course knowing your recipients likes and hobbies will give you the theme you need to make the card personal and special for them.

You can add pearls and gemstones and some ribbons if that is what you would like ....just try to keep with the more masculine sort and you won't go wrong.

Scalloped Christmas Cards made last year

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I had kept to a budget last year as postage costs are so high. I used my Cuttlebug and Nestabilities dies to make the cards and frame the toppers with either card or paper.

I used holographic peel offs and a gem to finish the blue snowflake card and also stickles glitter glue round the scalloped edge.

The budget paid off as they went normal post.


Christina says ...

Saving money on the postage at that time of year must be paramount in most peoples mind and any way that this can be achieved has to be worth it.

But the last thing you want to do is compromise on style ... and although these cards have been kept flat they all have oodles of style.

They were sure to grace the front of the mantleshelf of the recipients and they are a delight to look at.

But this year you will have to keep to the same standard now that you have created such a pretty themed card for 2011.

Floral Pyramage Cards

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I made these cards using some lovely sheets of pre printed floral images made up of several individual layers which I cut out.

The cards bases are square and matte black.The first card is called twisted pyramage and has 6 layers.

It is similar to decoupage but instead of cutting out individual elements there are shapes to cut out which makes it very easy.

The first base layer I matted on to a backing paper slightly darker than the image then used double sided tape to adhere this to the black card.

I then built up the layers on to the base layer, and I finished by adding silver corner peel offs and grey gemstones along with a silver sentiment.

The second card is octagonal and consists of 5 layers. I used the same technique adhering the base layer this time straight on to the cardbase.

I then built up the layers using foam pads.I finished by adding white pearls, silver corner peel offs and a silver sentiment

The third card I made was using an oval image which had 6 layers and I used the same method again as in the previous cards. I have yet to add a sentiment.

The pink card is also a twisted pyramage card. The card is pearlised and C6 size. I also used the same method as in the previous twisted pyramage card.

I used a silver sentiment and pink pearls to complement the image.

Christina say ...

Decoupage is always a very popular technique but I much prefer the method that Rosie has used for her cards.

Cutting the layers into a regular shape is far easier than all the fiddly cutting out ... I guess I am just lacking in patience when it comes to cutting out and my pieces end up with something chopped off.

You will find the instructions to make the Pyramage, Invertage and the Twister Cards in the NavBar to your left.

Male Card (using negative piece from diecut)

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I stamped the image of a car on to an oval diecut, using royal blue pigment ink, shook the excess away and applied heat with a heat gun.

I then took a leftover piece from a previous diecut and used it as a frame. The edges of the frame I embossed using a narrow embossing folder and ran it through my cuttlebug.

I adhered the frame to the square 5x5 base card with gluestick. To the oval cut out I then attached the oval diecut with foam pads to raise it up.

All round the frame I added silver peel off to finish and also added 2 white gems. I punched a circle from white card and added a peel off sentiment coloured to match the image.

I then finally adhered this to a silver scalloped circle which I added to the frame.

Christina says ...

Male cards are something that we all struggle to produce and we are always looking for ideas.


You can't add the the ribbons and flowery bits that can go happily onto a "Girly" card.

But it does help if you know the male in question as the card can then be deigned around the hobbies and things that he likes.

This one is lovely and fits the bill perfectly as most men like cars and the colour is very in keeping.

There are more ideas for male cards in the NavBar to your left that may help you to make a card as good as Rosies'

Simple little Christmas Cards

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I have just come home recently after having a total hip replacement and have just been itching to make a few cards and as I love simple this is what I came up with.

Cards are 3x3 and I have just used peel offs for the central image. I coloured them in using pens.

Then I added self adhesive satin ribbon down the edge and sentiments which I had in my stash. On the inside left I adhered Christmas paper to finish.

Christina says ...

I wish you a very speedy recovery Rosie and thank you for sending in these little cards.

Often the simplest ideas can be the prettiest and these are just perfect for those extra cards we need to send at Christmas.

They would also be the right size to use as "Thank You" cards and the peel off stickers would cut down on the time needed to make them.

Simple recycled Male card using wrapping paper

by Rosie
(Scotland)

I had bought this striped backing paper ages ago and thought it would come in handy for a male card. The images I cut from hubbys old birthday cards.

The base card was pale peach and 5x7 I have adhered the striped paper to the base with glue stick then added the images and sentiment using glue stick.

The opposing corners I decorated with pieces from the same old card I had cut up ... very easy plain and simple

Christina says ...

Recycling is always a good idea and makes us look again at items before we resign them to the trash can.

Wrapping paper can make some beautiful cards and it can always be taken carefully off a gift that you have recieved.

It is an inexpensive way to add colour and pattern to your card designs ... and don't forget other things too.

I saved all the ribbons off new pyjamas that I bought and it has graced many a card to great effect and the recipient is none the wiser as to where it came from.