Custard and Milk

by Arlene Phillips
(Hampshire UK)

When I was a child Sunday 'pud' was custard and milk it was during and after the war and there was no fruit, Yellow and white always reminds me of this. that's the story behind the title.

As for the card, I'm just a newbie who is experimenting, It is 5 x 7 side fold using Radiant Rectangle 7 with Sue Wilson Creative Expressions flowers Embossed with Compassionate/ Couture Creations, sentiment printed from internet.


Christina says ...

I love the title of your card and it must bring back some really strong memories for you.

The card is lovely and I really like the pale yellow with the white. A really clean and fresh looking card that anybody would be delighted to receive ... for any occasion

A touch of Pomegranate juice

by Arlene
(United kingdom)

Pomegranate Juice

I wanted to use the pretty background for a while so had to marry up the colours, bit of a hodge podge in the end, but.... somebody might like it.

Top fold Plain white cardstock then the beigy colour, more white, fuchsia, coloured background which unfortunately isn't as prominent as I wanted as the card front sort of shrunk with the various layers. It started out 5 x 7 then the fuchsia top.

As I was making it, the postman came and I had a delivery of my Shapabilities 3 just in time to use for the sentiment, which I'd typed out.

It took about two hours told you I was a newbie. I'm seriously considering buying a Grand Calibur as I get frustrated with the size limit on my Big shot little one also the extending plates take up a lot of space.

Christina says ...

Well this is a very pretty card and I love the mix of colors.

It is always good to try and mix colors and not be afraid of them because after all natures mixes colors with flowers and leaves all the time and she does an awesome job

The card would be suitable for any occasion and somebody is going to be so pleased to get this.

Peppermint Butterfly

by Arlene
(Hampshire UK)

I saw a card on Sue WIlson's site and thought it was so lovely also it was made with dies similar to what I had and was dying to use again., Spellbinders Decorative Blossom Corners.

I've based mine on it but using the dies I had. It is 6" x 6" and took about 3 -4 hours. I think most of that is poking out the bits in the dies.

For the middle I used Spellbinders Majestic Elements 6 Nesties, Spellbinders Shapeabilities labels 3 they're lovely and Sizzix butterfly blank at the bottom and the filigree on top.

The pearls are from a discount shop and the little pink butterflies are the bits from a punch. I thought doing them in pink just gave that bit of 'zing' but to be honest it was because I couldn't be bothered punching out some green, but a happy lazy accident I think.

I typed out the sentiments in Word and printed them off and 'bobs your uncle' I'm pleased with it.

Christina says ...

This is such a lovely card and that shade of green is just perfect. I really like the "Happy accident" with the butterflies as they stand out well against the green.

And there is nothing wrong with happy accidents or being lazy sometimes to set everything off.

The lace effect background is right up my street too as I so enjoy making girly feminine cards and adding little pearls to make it special

Altogether a card you should rightly be proud of

Hot Chocolate

by Arlene
(UK)

I was intrigued by what I could make with Spellbinders Shapeabilities Expandable Pattern Dies-Fancy Lattice, and Creative Expressions Faux quilled blooms, and a cup of chocolate from the internet.

Also Having a book full of different coloured cardstock I wanted to use the brown card with some cream and brown flowered patterned behind.

I made the 'sentiment' with a programme called Cooltext. Inside is 'Whatever your doing STOP and have a Hot Chocolate. I haven't given it to anyone yet as it was just a bit of fun, it's 5 x 7" side fold.

Christina says ...

I love the imaginative titles that you use for your designs and this one is no exception. It looks really pretty in the browns and I am sure that whoever gets it will be delighted with it.

There's nothing like a cup of hot chocolate on a wintry evening Mmm Mmmm !!

Money, money, money, it's a rich........

by Arlene
(United kingdom)

From the bank of Mum and Dad

A friend who was in the fortunate situation to have inherited a tidy sum of money, has gone on some serious shopping sprees.

And why not, retired, single, no kids and there's no pockets in a shroud.

It's her birthday shortly so I gathered bits and pieces to make this card, I made up the background and stuck the other bits on, She'll appreciate the joke.

Christina says ...

How fabulous is this card and good luck to your friend. Long may she enjoy her inheritance and buy things that give her pleasure.

I am sure that she will enjoy the card and the joke.

Just to say Thank U

by Arlene
(Hants, U.K.)

As I've said previously my friend inherited some money, to celebrate she invited myself and 8 other friends for tea at a 'posh' hotel hiring a stretch limo to transport us.

I made this small card for her, It was spellbinders Nestabilities, I cut out the same for the back and hinged it, it was about 6 x 4 with a internet made sentiment, very simple.

I've also taken the liberty of showing us off by the limo, a lovely kind and memorable gesture from her.

This little card hardly seems adequate thanks

Christina says ...

Oh what a fabulous day that would have been and I am sure you all enjoyed yourselves immensely.

The card is beautiful and I recognise the die set too ... and I was going to say what a bevy of beauties but I notice that there is tall gentleman in the midst of you all

Home is where the heart is

by Arlene
(Hants UK)

A friend has asked me to make some cards for new neighbours who are moving in.

I'm finding it difficult but here is one effort it is 6 " x 6" Anita's ready cut and scalloped card stock Spellbinders Nestability and corner die.

Cheap sparkly heart and Sentiment was mine and printed off the internet. The dogs are downloaded silhouettes.

The dress with flowers is painted with water colour and mica powder

The silver coach is a die cut pasted on to a tree scape with a silver moon painted with Versacolour silver.

Christina says ...

A pretty collection of cards and I really couldn't pick a favorite as they are all lovely in their own right.

The neighbour is sure to be delighted with any of them

Keeping in touch

by Arlene
(Hampshire UK)

For Nicky

I have a friend of several years standing about 16 years, but we have stopped keeping in touch, ever since we lost our dogs who were siblings.

However I have made this card with just a note inside to hopefully prompt her to get in touch. I'm sure she will.

Christina says ...

It is a sad fact that as we go through life many things get in the way and we lose touch with some of those that are dear to us.

But to send a message in a beautiful card like this is sure to trigger a response and then the friendship can be rekindled.

There can be lots of catch up moments and they can help to make the friendship even better than it was before.

Butterfly explosion

by Arlene
(Hampshire UK)

I learned how to make these interesting explosion boxes at the craft club I belong to, I find I can really let my imagination run riot with decorations. and you can put a small gift inside.

I make mine 2.3/4" per side, with the inside box a tad smaller. They are very easy but you must be precise with measurements.

They have gone down well with my club where I raffle a few cards per fortnight for the McMillan nurses.

I use 300gsm card for the outer and inner bases for sturdiness. Hope you like it and maybe feel inspired.

Christina says ...

Exploding boxes are so pretty and named as such because once the lid is removed they open out to reveal the contents.

They can be filled with anything that will sit in the centre and are sure to delight the recipient when given.

Yours is lovely Arlene and thank you for sharing your photos

Box wedding card

by Arlene Phillips
(Hampshire UK)

I made this box card for my grand daughter's wedding in August, she and many of her friends had never seen a box card and loved the idea.

It is made with Spellbinders template and Tattered Lace bride and groom. Hope you too like it

The next one is my daughter and husband's wedding anniversary done in an easel style