50th anniversary

by Brenda Hanlon
(Mersyside)

I've been making cards for family for couple of years and recently was asked to make a 50th wedding anniversary card for a work colleague parents.

I used black and cream gloss card with gold mirri board, Bookatrix embossing board and for the heart used cricket lacy labels cartridge.

The edge of the card is Spellbinders Vintage Lace border.

I got a huge thrill as my colleague and her parents loved it and as a result I started to get regular orders.

I was amazed at the response and absolutely enjoy learning tips and hints from Christina.

Christina says ...

It is always a boost to the confidence when some one likes the cards you have made and if they are willing to pay for them then that is double the confidence.

This type of card is always well received for special occasions and can have as many pages to the book as you like.

If you like the look then there is a tutorial using Spellbinders Labels Four to get a similar effect. You will find it in the tutorials section in the NavBar to your left.

And you will also find pre cut pages and a card stand for sale in My Shop

80th Birthday

by Brenda Hanlon
(Merseyside)

80th Birthday

I was asked to make an 80th birthday card for a colleagues mum.

I used spellbinders corners to make the lacy doily look, Grand circles and the leaves are from Cheery Lyn.

Really enjoyed making this and it was well received by the recipient.

I've been making cards for a couple of years but have learnt so much from Christina which has helped my confidence grow as I only made cards for my family.

Christina says ...

Spellbinders can always help to make a card that will stand out from the crowd and this one is so pretty with that lovely shade of blue.

The corners make for a very delicate look and I am not surprised that the recipient loved it.

There is nothing better than to get out the dies that you already have in your collection and simply cut them out and play.

Try different combinations to see what you like and if you use a cheaper card then nothing is lost.

These templates can be kept in a box until the next time that you want to try something and when you are happy then you can cut the shapes out of your good card and create a masterpiece.

Playtime

by Brenda Hanlon
(Merseyside)

a bit big

This is the result of a very happy playtime after using my Christmas dies for the first time. I was desperate to use them as they were bought for me but wasn't allowed to see them until the day.

I really didn't have a plan but it seemed to come together as I was going along, the only trouble is the card ended up being rather larger than any envelopes I have as the finished size is 7" x 9.5".

Just as well I wasn't making it for anyone but just for my own enjoyment. The dies are Tattered Lace and Spellbinders with a Cheery Lynn flourish.

Christina says ...

This card is absolutely gorgeous and I love the color you have used. The centre panel with the Tattered Lace is perfect and makes the card very feminine.

There are A4 envelopes around that would fit the card ... just look around and you will find them in your local craft shop, post office or even Staples.

But you could always make a box for it and decorate that to match the card.

My first attempt at colouring by Brenda aged 55

by Brenda Hanlon
(Merseyside)

Looking at your blog very recently I challenged myself to stamp and colour an image after seeing your work Christina.

I've never been much of a one for colouring in but felt I needed to step out of my comfort zone and this is my very first offering.

I did this for my granddaughter, I know she won't judge me harshly as she loves her Nana very much. I didn't realise until my other half pointed out that I had the sentiment back to front.

I couldn't figure out why he kept singing" birthday happy, birthday happy" in the end he pointed it out to me.

Oh well, Nana's nuts anyway!! I've no idea of the colours, just blues and pinks in pro markers and tan and browns for the hair.

I did enjoy it all the same and feel quite accomplished, think I'll have do some more.

Christina says ...

Oh Brenda you made me laugh so much with this story .. from the minute I saw "...colouring by Brenda aged 55" to the sentiment being the wrong way round.

The card is adorable and your Grand-daughter is going to love it and can keep it in her memory box for when she grows up.

Well done to you for attempting the coloring and the more you do the better you will become.

Love the card and the story .... priceless xx

Christening card

by Brenda Hanlon
(Merseyside)

I was asked to make a Christening card and to incorporate a photo of the baby. She's such a cutie, no pressure then!

The dies used are SB Grand Squares and Tattered lace Chantilly Lace border.

I cut an aperture with a plain oval die and embossed the next 2 larger ovals over the aperture to give the effect of a frame.

I then used an embossing folder from Crafts Too (not sure what it's called but has a tree branch with blossoms and small butterflies)

I mat and layered the different levels using foam pads and laid the embossed layer over the photo using foam pads to give it some depth and attached the border.

With a small butterfly punch I laid these over the embossed ones and lifted the wings. In the centre of the blossoms on the branch I put a tiny pink gems.

Christina says ...

That is such a beautiful card and the bay is gorgeous. I am sure that this is a card that will be in the Memory Box for a long time.

It is most definitely a "Keepsake Card"

Love the delicate look of it and cards for occasions like this are always a pleasure to make.