Just Playing..

This template was designed using the Inkscape programme, 'no not by me' but by a lady name Mary Powell.

Digital cutting using my favorite paper medium of the moment Black Mirri Paper and printed pattern on 100gsm White paper.

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Mad Woman..

Sat 30th May 11:42am
Sent my 14yr old son to go to local Shopping centre to do some Iceland shopping, he was asked to hand over his mobile phone (he doesn't have 1) then because he was carrying empty shopping bags he was asked for money or he would get hurt.

Thankfully My Son gave him the Tenner that he had and the #$£* rode off on his bike, when my son returned home 5 mins later and told me I left my house in my crushed up skirt and greyish black t-shirt with NO BRA!! with a plan to beat the crap out of this person..........I did not find him. My Son is ok no injuries whatever and he does'nt want to take Karate or Judo lessons, but he will be taking the more crowed route to the shops in future..

Pardon...

Received an E-Mail from a colleague at my old work place on Wednesday 27th May, asking me to make a card for her Goddaughter for next day delivery; because she was not at work on Friday. So I said of course and she requested the woman card design..

Design is a Template combination from Gentleflower and SJBayley(Thank You Ladies).

Base is a White Linen effect 120gsm card, dress was cut from Black Mirri paper which in turn was embossed using the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder. The body section is cut from 80gsm Chocolate/Gold shimmer paper. The Bag, heel of shoes and verical font cut from 80-90gsm Silver Glitter Paper. Hair and Filmstrip cut from Black Adhesive Velvet paper.

Then she changed her mind.

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Oh Yes Success finally....

She changed her mind about the front of the card, (see original above) she did'nt like the vertical positioning of the fonts, I explained that it was representing a filmstrip but she was having none of it and she asked if I could make another card. Of course I said OK and promised that she would receive it Friday via another work colleague. I was determined that the original card was going to be remodelled, so did a second revamp; but I did'nt like it because I kept on seeing Harry instead of Happy. Finally!!!

All my friends know I require feedback ASAP, well at about 4:30pm Friday 29th May my friend called and was extremely happy with the revamped card.

(Note to self do not send picture of card via E-Mail before delivery)Check.....

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Something Different....

I do have a small collection of stamps, punches etc.. that I need to experiment with; so here are 2 examples using My Silhouette baby to cut out the main design from Black Mirri Paper watch the finger prints....attached a thin gossamer fabric to vase base and used adhesive gems for petals of flowers.

This design was cut from white 100 gsm paper, and the vase was cut from black mirri paper and I stamped a design on vase base and embossed in gold then punched out flowers and attached to main flower section.

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Happy 10th Birthday from me Chyna.

Of course I had to make Chyna a card from me. The card is an iridescent mirri card which changes colour depending on the angle of the card. The card and ballerina template was created by Jenniebean. The ballerina was cut from adhesive velvet paper, the skirt was cut from fine glitter paper and decorated on both sides with bling bling. The ballet shoes were also cut from velvet adhesive paper.

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Happy 10th Birthday Chyna.

Made a Birthday card for a lovely 10 year old girl named Chyna, whose birthday I never forget because it is always 1 week after my Birthday on the same day. I used Pearlised card with embossed mirri card for the edging and photo frame, her mum gave me some photographs that I turned into a collage using Google Picasa photo software which is free to download. Inside the card the inserts were 15 sheets of 100 gsm paper with a printed pattern on either side for the children in her class to sign.

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Oh My....What a mammoth task.....

I can't believe that I have finally finished updating this New Blog, long may it reign in these unsettled times. Unfortunately I have now joined the ranks of the Unemployed due to Temporary contract not being renewed, even if its 4 years and 11 months later....(Don't ask)

Will be posting some more pictures soon...Stay positive everyone.

May-9 Elaine (Magic Boxes) is this OK!!

I'm a member of a Digital Cutting Forum, and they hold monthly template design challenges and April was a Font Challenge; and this Peacock Font was my contribution. The design was cut from Black Mirri paper and adhered too a Rainbow holographic card for the head feathers and tail, and gold pearlised card for the body. The whole design was then adhered to a silver-grey lightly embossed pearlised card.
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May-9/2009 Taking Advice........

50 Years on Earth....
Ooooo I'll be celebrating this age this month, and I will be following the advice of a good friend; who always maintained that you had a whole year to celebrate reaching a special milestone in life.

Now back to the card. Fan shape is from the Glitter Girls Fan and Butterfly Embossing Board on Ice white pearlised card, the segments were cut on My Silhouette digital cutter and embossed using the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder on Gold Mirri card. Yes there are 50 small pinkish Roses and to complete the outside of this card you can't go wrong with Peeloffs. I haven't yet learnt how to print a design on the inside of the card with my new Printer, but I am still pleased with the design. Will need to update the Website soon.
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Apr-27/09 Great Templates...

A few of GentleflowersTemplates..

Here and there in some of my card designs I have had the great pleasure of using some of Gentleflowers lovely templates, so this photo collage includes some templates that are available on the New Crystal Dreams CD. (I have included a Link for you to see other great examples of the CD)
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Ho Hum March........

A few sad occasions, Mothers Day, a Birthday in Ghana and I'm still awaiting my feedback. And a Granny who still loves Fairies.
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Apr-5/2009 Oh February..........

People leaving and going to pastures new. Wedding Card re-make, first card was sent abroad but didn’t get to the couple concerned; hence a second one. Big and Small Birthday's to celebrate. And once again a chance to use the templates of Gentleflower (Wedding) and SJB's Swirly dresses, Thanks ladies.
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Jan-10/2009 Oh the New Year!!!

I did manage a few Christmas cards and there are also some 3d Christmas trees, that unfortunately are struck on my camera's memory card; I will need to get in touch with the manufacturer's to hopefully fix the problem. I wish everyone a late Happy New Year and hope the credit crunch doesn’t bite to hard.
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Dec-19/08 Xmas washout...

Sorry for the long delays between postings, but hey!! Managed to find some time before the Christmas rush. I did so many Christmas samples I didn’t actually show anyone any actual completed cards cos I couldn’t make up my mind about a collection, so this Christmas is a washout where the cards are concerned roll on Valentines Day will be working on some great ideas. In the meantime here are a few more cards. If you visit my website you may find it under construction again!
Merry Christmas Everyone and a Happy New Year.
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Nov-12/08 A few different varieties.

Ooo love the lion cub...

I did promise that the next set of pictures would be my Xmas selection.......Hmmmmm I have the ideas and a few samples but when it comes to producing bulk cards I get stuck because I prefer to make individual cards; even if its for people who are not likely to meet each other. I do realise time is fast approaching for me to get a collection together. Oh well better crack on. Xmas collection next...........
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More Inspiration...

Gentleflower again, and ErikaP.

Made a beautiful 60th Birthday Card that was sent to Ghana and I received congratulations on the design, and guess what I haven’t got? A 'B#$**#' picture! Oh well maybe I will ask for a picture to be sent to me instead. Here are some more cards for you to peruse and leave a comment, the next posting will be of my Xmas collection and trust me this will not be the last time you see the Angel design from ErikaP.
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Oh another week over!!

Sometimes I do put myself through the mill where card making is concerned, like knowing I've got a week-end to make cards for people on Monday; and I will make the cards Sunday night up to the time that I needed to start getting ready for work. I find that sometimes it’s the design that eats the precious card making hours, but I usually get there in the end. This week-end I'm being let loose on another wedding card, so Gentleflower your template is going to be put into service again. I also need to carry on doing the Christmas selection because the days are just speeding by; I have a few templates to try out...Oh....and please do not comment about the spelling mistake on the card!!! I can't believe I missed the 'H' oh well its 2:54am I think I'll start the week-end laundry. Bye for now.......
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Latest Cards...

Oh I do love the Mirri Card...
Gentleflower,SJB and others, thanks for the use of your gorgeous templates; I have converted a few clipart pictures into files but I realise I need to step up the designing of my own Templates. Will be posting the Christmas collection soon...
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Another Corset...What a good proposal Idea????

I can see that this template is going to be a favourite for a while, need to keep experimenting with different card and paper stock; to see what will stick to what!!! I think I'll try a Christmas version...Hmmm....
Forgot to mention I went to Ally Pally on the Sunday after Fun Day with Rene (a Virgin Card Maker), the exhibitors were a bit thin on the ground, credit crunch seems to be having an effect. Why do people lose the ability to say 'Excuse me please' before they run over your foot with either the oversized shopping trolley or their size 20 FOOT!! Please folks get your Flu jabs there is a nasty cough going round....cough! Cough!
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October 2008

The Fun Day 2008!!!

Went to my Local Authorities Fun Day, I turned up with my few wares; found a table did a rough display and sat down in the HOT sun. A few locals passed and asked what was the purpose of the display, I explained that I made personalised cards for special occasions and then duly handed out a card advertising my website that needs to be downsized.(Will get to that soon) The Local Mayoress made an appearance and had a picture taken with a card called Glamour Queen (template designed by Gentleflower), also a Local Liberal MP made an appearance and took a card. All in all it wasn’t too bad a day...
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Colin the ‘Arty Farty’ Car.....

This template is not to be attempted lightly, have your bottle of wine some snacks and plenty of double sided tape, silicone glue, cereal boxes for the wheels and 180+gsm card.. ‘Ho’ don't forget the cotton cloth to wipe away the smears of glue and fingerprints from the mirri card. I have to admit I did do a paper version first which was helpful to discover which parts would be difficult. Purchasing this template was worth every penny.

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3D Models......

Using Digital and Others......
Had a go at constructing a 3D model using a purchased template, why do you crafters write such long instructions; pictures work. Got there in the end.... One more word of advice glitter card and peeloffs do not work together!!! Looks good but thank heavens for crafters silicone glue..just...
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Monster nearly there......

Making the Cards..
I think I can now say that I know my machine inside out. Now to conquer the various software that can be used for, producing the digital templates. I've had a few successes with clip art and at least I know what is likely to work then not. Have also found that I'm not wasting as much paper as before. Going to Ally Pally soon for a Craft show, Lord stay my hand from spending too much money.... HAH.....

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Monster still going..

Thank you Linda & SJ...

There are some wonderful Digital cutters, websites and forums out there; and I just wish to say THANK YOU.
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Digital Monster still on the loose....

Still testing and making a few cards here and there.
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Digital Monster on the loose.....

Cards and Template cut outs
Some files that I downloaded and purchased did actually end up as cards and others were just cut out to see the effects. Copier paper can't be beat for testing templates before applying to your few precious pieces of card and paper especially when you can't remember where you brought them from...............
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Digital Cutting Revolution starts.......

The cutting monster was let loose......

I purchased my Silhouette machine in Mid July 2007 and never got round to using it properly until Oct 07, I did join a forum that was a blessing in helping me understand Digital cutting. But of course there has to be a catch I wanted to use the difficult cutting media, and I will not tell you how many mats and blades I went through before I started to read the instructions. Can read novels no problems but to read instructions for machinery 'hell no' show me the pictures!!! I will only read instructions and follow them if I get desperate.

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See D D I'm moving along....

See D I'm speeding up the entries. Decoupage cards (love my Toreads)
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The Glitter Girls…

‘Do you see it, do yer do yer.... a member of Boyzone’. Did I just name drop? No I must be thinking out loud, as my colleagues at work would tell you I'm very good at holding conversations with myself and answering them too, and then there are days when I have the supersonic hearing!! Spooky....
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The ‘Arty Farty’ Handbag..

I have to admit some of the card and paper stock that I used was very challenging...AAhhhhhhh especially when they decided that they were not going to stick and stay downnnnnnnn.
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The ‘Arty Farty’ Range..

And before you think I'm swearing, there is a craft company called 'Arty Farty' who produce templates like the bottle and bag that I did love using. The Bottle template is 1 of my most used template............Hmmmmmmmmmm
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Xmas examples..

Some Different Christmas cards using Dufex, peeloffs, Sizzix Father Xmas template (OOooo loved this one) adhesive gems and pearlescent card....

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Sorry to see you Leave..

Have you ever experienced that moment when the old brown envelope came round at work and you were asked to contribute to another person leaving, there are some people where you think 'are you going or were you pushed?'.
Then there are others where you think 'but I didn’t know her/him?' and feel obliged to contribute??? ‘Oh’ peer pressure still survives!!! Even in Adulthood.. And then there are the contributions where you stand steadfast and say No and hope that the envelope person moves to the next person without asking any questions.......

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and the rest.........

I kept saying to myself use the stock you have hoarded, and then I see another craft product that becomes a case of 'can't do without it'?????
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Get on with it!!...

Did some more E-mails showing the way to my blog, and a good friend at work said to me 'wot about the car you did the other day?' and I said that I would be putting it on and she gave me her 'well get on with it look' so D here we go................
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And then some......

I went a little crazy and was E-Mailing my previous blog to quite a few people, apologies to those I missed but I will get round to you soon. I'm not an agent of Google but credit where credit is due, their Picasa program is easy to use and helped me produce another card collage; so enjoy.

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Early Card Designs

Oh I'm so excited, after downloading the Google Picasa, I am now able to produce the picture collage displayed; I have so many examples of cards that I have made for people that I will now be able to display in an easier format.(OMG computer jargon!!!) Hope you enjoy and leave plenty of comments.

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Sept 2008

A Sad Occasion.

Good Bye Councillor Yates.

I was asked to make a card for a Local Councillor who lost her battle with Cancer, I actually met her on 3 seperate occasions and she was one of life's nice people and I believe she will be truly missed.



Cross was made on my Silhouette Digital cutter in 3 different sizes and attached to each other with large foam pads, I then draped a piece of white Organza Ribbon around the cross and then attached some punched out flowers to ribbon. The writing was done on my digital cutter with a gold gel pen.

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In the beginning there was Sizzix...

I remembered being asked to do Birthday Cards for a set of Twin Boys, this is just 1 of them; and it was not that simple to try and line up the different sections of this design. I persevered and it did'nt look too bad in the end, good thing I had that tub of foam letters and numbers. Of course this opened the floodgates at work and I was soon putting that Sizzix machine through its paces.

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First day of many copied from other blog in Aug 2008

Ok Where do I begin?...............

Its 10:30pm 16th Aug 2008 and typing this blog is definitely different. I started making cards November 2004 after watching one of those craft shows on TV; I have always been into some kind of crafting whether it was making my own clothes being a plus size person (ooh how politically correct) or machine knitting which is now stored in the corner of the bedroom, to making Cloth Hats and Ribbon cushions (what was I thinking!!!) to now developing a passion for cutting machines.
Thank you Alan and Barry for introducing me to the delights of the Sizzix machine first seen on C&C show all those years ago, then came the Xyron personal cutting machine followed closely by the Wizard cutting and Embossing machine brought on impulse at a craft fair in the Business Design Centre in North London.
Then came the Big Shot, followed by the Quickutz Squeeze and the Quickutz Revolution; which in turn led me to the Quickutz Silhouette Digital Craft Cutter!! Phew!! and all these bits of machinery makes you believe that I must have an unlimited Bank account...........No.........I work hard for a living and have a 14yr old son to support and the only way for me to stay sane is too craft.
I will be posting some of my early card making efforts, comments would be appreciated.