Some of the cards I have made recently

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

I thought I would make a few Christmas cards and decided to use my favourite method of topping cards which is decoupage.

I used the pre cut decoupage sheets which I bought, and mounted them together using foam pads to achieve the finished result.

I used A5 card folded in half, and for a change instead of using backing papers I used coloured card, and topped them with the decoupage topper and peel offs to accentuate them.

Considering they were quick and easy I hope that the recipients will be pleased with them.

I made some birthday cards using the same method as above but the decoupage toppers are hand cut by myself from sheets which I have bought.

Again instead of using backing papers I used coloured and textured card. I will be keeping these in my stock for future use.

The gift bag was for a gift for a friend's birthday. I used the template from your very easy to follow instructions for the Bow Front Card Box Christina and just adjusted the measurements accordingly to accommodate the gift to go inside.

I used pink ribbon for the handles. I then decorated the front of the gift box with a panel of some deeper pink backing paper edged with white peel off border.

I then used some of the Paper Roses that I had in my stock which I had made using the instructions from your video.

I drew a green stem and stuck the roses and punched leaves on. I then made a bow from pink ribbon and stuck this onto the base of the stem to make it look like a spray of roses.

My friend was thrilled with this and was telling all her friends about it. This pleased me no end to know that my efforts were appreciated.


The final box is a box which I have made for a gift for my brother and sister-in-law for Christmas.

I followed the video instructions for Making a Card Box and just adjusted the measurements to suit the gift inside.

I then decorated the lid with peel offs and a decoupage Christmas image. After putting the gift inside I used gold ribbon tied round the opposite corners and then tied a bow on the bottom left corner. I hope they are pleased with the gift and also the box that I made.

Christina says ...

It makes me feel really good to know that people are making things from my videos or instructions and that they enjoy and like what they have achieved.

Thank you for the credit you give to the items you have made Jenny and also for the detailed instructions... which means others will be able to see what you have done to get the results you have.

There are detailed written and video instructions for many many cards in the NavBar to the left.

Browse around all the sections and you will find many surprises. Novelty cards ...Kinetic cards ...Easy Projects ... and Papercrafts.
All will give your cardmaking some new ideas.

All these submissions are just wonderful and I am sure that all your recipinets would have been thrilled with each one.

The roses look really beautiful and I love pink.

And don't forget to put any Embossing Folders in your "stash" to good use too, as they will give your plain card the textured finish that Jenny has.

Just a few of the cards I have made recently

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

The football pop up card was for my niece's son who was very impressed with the card and thought it was wonderful. This pleased me no end.

I followed your video tutorial, Christina, and after a little trial and error was pleased with the finished result.

The pink pocket card is for my friend's birthday and as she likes reading I thought this one would be quite apt as it has a book mark in.

The card with the peacock on is for my sister-in-law's birthday in November, so fingers crossed she will like it.

The final one is my first attempt at making Poinsettias and designing a Christmas card for a competition.

Not holding out much hope but at least I have tried.

Christina says...

Keeping the inspiration going for cardmaking is always foremost in my mind as it is so easy sometimes to lose ones MoJo and get card makers block.

But with so many folds and ideas in the NavBar to your left there is sure to be something to spark your imagination again.

Jenny has tried some of the projects here to good effect and I would be very happy to recieve a card like any one of these.

The Christmas one is lovely and it is certainly a winner in my book.

Trying out some more different styles of cards

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

As I am getting more confident in card making I keep trying out different folds and shapes.

My friend asked me if I would make a card for her niece as she is getting married so I thought I would give the Bow Front Card a go.

I thought it would be really difficult but once I got going I found it really quite straight forward.

My friend was really impressed with it and thought her niece would like it as she is a girly girl.

The blue card (can't remember what the fold is called) is just to keep in reserve. I loved doing this one and used one of my favourite decoupage toppers on it.

I used lace to outline the sentiment and then I used glitter glue to accentuate some of the flowers on the backing paper.

I got the template for the scalloped card from my favourite card making magazine and then used a decoupage flower topper on it (as you've probably gathered decoupage is one of my favourite things to do).

I used ribbon to accentuate the sentiment. I then outlined the scallops on the card with glitter to add a little bit of extra sparkle.

Christina, I can't thank you enough for your website which I find invaluable in teaching me loads of different techniques and ideas. Keep up the good work

Christina says ...

What a wonderful collection of cards you have here Jenny and if I have helped at least one person to find their feet in cardmaking then I am happy.

The second card Jenny has featured is the Diamond Fold Card and you will find the instructions in the NavBar to the left.

(And I recognise the papers too!!!)

It is such a wonderful and rewarding hobby, and if you take photographs of the cards as you go along you will be able to chart the progress you make.

You will be amazed at how quickly you improve and the more you improve the more your confidence will grow.

There are lots of techniques and ideas to try and none of them are hard. With just a little practise and patience then you too can make cards as beautiful as Jennys.

Spinner card

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

The spinner card is just a very basic try and although I am quite pleased with the result I will be having another go to improve on this technique.

Christina says ...

The Spinner Card is one of those that although not difficult to do it can be fiddly.

But I am sure that you will agree it is well worth having a try at, as are all the projects on the website.

Some you will like and others you won't be keen on .... and then there are those that are so spectacular you will just love them, and will want to do over and over again.

Have a browse through the Easy Projects section and then move onto the More Projects and Papercrafts for even more ideas.

For a first attempt Jenny this is really lovely and I hope you were pleased with yourself when you had finished it.

It certainly gets the attention of the recipient as they always wonder how it is made, and it can be very pretty when it is completed.

And remember that practise makes perfect so if it is your first attempt too, and you are not happy with your card then try again.

I promise you will be delighted in the end with your efforts.

Trellis card

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

This is a card that I made after following your video on making "Paper Roses", which I must say I thoroughly enjoyed doing.

I then watched the video tutorial for making the "Trellis card" ... so had a go at making that and merged the two together so to speak.

Christina says ...

This Trellis Card is beautiful Jenny and it isn't hard to do. I have tried to keep the video short and easy to follow.

And aren't those Paper Roses addictive. Once you see how easy they are to do you end up making them for all sorts of things.

If you would like to make some the Tutorial is in the video tutorials in the NavBar to your right.

Have a go at them and I promise you won't be disapointed with the result...even if you have never made them before.

You can make them in any colour you wish to match your designs, and the size can be varied quite easily too.

My latest cards

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

These are some of the cards I have made recently that I would like to share with you.

I made the Congratulations card for the young man next door who has just passed his A levels and gained entry into university.

He is such a nice, polite young man so I thought it would be fitting to congratulate him with a card.

The fairy card was made for a friend at work who mended a bracelet for me so I did this card for her to say thank you.

The quad easel card is my first attempt at making this type of card and I am quite pleased with it.

I didn't use flowers this time but used some holographic stickers with flowers and fairies.

As I didn't have any brads I used some large gems to enable the sections to stand up.

The gate fold card has been made just to keep in for emergencies when I need a card in a hurry. This time I tried pyramage and am quite pleased with the result.


Christina says ...

A lovely collection of cards using different folds, and the results are excellent.

Trying out these folds will stop you getting bored and enlarge your repertoire of skills.

Many of us start off just folding a piece of card in half and working with that but there are so many ways to try and none of them are really hard.

You will find many of these folds in the Easy Projects section and when you feel more adventurous then have a look at the Kinetic, More Projects and the Papercrafts sections too.

Plus don't forget that many of these folds are now on the website as video Tutorials that will take you step by step to getting the look that you want.

Wedding Anniversary Card

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

I thought I would have a go at the Trellis card again and hopefully this time it looks a bit more professional.

I took your advice and gave the butterfly a trail, and I must admit it gives it that bit more interest.

I will be posting this to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law next week so fingers crossed they like it.

I have also followed your tutorial and made a box for it as it has a rose on.


Christina says ...

Well what can I say to this card except "Wow" I love the "Trellis Card" as the results are always spectaculer.

It is one of the designs that look intricate and yet are so easy to do. The Bow Front Card is another that gives wonderful results.

You will find the instructions to make both in the More Projects section in the NavBar to your left. Along with lots more ideas for you to try.

Even if you are new to cardmaking don't be daunted by these designs. They are easy to do and you will be so pleased with them you will want to try them over and over again.

Making your own boxes to go with the card is a really professional way to give them and if decorated to match the card then the results are extra special.

You will find vido instuctions in Tutorials

New Baby Card

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

My ex-supervisor from work, whom I am friendly with, has recently had a baby boy so I made this card for her.

Instead of matting and layering I printed the backing paper straight onto the card then cut it into the shape of a baby's romper suit and decorated it with lace and a topper to say "Congratulations".

She was delighted with it. She said it made her cry so I hope it was tears of happiness.

Christina says ...

Now this is the age that makes male cards no problem to create for. They are a delight to make and such a happy occasion too.

The colours can be all soft and pastels and on baby girl cards you can add the flowers.

The idea of printing straight to card saves you extra work ... but not every printer will print to card.

There is a page on Small Printers on the website and you will find it in the Equipment section in the NavBar to your left.

The romper suit is a novel way to make the card and the additon of the lace makes it extra special.

I am not surprised that you friend cried as your card is beautiful.

Moving house

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

My Friend's daughter will be moving into a new home this weekend so I made this card for her to to give to her.

This, I am proud to say is my own idea and not copied from anywhere else. I've taken heed of your tips and don't let anything go to waste.

I have kept the flower shapes that were created from using my border punch and thought it would be a good idea to use them to represent flowers in window boxes for the windows.

I used acetate behind the windows and door and used a fine peel off border to make it look like leaded windows and door.

My friend was delighted with the finished product.

I apologise that the photo is not very clear - must not have made a very good job of taking that photo.


Christina says ...

When some one is moving house it is a lovely idea to give them a card to recognise the occasion.

This is a cool idea for a "New Home" card and I love the way you have added the peels offs to look like the leading in the windows.

The flowers around the door are a finishing touch for me as I love to add flowers to a lot of my cards.

As crafters we don't waste anything and this is a good idea to use the waste from your punches to add them to your flower boxes at the windows.

Little touches like this are what makes a "frugal" crafter and will always save you money using up bits and pieces that would otherwise end up in the bin.

You will find more ideas in the Recycling section in the NavBar to your left.

Gentleman's Card

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

I absolutely love doing decoupage and found this one on my favourite market stall.

I have made this card which I think will be suitable for my friend's husband's birthday which is in October - a little in advance but better to be prepared.

I think it is difficult to find suitable subjects for a man's card so I thought this would fit the bill.

Christina says ...

Cards for men are always hard to come up with and sometimes you can sit for hours racking your brains to think of a theme.

You could always base it around any hobbies, or interest that the man may have and use his favourite colour scheme to make the card.

This card fits the bill beautifully and is sure to delight the recipient, and it would fit a number of different occassions too.

The colours don't have to be muted though as bright colours can produce a really effective male design.

There are more Cards for Men which you will find in the Ideas section in the NavBar to your left.

If you find decoupage to difficult to do then why not try to find die cut sheets which are already cut for you.

All you need to do is push out the layers and build them up. Or perhaps you would like to try the Pyramge option which is far easier and you will find that in the Techniques section.

Cottage Creation

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

My friend at work asked me to make a card for her sister who will be 65 next week.

Whilst away on holiday in the Yorkshire Dales I saw several stone cottages with steps leading up to the door, with potted plants on each step and roses round the door.

This gave me the idea for this card as I thought it would be a bit different.

My friend at work says it will be quite apt as her sister likes gardening and doing planters so here's hoping I made the right choice for her.


Christina says ...

What an inventive idea and well interpretted with the roses on the steps and aound the door.

Yet another way in which the imagination has been put to good use.

The colours all blend well together and I am sure it was just the right card for your friend to give to her sister.

Using flowers on a card will always add that special touch for me and you can make them to match your scheme by making them from the same papers.

There is a Tutorial on Handmade Flowers in the NavBar to your left.

Pretty Border Card

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

The pink border card I made for my other friend, who has had her birthday today, and she was delighted with it.

I love doing decoupage and she likes butterflies so it just fitted to add a butterfly with flowers.

Christina says...

Butterflies are very much in fashion at the moment and they can be added to any cards for any occasion.

There are lots of different sized punches or die cuts around that will give you these delightful creatures but if you don't have one there is no need to despair.

All you need to do is make your own from the papers that you have used to make the base card.

That way you know they will co-ordinate with your scheme and they are very easy to do.

There is a Video Tutorial on how to get the look you want in the NavBar to your left.

Pussy cat decoupage.

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

I'm just sharing with you my next creation.

I think I'm getting a bit more adventurous now and just a touch more experienced.

The pussy cat card is for my friend who just adores cats and I will be giving it to her for her birthday in August.

So fingers crossed she will like it.

Christina says ...

Decoupage is a lovely technique to try but can be a bit fiddly for arthritic fingers.

It consists of cutting out ever smaller areas of an image and then adding them to the card using foam pads or silicone to the layers to give them the height that is needed.

The cutting out is the bit that can be difficult.

However you could buy the decoupage sheets ready die cut and then all you need to do is push the pieces out and layer.

But why not give some of the other ways to add the layered effects to your cards?

You will find the instructions for Invertage and Pyramge in the Techniques section in the NavBar to your left, which can be achieved using a die cutter and several identical images.

Sharing my first attemp cards - Diamond Top card, Paper Shirt card and Trellis card

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire )

I just thought you might like to see my first attempt at making these cards.

I am experimenting at the moment with the techniques that you show on your video tutorials (which I must say I find invaluable).

The Diamond Top card I made for a colleague at work who has just retired and when he received it he was delighted with it and amazed that it was hand made.

The Folded Paper Shirt card I made for my brother-in-law who is having his 60th birthday shortly so have not had a response on that one yet.

The Trellis Card was not made for anyone in particular. I made the paper flowers following the tutorials and then decided to have a go at the trellis work.

Even though I say it myself I am quite pleased with the result for my first attempt.

I haven't been making hand made cards long so I am just in the trial and error stage, but with the help of your tutorials I am hoping to become much more proficient.

I hope the uploading of the photos has worked because I am not very good at this part of it.


Christina says ...

These cards are just fabulous Jenny and thank you for sending them in to the Gallery. They may be your first attempt but they do you proud.

You should see some of my first attempts ....they were so bad, and bits fell off them whenever someone picked them up.

The colour on the Trellis card is lovely and I am sure that whoever you send it to will be delighted with it.

Retirement card

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

This Diamond Topped card is one that I made for a colleague at work when he retired recently.

He was delighted with it and was amazed that I had made it.

Christina says...

This card is always a popular fold and it really impresses poeple. It looks intricate but it is quite easy to make.

It is one of the new videos that has been added to the website.

I have tried to keep the video short and easy to follow and you will find it in the Video Tutorials in the NavBar to your left.

You can dress it up for any occasion and it will be sure to please your recipient too.

60th Birthday card

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

This is a birthday card that I made for my brother-in-law who is 60 today.

Christina says...

This Folded Paper Shirt has been such a hit since it was added to the website and this one is just fabulous Jenny.

I bet your brother-in-law was delighted with it.

You can add your sentiment to the inside and it can be for any occasion. I once made some and sent them out as invitations to a dinner party.

You can make them look like a blouse for ladies too, but if you add a patteern then keep it small or it will be lost in the small size of the shirt.

You can find both the Written and Video Turorial for this project on the website.

Both links are in the NavBar to your left.

Four More Cards after a break

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

I've had a break recently because I seemed to lose the inspiration but hopefully back on track now.

The cricketer card was for my son's birthday because he is a cricket fan. I cheated a bit on this one because the card was one I bought already the oval already pre-cut and background included.

For the cricketer I printed out five pictures of a cricketer and then decided on the parts to cut out to decoupage the picture. He was pleased with the card and I was pleased with the results.

The work book is one that I have made in advance for my friend's son's wedding. I followed Christina's instructions as to how to make it but I did the letters myself because I didn't have any templates.

I then outlined the letters with gems and put a butterfly on one of the letters. I made a posy of purple roses surrounded by a small doily and attached a purple bow which I put on the front of the word book along with the sentiment. I was pleased with the result considering I've never made this type of thing before.

The tiger card was for my husband's birthday because he loves tigers. I used an A4 card and folded it gate fold, put gold mirror card on each front then covered each side with a paper to blend with the tiger.

I printed five pictures of the tiger then cut them down individually to make a pyramage picture. I attached them together with foam pads and matted them onto gold mirror card. I attached this to one side of the gate fold along with the sentiment.

The birthday card is supposed to be lemon but doesn't show very well on the photo. I used A4 cream card folded in half then covered the front with yellow card. I then covered one diagonal half with lemon backing paper and the opposite diagonal a white textured backing paper.

I used a border punch to punch both sides of a piece of card and attached this diagonally across the seam of the backing papers. I then used yellow ribbon down the middle and then attached a bow.

The top left hand is a decoupage of flowers (decoupage - my favourite) and the bottom left the happy birthday sentiment which is matted and layered using the yellow card and lemon backing paper. I then stuck gems on top left and bottom right of the card.

Christina says ...

What a fabulous collection of cards and thank you for sending them in ... with such detailed instructions for everybody.

I like them all but my NO.1 favourite is the Lemon card as it looks so fresh and clean. That is simply gorgeous and one I would be delighted to receive for a birthday.

I am glad you have found your inspiration again as it is really stressful when you have some card and you can't think of what to do with it.

But maybe the Free Card Making Sketches booklet can help if any one else is in the same rut... and if you are new to the website you can get yours by adding your email address to the box in the top left of the pages.

Cards to Keep for Future Use

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

I made these three cards to keep in my stock for when needed. The lady one was made as follows using backing papers and toppers from one of my magazines.
I made a gate fold card from white A4 card.
I cut two pieces of silver mirri card slightly smaller than the two sides then layered two slightly smaller pieces of the pink backing paper on top of both.

I attached ribbon with a silver trim across the top corner of the one to be attached to the left hand side and then made a bow which I stuck in the middle.

I stuck these two sections on each side leaving a small white border round each. I cut an oval piece of mirri card larger than the pink lady topper.

I ran a glue roller round the edge and then attached pleated ribbon round the edge on the glue.

I then cut a slightly smaller silver oval and attached this in the middle using foam pads. I then attached the pink lady topper on the oval again using foam pads. I glued the left half of the topper and attached it centrally down the left section centre edge.

I cut a piece of silver mirri card larger than the sentiment and attached this to the bottom right corner using foam pads then attached the topper again using foam pads.

I glued a smaller topper (the corresponding one that matched the centre piece) to the middle of the bow. I then using silver glitter glue round the inner edges of the topper, smaller topper and the sentiment. I also used the glitter on her earring and also to make it look like she had a necklace on.

I put clear adhesive gems on the bottom left and top right hand corners of the card for extra effect.

The two smaller ones were made using aperture cards which I had bought. On both cards I stuck backing papers round the apertures then put glitter card behind the aperture and put decoupage flowers on each using foam pads.

I then finished them off using peel offs for a bit of added effect.

Christina says ...

The Gatefold card is one very beautiful centre piece and who ever gets it is sure to be delghted with it.

They are very easy to do and the result is just that little bit different. New cardmakers would have no problem at all in doing this style of card for themselves.

There are lots of written and video instructions in the NavBar to your left that are all there to help you create cards as stunning as Jennys.

Trying some New Techniques

by Jenny Cottam
(Doncaster, South Yorkshire)

I've been watching some more of your videos, Christina and have had a go at putting them into practice.

The fairy one is for my mum's birthday as she likes fairies. I used some card and fairy toppers which I bought.

I used ivory card and used two patterned card and inserted the borders down the side with the ruffled gold ribbon in between and then along the middle with the topper in the middle.

I am pleased with the result but think I have done the ruffles too close together.

The blue one is to try out the plaited ribbon technique. I used dark blue backing paper and improvised for doing the ribbon.

I used my border punch down both sides of a strip of paper and then used a small flower punch down the middle.

I then stuck a strip down the middle to give holes at either side. I then tried to copy the plaited ribbon technique. I also used some of the paper roses which are my favourites from your video, Christina.

The red one is another try at the ruffled ribbon and I tried to get the ruffles a little farther apart this time.

I did this corner to corner on the card and then inserted punched flowers on one corner and a sentiment on the other.

The turquoise one is my efforts at the paper lace which I made by using my border punch on paper and pleating it onto card.

I then stuck the topper above it with foam pads. I used the same paper border across the top twice and bottom twice with a different backing paper to tone with the middle one.

I love watching the videos and when I have the time I try to put into practice what I have seen.

Christina says ...

Each and every one of these cards is just so special and I love them all... and I am sure that each recipient of them will be delighted with them too.

The ruffled ribbon is just perfect each time you have done the technique and I love the plaited ribbon. Doesn't it make a card look stunning?

It makes me feel so happy to see some of these ideas being put into practise and the results are spectacular.

Thanks you so much for sending them in to the Gallery. xx