Card Making Therapy

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

I had a stroke some ten years ago and I was encouraged to go to a craft meeting with a friend, and recovery from the stoke was just fantastic through this hobby, which is now much more than just a hobby.

I hope some of my cards are liked a little. I came across your website while looking for the grand calibur on YouTube.

Love the website Margaret

Christina says ...

ALL these cards are just amazing and I really do love them every one.

I am so glad that you found something you really enjoy to help you over such an illness and I hope you are well on the way to recovery now.

The "Bookatrix" card is beautiful and is one of the Glitter Girls many dry embossing boards.

There is a link to their website in the Resources page and an explantion of what Dry Embossing is in the Techniques section in the NavBar to your left.

Your cards will be an inspiration to many, and the lovely people that visit the website will tell you what they think ... and you just watch the comments come in about them.

Card for a friend

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

This is an 8 x 8 card and I used three A4 silk Pink and 1 A4 white for this card. I already keep a stock of shoes. My friend asked me if I could do something a bit different for her niece.

Thank you for the inspirational videos, love the web site Christina

Christina says ...

This is so beautiful Margaret and so delicate in the lovely pink and white.

I see the Spellbinders Parisian Accents have been used here and don't they make the card look really special.

And I love the addition of the faux pearls too.

How delighted is the recipient going to be when she gets this fabulous "Keepsake"

Lavender Inspiration

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

I do not have a story for this card, only that this was ordered by a friend for a relative, and this is inspired by you Christina. I hope you like what I did with it.

Christina says ...

I really do like the card Margaret and the colour of it is so rich. It looks very intricate and the cellophane bag is very inventive.

I am sure that the recipient will be as pleased with it as you were to create it.

The Spellbinders combined with imagination is a winning design every time.

If you are new to Spellbinders then please visit the Video Tutorials for a whole series on using them and for many ideas on making them work for you.

Soft Mint

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

These cards were created from four sheets of Baby Blue silk card, two of white one of them I embossed and glittered the edge.

The Minty card also used Parisian Ascents, Aster flowers, Labels I think was 21, glitter stickers, and decorative paper.

Not made the boxes yet, one is 8*8 the other one a little smaller.

The cream Baby shoe was made from two sheets of cream card one of ivory, and Fleur De Lis die cuts, and gold stickers.

The picture was taken before the addition of girl, boy or in the end was New Baby


Christina says ...

What a wonderful collection of cards all created with Spellbinders. The colours are fresh and the layourt of each card is lovely.

I absolutely love the baby shoes that you add to your cards Margaret they are just adorable for any baby projects that can be made.

They would be perfect to make a pair and add to a little gift box for the new mum to treasure... especially if the new babys' name was added too.

Winter Birthday & Frosty Christmas

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

Hi Christina, love the new cards and decorations on website and the Facebook site

These two cards are for a friend who asked me if I would do a card for a 40th birthday. It only has to have the 40th added to it then I think it is finished.

I used the tr-fold card for this 40th Birthday card, two A4 white, I mixed dark blue, green, and white ink until I had the color I wanted.

I used a Mather Stewart punch on the top edge, after cutting an angle off and then rubbed the color over the edge softly.

I also used was a selection of Spellbinders dies. I love these dies. Mint green and ice blue card was also used and mint satin ribbon, liquid pearls, these i also like to use very pretty. size is just about 8*8

The second card is 8x8 Christmas card in a frosty style. Some winter paper was used for the large flower. I used one piece ice blue card, two pieces of plain white card all A4.

Fleur De Lis dies, bitty blossoms flowers, a small strip of card folded to look like ribbon, some glitter, liquid pearls and jewels.


Christina says ...

Oh! What beautiful cards, both of them... I can't choose a favorite as they are both lovely.

The Tri-fold card looks very intricate and perfect for that special birthday. I am sure the recipient will be delighted with it.

And the Frosty Christmas cards looks really frosty. They are cards that you are sure to be proud of and I love 'em both

Christmas Cards & Ornament

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

For these I have used up some odd pieces of red and gold, the white and ivory were whole pieces of A4 crystal white & A4 ivory, and some odds of gold.

For the little box I did the same thing as the video tutorial, but I decided to put an opening top to house a gift.

I cut some hook and loop dots in half and stuck them to tree sides , and glued the forth, but I think I will try it on all four sides, to make a completely removable.

Christina says ...

How lovely are these projects and you have done a really good job with them all.

I like the opening box lid and it is just big enough to add a small gift... and I am sure it will be well received by the recipient.

The cards are really beautiful and those Poinsettia dies make fabulous flowers.

But they are not just winter flowers either ... this is a die that can be used all year round.

Later I will show you how to turn them into beautiful summer blooms to grace even more of your cards... giving you more for your money!!

Christmas Cards & Boxes

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

I thought I would try the boxes, had a go at 12*12 card and a small one 8*8 card.

Using the same way to measure the lid for the small one, I also cut some Bitty Blossoms, it turned out quite pretty I think.

Christina says ...

What a lovely selection for Christmas.
The boxes are really pretty and such a good way to add a small gift.

I hope you found the video easy to follow and if you would like to make these pretty boxes as Margaret has done, for yourself then take a look at Origami Boxes in the Video Tutorials section.

Birthday Card

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

This card was made as 8*8 I liked the card you made with the Grand Decorative Ovals so much Christina I thought I would give it a go.

You're right they are such pretty dies.

So three A4 sheets of white, 2 A4 sheets of mulberry silk, some liquid pearls, and ribbon and follow the video

Christina says ...

Well all In can say is" Wow" .... this is such a beautiful card and I am so glad that you enjoyed the tutorial.

When I get submissions like this it makes everything I do worthwhile and I am so happy that you share your designs with us all.

I try to keep the video tutorials easy to follow and it is very rewarding for me to see what you have come up with.

I love your choice of colour scheme and the embellishments that you added It makes your card truly individual and it is just lovely.... simply lovely ... what more can I say xx

Baby Scarlet

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

Hi Christina, thought you might like to see this one. I took on board the box suggestion that you gave me, the card was made as 8*8, 3 * A4 pink, 1* 12*12 pink for the box,and piece of A4 white silk patterned paper. I used a spellbinders
mix of dies for this well

I also decided to make the sandals this time instead of shoes this was made for my daughter-in law's sister who has recently had a baby girl named Scarlet, this is one of my favorite things to make.

Best Wishes Margaret

Christina says ...

I absolutely adore the baby shoes and sandals that you create Margaret they are just beautiful. And how much more special by adding them to a box.

This is sure to be a gift that will be treasured for many years to come and probably added to a "Memory box" for the baby to see as she grows older.

Love them xx

Card for Rachel

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

I thought you may like to see this one, not sure if I have it quite right but there is no story behind this card.

Apart from it being my first attempt at using Spectrum Noir Pens for a birthday card to a friend.

I found it quite relaxing to do, as I have been busy of late making my patterns.

Christina says ...

Very pretty and your first attempt with the Spectrum Noirs has turned out really well.

I too find it very relaxing to sit and colour ... takes me back to childhood days... and the pens are very easy to work with.

Your friend is sure to be pleased with the work you have put in to make her card extra special.

Golden Wedding card

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland )

A friend asked me to make this card for the 18th of this month.

I used two 12*12 gold card for the box, plus white lace and satin ribbon, Spellbinders Grand Decorative Ovals, and a card creator on the inside, plus 4 x 4 white card two of which were embossed.

I also used gold foil card and Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms, gold and white pearls. This was also a 8*8 card.

Hope you like the result of this one Christina, I like this design a lot. Best wishes Margaret.

Christina says ...

Oh "Wow" ...you hope that I like this card Margaret .... I LOVE it ... it is simply gorgeous and a real keepsake for the recipient.

The attention to detail is fantastic both on the card and on the box and what you have produced here is something to be truly proud of

Pink Christening

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

Another request, so I have put the layout on this time, and I am half way through, do not have to rush this one as it is not needed till July.

I have also put some add on pictures of the gold wedding card, I cannot believe how busy I have become, all due to your wonderful videos Christina, stay well

xx Margaret

Christina says ...

A very kind sentiment indeed Margaret but it is YOU who make the cards. I only supply some of the ideas that you may like to try and then you go away and put your own spin on things.

And ALL of you never cease to amaze me with what you come up with and they are all gorgeous.

I absolutely LOVE that Gold Wedding Anniversary card it is truly lovely and what a Keepsake for the couple it is for

Blue Birthday

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

This card is just a simple birthday card, one sheet of A4 blue, 2 sheets of A4 blue foil,2 sheet of A4 white.

Spellbinders dies Persian Accents and Motifs and the Parisian dies with a nice blue bow, this was done so quick and I am pleased it turned out OK

I think the other two are lilac, purple and white, again A4 white card *2 sheets mauve * 2 sheets, and one purple foil, and again all Spellbinders dies.

Hope you like them.

Christina says ...

How could any one NOT like them Margaret they are gorgeous all of them. And the more you use Spellbinders the more you fall in love with them.

My special favorite would have to be the blue one as I just love the colour and the layout of it... and that bow is to die for.

If you would like to make cards as pretty as Margaret then take the time to look through the many ideas using Spellbinders in the Video Tutorials in the NavBar to our left

Anniversary card for Brother-in-law

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

This card was made for my husbands brother and wife for their 18th Anniversary.

I saw this style on Carols web page and it looked so good when she did it, mine is not so good I don't think.

I used 2 pale lilac, 2 darker lilac, one White card all A4 size, liquid pearls, Spellbinders dies mix.

I also make things other than cards, thought you may like to see this one. I will have to retrieve all the information on what I used and how it was done at a later date hugs x

Christina says ...

The first word to spring to mind with this card was "Wow" it is gorgeous and you must be so pleased with yourself and the card.

The picture of the happy couple is such a personal touch and they will feel so special when they get the card.

I love the colour and the Spellbinders are just amazing.

And what can I say about the Pram.... how adorable and what a lovely "keepsake" for a New Baby.

My First Hinge Card

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland)

Hi Cristina, this is my first card in the hinge style. I used 2 A4 white, one turquoise,and one lemon, and my spellbinders dies.

I have only done a couple of cards since breaking my wrist, so I thought I would try this one for my my friend, have a good Christmas best wishes Margaret.

My latest baby card was 8x8 pink 2xA4, white 1xA4, and some gold and pink teddies. White and pink liquid pearls.

Christina says ...

Both of these cards are really pretty ... but how I love those baby shoe cards that you make ... they are adorable.

Your friend is going to love that card as it is so personal and the turquoise and lemon look well together.

But the pink baby shoe is so special and what new mum wouldn't treasure that for ever. So frilly and feminine and simply gorgeous ... Love it xx

Golden wedding card 2

by Margaret Farrell
(Bishop Auckland )

Golden Wedding

This is another Golden Wedding card.

I used 4 sheets of A4 cream card, 1 gold embossed vellum, 2 sheets of gold mirror card, Spellbinders grand decorative ovals.

I created a horseshoe and decorated it, and added a memory box die heart. This was a request by a friend and I still have one more to do.

Hope all are well Margaret.

Christina says ...

A very beautiful card for the special anniversary of the Golden Wedding. I am sure that the recipients loved it and will add it as a "Keepsake" to their treasure chest.

Birthday Cards

by Margaret Farrell
(Bishop Auckland )

These cards were made for a friend, one pink, one teal and cream, one kingfisher and cream, the card used for the pink one was A4 pink , one A4 white, one pink floral paper, ans one pink and white check. Flowers

The teal card was 1 A4 teal,1 A4 white, kingfisher liquid pearls, spellbinders grand ovals, poinsettia dies with points trimmed off.

The shoe card is kingfisher and cream, 1 A4 cream, 1 kingfisher A4, liquid pearls, cream flat silk flowers.

Christina says ...

All these cards are so very pretty and I just love the addition of flowers on any project.

I am sure that the recipients are going to love them when their special day arrives and that the card will be treasured for a long time to come.

I really like the addition of the shoe to the "Happy Birthday" card ... makes it really girly

My Christmas Cards

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland )

This set of cards are for friends, the first one is made from plain white A4 base card, embossed with spellbinders decorative ovals, and grand ovals plain edge, I used tattered Lace poinsettia flowers and leaves, red foil card,white liquid pearls, and a little green.

The second card was made with the same dies, plus some A4 red and gold adhesive backed glitter paper, I pealed this off the backing, and placed it on to a A5 piece of white card, and used the same dies as the above card.

Third card was made the same style as the fist card, but cream gold, and red A4 card,plus a gold tree sticker.

The fourth card was made the same style as the first, white, red, A4 card, but vellum was used for the flowers.


Christina says ...

What a beautiful selection of Christmas cards and I would not be able to choose a favorite as they are all gorgeous.

You must have been really busy and the results are going to be so much appreciated by the recipients

Well done ... now can I go on your Christmas list please ????

Cool look card

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland )

Christmas Cards and table decorations.For the first card I used 3 A4 sheets of plain white card.

I cut and embossed one piece for the font and inside, one piece used as base card, third piece used to print inside sentiment, then I decided to have a go at quilling. So the decorations on the front are my quilling effort.

The lilac card was a get well card, for a friend of a friend, 3*A4 white card stock, one used to print pattern, spellbinders grand decorative ovals dies used on this one.

Table decorations were quilled, I bought four tea lights for £1.00 put a strip of paper round the tea light glued the end.

I then rolled my quilling pieces and glued them to the paper strip round the lights the end result is quite effective I think, and enjoyable to do.

I used pale blue, pastel blue, and white, found some jewels in a box I have full of beads, hot glued these onto places round the quilling very effective for this years cool look in my house.

Christina says ...

These are going to make the table look so elegant and in such a pretty color way too. They look like shimmery snowflakes

I love the quilling look on your card and I must admit that quilling is not something I have tried

Thank you for the instructions on how you achieved the look so that others can follow what you have done to get this very pretty table set for themselves.

Thank you card

by Margaret
(Bishop Auckland )

I can not go into detail, just to say it was a request for a special thank you card.

I used grand decorative ovals, other ovals for this card and 3 times A4 cream silk card, 2 times light green silk, 1 dark green star dream card.

Then I followed Christina's video, I love this design of Christina's, hope all are well, I watched create and craft, way to go Christina, good job, love maggie xx

Christina says ...

I have to admit that this design is one of my favorites and it looks so fancy once it is completed.

But I am sure that Maggie will tell you that it is not difficult to do. And as you can see Maggies' card is a stunner and ready for any occasion