tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73145058621637473012024-03-13T09:38:21.632+00:00Diary of an Aspiring Card MakerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-45102016715905430372014-09-09T20:00:00.000+01:002014-09-09T20:00:00.078+01:00Technique of the Week: Silhouettes<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Due to the faff of a new city, new job, new flat and a new routine, my new blog posts have suffered. I aim to do better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, I'm focusing on my silhouette cards. These are my go-to designs when I'm sometimes stuck for ideas. My first silhouette cards were a set of Christmas cards back when I was more focused on calligraphy than paper craft and featured different Christmassy shapes with a calligraphed message.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVfONdoHDsD8IvEK1xJkBYS77H545fqEONJUqBLlcNAs_-gUznsQ2awg8aehV6zmmF2czzF0TetxqHSb7og3Yj-WusI0P4jr62iAp2GR_B7HXaB67M0hEsw2ETcDkgG-FAo3H-4Ia5xI/s1600/2008_1101-+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVfONdoHDsD8IvEK1xJkBYS77H545fqEONJUqBLlcNAs_-gUznsQ2awg8aehV6zmmF2czzF0TetxqHSb7og3Yj-WusI0P4jr62iAp2GR_B7HXaB67M0hEsw2ETcDkgG-FAo3H-4Ia5xI/s1600/2008_1101-+040.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlZax1sxU6sppVg6mFKFWcSa958BNGHROAQWG3faXmeEa8AMeIGTiDXriqC7QG6g1BpT0FTWDlxyD2yQS9G4WdSDel0fmJhe5ZWcL-u7Sav2DH3lXrW81w-gLjOYS53lrOHQHr3IGG-8/s1600/2014_0814-0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlZax1sxU6sppVg6mFKFWcSa958BNGHROAQWG3faXmeEa8AMeIGTiDXriqC7QG6g1BpT0FTWDlxyD2yQS9G4WdSDel0fmJhe5ZWcL-u7Sav2DH3lXrW81w-gLjOYS53lrOHQHr3IGG-8/s1600/2014_0814-0002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The original silhouette card: I was inspired by my magazine (again) and made this using black paper and finishing it with silver pen detail and white thread strings. I also learnt that day that stitching paper is not the easiest thing to do and vowed never to do it again. I lied. This is probably one of my favourite templates to use and the last card I made before moving also featured it (albeit the evolved version).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I make sure to always have a stash of black card or paper just in case I have the urge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The key to a good silhouette card is to keep it simple. Because the card has no real detail, it needs to be distinguishable and it needs to be clear what the design is. From my own experience, I know how difficult it can be to judge - I know what it's meant to look like - so I usually borrow my brother or sister and get them to identify the design!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By using black, it lets me use a whole range of other colours. I found white in particular looks particularly bold. I always like to finish them off with a bit of sparkle by using a silver (or gold) pen and peel-offs. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTy7bywLnvjAm2J361LlENCwbLhEcV3wYoSIe3Av5B2UWZMGVTML05HHnTFBzEd3STnjls0f9-ZVXN51BxAvgbWS-x-ONfi8PbxrH7eJkSq9DBbrCzpIs_GPo1HROnrJFJm9CMEXSv14/s1600/2012_0814-0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTy7bywLnvjAm2J361LlENCwbLhEcV3wYoSIe3Av5B2UWZMGVTML05HHnTFBzEd3STnjls0f9-ZVXN51BxAvgbWS-x-ONfi8PbxrH7eJkSq9DBbrCzpIs_GPo1HROnrJFJm9CMEXSv14/s1600/2012_0814-0015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These two cards used the off-cuts from each other. Anyone who knows the Death Note manga series will know who these two characters are. I was particularly pleased with them because they reflect the characters and their relationship with each other.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1TP7i4dRPwVVRw4wY8usHjfe6ZQY5OlrnZvMbTX_hDVEKong0dV9VQ3lMHw7J_9rzsq5ItjKRB2huVKm_rZag6rvhicMzU8lLR74UVR12K_HuxNFpyhn5KCaKfFYCUhJlEM54gDTSgE/s1600/2012_0713-0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1TP7i4dRPwVVRw4wY8usHjfe6ZQY5OlrnZvMbTX_hDVEKong0dV9VQ3lMHw7J_9rzsq5ItjKRB2huVKm_rZag6rvhicMzU8lLR74UVR12K_HuxNFpyhn5KCaKfFYCUhJlEM54gDTSgE/s1600/2012_0713-0028.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one was a repeat of a card I made for a friend starting a new job. It's still one of my favourite designs because of the way the silhouette stands out against the pink and just makes the shoes pop. (I was particularly happy with the writing as well)</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-30499608633152881842014-08-12T22:00:00.000+01:002014-08-12T21:58:13.924+01:00Technique of the Week: Fonts<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As someone who is creative, both for work and pleasure, I love looking at fonts and playing around with different typefaces and have plenty of excuses to use them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i-_EHpLwjOXxefZIiDjcHv3dgFB8YU5MnF_8iQRAj7eiAClJXUlDyNr8HXWZmHSM-LDL1ezSQQ3sog7nK6M8We_5SR9BGu4l9CKJbD4Ks8UqpXG-88BYkl7GPHrXPBZzHkvbuwk3tgI/s1600/2007_1117-0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i-_EHpLwjOXxefZIiDjcHv3dgFB8YU5MnF_8iQRAj7eiAClJXUlDyNr8HXWZmHSM-LDL1ezSQQ3sog7nK6M8We_5SR9BGu4l9CKJbD4Ks8UqpXG-88BYkl7GPHrXPBZzHkvbuwk3tgI/s1600/2007_1117-0006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started using fonts when I did calligraphy and this became a foundation for how I use different fonts now, particularly on my greetings cards, although I very rarely use a calligraphy pen and ink these days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whenever I want to add a sentiment to a card, my favourite place to go is Word. As anyone with a computer will know, there is a whole list of fonts ranging from the simple to the cryptic. Essentially, there is a font for every occasion which is why I love it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calligraphy required quite a bit of patience and time: once you've chosen the font and size, the lines need drawing up, I tend to pencil my text out before inking it, then the ink has to dry, then the pencil has to be rubbed out. This system, however time consuming allowed me to create text that was neat and uniform and I used the same system today, even if I don't use the calligraphy pen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I use Word for writing sentiments, I find it easiest to actually write out what I want into the document and copy it onto the card, occasionally drawing up some guide lines in pencil first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I try to match the font to the theme, using more calligraphic ones for serious cards and looser, fun ones for less serious cards.</span></div>
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While I nearly always use a black fine liner pen, I don't necessarily always write the text. For bolder fonts, or in the case where I cut out the text from paper, I sketch out the letters in pencil before going over them in pen or carefully cutting them out.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I managed to bring lots of my stash although I did have to reduce it by quite a lot, the Craft Cube 5000 has remained up north (sad face) but that shall soon be rectified when I find permanent accommodation. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CcYjrT9R0GpdNuki05Qu2GiKTaeBNHXiUgbL31w7NNiHjnvx31Om8OFw4C8NnM5rqjG_8lgBC432YY6h_6T7qYeqk62u3BQJumP_r5Ri3jHOM1mpjq7vRvwfoHoulDu2AUppsTC6q-Q/s1600/20140610_132051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CcYjrT9R0GpdNuki05Qu2GiKTaeBNHXiUgbL31w7NNiHjnvx31Om8OFw4C8NnM5rqjG_8lgBC432YY6h_6T7qYeqk62u3BQJumP_r5Ri3jHOM1mpjq7vRvwfoHoulDu2AUppsTC6q-Q/s1600/20140610_132051.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've only been here a couple of days, I'm still settling in and finding my way around the city. I have however already managed to find a craft shop and potentially a couple of places where I can sell my cards so it's all good on the crafty front!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm making this a short one as it's now stopped raining and I have a flat to view this afternoon (yay!) so I'm off into the city again.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-73738161153551360762014-08-05T22:00:00.000+01:002014-08-05T22:00:04.357+01:00Technique of the Week: Easel Cards<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_MTWRZxXen8/U-ECpyE4s1I/AAAAAAAADMg/TEBeJxoaoSA/s1600-h/2014_0805-0048%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="2014_0805-0048" alt="2014_0805-0048" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3xgzS-zXjgA/U-ECqkknV7I/AAAAAAAADMk/JzooRPiZm-w/2014_0805-0048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a> <p>Last week, I received this card for my graduation. It was made by a family friend but sent from my Nanna. While I’ve seen easel cards several times in magazines and on websites and other blogs, I hadn’t actually come across one in real life. Easel cards never really seemed my kind of style, mainly due to all the borders and peel-offs and all sorts of embellishments and images, while mine tended to use paper piecing technique and a generally simpler design.</p> <p>It’s not that often that I receive handmade cards so when I do, I like to examine every detail – how did they do that? what paper was used there? I’ve never done it like that before! – and this card was no exception. While I admit, it took me far longer than it should have for me to realise how the card worked (getting it to stand up), I was inspired by the simplicity of the structure and how effective it was. Cards like this are perfect for special occasions (significant birthdays, wedding anniversaries, weddings, graduation, etc.) because they are more than just a card and become a keepsake of sorts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2KR_mh-kUd8/U-ExD_70WHI/AAAAAAAADM4/1vH-6R0uhFo/s1600-h/2014_0805-0052%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="2014_0805-0052" alt="2014_0805-0052" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RkHI4i9jo-Q/U-ExE3DXwzI/AAAAAAAADNA/Vbf7u5oLlPc/2014_0805-0052_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p>I decided to have a go at making an easel card and was surprised (although I really shouldn’t have been) at how easy it was to make. I chose to use a card blank that I already had rather than make it from card stock but all I had to do was trim it down to make it into a square blank and fold the front diagonally to make the easel. To make the front of the card, I cut a square of white card to match the size of my easel. The nice thing I found about using a card blank was that it had different colours on each side of the card and by turning the blank inside out, I could have a coloured base. </p> <p>In honour of the Great British Bake Off starting tomorrow (who else is as excited as I am????), I chose to do a cupcake themed card. The papers were courtesy of <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pLgDpRcSjpo/U-ExGAA4ppI/AAAAAAAADNI/gTvCGEBy6mw/s1600-h/2014_0805-0057%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="2014_0805-0057" alt="2014_0805-0057" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yEUIes3P7wU/U-ExGypn6gI/AAAAAAAADNQ/g7kRsHqeEXw/2014_0805-0057_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a>Papercraft Inspirations (of course) and fitted my theme perfectly. Another great thing about using card blanks is that they come with matching envelopes, which saves me having to root through my ever growing pile of recycled envelopes trying to find one that is both the right size and colour. Because the card blank has been trimmed, it does leave space in the envelope but this can be taken advantage of by not restricting the design of the card to the dimensions of the front – I added a little tab as a final flourish.</p> <p>Having seen for myself how simple these cards are to make and having a few more special occasions coming along soon, I will no doubt be giving easel cards another go in the near future.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Qoux2Xd9nY/U-ExIDY8jHI/AAAAAAAADNY/RCSmTt6UZNY/s1600-h/2014_0805-0054%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="2014_0805-0054" alt="2014_0805-0054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rkzi_YVJ908/U-ExIqQU3pI/AAAAAAAADNg/87ioBl73bvg/2014_0805-0054_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--6WuQWlcNAk/U-ExJSLdm3I/AAAAAAAADNo/qVBizVb7dhQ/s1600-h/2014_0805-0055%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="2014_0805-0055" alt="2014_0805-0055" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MkkztNLbsNg/U-ExKIOaSdI/AAAAAAAADNw/uKQ1WqBX2D0/2014_0805-0055_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-doeK2Rw3RO8/U-ExLFZ2JgI/AAAAAAAADN4/gHsar3BnbBE/s1600-h/2014_0805-0056%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="2014_0805-0056" alt="2014_0805-0056" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uOP317qYVZE/U-ExLgWFWCI/AAAAAAAADOA/E-1biHCr3ko/2014_0805-0056_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-19741966793074759062014-07-29T22:12:00.001+01:002014-07-29T22:12:55.462+01:00Technique of the Week: Paper piecing<p>This week, I’m sharing my favourite technique, or at least the one I use the most often: Paper piecing. If my favourite magazine is anything to go by, its quite a popular one in the world of card making but I particularly enjoy it as it allows me to combine my sketching and drawing with my paper craft and gives me freedom to create my own designs and styles. It’s also a great way to use up scraps of paper!</p> <p>I tend to use my own sketches at templates but I do occasionally use existing ones so its no biggie if you aren’t as skilled with a pencil. This post however is going to go through my process from sketchbook to greetings card.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZGqiFyIi3EU/U9gN-e0jOOI/AAAAAAAADJo/b3sYFtDD3Aw/s1600-h/2014_0729-0024%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="2014_0729-0024" alt="2014_0729-0024" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IIB1DY_JZts/U9gN_XmC8KI/AAAAAAAADJw/dP1478WlBWs/2014_0729-0024_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The first thing I do is sketch out my design. I have a small sketchbook especially for my card making where I can jot down a new idea or sketch out a design. My book is A6 which means that even if I fill the page, it will still fit onto the front of my preferred size of card blank. It also means I can actually draft out a full design. (I’d love to say it was planned that way but unfortunately it was just a happy coincidence). I do occasionally use bigger sketchbooks.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KXtUBue4LsI/U9gOBdA3REI/AAAAAAAADJ4/OtoDfjTME08/s1600-h/2014_0729-0026%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="2014_0729-0026" alt="2014_0729-0026" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FindG5e7xMw/U9gOCINC4RI/AAAAAAAADKA/Pto7EgxINBs/2014_0729-0026_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Once I’m happy with my design (and this can take a couple of attempts and quite a while depending on how carried away I get with the sketching. I have been known to completely finish and shade in with extra details before now), I get out my trusty tracing paper. As an architecture student, I used this almost as much as normal paper so I always had some lying around whether a clean sheet or an old drawing or even just scraps. I then trace over the line drawing, not necessarily in very much detail – some things can be added in free-hand later.</p> <p> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zGzQCnBGAAM/U9gOD1qMSRI/AAAAAAAADKI/TWCXpLJ6y8c/s1600-h/2012_1221-0001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="2012_1221-0001" alt="2012_1221-0001" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8CY4s8TANyo/U9gOFXxz6gI/AAAAAAAADKQ/946rn9vwWNQ/2012_1221-0001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A2nQJ3UhyeA/U9gOGs3d56I/AAAAAAAADKY/txWtj6VDl-A/s1600-h/2014_0729-0027%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="2014_0729-0027" alt="2014_0729-0027" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t2lCIq_5m7o/U9gOHqzIiNI/AAAAAAAADKg/nYetiME44q4/2014_0729-0027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a>With the basic template done, it’s time to start transferring the different shapes onto coloured paper. I flip the trace over so that the design is reversed. This is for two reasons. The first, so that I can transfer the design simply by drawing over the template again; the second, so that pencil marks will be on the back of the paper and out of sight without me having to rub them out. When tracing the shapes onto paper, I make sure to leave a little extra in order to glue the layers together, occasionally using on piece for a couple of sections – here, the face and the ear were one piece, with the hair placed on top. Once all the pieces are cut out, the picture can be assembled (this bit can be a bit messy!)</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VfbtZto1GaU/U9gOI1nTlYI/AAAAAAAADKo/LsnJ8q_isD4/s1600-h/2012_1221-0004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2012_1221-0004" alt="2012_1221-0004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QFhqrUG2aUQ/U9gOJxcQS9I/AAAAAAAADKw/y0QNM-eBDtI/2012_1221-0004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_h3IIEfdtMs/U9gOLBc7E4I/AAAAAAAADK4/T5WGqqX-Svg/s1600-h/2012_1221-0006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2012_1221-0006" alt="2012_1221-0006" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zxltAgKmDGE/U9gOMNcRlZI/AAAAAAAADLA/r71uXvwOzkM/2012_1221-0006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w8vT_S2wLm8/U9gOOH7nuGI/AAAAAAAADLI/JWF2pUr8VA0/s1600-h/2012_1221-0009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2012_1221-0009" alt="2012_1221-0009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oQ8UrX5RAHc/U9gOPY1cGQI/AAAAAAAADLQ/bLpLOKcswKg/2012_1221-0009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a></p> <p align="left">To finish off my paper piecings, I add detail with a black pen. This depends on the style I’m going for and can range from simply outlines to more detailed shading.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e3NPlTBljhM/U9gOQiFD3LI/AAAAAAAADLY/X2gQa-gb9y8/s1600-h/2013_0425-0005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="2013_0425-0005" alt="2013_0425-0005" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pWl0B0Q47I0/U9gOSR_CNwI/AAAAAAAADLg/rEHAVEcrlp0/2013_0425-0005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s4uOlaBTYYU/U9gOTwJ5YMI/AAAAAAAADLo/DXUaTiJaUV0/s1600-h/2012_1118-0019%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="2012_1118-0019" alt="2012_1118-0019" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TJfrZ6RogYo/U9gOU8z9KBI/AAAAAAAADLw/6wwNhexI3Sg/2012_1118-0019_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a>While I tend to keep the more detailed ones for the frames, simpler designs are great for greetings cards. This Iron Man birthday card was made with very few different shapes. The hand was stuck on using foam pads to give the design some depth but all of the detail was done with black pen and a sharpened white pencil in order to mimic the comic book style.<br>In contrast to this, the Suits themed birthday card focused on mainly the silhouette of the character, with very little detail added to the hair. I was unsure how obvious this design would be to the recipient but as she is an avid Suits fan, she understood the reference immediately (phew!).</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">Would love to know what you think of my Technique of the Week posts so leave a comment below! Any suggestions for future posts more than welcome!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-66553125526117101532014-07-29T10:00:00.000+01:002014-07-29T10:00:04.616+01:00Happy 100th Post!<p><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Although I will be posting my new weekly entry later this evening, I wanted to do something a bit more special for my 100th post, so here we are.</span><br><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br></span><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Nearly two and a half years ago I manned my first table selling my cards at my hall of residence's fundraiser and not long after that I sat down and wrote my first post (I'm still slightly in awe that I managed to stick with it!).<br><br>This blog was started to share my makes and ideas and to record my progress of starting a small business so it makes sense to look back on the last 100 posts and to see how far I've come.<a href="http://madebyemma1610.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/card-lympics-day-17.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Team Photo" alt="Team Photo" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oz4Ejgtkekw/U9aP5F_2JSI/AAAAAAAADIo/SOy775BByWU/Team%252520Photo%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="161"></a></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span> </p> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">2012 not only saw the start of my blog but also of the London Olympic Games. I loved taking part in my own “<a href="http://madebyemma1610.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/card-lympics-day-17.html" target="_blank">Card-lympics</a>” (even more so when I Googled the phrase!) and although a fair few of them have been sold, I’ve still got a small handful of them (I was very reluctant to let any of them go to begin with!) </span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://madebyemma1610.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/exciting-news.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="Magazine article" alt="Magazine article" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vPTMEdvaMDU/U9aP8QF21qI/AAAAAAAADIw/EQUBdhWxRd0/Magazine%252520article%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="148"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>In August I got a mention in Papercraft Inspirations, the magazine I read, when they published one of my cards from my blog. I was particularly pleased with that card and have since made it at least once. I was thrilled to see my card in my favourite mag.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://madebyemma1610.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/technique-of-week-tassels.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="2012_1016-0017" alt="2012_1016-0017" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SQrDobj11SE/U9aP-pmPU_I/AAAAAAAADI4/c6bN5Fv_cIM/2012_1016-0017%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>October saw me making my first ever paper-pieced picture, inspired from one of my cards. I figured I should trial my idea and keep the first one for myself. The 10th Doctor still sits on my desk and will definitely be coming with me to Bath. Since that first one, I’ve made Alice in Wonderland, Marvin, Pokemon and Jane Austen. I should really start making those again soon . . .</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://madebyemma1610.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/theres-good-days-and-bad-days.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="2012_1104-0077" alt="2012_1104-0077" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YfsVnJWMz9I/U9aQAdNwePI/AAAAAAAADJA/VgvrPSPJMj4/2012_1104-0077%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>These were a big hit when I attended my first craft fair at Victoria Baths in Manchester. Despite the cold, I had a great time although I’m pretty sure most of that was down to the fact that I had a really successful day. I hope to one day repeat that success as none of the events I’ve done since then have even come close. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://madebyemma1610.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/victoria-baths-ii.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="2013_0602-0015" alt="2013_0602-0015" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cXjZGDERHdM/U9aQDBUE9YI/AAAAAAAADJI/Sj5vOeMJwk0/2013_0602-0015%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Six months on was Victoria Baths II and although it wasn’t as successful, it was much warmer and really interesting to see how far I’d come in that time. By this point, I had a whole table to myself and managed to fill it!.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://madebyemma1610.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/3d-cards-next-dimension.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="11" alt="11" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WbCa-kN-wqg/U9aQEmIYTjI/AAAAAAAADJQ/0qN0RcBMsYs/11%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="170"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>In September, I started taking my cards to the next dimension and am still experimenting with new 3D shaped card – I even have a new one to try out soon! While I’ve had a go at all sorts of shapes, there are a couple that I keep going back to. If I had to pick a favourite, I think it would be my hiking ones. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://madebyemma1610.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/technique-of-week-tassels.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="2014_0718-0030" alt="2014_0718-0030" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wemauf_GfXY/U9aQGY1WtrI/AAAAAAAADJY/rBmLPnOwKJA/2014_0718-0030%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Over the last nine-ish months, I’ll admit, my cards (and my blog) got rudely pushed to the side in order for me to concentrate on my final year at uni. It wasn’t necessarily intentional, I just didn’t have time to do both and no good enough excuses to spend an evening aimlessly making cards. However, now that I have finished uni for now (and with a 2:1 to boot!), I can get back to card making with a vengeance and last week saw my first Technique of the Week, a series that is going to make me publish at least once a week but hopefully will challenge my blogging and give it more of a purpose. </p> <p> </p> <p>While I am now back in North Wales, I won’t be seeing Manchester again for a while and this time in two weeks, I’ll be down South in the city Miss Austen herself lived in. A new location and a new job with regular hours mean plenty of new opportunities for me and my cards. Here’s to the next 100!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-80309207800826960312014-07-22T21:00:00.000+01:002014-07-22T21:00:00.123+01:00Technique of the Week: Tassels<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the first of who knows how many posts talking about the different techniques I use on my cards. My aim is to write one every week sharing either a tutorial or just some inspiration from techniques I use regularly and maybe a couple of new ones. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week's technique of the week is tassels. It wasn't what I originally planned to write about but with current happenings, it seems to fit quite well. As you may have seen in my previous posts, its graduation time and yesterday it was my turn to stop being a graduand (my new word!) and become a graduate. I made a few cards for some close friends of mine who were graduating with me, which is where today's technique comes from. The tassels made would then form part of a cap embellishment to go on the front of the cards. I originally found a tutorial through Pinterest (where else!), but having used it as a starting point, I chose to make my own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tassels are really straightforward to make but can be fiddly depending on the size of the tassel and the length of you fingernails! (Shorted makes life so much easier I found out). All you need to make a tassel is:</span></div>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJIHAVo0E1Bn4WnQUdjpa0NK32rFTNe5nqBVtZyE4NyOm3g2k08t05c7vZ9k8AGETI0qnShLaf_ab48myo5OVirmGUxyeSvMTrtX3ge3YIP5euMq1S87kAuPURsKJSsl8TBd9QEvXMMs/s1600/2014_0718-0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJIHAVo0E1Bn4WnQUdjpa0NK32rFTNe5nqBVtZyE4NyOm3g2k08t05c7vZ9k8AGETI0qnShLaf_ab48myo5OVirmGUxyeSvMTrtX3ge3YIP5euMq1S87kAuPURsKJSsl8TBd9QEvXMMs/s1600/2014_0718-0011.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some thread/string/wool. I used black thread for mine as they were only going to be small but obviously, to make bigger tassels, you would use a thicker material.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A piece of cardboard. My tutorial uses foam board as clever me had a clear out earlier in the week and this was all I could find. Cardboard would work better but essentially you need something that is thin and stiff. The size of the cardboard will determine the size of the tassel.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scissors.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihW742nx-7TYEfdi_n1bSSAjn7VlAVqbiPsZHSXhKAXgl5uFsvabr449kVhK_gzSEOFxlcqpBUD54AH1Bkz3SZeGMKVHN-SdjnM4YrUwfsuY_BjidbCGnVwRpWxsonKlVWEu0wBGFzSiU/s1600/2014_0718-0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihW742nx-7TYEfdi_n1bSSAjn7VlAVqbiPsZHSXhKAXgl5uFsvabr449kVhK_gzSEOFxlcqpBUD54AH1Bkz3SZeGMKVHN-SdjnM4YrUwfsuY_BjidbCGnVwRpWxsonKlVWEu0wBGFzSiU/s1600/2014_0718-0012.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To start, cut a short length of thread and lay it across the top of the cardboard. This doesn't need to be too long but needs to be long enough so that it can be tied. The tail will also be used to attach it to the cap itself.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p_Q3FJom8DnCJPe3_p9LuJ4Rw9r3nPi0Rl7od5MKDJnlAbWTrSZcHWJJEoEVbv5HQMa4GOrz84Axt-BoIg4lYQoAMc90N4A4sdUL4_chi_lGAmQ5QQZNgmBslyTD3rDyuzAjbCeoTv8/s1600/2014_0718-0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p_Q3FJom8DnCJPe3_p9LuJ4Rw9r3nPi0Rl7od5MKDJnlAbWTrSZcHWJJEoEVbv5HQMa4GOrz84Axt-BoIg4lYQoAMc90N4A4sdUL4_chi_lGAmQ5QQZNgmBslyTD3rDyuzAjbCeoTv8/s1600/2014_0718-0013.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, its time to start winding. Starting at the bottom, wind the thread around the board, making sure that you wind over the piece of thread at the top. How many times you go around is up to you, for this one, I went around 20 times. Once you are back at the bottom, cut the thread from the spool.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi9nB5wjFdIt5_LguDj1T4Uj2Y7970EeT-cEriIemePiXTips14XEu1II6UzDZrhpi__xtyT0cze72GY80I27G6C7LTDiyuYd4zP2wO4Fa4cAZIJrZ_bqO8UK4dj9w9cn-qDTcKxFCxk/s1600/2014_0718-0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi9nB5wjFdIt5_LguDj1T4Uj2Y7970EeT-cEriIemePiXTips14XEu1II6UzDZrhpi__xtyT0cze72GY80I27G6C7LTDiyuYd4zP2wO4Fa4cAZIJrZ_bqO8UK4dj9w9cn-qDTcKxFCxk/s1600/2014_0718-0015.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That thread I mentioned in the first step? Tie it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try and make it as tight as possible. I double knotted it just to make sure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tob4dYj3CXT7idBdNeOaEUwWWdIXDTvNQVgS03hJAYQGQUWe_gK4seFKdIBc84Bfju69KLnKtWz14aihekVYWw_EG_DIqa002Cgl-_E6CtZO_QpYu4YLuLn3oz9UpnmFpI17v7Qk2T0/s1600/2014_0718-0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tob4dYj3CXT7idBdNeOaEUwWWdIXDTvNQVgS03hJAYQGQUWe_gK4seFKdIBc84Bfju69KLnKtWz14aihekVYWw_EG_DIqa002Cgl-_E6CtZO_QpYu4YLuLn3oz9UpnmFpI17v7Qk2T0/s1600/2014_0718-0018.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodhNykChc_S4etcXi_M3IxUE3M3_wziT6jSerdJYL5AjFXkYMJZu10Ke8SfwSjlYJ9D6KkjZSyxdvyKDcymm8qR9KsUYLtuq4sCpUIudJ8bYSB7EMeErYv0BlI2fWbH1uxf7Z8mJa4rE/s1600/2014_0718-0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodhNykChc_S4etcXi_M3IxUE3M3_wziT6jSerdJYL5AjFXkYMJZu10Ke8SfwSjlYJ9D6KkjZSyxdvyKDcymm8qR9KsUYLtuq4sCpUIudJ8bYSB7EMeErYv0BlI2fWbH1uxf7Z8mJa4rE/s1600/2014_0718-0016.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">F</span>lip the card over and cut the thread at the bottom. This makes the tassel and also lets you remove it from the card.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is where it can get fiddly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next step is to tie the middle so that it actually resembles a tassel. To do this, wrap some more thread around and knot it. I try to wrap it a couple of times before tying the knot. It can be messy when you are wrapping but once it's knotted, it's easy enough to neaten and arrange. The ends can then become part of the tassel as well once trimmed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrc8COehLFNzefU6tPV9UN_s6v5BBR5ZnnYg63ssLmVBJiBGZJQfLWQmJFpCPzKDk1tWTVrTv6JdHuq9WERMiWTCa7CYSFyuqyRFOVToRBLFC3olo1Uzu8XGZGKs1w89q0jeAmaSfUlE/s1600/2014_0718-0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrc8COehLFNzefU6tPV9UN_s6v5BBR5ZnnYg63ssLmVBJiBGZJQfLWQmJFpCPzKDk1tWTVrTv6JdHuq9WERMiWTCa7CYSFyuqyRFOVToRBLFC3olo1Uzu8XGZGKs1w89q0jeAmaSfUlE/s1600/2014_0718-0021.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZlt3uEsOEoy4nJoek3LtfU97QSQEblLP9gohkL082KbXkDkCdiTk2R17UHUvd_r5ezKfus2-Y4tOcXdJzilbEs_vKijgCyP_8huo2lMKqz6CZXV7jnWP957tOcidMYnzgEOwi_o38VA/s1600/2014_0718-0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZlt3uEsOEoy4nJoek3LtfU97QSQEblLP9gohkL082KbXkDkCdiTk2R17UHUvd_r5ezKfus2-Y4tOcXdJzilbEs_vKijgCyP_8huo2lMKqz6CZXV7jnWP957tOcidMYnzgEOwi_o38VA/s1600/2014_0718-0019.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_y_-UhyDaDPYcrdPFZTOAVEgKA-Ud0UAhMcutehkfdJwF_buk-0F4jEvlUv1cWyGN2u3EvJt5CrxtOKpxcUer7XMJmq63R6XtEi8A_Z5cfLXqoGGzypjqxjVkXoaFeiEgpjoTCBRubo/s1600/2014_0718-0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_y_-UhyDaDPYcrdPFZTOAVEgKA-Ud0UAhMcutehkfdJwF_buk-0F4jEvlUv1cWyGN2u3EvJt5CrxtOKpxcUer7XMJmq63R6XtEi8A_Z5cfLXqoGGzypjqxjVkXoaFeiEgpjoTCBRubo/s1600/2014_0718-0020.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8VQvpaQN4wiF_DG4e91vAtR62svO2f6Mhq-0GTGkYqKkELLRrRPsPIH7p3nt_1FjPb-_XahXuAuGCexvgshGSrQcZDrlJ1ezH3VSSq07YqzwswVFSY5pnYPH30sEzwmXJlhUTPj66Cg/s1600/2014_0718-0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8VQvpaQN4wiF_DG4e91vAtR62svO2f6Mhq-0GTGkYqKkELLRrRPsPIH7p3nt_1FjPb-_XahXuAuGCexvgshGSrQcZDrlJ1ezH3VSSq07YqzwswVFSY5pnYPH30sEzwmXJlhUTPj66Cg/s1600/2014_0718-0008.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>When attaching it to a black card cap, I threaded the tail through a needle and poked it through the centre of the cap, securing it with a bit of cello-tape and trimming the ends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02StkpH4yOLcxqn7Rg7vIOWcnMvqd0jm89TIykRShmQjcIM3QyCQM04DDBv_wHJEMpoEdhPfPbCn_e3gLYymMu6gmkvMDWj-TttJBfewrGbX1uEAeEGtemSD0gnrud_ptDBlwSgoKZ7k/s1600/2014_0718-0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02StkpH4yOLcxqn7Rg7vIOWcnMvqd0jm89TIykRShmQjcIM3QyCQM04DDBv_wHJEMpoEdhPfPbCn_e3gLYymMu6gmkvMDWj-TttJBfewrGbX1uEAeEGtemSD0gnrud_ptDBlwSgoKZ7k/s1600/2014_0718-0030.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Three tassels made three caps for three cards. I chose to use my school colours as we are part of two universities. I didn't want to make three identical cards which also let me try out different ways to place the cap.<br />
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Having the owl throw it up in celebration was a very simple way to us it: the tassel doesn't need arranging or sticking down.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxPlR-n_8UhXAmuMjd8FqTqt-N_DEp-nlOCDi_Qj6Wdta08k_P8SMVXEzLnIslAQ4q9U1kFLR22zrx9fUpy0wyGKTV0HK8Z7k1ZdK8fZ-dT59y8hnD2UGjpcaa_UeIkZsekvnJE4HeVo/s1600/2014_0718-0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxPlR-n_8UhXAmuMjd8FqTqt-N_DEp-nlOCDi_Qj6Wdta08k_P8SMVXEzLnIslAQ4q9U1kFLR22zrx9fUpy0wyGKTV0HK8Z7k1ZdK8fZ-dT59y8hnD2UGjpcaa_UeIkZsekvnJE4HeVo/s1600/2014_0718-0026.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
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The second card was for a fellow Welshman, and having found this foam dragon in my stash, it was just crying out to be used. I should have however, trimmed the cap down to compensate for the foreshortening (see the third card). The other thing to remember when actually putting the cap onto a figure is to stick the tassel down - otherwise it'll get in the way! Although it would kind of fit in with this goofy looking dragon.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitqQeNxdIyZXCZeiv88lp1gvoufgcGAjCoDHXnMlpe8iplGPhUHGZUq0J2ogrUHK5rYLlqYdmcr2EKSsC_6HR-2dpxrZCTGJTgqtEBE800WVCx8_gfnYTUiWpmpYDKzT_gHFKo0Orrn8/s1600/2014_0718-0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitqQeNxdIyZXCZeiv88lp1gvoufgcGAjCoDHXnMlpe8iplGPhUHGZUq0J2ogrUHK5rYLlqYdmcr2EKSsC_6HR-2dpxrZCTGJTgqtEBE800WVCx8_gfnYTUiWpmpYDKzT_gHFKo0Orrn8/s1600/2014_0718-0022.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
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The third card is probably the most traditional of the three. I added a bit of glue to keep the tassel off to the side. This card was also embellished with a degree scroll. This was simply made by rolling a bit of white paper around the end of a paint brush, using glue to seal the end of the strip. To finished I used a bit of red thread to tie a bow around it and flattened the scroll slightly so that it adhered to the card front easily.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY-g27nHP9EQ69UpVChJmSmKyn4tnpoAaFYfLnNVATOzRLf6l54xh9J5UkShiIMbSDVnIWPKg1WhmaD-g-MbsOveE4RUSRqdg19ZgmeEoHXsRBN32QcURxWIV9mRuFZabfZQ3u6MUZEg/s1600/2013_1007-0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Most of us have come across Despicable Me, in particular, those little yellow minions. The minions are very popular with my friends and recently I have been commissioned cards featuring them. Because they are some crazy characters, it opens up a whole load of ideas and essentially anything works, the madder, the better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first card was actually from last October and was a personalised birthday card. I wanted to imply the chaos wreaked by them so rather than having one minion on the front, I chose to show minions all over the place. These were paper pieced and the card was finished with a hand written sentiment and lots of stars.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMZOTFGEH_sVMIJHQGPXuQoGXwVPLE2MLzndsnRxIrQzxKR8xGAoOr8kl6lbuUkezBOoyxYqJEqpGekpQd7pbiNq6xVUr5MISvM3LKCKBbZG9gdafboApqK5SjDCDksgOyJmgJv-RGhs/s1600/2014_0702-0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMZOTFGEH_sVMIJHQGPXuQoGXwVPLE2MLzndsnRxIrQzxKR8xGAoOr8kl6lbuUkezBOoyxYqJEqpGekpQd7pbiNq6xVUr5MISvM3LKCKBbZG9gdafboApqK5SjDCDksgOyJmgJv-RGhs/s1600/2014_0702-0009.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkzRc09GuwLj_fN0k6ruVP3A4ZsV45UuGET0aKQCmHwEzwbZy_da8zUwkaNcOez1mtyOsndFmCatoiO0rntqSUo7LxCYBtjQ9AsndPE7CGyROqiqMwhQWT32f_nPplWmw8Crc5nFvXG4/s1600/2014_0702-0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkzRc09GuwLj_fN0k6ruVP3A4ZsV45UuGET0aKQCmHwEzwbZy_da8zUwkaNcOez1mtyOsndFmCatoiO0rntqSUo7LxCYBtjQ9AsndPE7CGyROqiqMwhQWT32f_nPplWmw8Crc5nFvXG4/s1600/2014_0702-0008.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My second card, more recently commissioned, was again for a birthday. The specification ("a purple minion doing something stupid please") was a little more specific but still gave me a lot of free reign over the design. As the birthday girl was a mutual friend, I was able to design something suitable. I don't think this minion actually looks that out of place slumped in this cocktail glass . . . .</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9hgiwVF__Se1pFqFvNbc8bhMsHyXJWeLOJivPUHjgo1JfKC9QGzMSg5SNwmcckVcqF-7qP6eSE73SuU7d2X__Zsay-GOWfVt_6tOJ_75QJCv_hMNUi8reBNVTQNHPe_I0S5bAeL_S0M/s1600/2014_0702-0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9hgiwVF__Se1pFqFvNbc8bhMsHyXJWeLOJivPUHjgo1JfKC9QGzMSg5SNwmcckVcqF-7qP6eSE73SuU7d2X__Zsay-GOWfVt_6tOJ_75QJCv_hMNUi8reBNVTQNHPe_I0S5bAeL_S0M/s1600/2014_0702-0005.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-t6gHjL4aovYfAYokkrKnrZe51r5kLLdxLzzPs0WLpjKKnzuj2GtcxFJOrLJSb19Trqio3AwgombZTLOS5wbbEZ6zsNsTtzl8Sy3oZPJiVZTJJO4U1saCA6mn3K9To1paQFxttWw-WQs/s1600/2014_0702-0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-t6gHjL4aovYfAYokkrKnrZe51r5kLLdxLzzPs0WLpjKKnzuj2GtcxFJOrLJSb19Trqio3AwgombZTLOS5wbbEZ6zsNsTtzl8Sy3oZPJiVZTJJO4U1saCA6mn3K9To1paQFxttWw-WQs/s1600/2014_0702-0003.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The third card, for the friend who commissioned the previous one, was for graduation rather than a birthday. In a similar way to the previous cards (and almost all of my cards), this one was paper pieced and featured a purple minion wearing a mortar board. My friend, Min, has been regularly referred to as a minion, so this fit well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8SpN_t__-sQE3wdcKI6Rm-7gHf3HJiK3YH2H6XTHZTg5f1v9rpcZ9VAT6lyyyjhUYmiktyCGZNgyS1Rl7-FOb6vIRo1DpSkyzQj1W1UV3S9_5ZLZ3IPeIjcEl753x_mOcWLm3woi-DU/s1600/2012_1201-0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8SpN_t__-sQE3wdcKI6Rm-7gHf3HJiK3YH2H6XTHZTg5f1v9rpcZ9VAT6lyyyjhUYmiktyCGZNgyS1Rl7-FOb6vIRo1DpSkyzQj1W1UV3S9_5ZLZ3IPeIjcEl753x_mOcWLm3woi-DU/s1600/2012_1201-0012.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to this, Bath is Jane Austen central so something tells me that so regency themed cards and frame will be required!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The more I think about it, the more I'm looking forward to it: a fresh start after this unplanned break should be good.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-1605514911071420812014-06-22T16:46:00.000+01:002014-06-22T16:46:19.734+01:00Creative Stitches and Hobbycraft Show<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is well over due but then again, so are many of the soon to follow entries!<br /><br />Earlier this year, I won tickets to the Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts show over in Trafford Park. I've never actually been to a show like this before, although when I was younger my dad took me to computer fairs and my mum sometimes worked photography seminars so I kind of knew what to expect. I took my flat mate along with me (more on that later) and I think it's fair to say that a successful day was had by all. I probably more money than I should have but I got some gorgeous new stamps and a Kanban Crafts card kit (which was actually a bargain).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was just so much there! It was amazing. I was like a child in a sweet shop and didn't know what to look at first. Luckily (or so I thought), my flat mate, Natalie is not a crafter like me so she kept me on a certain level of calm. That was until we came across the jewellery making stalls where they were letting people have a go at making a pair of earrings. I don't have my ears pierced so it wasn't of particular interest to me but Nat decided to have a go and we agreed to meet up there in an hour.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenqufLvOPUIqEthoddE8zUBknvBDwKjeHszM3TmOKWy0OmVf1C7G4zkAqIAWbl1ni3VKS0fCpqWHr8f23Ptw13gCbP1vAvFe_6rM5_ApmS-7DLzEsmr-jJPBmJkk0yoSAYail7kRlH_c/s1600/2014_0227-0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenqufLvOPUIqEthoddE8zUBknvBDwKjeHszM3TmOKWy0OmVf1C7G4zkAqIAWbl1ni3VKS0fCpqWHr8f23Ptw13gCbP1vAvFe_6rM5_ApmS-7DLzEsmr-jJPBmJkk0yoSAYail7kRlH_c/s1600/2014_0227-0018.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One hour (I completely lost track of time) later . . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I headed back to the stall to see her fully engrossed in making her earrings. I left her to her crafting and when I came back a second time, she had bought lots of kit to make her own. And so the craft bug spreads!<br /><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-14264137086034212232014-03-05T00:18:00.000+00:002014-03-05T00:18:18.824+00:00A Climbing Commission<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSC0G7a02Te8rKRzvPdMQi1LWvQw8Sl_x0jC6vmNlKUv1U5c-x6v363r_lavHqQiTKbcu0f5f6jsYFsxlHzUp4ZevXEUx8R2aai_E-7AMZEf4MDyaSrWURvAnei0OBj1XGVW3nUeCsQME/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSC0G7a02Te8rKRzvPdMQi1LWvQw8Sl_x0jC6vmNlKUv1U5c-x6v363r_lavHqQiTKbcu0f5f6jsYFsxlHzUp4ZevXEUx8R2aai_E-7AMZEf4MDyaSrWURvAnei0OBj1XGVW3nUeCsQME/s1600/15.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This birthday card was commissioned by the recipient of my hiking card for a fellow hiker and climber. The idea was that it was the same style as my previous one, except that this one would be a climber instead of a hiker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not being a climber myself (at the time) I knew very little about the technical side of it - having now had a go, I realise the error of my ways but it's another card I'm proud of. The birthday girl also has a German Shepherd so it was requested that one made an appearance. I'm really pleased with the way the twine resembles climbing rope however, I would like to stress that this is NOT how you climb!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As with the previous card, this one is a zig zag and finished with a brown paper rock face. The climber and her dog are paper pieced and finished off with twine and a birthday peel-off sentiment.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-1990548559725477302014-02-26T16:38:00.000+00:002014-02-26T16:38:29.879+00:00A Birthday Card from Asgard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzsN1vMfVX1D5WKETHvnH6ETIcLMyVVgc_VrlkOzYyvJmTAOQ836pfCSvyCR4GsQV6QZ4gJbFHDjJNFTdKhdLfVhlHzxw3vcpvUVaXy-gx1ZQKFqKsi0BUq3bXqdQzad5W5qJH0UqGtw/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzsN1vMfVX1D5WKETHvnH6ETIcLMyVVgc_VrlkOzYyvJmTAOQ836pfCSvyCR4GsQV6QZ4gJbFHDjJNFTdKhdLfVhlHzxw3vcpvUVaXy-gx1ZQKFqKsi0BUq3bXqdQzad5W5qJH0UqGtw/s1600/14.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My third Avengers card. This one was a personal one for a friend who, like me, is a fan of Loki (he just needs a hug!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the same style as my Ironman card and Thor card, I created a paper pieced image, this time using the image from one of the posters for the new film. Detail was added with black pen and is set on a green card blank, finished with a birthday sentiment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always struggle with faces, which is why, you may have noticed, that I leave them out most of the time. I can't remember my reasons to drawing it in this time and I don't think it looks too bad. My friend went all fan girl over it when she got it so mission accomplished in my books!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 down, 5(?) to go!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-62580708304941827882014-02-21T11:46:00.000+00:002014-02-21T11:46:24.638+00:00Chic 21st <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52ZpF5DpDrDVapywGs2HyPoQERBREVWAY_Xdaxhnl-pKcdSt9W-FREUTuR9ARrXuuVGD8pkZxx5xbbFTh243M6EPXGxMBww3vxrYC9WvCndkExDikVGdn2ZrWdAKu8MJFE0dIcnUVlK0/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52ZpF5DpDrDVapywGs2HyPoQERBREVWAY_Xdaxhnl-pKcdSt9W-FREUTuR9ARrXuuVGD8pkZxx5xbbFTh243M6EPXGxMBww3vxrYC9WvCndkExDikVGdn2ZrWdAKu8MJFE0dIcnUVlK0/s1600/13.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's about time I wrote (apologies) and started to catch up with my cards - I'm really falling behind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />This one was for my best friend's 21st birthday. She's always a tricky one to make as I never really know what to put on her cards. I always go down the fashion/dresses route. For her 18th I did an Art Deco themed card (which I was particularly pleased with).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp52AOYAPRqzwnizl9gKs7vISjt2k7aVpvPyy3XIpO1i67H7VnsgmqWIDoZrMu4vcaSFIYXXEvsUGQowvhrh6qtVE4mlQDiEj28AjkFa_v8gDz0pqBM_eogPZMJ9s17jLtl6QxYElxVs/s1600/2010_1201-0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp52AOYAPRqzwnizl9gKs7vISjt2k7aVpvPyy3XIpO1i67H7VnsgmqWIDoZrMu4vcaSFIYXXEvsUGQowvhrh6qtVE4mlQDiEj28AjkFa_v8gDz0pqBM_eogPZMJ9s17jLtl6QxYElxVs/s1600/2010_1201-0005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this year, I opted for a stepper card. I drew the design myself and finished the dress with patterned vellum.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The text was a papercutting, originally traced from Word and then cut out in black card. It was extremely fiddly but I love the effect it makes.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-76788406480833413602013-12-31T09:30:00.000+00:002013-12-31T09:30:01.720+00:00Saaaaaayyyyuuuuuul!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkKKjTb6zpFcrY7Vd3jYvH-HNJJscnUCRhA2F6khuhX_faQ7Og1u4yNsVpF3CvpRmXn_uui261N_wKZ4qDRfDBzicMXDdBTYFXMEZBCBS9tm8KtZiqSI5rvxd7aAmmkm-hQwXy17rdEY/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkKKjTb6zpFcrY7Vd3jYvH-HNJJscnUCRhA2F6khuhX_faQ7Og1u4yNsVpF3CvpRmXn_uui261N_wKZ4qDRfDBzicMXDdBTYFXMEZBCBS9tm8KtZiqSI5rvxd7aAmmkm-hQwXy17rdEY/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dad likes his rugby. I've been to a couple of matches as well. For his birthday, I decided to make him a card in the theme of his team: Sale Sharks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's one of my more simple cards, using a stepper base, I paper cut the Sharks logo from some white card to put on the front. I like the dimension that the stepper card creates, I used this to my advantage with a set of posts and a rugby ball, giving the impression that the ball is about to be kicked half way down the pitch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finished is simply with a peel off sentiment.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-87476172083117660752013-12-30T18:57:00.000+00:002013-12-30T18:58:03.718+00:00A Card for a Potterhead<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having just blogged about my hiking birthday card, and my Wicked birthday card for that matter, I realised that I completely forgot to write about my sister's birthday card back in October. To call her a bit of a Potterhead would be the understatement of 2013.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the inspiration for this card came from a small business called Paper Panda who makes the most intricate paper cuttings and I thought I'd give it a go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used a zig-zag card again, with the back of the card a silhouette of Hogwarts. I used my sneaky powers of detection to find out which house she was in and made this the colour scheme of the card, as well as providing the design for the central fold. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like with my Wicked card, I was running short of ideas so for the front, along with the sorting hat and a birthday sentiment, I went crazy with a few stars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favourite bit is definitely the silhouette. I'm really pleased with it but it was hard going although I can now say that I've done it and I really do know how much work goes into what Paper Panda produces - and mine isn't even anywhere near the scale her work is on! I may do more paper cutting in the future but I definitely think that paper piecing is my thing.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-42830537055192805672013-12-30T18:22:00.002+00:002013-12-30T18:22:39.790+00:00Hiking + Card making = Very Happy Emma<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm really falling behind with these cards! This one dates back to the beginning of November. One of my best friends is really into hiking. I'm also really into hiking but he's REALLY into hiking. So a hiking themed card had to be done. The zig-zag card was perfect for this because is meant that I could create different levels of the card, in the same way that the land changes when you're climbing a mountain.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAF6PAXTlTD_kAdRaLlRnrBhfR2YbkfQ4pb2OQ-0aqtOY9_y-_J6YkWt9inBONeRGIwpLMbeDxzGEQm6A0vtWnLQrWYAO1JzYEL5QpgtMqnEMpHg0I33_ivubx9Wy-HMUZMJQDQnDyJ4/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAF6PAXTlTD_kAdRaLlRnrBhfR2YbkfQ4pb2OQ-0aqtOY9_y-_J6YkWt9inBONeRGIwpLMbeDxzGEQm6A0vtWnLQrWYAO1JzYEL5QpgtMqnEMpHg0I33_ivubx9Wy-HMUZMJQDQnDyJ4/s640/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had climbed Helvellyn (for me, it was the first time) a couple of weeks prior to his birthday so Swirral Edge was still fresh in my mind and this is what I based it on, complete with trig point. Impressively (or obsessively) on his part or mine, he guessed that it was Helvellyn. I added a paper person scrambling along the edge and as he loves his German Shepherd, she had to go in somewhere as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The compass was an afterthought. I wasn't sure whether it would be too much but I think it works well and helps to get rid of some of the grey. This was simply drawn on with pen and finished with a paper needle. To complete the card, I just added a birthday sentiment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved making this card although I did get a little bit obsessive about it and spent most of an evening making it but I had never combined my two hobbies before (I don't think card making on top of a mountain is ever going to happen!) so I think I'm allowed to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He loved the card (although I think a lot of it was due to it having his dog on the front!) and a few weeks back, he commissioned me a couple of other cards, one of which based on this one, but those will have to wait a little while longer . . . </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-63272705057037626262013-11-29T12:07:00.000+00:002013-11-29T12:07:27.020+00:00A Wicked 21st<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidr-GCOy2-idSqauWg0an-G6DXtGewJ_iNCq_UDld23ueDFXUvWgRQEH4XVAgtr_tMlDgC-0jW2oD0XhwBiq_WNYBM78MGNs1-atY_20pxdTmyqcFOH0q91ZXcyAAGriEsZvbGfkFQtrU/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidr-GCOy2-idSqauWg0an-G6DXtGewJ_iNCq_UDld23ueDFXUvWgRQEH4XVAgtr_tMlDgC-0jW2oD0XhwBiq_WNYBM78MGNs1-atY_20pxdTmyqcFOH0q91ZXcyAAGriEsZvbGfkFQtrU/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year saw me and one of my closest friends turn 21 in the space of 2 days. In order to celebrate properly, we bought tickets to see Wicked as it was in Manchester at the time. Obviously, I had to make her a Wicked themed card.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had never seen the musical before or read the book so all I had to go on was the poster and the limited knowledge I had of the story - it is essentially the prequel to the Wizard of Oz. It didn't give me much to go on.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ended up using the poster for inspiration. I used black card stock to make a stepper blank but used green card to create the background and Elphaba's face. I didn't want to just re create the poster so I added a couple of my own touches such as glittery lips and using foam pads to make her had stand out from the card as well as over the edges.<br />I still needed to finish it off and my solution to problems like that is now to just add stars and glitter. Works everytime - this time in particular! The 21 was simply cut out from white card and I tried to use the same font that the poster uses. I finished it off with a peel-off sentiment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She loved the card. And we both absolutely loved Wicked. Cannot wait to see it again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With horror, the other day I realised that I have around 20 days until university finishes for Christmas. And I had barely started my Christmas cards. And I have a lot to do this year due to the cohort of hikers that I have recently acquired!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then decided that no matter what happens, I am going to make one Christmas card a day until the end of term which should give me enough cards to send to people. I started this on Sunday and am actually ahead of schedule despite not making any last night or the night before due to making more than one in an evening. The other benefit of this is making sure I get a break from stressing about architecture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of stressing, I had a care package from home on Friday. I wasn't expecting it at all but when I opened it, my friends definitely gave me some funny looks. Glittery Christmas foam stickers have the same effect (if not a greater one) as chocolate! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight however, with final crits out of the way, I am having a craft-fest. I am breaking out the chocolate and the Christmas paper and even the Christmas music! 7 hours and counting . . . . </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-984385288445035372013-11-13T09:47:00.000+00:002013-11-21T09:49:06.615+00:003D Cards: The Cascade<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With it being a big birthday for my mum back in September, I of course had to do a special card and while looking for inspiration, I found a really unusual design that I just had to try.</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi006_mSkDA6pdzoIKTOVhDVUdIV3vBIXM-J1LFlWpnL85WwUjR_Cuqu6UIqECzvHBnUvX0tVAYWnK_pfRKmEF28SDfzAGrmoTBAuDwVAGKgFsWL8nzVppdWbOaMnHt3JkerNbhrT9HhyY/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When sorting through my craft stuff before I came back to uni, I found my oriental papers that I had completely forgotten about. This teamed with black card (because my stash of card stock is shocking), meant that I could create a really bold design. The red has got a bit of a pink tinge to it but I think it works really well. I accidentally cut both black pieces of card the same way even though they mirror each other. This meant that one side is white instead of black but I think it brightens the card up a bit rather than just having it completely black (well, you know what I mean!). I had some oriental peel-offs so I got to stick these to the paper and cut around them - a technique I really enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The message goes on a little piece of card that slots in the middle of the card. For this I just cut a rectangle of black card, decorated it with some patterned paper and finished it with a couple of peel-offs. Then, when it was time to write the message, I just used a white gel pen although I expect gold would also look really good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I mixed my orientals with this card (tut tut) but apart from this, I would definitely say it's one of my favourite makes to date.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-22545009115451490292013-11-07T09:32:00.000+00:002013-11-21T09:34:44.714+00:00Victoria Baths 3<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday saw me at the third bi-annual Victoria Baths Art and Craft Fair. I can't believe it's been a whole year since my first fair!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, I can't say that it was as successful as the first one - it wasn't through lack of people, just lack of buyers. (Although I would be tempted to see if the correlation is related to my brother manning my stall with me the first time, as none of them have been as successful . . .)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the cold, I still had a good day, albeit long and tiring (although that was mainly due to still recovering from my Newcastle trip in the week).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing that I did begin to think about was when I was on my Hiking Club's table at the Freshers' Fair back in September (so long ago . . . .). As I had experience running a stall, I was more than happy to lead and I loved every second of it. I had lost my voice by the end of the first day and then again by the end of the second from shouting over the crowds and talking practically none stop for the two days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But how is it that I was able to talk for Britain and get people to come over to our table and essentially 'sell' the club to them but I can barely say hello to people when I'm behind my table at a fair?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surely it should be the same? I mean, hiking and card making are both things that I am passionate about, running a table is about engaging with the people browsing and at the end of the day I am trying to sell them something. I guess this is something that I need to work on . . . .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also been scolded by my friends for selling my cards too cheap. But that's for another time . . . </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-59038170526297684002013-10-23T10:20:00.000+01:002013-10-23T10:20:05.982+01:00A Very Whovian Birthday<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't believe how long it's been since I last blogged. I feel like I'm neglecting my card but I guess that's what happens in third year! I promise to get my balance right soon. In the meantime however, I have another 3D card to share.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the diamond card I made for my brother (See <a href="http://madebyemma1610.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/3d-cards-next-dimension.html" target="_blank">here</a>), I was commissioned one for a family friend. In the theme of Doctor Who. Now, being a Whovian myself, I couldn't wait to get started on this and it ended up being a very well thought out card (even if I say so myself).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgtPCb7_hncZtVT8bFWldSA_b3FCSiX15OvQID0aur0cDjk80JV1wk7dsP6xKBzPqphdF1E3ilYMFT9FgiLWYwydGGgN2ublBUtTi8Kr4h2gW1ADxXJ2kNPOJEA13UMMLHBLHdSO5TBw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgtPCb7_hncZtVT8bFWldSA_b3FCSiX15OvQID0aur0cDjk80JV1wk7dsP6xKBzPqphdF1E3ilYMFT9FgiLWYwydGGgN2ublBUtTi8Kr4h2gW1ADxXJ2kNPOJEA13UMMLHBLHdSO5TBw/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First thing's first, I had to dig though all my stash to find some TARDIS blue paper. Not only did I nail it but as you can see from the photo, it was also glittery. I printed out the police box notice in order to make the 18 for the front. This was outlined in silver and the front was decorated with stars (of course).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the base, I'll admit, I had some help. My brother has been working on his Circular Gallifreyan so I asked if he would write out 'Happy Birthday' for me. Again, the stars came out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The springy bits was where it got a bit fiddly. I used black card to make some tiny TARDIS's and Daleks, which I then, like my previous card, attached to wire. I added some detail with silver pen. The difference this time however, was that instead of sticking the wire to the back of the card, I stuck it between the card and the paper, which made it neater and left the back completely free for a message.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any true Whovian (actually, that's a bit unfair because I know I wouldn't be able to spot it), may be able to spot a mistake in the card. There may also be a prize in it if you can tell me what it is. Just for giggles.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-26477287448422925072013-09-29T11:45:00.001+01:002013-09-29T11:45:25.955+01:003D Cards: The Zig-Zag<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My second 3D card was also a well done card but this time it was for my sister on receiving her GSCE results.</span><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz4n95ily5h3ZAqVneQR2tgzBxNCee_Ps8oWJ-2JYrD85b2rgm51o3qJtPilpdQZEgRp9pE49sYkiUpGup0ShySVXYJn-rNZ1C1FgxMLkpJIoovDGZBZTLFQidbxaDdASj7fGoZInr5s/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz4n95ily5h3ZAqVneQR2tgzBxNCee_Ps8oWJ-2JYrD85b2rgm51o3qJtPilpdQZEgRp9pE49sYkiUpGup0ShySVXYJn-rNZ1C1FgxMLkpJIoovDGZBZTLFQidbxaDdASj7fGoZInr5s/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used the same blog as last time for my inspiration although this time I opted for a zig zag card. I started with a sheet of pink cardstock which, after scoring and cutting in the appropriate places, I decorated with paper from the Retro Rose range by Llewelyn Bowen (ones I have used before and plan on using again and again.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also decorated the card with acetate butterflies and flowers, keeping with the colour scheme of pink, green and yellow. I added a bit of sparkle in the way of peel off flowers before handwriting the sentiment in a retro font.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really liked the way the paper was already shaped at the edges; it made for an interesting border to the card. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The written message for the card, you can probably just about make it out in the photo, went on the back panel of the card so that when it was closed, it was hidden behind the sentiment. Making 3D cards, I've realised, gives more scope for design by allowing you to create a new level. I not only have to think about what the card looks like on the front but also when it is closed - just out of the envelope - and when it is open - stood up on display. I wanted the butterflies to stand out a bit and in order to do that, I had to make sure that while they weren't sticking out too much that the card didn't fit in the envelope, they weren't hidden by the panel in front when the card was closed. It was a similar situation with the peel offs in that I didn't want to see them when the card was closed (this meant I had to do a bit of re shuffling)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, I think this one was simpler than my previous one but that doesn't mean that it didn't have it's own design challenges!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-32212931357568987822013-09-14T11:30:00.000+01:002013-09-29T11:12:37.062+01:003D Cards: The Next Dimension<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those of you who read my last post (yes it was a month ago - sorry), you would have seen I had started dabbling in 3D cards, beginning with my easel card. Since then, I have made four more cards, using different techniques and over the next few posts, I'm going to be writing about them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But before I go any further, credit where credit is due, I came across a great blog with tutorials for all sorts of 3D cards so if anyone is looking for some ideas, I recommend that you take a look over at <a href="http://beccysplace.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/z-of-folded-cards.html" target="_blank">Beccy's Place</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first card was briefly mentioned in my previous post but I couldn't say any more at the time as it was going to be for my brother on receiving his A level results and getting into university, which he hadn't at the time and I didn't want to jinx it (he did really really well and is moving into his halls at Birmingham University next weekend).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should probably explain that he is off to study music and mathematics, which explains the music notes and the numbers. This card needed tutorials from Youtube but it is very similar to the Diamond Fold Card on the aforementioned blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The colours are the colours of the university and I used music patterned vellum to decorate the base. The dog stamp was from my magazine (where the original inspiration came from) and I used gold and blue stars to finish it off. I decided to go really over the top and I used wire to have springy notes, stars and numbers at the top of the card. The stamped sentiment needed my sister's opinion but felt it was appropriate for someone who is about to take their step out into the (semi-)real world. The idea was that as well as being a 'well done in your exams' card, it would also be a 'good luck at uni' card and would be something that he could take with him to put on his book shelf or desk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may be wondering where the message goes on a card like this? Well, it's not shown in these pictures but it is on the back of the card. The whole thing folds flat, allowing it to go into a normal envelope. A couple of things I would say, and I think I pushed this one to the limit, is make sure the folds are crisp in order for it to stand up and to make sure not to overload the diamond, again, for it to stand up. Too much weight, or not distributed enough, will stop it from standing up straight but this is something that is better shown than explained - a bit of experimentation is needed.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-71315546223074739112013-08-14T10:18:00.000+01:002013-08-14T10:18:53.450+01:00Easel Cards<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good Morning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I was inspired to make some Easel Cards. I had seen them before and don't get me wrong, the ones I saw looked amazing, but I felt that they weren't really my style and far to elaborate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, one of the projects in the latest issue of my magazine really inspired me to have a go. I even came up with a design then and there (but that's for another time, shhh). So, Sunday afternoon saw me scouring the internet searching for how to actually make these 3D cards and after sitting through a couple of YouTube videos and finding a couple of sites, I managed to make my first ever Easel Card.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYpq0sQpSZVPZn-BBgEhoit4bTukQ0RrSqpUTTbS776vqVqoFIQmG0pOXvKUfmq_NPzSou0Rql-onU3TkEyv0xLbIIghPp5reUusPbWQEGajFGNvG8HnNDAp_v30sMODru5f1S_WmyG0/s1600/2013_0812-0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYpq0sQpSZVPZn-BBgEhoit4bTukQ0RrSqpUTTbS776vqVqoFIQmG0pOXvKUfmq_NPzSou0Rql-onU3TkEyv0xLbIIghPp5reUusPbWQEGajFGNvG8HnNDAp_v30sMODru5f1S_WmyG0/s320/2013_0812-0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was so simple to make and would allow me to start working my way through my massive pile of paper/card and the envelopes that are given back to me (nothing wrong with a bit of recycling here and there!). This card, as you can probably guess, is a triple easel card. I had some tall envelopes spare so I made it to fit one of those.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cut some cardstock in half lengthways, meaning I can make two cards from one sheet of A4. Folded it in half lengthways and when I opened it up, folded on side lengthways again, so that the edge came to the middle. As this is a triple easel card, I cut to folded side into three up to the centre fold. And then all I had to do was decorate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only other bit you have to remember is a stopper on the base of the card which will hold the easels in place. I chose to stamp a floral image and used sticky pads to raise it up enough to hold the easels up. I've seen some where the sentiment is used as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVreBEZFu8_eNzHNtk8FhBkNyb89ckcn6grFirIwArvq4QD1rnX8-J6hOW3Xbmx2OMcb-x8NMwhXd3P_cKJYSMgCUdNZGJVUqYNuiGO3FNxit_1y0OiwMyBUmUcDe3jsE8jC1WzT_Z2Y/s1600/2013_0812-0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVreBEZFu8_eNzHNtk8FhBkNyb89ckcn6grFirIwArvq4QD1rnX8-J6hOW3Xbmx2OMcb-x8NMwhXd3P_cKJYSMgCUdNZGJVUqYNuiGO3FNxit_1y0OiwMyBUmUcDe3jsE8jC1WzT_Z2Y/s320/2013_0812-0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0NTYjooGlhvFwwQIF3W1qRoy0LbTLgR6n47bKmIGtJK791v-zHDZ2MinYn_2q1OuINTQ6W6rkESrkcpH1rQFEi73DUO9QJd4cYFoCD-wM6XG2DnJ7xHJ1WmyVQYH_to__3jK5Men3qI/s1600/2013_0812-0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0NTYjooGlhvFwwQIF3W1qRoy0LbTLgR6n47bKmIGtJK791v-zHDZ2MinYn_2q1OuINTQ6W6rkESrkcpH1rQFEi73DUO9QJd4cYFoCD-wM6XG2DnJ7xHJ1WmyVQYH_to__3jK5Men3qI/s320/2013_0812-0004.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Bnv1AmK1i-KGX2gT_eTCuKnmRCD85ivmJgGUzwr8EieqLnr2wnA8gRue6hfg3M1B32UZyNId9cT8ebkAmDl1qkIDxFG3ACdJaze15j8JtRxBGWl3wrDamjCtilc1RmXDMZA0BQLzkHY/s1600/2013_0812-0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Bnv1AmK1i-KGX2gT_eTCuKnmRCD85ivmJgGUzwr8EieqLnr2wnA8gRue6hfg3M1B32UZyNId9cT8ebkAmDl1qkIDxFG3ACdJaze15j8JtRxBGWl3wrDamjCtilc1RmXDMZA0BQLzkHY/s320/2013_0812-0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did struggle to decorate the card but that was mainly due to finding papers and embellishments that matched the cardstock I started with. In the end, I opted for some felt and paper flowers and a stamped faerie image, coloured in with pen. I'll admit I was lazy when adding the sentiment and decided to use a peel off rather than stamp on but I think the silver, along with the glitter on the flower and the tiny butterflies just finishes it off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also love the way that these cards just fold flat, ready to go in the envelope.<br /><br />I might make a tutorial for these when I make my next Easel Card (which will be very soon).</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314505862163747301.post-61622212307281118532013-07-31T12:59:00.000+01:002013-07-31T13:01:05.963+01:00CAS-ual Fridays<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, lets see if I can remember how to do this. After starting these challenges last summer, as soon as I got back to university I didn't have time and eventually completely forgot about them. So it's high time that I got back to doing them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week's challenge was to create a card which featured a number. Funnily enough, I had only this morning found out it was one of my friend's birthday today and not only that but his 21st. I always like to highlight important birthdays - making sure that an 18 or 21 etc features on the card somewhere. Therefore, I decided to make a 21st Birthday card although I have no idea when we're going to meet up next and I have no idea how to get it to him - in this case it's the thought that counts!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am also at that age of 21st birthdays - with my own coming up in October (scary scary!) so it's probably about time that I started to get some ideas together for special cards.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxv246lWt-KbITo2vV455x2r1_2C6f4iaNXyZet_me9J7o0qHSTLnrasocNCk6_2jOk_EbhLuAYbpwKX5EK069sp4gR1O9otttClYTjOoBqRamPOomXM036lrW2dABqhNaAtWLymUFqA/s1600/2013_0731-0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxv246lWt-KbITo2vV455x2r1_2C6f4iaNXyZet_me9J7o0qHSTLnrasocNCk6_2jOk_EbhLuAYbpwKX5EK069sp4gR1O9otttClYTjOoBqRamPOomXM036lrW2dABqhNaAtWLymUFqA/s320/2013_0731-0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0y9ki2KwD8mhdiGog3OlIgPrAncjp-fZakh2_-ZVjEBvwuIQaKMb8vloYT6uZljw-BzvtTAS_aaeeLDWSH2CzwfUV2e_OLt2CZEN_bsL8Wm5tvRcuH78dq2T9sMr1FN-jmVQm6E55dU/s1600/2013_0731-0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0y9ki2KwD8mhdiGog3OlIgPrAncjp-fZakh2_-ZVjEBvwuIQaKMb8vloYT6uZljw-BzvtTAS_aaeeLDWSH2CzwfUV2e_OLt2CZEN_bsL8Wm5tvRcuH78dq2T9sMr1FN-jmVQm6E55dU/s320/2013_0731-0014.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With my aim to make a male card, I used my 'Masculine' papers from Dovecraft.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first card was a bit of an accident. I cut numbers out of patterned paper to use on my 21st card but I saw how I could also use the inverse for another card. Unfortunately(?) I had the numbers the other way around so instead of 21, it's a 12 but I think it still makes for an effective birthday card. I then finished it off with some chipboard shapes (from the same range) and a stamped sentiment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My second card (the one I actually planned to make) used the cut out numbers from the spotty paper. I then finished it off with patterned paper strips, another chipboard circle and a stamped sentiment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really like how I could very easily re make this card for a different age and use different paper to make a completely different card - using floral paper and and flower instead of the circle for a girlie card.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Correct me if I'm wrong but I think I've just created my first layout! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a slightly different note, following on from my last post, my new craft box (still needing a name by the way!) was put through it's paces. Well, it hasn't fallen apart yet although I've decided that it needs wheels or a lazy Susan (or even both!) underneath just to finish it off. Not only was I able to reach everything easily, it also makes tidying up easy as I can just close the drawers or put the stamp back in it's box and slot it into space as soon as I am done with it which therefore means, despite just making a couple of cards, my desk is as clear (if not clearer) as it was before I started. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*insert victory dance here* </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'll see how long it takes for the novelty to wear off!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877695836138386598noreply@blogger.com3