Christmas Baubles (posted by Judith)

Hello everyone, Christmas is edging ever closer, as we are constantly reminded by TV adverts and social media. I don't know about you, but I am always wishing that I had more of my cards made ready to send for the Christmas season. I have made a relatively quick card to show you today that could be made up as a batch card, using some of your left over paper scraps.

I made a background using watercolour paper and Distress Inks, and then added further colour with a stencil. I chose a palette of green and purple, one of my favourites. I stamped the ivy flourish from the Beautiful Baubles clear stamp set across the top of the background using green ink, and added the sentiment across the bottom. After drying the background thoroughly, I stamped and embossed the chains and baubles using Versamark and gold embossing powder. I stamped the baubles again onto some scrapbook paper and decoupaged them onto the background. Some dark green card completes the card.

The possibilities are endless with this card layout, you can mix and match the colours that you use, or change the flourish that you use at the top. It really is a versatile stamp set and I hope that you have as much  fun creating cards with it as I have. Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Thoroughly Modern Baubles (by Lesley)

Today I want to share how I made the card that featured on Thursday when we launched our latest stamp sets.

Beautiful Baubles is a wonderful set that allows you to decide whether you want to go traditional, modern or contemporary.  I chose modern and here is how I did it.

• Stamp the baubles onto a selection of papers from the Crafty Individuals paper pad Weekend in Seville with Onyx Black Versafine, fussy cut then set aside.
• On another background paper stamp the flourish at the top and then stamp the same three baubles again. Tip: Stamp the middle bauble first, it will then be easier to allign the other two. 
• Stamp the chains and bauble hanger to attach them to the flourish and then stick the patterned baubles into place with a wet adhesive.
• Trim the background paper, mat onto black card and then on to a folded 6"square co-ordinating card. 
• Finish by adding the sentiment.

If you wanted to add bling you could use Start Dust Stickles, or dries clear glue and very fine crystal glitter, on the baubles, just to give that Christmas sparkle.

Hope you like my take on a less than traditional Christmas, please keep dropping by to see what other creative gems the Design Team girls have in store for you.

Stamping on the Edge (by Lesley)

Welcome to the launch of our October stamp sets, which this month sees two additions to our Edges series. Our previous edge sets have proved very popular, so here we have two new A5 sets which are bound to become a favourite in your crafty stash.

First we have the loveable Owl Edges

followed by the elaborate Exquisite Edges

Both these sets are available as individuals or as our normal money saving multi-buy.

The Design Team ladies are in full creative mood with these designs and I know you are in for some eye catching ideas next month. Here is a card made by Zoe which shows how you can combine the gorgeous edges with that sweet little owl.

Also released today are the last of this year's Christmas stamps, both of which are clear sets.

Beautiful Baubles

and Gingerbread Christmas

I just know that kids will love making cards with the Gingerbread family, whilst the baubles and flourishes would be fabulous for batch making.  

Here is a card I have made using papers from A Weekend in Seville, a different to look to the traditional Christmas don't you think?

Once again Sue had designed some unusual and amazing stamps that are full of fun and versatility and will give you hours of pleasure.