New Cards

Dare say you will all be very busy, with the last minute preparations for the BIG day. We have almost come to the end of our celebrations, for this year, only a birthday one later this week. My birthday years are now on the reverse! LOL.There have been so many dinners out, that my husband assures me it's weigh-in next week - will not be too happy with the results, no doubt! Oh well, it's only once a year, thankfully.

Well today I thought I would step away from Christmas cards and share some random ones that I have made. Do hope you enjoy.

I made this birthday card for Hamilton, our grandson, who is travelling overseas  with his family. They are in China at the moment and as Hami has always shown a love for history etc, he will no doubt be enjoying himself. They were all pretty excited, as they are visiting a good number of countries and are having Christmas in Switzerland. Maybe, a white one! We do miss them, but are thankful that we can to be in contact all the time.

I am rather fond of these Tilda stamps which I coloured with my Kaiserfusion Alcohol Pens. A friend cut me out this frame and I thought Tilda would look rather cute sitting in it. I am sorry, but I am not sure what the name of this one is. For the border at the bottom, I have used a Martha Stewart border punch, called Doily Lace Edge.

One day, we were at our friend's home and she had these cute serviettes, with owls on them. Of course, my imagination went wild. As a result, we have this window card with the googly eyed owl sitting in it. I have used an older collection from Kaisercraft, called Suga Pop. I did set a challenge for the other ladies as well, and  the results were fabulous. Pity I can't share them here.

This will be my last post for the year, as we are heading South on Monday, to enjoy time with our families there, over the festive season. Thank you all so much for the support you have given me over this past year via emails, texts and comments etc. I so appreciate you all.

 Trust you will all have a fabulous time over Christmas, do drive safely if travelling, and enjoy your time with family and friends. That to me, is the best part of the season.

             The star that guided the wise men,
              Has long since faded and gone,
              But the light from that first Christmas
              Keeps shining on and on.

Trust you will all know God's blessing, not only for the Christmas season, but throughout the coming year.

Betsy  xxx

Birthday Cards

A lovely Sunday evening to all my friends. As we are heading up to Christchurch early in the morning, thought I would add this blog tonight, just showing you some cards I have made for the birthdays in our family.

This card was made specially for our lovely oldest grand-daughter who has just turned twenty. Having recently purchased a Heidi Swapp Minc foiling machine, I had to try it out on this card. I certainly am having fun with it, only need more time! This collection is a Christmas one called Christmas on Market Street, from My Mind's Eye - it is stunning with it's gold accents.

Heidi has just turned twelve, so I made her a easel card with a Kenny Image on it. The scalloped circle shape is a Marianne Design die, LR0112 and I have used a Spellbinders Labels die for the sentiment.

This last card is a random one I created. Another Spellbinders die, Timeless Rectangles. The papers are of course from Graphic 45, Secret Garden, which to be honest, I hate cutting into. I love all their collections so much.

Must away and sort myself out for our early start.

Thanks for stopping by, happy crafting to you all and many blessings,

Betsy  xxx

More Christmas Cards.

A special hello to all my blog friends.

Well, the countdown is certainly on now, not long until the BIG day. Really, it is only one day in the year but we all seem to feel the pressure, as it gets closer. In the old days, when living on the farm, we had to have the swedes planted by the 25th ( the bosses orders!). My husband was always a stickler when it came to that one and even now, that we are supposed to be retired, we still seem to have deadlines. Oh well, one can be thankful we can still enjoy all the hype and be so appreciative that we can celebrate a wonderful gift that was given us, that first Christmas morning.  "For unto a Son is born, unto us a Son is given." Praise God!

Now today, I thought I would share another three Christmas cards which I have recently made.

This is a 5 1/4" square card, made with the Indigo Blu six inch papers. Card making is very simple when using these, all one has to do is add a few embellishments. The poinsettia is a Penny Black one which I really enjoy using.

Again, using the same papers and the same die for cutting the poinsettia. The leaves for this ones are a Tattered Lace one, as well.

Now, for this card I must admit, I found the idea on Pinterest. What did one do before we had that amazing site!! The embossing folder is one from Couture Creations, Tied Together, CO724399. I have embossed then added pearls. The poinsettia die is a Tattered Lace one. For cutting the sentiment I have used Antique Labels One, from JustRite. This was in a gift I received from Simply Cards, a few years ago. for a competition I entered. The stamp was as well. I do like the effect of using the gold mirror card. Thanks Pinterest.

Must away and prepare the next Christmas kit, for Artfull Crafts. We are having the Christmas Celebrations on Saturday and it is always a lot of fun.

Happy crafting ladies, don't get too stressed out with all the preparations and many blessings to you all.

Betsy xxx

A Couple of Kid's Cards

Hello everyone.

A quick post this morning as we are getting rather snowed under at the moment. Christmas always seems to do that to one and as we get older it takes longer to get things accomplished. Oh well Betsy, stop complaining and get on with it!!

Today I am sharing some cards that were made for orders, and specific orders at that! Hope you all enjoy.

Grand -dad had to have a card for MacKenzie, who is turning three and she is fond of the Wiggles. I went onto the net, found a picture, printed it out twice and 3'D it. My Cherry Lynn Step Die was used to cut the base card and I must say, Grand -dad was very pleased with the outcome, as I hope MacKenzie was. Well, as much as a three year old could be!!

Solomon is a little Nepalese boy, who I found out after I had made the card, was turning six. I'm sure he didn't mind that his age wasn't on it. This is a Kenny image that I had in my stash.

As you will notice this card isn't a kid's card but I am going to show it anyway. I have used the lovely Ma Cherie Collection from Kaisercraft and the rose has been cut out using a free die from a Tattered Lace Magazine. I have sprinkled glitter on the top of the rose which I am rather pleased with. A 5 1/4" very simple card. The butterfly is cut from one of the accompanying papers.

Trust all your Christmas plans are coming together - not long now ladies!

Thanks so much for stopping by, happy crafting and may you all know God's blessings.

Betsy  xxx

Getting Into The Christmas Spirit!

Hello ladies on this lovely day. Spring has really sprung today after a rather cool weekend but still we managed to get our BIG weekend over mostly, before the rain came. It has been very busy and even though we all enjoyed it, it is nice being back to normal once again.

Today I thought I would share a couple of cards that I did with the ladies at Artfull Crafts, one Wednesday morning, recently.

Kaisercraft's Holly Jolly collection was used and we made a gate fold card. The poinsettia was cut out using the Tattered Lace die, the border was punched with a Martha Stewart border punch and the sentiment stamps are from Kaisercraft as well. It is held together with a belly band.

Now, I must admit I saw this one on Pinterest and loved the simplicity of it. It is a Penny Black poinsettia die, both a solid and lace. I have cut out the solid, three times, placed them on the card then sprayed with Heidi Swapp Colour Shine which has left a rather stunning gloss.Sorry it doesn't show too well in the photo. After cutting the lace one three times I have placed them on top, not centred, with mounting foam. The sentiment is also from Penny Black. The frame is a Spellbinders Decorative Labels 8.

That's it today, do hope you are all well and enjoying what you are occupied with. Thanks for taking the time to check this out. It makes it well worth while when I get your e'mails, comments etc. Thank you.

Happy crafting and special blessings to all,  

Betsy  xxx

 

Playing With New Dies

Good morning all. It is so nice to be back in touch with you again, for another week.

It sure is a busy time of the year with Christmas fast approaching but it is also a lovely time being able to be with all the family. One of our families are heading overseas this year, for their holiday, so we are going to miss them but know they will have a fabulous time. To all intents and purposes, at this stage, we are going to spend time with our Dunedin family, at Wanaka - they have taken pity on the OLDS - so we are looking forward to that.

Here in Geraldine, it is perhaps the busiest week of the year as we have an Arts and Plants Festival weekend and the town sure comes to life. I am tied up with the patchwork display which is always fabulous. It is held in the beautiful St Mary's Church and it is a lovely display of all the quilts etc we have made over the year. We are tired by the end, but we sure enjoy all the hype.

Now, here are a couple of cards I have recently made using some new dies, I have recently acquired.

This is one of the recently released dies from Kaisercraft. I loved it when I saw it at the Retailer's Days in Australia, so was pleased when it arrived. It makes a lovely edging down the front of a card. The sentiment die is a Spellbinder's Label die and I have used Heart's Ease Collection from Couture Creations.

We had a friend over card making with us one day recently and she had this embossing folder which was a free with one of the Card making Magazines. It is lovely. I have embossed it using Pearlized card and it is a lovely effect. The leaves behind the flowers are a die from Couture Creations which, after putting through the E' Bosser, I cut up. I know I will get a lot of use out of this die, as one can never have too many leaves!

All today ladies, I must go and get some groceries and I broke the last needle that I owned for my sewing machine, so will replenish those as well. I can't complete the cushion I am making until I do so and I need it for the display.

Blessings to you all and happy crafting,

Betsy xxx

Christmas Cards.

As I turned the calenders over this morning, the thought came to my mind, how did we get so far through this New Year? I sure don't know where this year has disappeared to - seems to go faster as one gets older!

 Anyway, we are just almost at Christmas again, and today I would like to share a couple of cards which I have made. Dare say, most of you will have your stash completed by now but if not, these are two simple cards which can be put together in a hurry. All that is needed, is some different papers.

 The collection I have used for theses cards is from Indigo Blu - it was a 6' X 6" pad, I cut the paper down slightly as I prefer a 5 1/4" square card, I then fussy cut another sheet and 3D'ed it over the first. Added a Kaisercraft Season's Greeting Die sentiment, punched out some snowflakes and for the poinsettia flower I have used the Tattered Lace, Christmas Florals Die, DO95.

Again, I have done something very similar, although I did punch round the edge of the paper using a Martha Stewart punch. Very simple, but I think they make rather a nice Christmas card. There are two sheets of the same paper in each pad, hence I was able to do the fussy cutting. A double bow and some snowflakes were all that was needed here.

Thanks so much for stopping be ladies and I do hope this gives some more ideas. Happy crafting and blessings to you all. Until next time.

Betsy  xxx

Three Random Cards

Well, what a lovely Labour Day we are having here in New Zealand - the weather couldn't be better. Thinking especially of all those fortunate people who are enjoying time away. Mind you, I do like being at home. Saying that, I had a super time up in Christchurch with two of my lovely daughters at the beginning of the week - coffee, shopping etc and just being able to have time with them, is lovely.
As a result, putting up blogs was the furtherest from my mind last Monday - hope I am forgiven.

Today, I thought I would share three cards that I have recently made.

Jay absolutely adores sparkly shoes, so this die is from Tattered Lace and it is gorgeous.I have used glitter card. Still wish I could wear shoes like this but those days have well and truely gone!! I have used the Cherry Lyn Designs Step Card die for cutting the main card.

Attached to one of the latest Australian Simply Card Magazine was this free stamp. A new Martha Stewart Punch, I have just acquired, to do the bottom edge and I have added Sospeso Transparente flowers - the Helleborus series. I am rather attached to these. They are so fun to make.

The last card today, is one made for a retired farmer who owned a dairy farm, as well he was a dog trialist. I was asked to incorporate the two aspects of his life,  hence this is the final result. The images were found on Pinterest.

Out for lunch today with our second lovely daughter and family - we were all invited to spend time with a fabulous couple who have recently shifted to our area. Jane and Vaughan are old friends of Jo and Wals, so was super to catch up again. Now we are off to a little boy's birthday party. No time to get bored here.

Trusting you have all had a relaxing few days, happy crafting and special blessings. Thanks for popping by.

Betsy  xxx

Class Cards Today

I know ladies it is Tuesday but Monday slipped by so quickly - it is better late than never they say!

We had a lovely day yesterday, spent with a super group of ladies. Out for lunch, then in the afternoon we enjoyed a fabulous Christmas break-up, with the Wilson Street Baptist Ladies, making cards. I do love these ladies and it is always fun being with them. The card that was made for me is so beautiful, that I just have to share it today - I don't know why they call me in to tutor really!! There is so much talent among these ladies, as you can see. Thanks so much Daphne.

Isn't it stunning ladies? Graphic 45 and Daphne sure knows my favourite colours.

Being Christmas of course, we made appropriate cards and these two are what I taught. Very simple but I think our ladies enjoyed making them. We have a magnetic closing on this first card and they are always a little tricky to attach but all went well. Kaisercraft's Holy Night collection was used, also their star die and the picture is from Pinterest again.

One of my old stamps, which I have never had the heart to give away, is the window stamp and we have used it here. Embossed with gold then cut out. The brickwork is another die from Kaisercraft, also the sentiment is as well. Again, I resorted to Pinterest for the image. Considerable time is spent on that site!!

I have another class tomorrow, at Artfull Crafts, so had better go and get myself prepared. It is wet here today, so I have no urge to get outside, just as well.

Thanks for stopping by ladies, happy crafting and many blessings,

Betsy  xxx

Cards Using Couture Creation

A special good morning to all my friends, and what a lovely morning it is.

I have been having a lot of fun lately, playing with the collection from Couture Creations,  called Hearts Ease. It is one of my very favourites at the moment - the colours are stunning and it has a very vintage feel about it. I feel it is very appropriate for sympathy cards, so have added two here for your perusal.

A very simple card, making full use of the lovely papers. The frame round the sentiment was cut using Spellbinders Decorative Labels 8. This stamp has been well used and it has been around for a while - I can't remember where it came from but I do love the words.

Again, I have just used the papers and one of the collectables, for the sentiment. A card that can be put together at a moment's notice. I think you will agree the colours are gorgeous. The collection was bought at Warehouse Stationery.

After a very boisterous day yesterday, it is lovely to see the sun and to see all my tulips standing up tall again. There is certainly a lot of colour, to enjoy, in the garden at the moment, so had better go and make the most of it.

Trust you are all enjoying the school holidays and also finding a little time to get some crafting in. With very special  blessings to you all.

Betsy  xxx

Two Birthday Cards

Hello to all. Even though ' Spring has sprung ' I am finding it a little chilly today. The sun has been out but for some reason it has now disappeared behind the clouds. Always hope for better tomorrow!

For the past couple of days, about seven of us got together and had a great time card making out at Doreen's home - I managed to get ten cards made so was feeling quite pleased with myself. As is usual there was plenty of food, talking, laughing etc and a good weekend was had by all. Thanks so much Doreen for putting up with us.

Today I am showcasing a couple of cards I have made - firstly one for an order then the second one has been made for our grand daughter, Millie Rose.

I was given this tartan material to use, as he is Scottish and his hobby is paddle boarding. Do hope Keith enjoyed receiving his card. I managed to find the picture on Google.

 

I am not sure what you would call this shaped card but I do use it quite a bit. The girl is an image from the Kenny collection  and other than that, I have used Kaisercraft's Hopscotch Collection which is an older range. She seemed to be pleased with it when she phoned up. Millie hasn't been so well lately, as she has had glandular fever. Do hope she responds to some relaxation over the school holidays.

As we are expecting visitors shortly, I had better go and prepare myself.

Happy crafting and may you all know God's blessing.

Betsy  xxx

Three Random Cards

Just a very hurried post this morning ladies, so as to keep in touch. I seem to have a fair bit on my plate just now, still catching up on my weeks out of commission. It is great that we enjoy what we are doing though, isn't it!

I will add three cards which I have made, two male ones, which I must admit I find harder to do and a pretty one. Enjoy!

This card was made especially for a young gentleman who was preparing for his driving test. Grandma was heading overseas, for a visit, and decided a card would boost him up. I haven't heard whether Christopher was successful or not, but I do hope so. I have used  Garage Days papers from Kaisercraft, the image is from Pinterest and it is a 5 1/4" square card.

We have a grandson who just loves hunting, so hence we have a hunting card using the collection from Kaisercraft, called Outdoor Trail. Cherry Lyn Step Card Die has been used to cut the card. I do get so much use out of this die and end up with a different look every time. Money well spent here, I reckon!

Back into my comfort zone! This card was made using one of Kaisercraft's new die and embossing folders. It cut out the circle while embossing the trellis effect, which, while the die was still on I sponged it with pearlescent purple ink. The effect is super.The frame round the circle was cut using Marianne Creatables Die LR0129. Again, Pinterest  was where I found the image.

Well ladies, a very happy day to you all, whatever you are doing, thanks so much for stopping by. Hopefully we will be in touch again next week, so until them many blessings.

Betsy  xxx

Two New Cards

Good morning all. Monday morning again - I just don't know where the days are going! Christmas before we know it.

Today I would like to share two cards that I have made, for friends, using the stunning Couture Creations Papers, called Hearts Ease. I fell in love with this collection as soon as I saw it and am not disappointed with how the cards turned out. Love to know your thoughts ladies.

Eileen's card was a 5 1/4" square card and I used a Marianne Craftables Die, CR1239. This is one of my all time favourite dies. The papers are very vintagey with pansies as the flowers. I love it. Eileen specially liked the bug!

A tri-fold easel card for Myrtle, cut slightly different. I have cut the pansies from the papers and have 3'D them for the front of the card. I was pleased with the effect, as was Myrtle.

All today ladies, must carry on with the good work!

Happy crafting to all and may you know God's blessing.

Betsy  xxx

Two Birthday Cards

Good morning to all my special blog friends. It is so lovely to know you are all there and seem to enjoy these posts, as indicated by the emails comments etc. Thank you so much for taking the time to check them out. I do appreciate you all.

Am feeling much better now thankfully - maybe it's because Spring has sprung!! We have a lovely day today, weatherwise, hence some cleaning has occurred at our house. Not before time mind you. I need some more energy now, though.

Today, I am sharing a couple of birthday cards which I have made for my lovely friends.

Lyn's card is a 5 1/4" square card and I have used the stunning Tattered Lace Die, Hummingbird Tapestry D491. The idea for this card came out of the Tattered Lace Magazine which is a very good buy, as you get a free die with each book and plenty of ideas, plus some extra papers. Was thrilled with how it turned out, as I hope Lyn was. Artfull Crafts have these books available and I feel sure you would not be disappointed if you bought one.

For Marla's card I have used an Xcut Nesting Die, XCU503045 for the main cut, then Marianne Craftables Die, CR1241 for the scalloped frame. The image was found on Pinterest, where one can spend many hours searching and never be disappointed! Pink and wine is always a lovely colour combination.

Well ladies, happy crafting to you all and many blessings,

Betsy  xxx

Back On Deck Ladies.

Well, it does feel like we are getting back to normal, at long last! For this past fortnight I had succumbed to the nasty flue which is doing the rounds in our area and I must say, I haven't felt SO sick for a long time, that I can remember. Anyway, all's well that ends well, as the saying goes. My energy level is nil at the moment but dare say it will return again soon and as far as my mojo is concerned, it has well and truely disappeared.

Today I thought I would share some cards that I had previously made, using Kaisercraft's lovely Botanical Collection. The colours are absolutely gorgeous in this range and it would be a match for most anything.

This card is a template that I found on one of our Australian trips - it is so easy to make and yet looks rather effective. I have used Tim Holtz rosette die to make the flower.

As well as all the lovely greens, there is a touch of lavender on some of the papers, hence we had to focus on it. A very simple 5 1/4" square card.

I have gone with brown as my contrast for this card and I do love it. The border die is Spellbinders Shapeabilities Die, Heirloom Rectangle, S6-016 and don't you love the verse which is one of the collectables. I am in love with the waxed cord just now, as know doubt you will have noticed, as I have included it on most of my cards lately. Artfull Crafts do have a lovely range of colours available to buy, so don't hesitate to contact them. They also stock this fabulous collection.

Must head back into my workroom and see where my mojo is hiding! It better be easily found as I have a few classes coming up over the next weeks, so have a bit of preparing to do as well as the designing of the cards. It's back to Christmas ones again - hasn't this year flown by so quickly? Kaisercraft have a couple of lovely Christmas ranges - Holy Night is out now - a very traditional one which I am aiming at using with the classes. The second I particularly like, is called Silver Bells and as the name suggests, is soft delicate pastel colours - we played with this collection when we were at the Retailers Days and it is so lovely.


Happy crafting ladies, it is so nice to be back with you again and thanks for not giving up on me.
Many blessings to you all,

Betsy xxx

Class Cards

Good morning ladies and it is a lovely day after a hard frost. There are a few bulbs starting to show through now, so can't be too long 'til we get our Spring,  accompanied with warmer weather.I so look forward to it after the Winter - everything seems to come to life again.

I know I am a day late this week but yesterday was a visiting morning, then off to Timaru as it was the Wilson Street Baptist ladies card making afternoon and I had to make sure they were all behaving! They all seemed to be managing very well really!

Last Wednesday, I tutored the class for Liz, as she was otherwise engaged, so today I am sharing the cards that we made. It is so much fun being with all the lovely ladies, we really do have a fun time.Occasionally I am told the tutor is a bit grumpy, but one really does have to show who's boss!! Isn't that right Lyn?

Using one of the new collections from Kaisercraft, called Fly Free, we made a Bendi Card. If anyone is interested in making this card, you will find a tutorial on Splitcoaststampers. We all enjoyed making it and it is really quite simple and the possibilities are endless. Don't you love the bright colours in the collection?

We always make a different fold card, then for our second card we do a simpler one. Again we used the same range of papers, stamps from the collection and colouring with the Kaiserfusion Alcohol Pens. Spellbinders Decorative Labels 8 was used for cutting the main frame, then Spellbinders Floral Ovals for the smaller one. Very simple, but the ladies enjoyed making these. This collection is available from Artfull Crafts, and of course many other favourite products are there to tempt you!

A home day today, so I really must make the most of it. A group of us card makers are heading through to the Cake and Craft Show in Christchurch, on Friday, so that should be an enjoyable day. Artfull Crafts are going to be there with their shop, so do stop by to have a chat with Liz and Graham, if you are going to be there.

Thanks so much for all the interest, comments, e'mails etc that you kindly send - it does make blogging well worthwhile.

Happy crafting to you all and many blessings,

Betsy  xxx

Three New Cards. Tattered Lace Dies.

I have been out socializing with a lovely friend this morning, hence the delay in adding to this post. I do love going out for coffee, playing ladies! Thank you so much Linda for your company.

Last week, I am sorry I missed adding here but I had a dental appointment in Christchurch and I stayed for a couple of days with my daughters, which was so lovely. We managed to fit in a few coffee appointments as well. The girls certainly know their mother!!

These cards I am about to share, are ones I have recently made and I do hope you enjoy viewing them and maybe get some inspiration for your next projects.

This card was made using three of the Tattered Lace Dies - the border, the heart and the couple. The dies are so intricate and I could have sold this card a few times over at SENZ in Auckland. It is a  5  1/4" square card.

Another one of their dies for cutting out the centre and the flowers are their Lacey Daisy Die which makes such gorgeous flowers. I think you will agree.

Another way of using the heart die also the daisy die. These dies are so special and the magazine always comes with a free die, as well as lots of different ideas and an odd template. They are available at Artful Crafts, if you are tempted. 

My contribution today ladies, I do hope you are all enjoying a lovely day whatever you are doing. Many blessings to you all,

Betsy xxx

Catching Up On Sleep

Well ladies, I am home and doing my level best to catch up on some sleep! Just as well I have a very accommodating husband, who provides me with breakfast in bed and then leaves me to snuggle back up. Look what all you young ones have to look forward to, in your retirement!

We did have a wonderful time both in Australia and at SENZ in Auckland. It is so lovely to catch up with all our special friends and of course to make new ones. Thanks so much to all you people that made our break away so enjoyable, especially Liz and Graham who put up with me for all the time. You are about as accommodating as my husband, except for allowing me to sleep in! All's well now though and I still love you both.

 Today, I would like to share with you some things I have put together since returning home. Imagine-if, at SENZ, had these gorgeous chipboard Hollow Book sets and as I always like a challenge, I bought one to put together. Of course, I had to use my all time favourite collection, Betsy's Couture, and I so love the finished result. The instructions are very easy to follow, even I managed with no trouble!

The front cover of the book.

The inside, as you can see,  is hollowed out. Thanks so much Jo - I love it.

Now, my next Serendipitous find at Auckland, were these stunning flowers which just look like porcelain when played with. KraftersCART are the stockist of these and the selection of flowers is unlimited. Just wish I had had more time to sort through them. They are printed on a transparency sheet which you cut out, place over a candle to soften each petal, then mould.

For these cards I made recessed window cards, so as to allow for the extra height on the flowers. The first is a clematis and the second is a helleborus, which after moulding, I placed a dob of glue in the centre of each then added some seed beads. I am having so much fun playing with these. By the way, they are very strong and,I think a bubble bag would be all right for posting.

All today ladies, do trust you are all enjoying a lovely sunny day, as we are here. Happy crafting and may God bless you all.

Betsy  xxx