Kaisercraft's Close Up Collection

Back in November, Kaisercraft put out a new collection called Close Up and this morning I would like to share a couple of cards which I have made using this fun range. For those people who do photography or maybe you want something for a holiday card, lay-out etc, it is just perfect.

A very simple 5 1/4" square card with a bit of distressing round the edges. The film strip is from Tim Holtz - just perfect for this card.

The collectables in each collection are amazing and here I have made full use of them. A very quick card altogether.

Rachelle has been down staying with us for a few days, as it is her treatment free week and the family are walking the Routeburn Track. We did have a fun time, catching up on some retail therapy and generally enjoying each other's company. What amazing weather the walkers have had - dare say they will be lovely and sun tanned when they walk out today.

I am feeling like life is getting back to normal this week, as most of the group activities are starting again and it will be lovely to catch up on old friends, some of whom it seems ages since last seeing.

Thanks so much for stopping by, may you all have a great week.

Many blessings,

Betsy  xxx

Spellbinders Reflective Moments Die.

Good morning all and what a glorious morning it is here in Geraldine, New Zealand. In fact we are all looking longingly at the sky and wondering when some rain clouds will appear. It is very dry here, my lawns are very brown and we have a watering ban on at the moment so they will just have to stay brown in the meantime.

Today, as promised a couple of posts ago, I will share a couple of cards made with another of the dies that "I just had to have" before Christmas. I think is is lovely and so effective. Your thoughts ladies!

Ruth's card is made using the lovely Authentique, Crush collection. The die is Spellbinders, Reflective Moment, S6-011 - I am so thrilled with it.

Karena's one is made using the same die but using it slightly different. Bo Bunny, Madeleine collection was used for this one. I do like both cards equally and will certainly be making use of this die a lot.

As my afternoon seems to be quite full I must away and continue. A little sewing job has just come in, another wedding card and I am heading up to Christchurch later today, to be with Rachelle for her next treatment, as well as we are expecting visitors to arrive. Oh, the joys of being popular!!

Until next week ladies, happy crafting and God's blessing,

Betsy  xxx

Kaisercraft's Blue Bay

Today ladies, I would like to share with you the gorgeous collection that Kaisercraft have put out for January. It is called Blue Bay and it is stunning. I would love to know your thoughts on it.

This first card I have made is a circle step card which is fun to make. I feel sure Splitcoaststampers will have a tutorial on this, under resources. There is one problem making this card and that is, it has to be balanced so as to sit up and I did find the easiest way to achieve this was to cut a very small slice from the centre bottom. Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Pendant die was used to cut the grey circle. I seem to be going through a grey craze at the moment and this collection lends itself to just that.

My second one is very simple but I have used the lovely Tattered Lace die ( which came with their book) to overlay the spotted paper. I do like the effect.

I have gone a bit grungy for this one, distressing the edges of the papers and sponging with sepia. The oval die is a Spellbinders Floral Oval, and Marianne Lamp and Post die was used for the lamp. The lovely bird picture was found on Pinterest. It is a 5 1/4" square card.

Do hope you enjoy seeing some of my latest creations and thank you all so much for taking the time to have a look. At the moment I am working with the best collection ever - BETSY'S COUTURE which Kaisercraft are bringing out in February - Oh ladies, you're going to love this one - it is just super. Well, I think so anyway!! Colours I love, and I'll leave you to guess.

Remember that Artfull Crafts, in Timaru, carry these collections and of course many others. Betsy's Couture isn't available though, until the beginning of February but it wouldn't hurt to do an order now - it is going to be a big seller!! Well, that's my thoughts anyway, for what they're worth.

Must continue with the fun, so happy crafting to you all and many blessings,

Betsy xxx

2015 Has Begun!

A very special hello to all my blog friends at the beginning of 2015. Do trust you all had a great Christmas catching up with family and friends - the weather overall seemed to be up to expectations, for celebrating this wonderful time of  year. We spent the time in Dunedin with all our family and it was absolutely lovely, both being with them all, and the weather was divine. As Jo and Wal live at Company Bay the view down the harbour was stunning - we enjoyed it while having our Christmas dinner outdoors.

Now for 2015:            Another year, another chance,
                                         To start our lives anew,
                                    This time we'll leap old barriers
                                         To have a real breakthrough.

                                    We'll take one little step
                                          And then we'll take one more,
                                     Our unlimited potential,
                                          We'll totally explore.

                                     We'll give up all bad habits,
                                           We'll read and learn a lot,
                                      All our goals will be accomplished,
                                            Sigh .... or maybe not.

                                      Oh well, Happy New Year anyway and God's blessing.  
               
                                                                                                                  " Joanna Fuchs "


Now today, I am going to show some cards I have made over the holidays. I hope you enjoy seeing them, and it gives you some inspiration for your projects.

I really branched out before Christmas and bought myself some new Spellbinders Dies. Don't you just love this one? It is called Heirloom Rectangle, SKU: S6-016. I have used Graphic 45, Time To Flourish. I am so thrilled with both the die and of course, the papers!.

Another new die! Spellbinders Regal Frame, SKU: S4-446. BoBunny, Madeleine collection was what I used here. Maybe I will share my other die with you all next time. It is super!!

Now my last card today, is a circle step card. I taught a similar one in a class at Artfull Crafts just before Christmas and I know the ladies enjoyed it, as it is fun to make. Kaisercraft's lovely Cherry Blossom collection was used for this one.

That's it ladies. Later today, we are heading up to Christchurch as Rachelle is having her eighth chemotherapy treatment tomorrow and I just like being with her while she has it.It does help to fill in some of the hours that she waits at the hospital, while getting it. She is coping very well and it is over halfway now, so is on the downward march. She does have more surgery to look forward at the end but we feel confident, all will be well.

Now that Christmas is behind for another year, I do hope you are all feeling a bit more relaxed and enjoying the holidays. May 2015 bring many blessings your way.

God bless,
Betsy  xxx