The Last Of The Christmas Cards

Good evening to all.

I am now back on track hopefully, after having had a fortnight of being under the weather! Maybe it was God telling me in no uncertain terms that I was needing to take things a little more slowly. I have sure been at no-go, but feeling better today. We had planned to go South to see our newest little great grand baby but our plans were hindered, due to not being able to travel. Another little boy has joined our family and he looks so very cute. The farm family are talking of bringing both wee boys up to visit the olds, so that's something to really look forward to.

There hasn't been much activity in my workroom lately but I have managed to get a few cards made for orders etc. I would feel not too bad, head to the workroom, put on a couple of strips of adhesive then head back to lie down - my life for the past fortnight! Anyway, today I thought I would share a couple of Christmas cards I had taught at a class a while back. The last Christmas cards for this year!

I have been so enjoying working with my Amazing Paper Grace 3D Vignettes Dies and this is just another way to use them with out all the cutting out. The ladies seemed to enjoy the exercise and went away with some lovely cards.

A very simple card here but it does give us the real reason for the Season. It sure doesn't need any explaining as far as the making goes. The collection used for both cards was from Mintay Papers, a Christmas range but I have forgotten the name. Sorry.

Well all from me tonight - thanks so much for calling by. Do hope you are not getting too stressed out preparing for the holiday season - it usually is a very busy time of the year for most of us. Most of the family have other plans made for the holidays which is giving them time with their friends etc, so we will join up with some of them in January, all being well. May you all know God's blessing over the Christmas Season, stay safe if driving.

Betsy  xxx

Another Two Cards

Well ladies here we are again - sorry we're not very regular but time does seem to slip away at an alarming rate! The past few weekends we have enjoyed having our lovely families stay with us, as well as having the Arts and Plants weekend. I had my other hat on for this as I am involved with the patch work show. Again another very success exhibition. To add to the excitement we have just welcomed another stunning little great grand boy over the weekend, so we are looking forward to heading South to see the newest addition to our family. Finding it hard to exercise patience!!

For your viewing today I thought I would add another couple of cards which I have recently made. Enjoy the show ladies!

My, I do love these Spellbinder's 3D  Die and I must say it sure makes a hit with everyone who sees the cards. It really is stunning and I so enjoy working with them. As a warning, you may get sick of seeing these cards!! This morning I have just put together another three of them, all orders. 49 and Market papers and flowers have been used here.

The collection I have used for this card is perhaps my favourite at the moment. The green is so fresh. Mintay, Secret Place is the name of the collection. A very simply made 5 1/4" square card.for an order. Do hope Judith enjoyed her card and had a wonderful birthday.

Thanks again ladies for checking this blog out, I do appreciate you all and your patience with me. Do trust you are all well and enjoying accomplishing what you set out to do. With much love until next time and many blessings.

Betsy  xxx

Back In Production!

Good morning to all you lovely ladies and what a beautiful morning it is. It's great to be in touch again after a few weeks of silence, but I have been so busy with various engagements that time has just flown. Weekend before last we had our patchwork camp and it was so lovely being with a fabulous group of friends ( I did manage to complete what I set out to do, so that was a bonus.) I am receiving a block of the month from America and the months had caught up on me, so was great to get the ones I had on hand completed. Last Saturday we had our card making day at Ashburton - again an enjoyable day with like minded ladies.

Today I am going to share another couple of cards that I have recently made.

This is one of my recently acquired dies and I absolutely love it!!  Spellbinders's Grand Cabinet 3D die, S6-139, designed by Becca Feeken. It certainly makes a WOW card. The orders are coming in thick and fast for this card or similar. Rose gold mirror card was used to cut this out as it needs a reasonably heavy card stock. It was made for my special patchwork friend Eileen -and she loved it.

A very special card this time made for our lovely grand daughter Ella who has reached the grand old age of 20. For this card I have used the stunning Mintay Collection, called Secret Place. It is a gorgeous range and I so love the colours as it is very fresh. The door was cut from the collection and our beautiful Ella's photo was put behind. It was a lot of fun to make. Do click on the photo for a clearer viewing.

Our big weekend here at Geraldine is coming up in a fortnight and as I am involved with the Patchwork Group it will be rather busy. We have a display of our quilts etc that we have made over the year which seems to have quite a following. Have yet to complete one when it arrives back from my special friend Ali, who is quilting it for me on her big machine. Should keep my out of mischief for a few days.

Thanks so much for stopping by, trust you are all enjoying good health and whatever you are keeping busy with. With special blessings to you all.

Betsy  xxx

Two Card Orders

Good morning to all. We are enjoying a lovely Spring morning here as I hope you all are. A very cold snap swept through over the weekend but all's good now. I have been fairly tied up teaching classes this past while ( another one next week! )  so I haven't had much spare time. Anyway, I love being with lots of lovely ladies and so appreciate their enthusiasm.

Today I am sharing a couple of cards which I have recently made for orders. Trust you enjoy the viewing.

Last post I shared a card made with the same collection as this one. It is Mintay, Farm Life which I really enjoy using. The request was for a flat card, for posting, hence no embellishments except for fussy cutting some of the pictures from the range of papers. As you can imagine, this was for a farm lady. I do hope she liked it and enjoyed her 60th birthday.

For this birthday card I have used the Simple Stories Collection, Dream Big. It is lovely for making little girl cards and I did  had fun making this one. It travelled to Australia for a special little girl's first birthday. My usual size card 5 1/4" square card and it is self explanatory.

That's it today. I am heading back into my workroom to continue making up more kits. We are heading South next weekend for a few days so I am trying to get things organised before we go. So thrilled you have stopped by, happy crafting and may you all know God's blessing.

Betsy  xxx

More Class Cards

Hello to my special blog friends. No, I am not going to apologise for my tardiness again, re putting up a late post ladies. I'm afraid that life has been rather busy lately what with babies birthdays, baby showers and trips  to Australia. It has been lovely sharing time with our family again and the celebrations went off so well. Being in Australia with a wonderful group of ladies and meeting up with so many of the friends I have made over these crafting years, was fabulous. The Melbourne Craft Show was an added bonus - thanks to Trina and Alison for the time and effort you both spent in organising it for us.

Now, today I thought I would showcase another two cards that I taught at Embellish It, in Timaru. It is always a lovely experience being with these ladies and they are so appreciative of what we do. I am teaching again this week so have been busy preparing more kits.

I don't know if I am getting very shaky in my old age but the photos don't seem as clear as they should be - do click on them to get a clearer vision. For this card I have used the Mintay Farm Life Collection and the Cherry Lyn Designs, Step Card Die. It is still one of my favourites!

A very simple card here and we used Kaisercraft's Gypsy Rose. It has gorgeous colours and plenty in the collection for fussy cutting. I loved this string paper, so had to use it for the foundation piece. The circle was cut using the Elizabeth, Stitched Circle Die, again a favourite.

That's it today ladies, thanks for stopping by. Until next time we're in touch, happy crafting and may you all know God's blessings.

Betsy  xxx

Class Cards for Embellish It

Well ladies, I do notice I haven't been on here for a month now and my apologise for that, but life has been very busy lately. Firstly, we were down in Dunedin for the weekend before last, plus a few days at the farm,  as we were celebrating our daughter's graduation - we are very proud of our Rachelle as she has had a number of negative things to contend with over the past years, but she has worked very hard and now she takes the title of Dr. Rachelle Martin. The first doctor in our family!

Australia called the following weekend - and what an amazing time we had. Trina McClune and Alison Bevis  took a group of 18 of us ladies over to the Paperific Show which was held in Melbourne. Thanks to these two lovely ladies, we had a wonderful time, enjoying time at the show but also travelling down to Geelong where we spent a super day with Mel Kennedy, in her wookroom doing a double lay-out. The hot scones, jam and cream were an added bonus. These girls have just about convinced me to take up scrapbooking instead of making cards!! LOL.

I thought I would share two cards I did with the ladies at Embellish It a couple of Wednesday's ago. We did have fun using Metallic Gilding Polish and Cosmic Shimmer Gilding Flakes. The results were fabulous and the ladies were quite chuffed.

For this card we used a 3D Embossing folder from Crafter's Companion, firstly putting it through the Big Shot then lightly covering it with two shades of the Gilding Paste, purple and teal. The flowers are from Jo's, some seam binding, a Prima picture and the sentiment is a Stampin Up, also cutting it using their punches.

A Sue Wilson Die was used to cut this frame out in black card, it was added to double sided adhesive  then the gilding flakes were rubbed over. The effect is stunning in real life. The butterfly is cut using Spellbinders Papillion Die and gold mirror card. My memory let's me down as far as the sentiment goes but I think it may be an Indio- Blu. Do click on the images as they do come clearer.

As I have the responsibility of teaching on Wednesday again, had better go and continue putting the kits together. Jo has been enjoying a time away with her family which had been well deserved.
Thanks for not giving up on me ladies and for checking this out. Happy crafting or gardening as the case may be and special blessings to you all, Isn't it lovely seeing some colour in the garden now?

Betsy  xxx

 

On Deck Again.

Good afternoon ladies and it sure is a lovely afternoon. Time has got away on me again, there has been quite a bit on for an old lady!! I flew up to Auckland with three friends, to attend the SENZ weekend and it was such an encouraging time altogether. So glad I was talked in to going, as it was lovely to see all the friends I have made over the years of crafting. Papercrafting ladies are always so friendly and it is a wonderful catch up time. Weekend before last, we had a trip down to Dunedin as it was our lovely grand daughter's 21st. Lots and lots of young people with lots and lots of noise! It was so nice to share this time with our Danielle, our family in Dunedin then on to the farm for a few days. As our little great grandson had the bug he kindly handed it on to the olds but it has been well worth it just to see him - he is so cute and we sure love him.

Now, I have a couple of cards to share today and I do hope you enjoy the viewing.

I have recently purchased the Spellbinder's Grand Cabinet 3D Die, S6139  which has been designed by Becca Feeken. It is fun to work with and is easily put together and the effect is stunning. For this card I have used the lovely 49 & Market flowers.

Danielle's card was a real pleasure to make even though it makes one feel considerable old!! The years have sure flown since the day I spent with Karena at the hospital, awaiting her arrival. It is an easel card and the die I have used is Sue Wilson, Mini Gemini Die, Aquila, CED4417 cut out with a rose gold mirror card. The collection used is  Prima, Havana, which also has rose gold foiling. You may get a clearer image if you click on the photos - my photography seems to be a bit lacking today!

That's it today ladies - trust you are all well and still enjoying a bit of crafting. Thanks for checking my blog and may you all know God's blessing. Until next time.

Betsy  xxx

Card Class Cards

Good evening to all my lovely blog friends. I apologize again for the lateness of this blog post but the day has got away on me - better late than never as the saying goes.
Thought I would share with you today the class cards I taught at Embellish It a couple of Wednesday ago. The ladies seemed to enjoy making them and the end results they could all be very proud of.

On the web lately there have been a number of cards made the same style as this one - called a Double Tower Card. Very simply made but very effective. The ladies looked very apprehensive when they first saw it but admitted at the end, how easy it was. You Tube has some videos for showing how it is put together. Do check them out. The ovals have been cut using the Elizabeth Stitched Ovals Die. Some of the flowers Jo sells at the shop were used here - and she sure has plenty!!

A gate fold card here and we have used the same die as on the previous one. There were also a lot of favourable comments re this one. I love how the ladies get so enthusiastic when doing the class - it is always so encouraging being with them.

I am heading to Auckland on Thursday for the SENZ paper crafting expo - the decision was made just a week ago. That's what happens when you have very persuasive friends and you're a push over!! I am so excited to be seeing all the friends I have made over the years of this paper crafting journey, and Jo has kindly offered me a little job at her shop, Embellish It. If around ladies do call as I would love to renew acquaintances and check out all the wonderful products Jo sells. Think foamiran flowers again!!

Thanks again for stopping by, hopefully we'll see a good number of you in Auckland but if not, happy crafting and many blessings to you all.

Betsy  xxx

Card Orders

Good morning to all my lovely blog friends. I have been a bit under the weather for this past fortnight - simple things like getting the washing out of the machine clicks the old back out. Oh the joys of getting older!! Anyway, I feel we're on the mend now, so all's good.

I have another two cards to showcase today so hope you enjoy the viewing and maybe get ideas for your next projects.

This first card is a simple 5 1/4" square card but I have recessed the window for the sentiment. The collection used for this one is 49 & Market. Jo stocks these papers at the shop, Embellish It and I have fallen in love with them ( as one does!!) The sentiment is part of the collection. Foamiran flowers, some muslin and I have fussy cut some leaves from the papers.

On the web lately you will have noticed this style of card - it is called an Arrow card and it is rather effective and easily made. Prima's Zella Teal was used for this card, another one of the all time favourites. I am drawn to this colour combo, teal and grey with silver foiling. There are You Tubes available for this design, so do check them out and have a go. You will be impressed I don't doubt.

I am again preparing kits for teaching on Wednesday, so had better get into my workroom so as to get them put together. Not so keen on this part of the job but I must admit I love being with this amazing group of ladies. If you would like to join us on Wednesday 10 A.M. to 12 P.M for a fun time, do give Embellish It a call to book in. While having fun, I hope you will also learn something re card making.

Thanks again for stopping by, happy crafting and may you all know God's blessings for another week. Until next time,

Betsy  xxx

Spellbinders Dies

Here we are again ladies - you haven't got rid of me yet although I do know I have not been playing the game! Those that I have talked to that are retired, all say that when retired one seems to get busier and I sure can vouch for that. Maybe it's because one gets considerably slower over the years.

Anyway, do hope you are all well and progressing through this Winter time with it's cool cloudy days. It's great we have Spring to look forward to.

Firstly I must share our lovely family, well just about all, that is. A few of them had to disappear earlier than this photo was taken. We were all together for the weekend celebrating Grandad's 80th birthday two weekends ago and what a fabulous time we had. It was cold as you can see by the outfits but it was in the Catlins and we were all prepared!

I have been playing with a gorgeous Spellbinder's Die, Amazing Paper Grace, Sweetheart Swirl, which was kindly lent to me and these two cards are both made with the same die. The first was made as is, a slightly bigger card, and the second one I did cut a section out of the middle covering the cut with the ribbon. I love both but maybe the second is more versatile as it does make a square card. Possibilities are endless really.
Foamiran flowers and berries complete both of these and I do like the mirror rose gold card which I cut the die out of. Jo, at Embellish It is only too happy to get this die for you, just contact her. For both cards I have used Prima Collections, Havana for the first and Amelia Rose for the second. Both are gorgeous with lovely foiling.

An exciting little secret ladies - I have been called out of retirement and will be teaching at Embellish It on every second Wednesday morning for a little while ( Jo has a lot to answer for!!) but I must admit, I do love being with these lovely ladies. They do make allowances for age which I am very thankful for. Wednesday we will be using a very similar die on one of the cards, so book in if you are keen, by 'phoning the shop.

That's it today, I must go and complete the kits. Thanks so much for not giving up on me and checking out on my blog. Happy crafting and special blessings to you all.

Betsy  xxx

Spellbinders Dies

Two More Sympathy Cards

Good morning to all on another beautiful day and what a weekend we have enjoyed, introducing a new Princess to our Royal Family. I sure did watch the wedding, thanks to my lovely friend for inviting me round and what a lovely night we had. Do hope the Royal couple enjoy many years of happiness together and we do pray a blessing on them both and their marriage.

Today I am going to share a couple of cards which I have recently put together. Seeing as now I am retired, the production seems to have slowed up slightly but still can't resist an odd one or two and of course, there are still orders to fulfil. I still love dabbling with lovely papers etc and sympathy cards are still the order of the day.

Now this isn't a die ladies, but a chipboard embellishment which I found at Embellish It. I coloured it using my alcoholic pen in a light grey. The sentiment is from Stampin Up and again a couple of foamiran flowers with some muslin and silver cord. Simple but appropriate I feel.

I love that collection from Prima, Zella Teal and for this card I have used it. A 5 1/4" square card and for cutting the inner square I have used an Elizabeth stitched die. Prima flowers complete this card as they were part of the collection. Another chipboard frame was used after colouring it with my grey
alcoholic pen.

Here we are again - just been putting my washing out on the line to dry. Well, that's about it today and I hope you are all enjoying similar weather to what we are having here. Happy crafting to all, I thank you for checking this out and special blessings to you all.

Betsy  xxx

Sympathy Cards

Hello ladies. How have your weeks been going? We have been very busy here over the past couple of weeks as it was my husband's 80th birthday and the celebrations just seemed to keep going. We did enjoy a number of the family coming to join us and celebratory lunches out with friends. In about a month's time we are having the full family getting together for a weekend of fun, so are really looking forward to that. Not every day Grandad reaches 80!!

As sympathy cards seem to be the order of the day round here ( maybe it's the age we have got to!) I am going to share a couple that I have recently made. Hope you enjoy and perhaps get some ideas for your next projects.

As I think sympathy cards should be plainer I have held back with the embellishments! A simple card and have used the Elizabeth, Romantic Bouquet Die, 1504 which is lovely. The only additions are a foamiran flower, gold berries and cord.

This one is my favourite sized card, 5 1/4" square card. Another Elizabeth die has been used to cut out the circle and I do like the stitching on these dies. Kaisercraft's Romantique Collection was used for this one, very pretty with it's pink and grey shades. I did find some Prima flowers in my stash so have added them here. The butterfly was cut from an acetate sheet which came with the range.

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by, happy crafting everyone and may you know God's blessing.

Betsy  xxx

Two Random Cards

Good evening to all my blog friends. I feel sure you will all be wondering if I have remembered a blog post this week but yes, here we are! It has been a most enjoyable weekend as we have had our little Clayton staying - he is so gorgeous and we are so thankful we can claim him as our little great grand baby. Mum and Shelma brought him up, so fun was had by all. It was very hard saying goodbye to them this morning. We are heading South in a few weeks as we are all gathering, as a family, to celebrate Grandad's 80th birthday at Pounawea. We so love getting everyone together whatever the occasion and this will be no exception.

Just quickly before heading to bed, I thought I would share another couple of cards which I have recently made.

I have made a gate fold card here, using a lovely die from Elizabeth Crafts called Romantic Bouquet, 1504. Prima, Amelia Rose Collection was used for both these cards and it is very pretty with it's foiled elements. I have tied the fronts together with some seam binding and have made use of two foamiran flowers and some berries. Copper shimmer card was used to cut out some leaves.

A plainer card this time. I have cut the bricks out using the Sizzix Thinlets Die, 661175. The effect is rather nice. An embellishment, some twine and again some leaves cut from the copper shimmer card. The foamiran rose completed this card. The sentiment and butterfly were part of the collection.

Thanks so much ladies for stopping by, you are all appreciated very much. The cards don't seem to be flowing so well these days - afraid I am really enjoying this retirement and making the most of it!!
All tonight, bed time. Happy crafting to you all and many blessings.

Betsy  xxx

Two New Cards

Well I never, three weeks have slipped by but here I am now to add to the blog! It has been extra busy lately what with Patch work camps, Easter etc and I haven't been on top of the world healthwise but all is back to normal now, hopefully. As we head into Winter there always seems to be a few bugs floating round and as we get older we seem more susceptible to the little beasts.

I am going to share a couple of cards which I have recently made - do hope you enjoy.

Now to be honest, this is the last card I taught for Artfull Crafts. It is made using Kaisercraft's gorgeous collection called Miss Betty, not to be confused with Miss Betsy!! One of the main objectives was to teach the ladies how to make the foamiran flowers and they loved the exercise. Lizzie kindly gave me the card back as a reminder of all the classes and cards I taught for her, with the inscription inside - so thoughtful!! How we're going to miss that girl but we do know we have a very good substitute at the helm. Expecting great things Jo Flannery and a very big welcome.

This next card is made using a stunning collection from Prima Marketing, Lavender Collection. I did love making this at one of Jo's crop days. They are always fun to be at and from now on they will be held at the shop, not Highfield School,.so do put it onto your to-do list. Guarantee you will enjoy yourself. The flowers on this card, is a spray I made to wear at SENZ to promote the foamiran promotion that Artfull Crafts had - I thought it was so suitable for this card. The frame is chipboard and the photo is a Prima one as well.

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by - sorry there has been a little slip up but will try and do better in the future. Trust all are well, wrapped up warm and enjoying some crafting time - this weather is certainly conducive to spending time in the craft room.

May you all know God's blessing,

Betsy  xxx

Two More Oh la la Cards

Good evening friends. Yes the day has slipped by but I will try and add a short post tonight, as I again have a busy day tomorrow. Thinking of you specially Margaret as I add this, as I know you will be looking for this add on in the morning!! As I said in the last post I had the weekend at patch work camp - well, I was ahead of myself as it's not until this weekend, so I will don my patch work hat on Friday. It is always a fun weekend and I am looking forward to completing the quilt I am currently working on. Maybe I will share my project in a future post.

Thought today I would showcase another couple of cards, which belong to the kit, that I have made with Kaisercraft's Oh la la Collection.

This is my usual 5 1/4" square card and the papers really speak for themselves. The lovely circle is cut using a Marianne Creatables Die, CR1251. Under the foamiran flower I have put one of Artful Crafts embellishments.

A twisted easel card for this one. Again quite self explanatory. A Kaisercraft die was used to cut this circle, Circle Vines, DD547.

Will close now ladies, hope you are all well and enjoying what you are doing, crafting especially. I pray God's blessing on you all and thanks so much for stopping by.

Betsy  xxx

OOH la la Cards

Retirement has begun girls and I haven't found it too gruelling yet!! I was actually teaching at the camp, weekend before last and then Liz got me to do a stint on Friday evening as it was the farewell event ( called out of retirement she said ! ) Thoroughly enjoyed the last evening with Artfull Crafts as it is now. We are thrilled to say that Joanne Flannery, from Embellish It, has bought the business and we know for sure, it couldn't be in better hands. So at this point, we wish Liz and Graham God's blessing on their future endeavours and thank them for all the fun times I have enjoyed with them and as Liz would say " THEY put me on the map "! Jo and I have had a bit of history together, have even been travelling partners to Australia and she is always fun to be with. So looking forward having Jo at the helm and wish her all the very best.

I did make up a kit for Artfull Crafts some time back using OOH la la, from Kaisercraft but as things have turned out it has not got of the ground. I thought today I would share a couple of the cards which I put together - do hope you enjoy the viewing.

A simple 5 1/4" card which is self explanatory. For the closure I have used a labels die, punched holes in it and attached a ribbon. No, I haven't used foamiran flowers here but have made some rolled ones by hand. This collection is so nice.

This is a Z card which seems to be quite popular. For the top border I have used Martha Stewart border Eyelet punch. A Kaisercraft flower for this one, otherwise very simple. In a furure post I will add some more cards using this collection, as I always make six cards for a kit.

I now have time to play, so will head to my workroom as there is plenty still rolling round in this head of mine. Pathchwork camp next weekend so I will have to change hats for a few days - not that that's hard!! I have a lovely quilt to complete, so should be fun.

I have to say here, that I have so appreciated all the messages, texts etc that I have received from so many people who have become my special friends over the years of this card making exercise. It has been a wonderful season in my life. Australia, Stephen and Caroline Kaisercraft and of course Mel, SENZ and all the lovely ones who I have got to know there, not excluding all the wonderful ladies I have had so much fun with, while tutoring. Thank you all so much.

That's it ladies until next week, hopefully. Happy crafting and many blessings to you all.

Betsy  xxx

Retirement News!!

Good morning friends. Another month has almost passed us by, they just seem to fly when one gets older! Today I have another couple of cards to share with you all, trust you like the viewing and are able to get some ideas for your next projects.

Kaisercraft's Romantique is a gorgeous collection and I have used it to make this card. A very simple 5 1/4" square card, making full use of the collectables which come with the range. The grey border I have cut using the Elizabeth Square Stitched Die, which I am finding so useful. The butterfly was cut from the acetate sheet, also in the collection. It's not a proper card now without a foamiran flower, don't you agree. I love making these!!

Another 5 1/4" square card made with a very old collection from Kaisercraft, Suga Pop. It is a very girly card for a very girly girl! The collectables were again used for this one and the image was found on Pinterest.

Well next weekend is our Stavely Camp and so we are getting all prepared for that. It is always a fun time catching up with old friends and of course meeting new ones. In between times, we do learn some new tips etc regarding card making. A great weekend altogether. In some ways it will be rather sad, because it will be Liz's last camp, as her and Graham are currently working with someone who are interested in buying Artfull Crafts and are heading overseas for another big OE. Trust all goes well for them. I have also handed in my retirement notice, so it is my last teaching post as well. I have so enjoyed this stage of my life and have met some wonderful friends through this fun hobby. We will still be in touch though as I will try and keep up my blog - I do love my contact with all you special people.

Must carry on with the good work so will head to my workroom now. Thanks for taking the time to check this out ladies, happy crafting to you all and may you all know God's blessings.

Betsy  xxx

Two Birthday Cards

Hello friends.

A quick post today as I would like to share a couple of birthday cards which I have recently put together.

This card was made for my lovely grand-daughter who has recently turned 19 years old. Oh dear, these kids just seem to grow up far too fast and they just get better and better each year! Couldn't love them more!

 I have used a BoBunny collection called Secret Garden. It is rather vibrant with it's purple shadings and has been a great seller. The frame round the photo  was cut using Marianne Craftables, CR1251 and the gorgeous little girl was printed off Pinterest. Foamiran flowers complete this card. I can't remember what this fold was called but it really is very simple to make.

The second card is another different fold and I have used a Prima collection called St. Tropez. I love the colours in this one and also the foiling. Spellbinder's Oval Regalia, S4-492 was cut from some mirror card, in bronze, which went well with the foiling on the paper. I printed the sentiment off using the computer. Again a foamiran flower with some seam binding.

Well, ladies I suppose by now you will have caught up with our Timaru news!! Yes, Liz and Graham are stepping down at the end of March, getting ready for their big holiday. It has been a very enjoyable part of my life working with them and we do wish them well in their new endeavours. It is sure nice to know that the shop will not be closing and I do wish the new owners all the very best - there is no doubt it will still be well supported and we are confident that the standard will be upheld.

That's it today ladies. Happy crafting and many blessings to you all,

Betsy  xxx

New Cards

Good morning to all my blog friends. Another beautiful morning here in Geraldine, trust you are enjoying the same where you are.

Today I thought I would share a couple of cards that I have put together, using two delightful collections.

Prima has been bringing out some gorgeous ranges lately and this one is particularly stunning. It is called Zella Teal, very pretty with it's teal, grey and foiled elements. For this card I have used my Elizabeth Stitched Circle Dies, making it into an easel card. I have really kept to Prima for the flowers etc and the collectables. I was thrilled with the finished card as I hope the recipient was.

Back to Kaisercraft's Romantique Collection for this one. Again a lovely range with it's greys and pinks predominantly. I have made a very simple 5 1/4" square card and made use of the collectables again. I have also succumbed to a foamiran flower for this one! There is a sheet of acetate butterflies with the collection, so the butterfly was cut out from this.

That's it today ladies but I would like to say a special thank you to all the folk who have messaged me etc over this past month or two. I so appreciate you all, your love and prayers. It has been a very trying time but things are looking up now, we are very thankful to say. Life seems to give us all a few valleys at times but it is great to know there is ONE in control and that He can still perform miracles, as happened in this case. Thank you all so very much.

Happy crafting, enjoy this lovely day and may God's blessing be on you all.

Betsy  xxx

What Will 2018 Hold?

A very special good morning to all.

I know I have been lying fairly low for a while but have been trying to process much that has happened over the Christmas holidays. I must say the holidays haven't gone as anticipated but feel things are on the mend now, hopefully. We have so much to be thankful for and we rejoice in that. 2018 is a new year and we do look forward to what is in store for us and our loved ones. Do trust you all had a great holiday and kept safe.

Today I thought I would share a couple of random cards which I have managed to make over these past weeks.

Liz and Graham kindly gave me a Go Cut and Press Machine and I must say I have been enjoying playing with it. The frame has been cut and foiled in silver, using the Anna Griffin, Foil Stamp Die. It is called Classic Frame,  CO725297.  The sentiment is also foiled and the Hotfoil Stamp is an Ultimate Crafts, ULT158110 . I love the effect of this foiling. Of course one had to complete the card with some foamiran flowers and some berries.

For this next card I have made use of the 3D Crafter's Companion Embossing Folder, EF5-3D-OLACE. I actually inked the embossing folder first before I put it through the Big Shot and I used pearlized card. It is fabulous. Another foamiran flower was used with pearl strip round the edge. Do hope Tina liked her card. I am so thrilled with these embossing folders.

Well, it is so nice to be back in touch again and sorry for the long delay.

Trust everyone is all well and enjoying this HOT weather - not so fond of it myself bur dare say it won't be long until we are complaining of the cold. Happy crafting and may God bless you all.

Betsy  xxx