Boofle's ready to give you some loving....

I thought I'd give you an idea for making a valentine card for the man in your life. So, if you're living with a cool guy then Boofle is definitely who you need to show your love this February 14th :-)

So, first things first - do you do digital?

To make this card I've pulled together some of the fab elements on Docrafts Digital Designer 'Boofle' DVD. (I've linked the title to ebay where there's often a Boofle DVD for sale).

There are amazing elements on here. From buttons to letters, ribbons and greetings. Aswell, of course Boofle himself in many guises and as decoupage.
Here's the elements I've used for this card...

Here, I opened up an A4 portrait template and pulled the different elements over to the page so just printed off one page. The frame is all set up ready for you, all I've done it cut out the centre as I want to put a dark red embossed card behind it.
Find the Boofle you want and add the embellishments fit for the occasion. These hearts are 'knitted' and you can resize to huge or tiny :-). Lastly, some buttons and a greeting.

What else you'll need:

Docrafts embossing folders: Triboss Chequered (still available) and Mini Polka (this was was released two years ago)
Red card
Grey gingham card
Spotty and brown ribbon
Docrafts shimmer dome stickers (red)
Docrafts dye based ink pad (red & chocolate)

1) Ink the edges of your card
2) Cut red card stock, roughing up edges with craft knife and stick to card base so it leaves the card base border
3) Cut grey gingham, ink and distress the edges. Use your pricking tool to make holes all the way round. Stick this down at an angle to your red card.
4) Tear a strip of red card to go across the centre, ink edges with chocolate ink pad
5) Cut strip of spotty ribbon and secure behing the torn border. Stick this down on top of grey gingham.

TOP TIP: when you tear your card to get the rough edge you'll want to ink then this always works. If you're right handed, keep card in left had and tear down with your right, Turn card to tear other side keeping it in your left hand and tearing with your right. If you're left handed then put card stock in right hand, tear, turn and keeping in right hand, rip again using your left.

So, now it looks like this..

6) Take your printed Boofle frame and cut out centre white square. Put red card (core-d'inations) through chequered embossing folder, sand it down and stick behind the aperture. Using 3D silicon glue or foam pads, stick this down.
7) Secure your Boofle to card using foam pads
8) To finish, decorate with ribbon and paper hearts & buttons taken from DVD rom. Pop a dome sticker in the corner.
9) Lastly, add your sentiment. I changed my mind on this one as wanted something a bit bolder. This sentiment is from Docrafts Portobello Road DVD rom (another fab one!!)

Ok, if you weren't a convert to digital crafting, hopefully this has given you something to think about. And remember, if you ever get stuck then get in touch x

Something a little different...

So, sometimes you want to make something a little special and maybe you want something different to a card...
Well, give this a go....

And, here's how...

SHOPPING LIST
Xcut Rectanglye parenthesis 2 (large) and butterfly nesting dies
Docrafts, Papermania Vintage Notes paper collection including big bloomers, lace ribbon.
Vintage Notes Decorative pins
Vintage Notes Buttons
Blue and Green gems
Glitter card stock
Pink ribbon
Papermania dye ink pad (pink)
3D silicon glue
PVA glue

Part of the gorgeous release from Docrafts in their new Vintage Notes range are these fabulous decorative pins :-) I've used one on the butterfly (that'll be the end one that's missing!!).

1) Cut glitter card stock from largest frame die and ink the edges
2) Take one of the gorgeous patterned papers and use 2nd size die to cut. Again, ink your edges. Before you stick this layer down, wrap the lace ribbon around the bottom part and secure with tape to the back. Now stick this layer to the glitter card using 3D silicon glue

TOP TIP: Whenever you're sticking to glitter card then use PVA or silicon glue only. That way it'll definitely stick to the glitter card.

3) One of the papers has a doily pattern. Cut this out and cut into the centre from outside edge. Fold the doily into the centre so make a flower shape. Secure this to your frame base with PVA glue as it will dry quicker than silicon glue.
4) Next add big bloomer
5) Thread pink ribbon through your button and tie in a bow. Secure button to flower with silicon glue.
6) Your paper pack has sentiment sheet with lots of choices, cut out one and one end in amongst your flower
7) Die cut the butterfly and ink the edges
8) To finish take pliers and snip end off the pin. Using pointed pliers curl the wire into a round. Stick this to your butterfly with silicon glue.

You can either thread a ribbon through the top and you've made a sweet little wall hanging. Or, if you want to give as a card then you'll need to have a base for it to sit on.

Here, I've used Joy Crafts Card Holder Die Cut (code 6002/0123). It's a lovely ornate base. I did find that because you need a good 280gsm card stock to carry the weight of the frame it'll need a couple of passes through your die cutting machine.

As for writing the greeting then die cut the 2nd size again from white card, ink the edges and stick to the back. You can either use a peel off or stamp a greeting depending on the occasion and person.

Let me know if you give this a go. I'd love to hear how you've got on... x

Don't have nightmares!!

This fab little monster is from Lili of the Valley. And, just like the jungle kit in a post below, this little man comes with other friends, papers and sentiments.
Little boys cards need to be fun and I cheeky - I think monsters definitely fit the bill at that age :-)

The stars are Xcut nesting dies (set of five dies in the set). I inked the black card with a soft ivory and the purple is cut from core'dinations which sands brilliantly. The arrows are from an old Docrafts punch.

Overall purple and black are great colours for boys; mix up your dies, buttons and punches for the little men in your lives x

Love is in the air....

You'll probably have seen Docrafts beautiful new Vintage Notes collection released recently. Those of us who are lucky enough to demonstrate for them have been playing with them for a few weeks now. The range is delicate and soft and perfect for those who like a gentle feel to their card and gift accessories.

This card is done on an easel style as there's so much you can use, an easel gives you more space to show them off!
Believe it or not, the 'topper' is actually cut from the cover sheet for the 6x6'' decoupage kit. So my main focus hasn't even eaten into the wonderful pages you get inside this little kit. Even the card inside can be cut into two and used on extra card stock you've got.
Extra's were the textured card stock, pale blue gems, backing paper and twine (all Docrafts). Oh yes and not forgetting the absolutely beautiful selection of lace ribbon that got released with this selection. The 'sheen' on the love word is done with Anita's 3D clear gloss finish. Pop over to my Docrafts page link to see more in the collection - have fun x

He may be little but watch out....!!

I'm a HUGE fan of all things Lili of the Valley. Their stamps are just beautiful, but if it's a ready made topper you're after then you will adore their range. They also have an outlet shop on ebay which is great for prices and choices.
With the jungle collection you get 4 topper sheets; 4 backing papers and 4 sheets of sentiments :-)

I've gone for the little tiger on this card. Once I cut it out I wanted to ink it up a little and it definitely called for a little Tim Holtz!

I used 'spiced marmalade' and 'brushed corduroy' the brush you can see comes in a pack of 3 and they are amazing. The create such a smooth finish and I prefer them to the pads. You can find them on www.joannasheen.com.
Next comes some fun with embossing folders and core-indations stock :-) Don't know about you but I never get tired of the sanding bit and revealing the pattern!!
I used two embossing folders here. First is from creative expressions and can be used for paths or animal skin (reminds me of a crocodile); second is 'spots and dots' form Crafts-Too. My local craft shop stocks this range and the link is on my front page - go to 'Art of Craft'. On the final card, you'll see that I inked the embossed card to finish it off. The spiced marmalade brings it out brilliantly!

Then it's just a case of putting everything together.
The card base is Docrafts Kraftstax card and envelopes - the rough brown works well with this. Much better than a stark white card would. Next green cardstock with a sheen - use a nail file to roughen up the edges.
Cut two strips of patterned paper and ink up the edges.
Tear your strip of dark green card for the centre and ink edges with white ink (Docrafts dye based ink pad is great for this and it's only £2)
Layer up your embossed card and topper. Finish your tiger off with glossy accents on his stripes.
Lastly, cut two banners and add sentiment.

This card is heading to a little boy in the post so I've kept it relatively flat because of posting. If you're hand delivering then have more fun with height and embellishments. Hope you like :-)

Help create a Princess for your princess...

I found this lovely knitting pattern at The Art of Craft, in North Camp, Farnborough (see my tabs for link direct to their website).
It's Sirdar (2045) and double knitting so really easy to put together. I changed the large collar, going for a moss stitch instead of stocking. You knit this separately and stitch to the main dress so you can pretty much do what you want.
My daughter loves purple so instead of the flowers I chose a large ribbon and rose set with faux pearls sewn across the main skirt.
I've already had requests for other colours from my little princess :-)

Crochet Corsage...

Love using a freebie from a magazine. These lovely wool shades are from the latest 'Let's Knit' edition. It's got a knitting flower 'recipe' inside. Must admit I like working my flowers up in crochet instead.
The guide for this flower can be found in my new favourite book: 100 flowers to knit and crochet, by the talented Lesley Stanfield. It's such a pretty book with superb designs to try. I'll be posting some samples over the next few days - the leaves are gorgeous!

Praying for good roads....

Just hoping roads are kind tomorrow as I'm demo'ing at The Range in Aldershot, Hampshire. Hoping folks will be able to make it :-)  Maybe I'll make up some hot chocolate incase we get stuck on the way!!

New Digital Designer Releases!!!

So, I never thought I'd take to digital crafting and now I love it! Can't wait to see the two new releases on Create & Craft tomorrow. Even better than that, it's the wonderful Jo Austin that's demonstrating and showing us around the new releases - hit the record button :-)

It's never too early......

I know it's a cardinal sin to mention the 'C' word in January but how about starting to save for it? And to make sure you don't 'break in' during the year then buy one you can open with a can opener.
How to:
1) Buy savings tin from the poundshop and use your leftovers to decorate the edge. Here I used Docrafts 'Home for Christmas' range. There's nothing like distinctive red and white for christmas!
2) Stick a paper circle on the top and use your craft knife to cut through for the coin slot.

How about trying a holiday savings tin or maybe make one for a couple that's just got engaged for their wedding fund (you could start them off!).
have fun x

Spring Baby Idea.....

Docrafts 'Happy Day's range is my paper of choice for this little cutie card and memory gift. It's such a lovely range of papers that you can use for all sort. Head over to the Docrafts tab to see how else I've used the range.
1. Take A4 card and divide into 3 equal parts
2. In the centre section, decorate with the papers and put photo corners in or anything that means a photo of the new arrival can be held here
3. On the left section decorate the front so that a pocket is created and write on a tag the baby details to be recorded
4. Finally decorate the front with the lovely papers and of course - Me to You teddy. It's a journalling tag on the front which seem to have become of the launches Docrafts do - they are super for decoration and writing!
This one goes to show that cards can be keepsakes too x

Trying to resist....

Keep catching the world launches on Create and Craft this weekend and trying to keep my card in my purse! The new spellbinders dies are just gorgeous :-)  One of the ladies at the demo yesterday said she'd asked for a 'mangle' for christmas but santa hadn't delivered. There's no way I'd want to craft without my faithful Grand Calibur..

What a fun day....

Just had a brilliant day at Acre Office Supplies in Frimley, Surrey. Thanks to everyone that came and made the Docrafts Demo Day such fun. We played with the new vintage range, chronography and spots and stripes. Photo's to follow of what we made :-)

Welcome.....

So, here we are January 2013.... I'm wondering what sort of things I'll be saying I've enjoyed about 2013 in December. And figure the main way to influence that is to make things happen myself to generate a great year. Whether it's family, friends or my crafting. Let's have some fun this year.

This blog is intended to share ideas, what I'm playing with and what I like that other's are up too.

It's also where you can have a look about if you're planning to commission a card or craft order. There will plently of photo's coming to give you some inspiration x