Here is my latest card. I was asked to make a 50th birthday card for a male who likes caravan holidays, barbecues and his 2 cocker spaniels. And this is the result.

It was made using 'The Little Book of Sports, Hobbies and Pastimes' together with a gold mirri mat and some green paper I had in my stash. The barbecue was a bit of a cheat. I didn't have anything suitable so I googled an image, cut it out and added it to the card. The dogs are from the 'Jolee' Sticker range. Over the years I have amassed a large number of these as every time we have been to America I come back with more. I knew they would come in useful one day. Finally I added '50' to the card, cut out of green and gold mirri and slightly offset.

Initially I was rather panicked about what to do but am pleased to say the card has gone down well.

As its World Card Making Day and I haven't blogged for ever I thought today would be a good day to try to get back into it.

I have made a set of Halloween ATC cards using a ' A Year in Cards' By Ella's Design. I have had this CD for a number of years and I'm surprised it hasn't worn out as I love the images on it.

My crafting mojo has gone on a long holiday and I have struggled this year to 'get into it'. So I suppose this is a start, just need to continue. Here's hoping!

I made this card for my daughters birthday a couple of weeks ago. She is a typical 23 year old who likes her make up and nail polish.

It was made using Ella's Design Another Play on Words CD. I have quite a few of her CD's and love using them as there are so many options as to what you can do with the images. You can make the pre-designed card or be creative and come up with your own cards from the range of items on there. I have used her Christmas CD  so much I'm surprised it still works.

                                                                 Happy 18th Birthday



My nephew is 18 at the end of June and as my mojo left me earlier this year I thought it would be an idea to start early on his card.


This card has been made using a blank topper which I could edit with the appropriate
words and a background sheet from 'Another Play on Words' CD by Ella's Design.


The background paper has been matted onto blue card on a 7x7 card blank.


I have then printed a further two layers of the phone and cut out the pieces I wanted so
that I could decoupage it up.


I am pleased with the result as 'boy' cards can be so hard to make.

Today I have completed my ATC cards for the ATC Card Swap connected to Crafting with Jodie on Facebook. I have never made any before and couldn't believe how hard I found it. I think I was overthinking it rather than just getting on with it. So 3 cards completed, ready to post tomorrow. Hopefully the recipients will like them. On a plus note its a good way to use up all those scraps I insist on keeping.Knew they would come in useful one day.

Rather a lot of these needed at my place of employment this last week. Sadly times have changed and the working environment has needed to move on with it. So a lot of us (including me) are moving on to new adventures. Officially I have taken early retirement (37 years plus for the same company) but I see it as a chance to try something new. I would like to pursue the crafting so its more than just a hobby but to do that I have to be proactive and I'm not the best a that. But I'll give it a go and whatever will be will be.

 I made this quite a while ago but after seeing the frog spawn in the pond it reminded me of this card.

It has been made from a CD called Animal Antics by Ellas Design. I love her range of CD's - for me something a bit different with lots of options. Generally I'm not a fan of cutting out but I have used one of the Christmas ones so many times I'm surprised it hasn't worn out.

My son has been invited to a wedding in a couple of weeks and asked me to make a Wedding card for the happy couple. I have attempted to match the colours of the invitation to the card I have made. The colours are not identical but I think its a close enough match.

This card has been made using a 7x7 inch card blank with a background die by Sue Wilson ' Noble - Double Pierced Squares' with Sue Wilson ' Wild Roses' Embossing Folder layered on top of the square. In addition to that the top layer is an embossed diamond shape ( cant remember whose that is) and topped off with an X cut heart. I have added 4 white crystals to finish off the look.

 

My Mothers Day cards for this year. Both are Hunkydory toppers with the coordinating card and mirri.

Yet another male orientated card. Another one from the Hunkydory Mens collection backed with gold mirri. A ladies card to make next and then a further two male ones but those are childrens so hopefully wont be too bad.

Here's todays card. Really struggle with cards for men. This one is for my father in law and I know he will like the barge. It has been made with a Hunkydory topper from the Mens collection plus gold mirri card.

 I have neglected my blog over the last couple of weeks unfortunately but have made a couple of cards yesterday. This is one of them made from the Hunkydory set 'Especially Her'. A very simple card with gold mirri and foiled cardstock together with a topper with a decoupaged shoe.

This has been made for a knitter/crocheter friend of mine's birthday. I have a large collection of Hunkydory toppers and usually my cards are made using the toppers and background card. However over the last couple of years I have purchased a number of dies and then when I get them home from the craft show I haven't got a clue how to use them. So on this card I have tried to combine the two and this is the result. I have used a Sue Wilson embossing folder and die with a Hunkydory topper from one of their Little Books.

Apparently today is National Chocolate Cake Day but I've only got this cupcake. This was made for a work colleagues sister's birthday.  It was made with a Hunkydory topper and backing card plus words and numbers by Tonic.

A recent make using Sue Wilson Double Pierced Dies together with Tonic flowers and their Pansy Bracket die. I love the colours in this. It reminds me of  'Wedgwood' pottery colours. Normally my cards are made with toppers and despite having a selection of dies Ive never got to grips with them. Perhaps this should be another New Year challenge.

This card was made for a work colleague who wanted a birthday card for his wife's 40th. The image is a Kanban topper which proved incredibly hard to track down in addition to flowers made with a Britannia die and a floral backing sheet.

My first ever blog

So Nice cards

~ Handmade unique cards for those special occasions

I have always been into craft whether it be knitting, cross stitch and in later years card making. I was taught to knit by my Nana when I was about 7 years old. The first thing I made was a scarf for my Grandad and there were more holes in it than knitting but I still insisted he wear it. Over the years I embarked on cross stitch pictures buying more than I could sew. Then I found card making. I love making cards and whilst it is a hobby I would love it to be more. I have always dreamt of owning my own craft shop but never got there. So I have decided to write this blog to keep a record of my card making activities this  coming year. In 2017 I will be leaving my present job and I have decided to attempt to sell some of my cards. I do sell a few to family members but now need to be more proactive and ‘sell myself’. I have attended a handful of craft fairs over the last couple of years and this is something I intend continuing with.