Advise for Crafters Block

As you can see from the previous posts I have not been as busy making Cards or Scrap booking (in my case "mini"booking) in 2012 as before, the reason for this was Crafters Block. 

I spend way too much time looking on line for card ideas and after browsing millions of blogs, galleries and Pinterest Boards I end up feeling too frustrated to make anything. Then I found this eBook and was skeptical at first as to whether or not it would help, but as you will see from future posts it is brilliant and has lifted the block. 

I can honestly say, whether you are experienced at card making or a beginner, you will love "101 Creative Card Sketches".  There's so many different possibilities even with just one card sketch because you can rotate it anyway you want, use products you already own and have on your desk, rather than spend a fortune on new stuff that you have seen in someone else’s project.

There are even instructions and measurements for some of the sketches that you can simply copy. Gloria also shares more creative ways for using these card sketches. I decided to concentrate on to A6 cards to start off with and as UK sizes are different from USA sizes I simply worked out the mat sizes I needed for each or the horizontal and vertical card sketches I was went and wrote them on the printed sketch so it would be easy next time I wanted to use them.  I will also be using these for some layouts in my upcoming mini album layouts.

 

I am also preparing some blank card kits in plastic bags with matching patterned paper, a nice focal point mat, a few accent embellishments, and a printed copy of the sketch that I will take with me to my Tuesday Morning Craft group and also to use with the kids.  Who know I might get the other ladies to join in a bit of a “Ready Steady” craft session using some of these.  All we will have to do is add a stamp or topper on the focal mat.  I choose non directional patterned paper to make it easier and cut each sketch to size so others can interpret the sketch as they see fit and use it in any direction.  This means each card will be unique.

Gloria has also created a gallery on her website where you can upload your creations with or without instructions to share with others and inspire like minded card makers.

101 Creative Card Sketches offers card layouts that can be used to create a handmade greeting card for any occasion. Along with the 101 card sketches, the book includes over 25 card samples plus card making instructions, handy card sketch summary sheets, and so much more! 

You  also get the following books for free: Envelope Making Guide + 6 Patterns, Adhesive Guide for Card Makers, Money Saving Tips for Card Makers. 

 So if you haven't gotten your copy of 101 Creative Card Sketches yet, then Click Here! to get your today for only £17.00 (approx. £11.00). 

2012 Christmas Tealight Holder Card

Here is some photo's of one of the Christmas Cards I made this year using Hot Off the Press Papers and a Tonic Border Punch.  This tea light candle card is very easy to do and the tea lights used are cheap to buy for just about any store.  You can also put Chocolates or other treats in the box.

Here is a video on how to make it all you need is a 6.5 by 12 piece of paper, some acetate and these directions and you will have a lot of fun making and decorating these:)

You can also find a written Tutorial at Card-Making-Magic.com with Christina's video on YouTube as well.

I made a pull out box for the candles but most tutorials show an all in one card and box.

Birthday card for a Friend

 I got the idea for this card on card-making-magic.com by Christina Griffiths.  She is Brilliant and makes card making so so easy with her easy to follow projects  and Video tutorials on YouTube. Do subscribe to her YouTube channel and websites newsletters for all the inspiration you will ever need.

It was a great hit with my friend.  Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of the presentation box.

My Cards On Create and Craft

These card made using Dimension Stamps was shown on the 13:00 Create and Craft Show presented by Jacqui Joseph

 This card was made using Dimension Stamps December Club Stamp set: Out at Sea 2300039a

I am also entering the above cards into the Charmed Cards & Crafts  January 2013 card Challenge that you can find here.

The cards and inserts was made using Dimension Stamps August Club stamp set:Teenage Dream 2300060a and Papers from Cardmaking & Papercraft, you can download the papers here: http://www.cardmakingandpapercraft.com/download/4-papers-men.

It was great fun making these, hope you like them.