Card Making

[Rosalie]

One of my favourite things to do is make greeting cards. About four years ago it was my new years resolution to remember the birthdays of all my friends and family members with a card...preferably posted on time!

This is what started my card making as I couldn't find cards were suitably personal to the particular recipient.
This was my effort for today to celebrate my brothers and sister in laws fortieth wedding anniversary. I hope it gives them a laugh.

http://static.flickr.com/43/99039175_99efaae840.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/41/99039176_e060bdb5cd.jpg
As you can see I love my computer and the internet. All I had to do was google "ears" copy and paste and put them all together!
I should be doing other things.....The ironing is up to the window sill....hey but who cares?

[MarthaB]

:) Rosalie, what a beautiful card, I love the ear idea, just wish I knew how to do that, I know how to copy and paste, and then what's next..??
I would love to learn how to do that, as you know I make cards too, but I am finding it hard to keep motivated, this would do the trick I think, I just need a lesson from you, :bow:
Martha :)

[Rosalie]

Martha, I know you have bought a clipart program that sounds similar to mine. I just open a new blank A4 size page as most of my cards are A5 so I get an idea of the size of the image I want.
I paste my images from wherever I can get them (if the program doesn't have what I'm after) onto the new page. From there I fiddle around until I get the size I want. With this one I decreased the image size to one that would allow 40 images to fit on the card size I want.
Then I copied it and lined the new copy up with the first image. Now when I picked up a new image from the googled site, I just used the "paste into" function on the second image. This meant that by using this method all the pictures were the same size and easy to manipulate into the grid pattern. Am I making any sense?
Honestly, I only learned by playing around....and unfortunately ..or fortunately depending on what way you look at it .....spending hours and hours making one card image....and unfortunately swearing an awful lot!
The program you have will give you the ability to import pictures and resize them, you may even be able to recolour. Mostly, I just use the pc to print the picture I want and then stick it onto the card stock. I rarely make a card completely on the computer.
The other thing I like to do is put a paper insert into the card like the ones you buy.
I reckon it adds a nice touch and you can write the message you want and sometimes I repeat the image, or something relevant, onto the insert paper.
Did you notice the gold sticker edging I used? I have some curly ones that I never used because they pulled out of shape when I took them off the paper. The trick you told me about just holding it until it brings itself into shape again means I can now use them and will try some even more intricate ones. Thanks Martha.
I love this forum. I have learned so much from everybody.

[MarthaB]

:) Thanks Rosalie for the explanation, I am going to have a go at that program I got, haven't used it much, I googled ''photo's of ears'' and heaps came up, I have saved them in a folder for later use, I do have to get some more coloured ink, I only have black left.
This is the program I have,
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001ZJRUS/104-7707265-1598338s
I really should use it more, I paid $90.00 dollars for this program, and I haven't even made anything out of it yet.
I would love to see some more cards if you have the time,
Martha :)

[Rosalie]

That looks like to same type of program that I have. Did it came with written instructions or is it all in the help menu? I still like to have the paper in my hands then you can go back and forth in the instructions while you nut it all out.
Ok here are a few more cards. Actually, I've only just started keeping a pictorial record of them. I thought, like you Martha, about trying to sell some and I tend to forget what I've done...truth is I forget a lot of things these days

http://static.flickr.com/24/99087939_e90375cd81_m.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/38/99087937_672f096b4d_m.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/28/99087936_8638111f49_m.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/42/99090385_8a1626b25e_m.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/32/99090383_8a8e214807_m.jpg

PS.Martha, did I give you the information about the place in Currumbin that sells the cheap ink cartridges? You just ring them up and they deliver the next day. I have never had any problem with them and have bought about five lots so far and they a half the price.

PSS AND all of the images are off my clipart program. I'll bet that you have similar ones. OK I'm going now!

[MarthaB]

:) Rosalie, all the instructions are on the help menu, thanks for reminding me, I have started to print some pages of the tutorial already, I meant to do that a while ago but forgot, some stuff is on video so I cannot print that, never mind at least I have some stuff on paper, and yes you did give the website for the cartridge place a while ago thanks!!
Those cards are gorgeous, I really want to get crackin' and have a go at it too, I just need to have more patience, and I need to be alone in the house so no one can distract me,
Martha :)

[creatingkarma]

Rosalie! Is there anything that you can't do? Those cards are great! I love the ear idea & I really love the butterfly ladies (the 1st one is my fave)!!!!!!

[Rosalie]

Karma, I love that image in the first photo too. I wonder if it would work in a cross stitch?
Have any of you worked with JAC paper? It is fantastic stuff. It is a sheet of double sided sticky. You can cut it into whatever size or strip or shape you want. Peel off one side, stick it to the card, peel off the other and you have a sticky surface, sprinkle it with glitter and voila!
That is what is behind the butterflies and on the deep pink edge around the third fairy.
I also like using the thick double sided tapes to give a third dimension to a card. A frame that stands up from the card can be very effective. I've done this on the butterfly card, some of the butterflies are also raised.

[dg2901]

cute cards!

[MarthaB]

:) Rosalie, I've done it!!! I actually created a card with ears, followed your instructions and I got myself a card, now I have to learn how to print inside the card. do you make the insert seperately ?? and then glue it inside the card??
Thank You !!!
Martha :)

[Rosalie]

Congratulations Martha! Yes I make the insert on a seperate sheet of paper and use very narrow double sided tape to attach it on the spine.Its easier to use an insert rather than turning the card over and trying to line up the writing.
I used to fiddle around everytime to get the size right. In the end I made up documents with all the paper dimensions that I use and the envelope sizes as well. So I just have to write the message I want and address the envelope and print them out together.
I bought beautiful cardstock and matching paper at a craft show a while ago. It has a metallic shimmer to it. Most of it is gone and I can't find it anywhere. I'll just have to hold out until the next craft show in March.

[MarthaB]

:) The printing bit is a challenge for me, but I learn something new all the time.
Isn't it annoying when you run out of your fav paper?? next time you go to the craftshow ask for a business card of the people you buy the card stock from, that way you know who to re-order from.
Martha :)

[pingpong]

Rosalie,those cards are absolutely beautiful! I'm playing around with making cards, using clip art, fabric, some "embellishments" I make with polymer clay, etc. It'll be a while before I'll be posting any pictures, though - I still need LOTS of practice. :rolleyes: My ironing isn't piling up (since I don't iron!) but my bathroom is a fright. Scrubbing grout just doesn't appeal to my "artistic" side, I guess!

[MarthaB]

:) these are my newest cards, hope you like them,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52648373@N00/100259881/
martha :)

[Rosalie]

Pingpong, tell me more about the polymer clay. It sounds very intresting. Personally, I think there should be a law that anyone who is interested in craft is exempt from housework! Any takers on approaching the lawmakers?

Martha, those cards are really different. Is the one of the little girl done like a paper tole? I love the dresses, are they stickers?

[MarthaB]

:) Yep, the dresses are stickers, remember I told you not long ago about the stickers I bought??
They are a bit tricky to work with, when you pull the sticker of it's only the outline what comes off, the insides you can colour in , or put on cardstock and then cut around it, I then embellish it with little stick on beads.
The card with the little girl is like papertole, you just cut out repeated patterns and stick them on top of each other, I have sheet of really small doubleside squares, just peel them of and stick on, easy!
The little girl is from the ''hummel'' series, German I think, and the dress stickers are made in Holland, but are available here in most craft stores.
Martha :)

[MarthaB]

:) Rosalie, with the insert in the card, do you print it first, and then cut to size?? or the other way around? I have found a really good way to print out the inserts by visiting one of the craftsites I joined,
http://www.cannycrafts.com/papercraft/showthread.php?t=2796
martha :)

[pingpong]

Rosalie, I agree about the exemption from housework. After all, we're making the world a more beautiful place with our crafts, so shouldn't the dirt magically disappear? :rolleyes: About the polymer clay: sometimes I just cut out simple shapes from clay that I've rolled flat and embossed with some sort of pattern - I like to mix up colors of clay and maybe use mica powder to add "sparkle". I also use my polymer clay molds, which have various shapes (flowers, birds, letters, faces) to make paper embellishments. Just make paper pulp, press FIRMLY into the mold and remove the excess water with a paper towel. Then put the mold into the freezer for about 10 minutes. This makes it easy to pop the embellishments out of the molds - then they can air dry and be painted, etc. before being glued to the card. The advantage to using paper pulp is that the raw material is cheap (a little pulp goes a long way) and the finished embellishment is much lighter - it won't weigh down the card. I make up a bunch at a time so they're handy when inspiration strikes.

[Rosalie]

Thanks Pingpong for the inspiration! I suppose I could also use my chocolate moulds as well. I have all sorts from shells to animals and money! Do you think they would work?
Martha, I print the inserts first and then cut them to fit the card. I checked out that site and got all excited about the 'word' function to make bookfolds. I opened my 'word' program and Alas! no such thing. I guess you have to have a more recent version than I have :hmm: Does your 'word' have it?
I couldn't stay on too long but that looks like a very interesting site.

[MarthaB]

:) Rosalie, I didn't have the bookfold function either, so I got Tim's mate to burn a copy of office xp, and it really works, sooo cool, I don't have to do any centering it does it all for you automaticly, if you have more time, check out the site some more, I learn heaps from the different craft sites I have joined, including this one,
Martha :)

[pingpong]

Rosalie, the candy molds would work, except they may be too thick. Try packing the pulp into just the bottom of the mold so you get the design but not the thickness. If they're made of flexible plastic like the ones I have, the freezer trick works well. If you're in a hurry for them to dry, putting them in a toaster oven at a low setting (about 200 deg F) speeds up the process.

[MarthaB]

:) Ping pong, I was thinking the same, it would look too bulky otherwise, so what is the maximum thickness you have on your moulds??
Martha :)

[Rosalie]

Guess I'm going to have to scab a copy of office xp too! Think I'll call girlfriends son for a favour!

[pingpong]

Sheebah, my polymer clay molds are about 3/8" (1cm) deep at the thickest point, and my candy molds are much deeper. I've found that anything over 3/16" (6mm) or so is too thick, so I just use molds that have the design near the surface and I stuff the pulp into the design. Some of my candy molds work because the design part of the mold is quite thin - the rest of the mold is plain. I had to play around with them to figure out which molds would work. By the way, I made my first sheets of paper last night! :woohoo: One thing I learned for sure: this is going to take practice...but I'm into recycling, so I can use my ENORMOUS supply of office scrap paper to perfect my technique.

[Rosalie]

Ping pong, are you making hand made paper? I'd love to get into a discussion about that too. Well, I really just soak up the information rather than discuss it! LOL

[MarthaB]

The paper making I tried, it fell apart on me, it was way to uneven, I gave it up!

[MarthaB]

:) these are my new cards,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos001.jpg
they are all 3d

[MarthaB]

more cards,
http://static.flickr.com/48/106658140_be68bdbc66.jpg

[MarthaB]

and more,http://static.flickr.com/46/106658912_9cb97c7aea.jpg

[MarthaB]

and more,http://static.flickr.com/41/106659503_3abfc2e091.jpg

[MarthaB]

I noticed the edges on some of the cards are not glued properly, I guess I will have to work on that!http://static.flickr.com/48/106660073_bcd22e6c76.jpg
the 2nd card is 3d

[Rosalie]

Martha, those cards are just wonderful! Each one is so different and detailed.
Do you make them for a particular event or to built up your stash for sale?

[MarthaB]

:) thanks for your kind comments rosalie, I still have soo much to learn, I am thinking of joining my local scrapbook and cardmaking class, I find that I need to learn a lot more techniques, here is another card, but as you can see it buckles a little bit, vellum is a bugger to glue down, you can see right through it and the glue shows up, that's why I got so much gold on the card to hide the glue, :hmm: http://static.flickr.com/43/106997039_54735139f4.jpg

[Rosalie]

Martha, have you ever seen the rolls of narrow double sided tape? I found some it a a craft show last year and it is just hreat. I use it all the time now instead of glue. I'm not sure if you'd see it through the vellum but you don't get any bubbles.
The craft show is on again at the end of March so I'm going to stock up on all manner of goodies!
Also that cardstock you used in your latest, is that a metallic finish? Is seems to have a bit of a shimmer to it.

[MarthaB]

:) Rosalie, yes it has a slight gold shimmer, funny I didn't even notice it until you pointed it out, ...I have 2 rolls off doublesided tape, and I use it a lot, but even that will show through, they recommend that with vellum to put glue just on the corners so it's not so obvious, but I have tried that but it looks funny. :hmm:

[Rosalie]

Do you remember where you bought that cardstock? I haven't been able to find it anywhere. I bought some at the craft show and they also had paper the same. It makes for a lovely card insert.

[MarthaB]

I had that paper for awhile, it actually came in a bag of mixed cardstock, they are not full sheets but just pieces of different sizes, I will keep an eye out for it, and I will let you know if I find some.

[pingpong]

Sheebah, I haven't found any way to glue down vellum without the glue or whatever showing through, so I just use double-sided tape along the very edges of the vellum and cover up the edges with strips of paper or ribbon. There is one tape on the market that is supposed to be invisible on "most" vellum, but I can still see it - maybe I'm looking too hard! :bonk: Another way I attach vellum is with eyelets. I do this with smaller pieces and just use one eyelet at each corner. This wouldn't work very well with larger pieces, since the vellum would probably buckle out between the eyelets, but it's great with smaller pieces - especially when I can color-coordinate the eyelets!

[Rosalie]

I bought a great eyelet punch kit a little while ago for a card where I wanted moving bits...it was a teddy bear waving a flag.. and it worked beautifully. And it is so strong that my daughter used it to punch holes in a demin jacket to insert studs.
It cost around $25.00 but reckon its worth it to add another gizmo to my stash! Plus, all the gorgeous couloured eyelets you can get, from metallic finish to fluros.

[MarthaB]

:) ping pong thanks for your reply, I had a talk with a lady in our local scrapping place about my dilemma, she also suggested eyelets, or brads, I have never worked with eyelets before and I may have to wait awhile, because once again I have gone overboard with my craftsupply in the weekend, I bought lots of scrapbook papers, you know the once with the pretty backgrounds, and also more stickers, they got a whole new lot of new ones in, and they are gorgeous, and I got a sheet with 3d pattern, I can make 3 cards out of them and I got more small bits and pieces but boy does it add up quickly, oh and I got some silver embossing powder, so now I will not set a foot in a craft shop for awhile, I will ban myself haha

[Rosalie]

Right! Sure! if your as addicted as I am, you'll be back! :biglaugh:

Next weekend is the Stitches and Craft show in Melbourne :woohoo: I'm going with my niece this time...hope she wants to inpect EVERY stall like me.
And I've even been saving up some money to splurge.
I hope there's lots of new stuff to cram into my craft cupboard.
I just hope my urethra settles down before then. The stupid thing is playing up like crazy. I don't know what I've done? Unless its the antibiotics I'm still taking for the infected tooth....which thankfully, is gone! Now I have the most fetching GAP while I smile...ugh!

[MarthaB]

:biglaugh: hey Ro don't despair, if my tooth will come out eventually I will match you, unfortunately mine is in the front too, are you getting it replaced with a falsy?? I'm glad you are feeling better, but I'm sorry to hear about your urethra, it could well be the antibiotics, can you trace it back to when it first started playing up?? was it the same time as when you started taking the antibiotics??
I assume not even the baking soda is working,???

Is your niece into crafts as well? I hope so, there is nothing worse then going with someone to a craft show and they are totally not interested, I like to look at everything, every stall, I can spend hours just looking and spending too, I usually go with a friend too but she likes craft and is a very good seamstress as well, I hope you are going to have fun and don't spent too much, ooh I mean little hahaaaaaaaa

[MarthaB]

this is a cushion with a crosstitch on it, and the other one is done with grub roses, it was my first attempt but I think it turned out pretty good,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos028.jpg

[Rosalie]

Those pieces are lovely Martha. Did you make the bears?
I was thinking of taking a pic every so often of the progress of my cross stitch piece, but it going so slowly.Its difficult to see in the evenings and during the day I can't find much time. Oh well, I'll get there eventually.

My niece, Peta, is seriously into scrapbooking and so is my nephews wife Michelle. I told them about my idea of a scrapbook as a signature keepsake for Campbell's 21st and they want to help. And I mean HELP! They dropped in on Sat just because they had so many ideas. I reckon I could just give them the pics and they would do the lot. LOL But I still want a hand in it.
You know, I'm just like my dad with things like this. I know what I want and want to do it all myself...really stupid! There's a lesson here for me to learn and that is to let others in and help. Anyhoo I'm going to one of their classes on the 18th to look at papers etc.
I'm so looking forward to the craft show. I want to get more cardstock and papers for card making and I'm thinking of splurging on one of those lights with the magnifying glass attachment. You know the ones on the stand? They're around $200 but I'm hoping for a show special to reduce the price.

[MarthaB]

:) I know exactly what you mean, and I think it will come in very handy, my eyeside is getting a little worse I think, maybe I am imagining it, but the last time my optomotrist said that I still don't need reading glasses, just the normal ones, I've had glasses since I was about 7 years old, I also wear contacts but only if I go out, I don't bother if I am at home.

Unfortunately I cannot take credit for making the teddies, I have about 20 or so, I have thought about at giving it a go and make my own, but I'm not very good at sewing, a straight line is about all I manage, I have a very old sewing machine a singer I think and I bought that many years ago for a $100.00 dollars, it works well but I don't get much use out of it so it sits there collecting dust.

Anyway I understand you wanting to have a hand in, it is your son's 21st, and that is special, but the help is there if you need it, Oh I forgot to tell you that I bought 2 scrapbook albums for $15.95 in '' the warehouse'' do you have that shop in Melbourne??
Ro also don't get conned into buying expensive things at that class you are going to on the 18th, things like gelpens are much much cheaper in stores such as k-mart and big W, and they are the same as long as they are acidfree,

[MarthaB]

these 2 cards I made last weekend, I had a lot of trouble cutting around the little coathangers,http://static.flickr.com/53/108935557_fee88e4bba.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/39/108935864_d75502c993.jpg

[Rosalie]

Martha, yes we have 'warehouses' here and I have one quite close. I'll check it out tomorrow to see if they have the same stock. I have heard about the expensive 'Scrapbooking Memories" stuff so I'll keep my purse in the bag!
Kmart is building up a very large range of scrapbooking stuff, its wonderful.

I love your latest cards. Do you use scissors or a scalpel to cut out small things?

[MarthaB]

:) Rosalie, those scrapbook albums were 2 for $15.95, that was a real bargain, they had also just the 1 for $14.95, and they were just the same, I hope you will find some tomorrow, .... and K-mart does have a really good selection of craft stuff, I don't think the competition is too excited! Crazy Clarks is also getting more and more stuff in, I pick up some great stuff for just a couple of bucks,..... I cut the small things out with very small scissors, my scalpel doesn't work too well, it pulls the paper even after changing the plate, I am thinking about getting a better one.

[MarthaB]

:) Oh Rosalie by the way, that card with the dresses are stickers just like the other ones I showed you, she got a whole new collection in, they can be tricky to work with but you treat them pretty much the same as the other stickers, let them get into shape first and you can then stick them on coloured paper or patterned paper, or you can colour them in with gelpens or whatever tickles your fancy haha, they are sooo cool.

[MarthaB]

:) hey guys, I found this on the net, it gives some interesting ideas on how to deal with vellum,

1. Hide the adhesive with PP or CS on top, just a strip will work and won't cover the transpareny.
2. Use spray adhesive.
3. Sticker wrap, use a long sticker; put it across your transparency; have the edges of the sticker go around the back of you CS or PP.
4. Stickers of the edges of the transparency.
5. Paper doll tabs. When you cut the transparency leave little tabs on the edges, you can fold the tabs over and adhere to PP or CS. Great way to make a little pocket out of a transparency.
6. Use photo corners.
7. Clip it with a paper clip or fun shaped clip. And tie a ribbon or fiber to the clip for an added touch.
8. Use eyetets.
9. Sew it on.
10. Staples or a Fastenator.
11. Weave ribbon through one edge.
12. Tie it on. Put a hole in one edge of the transparency & paper, thread a ribbon through and tie a not.
13. Usa brads.
14. Flaunt it; the adhesive that is, use photo square and let the white been seen behind the words.
15. Crystal lacquer; again you can see it, but it can be used to enhance parts of the transparency.
16. Wire or jump rings along one edge.

[MarthaB]

this card I made last night, it's 3D,http://static.flickr.com/50/109922944_59afcfd804.jpg

[Rosalie]

Martha, that is so CUTE! And thanks for the info on using vellum. I've never tried it before. I will have to get some and have a go.

[trytosmile]

Hi everyone...

I'm just getting into this card making and scrapbooking. Ok, I'll admit I'm hooked. I just went through this thread and the cards made are just amazing ! I got alot to learn ! There is so many things you can buy and go through I find is overwhelming at times. But a good overwhelming.

Yesterday I did a couple of scrapbook pages. I'm trying to do one a month of something exciting or important that happened in my life.

[trytosmile]

Sheebah...

I just took a look at the last card you posted. I'm new to this so this question may seem weird, how did you do the scroll work at the two ends of the piece glued on and did you use a pattern scissor to cut the blue and white paper with. If so I just LOVE the design on it.

[Rosalie]

Hey Jen I just looked back at Marthas last piece and noticed them too. Its a lovely touch.
Martha did you make them with a punch? I'm going to check some out at the craft show on saturday. Say, why don'y you win some money today and come on down and go with me? :biglaugh:

[MarthaB]

:) Yes I would love to, ro, I could do some serious craft shopping, but I'm afraid I am going to have to wait till they get here, BUGGER!!
the little bows at the end are punches, and the gingham blue and white paper I cut with the craft scissors, I have a few different styles, .... the bows at the end I thought would suit a baby's card,
Card making is a lot of fun Jen, the only challenge is coming up with new ideas, and the bits and pieces you can use on cards are endless, I find the magazines come in really handy, I now buy 1 cardmaking mag once a month and it really helps to get the creative juices flowing.
Ro you really have to try vellum, it comes in coloured and patterns, it's waxy if you know what I mean, and see through, that's why it is so hard to disguise the glue, but I found those hints and will try that, I have lots of brads, I even found some in crazy clarks with letters on it for 2 dollars, in craftstores they would charge per brad, hhmmm would work out a bit pricey.

[MarthaB]

A new card I made today,http://static.flickr.com/53/111198992_3d5c171660.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) and these ones I did a while ago,
http://static.flickr.com/56/111201089_19be473532.jpg

[trytosmile]

Martha...

I just love your cards, they are amazing. Cards is what got me started in this whole scraping world. I just went to a couple really good stores near buy and spend a small fortune. I'm still collecting all the tools needed but I am quickly learning there are alot of "speciality" tools out there too. Oh my, and I thought my quilting habit was expensive :ignore:

I do purchase a couple magazines myself, one called Paper Crafts and another Card Creations. They give lots ideas. I also get Keepsake Scrapbook and I get ideas from it too. The place where I took some classes, she takes page ideas and turn them into cards. We also learned how to make picture frames which was fun too.

Ok, I haven't used this webshots site to post pictures to much, hoping this works. Here are some of my pages I've accomplished.

http://community.webshots.com/myphotos?action=viewAllPhotos&albumID=548477667&security=IbgXgn

[MarthaB]

:) Hi jen thanks for your kind comments, but I still have so much to learn, but those magazines do help a lot, don't they??
I just had a look at your scrapbook pages, and they are beautiful, that's another thing I am not to good at yet, but I am learning, yes all this crafting business is pretty expensive, but it's worth it, I am always on the lookout for new things,unfortunately some stuff is out of my pricerange, but we can use alternatives for some things, for example Rosalie told me that for embossing we can use the toaster instead of a expensive embossing heater, it works perfectly, the results are the same.
I hope to see some of your cards soon, :)

[Rosalie]

Ok Martha, as always, your cards are fantastic. WHere do you get your inspiration?
Jen, I also had a peek at your handywork. I love the scrapbooking pages. I swore that I would never get involved with another craft but, seems I
m hooked on that too! I have a major project underway and I'm finding it daunting, there are sooooooooooo many ideas out there that its hard to know where to start. Fortunately, two of my nieces are heavily into scrapbooking and they will keep guiding me in the right direction. I actually going to sit in on a class next saturday.

[MarthaB]

:) thanks Rosalie, ...great idea about the class next saturday, you may just get hooked on that too, ....I find the most daunting thing about scrapbooking is the photo's, so I sorted them all , put them in big envelopes and wrote on the envelope what the occasion was, it makes it easier to find what you want, maybe you could start with just baby albums, I have one for Tamara and one for tim, and the 2 I bought a few weeks ago I use for family gettogethers, and christmas parties.
Your nieces are going to be a real asset to you with the scrap booking.
Ro did you manage to find that shimmery paper on the craftshow??,

[MarthaB]

more cards
http://static.flickr.com/53/112169838_f88f36ae6d.jpg

[Rosalie]

Love the new cards Martha.Do you cross stitch and make the cards for specific occassions or just to have on hand when you need them?
Yes I found the cardstock I wanted and bought a heap of it to last a while.

[MarthaB]

Hi Ro, I make the cards mostly for selling, but if a special occasian comes up, it's handy to have all these cards to choose from, I have a box of cross stitch samples ready to go on the cards, but I try to make other ones too not just cross stitch, I get a lot of inspiration from the internet and magazines,

[trytosmile]

I have always looked at scrapbooking stuff but never got into it, I "thought" I had enough crafting tools but apparently I changed my mind ... :) My best friend is a scrapbooker and she got me into it. Like quilting , stained glass, knitting (to name a few) aren't enough to do. Heck I have 5 quilts alone on the go :lmao:


I made all my Easter cards yesterday. My digital camera is on the fritz so I'm going to scoop my mom's and will get some pictures taken of my lastest card creations. They are pretty simple after looking at yours Martha.

Martha, the card with the knit baby booties on it, are they real knit booties or a picture ? Now I really want to get some of those decorative punches you use.

I was a stone throw away from this amazing scrapbook store today but just couldn't do it. It is March Break for my neice this week so I took her shopping. I was doing ok but yesterday I stepped on a darn wasps and I have a football for a foot. Just couldn't make the scrapbook store, oh well only a 45 min drive for me. I did pick up some really cool ribbons at Walmart though.

What magazines do you ladies check out? I just got one by Better Homes and Gardens, Scrapbook Etc, design secrets. It has 320 design ideas in it, well worth the money. I sometimes use scrapbook pages ideas and make into cards.

Ok, wondering if you ladies have tried this. I'm all excited and thought this was something I came up with but I guess old news. I make daisy like flowers with folk art paint. Just squeeze right out of the small bottle and made the design. Leave to dry for about 24 hours and, poof, an embellishment. I make the design on wax paper, very easy to peel off when dry. Alot I got a tip to use sand paper on the edges of the paper and then use chalk to highlights, really gives an antiqued look.

[MarthaB]

:) Hi Jen, I had heard of the sandpaper thingy, but not the embellishment made out of folkart paint, I have a few bottles laying around so I might have a go at that! thanks for the tip!!
Yes the booties are knitted with real wool and needles, and then I transfer the bootie on toothpicks, put a couple of beads at the end and you are ready to put on the cards, sometimes I use these really tiny cane baskets, cut in half so it sits flat, arrange some wool in little balls and put in baskets, looks really cute.
I mainly get my inspirations from '' australian papercrafts'' and '' beautiful cards'' from the uk, but if I find anything interesting I will buy it, they have so many mags to choose from now, it can be overwhelming.
Punches are great to give it that extra touch, believe it or not but hubbie bought me those punches, he got me 2 boxes at different times,( I believe the second box was a bribe, haha) , I started of with just 1 punch at the time, and then I gradually added to it, same with stamps, 1 at the time, I have quite a collection now.
I also bought some lovely ribbon last week, it's another one of my addictions, I love ribbons, I got one of those reels, ( hubbie made it) I can hang the ribbons on there so they don't get tangled.
Anyway, I hope to see some of your cards on here real soon,

[trytosmile]

Hi Martha...

Do you have a pattern for the knitted booties, I just love that idea. I'm also interested in this ribbon holder. Is it made from dowling, hum, kinda like a towel hanger. Just tonight when I was putting my new ribbons away I was thinking I needed a better system to keep them organized.

The UK magazines are very popular here. I've got a couple of the general craft ones, must look for the scrapbook/card making ones.

What company makes your punches, if you know ? Would love to look up on the internet, I've never seen anything like it around here.

Thanks

[MarthaB]

here is the pattern for the booties, this one is for rosalie too,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Picture064.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) and this one is for little jumpers, very easy to make, have fun!!!!http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Picture065.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) oh and to answer your question Jen, the most popular punches I know of here are made by '' Carl"", they are more expensive, but I find the cheaper ones are good too,

[MarthaB]

:) these are my punches.
http://static.flickr.com/42/112765698_5b661defbb.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) and the card collection,
http://static.flickr.com/43/112766056_3ffe641837.jpg

[MarthaB]

and some cardstock,
http://static.flickr.com/39/112766855_a16860f1a5.jpg

[trytosmile]

Thankyou so much for the patterns. I'm gonna make some today, looks like a tv project when watching the soaps...lol

I AM SO JEALOUS OF YOUR PUNCH COLLECTION ! I've been searching for them around here and have found a place to get some of then but they are pricy so I buy here and there. I did just get one that punches a very small rectangle so it is easier to thread ribbins in the cardstock. I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I must find some of those edging type punches, I know I would use them alot in my cardmaking and in pages too. They add such a nice finish to the project.

And look at all your cards. Now, to you make your cards or do you purchase one and add the embleshments. If you make them, do you make your envelopes too. Looks like you have them in all colors.

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just amazed at your work!

[Rosalie]

WOW! Martha, I was gobsmacked when I saw your collection of punchs and not to mention a bit jealous. Just as well you don't live next door, or I'd be over every day to borrow them! LOL I noticed the green carry case, did they all come in a set or did you but the case later? I forgot to look for punches at the craft show :headbang: Next time!
And you have SO many cards done already. Why, you could open a stall with that stash! Martha do you have a work room for all your stuff? or are you like me and have to drag it all out to the dining room table every time I want to do something.
Another thought Martha, have you thought of selling your cards on the internet? No need then for paying stallholders fees or having to go out and set up a stall.
Thanks for the knitting patterns too. I have printed them out to add to all the other wonderful information I have gotten of these threads.

Now talking about using ribbons as embellishents, the sticker maker I bought is wonderfulufor this. If you put the ribbons through it, they end up with an even layer of adhesive on the back. Its then easy to stick it to the card. You an even tie bows and put them through.
As for magazines, I subscribe to 'handmade', 'Stamping and Papercraft' and 'Australian Patchwork and Quilting' but I also pick any that I see are interesting. I love to subscribe to them all!

[trytosmile]

Hi ladies ...

I scooped my Mom's camera and was able to get some pictures of the scrapbook frames that I do. The three smaller ones are 5 inches x 7 inches and the two larger ones of my little cousins are 7 inches x 7 inches. You can make them whatever size you want too really.

Yes Rosalie, I too am jealous of Martha's punch collection ! I was online for an hour plus researching where I can purchase them from.

Martha ... I did find a site in Australia that had the "carl" stamps you use. They are just wonderful. I did find some similar here that I can get, the single punch, the decorative ones not so easy to find. My search continues.

I'll get some pictures of my cards I've made, although nothing compared to what you ladies have done. Oh and I've pulled out some yard to make my little sweater and booties, now I just need a newborn to send them too.

Here's my frames. I've given so many away in just the couple months I've been making them

http://community.webshots.com/myphotos?action=viewAllPhotos&albumID=548600210

[Rosalie]

Hey Jen, the picture of you and Tracey is on my photo board! They are lovely pages too. My little project is turning into something bigger tha Ben Hur and the bigger it gets the less I know what I'm doing Ughhh!

[MarthaB]

:) Hey Jen it's good to see your face on the phoyography section! another pic I saved, do you live near Tracey? I'm asking because your profile says Canada!
Anyway you and Ro are both welcome, I'm happy to share, to answer your question I buy the blank cards, 50 in a pack, it works out about 15 cents a card, they come in different colours, and we can choose dark colours or pastels, the envelopes I had trouble with because they couldn't get anymore from their supplier, so Rosalie showed me how to do it, and it is so easy, you just get a card size envelope, open it up, lay it flat and trace around it with a pencil and you got yourself a pattern for an envelope, I use cheaper card stock for this, and you can just match the envelope with the card,... I have also found a really cheap recipe for the glue to put on the card, you just brush it on the part where you seal the card and let it dry, then when you are ready to seal the card just lick and seal! easy! let me know if you want the recipe.

Hey Ro, if you lived next door to me, you could come and borrow my punches any time you like, by the way those came in the green box, the loose ones at the back I bought first.
I use my daughters room as my craftroom now she has moved out, it is small but I wouldn't know what to do without it, I also do all my ironing in there, well sometimes I do, haha,.
So many people have mentioned the internet when it comes to selling my cards, I may just look into that!!
That stickermaker sounds good, I might have a look at the craft show when it gets here.

[MarthaB]

:) Jen, those frames are beautiful, I think you are very clever, and I think your cards are going to be beautiful too!

[MarthaB]

these are little gift tags I made,
http://static.flickr.com/19/113119873_cd8ebfcf1c_m.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/48/113119624_1483065bdc_m.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/34/113119331_5a90cdfca8_m.jpg

[MarthaB]

here are the 2 latest cross stitch samples I done, they are not going on cards, but on other things, not sure what yet!http://static.flickr.com/19/113134246_c5baf22455.jpg

[trytosmile]

Martha, you are on a roll. I just love the gift tags, I've made a few of them too. I'm getting so many ideas from you !

Your cross stitch work is amazing !

[trytosmile]

Ok, here are some of my card and tag creations. The pictures are not the best. I'm using my mom's digital camera as mine needs a new cable. Her's you need a degree to operate and I don't have that degree....lol.

http://community.webshots.com/myphotos?action=viewAllPhotos&albumID=548612635

[traceann]

Oh cripes.... why oh why did I do it...why did I have to poke my nose into this thread..I feel another "craft obsession" coming on. Dang you ladies!!!! ;) Now, not only do I want to get better at scrapping, (scrapbooking, not fighting - well, maybe that too, I am kinda wimpy) now I want to make gift tags and cards. Thanks a lot....geesh.

Yep, Jen lives about an hour (am I right Jen?) from my inlaws, so that's where we were, at their house.

:) I should have "just said no" when I decided to have a peek at this thread....ugh.

[trytosmile]

Hi ...

Yup Tracey, I live about an hour from her in-laws (wonderful people) and I would say Tracey and I live about a 4 hours apart. Spitting distance !

Truth be known, Tracey got me into this scrapbooking. I tried to stay out of it because I had enough on the go in the craft department but after talking to her about it I got more and more interested and finally I was hooked. I am really enjoying it. I neat way to express your creativity and alot quicker to do than making a queen size quilt.

LOL, ha ha Tracey, I knew you'd get into the cards making. It is so much fun and so personal.

I just gotta find me some of these decorative punches, can't stop thinking about them. Hum.................

Martha, I'd love to have that recipe. I took an envelope out today and took it apart, going to try to make my own and see how I make out. I've seen patterns in magazines but you had to copy and increase the size which I just hadn't done. Your suggestion sounds great ! I have only seen the white cards in my area, will have to search a little harder for colored ones.

[traceann]

Like I said before, lovely - one more hobby to beat myself up over for not doing...LMAO!!!

Oh I love punches too, so handy! Have you checked out Jo-Ann.com Jen? They have lots of cardstocks and I think punches too....

[MarthaB]

Hiya Tracey, I knew you would eventually end up here!! did you have a word in her ear Jen?? well what can I say about your cards Jen, they are great!! I love them!! you are selling yourself short girl!!! I can see that you use some scrapbooking ideas in those cards, I think it works really well, love those tags too, now I can pick up some ideas from you!!
Hey tracey, once your house is finished you can get started on all these things!!
Jen how did you put the letters on the ( I think) first card?? is at a rub-on stencil you used?

[traceann]

Hey Martha, that's the plan! I hope when everything is put back together I can even find my supplies...LOL Hubby is now talking about using the corner where my sewing machine is upstairs and building an L-shaped table for my crafts and his fly-tying! Yahoo!!!!! I hope that can get done soon...

Oh yes, Jen's cards are great, I save all the ones she mails me, lol. Oh hell, I save cards anyway, always have. I even have cards from my highschool graduation....hmmm, sounds like a scrapping idea to me...LMAO!!!!!

[MarthaB]

:) hey Tracey, it would be great If you could get your own little crafting nook, I use my daughters room, she moved out about 2 years ago, and it's filled with craft stuff, I'm even running out of space in there! it also doubles as a ironing and guest room.
I save all my cards as well, I save just about anything, all the things my kids made for me when they were little, ... I'm too sentimental, lol, I have a heap of postcards from all over the world including America, my sister and her boyfriend travel a lot, so last december I got a card from Kenya Africa, the year before that they were here in australia, the year before that in Egypt, and on and on, lucky buggers!

[traceann]

LOL, glad to see I am not the only one who saves these things!! I must tell hubby I am not alone! Ha!!! Ah, thanks for the peace of mind Martha!!! ;)

[MarthaB]

:) Jen, I'm sorry, I forgot to give you the glue recipe, here it is,

ingredients;
6 tablespoons white vinegar,
(4) 0.1 once packets unflavored gelatin,
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or any flavor you like)

Directions:
Bring vinegar to a boil in a small pan.
Add gelatin and stir until dissolved.
Add extract and stir until mixed.
Brush on a thin layer onto back of envelope flap ....let dry
Moisten to apply
Store excess glue in a sealed container and melt again for future use by putting in a pan of warm water.

see!! easy peasy,lol

[Rosalie]

All the new cards posted are just beautiful and they give me so many ideas. I wish we had one place where we could post them all for quick reference.
I'll just have to go back and cut and paste them all into a file of my own. Getting the ideas for cards is my bigest problem. I have bought books for inspiration only to find they all have a few good ideas.

[MarthaB]

:) this is my gelpen collection, I buy most of my pens in K-mart, they are just as good as the dearer ones in craftstores,
http://static.flickr.com/45/113568454_6280b7ea65.jpg

[Rosalie]

Martha, if you don't mind me asking, how much did that green container with all the punches cost? I assume that it is cheaper to buy them like that rather than buy them individually.

[MarthaB]

:) these are the stickers I use a lot, as you can see the one page of stickers is empty, I'm trying to work out how to use the leftovers! I am sure I will come up with something, any ideas, guys??http://static.flickr.com/45/113570104_61548a7c1f.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) Ro, I'm not sure because Tony got them for me, but I guess somewhere between $30.00 and $40.00 dollars, you can get them in Big W, they are definately cheaper than buying each one seperately, I think they also have the alphabet punches.

[trytosmile]

OMG, that much for ALL THOSE PUNCHES !!!!! Ok, I'm moving to Australia. One punch over here is $20. Ok, now thinking this through that cost is at your money. Anybody know what the money difference is from yours to Canadian. I'm SO JEALOUS !!!!!!!!!!! And your gel pens, your stickers, we don't have stickers like that over here. Another reason to move ...hum !

Thanks for the recipe, must try that !

I use alot of stickers that have sayings on them or I have "one" set of stamps that I use but mainly stickers sets. You can get a sheet of a variety of different things and do 3-4 cards with the page. Yes I do take my scrapbooking pages into my cards. Honestly, scrapbook magazines is where I get alot of my ideas.

Hey my craft room is just the same, ironing room (that doesnt' happen too much), spare bedroom and yes FULL ! I was just up there this am thinking, ok how can I organize this better. My hubby made me a large work station just before Christmas and I use it all the time. Covered with fabric or paper all the time. I made a skirt with fabric to put around the bottom (lol...looks like a coffin)

[traceann]

Hmm, ms. trytosmile, wasn't that to be a portable work station? LMAO!!!! I hear ya Jen, the punches are crazy $$ here too, hence the reason I have none...lol.

I copied the glue recipe as well, now you have me wanting to make envies...ugh. This is getting out of hand! The problem I have the closest place to get any supplies for paper crafting, be it cards or scrapping, is over 30 min away! It sucks, cause I just can't hop in the car when I need something real quick...it forces me to plan ahead (yeah right!) or just wing it and buy stuff when I get there that I think I MIGHT need, lol. When I went to Michael's where my in-laws live with my mom-in-law, I think I ruined a bunch of their stock by drooling, lmao! I had only like 15 min in there, so not enough time...so many great products, stickers, embellishments, papers... *sigh*, we have nothing like that here where I live...

[trytosmile]

Ok darling, we need a "daytripping" weekend. I can think of 7 scrapbook stores (all good ones too) all within a 45 minute drive, heck 2 of the stores (one being the best of the 7) is only a 10 minute drive from here....

hum, wonder what her hours are today :ignore:

ok...my cats are spazzing right now....geesh. trying to help me type

[traceann]

Kitties are good typists, how come Rover hasn't sent me any mail lately?? I am getting depressed at not hearing from my nephew!!!! LOL

Oh and while we're at it, lets just head on over to Australia?? Sound good???

[MarthaB]

new card I made yesterday,http://static.flickr.com/49/116223315_bd4b751d96.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) and this is my latest cross stitch sample, I think he is sooo cute,
http://static.flickr.com/53/116225628_026808d720.jpg

[traceann]

Oh I love what you two have done!! Rosalie the card is soooo cute! And Martha, that giraffe is adorable, what kind of project is it for???

[MarthaB]

:) ahaaaaaaaa, Tracey, I don't want to take any credit away from Rosalie, but the card is mine too, the giraffe I don't know what to do with yet, I need some ideas!!

[trytosmile]

Martha ...

both are so cute ! How long does it take you to do a cross stitched card, you whip those off like nothing...lol.

IC is miserable right now so no crafting happening. I did finish the binding on a quilt this weekend but that I did in bed...lol.

[MarthaB]

:) Hi Jen, Thanks! the cross stitch believe it or not only took me a couple of days, I have been doing cross stitch for about 32 years now, so it's not a big deal!!

[traceann]

Oops, sorry Martha!! That's what I get for typing in the morning without enough coffee in me!! I will have to start thinking on what giraffes would work well with...hmmmmmmmmm.

;)

[Rosalie]

I'm willing to take credit for Marthas cards! :biglaugh:
She does lovely work.
I spent way too much time last week making cards for all my family members whose birthdays fall in march. I was very proud of myself and even posted the first two so they would arrive on time for a change.
Only problems was, I posted the wrong two :headbang: So now two people are getting their cards VERY early and two VERY late... I'll just keep trying to get it right.
A couple of these are a bit blurry. I should have used the new camera but David is guarding it like a hawk...silly buggar thinks its his :biglaugh:
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/vintage.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/tulips.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/Fairywindow.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/starshaker.jpg

[trytosmile]

Oh Rosalie I love your cards. What product is that that you've used that is silver, kinda looks like dots ? I just LOVE it !

[MarthaB]

:) Hey Ro, beautiful cards, how did you do the tulips?? and I love the one with the angel too, ...I think you explained about the glittery background before in one of your earlier posts, I will have to go back and have another look,

[Rosalie]

Thanks for your comments. I forgot to say that the bottom card is a 'shaker' . The loose stars are behind a clear front.
ANd Jen the glitter effect is done using JAC( a double sided paper) paper - cut the size and shape you want, peel off the backing, stick it onto card, peel off the front paper and sprinkle with glitter.
Martha, the tulips are from my clipart program as are the fairy, flowers, grapes etc.
The silver stars were made with my new sticker maker. I cut the stars out of silver paper(leftovers from covering boards for cake making) and then run through the sticker maker.

[MarthaB]

:) my lovely hubbie just got home, and he bought these stickers for me, I am a lucky girl, don't know what I did to deserve it!!!http://static.flickr.com/40/116664785_fb3cdec256_b.jpg

[Rosalie]

:dance: You lucky lucky lucky girl. I am as jealous as all get out!
Next life .....I want one of those hubbys! :bonk:..I Shoulda picked better this time round! :biglaugh:

[trytosmile]

I here you Ros...I want your hubby too Martha. Mine wldn't even think of doing something like that.

Sounds like you guys have a whole bucket of different types of supplies in Aussie than we get. I've got get myself to use my computer, different fonts etc. I haven't even toughed the surface on that aspect of card making.

Rosaline...the clipart, do you print off on a regular paper and then cut out the shapes ? I just LOVE your shaker idea. I must try that. I have all these items that I can use for that effect. Bought them at a dollar store thinking, hum what can I use these for and now I have the perfect idea. Thanks !

[MarthaB]

:) Jen, I'm sorry that you cannot get what you want where you live, Australia has gone leaps and bounds in scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies, we can pretty much get anything, have you tried ordering of craft supplies sites??

[Rosalie]

Jen I uaually print the pictures onto white 200gsm card but sometimes, depending on the effect, I will print onto photo paper. I cut them out using a scalpel and these days, with the help of a magnifying glass.. :biglaugh:
I'm doing a scrapbook and for the first time, I printed wording onto vellum....very effective!
Its the first time I made the shaker cards after seeing lots of them in magazines. We have $2 shops over here Hahaa.. up market!.
They are great for picking up all sorts of little gems.
And as far as Martha's husband goes, she won't be giving tha one up for anybody! But if his kind and caring genes have been passed to his son?....well! :idea: I might just go back to matchmaking him with my daughter!

[MarthaB]

:) Ro, how did you go with printing on the vellum?? because it is so waxy, I have heard that the printer has to be set on slow setting otherwise the ink will go streaky, and it takes longer to dry too, are we talking about the same stuff?

[Rosalie]

I'm sure it is the same stuff Martha, I bought it in a BigW pack. I just used the normal setting on the printer. However, the ink took quite a while to dry. The first printing I touched too soon and it streaked. So I left the next one for a good ten minutes and it was fine.
Don't you just love BigW's expanding range of craft products?

[MarthaB]

:) Oh definately, I can spend a long time in there looking, k-mart is getting more and more in too, and I got some really nice scrapbook stickers in Crazy Clarks last week, they were only 1 dollar a pack, what a bargain!!

[MarthaB]

:) I made photo's of all my cards today, so here is the first lot, now I have to see if photobucket will let me upload, I am on my download limit with flick'r.http://static.flickr.com/48/118645128_10803c8255.jpg

[MarthaB]

next 3,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos184.jpg

[MarthaB]

and another 3
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos167.jpg

[MarthaB]

and more,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos165.jpg

[MarthaB]

another 3
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos179.jpg

[MarthaB]

and these are the last, at least for the day,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos188.jpg

[trytosmile]

Oh my you have been a card machine ! They are all wonderful. Do you sell these, you much have an amazing selection to choose from.

I managed to get some more of my Easter candy envelopes done yesterday. I ran out of Easter paper so need to get some more to continue on. I've about 12 more to do. Didn't have much time to scrapbook yesterday, we where busy doing the trim around the windows in our livingroom but I am proud to say THEY ARE FINISHED. I got them stained now I just have to put on the shiney coats. YIPPY !

[traceann]

Oh my gosh, Jen's right, you are a machine!!! I finally got some pics of the upstairs bedroom and my craft room, they aren't the greatest, I have to re-do the photo shoot. Between the cat and the husband....geesh. ;)

[Rosalie]

Martha, I'm very impressed with all your cards and you should feel very pleased with yourself. I think the ones with the dresses are my favourites although I just love your cross stitched ones. They are all wonderful. With the dress ones, do you stick them onto a coloured paper first and then cut them out? Is the one with the pattern on it put onto vellum? So now what are you going to do wit your stash?
Tracey, don't just tell us about your photos, we want to see them!
I forgot to commend you on your easter bags Jen. Do you print your own paper and do you use a template for the bags?

[MarthaB]

:) thanks for your comments girls, I try to make a variety of cards, but I really like to make baby cards, today I have to make a heap of envelopes to match the cards.
Rosalie, I used vellum behind that card with the dress, but any patterned paper is good, I put the dress on the paper and then cut around it, it's a bit fiddly but the results are really good, you can also just colour it in with gelpens.

[MarthaB]

:) here are some more cards,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos176.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) and more,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos182.jpg

[traceann]

Those are just fabulous!!! I love seeing your work, you guys are all so darned talented!

[Babs RN]

Martha,
Where did you get the butterfly brass template? My mom is a stamper and card maker too and loves your cards--I am living with her right now too and showed her the cards.

Hope all is well for you gals and Mr. George in the land of Oz.


Hugs,
Barb :grouphug:

[MarthaB]

:) Hi barb, thank you for your kind comment, I think you are referring to the gold butterflies on the previous page, they are stickers, our local scrapping place sells them, the stickers are made in holland, www.starform.nl maybe the local supplier your mum goes to for her craft supplies can order those stickers in, they cost $2.85 per pack AUD, it is the same price for all the stickers shown on the previous page,

[Rosalie]

Keep them coming Martha,I just love seeing what you come up with next. Your cards are truly beautiful.

[traceann]

I agree with Ro - MORE MORE MORE!! hee hee hee ;)

[MarthaB]

:) here are 3 more,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos180.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) and more,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos207.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) 3 more cards,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos185.jpg

[Rosalie]

Martha, are you sleeping? Where are you getting all this time to make your beautiful cards? Haahahhahhaaaa......You got a magic wand or something?
I just love the frangapanni one.

[MarthaB]

:) Rosalie, thank you for the compliment, but I had some of those cards already made, I wish I was that quick, but unfortunately I have the same problem as you, trying to come up with new ideas for cards, that's really hard!
Anyway, here is one a made last night,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos271.jpg

[Rosalie]

This last one is very effective. So now I know about the stickers can you tell me what you used for the flowers? are they a sticker as well or did you make them with a punch?

[MarthaB]

:) Rosalie, I used a punch for the flowers, and coloured the centre with a green gelpen, and put glitterglue over the top for extra effect, the butterflies are not stickers, I got a photo to show you what they are, I got them in '' the warehouse'' for a couple of bucks for a pack of 50 or so,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos330.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) some more cards,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos166.jpg

[MarthaB]

these are very simple,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos174.jpg

[traceann]

OMG, how very very cool.....holy moly!!! Ok, are all the words that look embossed - did you rubber stamp them and then emboss them, or are they stickers? I love the card you just made!! Beautiful! It's funny, I was going to ask the same thing that Rosalie did, "are you even sleeping?" LOL!!!! ;)

[MarthaB]

:) Tracey, those are stickers, I have tried embossing a few times, but I'm not to good at it yet!! it always looks to thick, I think I will have to try on some scrap paper first, so that way I don't ruin my cards, I will get the hang of it eventually! I hope! hahaaaaaaa

[MarthaB]

:) Where is everyone?? not much happening, hhmmm I'm gonna post some more cards,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos178.jpg

[trytosmile]

Martha, sleep darling, sleep. Holy mother of pearl, how many cards do you have now ? You need to set up a shop and sell them. I'd bet they would sell so fast. There is a lady that stock piles through the winter and then goes in our local market during the summer and sells them. She gets a pretty penny for them too. I haven't been inspired this week and don't see any inspiration in the near future. Actually painting my stair case this week which will take me all week, can't do it for too long, the bending over just kills my back.

I did need a couple cards for my little buddies, Emma and David as their birthdays are this week but was fortunate enough to have a couple already done that I used. Just added a couple touches to personalize them. I even made my envelopes for them just with paper and my sewing machine. Was going to make the glue for it but no energy to do it, next time !

[traceann]

Oh I love the latest additions!!! You do such great work Martha!!!!

[MarthaB]

:) Thanks guys, I have over 100 cards, I started making envelopes, but got fed up after about 6 because I couldn't get them to line up properly, it was just one of those days that nothing would go right!! ggggrrr

about selling the cards,... to be honest I have this fear of rejection, I imagine myself on the markets and nobody wants to buy my cards, silly I know, but your lovely comments about my cards gives me a boost, thanks!!

[traceann]

It's true Martha!! I know you'd do very well selling them!!! I know I'd be first in line ;)

[MarthaB]

:) A new card I made last night,
http://static.flickr.com/39/124187344_21bdfe58e9.jpg

[traceann]

Oh that is so cute and clever! Hmmm, you are giving me all sorts of ideas!! LOL :)

[Rosalie]

Martha I really like that one. It is often hard to get ideas for the males cards. Can i steal your idea?

[MarthaB]

:) of course you can Ro, I know it can be hard to come up with ideas for men, I found this one in one of the mags I bought last week, if you want me to send you the template just let me know.

[Rosalie]

Oh yes thanks martha, i'd really appreciate that.

[MarthaB]

:) I sent it to you!! hope it's ok! :)

[MarthaB]

:) this is a card I made recently, sorry it's a bit blurry,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/butterflycard.jpg

[Rosalie]

What is the coloured paper that you have used Martha? It is beautiful! And another great card form the 'House of Martha'

[trytosmile]

Love it, I'm so excited I'm getting lots and lots of ebay purchases in the mail and all scrapbooking and card making stuff. I've got over 1200 eyelets/brads etc coming...he he he.

Did get a new winter stamp collection and having a blast with it. Now I need water colored pencils. Will have to get a picture of my latest creation posted.


Did you say 100 cards....OMG, makes my little pile of 10 look pretty small and I thought I had a good supplie.... :biglaugh:

[MarthaB]

:) Rosalie, that paper also came out of the scrapping stash, I love buying that, it has all mixed papers, so I never know what I am going to get, I thought the coloured paper would look nice with the butterflies, by the way the butterflies are stickers and I used gel pens on a couple of them, and the other I used patterned paper.

Jen, you seem to do really well on e-bay, I still haven't caught the e-bay bug so to speak, I'm still very wary, maybe one day!!
You can borrow my water pencils if you want, they are leftover from my daughters schooldays a few years ago, are you going to use them on your stamps?? I would love to see a pic of all your goodies!!

[trytosmile]

Oh crap, my kitten Rover just stepped on the keyboard and deleted out the post I had just written.

Ok, lets try this again.....

Ebay, I love it. I'm getting all my stuff in the mail right now. So exciting to go the mail box and get presents ! The other day I got 13 packages of Making Memories eyelets. Great addition to my collection. Last night I was working on a page and used some of them. It was great.

Yes I have the best of luck with ebay. Everyone that I have purchased from has been great. Now when bidding on scrapbooking stuff you gotta be quick, the scrapbooking ladies are FAST ! When they want something they get it. It is actually funny. You think that with just seconds your bid is gonna win, outbid but I've caught on. :evilsmile

I reorganized my craft room yesterday, put all my quilt kits in one basket :ignore: , I don't need anymore. Didn't realize I had that many. I have 4 snowman flannel quilt panels alone that are going to be put into a quilt. Then the other projects ... :rolleyes:

I've got my mom's camera (still haven't got mine fixed) so will get some pictures of my recent projects today and get them posted. I'm kinda on a roll again so hope to get a couple more done today. My Uncle has been home for a couple weeks, heads back to Alberta tomorrow so I really want to get the one done on my Grandmothers 91th birthday that we just celebrated. I've got all the items just need to get at it.

[trytosmile]

Here is the new card I made, I used one of the stamps that I got from ebay. It is a set of 8 stamps, can't wait to get my water colored pencils to use the others.

New card called Christmas 1. I still can't figure out how to download on the IC system so using my webshots account.

http://community.webshots.com/myphotos?action=viewAllPhotos&albumID=548612635

[MarthaB]

:) That's a gorgeous card Jen, I can't really see the stamp in the middle, it's kind of blurry, but the rest is clear! can I borrow your brain? :biglaugh: mine is blocked,hahaaaaaaa, do you go just on US e-bay? or do you go on the others as well?? I do have a look at e-bay, and drool over the lovely things on sale, but sometimes I find that the prices get a bit out of hand, and I reckon I would be able to get it cheaper in the shops, what do think!!
Anyway enjoy your goodies, and most of all have fun!!

[Rosalie]

Hey Martha, I really like your 'new' avatar. How did you manage to change from 'sheebah' and still keep all your info?
You can get some good bargains on ebay. I suppose it depends on what you are looking for. I have checked out lots of craft stuff and, you are right, it often goes for more than you can pay in the shops.

[MarthaB]

:) Ro, i'll pm you!

[MarthaB]

:) I made a new card today, it's really simple, I wasn't in the mood to do a lot of work on a card, but I still think it looks effective,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos314.jpg

[trytosmile]

thankyou Martha, I had fun doing it. I'm just loving this new set of stamps. Anxiously awaiting my water color pencils so I can really "go to town" and get some cards done.

I just love the baby card you just did. Where do you get all these excellent ideas !

Yes, I just do ebay US and ebay Canada, they are one system but by going into the Canadian ebay I can see what the cost will be in Canadian funds if purchasing from an American seller. I've had the best of luck and as for the prices, depending on the item, much cheaper. I have 150 scrapbook pages coming and I don't think I paid $20 cdn, including exchange and shipping. Heck around here average price per page is .80cents. So a big cost savings there. Now stamps on ebay, they can get pricey but are a hot ticket item. Always lots of bids on them. I have to watch my bidding, must factor in the money exchange and shipping costs. That puts my bidding prices down and in most cases cheaper to get here. What I like about ebay is it is "different". Once you get into the system you will learn what is cheaper and what isn't, compared to what you pay in your area. Oh and then there is the convienced, who doesn't like shopping from home !

[MarthaB]

:) Hi Jen, it seems that a lot of scrapping stuff is expensive in canada and the US, stamps are dear here too, I don't buy a lot of them, ....K-mart has a big sale on here on thursday, packs of patterned scrappingpaper 200 sheets for 9.99 and plain coloured paper 50 for 9.99 so I am going to get a pack of each, and I will save 20.00 dollars, :woohoo: I still go to my local scrapbook place for the pages like the ''basic grey'' it's a brandname, and they are gorgeous, I just get the papers that are different and cannot get in k-mart, I really love the embossed paper, but they are about $2.00 a sheet so I don't get too much of that.
Now, what I really want is a pack of those foam alphabet stamps, the really big ones, they are so useful in scrapping, they only cost $20.00 here, and I think they are a good investment.!!!!!

[MarthaB]

:) oh Jen, sorry I forgot to say I get a lot of my ideas from cardmaking books, I often change it slightly to the way I like it!

[vm]

Martha - I'd not looked at your cards before - they are GREAT!!!! :)

[MarthaB]

:) Hi Kim, thank you very much, I really appreciate it.

[trytosmile]

Ok, my life has to settle down, I've had no "girlie" time at all the last few days. Between doing a landscaping job for my Dad and horses running wild (one of our studs busted through his paddock yesterday) I've had no time for anything. Today that changes .... :biglaugh:

Yes I've even noticed on ebay that products being sold in Aussie are a cheaper. Lucky you ! Stamps are a terrible price here but that been said if you get a set you can go along way with them. It is such a hot item right now so that will drive the price up too.

I've got a couple sets of the foam stamps, I really like them and they are easy to clean up. I haven't used alot but are very effective when I do use them.

There is a place in the states called The Hobby Lobby and they always have great deals on scrapbooking supplies. Last week they had stickers, stamps, and punches on for 1/2 off so I scooted over and picked up a set of stamps and a small alphabet punch set. I haven't had a chance to really get creative with them. I did use on the one page "brooks", I punched out his name. I also did one on the weekend and I used the punched out part. I don't think I've taken a picture of that one yet. It is titled "signs of spring".

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of our new baby horses, I'm seeing alot of scrapbooking being done then. Hoping my horse stuff that I got off ebay comes soon !

We only really have one good card making magazine around here, well one that reasonably priced. You can get others but they run around $15.00 a magazine, not paying that for a magazine. I get alot of newsletters from these magazines via my email and you can get ideas through them.

Happy scrapping !

[MarthaB]

:) these 2 are the main cardmaking mags I buy, the mag on the left is called ''beautiful cards'' and I prefer that one of the two, every card is shown how how to make it step by step,
http://static.flickr.com/49/142390529_175b9b36c0.jpg

[trytosmile]

They look like excellent magazines. I have never seen them before. Is there a website listed, Martha. I'd love to see if available here or if I cld get a subscription for them. There is one card magazine that is any good but it only comes out bi-monthly. I just subscribed to it and waiting anxiously for my first one to come in the mail. It is called Card Making. Other than that, there are not alot of "just card" magazines. Still waiting for my water colored pencils to come in the mail that I got from ebay. I have a bunch of things stamped out from my new set of Christmas stamps, just need to color them in and then make into cards. Oh the anticipation...he he he

[Rosalie]

Martha, I've never seen those magazines down here. Are they from 'Express Publications'? Always on the look out for a good card making mag.

[MarthaB]

:) ok first of all the website, it's http://www.cardmakingandpapercraft.com/,
Jen you are in Canada right?? ok the US and Canadian hotline for subscriptions is 1-877 3631310 or e-mail them at expsmag@expressmag.com hope this helps.
Rosalie, could you ask your local newsagent to get'' beautiful cards'' in for you??
My news agent has so many to choose from, I usually have a quick look to see if there aren't too many ads, some mags are riddled with them,
here are some pages just to show you both what is in there!
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos412.jpghttp://www.cardmakingandpapercraft.com/
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos411.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) oops don't know what happened to the other pic, i'll try again,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos412.jpg

[Rosalie]

Oh Martha, I am so impressed with the card making mag that I will organize a subscription. I am getting a bit bored with the 'Stamping and Papercraft" and wasn't going to resubscribe. I'm going to find if 'express piblications' handles that one too.
Once again you have come up with just the right thing at just the right time!

[MarthaB]

:) Ro, I am sure you are not going to regret subscribing to this mag, it's the best cardmag I have come across, I get both mags but ''beautiful cards'' is my favorite, I have seen the paper and stamping mags in the library and I don't get any inspiration at all from them,......I love the colourful pages in these cardmags, it makes me want to do them all! anyway I'm glad I could help!

[trytosmile]

Thanks so much for the magazine information. I've glanced through the website and the downloads alone you can get are wonderful. This is a must looking getting magazine !

Yippy more magazines !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :woohoo:

[MarthaB]

:) Jen, I promise you won't regret getting that mag, I love it!! I am sure you will too!

[trytosmile]

Must get my camera out, I've made a few new Christmas cards with my new stamp set I got off ebay.

I got the quickutz system and having a blast with it too. One of the cuts I got was a snowman and it cuts out each individual part to it looks layers. So cool, fiddly but cool ! Must get the camera out this afternoon and show you my new stuff.

[MarthaB]

:) Jen, I would be really interested to see the cards made with the quickutz, is it expensive?? did you get that of e-bay too??
At one time I was really interested in sizzix to make embellishments, but I found that not only is it very expensive, the seperate diecut thingies are dear too! and I figure it's easier and cheaper to buy the diecuts pre-made.
Talking about e-bay, ..I watched this current affairs show we have here in OZ, and they were talking about people being ripped off by e-bay, 1 person got a phone that wouldn't turn on, the other a laptop computer she never received, and another girl bought a so called ''tiffany'' sterling silver bracelet with her birthday money, and found it was a fake, it turns me of e-bay even more, E-bay recommends paying by paypal, but a lot of sellers don't have that option, and e-bay itself isn't very helpful!!
One of the sellers even tried a bit of blackmail saying that if she would leave a positive feedback, he would send her money back, of course she didn't do that!!
She has since then found out that he has sold a few other fakes.
I think that if I ever would buy anything on e-bay it would be cheap like 10 or 20 bucks, so I wouldn't be too upset if I lost my money.

[trytosmile]

I haven't made alot of cards yet, but have one Christmas tag to show you with a snowman on it. I haven't got alot of templates yet, just got a couple basic squares/circles and then the letter set.

The cost of the system wasn't too bad, $150 less 25%. Yes it is the templates that cost the money, depending on how detailed run from $9-$15. It will be a slow gathering process. I want to start with basic ones but when it gets closer to halloween I will want the halloween ones, they are a hoot. Have you checked out their website ? www.quickutz.com

Pk, here are some photos of cards that I've done recently and the one tag. Sorry the pictures are a big bleary, I'm still borrowing my mom's camera and I just don't like it. Need to get a new one for myself but the one I want costs mega $$$ so it will have to wait and I will have to borrow.

http://community.webshots.com/myphotos?action=viewAllPhotos&albumID=550555561&security=pkvHjG

I can see that happening on ebay. I check out the companies that I buy from, look at their previous feedback. I usually email them about the item too just to get a feel for who they are. You can get a good or bad vibe just from an email. I don't spend huge amounts either, unlike my hubby who buys old vintage sleds worth $$$ and he has had no problem, knock on wood !

[MarthaB]

:) I love those cards, very cute, a bit blurry as you said, I'm very happy with my digital, it only cost somewhere between $200.00 to 300.00 and it works a treat, I love it!
Do you colour the inside of the stamps with the watercolour pencils??
Anyway I ask for money for mothersday because I didn't want another trinket, my son gave me money and I bought some stamps and a couple of other things, geezz money don't go far does it?? here is a pic oif the stamps,http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos487.jpg

[MarthaB]

:) here is a card I made yesterday,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/mumsphotos497.jpg

[trytosmile]

Love the new card Martha and the stamps look like will be so much fun to use.

Yes I do use water colored pencils on my stamps and then use a blender pen to take away that "colored" look. I have two more stamp sets coming in the mail from ebay. So excited. Oh wait, I have three coming....:woohoo:

I was in the states last weekend and found a scrapbook store....OMG....it was amazing. I cld have spent a fortune in there. :dizzy:

[MarthaB]

I have to try to keep myself occupied, so I made more cards,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara043.jpg

[MarthaB]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara044.jpg

[MarthaB]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara045.jpg

[MarthaB]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara050.jpg

[MarthaB]

Oh and by the way Jen, your handmade card you send me was gorgeous, so colorful, you do have a flair for making cards!!!
Martha

[trytosmile]

Once again Martha your cards are beautiful. I haven't been doing any cards at all but have been thinking about it so maybe my creative juices are starting to warm up. I find my hobbies are a spring/fall/winter thing with me. Always so busy outside in the summer with my gardens.

So good to hear from you and I hope all is as well as expected with you and your family. Missed ya !!!

:smile tee

[MarthaB]

Thank you Jen, things are still tough, but I'm trying very hard to get through it, keeping occupied helps, here are another 2 cards,http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara058.jpg

[MarthaB]

and another,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara060.jpg

[Rosalie]

Great cards Martha. How did you get the sparkly bits on the kimono?

[MarthaB]

Rosalie, I think the glittery bits are from the gelpens I used to fill in the outline stickers, the camera seems to pick it up more than it really is, it took me awhile to get a good photo of that one.

[MarthaB]

another card, This cutting on 3D paper is getting on my nerves a bit, very fiddly work,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara088.jpg

[MarthaB]

cards with outline stickers,
http://static.flickr.com/76/204481533_d5cf36f2ba.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/63/204481534_a2d27b7f11.jpg

[MarthaB]

this is a card for a male, I'm not really sure if I like it or not, but anyway here goes,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara092.jpg

[MarthaB]

A card I made today with a cross stitch teacup,
http://static.flickr.com/68/205475435_a8238e5053.jpg

[Rosalie]

Martha, your lovely cards just keep on coming. I like the male card. I always find it so hard to come up with ideas for cards for men.
I have found quite a few on the web sites you gave me. So many, that I have printed them out into a special 'card ideas' folder, as a quick reference.

[Rosalie]

Martha, your lovely cards just keep on coming. I like the male card. I always find it so hard to come up with ideas for cards for men.
I have found quite a few on the web sites you gave me. So many, that I have printed them out into a special 'card ideas' folder, as a quick reference.

[MarthaB]

Another card, I have sold 7 cards so far, and I have some I have to make on order,
http://static.flickr.com/92/208581967_d043276026.jpg

[MarthaB]

here are another 2 baby cards, I made them because some one wants to buy babyboy cards,
http://static.flickr.com/69/209568335_04a4f94803.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/97/209568336_0099aa8f7f.jpg

[MarthaB]

I decided to put all my stamps in a shadow box, this way I can see at a glance what I'm after,
http://static.flickr.com/70/209572683_ff1cea72c4.jpg

[MarthaB]

Another 2 cards
http://static.flickr.com/62/213759238_ba393f7f41.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/95/213760988_13ab7a8089.jpg

[Rosalie]

Martha, two more lovely cards. Are you keeping these images in a file for future reference?

[MarthaB]

Hi Rosalie, I keep all my card pics in a folder too, here are another 2,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara275.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara276.jpg

[MarthaB]

oh and one more,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara244.jpg

[MarthaB]

2 more cards,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara302.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara303.jpg

[MarthaB]

I don't think I will be posting my cards anymore, because Rosalie is the only one who responds to them, it's getting pretty boring on the card section.

[Rosalie]

Hey Martha, please don't stop posting your cards! You have given me SO many ideas. And I have even copied a few (I hope you don't mind!)
I am sure that others are enjoying your work too.

[VickiB]

I have to agree with Rosalie here, please don't stop posting! I'm not very good at responding, but I am enjoying looking at what you do when I see a new post under cardmaking! And from the 3000+ views on this thread my guess is there's a whole lot of people like me!

Actually, I make cards too, but the lazy way,...photoshop & printer!

Vicki

[deviation72]

I agree, don't stop posting unless you need to for other reasons. I love looking at your cards - and when I manage to work out how to take more decent photos of the ones I make, I'll post them here. Any tips, Martha, on photographing cards?

[trytosmile]

OH, OH, OH, please don't stop posting. I have been having major computer problems. Everything seems to be going into my internet user's junk mail detection and I have no idea why. I actually just figured this out yesterday. My cousin called to see if I was alive, she had been emailing and emailing for like a month and all her emails had gone there too. I never think to check it because it has always "done it's job" and only filtered the real "junk" mail to it. Up until now I've never had any problems with it. Went in yesterday and tonnes of mail that I always got (including this site). So hoping I now have this all fixed but lesson learned, check it once a week.

Martha your cards are amazing, please continue to post, I get so inspired by you when I see your cards !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MarthaB]

Hi guys, sorry I haven't replied for awhile, most days are still hard, and to top it of my bladder is giving me hell too, anyway I thought I post a few more cards, oh and Kirsten I don't have any tips on photographing cards, I just aim and shoot lol, that's the good thing about dig cameras, if they are not good just delete and start again!!
Martha
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara379.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara378.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara354.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara355.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara356.jpg

[Rosalie]

Hey Martha! good to see you back on the boards. I have missed having your cards as a referrence. Hahaha I often steal your ideas!..
The last card with the girl with the teddy... Is that a stamp or did you get the image from somewhere else?

[MarthaB]

Hi rosalie, I'ts a stamp, I have been buying quite a few lately, those are the ''kiwi'' stamps and they are half price at the moment in my scrap place.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/Tamara387.jpg

[MarthaB]

3 more cards,

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/my%20cards/Tamara367.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/my%20cards/Tamara406.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/my%20cards/Tamara379-2.jpg
I know I showed the butterfly one before, but this one is a little different, I have sold the other one.
I have sold about 30 cards now, so I'm very happy about that!

[MarthaB]

Ok, one more card I just finished,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/my%20cards/Tamara370-1.jpg

[Rosalie]

Martha, I just love that last one. The rose patterned paper is gorgeous. Where did you get it? Are the dragonflies from those stickers? And have you put them onto coloured paper or used the gel glitter pens? The card is so elegant!

[MarthaB]

Hi Rosalie, the paper I got from a scrapbook shop, and the dragonflies are seethrough with some glitter on it, I stuck them onto pink paper and then onto the silvery paper, I wish I knew where I got the dragonfly stickers from, I am really peeved of because I want to buy more!!
I got some handbag and fairy stickers today and a new rubber stamp so I'm happy!! now the challenge is what to make with it !!
I could browse in those craftshops for hours, but some of the prices are so bloody ridiculous, otherwise I would be in there every day!!

[Rosalie]

Martha, I picked up a whole bag of new stickers at the Craft Show earlier in the year. Amongst them were some dragonfly ones., plus the dress and corset ones which I have already used. It just LOVE those stickers, now that I know how to use them properly... thank you again:bow:

[MarthaB]

2 more cards,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/my%20cards/Tamara359-2.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/my%20cards/Tamara360-1.jpg

[Rosalie]

Hey Martha, two more lovely cards. They are lovely images. Where did you get them?

[MarthaB]

Hi Rosalie, the last 2 cards are done with 3D paper ( papertole) it's fiddly work but I like to do it, the photo doesn't do it justice, I could not get a nice pic of it.

[MarthaB]

here is one I did last night,
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/my%20cards/Tamara370-2.jpg

[MarthaB]

Hi, some more cards I made,

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/my%20cards/Tamara403.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/sheebah/my%20cards/Tamara355.jpg

[trytosmile]

Ok, I just did a post and I lost it...grrrrrrrrrr

Then to boot I'm not getting the new post notifications until I got "one" yesterday. Martha, I can't open your new cards. Now it may be a problem from my end. This puter needs a good cleaning.

I finally got inspired yesterday and started making my halloween candy favors. Need to get at my christmas ones too, I've 75 to make...ugh

happy scrapping !

[MarthaB]

Hi Jen, it's my fault, I cannot see them either, I played around with my photo;s in photobucket yesterday, I must have broken some links, I see if I can get them back on, sorry!!
Martha

[MarthaB]

Jen, I think I got them back for you to look at, I just hope they are in the right order, LOL

[MarthaB]

This is a card I made for a friend,
http://static.flickr.com/91/268204820_5ae4454ef9.jpg

[Rosalie]

Martha. that is a very elegant card. I love the frangapanni paper. I really should start looking at the scrapbooking shops more closely.
I made this card for my new great nephews baptism last weekend. Its a bit blurry... ok its a lot blurry hahahahaa

http://static.flickr.com/119/266630059_46cd9690d8.jpg

[pingpong]

Martha, you mentioned that you have sold several of your cards. Is there a problem with copyright issues? (I realize we live in different countries, but I would think the laws are pretty much the same in this area.) It looks like you use pictures, etc that you buy, correct? Are these pics copyrighted? I'd love to sell some of my stuff, if for no other reason than to support my hobby, but I have no artistic ability so I have to "borrow" other people's work! I know about the "Angel policy" that most rubber-stamp manufacturers have, but as far as I can figure, that's about all I can use and not be violating someone's copyright. Does anyone else have any knowledge about this stuff?

[Rosalie]

Pingpong, sorry that I can't help you with the copyright laws. However, I know that Martha often uses commercialy produced paper tole images, so I can't see that there would be any problems.
I would have thought that images in the public domain like the internet would be ok to use.
Most of the images I use are either my own or ones I have bought in a clipart program.
I use my pc a lot when making my cards. Lately I have been designing my own papers. With this card I used purchased blue and white gingham paper and printed the recipients name and birthday message. Add a small purchased wooden token and voila! a very quick card.
http://static.flickr.com/119/295844209_4c980a1ef2.jpg