'I think you're purr-fect' Valentine's Card

Only 2 more days until Valentine's Day, so I'm just in time to show you this Valentine's card project! It's made with my new 'I think you're purr-fect!' set of digital stamps and Watercolour hearts scrapbooking papers (see more about these below), both of which are available as Instant Download from Etsy. Printables are great for last minute projects because you can download and print them straight away, so if you've not got your Valentine a card yet you still have time to make one!

Materials used:

• Hearts patterned printable scrapbooking paper
• 'I think you're purr-fect!' digital stamps set
• Card blank (I used one which was approx. 10 x 15cm when folded)
• White paper / card stock
• Scissors / craft knife
• Round corner punch
• Double sided sticky tape / glue
• Double sided sticky foam pads
• Watercolour paints / coloured pencils

1.  Print the scrapbooking paper background and the cats digital stamp onto white paper or card.

To do this, I first set up a document the size of my card in my photo editing program (I use Photoplus).  I copied and pasted in the scrapbooking paper background.

I then copied and pasted in the 'I think you're purr-fect' text digital stamp (.png format with transparent background) as a new layer.  The stamp is larger than my card, so I reduced it in size and positioned it to where I wanted it to print on the background.

I then pasted the cat image stamp and also resized this to fit my card.

Next, I opened a new document the size of the paper I would be printing on (A4) and copied in the background with the text stamp as one image and the cats separately, so it looked like this... 

2.  Cut out the scrapbooking paper background and glue to your card blank.

3.  Cut out the cats image as a square, round the corners with a corner punch.

4.  Colour the cats image - I used watercolour pencils and paints.

5.  Attach the cats image to the front of your card with double-sided sticky foam pads.


About the papers used in this project...
I used the green and white hearts patterned paper from my 'Watercolour Hearts Blue & Green' set of scrapbooking papers and my 'I think you're purr-fect' set of digital stamps.  Both of these are available to buy from my Etsy shop - I also have more heart themed scrapbooking papers in other colours and other Valentine themed digital stamps.

New Design Release - Halloween

Today I'm excited to be releasing a new collection of printable Halloween designs in my shop on Etsy! If you follow me on Facebook you will already have seen the sneak peeks I shared for some new designs I have been working on... digital stamps, scrapbook papers and an invitation design.  I will be sharing some ideas for using them over the next few weeks - I would love to see what other people make with them too, so if you buy and use any of these please feel free to share your photos by emailing me, including a link in the comments below this post or on my Facebook page! 

I had great fun coming up with ideas for this set of digital stamps!  The set includes 3 children dressed up; as a witch, mummy and ghost, with 3 smaller images; a cat, bat and pumpkin and 3 messages; 'Boo!', 'Happy Halloween' and 'Trick or Treat?'.

Each image comes as a separate jpg file (with a white background) and as a png file (with a transparent background).  The transparent backgrounds of the png versions mean that they can be grouped and layered to create different combinations of images...

I designed a set of Halloween scrapbooking papers which could be used with the stamps - there are 8 papers in the set which includes a starry sky with moons and bats, spider web designs, chevron, striped, star and quatrefoil patterns...

I also designed this invitation with my witch and cat drawings on a spiderweb background - it could be used for Halloween parties or birthday parties.  As with all my invitation designs, it comes with personalised text and is sent as a digital file which you can either print at home, or take to your local printers...

You can find these designs and more of my other Halloween themed printables in my hfcSupplies Etsy shop.

How to Make: 'Celebrate' Citrus Cake Card using the Silhouette Cameo to cut text

I am loving bright citrus colours at the moment – like in the colour palette I made from my birthday flowers.  I used this palette as inspiration for this card which is made with a patterned scrapbooking paper and digital stamp which I designed.  This card was also a good opportunity to make my first tutorial using my Silhouette Cameo cutting machine which I introduced earlier this week – I used it to cut the text on this card.  If you don't have a cutting machine you could cut the text by hand, print the word onto paper and stick to your card or hand draw it directly onto the card.

To make this card you will need:

• White A6 card blank
• Printable orange chevron patterned paper (see end of post)
• Printable cupcake with a candle digital stamp (see end of post)
• white card and paper
• Coloured pencils and/or pens
• 3x gems (I used pink and yellow round 5mm gems)
• 3mm wide satin ribbon (I used lime green)
• glitter glue
• glue, double sided tape and foam pads
• scissors, craft knife and cutting machine
• Silhouette Cameo 2 cutting machine and Silhouette Studio software
• Computer and home printer

1.  First you will need to print the patterned scrapbooking paper onto white paper and cupcake digital stamp onto white card.

2.  Cut the word 'Celebrate' with the Silhouette Cameo, using Silhouette Studio software:

Type the word 'Celebrate' (I used the font ‘Lobster’, which is free to download if you don’t already have it installed on your computer.)   I adjusted the size of the word so that the letters were approximately 3/4 inch tall.

You will see that some of the letters overlap. We just want to cut the outline, not where the letters overlap, so in 'Cut Settings', select 'Cut Edge'.

I cut the word from white card, with the ratchet blade set to no.2.  (I recommend doing a test cut first to check which setting you need).  After cutting the word I coloured it with pink felt tip pen – you could just cut it from pink card!

3. Glue the word ‘Celebrate’ onto the card blank.  Then stick the orange patterned background paper onto the card blank – lining it up with the word ‘Celebrate’, leaving a small gap between the word and background paper.  Trim the background paper to the size of the card.

4. Colour the cupcake (I used coloured pencils) then cut out leaving a small border around the edge.

5. Glue the ribbon along the edge of the orange patterned paper.  Glue 3 gems below the word ‘Celebrate’.  Then attach the cupcake to the card using foam pads.

6. Finally add some sparkle with glitter glue on the cupcake!

Happy crafting!

About the papers used in this project: The printable scrapbooking paper and digital stamp I used in this card are both my own designs and are available to buy from my Etsy shop – the orange chevron paper is from the Citrus set of scrapbooking papers and the cupcake is from my Cupcakes and Roses set of digital stamps.

Spoonflower Contest – Bees

I’ve had a couple of weeks off from entering Spoonflower’s weekly design contests but am back this week for their ‘Bees’ themed challenge.  I had been working on a new flower repeat pattern and decided to use it along with some spotty and chevron patterns to create a patchwork design.  I then added my drawing of a bee in random positions across the patchwork honeycomb.

You can see all of the other Bee themed entries on Spoonflower here (and vote for your favourites too!)… http://www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=300

Here’s a larger view of my new floral pattern design in the yellow colour scheme from my Patchwork Bees design…
I have been enjoying playing around with different colour schemes and variations with this design – the possibilities are endless!  I have used the pattern in some new designs in my hfcSupplies shop on Etsy, including these sets of printable scrapbooking papers; Abigail (floral and other patterns on kraft paper backgrounds), Jessica (yellow, orange and green coloured set) and Martha (floral and other patterns in shades of blue)...

Free printable gift tags!

I’ve been playing around with patterns making new printable papers and today I have a freebie for you!  These printable gift tags…

The sheet comes as a high resolution 300dpi file and measures 8.5 x 11 inches, each tag measures 3.3 x 1.9 inches.  There are 12 tags on the sheet, in 4 designs – you can download the sheet here… http://sdrv.ms/12ip7j2

Please note that these tags are for personal use only!

I’ve also been trying out some gift wrap ideas with patterned paper to match the tags.  The two packages here were wrapped in brown paper first, then a band of patterned paper added around the middle.  On the larger parcel I also used tracing paper to give a nice translucent effect over the patterned paper, all tied up with string.

The smaller parcel has some braid yarn tied around it.  I love this yarn and bought it from the bargain bin in my local craft shop years ago.  Fancy yarn is great for embellishing gifts and often works out cheaper than buying ribbon (especially when it is on sale!!)

The patterned papers I used on these gifts are from this printable paper set, which is available to buy from my Etsy shop…

Budgie printables and gift wrap idea

The sun is shining and it feels like spring is finally here!  It’s a good day for taking photographs, so here are some pictures of my new budgie designs printed out...

This printable party invitation is available in two sizes – 3.9 x 5.1 inches as shown here, or 5x7 inches.  The invitations feature my illustration of a colourful row of budgies and come personalised with your own choice of text.

I also have some new printable scrapbooking paper designs and gift tags featuring budgies.  Printable patterned papers are great for scrapbooking or cardmaking projects but they can also be used as gift wrap for small gifts.  You need never run out of interesting gift wrap again if you print your own!

For this gift wrap idea I printed the blue budgie design onto A4 paper - if you’re lucky enough to have an A3 printer you can print the full 12x12 inch paper to wrap slightly larger presents! The present was then wrapped in two colours of yarn and a gift tag added, which I had printed onto card.

This is the full set of printable papers – 8 designs with different budgie patterns in colour and monochrome as well as coordinating spots and stripes.
All of these printables are available to buy from my Etsy supplies shop.

Bright as a Button - new printable papers!

Organising the Creations Craft Fayre has been taking over my time a bit recently - I set up a new facebook page for it: www.facebook.com/CreationsCraftFayre and the hall is nearly fully booked with stalls.  I've just started this year's round of stall features on the blog too www.creationsfayre.blogspot.co.uk  It's exciting to see everything starting to come together!

 

I'm trying not to fall too far behind on my other work though - I'm always full of ideas, just lacking the time to do everything!

This is my newest set of printable scrapbooking papers, similar to my Pastel Buttons papers but in brighter colours.  The set contains 10 papers in 5 colour schemes - each colour scheme has a buttons patterned paper with a coordinating striped pattern...

This blue colour scheme is my favourite!

The set of printable papers is now available to buy from my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/111226290/bright-as-a-button-printable

I have some other new buttons designs in progress too - just waiting for a few supplies before they will be finished!! :)

Christmas is coming!

I have more new Christmas items to show you today – a set of printable scrapbooking papers and printable gift boxes.

These scrapbooking papers include patterns made from my illustrations of holly, Christmas trees and puddings along with coordinating patterns like spots and stripes…

The Christmas boxes are sold as two printable designs – one in brown with the Christmas puddings pattern and the other with a holly pattern.  These boxes are easy to make and great for giving small gifts!

Each box comes with a coordinating gift tag.  The boxes can be made up in two ways – as a closed box like in the photograph above or as a gift bag by cutting off the top flaps and adding ribbon handles.

Both of these sets of printables are available to buy from my Etsy supplies shop.

Ball Games

I'm looking forward to an evening in front of the tv tonight watching the Olympic opening ceremony - will you be watching too?  From some of the video clips I saw this morning it looks like it's going to be a great show!

There are strict rules about using words and images associated with the games.  I can understand that sponsors would want to protect their logos etc, but when we have been told how the whole country will benefit from the games it seems a bit harsh to be telling small businesses to take down their window displays when all they want to do is show their support for their country.  So I will be careful not to mention anything I shouldn't here!

With so much sport around at the moment I was inspired to draw some ball game themed illustrations and turn them into scrapbooking papers (a printable party set is in progress and should be finished soon!).  This set of 8 papers features balls and rackets from a range of sports: football, basketball, tennis, badminton (I know it's not really a ball game but thought it would go in anyway), cricket, baseball, table tennis and squash.

These printable papers are available to buy from my Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/105406943/ball-games-sport-themed-printable

New printables

I seem to have a lot of half finished things on the go at the moment.  The last two weeks have been quite busy so it's been really nice to have a whole day in my studio today and I've actually managed to get something finished!

This set of scrapbooking papers is newly completed today...

I was enjoying playing around with the colours and patterns in this set so much that I ended up making way to many papers and it was hard to cut them down to just 8 designs!  I think the geometic and chevron patterns in airforce blue / grey and mustard would be good for men's cards.

I also finished off this 'Rule Britannia' themed printable party set by adding new invitation, name place card and straw flag designs to the existing Rule Britannia printables which were already in my shop...

London Calling!

I loved designing these London papers and have just finished making them today :)

There's a set of 8 scrapbooking papers (12x12 inch) featuring my illustrations of famous London landmarks, the Queen's guard, Beefeaters, black taxis, red buses, phone boxes, post boxes, pigeons, umbrellas and a few simpler patterns to mix and match with the more detailed ones.

It was quite tricky working out how to put all the landmarks together - Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the London Eye as well as a few others.  I decided to put them together as a sort of collaged skyline.

The skyline also appears in this coordinating collage sheet...

I think these printables would be great for London themed scrapbook pages!

The papers and collage sheet are available to buy from my Etsy shop: www.hfcSupplies.etsy.com

Clematis Pattern Designs

The drawings of flowers which I did in my sketchbook the other day have proved useful already - I've just finished this new paper set based on clematis flowers...

I've been working on how to make my repeat patterns better - so that it's easier to use one motif in different scales and colours.  I'm pleased with how the repeat clematis pattern came out (the pink one above is my favourite).  This one was designed on paper first (using tracing paper to help make sure it would all line up) before making the finished pattern on my computer.

The set of 8 papers has just been listed in my shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/101139199/clematis-printable-scrapbooking-papers

How to make lined envelopes

All sorts of stylish lined envelopes are available for adding an extra special touch to your invitations and cards.  If you're looking for a coordinated look you can make your own...

I wanted to make a lined envelope to match my Pastel Buttons wedding invitation so have used the coordinating paper from my printable scrapbooking paper set - you can of course use any paper you like!

You can line ready made envelopes or make your own from scratch.

I found an old envelope which I carefully opened out and used as a template to make my own envelope from off white cartridge paper.

Make the liner template from an envelope.  The liner should be about 0.2 inches smaller than the envelope and level with the gummed part of the flap.

I layed the liner in the envelope and folded the flap down before glueing to make sure it was in the right place.  Only glue the liner to the flap so that it has room to move when the envelope is opened or closed.
If you're making your envelope from scratch it's easier to glue the bottom flap to the sides after attaching the liner.

Keeping with my button theme I finished this envelope with a little button stitched to the flap..

Printable Button Paper and New Wedding Stationery

My new button themed printables are ready to add to my shop!! :)
Inspired by my collection of vintage buttons I drew a range of different shaped / patterned buttons in pen.  Then scanned the drawings and used them to make into repeat patterns which I coloured digitally.
This set of pastel scrapbooking papers contains 8 designs - 3 colourways of one of the button patterns with coordinating simpler stripes and spots, and 2 colourways of a second button pattern...

As part of my new range of party printables I am now starting to design wedding printables.  What do you think of my first wedding stationery set?

The customised set contains a save the date card, invitation, R.S.V.P. card and thank you card.  There are three colour options featuring my button pattern - green, teal and cream...

If you like these button designs look out for more printables in the next few days! :)

Buttons Preview

Here's a sneak peak at my newest set of paper designs inspired by my collection of vintage buttons...

New Fish Printables!

I'm excited to announce my new fish themed printable products are ready for release! :D  The new range includes printables for craft projects and parties - I think they would be especially great for boys' birthday parties.  They are all my own designs made with a combination of hand drawn pen drawings and digital art - I think the hours of work have been worth it and I'm really pleased with how this set has turned out (even if I do say so myself!) :)

For anyone interested in fish, this set features illustrations of a clown fish, angel fish, regal tang, copperband butterflyfish, emperor angelfish, harlequin rasbora, black neon tetra, cardinal tetra, siamese fighting fish and guppy - 10 points to anyone who can recognise them all!

Today I am launching the first 3 products from my fish range...
A set of 10 scrapbooking papers, each is 12 inches square and the designs include a full sheet of fish, fish scale patterns, spots and stripes...

Cupcake toppers - these can be cut as squares or use a 2 inch circle punch to decorate cupcakes, make into gift tags, use on cards and more...

Printable labels which you could use in scrapbooks, cardmaking or as gift tags...

More products will be launched over the next few days so keep an eye out for them!

If you like these fish printables why not enter my giveaway for a chance to win any 4 printables from my shop!