Tuesday 10 January 2012

Negative Ironworks

Good morning blog friends!  For my money, I think that the Ironwork dies by Spellbinders have one of the prettiest negative pieces left from cutting the die.  I just marvel at the look of this die every time I cut it out.  So it goes without saying that I have used it on more than one occasion in this way.  However, if you need a quick card that is guaranteed to wow the recipient, I think this is the die to use.  I am hoping that the card looks cream to you (but if it doesn't, just imagine it in cream, okay?)  Once I cut the Ironwork Motif out of the centre of my cream card, I left it in place and lightly inked around it with Antique Linen distress ink to highlight the negative piece.  I cut two of the ironwork corners and actually used them in the corners, adding a black rhinestone to cover the hole in the centre. I stamped my sentiment in black on one of the smaller Ironwork accent pieces and added some foam mounting to the back to raise it in the centre of the card.  Next,  I wrapped a length of the black crocheted ribbon around the back and secured the ends, then tied a nice big bow with another piece of it and added it to the front.  Just a little cheater tip, if you do this as two separate pieces then add them together with a glue dot, it is so much easier than getting your bow to stay the way you want it when you have wrapped it around the card then tied the bow with the ends.  I hope that makes sense?  I added a cream button with some Bakers Twine (you can't have naked bows or naked buttons, now can you? LOL)  I mounted a piece of black glitter card behind my cut out ironwork area, which of course you will have to imagine also since my photography skills are, well, let's just say, nonexistent to be polite.  The entire piece was matted on to another piece of cream card that I pierced the edge with my Tim Holtz design piercing ruler.  What a great tool!  The card was finally matted on to black card and a couple of decorative pearl pins were added to complete the card.  Sooooo easy and it looks great in any colour background you like. 
And now for the winner of yesterday's comment game, I have randomly picked number 32 and that was the comment left by Toni!!!!  Don't forget you must email me to claim your prize at americansue1@gmail.com   All for now, Sue x

152 comments:

Missmizog said...

Hi Sue
Lovely card. I think this die is as versatile as the parisian dies. I never ever believed you would use a corner as a corner, lol.
Sue

Anonymous said...

What a lovely card I love the ironwork dies they are so pretty.

Anonymous said...

OOPS sorry forgot to put my name sorry
Heather x

Patricia said...

Sue, yet another Fab!! card, love it.
I am going to give that a go later today. I keep forgetting about using the negative.

Patricia xx

Hellma said...

Stunning card Sue.

anna christensen crafts said...

Lovely card and die, very effective

Jan.moogie said...

Wow love this card and that ribbon is to die for x

Unknown said...

That is a beautiful die set. Will have to add it to my wish list! Very elegant card. Love the crochet ribbon. Julia xxxx

hazel young said...

Hi sue really like this card love the colour combinations you have used and of course the ironworks die are to die for. think i might have a go at this one today! hazel xx

Jan said...

Fabulous card Sue x Jan

starcyl said...

I have to agree this is a great negative of a die. Great card and yes it does look cream.
Jenny xx

Carole Z said...

Gorgeous card....I agree, the negative left by this die is really beautiful. I love everything about the ironworks dies and it is one of my favourite Spellbinders purchases Carole Z xx

Astrid Maclean said...

Oh so pretty and such a great use of these dies! GORGEOUS, and like usual thanks so much for the description of how you did it!

Inkypinkycraft said...

Great colours on this piece, fab trace x

Uta said...

This card is so beautiful again. I love your style.

Hugs, Uta

Olga said...

Yeah, your style is gorgeous. Very elegant!

Luanne said...

Very beautiful card Sue! just love the design and color very elegant.

Lesley Lendon said...

The negative on this die is so effective, striking card,Sue.x

Vicki Sharkey said...

What a lovely elegant card Sue. I hadn't thought of using the Ironworks dies as a ngeative but will be sure to try them out. Thanks for the idea. Vicki

Curly said...

Your creativity never ceases to amaze me Sue, I must admit every time you are on the Create and Craft channel I record it, you make so many beautiful cards.

Have a lovely day,
take care
Hugs Bridget :00n x

Eileen said...

Another wow card Sue. I have just ordered the black lace and wondered what it was like on a card. Sooooooooo glad I did.
Thanks Sue.

Chloe's Nan said...

What a lovely card Sue, I too have these dies and love the negative and positive cut outs. Black and cream is very sophisticated too xx

Wendy said...

Hi I too love the Ironworks dies. Have used the large die a lot to decorate boxes made for christmas cards. Its make a stunning snowflake. Just love this card and I may try to copy it sometime. Thanks again Sue. XX

Kathryn said...

Thank you Sue , I save my negatives and thanks to your makes have made some lovely cards with them, if you get a min check my blog were I've given you a pat on the back for your inspiration :) x

Vee Cassidy said...

Dear Sue
A lovely card. x

Maggie said...

Fabulous card Sue love cream and black! I own these dies and as you say they are soooo beautiful in the positive or the negative imagine cutting these out by hand.......rofl .....never!

Maggie

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue. Another classic. This is my favourite die set - so intricate - classic spellbinders.
Congratulations to the winner.
Love & light Theresa

baconbits said...

Black and cream what a classic combo, very classy. I have to agree the ironworks dies are fabulous both the positive and negative works so well.
TFS
Hugs Amanda x

Ann said...

I love this die too. It is quite economical as you can use all negaative and positive "bits" no waste!! I love the colours,They look so decadent.

jemet said...

Morning Sue,

Really love this card, i'm into black and white at the minute so this one really appeals to me.

Jean

jean.phillips1 said...

Wow, another stunning card Sue!

mags said...

Beautiful card Sue. I have this die and will now be having a play around with it. So versatile.
Mags
x

sandra collis said...

I just love this card I have that set of die must have a go at doing the negative thanks sue

pinky said...

I keep forgetting to keep my negative bits Sue, outstanding card!

Clare Powell said...

Such a gorgeous card. Think I need to add the ironworks dies to my list to buy :p

Maryann Laursen said...

WOW this is so elegant Sue, and I think, it can be used for almost anything with these colors. I also really love that lace, you´ve used on this one, it looks awesome. Really beautiful work once again hun.

Lydia Jordan said...

Hi Sue

Elegant is all I can say, I love it.

Have a good day

Lydia

Bea said...

Love the monochrome look Sue it is quite stunning and also thanks for your tips
congrats to Toni

Marie-Louise said...

A really lovely card.

jan said...

another lovely card sue, love those iron work dies. so pretty.
love jan x

Toni said...

Hello Sue, how excited am I about being the winner yesterday, will email you soon and thank you. Just love today's card, I have this die and agree with you, the negative always looks lovely. Fabulous card again.
Toni xx

joy said...

Hi Sue
I can see the card is cream and the card looks fantastic.
Love the ironworks dies not yet used them but will have to try them now.
joyce e

Ruthie said...

I love the simplicity of this card, I have this die and did most of my xmas cards with it, I kinda got two for one cos I used the snowflake and the bit that was left. The bakers twine adds some kind of earthiness to it. loverly

Jenny L said...

Hi Sue, Wow, Wow, Wow, they just keep getting better. Just love the ironwork die. Another to add to my long list of must haves. LoL. Just finished my Granddaughter's card for her Birthday on the weekend. I am quite pleased with how it's turned out.
Lots of love. JennyL

Linda said...

Morning Sue, another beautiful card, I love how you have layered the bow, Linda x

marg said...

Hello Sue
I love this Die I used it as a snowflake... its such a pretty card..
Love Marg

Janet said...

Using the negative of a die is very effective. My snowflake negative Xmas cards always received the most favourable comments. All thanks to you Sue and your amazing imagination. .......keep them coming...... No pressure then!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I love cream and black, its so elegant, the ironworks will be going on the list of things to buy (it keeps growing not shrinking lol), thank you for sharing Helen O xxx

Sue J said...

Another beauty. I am going to look at all my negatives when I cut something now!:)

Anonymous said...

I am now going to go and look up these dies sooo pretty
Hugs
Alison Glover x

seom said...

wow Sue this is subtle elegant and beautiful all at the same time i just love this its right up my ally well done you..

scrapper said...

Thanks for this Sue - its gorgeous - must be one of my favourites ever

Fiona said...

Definitely a good one!

Anonymous said...

Just the card I was looking for to make for a friend, Thankyou for such good instructions, Your designs are the best! Terrie

Shelley said...

Lovely delicate card Sue. x

Alyx said...

I agree Sue, the Tim Holtz ruler is fantastic and makes piercing so neat.

This card is a stunner and I adore that black, crochet ribbon! Fab-u-lous!

Debbie Tinks said...

SUE LOVELY CARD
FROM DEBBIE TINKS

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue , What a lovely idea, another lovely card and i bought loads of crochet ribbon from Sam Poole, Now i can use the black ribbon on this card. Many thanks Yvonne xx

AnneRD said...

Sue, love how you have used this die. With each blog I see yet another die that has to go on my wish (need?) list. Publicly I thank you for sending the 'Orphans' to Wales, they are all absolutely gorgeous and will be treasured; I am still drooling over them. The OH could not get over the look on my face when I opened the parcel.
Anne x

Jackie D said...

Hi Sue,

Simple, clean and elegant. I love the ribbon.

love from Jackie D

Debbie said...

Wow Sue, you've done it again.stunning......... the ribbon is out of this world! Love the spellbinders too.Love Debbie x

sheila said...

the ironwork dies are great love the ribbon too.Another super card Sue

Tracy Heaton said...

Wow - I love this - this die is definitely on my wish list
Take care
Tracy x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue

i have had this die some time and used it constantly for flowers snowflakes diamentional decor and steam punk for men.(use dark card). I work if u use the die take one pence off the price and see if u are under using it. This one spellbinders should be paying me by now. lol. Nice try but don't think they will.
We all missed the ribbon. It makes this card. Amazing how u have grown to expect it. Never thought to ink the negative to make the die stand out , brill idea.
Hug xxxxxxx
born again spellbinder
Nadine
x
nzillingworth@hotmail.com

Evik said...

Absolutly stunning card.Love the colors.

dutchess said...

Morning Sue what a classy card black and cram is so stylish and I agree the ironwork is just a magic die set....love the card...hope the crochet lace comes back soon I am fast running out!!!! take care Margaret

Anonymous said...

Lovely Card

She

Claire said...

I love looking at your cards and aspire to be able to make them one day. Thank you for all your hard work and for showing these beautiful cards.

Claire

smag53 said...

Beautiful.The Ironworks dies are my favourite too.They are so versatile.....

gwen70 said...

What a beautiful card Sue simply stunning

Lizzie said...

Hi Sue
Love this one the black and cream is so yummy.
I used the iron works on some Xmas cards and they worked out quite well.
Lizzie (serial copycat)lol xx

eileen.fj said...

Hi Sue
Another stunning card. Love the ironworks dies and black and cream is a favourite combination.

Eileen x

lockedinmycraftroom said...

Love this card Sue, will have to get the Ironworks, I think.
Chris

Anonymous said...

What a lovely card Sue. I have this set of dies so I will have to try & replicate it. Thanks. Ann W

Carol S. said...

Hi Sue, It may be a quick card but visually a very strong structual card. Stunning. Hugs, Carol S.xx

Elizabeth said...

So pretty this card, I do like it.

Elizabeth
x

Anonymous said...

Well, you've done it again, absolutely fabulous. I love cream and black together and I think I will have to try the piercing.

Bet

Victoria said...

I like the ironworks dies but I must admit my eye went straight to that ribbon! Just gorgeous!

Sandra Riley.... said...

Oh Sue, that lacey ribbon is gorgeous and the cream background sets it off perfectly. Anyone would be thrilled to recieve that card.
Huge Hugs
Sandra x

CraftyJo said...

Gorgeous - and I've got those dies so I could actually CASE it (I'm usually a little frustrated that I haven't got the exact match to the ones you've used :) )I love the crocheted ribbon, it seems to match the Ironworks perfectly.

craftycarol said...

Hi Sue,
How could anyone not love this card, Its so simple but beautiful and I love the ironwork anyway its perfect.
Carol x

lorraine (classylady) said...

Hi Sue love love love this and besty of all I have these dies so can COPY, sorry meant be inspired to do something similar

lorraine

Cumbrianlass said...

Hi Sue, It seems your imagination nows no bound, how you keep coming up with ideas day after day
is a marvel. A very beautiful card.
Janet xxx

Sandra F said...

Fab card Sue. I don't have the ironworks dies but they are now a must have.

Redanne said...

Beautiful card, especially love the lace ribbon and bow. You could easily use this die for snowflakes so it is useful all year round. Great to see the piercing too! Regards, Anne Rx

Oksana said...

Such a classy card! Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

You have done it again Sue, another lovely card.
Carol at Henlow

Brunemma said...

Beautiful card. I am so glad you put this one on today as I have just ordered these dies, so great inspiration for when they arrive hopefully this week. Thank you soooo much
Pam

Karen Petitt said...

Really pretty card, using the left overs too! Karen x

Ita said...

Sue another fantastic card, I am printing out the instructions as it sounds complacated to me but then I only have 3 dies and none of them that I could do what you did with, must do shopping for more
Ita

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! I am going to start digging in my lace stash. I have lots of it from other projects that I used to do.

Elaine J

Sue H said...

Hi Sue
Well I thought I didn't want the ironworks dies, now I just must have them :D I also love that crotchet ribbon. Another lovely card thank you for sharing Sue.
Sue xx

Becky Dunham said...

This is breathtaking Sue! I don't own any of these fabulous Spellbinders dies but thanks to you, I know at least one of the dies I would buy first :) I LOVE this card! Congrats to Toni :)

craftysals creative corner said...

What a great idea, I hvae that set of spellbinder dies and seeing what you have done with them is great as I was using one as a snowflake lol

gwendraeth said...

beautiful, I have the Ironworks and used it at Xmas as a snowflake with a gem brad in the centre, this is another eay to use such a versatile die
Gwenda

Kate's Cards said...

I often prefer the negatives of dies - seem to really work with this one.

Vie Carter said...

I agree Sue the ironwork dies are lovely

They sound as if they are heavy, thick dies but in fact they are so very elegant

Vie
x

Vie Carter said...

I agree Sue the ironwork dies are lovely

They sound as if they are heavy, thick dies but in fact they are so very elegant

Vie
x

Sarah Bedford said...

Love love love this card. the dies or beautiful and will work great for those dreaded male cards

Anonymous said...

Thats a really lovely card, sorry had to put annon on as id thing as I dont know how else to do it although I am registered ith your site. Its Dawn Bromehead dawnbromehead@yahoo.co.uk please can you tell me what to put as comment under thanks

Anonymous said...

What a brilliant idea! I often look at the negatives and wonder what to do with them. Thank you for sharing. x Craftylicious x x x

Craftychris said...

Fab idea! I have this die so must have a go. Your card looks amazing! xx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue,
Lovely card, so striking!the simplicity of the sentiment, the whole embellishment...Stunning! (Must go check if i have that die set!)
Thanks for giving us all something stunning to look forward to each day!(Congrats to Toni for winning yesterday's card, lovely keepsake!)

(Thanks to Sue and Linda-Lyndyloo, have finally taken the plunge!LOL, Hope you're both ok!)
Sending you both Hugs, Bim xx

Gill said...

Lovely card I never get tired of your black/cream combos.

Jane said...

Ironworks I must say this is my favourite die its so intricate. I don't think you can make a bad card with this one love love love it

Jane xx

Dawn said...

Gorgeous card, love the colour combo. I don't usually use the negative part, you have inspired me, again!!! I don't think there is anything wrong with your photography skills!

Dawn x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
Another masterpiece, love the iron work dies, just love all your finished pieces.
Best Wishes
Happy2craft

Yorkie girl said...

Hi Sue love the card. I got these spellbinders dies when they were a pick of the week not used them yet but looking at your card I need to get them out and play I think I need to retire never have enough time
Theresa x

lion_tamer said...

Hi always look forward to my daily visit to your blog such beautiful cards. Thanks for sharing xx

Rhonda Miller said...

Wow, another beautiful card. TFS.

ang said...

stunning card colours are great this die is one on my wish list best wishes angxx

Kazbomps said...

A great use of the 'waste' from one of my favourite dies. Thanks for all your great ideas Sue. You are so inspiring. Karen x

Kazbomps said...

A great use of the 'waste' from one of my favourite dies. Thanks for all your great ideas Sue. You are so inspiring. Karen x

SusieB said...

Lovely card Sue, we are certainly getting lots of inspiration from you. Miss you on C&C, when are you back? Sue x

Anonymous said...

very nice card, i have this die and love working with it..nice one Sue!

millie xx

Lynnus said...

Lovely card yet again - not a die I have but may had to add to my collection.... x

Crafty Loops said...

Gorgeous card Sue, I love the beautiful ribbon. Congrats to Toni too. Lee x

Mandy Makes and Mends said...

Sticking love the colours and the diets fab x

kittyuk said...

Beautiful card, gorgeous ribbon x

Anonymous said...

I'm the same Sue, just love the ironworks, both sets, you get fab. negative cuts. I will ask the same question as SusieB, when are you C&C again?
Jan x

SusanneJ said...

I love this card Sue!!! I'm sat making cards for charity and this has given me more ideas :))) keep it up your cards are fantastic xxxx hugs

Sue said...

Just fabulous, I love the lace x

PaulineC said...

The ironworks dies go so well with the ribbon. Thanks for the tip about the separate bow.

Ger said...

I have this die and I love the negative too. Love this card. Ger x.

Ger said...

I have this die and I love the negative too. Love this card. Ger x.

Clai01 said...

crochet ribbon wins it for me, it's lovely!

purplepengi said...

Lovely card and never thought of the ribbon and bow being done separate! What a great idea!

Barbara Phillips said...

Beautiful card, the dies are gorgeous and I dont have this set yet!!!

Brenda Brown said...

I can see why you like this die Sue - and you use it to perfection.
luv and hugs {brenda} xoxox

pamela said...

Oh dear, I think this is another set of dies I need to have

Anonymous said...

Awww Sue i had these ironworks dies for Xmas i am a novice ,So just thought i would have a play and try to copy your card ,,i can not believe i have made it and it is so professional,so a great big thank you,xx love Elaine H

Pam Swadling said...

I sooooo want these dies. Have to wait until next payday . Beautiful card Sue, love it.

gill said...

Love the way the distress ink makes the negative stand out. Must try this.

Gill

Unknown said...

Another wow card, black n cream always a nice comb.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, I have just bought both sets of the ironworks so thank you for the inspiration. I adore this card, and love the crocheted ribbon, not seen that before. All looks perfect together, all the best Suzie B x

bali said...

A Major Wow. very inspiring as always.
lol Bali

craftysue49 said...

Wow I got these dies for Christmas they are fabulous and nowcannot wait to try them out ....Sue I shall have to steal your ideas....thank you so much xx

Louise said...

Wow!! I LOVE this card!!! Think I might have to get myself this die :)

Capsgrammy said...

Love the simple elegance of b/w and MUST get the ruler for the piercing...I think it's really great. Thanks for the inspiration....again! meg

lilygee said...

I just feel like getting up right now and making that card myself - don't know what it is about those dies but they always look spectacular - a great card Sue and thanks for sharing it with us.
lol lilygee xxx

sheila said...

Lovely card, always like black and cream theme.

CathyinMN said...

I must get the Ironworks Dies. Love this card. Wonderful crocheted ribbon -- it really adds to the card.

Sue Parish said...

Whoopee! Another one I've got all the things to make something similar! Love the ironworks dies, and black with cream. And that black crocheted ribbon just looks as if it was made to go with those dies. Sue x

Linda (Lindyloo) said...

Hi Sue, I am very late again but for a really good reason, I was actually cardmaking. My second day making cards after almost 3months and it was Fan-dabbi-dozzi!! (sorry, bit of childishness there)!
You're not going to believe it but I made a card in this style (negative cutout) today. But I used Postage Stamp and filled the center with Holly Motif (holly cut off) and small oval over the center of Motif. You see how you inspire me - I hadn't even seen your card today when I started mine -SPOOKEY. lol...
I also made another card using a card of yours for inspiration (the beautiful butterfly on patterned paper). They are nothing alike, but your card got my creative juices going. Thank you.
Take care Linda

Rufus said...

I've actually got these and love 'em. Should use 'em more often. Gorgeous card. Really like your crocheted ribbon!!
R/

Unknown said...

Lovely card Sue, such gorgeous lace....
Elaine W

Sonia said...

Hi Sue, this is one of my favourite sets of dies and I love what you have done with it.
Blessings
Sonia - St Helens

violetclouds said...

This is absolutely beautiful card. STunning.

Claveh said...

I just must have a go at doing this card, I have the same die and just love that I am now inspired to make such a great card!
Thanks

Debo said...

Have just been listening to Acc-en-tuate the positive, E-lim-in-ate the negative! How wrong they are!!!!

I've got the Ironworks dies - I think the are so versatile.But I don't have that crocheted lace and I LOVE it, I NEED to get some asap!

KimberleyG said...

Great crochet ribbon.

Susan said...

Absolutely gorgeous. Just found your blog, and I will be visiting it regularly for inspiration.