Friday 23 March 2012

Another Concertina Card

Hi everyone!  I wanted to do another accordion (sorry, concertina) type card when I made this one.  I had previously done this type of card using the lace doily die set last year.  I thought that the new Moroccan dies would look great that way also, but I wanted to keep the card a bit more simple this time.  I am always restricted to what I can use to make samples with depending what is on any given show.  This card I think really needed some scrolly stamp on the bottom part of it, but alas, I did not have any to use.  It looks a bit empty to me so I wasn't completely happy with the finished card  but not quite orphan status either!  In hindsight, I think I should have moved my sentiment to the bottom and just made a fancy medallion on the top, oh well!  What I really liked was this paper which did not photograph well at all.  The bottom card is the prettiest shade of metallic gold that I have ever seen.  It is some discontinued Scrapbook Sally card that I had and I love it.  I am not big on metallics at all.  They just seem to over power whatever I use them on, but this has the most luxurious understated gold shimmer I have ever seen.  Such a shame you cannot get the true sense of the colour from my pic. It almost looks like Kraft card in the picture.   The striped background paper has a similar gold stripe in it as well.  Please use your imagination here!
As for the topper, I cut two of the large Moroccan motifs and folded them by scoring down all the sections.  You cut to the centre and then fold it back and forth all the way around.  Do two like this and glue them together to get your base for the topper.  I used several pieces of foam on top of it before adding my next piece which was a smaller Moroccan die cut out of the gold card.  Next I stamped my sentiment and cut it out with one of the tiny Moroccan dies and added it to the top.  I wrapped some sheer ribbon around a piece of cream card and put it through the ribbon buckle (I wished I had used the micro beads on it as I think that would have looked very pretty here)  I used my ribbon piece as a divider between my sections.  I added some black swirls to the top and bottom of my focal element.  Paper pierced the edge to complete the card.  I hope you can use the topper idea and make a card that really siongs to you!

While I am on the subject of paper piercing, I have been getting quite a few emails asking me about it.  I use the Tim Holtz design ruler which has holes in it.  I line it up with the edge of the card that I am going to pierce and I anchor the ruler to my the outside of my card using push pins stuck into my foam mat.  You have to have a foam mat under your card so the needle on your piercing tool has somewhere to go as it pokes through your card.  I always start two holes in from the edge and end two holes in from the edge.  I find that this gives the most even edge around my card.  It doesn't always line up perfectly, especially if your cutter is a bit wonky like mine.  Sometimes I will have to make small adjustments as I go along so it will come up even at the end.  I always hold the ruler as I go even though it is anchored too as there is always a tiny bit of play in it. 

The other question that I have been asked a lot is about the stamps.  I am connected to Creative Expressions and all the producst that I use (unless I state it is from my craft stash) are from Creative Expressions, including every stamp set I use.  The one exception is the decorative papers.  If you are interested in where to purchase any of the other products, you can go on their website and look up the product and they will list the retailers that have purchased those products from them.   There are several competing distributors that carry the same products for retailers, such as Spellbinders and Ranger products.    If you like what I do, please support me and ask your local retailers to order the products I use from Creative Expressions.   Please feel free to email me if you have any other questions.  All for now, Sue x

144 comments:

Patricia said...

Good Morning Sue,

Once again a fabulous card, off to give that centre Motif a go.
Thanks again for all the inspiration.
Have a great day,

Patricia x

Sonia said...

Good morning Sue, what a dramatic card. Love the way the focal element stands out and the colours are great too. Thanks for the tips on paper piercing and have a great day.
Blessings
Sonia - St Helens

Missmizog said...

Hi Sue
Another great card. Love the flowers.
Sue

Chris said...

Hi Sue,
Another great card. Glad I have the Moroccan Dies so that I can give this a go. Thanks for the paper piercing tip, it finishes the cards off beautifully.

Many thanks

Chris X

nettie said...

a very striking card Sue thank you for all the inspiration
take care x

Ger said...

Lovely card! Ger x.

Lynne M said...

Beautiful card, just in time as I am making a concertina card this weekend for a newborn and this has given me a reminder of how to construct it. Lol Lynne M

Lilygee - I spotted your comments and thank you, I am now up and running with my M Bossability folders.Have a great day everyone x x x x x

Maryann Laursen said...

WAUW soooooooooo awesome wprk here again Sue, I´m truely amazed by the beauty in it.

Heather said...

Good morning Sue I recieved the moroccan and buckle dies yesterday so I will be able to try to make this topper because I think it is so pretty. I love everything about this card and thank you for the piercing tip, I tape mine and it has a tendacy to slip so will try using push pins hugs x

Des said...

Hi Sue,
Love, your focal element and will definitely give it a try. Think you are right in your assessment of it - maybe the sentiment could have gone inside/on top of the ribbon buckle?

Unknown said...

Good morning sue
What a stunning card love the centre mu moroccan dies came yesterday so I can have ago at this. Keep up the good work I don't know how you keep coming up with all the ideas from.
Take care
Debs

zerena said...

Morning Sue, thanks for tips really helpfull. Lovely card. All the best Zerena. x

Sarah said...

I really love the centre motif - remember seeing you do one similar on tv last year and meant to give it ago but the thought drifted off somewhere, thanks for reminding me - shall now give it a go - don't have the Moroccan set yet but will try maybe with the Parisian or the Persian motifs...
Sarah x

melanie said...

Stunning card love it .melanie

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,Fab card,it would be interesting for you to do a stock check of all the lovely cards you make.Keep doing what you are doing...you do it so well. Mabex

Anonymous said...

Nice card, but as you say definately something missing

She x

joy said...

Morning queen of spellbinders
What a lovely card .must try it as soon as i get some time.
joyce.e

Anonymous said...

I love the centre motif that you have created Sue and the colours that you have used.

I think the sentiment might have looked better at the bottom in the buckle to balance it a bit more

Sue Yorkshire xxx

Clare Powell said...

Gorgeous card, I love the topper.

Clare x

Lydia Jordan said...

Morning Sue,
Nothing missing in my eyes its lovely.
Perhaps you were missing your famous bow.
Have a great day.
Lydia
X

AnneRD said...

Hi Sue. Central motif very striking. Perhaps some of the swirls on the bottom section would finish it off. Anne x

bhavana said...

Stunning card! Amazing what you do! We do need to get local retailers to stock creative expressions! We also need them to stock the wonderful background papers too! Thank you for sharing once again! Have a great weekend, hope to see you soon on C&C!

Unknown said...

Love the concertina effect. Thanks for letting us all know where to get the paper and other elements of your cards from.
Celina - Waterford

Victoria said...

Great technique Sue. Makes a lovely focal point. Will have to give it a go!

Seafield Jo said...

This is beautiful Sue, so elegant.

Jo x

hazel young said...

Morning Sue another stunning card i love this concertina design that you do, i have used it myself to fabulous results. Love the stripy backing paper xx hazel

jean.phillips1 said...

Morning Sue, this is one set of dies which I do not own (yet). I love what you can do with them. I agree that the bottom of the card does look a bit bare but still a stunning card as always. love Jean x

Marianne's Craftroom said...

I recently bought the TH ruler and also love using the holes in t. Good tip with the pins in the end though. Another fab card, love the main motif. Agree that the bottom look a bit empty though but still a beautiful card.

Carole Z said...

Morning Sue, I love this design..beautiful. I would like to say to everyone, that I discovered Creative Expressions through you a few years ago and now I always go there first for supplies/stamps etc. Their Cosmic Shimmers I wouldn't be without and the 'dries clear' glue is something I have to have on my desk and use with every project, Carole Z X

ValJ xxx said...

Morning Sue and everyone. Love the card. The centre motif really stands out. I've never tried paper piercing although I have all the tools in my stash. I think that's todays project.

nattyboots said...

Morning Sue, Another great looking card. Thanks for the tip of the paper piercing will be getting the ruler this weekend ,Thank You Elaine H X

jane said...

Morning Sue yet another beautiful card I will be giving this one ago.thank you so much for sharing all your skills and tips with us.

Marie-Louise said...

Really lovely card.

auscrafts said...

another great card

Jenny L said...

Hi Sue,
lovely card today. I can't wait till the moroccan dies are on sale in this country. If the pennies will stretch. I think so far you can only get those dies if you have just bought a G.C from C and C.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Jan.moogie said...

Fab card Sue and a great tutorial. Thanks for sharing your tips and where to buy the products you use, now we can really make a "Sue" card. HE! X

Unknown said...

Sheesh! I've just added the Moroccan dies to my long list of "want it/need it/gotta have it." Lots of good tips, which we can always expect from you. I can only imagine the shimmery gold cardstock, but I'm a big fan of stripes, so you had my attention with those and the layered diecuts. Nice...very nice.

Uta said...

Beautiful!

sue said...

Morning Sue, fabulous card once again, can't wait to try the folded motif idea. I really like striped paper.
Lv Sue M xx

dutchess said...

Hi Sue what a stunner!!!! love it...I am lucky my local craft shop although small buys from creative expressions and will order me anything I want...good service too, missing you on C&C hope Mum is okay, take care Margaret

Ann said...

A fab card Sue I agree the sentiment would have looked good at the bottom of the card (on the gold). Thanks for the info on the stamp sets- I will have a look on the website. You never fail to inspire me - the only problem is I'm ususally leaving a blog whilst I am at work!!!- so can't craft straight away. lol

Redanne said...

Hi Sue, another beautiful card, love those Moroccan dies, they are so versatile and love the backing paper too. Regards, Anne x

salem said...

love the color and use of the dies

nzillingworth said...

Hi Sue
Cant believe how u change form delicate to dramatic and still look super cards. It's like Jackyl and Hide.lol love it. Never gets boring.My cards sometimes sit on the side line for a while waiting for something to come to me to finish them off. Glad we all do it. Love the concertina middle and something i will be trying. think the black brings the coloured paper out more. Very nice.
My photographer friend says we lose 15% of the photograph through the lens and hes right. You lose colour light or depth of field. Shame. Cards always look better in your hand. So only a few hundred cards to go for your followers here lol Should keep you out of trouble. lol
Born again spell binder
Nadine hug x
nzillingworth@hotmail.com

marg said...

Hello Sue
I love all your backing papers, and it would be nice to know where to buy them. I too would have put the sentiment at the bottom !
Take care Sue
love Marg

Sue said...

Another beautiful card Sue, I love the swirly crystals. I have Tims ruler and still manage to pierce a wonky line lol x

Rosemarie said...

Good Morning Sue, I have used this concetina effect but not as a focal point, it looks really good.

Have a good weekend, Love Rosemariexxx

Joan said...

wow Sue excellent as always, I love dooing concertina cards thanks so much for the inspirations hugs joan xx

yorkielass said...

Good morning Sue, The concertina effect is stunning and the whole card is dramatic, maybe missing a bow lol. Stripes and metallic are favourite of mine, I am imagining the full effect of yours. We should ask our local craft shops to stock Creative Expressions. Thank you for sharing the piercing tip must get a T\h ruler. Have a lovely weekend with your Mum.
Hugs June xx

Unknown said...

Morning Sue,
another wonderful cute card.
I love the papers.
hugs

Anonymous said...

Morning Sue super card have been piercing most of my cards recently & just love the finished effect. My evening will be spent creating this focal piece. Thanks again Val C

Rita said...

Fabulous card Sue. Thankyou also for the piercing tips as although I use Tim's ruler it never looked right, so this tut was very helpful and I appreciate that. Have a lovely day. Hugs Rita xx

Debbie Tinks said...

SUE THIS IS A NICE CARD

Unknown said...

I think your card is just beautiful the way it is but you could always add a row of pearls across the bottom to fill in the space if you wanted. Thanks Cindylu

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
Just one word - fabulous.
Beverley W

Ruthie said...

I agree it needs something at the botton, I rather like those tiny things that look like minstals they are really usefull for little spaces with out making a big fuss. You do have wonderful nack of drawing the eye in toward the centre by using colour matching.

lindyloo12 said...

Hi Sue thanks for the two tips, I had been wondering about both those things myself. Another great card today,I wonder every single day when I log on how you can be so talented lol.

Dawn Louise said...

Hi sue I do adore this card, but just misses something at the bottom, I love the concertina effect it shows the die's versatility. Know what you mean being restricted when prepping for shows, sometimes its a good thing but sometimes you go aaahh h just need to put something there but you can't coz its not in the show lol. I was the same last week. X enjoy

Carol S. said...

Morning Sue, Another lovely card. Agree with you about the balance. Maybe the sentiment would have looked better in the bottom buckle. Still luv it though. Hugs, Carol S.xx

nesscraftyqueen said...

Never seen a design yet that I don't like. This is lovely and been missing you too on C&C. Crafting hugs, Ness x

jane stillman said...

I have just bought the morrocan accents and motifs so will bw having a go at this one. It doesn't matter that we have to use our imagination the metallic gold hasn't photographed as you would have wished, because it looks fantastic anywayx

Герцогиня said...

Hi Sue,
Another great card!

Ita said...

hi Sue a great card i love the paper, some rimes less is more, thanks for the information on the paper piercing,etc. I will mis your blog this week end as I am flying to Liverpool to meet up with my daughter
have a great week end
Smiles
Ita

Cumbrianlass said...

Hi Sue
Another wonderful card, what would we do without you you give us so much inspiration.
Janet

Kazbomps said...

Hi Sue. The card is lovely but, as you say, is missing something at the bottom. Maybe it would have been better made square with the striped paper all over but what do I know?! Karen x

CraftygasheadZo said...

Morning, that centre piece is amazing, so lacy and elegant. Beautiful card. Zo xx

Unknown said...

Always love to pass by & see your great works of art :)

Christine said...

A lovely card, and appreciated even more because of the additional information in the blog. I can see it must look beauriful with the gold touches. The camera doesn't always tell all the story, so learning about the things we can't see is really helpful.
Thank you, Sue
Christine
x

Felicie said...

Another stunning card Sue.
Felicie

Claveh said...

I love the style of this topper.
Thanks Sue.

eileen.fj said...

Hi Sue
Another great card-love the use of the dies and the striking background paper.
Eileen x

lainey said...

love what you have done with the dies here Sue :) lainey x

Jackie D said...

Hi Sue,
Just back after a week with my mum so nice to catch up with what you are doing. Perhaps trailing the rhinestones across the bottom? Just a thought but another lovely card
love from Jackie D

jimgem83 said...

wow stunning sue . x x

Kate's Cards said...

Thanks for all the info!!

Mena said...

Hi Sue,yet another amazing card.you never dissapoint.Thanks again for sharing your amazing talent.take care god bless.xx

Sandra F said...

Gorgeous card Sue.
xx

Christine Hussey said...

Love the center motif but agree there is something missing, still a beautiful card though Sue. Many thanks for the piercing tip I must practice to get my corners lined up, thanks for sharing all your tips. Have a great weekend.
Hugs Christine H x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue
love your card, I really wish I had purchased this die the other day (while in the craft shop), BUT with restricted funds I was torn between this one and another spellbinder die. Now you have shown us different ways of using it, I think I am going to have to get it lol.
hugs
Sandra (craftynan)

bluebell-flowerwood said...

hello sue,love your card today. on the card you put on your blog on the 24th of febuary you used a lovely green ribbon and bow. on the bow was a white pearly,round thing could have been a button i supose. any chance of them coming to create and craft. i see that i was not the only on interested in it. love bluebell-flowerwood.

Joesgrandma said...

Great card Happy FridayXX

Hellma said...

fabulous card, love the centre, creative expression stamps are wonderful to work with.

Anonymous said...

I love the way you use the die cuts in different ways - you come up with ideas I would never think off. Thanks for all the inspiration.Dee x

Teresa said...

Hi Sue, really like this but do agree with you as I would have put the sentiment at the bottom to fill the "gap". The striped backing card looks really pretty so it's a shame you can't get hold of it.Haven't got a piercing mat (I use the back of a mouse mat)so when I tried it I used low tack tape to hold it in place and it worked. They do say necessity is the mother of invention! Have a great day. Teresa xxx

Teresa said...

Hi Sue, really like this but do agree with you as I would have put the sentiment at the bottom to fill the "gap". The striped backing card looks really pretty so it's a shame you can't get hold of it.Haven't got a piercing mat (I use the back of a mouse mat)so when I tried it I used low tack tape to hold it in place and it worked. They do say necessity is the mother of invention! Have a great day. Teresa xxx

Teresa said...

Hi Sue, really like this but do agree with you as I would have put the sentiment at the bottom to fill the "gap". The striped backing card looks really pretty so it's a shame you can't get hold of it.Haven't got a piercing mat (I use the back of a mouse mat)so when I tried it I used low tack tape to hold it in place and it worked. They do say necessity is the mother of invention! Have a great day. Teresa xxx

Teresa said...

Hi Sue, really like this but do agree with you as I would have put the sentiment at the bottom to fill the "gap". The striped backing card looks really pretty so it's a shame you can't get hold of it.Haven't got a piercing mat (I use the back of a mouse mat)so when I tried it I used low tack tape to hold it in place and it worked. They do say necessity is the mother of invention! Have a great day. Teresa xxx

Karen said...

Love the card Sue. I agree about the bottom being a bit bare but I like the idea of a plain part and a stripey part. Thanks for the tips about the piercing - something I have been a bit scared to do yet

craftysals creative corner said...

just gorgeous sue as all your cards are

craftycarol said...

Hi Sue,
So far I think this is my favourite card.
Carol x

Craftychris said...

A lovely card although I think I would have put the sentiment at the bottom and just left the centre piece as a statement of its own. Thank you for the piercing tips - I always think it looks so fab on your cards xx

Alyx said...

I agree that it would have been better to have the sentiment down the bottom, but it's still an absolute cracker of a card!
xx

Ladock girl said...

Love the way you've done the centre medalion Sue, I'm definately going to have a go at that. Love Linda xxx

gwen70 said...

Another lovely card although I think sentiment would have been better at the bottom, but we all do things like that some times. Love the motif stands out beautifully

Barbara said...

Beautiful card, love all the Creative Expression stamps and goodies especially the embossing folders.

baconbits said...

Hi Sue
Lovi g this card, as you say the photo does not the paper any justice.
Will definatley be giving this idea a go.
Thank you for all the inspiration.
TFS
Hugs
Amanda x

iReneM said...

Love it, Sue!!
Such a wonderful focal element.
x

Eemeli said...

Fabulous card once again! Great layering and I just love those strong colors.

Maggie said...

Hi Sue I love the Morrocan die used in this way for the concertina medalion, I agree with you though and think the sentiment would have been better at the bottom....hindsight is a wonderful thing...lol

Maggie H

mags said...

Lovely card again Sue. Love the use of the dies and your lovely papers.
Mags
x

lockedinmycraftroom said...

Lovely card Sue, will definitely try this.
Chris x

ang said...

hi sue lovely card thanks angxx

Vie Carter said...

Loved this card, I will try the piercing round the edge

vie
x

vanessa said...

Good Evening Sue, yet again a lovely card, I really like the choice of papers & the concertina is adorable.
vanessa xx

CathyinMN said...

I really like this card.

Unknown said...

What a great idea! It's so beautiful and ravishing!
Love, love, love it!

kazndave said...

Hi Sue, love this card and will give the centre medallion idea a go as I just got the Moroccan dies!! Out of interest, what size card base do you usually start with? best regards, Karen x

sheila said...

Thank you for your piercing tips, I've been practicing but hopefully will now get a more even result. This card is great, can imagine that topper design looking good on many other crafting projects

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, another great card and thanks for all the tips.
God Bless JanNxx

Lizzie said...

Hi Sue
I love these concertinas they are all you need for the impact on a card i think also love the backing paper
Thank you
Lizzie (Serial copycat)xx

Yvonne said...

I love these papers that you have used, your right about the photo as it does not look gold. But instill love it. I really want to try your technique here.. Amazing looks fab..

Sue Parish said...

Hi Sue, Fab card and guess what - I bought the Moroccans yesterday at the NEC Birmingham! (Not a micro bead to be found there though) Also I got the Splendid Circles ordered today so will be able to do the one the you posted on Wednesday. What did I do with my life before you and Spellbinders!! Sue x

Ria said...

Hi Sue
A very stylish card and such great colours.
Ria

Clai01 said...

Thanks for sharing the piercing technique Sue, it was especialy of interest to me as yours always looks so neat.

CraftyJo said...

Lovely Sue, very inventive - as always.

crafty lady said...

Evening Sue, well what can I say you always amaze me with your designes will need to try this another challenge for me lol Pity Creative Expressions dont have shop would make life easier for us. Thanks again for a great blog, Hugs Fiona P xxx

rachel said...

wow - stunning - the central piece just jumps off the page at you! Brilliant! Rachel x

Su said...

This is lovely (no change there then - lol!) Colour combination is beautiful, they work so well together and as for the 'focal' medallion - one of my favourite dies! I do feel you're right about the placing of the sentiment, but we can always be wise in hindsight!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, you really inspire us with all your ideas, keep them coming, another lovely card and i would of put the comment on the bottom too. Yvonne

Linda (Lindyloo) said...

Hi Sue,
This is a very stylish card. I know you say the card is a shimmering gold but it looks taupe in the picture and I really love it as it goes so well with the dusky rose pink. Now, as to the open bottom piece of the card. well I like it that way. I think it keeps it simple and allows the main focal piece be just that. It gives the impression of a belt between a plain skirt and top with a fancy brooch/necklace as the only decoration. I really like the fact that you didn't go over the top with the embellishments. So for me its 10/10.
Hope all is well with you. Take care. Hugs Linda

Anonymous said...

Simply fabulous design Sue, lovely colours, I have to say though this is one that I will have to just admire, as usual I would be covered in glue and it would end up looking like a porcupine in my hands, its truly beautiful to look at thank you for sharing Helen O xxx

lilygee said...

What a wonderful way to use these dies - they look so special - very nice card Sue
love lilygee xxx

jan said...

hi sue, love the dimension you've got from folding the focal element, really makes it pop. A lovely card all round.
love jan x

lorraine (classylady) said...

Another great card Sue, love the striped paper and the colours.

Hope you are well

lorraine
xxx

Jen B said...

What a beautiful card, love it x

Rufus said...

Dang it, you've done it again!! I've already got the Moroccan dies on the list, now I've got to add the ribbon slides. The list just gets longer and longer and longer!
R/

Jane said...

I remember the other variation of this card, I loved that one too but I think this one tops it, maybe the colours I don't really know, really eye catching.

Jane xx

Ladock girl said...

Lovely card as usual Sue, have a good day. Love Linda xxx

Shirls said...

Hi Sue
Love the concertina effect. Thank you for the piercing tip.
Shirls

Shirls said...

Hi Sue
Love the concertina effect. Thank you for the piercing tip.
Shirls

yorkshiresue said...

Lovely card. I must have a go at the "accordian" part of the card
Hugs
Sue
XXX

Anonymous said...

Great Card. With Love & Light Theresa.H

Vicki Sharkey said...

Hi Sue, a really lovely diemnsional card. I made a similar one to one you did with the lacy doily motif and it was stunning but had to make a deep box to put it in!!
Vicki:)

gee.r said...

I love the new moroccan dies they are so beautiful thank you for the beautiful ideas and the chance to win candy!

ambretteir8 said...

Again Sue another fantastic card

ambretteir8 said...

Again Sue another fantastic card

ambretteir8 said...

Again Sue another fantastic card

violetclouds said...

the way you have made that topper is so nifty! I am thinking this moroccan set is more versatile than it appears from looking at it in the packaging

Stacey G.-2 Craf-t-4u said...

That medallion is gorgeous! Love it! Those dies are so elegant and pretty!

Anonymous said...

Another beautiful card Sue...hugs ManxLinda x

Anonymous said...

After checking out a number of the blog articles on your web
site, I really appreciate your way of writing a blog.
I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back
in the near future. Please visit my website too and
let me know your opinion.
Here is my blog epl transfer news epl transfer rumours

Anonymous said...

Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff
previous to and you're just too fantastic. I actually like what you've acquired here, certainly like
what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a tremendous site.
My web blog chelsea transfer news 2010

Anonymous said...

Heya i'm for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
My website > pizza games for girls to play

Anonymous said...

Thanks very interesting blog!
my web page :: pizza games cooking for boys