Thursday 27 December 2012

Best Wishes

Hello my crafty friends!  Are we all recovered from our festive past few days!  I hope we can get back to some serious crafting now!  Today's card is a really easy one to make.  I started with a page from my trusty thrift store dictionary to use as my background (oh and by the way, hard back books are not recycled like paperbacks,  I have just learned, so if you can use them to upcycle into a fun project, no guilt about the whole book thing!)  I distressed the edges with Black Soot.  I wanted to add an embossed panel so I used the Garden Lattice embossibility for this.  I added a thin mat of red for a pop of colour behind it.  Using the Cherry blossoms die, I added some twigs going across the card and cut some small red flowers for them.  I added 3mm black pearls to the centres of all the flowers.  Next I stamped the tag from the justrite french Frills set.  I coloured it with Fired Brick distress ink.  I stamped my sentiment in the centre in black.  I wanted this to be a tad smaller than the die so I cut it by hand as it is a very simple shape.  Out of black card, I cut the matching tag shape which is part of the French Frills set by Samantha Walker.  I wanted to dress up the tag a bit so I added one of the accent pieces from the Asian Accents set.  I cut it in half and added it behind my tag, top and bottom.  Finally I cut a small Labels 28 in red for the bottom layer in my sentiment focal piece.  I pierced the edges of the kraft card with which I matted my finished card.  A very easy, but striking card I think.  I hope you like it!  Finished Dimensions  7 1/2" x 8"   All for now, Sue x



141 comments:

Linda said...

very beautiful card
hugs Linda

Pam said...

Morning Sue, a very dramatic looking card today. I love the way the Garden Lattice looks on black card, totally enhances the pattern, and the Cherry Blossom branch looks great. I like this one for a male card.

Jan.moogie said...

A gorgeous card Sue, am quite partial to Samantha Walkers stuff.x

Anonymous said...

Love it, Sue - great oriental look with my favourite red/black theme, looks great with the kraft card. Ooh I do like it when you showcase the dies I actually have (minus labels 28) and give me different directions - thank you.

'P'in Wales

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, gorgeous card, love the garden lattice background and your design.

Wilma x x

tracy w said...

Morning Sue what a stunning card iam going to use my old books like that to design my cards thankyou for the idea thankyou tracy w xx

Lynne M said...

Hi Sue, a very dramatic card. Great for a man . The garden lattice really stands out on the black card . As has been said before a very oriental looking card . Lol lynne M x x x

Karen R said...

I do like this card but it feels a little sombre, perhaps its the black soot distressing. I really love text backgrounds

Anonymous said...

Good morning Sue
I had the cherry blossoms die for Christmas so it's great you've given me ideas how to use them. I love using book pages as backgrounds this is another idea I had from you. I love today's card .
Hugs x
Heather T

Unknown said...

Good morning Sue,

I think this is another versatile card that would work for so many occasions & could be used for male or female. Loving how you have dressed the sentiment up it looks so much more. Dramatic and creates a striking centrepiece for the card.

Alice xx

Maryann Laursen said...

A really beautiful and striking card here Sue. I love the white, black and red together, even it can look a bit dramatic, I agree, but it goes really well together in my book, and I really love, what you´ve put together here.

jean.phillips1 said...

Morning Sue. Lovely Oriental looking card, I love it!

Love Jean x

Anonymous said...

GM Sue - not keen on the Cherry Blossoms/oriental look for some reason - sorry!
Rgs
Clare W

Joan D said...

Can't wait to get back to my crafting again. I am going to do more scrap booking in 2013. love the cherry blossoms and will put the die to good use x x

Eemeli said...

Beautiful card and that cherry blossom branch is fabulous. Once again colors on your card rock(!) :)

Hugs, Eemeli

Patricia said...

Good Morning Sue, another very versatile card, a bit dull for me but can see the uses. I love and use the Garden Lattice folder loads. Think we need more A4 folders they are fantastic.
Have a Great Day

Patricia xx

Victoria said...

Very chic card Sue. Love it. Black, red and kraft card is a sure winner.

Unknown said...

Morning Sue hope youve recovered from christmas. I love the style of card the colour makes it look so dramatic. Looking forward to seeing what you have for us in 2013 so keepup the good work Sue. Hooe you have a great new year. Take Care Sue.

Debs Artliff

nzillingworth said...

HI SUE
THAT RED IT MAKES IT REALLY POP. SO SIMPLE A CARD BUT LOOKS FAB, YES OER STUFFED MYSELF FOR TWO DAYS BUT WEAR IT OFF SALE SHOPPING TODAY. HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS
BORN AGAIN SPELLBINDER
NADINE HUG XXX

Nanna Tina said...

Hi Sue
I love the oriental look, I have used old maps before but will be looking at the books in a new way as they usually go to the charity shops.
Hope you and your family have had a lovely christmas I start putting my decorations away on Sunday so then my craft stash can come out for me to 'play'.
Happy crafting
Love Tina x

lainey said...

I love those colour tones Sue!! lainey x

Anonymous said...

Good morning Sue. This is a dream of a card. Love everything about it.

Val in Spain xxx

Gail said...

Good morning Sue, a very effective card! Hoping to get in my craft room and have a good tidy up today.
Regards Gail C x

Unknown said...

Morning Sue...love todays card..I really like the colours you have used...Hope you have had a relaxing few days...

Happy crafting
Chrissie x x x

gwen70 said...

Love this card Sue, I think this would be perfect as a male card and we all need ideas for the men in our lives

marg said...

Good morning Sue!
Such a lovely combination of colours
love it!
LoveMarg

Ann said...



Hi Sue

Love this card great idea for a male card thankyou.

Hugs Annx without an "e"

sarah hyett said...

A great card Sue love the colours. Its a card that really stands out. X

Clare Powell said...

Beautiful card, love the cherry blossom.

Clare x

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Sue,
Stunning. Very dramatic, love the colours and the book page, it does look oriental, I love it.
Cannot look at another sprout for a while, hee hee. Going into town to have a look today.
Have a great day.
Michelle(happy2craft)

Lacelady said...

This one is great for both sexes - even if done in different colourways. And quick and easy to do. Thanks for the idea, I dont know where you get them all from!

No leftovers for me today, I'm cooking Christmas lunch, delayed from the 25th so I have my DD & grands coming! Must get on.

beachie said...

Hi Sue
Another beauty. Love the cherry blossom die. Never thought of using an old dictionary, good idea.
Audrey x

Donna Jones said...

Hi Sue,

Simple design that really pops because of the colour pallet, another good all rounder.

Donna Jones

Rose in Chester said...

Hi Sue,
Hope you've had a really lovely Christmas.
Your card's a stunner, something for a male or a female who likes simplicity with beauty.
One thing - I don't recognise the tag from the botanical swirls and accents............??????

EmmaT said...

Good Morning Sue, I abso love this card, great mix of colours. Emma

Marion said...

Hi Sue not sure about this one ,could be that i dont like oriental.Love Marion

Marleine said...


Hi Sue,

Very striking card. Shows how adaptable the embossing is. X

Rosemarie said...

Morning Sue, Very oriental today, I like it very much. Haven't got the branch die but could improvise I think.

Love Rosemarie xx

Corinne said...

Hi Sue Phew fed up of eating now!! great Mans card Me thinks but another lighter colour would work well will have to look for old books Hugs Corinnex

Mariek said...

Really like this card and one that I will use as insiration.

Joesgrandma said...

Lovely Card Sue!

baconbits said...

Morning Sue,
Wow its great to be back, i havemissed the blog over the last four days. Boy what alot i have missed.
What a lovely card today as they all have been.
Will keep loooking out for old books to use.
TFS
Hugs
Amanda x

Janice K said...

Morning Sue, love the idea of 'up' cycling and as the family dictionary needs updating certainly one for me to try out! Thank you for the great idea! x

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Gorgeous, love the dramatic colour scheme.

Carol Clarke said...

Morning Sue
A lovely striking card, love the Garden Lattice it really gives the card a punch. The Cherry Blossom branch looks great. This card can be adapted for many occasions.

Hugs

Carol x

Anonymous said...

A great use of the dictionary and a simple but striking card which could be appropriate for so many occasions, especially 'thank yous' at this time of year. Looking forward to a relaxing day today trying out my new dies and copying a few of your ideas! Love YvonneMayxx

Mrs B said...

Hi Sue. Lovely card and colours. The Cherry Blossom die works so well. Take care

nannapat said...

Very impressive card Sue. I do like the book background, it always makes a great understated start for whatever goes on top! Clever use of the dies, as always. Pat x

lion_tamer said...

Love this card as it could be used for so many occassions. You never fail to inspire xx

dutchess said...

Morning Sue ...how stunning red and black are on a card and you have made this really pop....like the branch another of my unused dies ...new years resolution 2.........need to get crafting again..too much watching the telly! hugs Margaret xxxx

Jackie Calvert said...

lovely design. I've used pages from my old map books, suitably distressed of course, hadn't thought of using books, but being a book-a-holic, I suspect my inner-self wouldn't let me.

Anthea said...

Good morning Sue, love this card the colours work so well together and feels very Chinese along with the cherry blossom die.Think I need to do some shopping :)Hugs xx

lydia jordan said...

Morning Sue,
Very dramatic love the use of dies.
Hope you were a ble to relax for a few days.
Lydia
X

Sonia Jones said...

Morning Sue, I really like his cars and love the use of dictionary pages!! I don't have the cherry blossom die but can see I need this! I also love colours used as this does give a truly oriental feel! Great! Hugs Sonia x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, Love the card, especially the use of the dictionary page. It's not just old books that need a home. Some hard backs get reduced & reduced & even end up in the pound stores. If they are not going to be recycled they need to be rescued before going to landfill! With love & light Theresa. H

Clarissa said...

Another lovely card. It has given me a few ideas.
Clarissa.X

Unknown said...

This has a wonderful oriental feel to it. I guess it's the colour and cherry blossom diecut. Very beautiful. Love maddy x

HiggiSue said...

Nice bold card Sue. I like it.

Erica said...

Morning Sue,
Another lovely card, suitable for a man too.
Love the colours, so dramatic.
Erica x

bluebell-flowerwood said...

hello sue hope you have had a nice time,i suppose you will be off to look after mum. i see by the news that america has had some snow. love bluebell-flowerwood.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue a very striking card...I like it! I was so looking forward to today to get in my craft room and sort out all my Christmas goodies. Take Care Love Michelle xxx

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Sue, This is a gorgeous card, loving the neutral colourways with the pop of red, absolutely gorgeous.
Lots of love from Patricia xx

Jess Watson said...

Morning Sue, love this card, truly oriental look, must be the red and black. Like everyone else I must think outside the box and use old books for backgrounds, you give me great ideas I would never think of. Have a great day, take care, Jess

Carol H said...

Another stunning card.

BridgetCG said...

Hi Sue, beautiful card, love the colours. Hope you had a fab Christmas. Bx

hazel young said...

Morning Sue lovely card love the design and colours used xx hazel

hollyberry said...

Hi Sue
Beautiful card.

Snuffy Snoo said...

Hi Sue, I really like this card, the colours are great too! Been staying with family over Christmas so haven't been able to check in with you since Christmas eve - so now back to normal. Lots of Love Sam xxx

CJ said...

Love this card. LOve the lattice background.

Anonymous said...

Morning Sue

I really like the concept of this card, particularly using the print paper, very effective. Black and red is always a winner

Happy crafting

June x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
Love the background of this card and the colours just not a great fan of the oriental blossom dies sorry. Would certainly use something else though.
Beverley W

Debbie Tinks said...

lovely card sue

Anonymous said...

Morning Sue, another great card. I was wondering if the black card that is embossed is Glossy Card as it has the appearance of being shiney?
Like you say great to get back to normal crafting - no more Christmas Card making for at least one month ha ha!!
God bless
JanNxx

jordiegirl said...

Love the cherry blossom die. The colours on this card a really good together.

mell said...

very gd sue such a different card x

mell said...

very gd sue such a different card x

mell said...

very gd sue such a different card x

Christine said...

I was given the lattice die amomgst my Christmas gifts, (from a bemused non-crafter, who gave it despite thinking it was a boring thing to give, and wondering why ever it was on my wish list!)so this beautiful card is perfect for me to attempt.
Thank you, Sue
Christine
x

Laura O said...

Beautiful Sue,love the red and black colours together.Laura O

Lynda's craft's said...

Hi Sue lovely card i had the cherry blossom die for Christmas so will have a go at this.
Happy new year Sue xx Lynda

howdy said...

Cherry blossoms is one of my favourites for card making, box decorating, scrapbooking - just about everything. Love the card Sue and I'm not sorry to see an end to the xmas cards for a while.
Happy new year.

lesley sinclair said...

Hi sue sorry not sure about this card! Can't quite put mt finger on why tho, I like the colour combination and I like the dies used especially the sentiment it looks very dramatic! I just aint sure about the whole thing! It might grow on me! Looking forward to getting back to crafting next week need to wait till after new year as we usually have a party. Love lesley xx

Unknown said...

A lovely card Sue. It may be quick to make but the end result is very eye-catching!

Take care

Christine

x

CraftyJo said...

Beautiful Sue, the red really does make it pop!

JoanB said...

Hi Sue
I love your card today. Looking forward to all you have to bring to us in 2013!
Thanks for the inspiration.
Joan B.

Anonymous said...

different and good for a male card as wellness- really like it xx Gail T xx

Unknown said...

Sue,
This is a clever card. I like that you give the dimensions of your cards now. Cheers

Sandra F said...

A gorgeous card Sue. xx

ria gall said...

Hi Sue
I love the use of the dictionary page in the background, a dictionary page always adds something different.
The splash of red colour makes the card pop.
Ria

Linda Simpson said...

Loving the colour combination and the dictionary paper as the backing is fantastic.

Hugs
Linda xxx

Anonymous said...

So striking, beautiful

Mol x

alimecca said...

Hi Sue
Really like the oriental look of this card. I think I will have to be getting the cherry blossom set of dies!

yorkielass said...

Hello Sue, A very dramatic card today, love the oriental look. The Garden Lattice embossing is so effective. Will be upcycling some of my hard back books, the background today is fab.
Have a great day everyone.
Hugs June xxx

Rizwana said...

Hi Sue
Yay finally I get a few minutes to comment. This card has a beautiful oriental look, love the colors you have chosen. I really like the garden lattice in the background and what a great idea to use old books must give it a try.
Love and Hugs
Rizwana

Rizwana said...

Hi Sue
Yay finally I get a few minutes to comment. This card has a beautiful oriental look, love the colors you have chosen. I really like the garden lattice in the background and what a great idea to use old books must give it a try.
Love and Hugs
Rizwana

Dee Dee said...

nice and refreshing after all the Christmas cards x

CathyinMN said...

Such a beautiful card in a striking and dramatic way.

Unknown said...

Hi sue what a lovely card. Could be masculine or femanine. Another treat from you.
Love Jan x

Karen Lewis said...

Gorgeous oriental-style card, Sue.

Jill Liddle said...

Something a bit "out of the ordinarey" here, but still very pretty.

beespokecrafts.co.uk said...

I like his one, I love text paper and the cherry blossom look neat with the black and red.

lorraine (classylady) said...


Great card sue, very different, good to be finished with Christmas cards. Although I have to tell you,the product I used most this year was the set of 3 Mica Flakes. Looked great as a small border or a frame. Everyone mentioned them.

Thanks again for all you do for us.

regards
lorraine porritt -scotland
xxx

Ita said...

Hi Sue this is agreat card ,Ilove black and red it has orintal feel to it and thanks for the tip about the books,
Smiles
Ita

Shirley T. said...

Hi Sue,
Cant believe I have been able to send another message - didn't think I would be able to - just shows how I like your bloggs. Yet again a lovely card.
Lots of Love Shirley T.

lorraine (classylady) said...

Hi Sue, I should also have said the cards over the last few days were all gorgeous, even though did not get to comment on them.

regards
lorraine - scotland
xxx

iggy said...

nice one sue. its nice to have some nice cards that are cheap enough to make for charity without having to resort to an overdraft...LOL.........hope you had a nice time. x

Margaret corgi owner said...

Hi Sue
What a super card it appears so easy too, nothing too difficult especially recovering from Christmas!
Margaret

Anonymous said...

Love the oriental look of this one Sue. Best wishes Edwina

Fieldsend said...

Hi Sue, great card n cannot beat black n red.

Love June
xx

fame01 said...

what a striking card sue love it simple to do i have some of what you have used may have a go at this well my own version of it so to speak .. yes recovered a bit ate to much as we all do i suppose oh well thats what christmas is about after all lol.. hope you to had a great time to .. hugs sarah ..xx

Rhonda Miller said...

Oh my goodness, this is gorgeous.

karenlotty said...

I love all of your cards but I think this is one of my favourites Not fussy, clean and simple but so effective Not a messy bow in sight lol! Need, need that cherry blossom die set!

Marion Turner said...

Hi Sue
A lovely card. Love the Garden Lattice,and love the coiours red black and white
Love Marion x

ssn.wht@gmail.com said...

Love the garden lattice embossing, which works well with the black and red of the oriental theme.

Thanks for sharing

Jean J said...

Very nice Sue. Refreshing after all the luxurious Christmas cards.

Vie Carter said...

Love the card made with your thrift store purchase

Vie
x

Barbara said...

Beautiful card, oriental style, very pretty.

Jane said...

O I Love this one Sue very oriental.

Jane xx

Marianna Hammer said...

I love this card.
It's incredible how a card grows, once you get in to the details of it. I love the way you have stacked the lables, absolutely lovely :)

nancyd said...

Hi Sue, Like this card a lot black,
red and white is really very striking. Got over the the indulgencies
but unfortunately put on 5.5lbs
but not to worry hope to lose it again soon just got my 2.5stone award
last week. nancyd xx

mell said...

very gd sue such a different card x

mell said...

very gd sue such a different card x

Jean Z said...

so pretty love thr garden lattice embossing folder Jean Z xx

brenda said...

Hi Sue, very striking card today the garden lattice die looks lovely in black Very dramatic x

salem said...

WOOOOW CARD LIKE ALL

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, this is beautiful. I love the oriental look. It is very striking with the red and black.

Michelle E xx

dragonswing said...

I love the branches!!! Great card.

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, A lovely card. The colour scheme of red/black is a real winner with me, the dictionary is a lovely idea, I have used old maps for mens cards.

Happy Crafting
Jean x

Crafty Nanna said...

beautiful card Sue, really striking

jennywren1947 said...

hi sue nice card must try this paper on my cards
hugs chris x

kimberley said...

wonderful card Sue -very simple but elegant,take care,x.

Carol S. said...

Hi Sue, What no more Christmas cards!!! A breath of fresh air! Very pretty and love the background.Hugs, Carol S.xx

Abuzz With Creativity said...

A very nice card Sue. Doesn't look complicated either. I've been having trouble getting my posts on this last week or so, so I'm not saying much in case it won't go on again. Hope you had a lovely Christmas? I've enjoyed looking at your cards everyday, its only commenting that's been a problem. Claire xxx

magpie said...

This is lovely Sue, love the red & black together & like 'P' in Wales says, a very oriental look. Love the use of the dictionary page & for those who haven't got a script stamp this works just as well. Love the dies of Samantha Walker too. Lovely card, xx Love Karen xx

Meg Owen said...

Hi Sue,
Sorry to say this card doesn't appeal.
I've started printing some of your cards and instructions so I can use them.....there are soon many I may have to leave the housework for a while!!!!!

Margaret O
xxx

Unknown said...

Sue, just came across your site and went exploring... do you such a wonderful job making all your cards... and today's card is no different it is gorgeous!!! Plus now I want and need more spellbinder dies... Thanks for sharing!!!

Sue Parish said...

Hi Sue,
Stunning card! I love the kraft with red and black. Would be very suitable for a man's card too.
Looked in close-up and it appears you're up to the letter d in your thrift shop dictionary. It's going to last you ages! What a bargain!
Sue xx

Unknown said...

Fantastic card which would be good for the men in our lives. Kim x

Tres said...

Hi Sue. This is a beautiful card today. Totally gorgeous !! I love the jewelled flower dies and the rectangles dies to. Your choice of colours works fantastically . You are just so clever. I would never of thought of putting together grey tones and warm peach colours but they just look great !! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Lots of love Tres. X x x

Julie Bee said...

Hi Sue

Very orientalgreat

julie bee

Jacqui aka Morgana said...

What a contrast this card is and just shows how you dont have to make the cherry blossom dies pretty pretty and can make a gender neutral card with them.