Thursday 10 October 2013

Magical Holiday

 Hi bloggers!  This is one of the cards that never quite got out of the demo box in time as these dies and stamps sold out on Saturday.  It's another distressed sort of card, but still has a sort of elegant look to it as well I think.  I started with a piece of milk card that I embossed with the Couture Creations Adagio embossing folder.  I did the background in two sections to create a large enough piece.  This folder has musical note scores running in a diagonal manner, so it is difficult to line it up exactly, but if you plan your background so that something covers the join, it is easy to work around. I used a clear perfect medium pad around the edges and added some gold embossing powder.  Before heating, I rubbed it away in places for a more distressed look.   I selected some musical paper from my stash to use in conjunction with my embossed background.  I cut a wide border and wrapped some crochet ribbon around and taped the ends to the back.  I matted it with a thin edge of black card.  I used some older dies to mat and layer my sentiment, scalloped lacey ovals, labels 18, and plain ovals.  I stamped my sentiment (from Justrite) and gold embossed it.  I used a light inking of gold pigment ink while still in the die.  To create the flowers, I used the same musical themed paper from my border and stamped the Heartfelt Creations Sun kissed Poinsettia using a perfect medium pad.  I heat embossed them in gold and cut them out with the matching die.  The flowers layer up beautifully by simply adding a bit of glue to the centre and off setting them.  I finished the centres with a black flatback pearl.  I arranged them atop a piece of black tulle with some bronze metallic Bakers Twine.  I added a single flower to the opposite side of the focal element and some black swirls to the upper corner.  A double pierced milk coloured card mat finished it off nicely.  Finished dimensions are  6 1/2" x 9" in size.
A couple of quick notes, first of all, Julia Watts has shows on today at 8am and 2pm with Leonie with brand new stamp designs (love these as they were drawn by my artist!)  You will have to tune i to see her brilliant demos and great personality!
Secondly, I had an email from Nigel May to let me know that his new book called Trinity is being reviewed in New! Magazine, which is out  now!  In fact, it is the Book of the Week!  (see thumbnail)  If you are interested, you can download his steamy novel by clicking on the link on the right side of the blog.  We wish Nigel much success with his new venture!  All for now, Sue x








160 comments:

Pam said...

Stunning card, love it all especially the flowers

Unknown said...

Interesting mix of styles that go really well together here Sue! it's lovely.
Crafty Hugs
Heather xx

Unknown said...

Good morning Sue,
I think the colors are fantastic... Beautiful card, awesome. The flowers are stunning.

Lisa said...

Morning Sue
Yet another lovely card! I like the composition of this and will use the idea.
Lisa x

Marion Bull said...

Beautiful! Love the flowers and the whole effect is stunning!

Marion B xx

TDQ Karen said...

I like a "musical" background, and this looks lovely. quite a mixture of elements but they all go together beautifully xx

Debs A said...

Morning Sue WOW i love this one its beautiful and stunning. Love the flowers. Take care sue xx

Debs A

AnneRD said...

Such a rich card Sue, lots of interesting textures. Anne x

kitty davies said...

Morning Sue
thank you I like the idea of stamping on the backing paper. The colours are good to take care Kitty

nancyd said...

Morning Sue, WOW is right this is
stunning and I love the flowers are my favorite.
Nancyd xx

Anonymous said...

Really like the 'arrangement' on this card, Sue, and the understated distress is just lovely. An altogether great card - thank you.

'P' in Wales

JAO said...

Great card Sue.

tracy w said...

Hi sue
You have done it again this card is stunning love the colours the flowers are great thank you for shaving with us Tracy w x

baconbits said...

Morning Sue
Love the layout for this card, a very subtle vintage look. A very elegant card. Love the flowers they sit beautifully.
TFS
Hugs
Amanda x

auscrafts said...

stunning card ,love the flowers

Unknown said...

I love this card its so elegant
Hugs ns stuff
Carol B

Ecco of Sheffield said...

morning Sue
I love to see seasonal cards and today's gift has everything for the forthcoming season.
The colour scheme for today is beautiful and very elegant - I missed out on the crochet ribbon so am on the look out for some. Thank you for the nudge re Julia's shows today - hopefully the signal will behave so I can watch via the laptop.
Janet x

englishrose897 said...

Awesome card this morning Sue, I love the look. I have Julia's show on record as I will be at work later.. Have a great day. Sally x x x

JJ said...

Morning Sue,

Lovely mix here, love the embossing folder and a great use of dies.

Love & Hugs

Jacquie J xxx
http://jewelscardcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Sue, I love this card, love the embossing round the edges and the flowers are gorgeous.
Lots of love from Patricia xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue
I've only just managed to watch the tool shed show and loved those demos with the stencils. Today's card is just fab - love it.
Beverley W

Rachel Taylor said...

I like this card ,it reminds me of a piano !! Not sure why ,it just does lol ! I'll be watching Julia today .
Crafty hugs Rachel x

Mrs B said...

Hi Sue. Lovely card in great colours. I still haven't read Nigels book! I will sort that quickly. Well done to him. Take care.

MRS DUCK said...

Good morning Sue and everyone
very classy creation as usual.
Have a great day.
Ang x

Jackie T said...

Good morning Sue this card is gorgeous I just love everything about it. I'm recording Julia's shows today as I will be working. I expect everything will be sold out by the time I look at the website, your products are so desirable. Have a great day.Love Jackie

Unknown said...

Good morning Sue

This is very elegant - a very sophisticated use of colour and I liked it very mich.

Take care.

Christine

BridgetCG said...

Hi Sue, I think this card is stunning and beautiful, love the composition and the flowers. Bx

Jane said...

Very shabby chic nice.

Jane xx

Unknown said...

Good morning Sue, love today's card. The musical notes folder and paper would be very useful. Gold and black always looks so elegant. Xx

Anonymous said...

Morning Sue, l love this card the colours are beautiful, it gives a great shabby chic effect.

Love Rosemarie Fishlock xx

Anonymous said...

Morning Sue, l love this card the colours are beautiful, it gives a great shabby chic effect.

Love Rosemarie Fishlock xx

Janette MacArthur said...

Good morning Sue - how I love this card! Have quite a few pieces of music note card & never sure how to use it - now I do ! Many thanks again x

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, A very elegant card love the gold and black together, the crochet Ribbon and the black tulle really sets the whole card off with a vintage feel .
Hugs
Jean D

Eemeli said...

Truly magical. Beautiful card and those flowers look stunning.

Hugs,
Eemeli

Ann said...



Hi Sue

Very elegant card today love the musical theme and the colours are gorgeous.

Hugs Annx without an "e"

Joan D said...

Another stunning card Sue.will take a look at the programmes today with Julia. X x

weefortune said...

Stunning card, love the poinsettia. Ex

Rosie said...

What a lovely card. I especially like the flowers.

Rosie said...

What a lovely card. I especially like the flowers.

Anonymous said...

Morning Sue - Great card will use the design I'm sure, thank you
Denise Hancock X

Gail said...

Morning Sue,
Rather like this card, I love black and gold. Will tune in for today's shows.
Gail C x

hazel young said...

Beautiful card Sue love it all xx hazel

Nanna Tina said...

Hi Sue
Lovely colours and design, love the flowers.
Happy crafting
Love Tina x

sharon said...

Good morning Sue
I must say I'm a bit divided on this card. I like most of the elements especially the use of the music and different textures employed with the ribbon but the colour does jar me. I wish I could say that I love it but the jury's still out.....
Hugs Sharon K, x

Jan.moogie said...

Lovely card and gorgeous flowers.x

Donna Jones said...

Hi Sue,
Loving today's card, gold and black go so well together. Nice as its not over the top Christmas.
Donna Jones

Glenharon said...

Good morning Sue,
Sorry, I'm not into today's card at all, as looks like you went fishing up the lum to clear whatever was chokin' it and forgot to clean you hands before making today's card. Having said that, and really don't mean to cause offense as i can appreciate all the detail and planning that has went into the card. I like the design structure off your card and the beautiful crocheted lace down it. The flowers i always like how they come out looking like a real flower. Its the black soot smudging around the edges and tips of the flowers, that gives it the top start look. But that's the thing about craft and life, if we all liked the same thing, life wold be very boring and predictable.
See you tomorrow,
Love and crafty hugs
Norah

Erica said...

Nice card Sue.
Erica x

Anonymous said...

Great card love the music....Singing and Happy Dance in progress!! lol Mabex

Victoria said...

So glad that this card has finally been showcased, as it deserves to shine! No wonder the dies sold so quickly, they're brilliant. This is a truly stunning card.

Anonymous said...

GM Sue - what a symphony of loveliness - it's another must try to add to the list! Fabulous.
Rgs
Clare W

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Gorgeous in gold

Sonia Jones said...

Beautiful card today and those flowers are simply gorgeous love it hugs Sonia x

kimberley said...

Wow Sue ,you just keep coming up with more and more beautiful designs-thank you so much,take care,x.

beachie said...

Hi Sue
Love everything about this card, its just gorgeous.
Audrey x

Disco Queen said...

Wow, Wow, Wow, Sue! Magical Card. I love the heartfelt flowers. Theresa x

Unknown said...

Lovely arrangement very classy looking card.
Hugs Sue x

Marleine said...


Morning Sue,

So elegant. X

gwen70 said...

Gorgeous card, adore the flowers, my stamps arrived yesterday so can have a play

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
I love it, especially the flowers.
Veronique L

Clare Powell said...

Beautiful card, love the flowers.

Clare x

alimecca said...

Hi Sue
Really like the card especially the embossing folder and the flowers are gorgeous.

Maryann Laursen said...

Absolutely stunning card here Sue, and I love the colors, you´ve used for it too.

karenlotty said...

I love everything about this card The music for my Salsa buddies The flowers for my girlie friends Perfect!

Anonymous said...

Dear Sue What a fab card! It is a shame you never managed to demo it! I love everything about it! Take Care Love Michelle S XXx

jean.phillips1 said...

Morning Sue, wow! a stunning card! just love the flowers. Love Jean xxx

Shirley T. said...

Hi Sue,

Very different but still love it.

Much love,

Shirley T. xxxxxxxxxxx

Rose in Chester said...

Hi Sue,
It's a gorgeous card, love the idea about smudging the powder for a distressed look. This card is elegant!
You've done it again!
Hugs, Rose

Dolly Daydream said...

Hi Sue
Wow!!! lovely colours and I love the flowers, this card has quite a vintage feel to it.

Hugs
Dawn Searle

jessie said...

MORNING SUE
LOVE THE CARD. REALLY STUNNING YET AGAIN.

Debbie Tinks said...

Lovely card Sue .stunning lovely colours .
Happy Crafting.

lydia jordan said...

Morning Sue,
Stunning, love everything, flowers are just beautiful.
Lydia
X

Sandy G said...

Hi Sue
Simply stunning! I love the different mats around the sentiment and the flower and bow display is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing.

Carol Clarke said...

Morning Sue
Little late than never, stunning card, love the colour combination and of course the poinsettia flowers.
Hugs Carol x

nzillingworth said...

HI SUE
THIS HAS A LOVELY WARM FEEL TO IT. LOTS OF TEXTURE. VERY NICE JOB
BORN AGAIN SPELLBINDER
NADINE HUG XXX

nzillingworth said...

HI SUE
THIS HAS A LOVELY WARM FEEL TO IT. LOTS OF TEXTURE. VERY NICE JOB
BORN AGAIN SPELLBINDER
NADINE HUG XXX

hotpotato said...

gorgeous card. my fleur die and stamp set arrived so today I'm going to play.

hollyberry said...

Another amazing card that contains a mix of styles that you have made go together so well.

marg said...

Good Morning Sue!
I like this card and love the new Poinsettias.
I don't have any yet, but use your tip on how to cut out the original ones.... after embossing, using the stamps first, thank you, it saves so much fussing, and the look is better!
Thank you Sue!
Love Marg

Crafting Newbie said...

Awesome card Sue! I love the layout. I have a habit of creating symmetrical cards & need to work on off centering more.

camelot67 said...

Good morning Sue,

I have to admit when I first saw the picture I didn't know whether it was for me or not but having seen the close-up shots I realise that it is and I love it! I think it's one of those cards that you have to have in front of you. Love the flowers especially. Thanks for sharing and hope you enjoy the rest of your day
Margaret A..

yorkielass said...

Hello Sue, this card is exquisite, so glad it came out of the demo box. Those poinsettias are gorgeous and love the black and gold.
Will be watching Julia later.
Have a great day everyone.
Hugs June xxx

Floss said...

Hi Sue,
I don't know about a Magical Holiday, this is one Magical card. So glad it found it's way out of the box. x

Lacelady said...

Oh, goodie, I have some musical paper, so I feel half way there! Love how you used the patterned paper on the flowers too. Up too late to see Julia this morning, so will have to tune in at lunchtime.

Sandybee said...

Another beauty Sue, your ideas are endless, I don't know how you come up with all of these different designs

xx Sandra

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Sue. beautiful card. Love the musical theme.
Julia and Leonie were a great team this morning.
Love Val x

Jean Z said...

love the card so beautiful and I love the flowers so pretty love Jean Z xx

Kiraneries said...

Hi Sue, a gorgeous card. The gold makes it look elegant.

Jess Watson said...

Morning Sue, another stunner, love the flowers. Take care, Jess xx

nattyboots said...

Hi Sue
Im loving this card so effective and just stunning
Elaine H X

TOB said...

wow Sue this is a truly stunning card. Those flowers are just beautiful. hugs x

Unknown said...

Hello Sue

Yes I agree this is an elegant card. T
The flowers really stand out. Hope to catch Julia's show this afternoon.

Diana

Pauline A said...

Morning Sue, I really like this card Sue, it's got everything; vintage, elegance, so beautiful and those flowers look great. I missed out on those but hopefully they'll come back soon. Hugs Pauline A x

Sheila - Ginger said...

Morning Sue,
Oh my.....I feel as if I keep repeating myself as I'm running out of descriptive words!! Todays card is elegant, exquisite, stunningly beautiful, amazing!!! I think I have run out of words now andlove every thing about it and the flowers are just so gorgeous. I'm so pleased you brought this one out of the demo box.

Love Sheila xx

Chris Curry said...

Another great Christmas card. I have the poinsettia dies and stamps and my Christmas bauble stamps, designed by you, arrived yesterday. Will be using them with my dies today. Yippee. X

Joanne K said...

Morning Sue, this card is just my cup of tea. Really beautiful. Kind regards Joanne K x

Beryl said...

Beautiful card. Love the music background and the dies.

Unknown said...

This is really a stunner!!!
Just love those awesome flowers.

Ali B said...

Hi Sue,
Great mix of styles and colours.
Alison B. x

Julie Bee said...

Hi Sue

Love this card.

Best Wishes

Julie Bee

Maggie said...

Hello Sue. You've done it again. Music in the background of Xmas cards give such an elegant feel and the flowers are lovely. Glad to see it appear here. xx Maggie (better without a bow)

Fieldsend said...

Morning Sue, what a beautiful card. Love the custard colour and flowers are gorgeous. Have a good day.

Love June
xxx

Jennifer said...

What an absolutely stunning card Sue, the colours, the flowers and the whole composition of the card are marvellous. Hugs, Jen x
Krafty Keepsakes

Unknown said...

lovely card Sue,colours,stamps and dies going so well together xx

Wendy from Scotland said...

Hi Sue
Lovely mix of styles and great colours
Wendy xx

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Stunning card Sue, lovely opulent feel to this. I love the sentiment showcased in the die cut and the flowers and touches of gold are gorgeous. Tracy x

Tres said...

Hi Sue. WOW !! This card is wonderful !! I love the layout of the card and the colours are lovely. If I was making it I may use a bit more traditional Christmas colours though. I have the Christmas inner thoughts stamps and they are such beautiful sentiments. I have the original plain oval dies but the Lacey ovals are on my wish list !! I have never really been interested in musical background stamps or embossing folders but your background looks really impressive. I really love the black lace and the flowers are just gorgeous. When in doubt about a card I always put pearly swirls on it and it transforms it !! I love the sort of shabby chic feel you have made with this card. I will definately have a go at making something similar. Thankyou for all your hard work Sue. Lots of love Tres x x x

Jackie Meechan said...

Hi Sue,
Gorgeous card as usual. Love the colours and looks very grungy. Xx

Hugs
CraftyJacq

Jan Caven said...

Hi Sue
Really lovely, sort of shabby chic meets Christmas. Another winner.
Love Jan x x

Joan Hill said...

Hi Sue,
Gorgeous card, classy, many thanks x

Pat S Witney said...

Hi Sue

stunning card today. Love these dies. I now have 2 weeks of cards to look at as I have just come back from sunny Cyprus. What a culture shock from 30 degrees down to 7 early hours of this morning.

Gail said...

Gorgeous card Sue and luv the colour combo xx GailT xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue -a magical card for a magical time! Love it.
ValC xx

CraftyJo said...

Some interesting stuff going on here Sue, I like some of the elements but, as whole, I'm afraid it just doesn't do it for me. Can't please all of the people all of the time ;)

Vick said...

Oh Sue, such a beautiful card honey, I love it, hugs, Vick xx
the-artful-codger.blogspot.com
My YTChannels vixcrafts & saturatedcanary

Olga said...

Super cute card! Love the colors!

Pat L said...

Hi Sue
Love today's card with its vintage feel, the embossing folder is super and thank you for the tip you gave for cutting the poinsettia mine are now turning out perfectly
Best wishes, Pat

Margaret corgi owner said...

Hi Sue
A really interesting combination of dies that go surprisingly well together for a really lovely card. I am off to try this mix of dies for myself, thanks.
Margaret corgi owner

Laura O said...

Fab card love the way you rubbed away some of the embossing powder before heating.Laura O

CaronP said...

Hello Sue. Another stunning card. Love the colours and design. Xx

Cazzie D said...

A stunning a card Sue. Right up my Christmas street. x

Anonymous said...

Hello Sue, A really beautiful card today Love the effect you have created by rubbing away some of the embossing powder. I love these dies and stamps they just work so well.
Thank you for your inspiring ideas.
Take care, love Brenda Lel xxx

Carole Z said...

Sue, this is a truly magical card too! I downloaded Nigel's novel to read on my hols..and then didn't have time! So still to be read! Carole Z X

Karen Ratcliffe said...

Love the card, stunning in a color other than red Sue!!

Nananne said...

Beautiful Card! Love it all.

Anonymous said...

Wow such a beautiful elegant card sue xx

SusanP, kent said...

Distressed elegance - a wonderful description! I like it. The gold embossed edges add interest and the flowers are gorgeous.
Sue

Barbara said...

Beautiful card Sue but the star of the card is those gorgeous flowers!!!

Karen Drew said...

Love the embossing folder and the flowers.
Stunning
Luv
Karen xx

Janice K said...

Loving the shabby chic look and yet keeping an air of elegance to this card. I must remember this design as I have a number of musical cards to make in the new year-thank you for the great inspiration! x

magpie said...

A brilliant card Sue! xx Wonderful colours and techniques mixed together. Love it! Managed to see Julia for half an hour today. She made some lovely cards (love that bluey colour) and enjoyed the tips with the mica powders. Take care Sue xx Love Karen xx

jeffrey bubbles said...

Wow Sue this is stunning. Love the music in the background and the flowers are really great Kathy xxx

Snuffy Snoo said...

Hi Sue, I really love this vintage, shabby chic look, works really well as a different sort of Christmas style. Great... love Sam xxx

chrispease said...

oh Sue this card is beautiful

love the vintage look

thank you for sharing your ideas

Chris from France

Crafty Nanna said...

stunning card, really beautiful Sue, very elegant and serene
Hugs Lynn

Tina said...

Hi Sue

What a beautiful Christmas card. I love the flowers, beads & bow, Who would'nt feel special receiving a card like this.

Kind regards :-)

Tina X

ssn.wht@gmail.com said...

Love those flowers with the gold embossing - really stunning

Thanks, Susan

Annie said...

Love it, love, love it!! Soooo pretty and unusual and stunning! xx

carol edwards said...

Hi Sue a beautiful card, love the music theme, nice theme and I love the flowers. Got my angel and Santa dies today they are lovelyx

foxyg said...

Beautiful card Sue. Colours are stunning.

liz spooner said...

Such a beautiful card Sue, Thanks for the inspiration. Liz Spooner

Carol S. said...

Hi Sue, lovely card again. Love the black and gold. hugs, Carol S.xx

Wacki Macky said...

Hi Sue, what a lovely and sophisticated card today. It's amazing how the poinsettias can look very unlike poinsettias when not created in a red colour, very good in gold and brilliant all the same.

Craftihappiness to you, love from Pearl

Vie Carter said...

very elegant and sophisticated - love this design

Vie
x

hazel said...

Hi Sue
Beautiful and very Stylish Christmas card
Take care
Hazel G x

Lynda's craft's said...

A stunning elegant card Sue I love the colours and the flowers beautiful . Hugs Lynda Brock xx

brenda said...

Hi Sue, love the poinsettias they look so elegant, a stunning card for a special person x

nuttinanni said...

Such a stunning card. hugs Cheryl xxx

trent999 said...

Hi Sue.
It's such a shame it didn't make it out of the box, It really is a stunner. Very elegant and special.
Nick

nannapat said...

Oooh! I love the colours and design of this card Sue - it's absolutely stunning and so elegant. Pat x

Anonymous said...

Another beautiful card Sue. I enjoyedJulia's shows today &n looking forward to yours on Sunday Ann (France)

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue
Love this card and the very elegant distressing around the edges. In fact I'm off to try the embossed distressing look and hope mine looks even half as good as yours...
Regards
Caroline MacH

Phi said...

Oh this card is pure class. What a beautiful creation.

mags said...

A gorgeous card Sue. Love the design and the colours. The flowers are stunning.
Mags
x

Unknown said...

Interesting style of card,definitely not a traditional Christmas one.Gorgeous though.
Helen Bx

Cardgenie said...

Sue, stunning elegant! Love the colours. Jean.x

cmu said...

I love what you have done with the poinsettias. Stunning. x

Marianna Hammer said...

I love this card, So inspirational.
Yes, I loved Julia's shows. She is charming and so talented :)

Unknown said...

I like the overall feel of the card, really lovely.

Diane from Glasgow xx


Shazza said...

very luxurious, love it x