Monday 9 November 2015

Not Older, Just Better

Hello crafters!  I have a card today that I actually made with some leftover pieces from a video that I made.  You can't waste anything can you!  I'm not sure if the video is up on our channel or not, but it is called the Oyster shell technique.  I started with a piece of acetate, then drizzled Cosmic lacquer over it.  Next I added several different shades of our PVA glues.  From memory, I think I used the pastel pink, spring green, sky blue, white and vintage plum.  Next you need to use your fingers and smooth out all the glues.  The lacquer helps to make it easier to spread.  Cover the entire sheet and allow to dry well.  Once dry you can cut the acetate into whatever size you need.  I used the Lavish Accented  Design Noble to cut a frame out of white card and mounted it over the oyster shell background piece (acetate side without the glue upwards).  I had another small strip of it leftover so I decided to add it as a side border and cut the Portuguese border to glue on top of it.  Using the Foldover flowers, I cut two in white felt, rolled them and added them to the side of the framer.  I stamped a sentiment and cut it out with the Pierced Flags and matted it with a larger one.  I tucked the end under the flowers and added some Splendid Swirls and Maidenhair fern pieces as accents around the flowers.  I matted the piece with a pierced white mat, a thin blush mat to pick up the glue colour and another white mat. Don't you just love that sentiment! LOL   The finished dimensions are 6 1/2" x  8 1/4" in size.





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151 comments:

Pam said...

Lovely card Sue. Love the sentiment too.
Helen hope you are now on the road to recovery.
Melody, my daily hugs for you and Francis, also Tracey, hope you are making good progress.
Take care everyone

nancyd said...

Morning Sue, a gorgeous card and the oysters technique looks fab.
Nancyd xx

hollyberry said...

Beautiful card,love this technique.

Yvonne H said...

Good morning Sue,
Absolutely stunning card, love your flowers. Yvonne xx

Unknown said...

Love the 'marble' look
Beautiful card

Nanna Tina said...

Hi Sue
Beautiful card
Happy crafting
Love and hugs to all
Love Tina x x x

Wacki Macky said...

Fab card today Sue, the composition, shapes and colours and the flowers are all so wonderful.

Thank you so much.

Pearl x

kittyedavies47@gmail.com said...

Morning Sue.
A lovely card Thank you.
Take care Kitty.

Muriel said...

Hi Sue and all
fabulous oyster technique background, what a fabulous recycle too!
Muriel x

Lynda Mellor aka Loopy Lynda said...

Good morning Sue, I remember seeing you do this!!!
Gorgeous look!!!
Have a good one!!!
Loopy Lynda xxx

Pat said...

Hi Sue
Beautiful card Sue
I haven't seen this before - so different
Pat x

tracy w said...

Hi Sue
Another stunning card love using leftover bits to make a card thank you tracyw

Unknown said...

Morning sue and crafters.

Smashing card today love everything about it.

Well everyone. I'm im Glasgow station waiting for my hubby to pick me up as he's been night shift. Heading over to the royal for my small operation for baby egg retrieval at 8 am this morning.
I'm a bit nervous as it's just sedation rather complete knock out. I'll let u know how it goes
:-) xx
Love to all and hugs for those needing them x

Unknown said...

Hi Sue and all the lovely ladies!
My favourite sentiment ever and what a lovely technique.
Thank you Sue
Big hug
Julie E

Jan.moogie said...

Think I can feel a little play day coming on lets get out the cosmic glues. Lovely card Sue, thanks for sharing, hugs xx

Unknown said...

Good luck to Tracey!

CraftySuetoo said...

Hi Sue. What a wonderful technique for the background, as it means getting messy I'll definitely be having a try!
Good luck for today Tracy. Sue XXX

Anonymous said...

Different but nice technique Sue, also nice sentiment. JJxx

Jan on the Fosse said...

Good Morning Sue
Very pretty card must have a play later.
Thank you Jan

Angela Wade said...

Good morning, Sue and Wilsonettes. A clever way of using left over pieces !
This is a technique, I've yet to try...........

Best Wishes, Tracy, hope all goes well. My daughter went through IVF treatment around seven years ago, resulting in Evie,
who'll be 6 1/2 yrs old in December.

Congratulations to all last weeks' winners.

Hugs to all in need ((((( ))))) Xx

Angela in Sunny Dubai Xx wish I could send you all some sunshine x

June Smith said...

Morning Sue and all Wilsonettes, I very pretty card today with that lovely background effect, I like it - not tried it yet but given me ideas.

Today I will be unpacking all the stuff I bought at NEC, will take me all day if I know me.

Stay safe, healthy and happy, hugs, June Smith xxx

Unknown said...

GM Sue. What a lovely background. Must try this technique. Fab card also.

Angela Wade said...

Ps. I really liked yesterday's card, Sue. Very appropriate. It's hubby's birthday on the 11th of the 11th.

Hugs, Angela in Dubai Xx

Unknown said...

Good Morning Sue

Such a beautiful card to start the week I love the background it's gorgeous. Have a good day.

Crafty Hugs

Heather xx

Janice K said...

Good morning Sue. I love the effect of the oyster shell technique, must have a go myself! A lovely card.x

crossstitchmarg said...

Morning Sue,

Lovely card today I keep meaning to try this background technique, I've got all the stuff just haven't got around to it.
I had a nice weekend of crafting, now back to babysitting my two youngest grandchildren.
Have a great day all
Maggie

lilian said...


Hi Sue , lovely card, will see if I can find video and them give it a try.
Best Wishes Lilian in Cornwall

dmjones said...


Lovely card, and that sentiment would be soooo useful!!!!




Doreen x

Jackie T said...

Good morning Sue today's card is beautiful I love the background and the dies are stunning. Have a great day today. Hugs Jackie

JAO said...

Fab card Sue, love the flowers.

Debra K. said...

Fabulous use of leftover pieces to make this wonderful card. The oyster background is really lovely. Debra x

PharmacyMichele said...

Great card, very pretty & I love the sentiment,

Michele

Sandy G said...

Hi Sue
Some of the best cards are made with leftovers as you have just shown.
This is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing.
Have a great day everyone.
Good luck Tracey.
Hugs.

Unknown said...

Morning Sue
Good way to use up left overs!
Good luck Tracey hope it all works out for you.
Have a great day everyone -they are digging up my streets at the moment so a bit of a mess out there.
Anne M xx

Scottydog said...

Lovely card & I rather like the background. I tried this technique after seeing you demo it on TV but I don't think I used enough glue as I had quite a few gaps! Must have another go!
Good Luck Tracy!

Wendy L said...

I 'm a big fan af using waste, this looks great. xxxx

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Sue, I love this technique, the colours complement perfectly, and definitely look like oyster shell colours. The finished card is wonderful !!
Lots of love from Patricia xx

Karen Derbyshire said...

Waste not-want not-a lovely card Sue.

auscrafts said...

interesting background made into a great card

Rosemarie said...

Morning Sue. This is a lovely technique and gives a beautiful but subtle background.

Love Rosemarie x x

shabbycraftcabin said...

I've watched you do this technique once and I loved it but admittedly haven't got round to playing as you've shown us so many gorgeous designs just now enough time to play :-(. Take care, Ivy xx

cheryl brown said...

Morning Sue,

Wow! another technique for my grandchildren to learn, they enjoy anything that's messy so they can get their 'hands on' experience.
A beautiful card with an apt sentiment.

Daily (((((hugs))))) to Melody, Francis and all in discomfort or pain.
Tracy, Good luck flower with your little op today, the end result will be worth it.

June Smith, oh my word, I have just noticed you have a newish? photo. You are looking extremely glamorous with your gorgeous smile.

Love & hugs
Cheryl xxx

Barbara Gosden said...

Hi Sue
A beautiful card and interesting technique.
B xx

hazel young said...

Stunning card Sue xx hazel

Aspiring crafter said...

Beautiful card Sue, the background is very pretty and of course so are the flowers!
XxxRuth

Anonymous said...

A really lovely card and I love the sentiment. The oyster background is really nice.

A Happercrafter6 said...

I thought waste not, want not too as Karen did! But what a pretty card!
Jan
Northampton

sandieann21 said...

Another technique to try! I must get hold of the pierced flags. How useful are they for lots of cards!

nattyboots said...

Lovely background Sue makes the perfect card with those beautiful flowers ,very eye catching .
Elaine H X

Chris Curry said...

Lovely cards Sue, delicate colours. Thank you.Xx

Pam B said...

Beautiful card Sue, You are so very talented

Pam

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Great design, love it

Croquet Queen x said...

Hi Sue,
Brilliant card! Great to use the leftovers, I've got a whole box sitting doing nothing, might have a look today as I've got the painters in!
:-)
Lorna D

MRS DUCK said...

Good morning Sue and everyone
Very interesting background effect. Not long been doing the messiness of grouting so may have to build up to fingers in lacquer and glue lol!
Have a great day.
Ang x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue - great card from leftover pieces and I love the acetate technique. Really ought to try this sometime as it could work with so many colours. Best wishes
YvonneMayxx

Sonia Stephenson said...

Hi Sue. Lovely card today, I like the sentiment:-) Have a great day. Hugs to all xxx

cr@fty said...

Good morning Sue
This technique looks good and messy and I can't wait to try it. Beautiful card I love making the flowers they are so easy to do and look fantastic!
Good luck Tracy!
Hugs x
Heather T

Marion said...

Hi Sue beautiful card ,love the flowers.
Marion H

Anne said...

When you spend time making a special background it is great to be able to use all the off cuts for a second card. This is a lovely technique, Sue, one I will have to try.

Anne (Northampton)

karenlotty said...

Interesting technique Lovely effect

Jean Z said...

Hi Sue, Beautiful card, I too cannot waste anything tons of stash. love Jean Z xxx

Izzy said...

Hi Sue,

Lovely card - will definitely be trying the oyster shell technique

Good luck Tracy - hope all goes well...

Izzy

gwen70 said...

Beautiful card Sue, delightful background, will be having a play at that

marg said...

Hello Sue!
Nice idea for using left overs, I have several boxes of bits, and growing by the minute!
Interesting technique but I don't have the bits to follow so I can just look!
Hope all goes well Tracy!
Take care
Love Marg

Unknown said...

Good morning sue what a beautiful card and I love the design you have made.

Debs A xx

Sandy (tort) said...

Not sure about the coloured area for me, but the rest of the card is beautiful.
I love the look of the flowers.

Sandy (tort)

BenteS said...

Lovely effect with the background, like it very much!

Jess Watson said...

Morning Sue, lovely card, just shows what can done with a few bits and pieces.
Great sentiment.
Take care everyone, Jess xxx

Janette MacArthur said...

Good morning Sue, I love this idea for your background and love your sentiment too!
Janette x

Anonymous said...

Morning Sue. WOW What a way to start the week. The card is beautiful. I dont think i have see you do this technique but it is gorgeous and just the right colours for an oyster. I think i can see some play time coming on today and what a lovely sentiment.
Take care everyone as we have some terrible winds here today.
Best Wishes.
Denise T x

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, anything to use up the bits of card which I have in abundance is fine by me. To finish with a beautiful card like this is an added bonus. Have a great day everybody
hugs Sylvia xx

lydia jordan said...

Morning Sue,
A beautiful card, love the oyster effect and the sentiment.
Have a good day.
Lydia
X

Evis M said...

Hi Sue,
I think that this card is really pretty.
The marble effect is very delicate looking.
I will certainly try this technique out.
Regards,
Evis M.

June Horrocks said...

Hi sue love the words the card is so beautiful a wowser in fact love always June horrocks xxxxc

TOB said...

Hi Sue,
Saw this this when you demonstrated it, messy but what a beautiful result.
Hugs to all
Theresa xx

Nannieflash said...

Morning Sue, Beautiful Card and I love the technique of creating the oyster effect its really pretty. hugs Shirleyxxxx

Rosemary Stickland said...

Lovely card with a beautiful background.
Rosemary xx

Heather Treble said...

Hi Sue,
Beautiful card, I love the background and may give it a try today. I'm having a quiet day in my craft room, hopefully I will also get some more Christmas cards finished.
Thanks for all the great inspiration,
Heather Treble

Saba said...

Good Morning Sue,
Beautiful card and a brilliant sentiment, and what a result from just the scraps.
Sorry I have been missing, have a few things going on at the moment, I have so much catching up to do with the cards I have missed and all the comments.
Love and hugs for all
Saba xxx

Theresa said...

that is an awesome technique. it looks like an opal, hugs xx

sued99 said...

What an unusual background. Must have a go at it some time. Love the card.

Jane Franklin said...

Another beautiful card and technique, and the sentiment is lovely. Thank you for such fab cards Sue.
Best wishes Tracy, hope all goes well.
Luv jxxx

Kate's Cards said...

I will be trying the technique.

Elsie Smith said...

Hi Sue. A beautiful card,love the background xx

Karen M said...

Hi Sue
Loved yesterday's card with the Poppy's very apt,
today's card is very nice a bit different
Very hot here in Oz & sunny sorry to rub it in,
Best wishes
Karen M

Paula said...

That's a wonderful card Sue, what a lovely effect from the acetate and coloured glues! I see another shopping session coming up, my bank manager doesn't like you I'm sure! :)
Good luck Tracey, hope all goes well for you.
Paula x
(WelshPaula)

Beryl said...

Lovely card Sue.

Anonymous said...

Theresa says
Hi sue and lovely wilsonettes x
Beautiful card sue x I really love the sentiment it makes me chuckle x
Tracy sending you a big hug for today you will be fine I know it x
Molly sending you a hug to and give one to nan and grandad too x
Take care everyone x
Theresa w xxx

Pat L said...

Hi Sue
The oyster shell background looks lovely and I do like the sentiment, anyone know what set its from?
Tracy good luck hope today is successful
Norah hope you're ok miss hearing about your hills

Hugs and best wishes everyone
Pat

Kiraneries said...

Hi Sue, a gorgeous card. The oyster shell background is beautiful, so are the flowers.

Lisbeth said...

Lovely background. Who would have thought that the card was made using leftovers? It looks as though it was all very carefully planned. This is also something that John Lockwood talks about all the time - always thinking about a second card to make from all the leftover bits.

Lisbeth

alimecca said...

Hi Sue,
Gorgeous. Really do like the oyster shell background - it's stunning.
Tracy hope things go well today xx
Melody and Francis- sending daily hugs and prayers xx
Love and hugs to all, Alison xx

Diane Green said...

Hi Sue
This background is beautiful, I bought some lacquer the other day to try something similar, hopefully once the shopping is done I can have some play time! Love the sentiment, it made me chuckle.
Take care
Love Diane G xxxx
Tracey I hope all goes well today xxxx

magpie said...

Hellooooo Sue and the Wilsonettes! This card is beautiful. I really love the background, it's so pretty. Like you I have loads of "waste" and even if I've had it for quite a while it comes in useful somewhere down the line. What an amazing card from "waste" and I love the sentiment too. How true! Lol! "Thank you Sue" xx Sending love an hugs to you, your mom and family xx Sending love and hugs to all our Wilsonettes who are in need too. Tracy, Molly, Melody, Nan and Francis and all our missing Wilsonettes too xx Love Karen xx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue
I think this card is a stunner! That sentiment really made me laugh! I think maybe i should have it tattooed on my forehead!
Well off to Oxford this morning!
Have a wonderful day all!

Jayem said...

Hi Sue

There is something about leftovers! I would certainly love to get rid of mine... maybe one day!!!!

Jan from NSW (Aus)

Love2papercraft said...

Greetings Sue & WW! This is a beautiful card indeed! I saw the initial video and the oyster shell technique looks like a lot of messy fun :) I've only purchased the white PVA glue thus far so I can have a go at making your faux pearls on cards. No chance to try it yet. Now of course I want other colors (big surprise-not!). I've just spent the last 2-1/2 hours catching up on the last week of cards & posts. I really thought I commented on the card that uses the Charming Lace configuration die, but if so, it got lost in cyber space. Of course given the time I'm usually reading/responding, perhaps I only dreamt I posted lol. Speaking of dreaming...glad my dream sequence post landed a smile or two. Laine, the only influence I was under at the time was sleep deprivation! I wish it were some lovely wine or something. If it were, I'd gladly share! As it is, we all are probably far too familiar with sleep deprivation - most of us are just too smart to post whilst under its influence!
I've read the excited whisperings & hints of a new die launch...and Laine, I have to say I was relieved to read your post/confession about it (there is comfort in not being alone). I too had been secretly hoping one wouldn't come out so soon. I know that sounds awful! The only reason I think such horrible thoughts is that I know I'll find several, if not all, that I'll want/"need" and there are already so many I feel that way about! So many fabulous Sue dies and so little money :( That said, I know there will be squeals of delight heard throughout the house once I see them! I won't be happy once reality sets in and I realize it will be just that much harder to control myself -yet very necessary that I do. Once again, I'm demonstrating just how childish I can be aren't I?! The good news is, I've yet to lay on the floor and throw a temper tantrum when I can't get what I want! That's showing some measure of maturity is it not? I'm all for keeping the child in each of us alive (even though it embarrasses our own children) when it's due to fits of laughter or wide-eyed wonder at sparkly things, but I prefer to keep more annoying child-like behavior from surfacing. Oh well, bring on the new launch Sue! I'm evidently a sucker for torchure and must want to test the limits of my maturity, because now I'm excited about it!
Lorraine F. - having a craft room will not, I repeat, will not help you become more organized! I speak not just from personal experience either. It makes it easier to hide, I mean stash, I mean...ah heck, I mean hide the new bags of purchases. But as someone (June S?) spoke of sometime last week, you don't remember what you have - or where exactly it might currently be hiding even if you are sure you have it. Don't get me wrong, a well organized craft room is ideal and something to which I aspire, but barring an extended (not due to poor health or job loss) period of time during which I can fully devote myself, it remains elusive. I have individual things well organized up to a point, but then something comes up that keeps me from completing or staying on top of said organization...and it's downhill from there. I continue to dream and plan though - as should you! I just want to be sure you don't go in with false ideas ;). And who knows, maybe my friends and I are the exceptions to the norm (it wouldn't be the first time I was considered a little abnormal lol)!
Tracy, I'm so pleased the pathology reports came out as they did. By now you've probably completed today's appointment for the harvesting as well. I know nothing about this has been easy and at the same time you are marching through step by step and prevailing with a great attitude! You are inspirational, as are those who have traveled this path before you. Keep on keeping on! xxx

Yorks butterfly said...

Morning Sue, what a lovely card, and the background mother of pearl technique is beautiful - will have to have a try at this.
Wendyx

Love2papercraft said...

Maggie, have you recovered from babysitting? I've been told numerous times that there is nothing so satisfying as being a grandmother, and I believe it, but I also know taking care of little ones is exhausting! Lol
Molly, your Nan says you write down the well wishes from the blog and read them to your Grandad...please tell him there are prayers being said for him and your family from many parts of the world, including Colorado, USA and that he must be a wonderful man because you and your Nan love him so very much. From what I've read over the last several months, you (Molly), and your Nan (Melody), are very special, so he must be special too.
Congrats to the Wednesday card and comment game recipients! I'm sure you'll be eagerly watching for the delivery-enjoy :)
As always, I'm sure I didn't comment on everything I wanted to (because you are all so engaging, I'd like to have a conversation with everyone)! The cards over the last week have been so great...my faves were the Framed Fancy Background, the alcohol ink background and the All for You. My Daddy was in the Korean War & WWII, and like many others, he did not talk about it. He was out of the military by the time he met my Mom - so it wasn't an overt part of my childhood. It wasn't until I was well into adulthood that I began to have an appreciation for the sacrifices made & still being made everyday by Service Members and their families. Lest we forget...
xxx Rebecca in Colorado

Shirley T. said...

Hi Sue,

Just love this card - so pretty.

Much love,

Shirley T.

Unknown said...

Beautiful card today and just love this sentiment

Vie
x

Beth T said...

Love the oyster shell technique! Thanks for sharing and reminding us how creatively we can use those leftover cut outs!

Jean said...

Such a gorgeous background!

Margaret R said...

Hi Sue
Another lovely card. I don't make enough of my left over bits, but still keep them all.

Matgaret xxx

Anonymous said...

I agree...waste not, want not....my Mom always taught me. I store my leftover cardstock scraps in a bin and use them for many things....at Christmas I use them for gift tags.

Your card is so pretty...love the technique and the hint of colors.

Jan D., Florida, USA

Ann said...



Hi Sue

Gorgeous card really fancy trying this technique sounds good fun.

Hugs to all

Annx without an "e"

Berina RGA said...

Gorgeous card!! That oyster shell background is gorgeous!! Beautiful colors. Thanks for sharing.

Lynn Dalby said...

Hello Sue.

A pretty Card. I love the acetate background, I think I have seen you demonstrate it on TV. Another of your techniques that I must try. Thanks for sharing.

Best wishes

Rose in Chester said...

Hi Sue,
Such a pretty, gentle card. Love that technique and am STILL amazed how you think of all these ideas/designs. But long may you continue, I think I speak for everyone when I say we get enormous pleasure and inspiration from it.
Hope your weather is better than ours which is very grey and wet (but ideal crafting weather apart from having the daylight lamp on virtually all the time).
Hugs, Rose

Jan's Paper Flowers said...

Good morning Sue! I didn't have time to comment over the weekend so I have been going back to see all the beauty you have created. The Scattered Flowers card is one of my all time favorites! Then the Anything For You card came along and stole my heart...it's beautiful. The oyster shell technique on the Not Older Just Better card is simply stunning. Thank you again for sharing your talent!
Congratulations to all the lucky winners last week!!!
Laine, I have to agree with Lorraine F's comment on Saturday...I'll just add that I think you're a gem.
Yvonne, I hope your celebration was a huge success.
Melody, I hope Francis is well enough to go home soon and I hope you're taking care of yourself.
Molly, thank you for keeping us updated on your Grandad and I hope your Nan gets some rest. Sending you hugs. By the way, I can't wait to see Sue's new launch!
Bejay, I hope your sister's move was successful and dry.
Linda, I hope you had a beautiful day watching your husband march and that you weren't in too much pain. I took your advice and googled St. George's Hall and it is magnificent.
Wheely Bad, I hope you are feeling well enough to enjoy your friend's birthday celebration...I'm sure she'll love your card.
Tracy, I hope your procedure went well today and that you are already feeling better. You are an inspiration.
Rebecca, it's good to see you back, you were missed.
I know I'm forgetting some people. Hugs to all.

Have a beautiful day everyone!

Patricia said...

Good afternoon Sue,
Wow! a stunning card, loving that technique.
Enjoy the rest of the day
Patricia xxx

Suzzette Yandle said...

Yes, I like the greeting on this card. I also like the Oyster shell technique. I have not seen you do this, but look forward to finding the video and seeing you do it. Lovely card.

gailgale said...

Good morning Sue,
Love the marble effect on this card. Very different.

Gailgale

Bejay said...

Hi, Sue,
Another wonderful card. I have to say that any technique where I can get my fingers 'dirty' has to be tried and tested, so I'll be giving this one a go lol. I do like the fact that you've used 'leftovers' it's a trait I think all craters have to never waste anything.
Happy, wellness thoughts to everyone.
Bejay xx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue,
Beautiful card with the lovely noble dies and a fantastic background. Would love to see you demonstrate this technique!
Love Janet x
from Wakefield

KarinsArtScrap said...

gorgeous card and flowers Sue
Gr Karin

Jackie Meechan said...

Gorgeous card. Love the left overs.
Hugs
CraftyJacq
XX

Pat S Witney said...

Hi assume
Love the card and the technique that you've used on the acetate. Must have a go at the PVA with the clue.

DeeDee7770 said...

Good morning Sue. A lovely card with a soft touch of colour. I like the oyster technique you used. The Nobel series of dies are my absolute favourite. I don't know how I ever made cards without them! I would love to see Nobel ovals and circles. Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue
Another stunning card & loving the mother of pearl technique using the PVA Glues which looks amazing.
I love your noble dies & the flower & flourishes finish off the card perfectly.
Beautiful & love everything about it.

Crafty Hugs
Haze T xx

Lynda's craft's said...

Good afternoon Sue & Friends
WOW I love this technique it's Gorgeous I must give it a go. the card is stunning.
love & Hug's Lynda Brock xx

Tracy I hope your egg harvesting went well BIG HUG'S XX

Melody I hope Francis comes home soon please take care of yourself too xx HUG'S FOR YOU ALL & HUG'S FOR MOLLY XX

BIG HUG'S for friends & everyone xxx

Lorraine Freeman said...

Hi Sue, love the oyster effect but not keen on the strip down the side. I think it spoils the card.
Tracey, I hope all went well this morning.
Late today as I have a busy week of appointments. Two of them not nice.
Laine, I do try to be kind but it's not something I come across as always.I love all your tales :)
Wishing good things to all

CraftyJo said...

Interesting background, will have to go look up how to do it.

Anonymous said...

Interesting card, Sue, love the side border and the floral spray. Now shall I try the oyster technique?! See your dies are on H starting Wed evening - is it too much to hope that you'll be there? Expect so, as you haven't said.
Tracy guess it's all over by now - hope successful - will check back later.
Melody and Francis - as always, thinking of you.
Angela W and Karen M - yes, send us some sun please. Nothing but rain in west Wales for the last few days (and probably everywhere else, too). We're sinking in the mire!

'P' in Wales

Deb E Isle of Wight said...

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Myra said...

Hello Sue,
I'm home again!
I'm sorry I didn't manage to comment on yesterday's lovely card. It was so very apt and beautiful!
Really like today's too but will have to think about the mess! I can manage a bit of a mess but a sticky mess might be a step too far.
I do like the effect though!
Lots of love to everyone , particularly those going through really tough times.
Myra xxx

Maria said...

Hi Sue and everyone.
Beautiful card, don't think I seen this technique before but
must say it look lovely. Hope to find some tutorial somewhere.

Hope all went well for you Tracy, fingers and toes crossed for you x
My thoughts are with you Melody, look after yourself too x
Good to see you holding up Molly, big hug to you and give granddad a hug too x
Love reading about your shopping trip with a 9 year old, who got
the catsuit ?

Warm hugs in plenty I think to all who live in the UK anyway,
stormy and wet nearly everywhere. Take care if going out.

Hugs to all and my friends
Maria X

Anonymous said...

Really pretty background you have created Sue. Love from Jackie xx

fluffycat said...

Hi Sue, they say crafters never waste anything and isn't it just as well or we would never have seen this delightful card. Scraps/leftovers can be really useful for all sorts of things but mine never look as good as this! I love the Oyster Shell technique and have yet to try it. Once the Christmas card marathon is over hopefully I will have some time to play.

Tracy - I hope all went well today and that you are not too sore.

Lorraine F - hoping that your 'not nice' appointments are better than you think.

Frances

Dawn Holben said...

Ooh I love the marble look on this, gives a beautiful background to your dies.
And I do love making those flowers, every time I make them I am always amazed at how a beautiful
flower can come from the die. Lol

Meg Owen said...

Lovely card Sue.

Thinking of you Tracy, good luck to you and your hubby.

Love and hugs
Meg
Zxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue,

Love the oyster shell technique, but will have to wait until I get different coloured PVA glues to try it. I also love the sentiment I will be putting that on my shopping list.

I managed to pay my respects at St George's Hall yesterday, it was a very moving service and it really brought back memories of when my husband was in Iraq. "The weeping window" poppy display was amazing I got a great photo. I also managed to get a video of my husband and the rest of his brigade marching past the cenotaph which has been shared a few times since I uploaded it on Facebook lol!! I have been suffering with pain since going but considering what others have suffered and lost for us, it's a small price to pay. Plus they had curry or scouse (stew)on back at the barracks to warm us up.

Tracy I hope today went well for you, Lorraine I hope your appointments go ok. Jan thanks for looking up St George's Hall it is magnificent isn't it even better inside and in real life.
Forgot to say congratulations to the winners yesterday enjoy your prizes.

Take care everyone
Hugs
Linda xx

liz spooner said...

Love this card and this frame is one of my favourites.xx

Lesley said...

Love the oyster technich looks very different and unusual. Must try it sometime.

Molly said...

Hello sue and everyone wow I love this card the background looks so pretty an I love them flowers as well they are so pretty. Nan ain't home from the hospital yet they are keeping grandad so they can do some more tests tomorrow to see if his blood cells are getting stronger an he might come home tomorrow. Dad said he as only got till the 14th of December to try an build up more than he was last time to see if they might do the operation. I been looking at all the new dies tonight an I have picked 16 for nans list I don't no if we can get them all but mum said I can have money for my birthday an buy some of them with nan being I use them lot of the time. Thank you everyone for the kind words for grandad an if he don't come home tomorrow I am going to see him tomorrow evening an I will read all the ones I have wrote down for him. And me an the girls are making a new get well card tonight an I will take that as well. Thank you Molly oxoxox

Unknown said...

Hi Sue
Lovely card with a new background technique,my give it a go.

granny sue said...

I love the look of your oyster shell technique and particularly like the flourish and flowers you have place around the corner. SueL x

Anonymous said...

Linda Norris - had a look at St.George's Hall, too - the site I looked at also had a really old photo which shows it hasn't changed at all. What a magnificent building, and the poppies look fantastic, would love to really 'see' them. Nothing like a good curry to warm you up!
Molly - I'd like 16 of Sue's new dies too, think I'll have to do jobs for your nan and get some money!! Hugs and keep strong wishes for your grandad, hope he gets to come home soon.

'P' in Wales

Karen Drew said...

Love the background. Beautiful card
luv
Karen xx

Di said...

Hi Sue,
Stunning! I have never seen the oyster technique before it's lovely.
Di B. x

nzillingworth said...

HI SUE
VERY GOOD TO SAY MADE OUT OF LEFT OVERS. WONDER HOW LONG THIS TAKES TO DRY. UMMM I DONT HAVE ANY GLUE EITHER WHEN IF LIQUID PEARLS WILL DO? WILL HAVE TO TRY IT.
FAB CARD. FAB IDEA.
BORN AGAIN SPELLBINDER
NADINE HUG XXX

Unknown said...

Good evening lovely Sue and the fabulous Wilsonettes!

We can always rely on you Sue, to show us new and innovative techniques that will elevate our cards from average to spectacular. You know me, mess isn't really my thing but the effects of this technique are even tempting me to give it a try- it reminds me of mother of pearl or a fantastic opal, it would work really well as a background to a Christmas card...I'm a bit obsessed with all things festive at the minute!
I adore a card featuring any noble die and I too would like them in ovals and circles if atall possible Sue. I really have to get the fold over flower dies, they are so effective, I love them. All in all, a gorgeous card that would be a privilege to receive.
It goes without saying that even I can see that I am one sandwich short of a picnic, but today even I surprised myself with my lunacy- you see it's now officially canoe weather in Stirling with hurricane force gales and rather than staying home in the warmth and comfort of my craftroom doing some more cards I chose to brave the elements by shopping inappropriately dressed in a flimsy lace top, high heels and blush coloured trousers....I'm clearly still of an age where fashion is more important than common sense and decency:-) Let's hope I don't pay a heavy price by contracting pneumonia in time for Christmas! Happy days though, after five years of co habitation with my Mum I have finally convinced her to replace the dining table that was built with the Ark- it's 36 yrs old and she is more attached to it than me at times so for her to agree to part with it is a minor miracle. I think Darcey will be a little miffed when the new one arrives though, she likes to sleep on the chairs of an evening- in fact we will no doubt be subjected to lengthy stares of disgust and an absolute refusal to go within five feet of said table, I'll have to resort to some form of bribery, perhaps in the form of some juicy M&S prawns.
Angela&karen, I don't know who I am more envious of, what I would give to have a little of that sunshine right now, it's a pity you can't bottle it.
Saba, welcome back, missed youxx
Maria, no cat outfit was purchased for either of us on this occasion, but Santa hasn't arrived yet so watch this space!
Lorraine F, best of luck with your various appointments, I hope they aren't as bad as you fearedxx
Tracey, hope your fertility treatment went to plan and you aren't too tired tonight- it will be well worth the effort and discomfort when the time comexxxx
Jan, Me? A gem? You are too kind, and slightly misguided if Yvonne is to be believed:-) Allow me to bask in this glory though before Yvonne returns and shatters your belief with her character assassination of me!
Rebecca, I've missed you honey-I also feel guilt ridden and disloyal at admitting to needing a breathing space between launches....it's not because I don't want more of Sues wonderful dies, quite the opposite in fact, rather it's because my lack of self control will inevitably lead to a massive credit card haemorrhage at a time when I should be selflessly thinking of others...the chances of me being able to resist temptation are slim to non existent so I apologise to my loved ones in advance for their meagre gifts this year:-)
My craftroom is so efficiently organised and tidy that I don't have a clue about what I do or don't have, everything is so well hidden! I could catalogue everything but that would take the surprise out of finding something you didn't know you had:-)
Hugs to Molly...I wish I could narrow it down to only 16 dies, does your gran have any chores that I could do?
More hugs to Melody and Francis and to anyone in need of some TLCXXXXX

CRAFTY HUGS,

Laine1972xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
I love the look of the oyster shell technique. I must try it.
Thank you for sharing.
Veronique L

Helen Bell said...

Good evening Sue

A lovely card today, even better it was made using up scraps. I love the background effect.

Thank you to Magpie yesterday and Pam today for your kind thoughts. Not had a good day today, hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Tracy, I hope that your egg harvesting was sucessful and you are not too sore.

Love Helen x

Tina said...

Hi Sue

Stunning background, beautiful card all round

Big Hugs :-)

Tina XX

Eunice said...

Very interesting card, don't know if it is my cup of tea but it looks splendid.

Littlelamb said...

Beautiful card Sue and love he technique must give it a try.

Melody said...

Hi sue, gorgeous card I'm pretty sure I seen a video of this one before. Take Care Melody xxxXxxx
I hope your going to be putting a lot of your birthday money in for the dies Molly lol xXx

Wheely Bad said...

Hi Sue

I loved this technique when I saw it on TV and it does look like a pearlised shell... such lovely colours and (admittedly on the list) a Noble die. The sentiment is smashing. A really lovely card.

Got home, fell asleep, woke up, remembered I needed to check in.

Tracy, I hope todays procedure wasn't too painful. Sending love, hugs and positive thoughts xxx I prescribe a pyjama day, a big duvet and a treat of some sort. Go on... you deserve it... you know you want to! :-)

Molly, tell Nanny & Grandad I send healing, positive thoughts and hugs for all of you from Suffolk. The further hugs travel, the bigger they get. That's a real, true fact y'know! I know all about wish lists, mine got a whole lot bigger looking at the new ones and that's BEFORE I see them used. As soon as I see what Sue does with them the list gets added to. I can't be the only one who does that!

Jan, thank you. I had a lovely time, hugs xxx

Rebecca in CO, you made me chuckle today. Hope all is well. Hugs x

In my friends card I wrote "the definition of a real friend = someone who doesn't plaster the number 40 all over the front of the card" which she thought was funny. My friend then opened the card from the other in our group of 3 friends and it had lots of '40' stickers, '40' shiny confetti stuff flying out of the card and the envelope. We were cackling like witches, ate all the things we don't usually and Mr W brought Billy with him to pick me up, who was delighted to see his two 'aunties'. Got home, put my jammies on an promptly fell asleep on the sofa. Woke to a dog with his paws crossed about 40 m8nutes ago. Full tummy still, had a half rack of ribs where the meat crumbled off the bone with chips, onion rings, sweetcorn and coleslaw. I had the most amazing desserts I have ever laid eyes on, an ice cream sundae with loads of little Oreos in... I had to give up buying Oreos as I can destroy a whole packet in just a few hours so this was a real treat. Ate all things things I don't normally have and probably have consumed enough calories to keep me going for a couple of days! I am on a strict diet normally, I eat tasty, healthy food but wow, the treats taste so much better if you don't have them all the time!

Ok, it's getting late and I'm sleepy again now, sending hugs all over the world to land on every one of you. Theres plenty extra if they're needed. Plan to be back later today. Hugs,

T x

Thove Kramer said...

So nice card Sue, love Thove Kramer Arntsen from Bergen Norway

Txcowgirl said...

Hope to try this background technique soon, it really makes the card. Love all these special touches you add to them.
Wheeley Bad sounds like a good ole TX bbq ya'll enjoyed. Love me some ribs.