STITCHES CARDS - part two

........and here are two more examples of the Stitches cards from Regal Craft Cards!  (See last week's post)

TWO DIFFERENT "STITCHES" CARDS

STITCHED CARDS FROM REGAL CRAFT CARDS

I probably don't need to write too much about how to make these cards because a close look at the photos will tell you how they have been made.

Janet (top card) has collected  a variety of themed items to make a baby card, whilst Maz has fussy cut and shaped some patterned paper for her thankyou card.

Both have used Regal's "Desert Haze Stitches card" (XTH2) as a base.  I think I've probably mentioned before how versatile these cards are.  You can achieve a very effective result  in quite a short time as well as using up a lot of those little bits and pieces kept "just in case."

This is also a great card to make with young crafters or beginners as a great result is almost guaranteed.

Chose a theme and have fun!

STITCHED CARD

Regal Craft Cards make these nifty "stitched" cards already printed so that you can get straight to the fun part and decorate them.

Tania has selected black and gold as the dominant colour theme, which matches very well with the flax base card. and has put her nesting dies to good use to add the decoration.

These cards are a great way to use up all those little pieces of paper that you just can't bear to throw away, and can be modified to suit the interests of the receiptient of the card.  Someone who enjoyed sewing for instance could have a card with pins, needles, fabric scraps, buttons etc.  Someone who enjoyed woodwork might enjoy nails, washers, die-cut tools etc.

Why not buy a pack and have some fun!

MORE PRETTY PICKPOINT CARDS

PICKPOINT CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS

You might just have time to make these before Christmas if you start right now, but if not, if you have some time to relax in the next few weeks. why not get started super early for next year.  All the supplies are available from Regal.

A big thankyou to Sandra Bell, who has generously allowed me to share her beautiful work throughout the year.

PRETTY PICKPOINT CARDS

Some bonus cards this week - more lovely pickpoint examples of Sandra Bell's work - this time with beads as well as colourful metallic stitching.

These cards are perfect for very special friends at Christmas but could be given for a number of occasions, or even made and framed for yourself!

Regal has a choice of two Beading and Stitching books by Rikki Showell, if you'd like to try this technique!

ROMANTIC CALENDAR AND GEOMETRIC STITCHED CARDS

ROMANTIC CALENDAR CARD

Not one, not two but four cards today!  Three of them, of course are more of Sandra Bell's beautiful stitched designs - with a geometric theme this time.  Sandra's use of colour is, as usual, quite striking, and she has used square cards from Regal Craft Cards as a base.  These designs could clearly be adapted for most occasions,

The "other" card this week is also from Regal (XSTE1 - Centre Stepper), as is the little calendar (which as you can see, is for next year).  The card has been decorated with patterned paper and little grey Couture Creations pearls, a topper from Darkroom Direct and some handmade paper flowers with die-cut flourishes to finish.  This would be great for an anniversary, or just to sit on your own desk at home!

GEOMETRIC PICKPOINT

TWO FLORAL CARDS

PICKPOINT FLORAL CIRCLE

There are two very different cards on show today.  Both have a floral theme, and both would be suitable for a wide variety of occasions  I have to also somewhat apologise to both the ladies who made these for the rather dodgy photos,a s I'm very aware that I have done neither of them justice.

Marilyn has used a Sparklelight sticker as the centrepiece for her card.  She had placed a ribbon behind it which she's gathered together and secured at the front before adding a decorative silver flower.  Note how the ribbon is also stuck down behind the edges of the handmade embossed paper topper, which is in turn backed on red card which is echoed in the colour of the ribbon on the card and that pictured in the sticker.  The base card is called "Garden Green" and comes from Regal Craft Cards.

The top card is another lovely example of Sandra Bell's pickpoint work.  The base is a square card from Regal, edged with a gold border sticker. Note the effective  choice of green for the leaves and a variegated metallic thread for the flowers.  This would be a beautiful card for a wedding, engagement or special birthday.  There is space in the middle to add a greeting if desired.

PARCHMENT and PICKPOINT

SIMPLE PARCHMENT CARD

Parchment craft is often portrayed as really complicated and as something that can only be done with a huge selection of tools.  It certainly can be that way, and Regal Craft Cards do stock a great range of tools for the advanced crafter.

It doesn't have to be that way, however, and this example shows what is possible for the first time crafter, requiring only a piece of parchment paper, a white pen, an embossing stylus and a soft rubber mat.  The pattern comes from Embossing Paper the Easy Way (available from Regal).  Just trace the picture with a white pen, when the ink is dry turn it over, retrace and add detail with the embossing stylus.  Add an insert and you're done.  

Balance out the weight of the outer card and insert so that it will stand up e.g. thin parchment with thick insert etc.  There are many ways to attach the insert to the outer card.  A little double sided tape on the inner back panel will do the trick, but for this example I've chosen to tie it together with some 3mm satin ribbon.

As a bonus this week, we have some more of Sandra Bell's lovely pickpoint cards, made with a variety of coloured metallic threads which give the design a special lift.  The last three designs are from the Garden Flowers design sheet (PPF11)

FOUR PICKPOINT CARDS

THREE PICKPOINT CARDS

THREE PICKPOINT CARDS

I featured some of Sandra Bell's lovely pickpoint cards some time ago.

Her attention  to detail and interesting use of colour mean that I'm always keen to see more of her work.

Fortunately when Sandra brought in a collection of her cards last week she said that she would be happy for me to share them on the blog.

If you enjoy pickpoint (patterns are available from Regal Craft Cards), then some ideas to "borrow" include the use of a variety of metallic threads to complete each pattern and a sewn greeting.  Two different ways have been used to mount the work - the first card is sewn on a textured three panel card (PT1), whilst the other two have been sewn onto cardstock and then mounted onto the top of singlefold cards.  (Note the rounded corners)

I've just posted a photo of just three of Sandra's cards this week, but keep looking back over the next few weeks for more examples!

BUTTERFLY ANNIVERSARY CARD

BUTTERFLY ANNIVERSARY CARD

The photo doesn't really do justice to this card, which is much prettier, and certainly a great deal shinier in "real life".

The leaf border and greeting have been sewn on using part of a pickpoint pattern.  Embossed lines have added subtle detail (I used a score board for a nice deep impression).  The butterflies are from a die-cut Sparklelight sheet, I've raised the wings of the bottom one to add dimension.  Six little rhinestones in two groups of three finish the card.

The base is a plain black singe fold from Regal Craft Cards, which is also where the other "ingredients" were sourced.
I've added a purple insert to pick up the colour of the rhinestones, thread and lower butterfly.

VICTORIAN NEEDLEWORK BOXES

Regal Craft Cards make the cardboard bases for these ever so useful needlework boxes.  Sharon and Marilyn have both made examples.

As you can see, the boxes open out when the lid is removed (a bit like an explosion card) to reveal a number of panels on which needles, pins and suchlike can be stored, as well as a little cube in the middle for your thimble.

Its not strictly speaking "a card" but its a great handmade gift to go with your handmade cards!

STITCHED CHRISTMAS CARDS

 I have three more lovely stitched cards by Sandra Bell to share with you.  If you started right now, you might be able to finish a couple of your own by Christmas.....but if not, why not add it to your "New Year's Resolution" list for next year!!!

Thanks again Sandra for allowing me to show others your beautiful work!

EMBROIDERED CHRISTMAS CARDS

EMBROIDERED CANDLES

 Sandra Bell made these delicate cards from the book Embroidery on Paper:  Alphabets and Festive Motifs by Joke and Adriaan De Vette. (Available from Regal Craft Cards).  Her care and attention to detail are obvious.

Sandra has used a variety of metallic threads and added small red star stickers to decorate these cards, obviously destined to very special people.

PINE CONES

BELLS

BEADED CHRISTMAS STARS

BEADED CHRISTMAS STAR

As Christmas draws nearer we know you are looking for extra card ideas, so from now until Christmas, I'll do my best to at least occasionally pop up some extra cards through the week.

The first Bonus posting is of cards embroidered by the very talented Sandra Bell.  The patterns are from Embroidery on Paper - Alphabet and Festive Motifs by Joke and Adriaan De Vette, available from Regal Craft Cards.

I've had the good fortune to see these cards "in reality" and believe me, they are as neat, as they appear on the screen, and even more beautiful as the metal threads and beads shine under the light.

BEADED CHRISTMAS TREE

A SELECTION OF STITCHED CARDS

STITCHED CARDS

One of the nicest things about my job is that I often get to see some of the beautiful cards made by Regal customers, using the things they have bought in the shop.

These cards, made by Sandra Bell are a case in point.  They are so effective.  The time Sandra has taken, and her attention to detail are evident in these beautiful stitched cards, which she has kindly allowed me to include on the blog.

PICKPOINT ART NOUVEAU FLOWERS

ART NOUVEAU FLOWERS

Last week's card was a quick one - this week's is not.  Pickpoint cards are time consuming, but if you enjoy sewing and/or you know someone who will really appreciate a card like this, then it really is worth the effort.

I've used a pickpoint pattern from the Art Nouveau pack, with pink metallic thread and tiny rhinestones.  All the materials, including the base card and Sparklelight greeting sticker came from Regal Craft Cards.

Pickpoint patterns come with clear instructions so even if you are a beginner, its quite simple.

Just a hint......If you're sewing of an evening a white cloth over your lap will help you see the holes if you are sewing on a dark coloured card, and a dark cloth for light cards.  Its not a huge difference but it does help!!

STITCHED ROSES

STITCHED ROSE

I find sewing onto cards quite relaxing, although I do make sure I give them to folks who have some appreciation of the time involved.  This one, however, is one of the simpler pickpoint patterns which I bought from Regal who also made the three panel black base card.

I love metallic threads on a black background, and as you can see, not just gold and silver.  Black can, however be a bit hard on the eyes for fine work.  If you put a white surface beneath (e.g. cover  your lap with a white sheet) it makes it a bit easier.

Although you can write on a black surface easily with gel pens, I added a dark pink insert - there was no point being subtle, given how shiny and pink the stitching was!

CHRISTMAS CARD WITH THREE BAUBLES

DETAIL

A Tuesday bonus......Marlene Exton brought his beautiful card into the shop and has been kind enough to allow me to share it with you.

Marlene has layered circles back to back for the bauble, added some adhesive leaves andcoloured some metallic trim with red permanent markers to add a little shine.  She has added detail with her sewing machine, and finished the project with a rub-on greeting.

The base card is a "Natural" square from Regal Craft Cards.

THREE BAUBLES

COLLAGE CARD

STITCHED COLLAGE CARD

Here is another example of a really quick card that looks so much more complicated than it actually is.

Just take one of Regal's stitch cards XTH2.  (This ten pack isn't on their website but you can still get it by putting the code into the "special comments" box or by coming into the shop).

Add a small Kaiser pad - chose five or six different papers or elements for each cell (all of them have suitable papers and pushouts so you can just chose the one you like the best)

Finish off with a greeting sticker and.......that's it!!!

PICKPOINT DUCKS

This is the time of year when we seem to either have less time than usual or more time available.  If you fit into the latter category, you might want to make some cards that take a little longer than usual and/or try a new technique.  This duck family were sewn using the pickpoint pattern PPF16 "Riverside Delights". I've sewn it onto one of Regal's three panel textured white cards, and used variegated stranded embroidery thread.  Metallic threads make more of a statement, but don't photograph quite as well.

 In case you missed my last post and were wondering, the shop is re opening on Wednesday 02 January.