And another one!

Oh yes, another make. This time, my Father's day card (18th June in the UK) It isn't nearly as adventurous as the last one, but I still like it, just the same:

The image tag is from a collage book I've had forever, as is the backing paper. The text tag is from a scanned image of the backing paper, which I faded, and added the text to. Fading isn't too hard using standard image manipulation techniques - you can either change the opacity of the scanned image, or as I have done, create a white layer in front of the scan, and reduce the opacity of that. The first method literally makes the image more see through, adding a white layer lightens it.

The text reads:

"For a Dad who's just like an elephant;

Strong, with a long memory ..."

I don't often include info on inserts, but you need to see this to get the joke! 

The insert was made using My Craft Studio's Simply Sentiments CD - for reference, this was Bonus Square number 72. I couldn't believe my luck to find an insert with elephants on! It hasn't photographed well, but the right hand side has a faded mirror image of the left. I digital punched an oval from it to put the text in. 

The text here reads:

"... not to mention grey and wrinkly!

Happy Father's Day!"

I should mention, my dad has a great sense of humour. At least I hope he does - if my blog stops rather abruptly on the 17th June, you know why!

Been a long time coming

Yes, yes, I know, I haven't blogged nearly as much lately. I apologise, but I've been up to my eyes in cards and recovery (still off work with my poorly back). I have 2 offerings for now, but I may have another to add a bit later today.

First up, Mother's Day (18th March here in the UK). As my mum makes cards too, I always like to try something a little bit different for her cards. So, here it is ...

 I know what you're thinking ... no, really I do. That's not so spectacular. And I'd agree, if it wasn't for 2 more photos ...

Oh yes, it's a double slider card! It took me so much time to get this to look just the way I wanted it to. The tutorial came from Card Making Magic but I can't find it there now. As I type, googling " Card Making Magic double slider " brings up the tutorial as the first result, and it can be accessed in a cached form. The only issue I had was that when scoring the card (step 2) the written instructions and the picture give 2 different sets of dimensions - I used the ones in the instructions, but ended up having to trim down the sticking flap of card at the end of it. I think following the picture dimensions might be better.

The designs are edited sections of some free papers from Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine, Issue 85 here (you must be registered with the website to download them, but registration is free).

The only bit you can't see in the photos is the stand at the back - I used the section I trimmed off to create a small stand so it doesn't have to be leaned against anything.

This card was beyond stressful, exasperating, and frustrating - although that was mainly down to my printer refusing to print off high quality images for me! Once I sorted that, I had a ball!