Thursday 22 January 2015

New York Blues!








Good Morning Ladies,
Todays card was inspired by the Die Set, this is my first play with the New York dies.
I started by matting a piece of blue card onto an 8 x 8 card base, I then cut the New York Union Square die decorative section in white card, then the next size down again in blue then the little fancy centre in white and matted and layered them altogether, using foam tape, for dimension.
I then cut another larger matt in white and embossed with Creative Expressions A4 Interlocking
Circles folder, I cut a square aperture out of the centre diagonally with Spellbinders Grand squares, I placed this matt over the blue, using mounting foam tape got dimension and placed it so that the aperture was in the centre of the card, I then placed the New York focal element into the aperture.
I used Spellbinders D lites floral corner 1 to embellish the corners of the card and added a pearl to the centre of each flower.  I stamped a Justrite sentiment onto blue card and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer True white Embossing Powder and cut it out with a Spellbinders Classic Circle die,
I mounted this on top of the fancy centre piece of the Union Square die,
I added a bow, because it seemed rude not to, using white ribbon and a little piece of blue and a good old pearl in the centre.
I do hope you like the card, it is a little bit of a different card for me, but you know they say ' a change is as good as a rest'!
I look forward to reading your lovely comments,
Maureen had some good tips in yesterdays post about using half size plates with the Grand Calibur to reduce the amount of turning the handle for those of us that struggle at times, she also mentioned that after cutting a die in her Ebosser she had to finish it off in the GC which rather negates the point of having an electric machine!
You all raise some really valuable points in your comments which are so useful to someone looking to buy or advice on using a machine and I think its brilliant, please keep it up, I love also that you are interacting with each other, that's exactly what I hoped you would do,
Love you all,
Hugs
Sandra xxxxxx



32 comments:

  1. Gorgeous, gorgeous card Sandra, love the colour Blue.

    Love & Hugs

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

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    1. Hi Jacquie,
      Thank you for your lovely words, it is actually blue and white although it may not look it!
      Hope you have a good day,
      Hugs
      Sandra xxxx

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  2. Hi Sandra,
    So please do a lovely day yesterday. Maureen mentioned about the small plates she used for her GC I have a spellbinders Explorer cutting machine and the plates that go with it are approximately 8 1/4 inches by 4 1/2 ins. It's fine but still has the issue with the centre doesn't always cut through. I like it the machine but wouldn't say rush out to buy one, its just convenient because it is small .
    Love today's card what a striking blue It all looks gorgeous, how do you keep all the ideas coming you are so clever. Sorry dashing off now hit the road and hopefully have missed the rush hour on the A3
    Have a good day, will stop by later love Brenda xx

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    1. Hi Brenda,
      Thank you for your kind words, I hope you have a lovely day at Sandown Park, what did you buy, did you get any bargains?
      Take care my lovely,
      Hugs
      Sandra xxxxx

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  3. Good morning Sandra. I glad you all had a great day yesterday, as you say it's just nice to meet up with like minded others and to be able to share dies is a bonus. I am lucky that Patricia lets me borrow ones for hers. Your card to day is different for you yes, but as you say it's as good as a rest, and is a beautiful card with a wonderful layout with all your dies. Hope your knee is not so swollen, Hazel x

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    1. Hi Hazel,
      Thank you for stopping by and your lovely comment, the good thing about having a go with each other's dies us that you can decide if you would get good use out of them, I love the Lyra die but I think personally I would get bored with it, but Sue and Pat love theirs, it wouldn't do for us all to like the sane things, or we wouldn't have anything to swap!
      My knee is bearable, frustrating but bearable, my back today however is another story! I am sure I am 47 living in the body of a 90 year old!
      Sending warm hugs
      Sandra xxxxxx

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  4. Hello Sandra,
    The colours and design of this card are lovely, bright and fresh, just up my street.
    I sneaked into my craft room last night (not as tidy as yours, I have to say) and got some information on the small plates. I got them from Cardcraft-uk site. They were £13.74 and code number GC-011. I use them for small dies though because if you use a larger die there's still the problem of the middle not cutting.
    I'm pleased you had a good day yesterday, with plenty to talk about. Isn't it funny that when you're with people you like and are comfortable with, conversation is no problem. I meet a friend that I worked with in 1958, and we still talk non-stop when we get together for coffee every other Tuesday.
    Keep well xx

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    1. Hi Maureen,
      I do have a confession to make, I would be to embarrassed to take a photo of my craft room this week as it is a tip! Mrs B came in yesterday and I showed her my craft room, her face was a picture, she messaged me when she saw your comment today and laughed!
      So just imagine the 'just burgled' look!!! Haha
      Thank you for putting the information about the cutting plates I think Christine Emberson uses the half size ones too.
      It's true what you say about good friends, it doesn't matter how long you are parted when you start talking it's as if you were together yesterday, with a Paul being in the RAF that happens a lot for me!
      Sending you warm hugs
      Sandra xxxx

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  5. Morning Sandra and Hi to all that pop into this sweet blog of Sandra's. What a beautiful shade of blue you have used today, is it one of the foundation card colour's ? Maybe I should scroll back up and re read your ingrediants ! Nope doesn't say lol. I love the way you use your dies, like I keep saying - no imagination ! I have Mr L's card to make today as its his birthday tomorrow, HA last of the 50's teehee, but still only looks in his early 40's what is it with men I ask ? Why dont they sag and droop and get wrinkles, not fair : )
    Not a clue how to design his card as any interests he does have are few and far between and have been used on previous cards ! Now if he was intouch with his feminine side he'd have butterflies, flowers and ribbons LOL but as he's into books, bricks (as in historical old buildings that have 2 bricks and a door frame still intact) and walking, then Im stumped. Come on brain !
    Funny you mrntion Iloprost Sandra, that's the infusion I was having last year when I went into hospital for the week, it can make you feel right off colour with the most awful head banging headaches ever, it doesn't do a great deal to be honest. I had 4 surgeries to try and also help, but nothing has, infact the surgery left me with other major problems, so I certainly wouldn't reccommend going down the surgery path ! Live with it and adapt and hope for a warm/hot Spring Summer, and spend 9 months of the year in the warm crafting LOL.
    Well I hope you all have a lovely day, I need to visit those blogs I didnt get to yesterday then start thinking about this chuffin birthday card.
    Sending hugs.
    Lancashire Steph xx

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    1. Sorry Sandra forgot to answer one of your questions from yesterday... No is the simple answer !!! Apologies keep appearing on 'the blog' but's that's about it ! I know there have been lots n lots going on with her, but on one post it was mentioned she was off to the post office that very day. I felt awful that I emailed her but after such a long time I was so concerned it had got lost (out of the 3 special cards I sent AFTER Christmas, only 1 reached its destination and I was so cross and disapointed) so that was my reason for emailing her. Still nothing !!! Its not good is it ? That means Mrs B hasn't got her's either then ?

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    2. Hi Steph,
      Firstly the blue card was an American crafts card, from a set from C&C ages ago, (I rarely buy from them now as their prices are ridiculous and postage is just outrageous and to top that their customer service is shocking)!
      Anyway, I would love to know what design you decided on for Mr L 50th birthday card, for Paul's sister I just used my Oval Spellbinders to frame a picture of her as a baby, then added decoration and the numbers were peel offs, which I have gad years but rarely use and don't really buy anymore but a top tip to stop the lifting off (also makes them look less like peel offs ) is to put the on whatever card you are using, cover with a bit of Sue's double sided sticky sheet and a a little clear glitter or micro beads, you get a bit of textured and the peel off's won't peel off!!!!
      Thanks fir the update regarding the illprost, such a shame it wasn't any use as relief, I just don't know how you manage, you are one very brave lady!
      I know all about the effects of surgery going wrong, me bridged hip operation has left me in the agonising hip pain I had before, with the added bonus of being permanently disabled! After the sent me home from hospital with a fractured femur, that a few weeks later snapped clean in two! Useless bloody hospital!
      Do I gave your email, I could fill you in further on the prize 'thing' ?
      Very odd carry on that is?
      Pat 1st prize, nothing as yet and same fir Mrs B!
      Sending hugs to you my lovely,
      Sandra xxxx

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    3. Steph is there anywhere. I could send you private message?
      Hugs
      Sandra xxx

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    4. Sandra... Theresa, Tina, Margaret have my email, I have no problem any of these friends sharing it with you xx

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    5. Mine is. paul.riley01@ntlworld.com

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  6. Hi Sandra. Sorry I didn't leave a comment on yesterdays card but as I saw it "in the flesh" you know how much I loved it, so delicate and pretty, a real ladies card : )
    Todays blue beauty is another stunner. I really do think that my all time favourites are blue/white and red/white cards so this one is right up there for me : ) I love the corner die too, will have to borrow that one.
    That reminds me that I forgot to pick up your heart mask yesterday didn't I! Never mind, next Wednesday will soon come around won't it.
    It is so good to see more comments each day and I love never knowing what subject is going to crop up and what memories it brings for us all : )
    Have a good day my lovely. Take care x

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    1. Hello my lovely,
      Thank you so much for picking me up and dropping me off yesterday, we had a lovely day, but then we always do, I couldn't wish for 2 nicer, more caring friends! Love you both xx
      Thanks for the lovely comments too, I am determined to get you to show one of your cards on here, the card you made for Sue was a work of art, I loved it! So did Pat .
      Sending hugs your way,
      Sandra xxxx

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  7. Hi Sandra,
    I think today's card is absolutely gorgeous! It is stunning! I love blue and that particular shade of blue is gorgeous. I would buy that card Sandra!
    Pleased you had a good day yesterday.
    Sorry you couldn't find me on Pinterest. I am not very good at helping with that but Lynda has found me so you may get to me via Lynda!
    Been following with interest all the comments about GC and other machines. I would think about changing mine but only if there was a big improvement in the machine. Can see the value of smaller plates to use with smaller dies. Thanks for that. I just wish Cand C would be more honest about what these can and can't do. I thought the EBosser must be marvellous - clearly it isn't but people have spent an awful lot of money on them. My friend has the Big Shot as well as the new GC . She says the Big Shot cuts much better but she couldn't use Sue's lovely embossing folders. Anyone else have thoughts on the Big Shot?
    I love all this helpful interaction Sandra ! Thank you and all friends who drop in!
    Love to everyone,
    Myra xxx

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    1. Hi Myra,
      Thanks for your kind words.
      I am like you, I would change my machine in a heartbeat if I knew that I could change it for one that did what it advertised! Sue (mrs B) is currently using the Xcut machine, that seems quite good, it has a big knob on the top to change the pressure of the machine for different dies/embossing folders, so far so good with that machine!
      But after doing a bit of research there are very mixed reviews for all of them.
      I seem to remember that sizzix to a big machine I think it was called a Big Shot Professional or something, that had a huge cutting area. It was quite expensive though.
      Thank you so much for your advice too,
      Sending hugs your way,
      Sandra xxxxx

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  8. Hi Sandra,
    Me again - been using my brain so will have a lie down after this! Tashsgma is how you find me on Pinterest. It should then say my name is Myra ! Phew.
    Hope this helps. Love Myra x

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    1. I found you Myra and boy was it worth the wait, your cards are lovely, I seriously think we should share your super tidy, very organised craft room with our friends though! Feel free to email me the picture and I will gladly show it for you.
      Huge hugs
      Sandra xxxx

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  9. Morning Sandra
    yap you are definitely in the same "league" as our Sue and do not go and think anything else ! This mornings card is gorgeous, beautifully put together and that colour blue,oh wow! Glad you had a good time together yesterday and you managed to do some die cutting. At the moment I only have the Cuttlebug and it's fine for cutting out small dies but since I started to buy Sue's I have had such a struggle so I didn't found it fun and stopped all together.. After listening to you all I think the new GC is in the lead of the machines, now I just have to save up for one. I got interupted by my son, he passed his driving test this morning yippee ! fourth time lucky Tihi now it will be car hunting for a 6ft 4" lad not so easy to find... The healthy eating going fine, I used 10% mince, I like quorn but my husband want touch it :-) Trying to cut out bread but I do miss already :-p Hope your knee has calmed down and that Matt is back to his normal self. What about a Wilsonette's banner or we all wearing a Wilsonette badge at AP so we easier found each other ? The tickets can be bought now, already feeling giddy to be able to meet you :-)
    Hope your day is good. Warm Hugs to you and the family Maria x

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    1. Hi Maria,
      Congratulations to your Son! How fantastic, it's funny you say about his height as I have a big 6ft 2 lad myself, laird knows how as Paul and I are average height ! It will have to be a car with enough legroom, Matt managed in a Clio ok, if that's any help, also we just had a mobile engineer come to fix my daughters KA and he said the most reliable, robust little cars are the Renault Clio, which in Matt's case was very true his went for years passing it's mot every year!
      Trying to cut out bread us like torture isn't it, we recently had a new Morrissons store open and it has a bakery. I am sure I have gained a stone for eating tiger bread, as I have to have the butter thick enough to leave bite marks! I only eat proper butter, I think it's better for you than chemical margarine!
      I got the email about Ally Pally too, so excited to see it, can start counting down the weeks now, I seriously am so excited to meet so many of you lovely ladies, we always go on Saturday. So hope you can make the same day xxx
      Hugs my lovely,
      Sandra xxxxx

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  10. Hi Sandra,
    What a "Stunning Card" I Love the Colour and The New York Die Union Square Is Such A Beautiful Set, I Like how you've used Spellbinders D Lites Corners, you are very very talented.
    Sandra thank you for sharing and the very informative breakdown on how to achieve this Beautiful Card.
    I'm also having quite a few problems with The E-Bosser which
    Crafters Companion raved about, a lot of the time you have to cut more than once, the only reason I purchased it was
    With my Grand Calibur I was getting Oil Residue on my plates and in some cases it spoilt my work, even though I cleaned my Plates throughly and as much as I could inside the machine.
    I'm thinking of buying a small Cuttlebug for my Dies and keep the others for my large ones.
    I would never pay out that amount for a machine again, I think I recall someone mentioning that quite often the plates come back out and yes that true also.
    Take Great Care
    Love and Hugs
    From Sam xxx

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    1. Hi Sam,
      Thank you my lovely for your kind words about my card, also for sharing the information about your EBosser, so many people that have them seem to have problems with them, I too had the same problem as you with the Grand Calibur and I went straight to Spellbinders who replaced my machine, Pat , my crafting buddy has just had the same issue and she got a shiny new teal coloured one, I don't even know where the oil came from on mine, I kept wiping the rollers but it would put oil out at random times and as you say it ruins your card. I took a photo when the machine had put oil on my plates and sent a photo to their customer service lady, (I can give you her name and details if you want them) !
      I have a little cuttlebug and recently got it back out of the cupboard to use for smaller dies as it's two turns of the handle and you're done!
      Thanks again for your help Sam,
      Huge hugs,
      Sandra xxxx

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  11. Hi Sandra, hope all is well with you. You never fail to make me smile, your cards are a delight, I love the blue and white, and I have the New York dies and they are gorgeous, as all of Sues are.
    My shoulder is due to a fall I had, and the pain just won't go away if that was the only pain I had I could probably cope better but with the vast amounts of morphine I take I'm unsure just how severe my shoulder is as it tends to mask a lot of other pain. My arthritis in my hands started a long time ago and I have had several operations to fuse the joints together to ease the pain and stop them deforming. Anyway listen to me ranting on.
    Your cards are better than some professional card makers. I would love to receive any of your cards they are beautiful.
    If any of you have a "WHAT" shop near you they have some new ranges of embellishments that are gorgeous.
    Keep warm
    Hugs Theresa (TOB) xx

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    1. Hi Theresa, could you possibly email me Stephs email address to: paul.riley01@ntlworld.com
      She said that you have it. Thank you xx
      Oh poor you, so many of us seem to be suffering from chronic pain, I think one of the most frustrating things is when you just learn to deal with what you have and then something gets added to it, like you I take morphine, but as I gave been taking it for so long it's effectiveness is wearing off and you find yourself having to take more, then you have the horrendous feeling if you are delayed taking your morphine! You weren't ranting you were answering my question, for which I am very grateful.
      Oh I wish I had a "what" shop, is it like a cheap shop?
      I do love a bargain!
      Thank you for your kind words today and for stopping by, it is hugely appreciated, thanks in advance foe Stephs email too xx
      Gentle hugs my lovely,
      Sandra xxxx

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  12. Love the colour and the New York dies. These are on my wish list as I live deco. Also want the eternity embossing folder and and and know what I mean? Long awaited pay day on Tuesday heading to mine and Steph's craft heaven it treat myself. Might see if any New York dies in stock.

    Got the new embossed at Christmas as was fed up of winding. However, still has a dead spot in the centre despite what they say!!

    How about wearing a coloured ribbon at AP it recognise each other? Just an idea.

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    1. Hi Barbie,
      Thanks for your lovely comment.
      I got my Eternity Folder from Klassy Kards, online, it was only 8.98
      Which was a good price as they were around ten everywhere else and no postage on orders over £1.50 !
      Seems to be same story all round with EBosser, how frustrating!
      Coloured Ribbons are a good idea too.
      You working tonight? If so, I hope it's a quiet one!
      Hugs
      Sandra xxxx

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  13. Hello Sandra, Back home now and have had a lovely day. Ciara (grandaughterill) gave me a shopping list (Mum was horrified) she wanted card and some stamps. Most of the stamps were reduced, so yes they were bargains, she really enjoys crafting it's lovely being able to encourage her. The only thing is - now I have to treat her brother and sister .O dearI .'ll never have any money!
    Did a workshop with Ann Picard, thoroughly enjoyed that. It was decorating cupcakes with animals. She is such a lovely lady.

    I should sleep well tonight, feeling a little tired now !!!!!!!
    Be back tomorrow, Brenda

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    1. Glad you had a good time and got some bargains, I always come back from a show totally exhausted but wanting to have a play with my new goodies! Did you get to keep your cup cakes?
      Go get yourself a nice early night, then you can start bright and early to play with your new craft goodies!
      Sleep well,
      Hugs
      Sandra xxxx

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  14. Hi Sandra,
    Gorgeous card love the blue. I love my New York Times Square die. Your Union square is so pretty.your designe is lovely & your card's are realy stunning.Hope you had a good day yesterday with Sue & Pat.
    I actually like my E Bosser even Sue has to run some die's through a couple of time's like in today's video. The worst die was Sue's Angel die which took 6 time to cut in both e bosser & G C. But I find the M Boss Spray I showed in a earlyer post helps. My friend has ordered the new Boss & cut machine so I will let you all know how the performance of it went.
    We could all wear a badge with WILSONETTE on it to AP.just an idea
    See you all tomorrow ladies WIll be posting a card too
    Have a good eavening my lovely Big Hug's Lynda xxxx

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    1. Hello my lovely,
      Thank you for your kind words.
      Looking forward to your card tomorrow. I am glad someone is happy with their EBosser, I am guessing the Cut & Boss is the updated version of your machine as it's the same company. Is it your 'wealthy' friend who you have been helping that is getting it?
      Oh could you imagine having unlimited funds to spend on crafty goodies!
      Your badge idea is a good one too!
      Huge huggles
      Sandra xxxx

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