Friday, 8 January 2016

A new craft for 2016!

As I had the house to myself over New Year, I invited my sister to come to stay with me for a few days.  It had been a while since she was here and we had a lot of fun crafting and chatting! 


My sister makes beautiful handmade cards (which she blogs about here) and she was happy to show me some of the techniques that she uses.  It was a lot of fun and, as a result, I have decided that it would be nice to make a few handmade cards myself.


Over the years, I have collected quite a few bits and pieces of card making equipment (visiting shops and shows with my sister) and I have never really put it to proper use.  I thought it was about time that I put that right.  I have lots of ideas and, I really think a handmade card would compliment a handmade quilted gift!


So, don't be surprised if this year there is the odd post about a handmade card or two! I think I may well start with some thank you cards!


I have also started my 'Love Tree' cross stitch.  I started in the middle of the pattern which I believe is what is recommended and have stitched a small area of the tree trunk.  The trunk is worked in silver metallic thread, so I am having to work slowly to stop the thread from fraying.  I don't think it is going too badly so far.....


Hope you have a lovely weekend!

34 comments:

  1. I love hand made cards, I can't wait to see what you come up with.

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    1. Thank you Leanne! I am looking forward to it! Have a lovely weekend! Christine x

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  2. How fun to start a new craft! I've seen and received handmade cards and always admire how beautiful they are. Can't wait to see yours! Your new project looks pretty and I agree to go slow with those metallics.
    Cathy

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    1. Thank you Cathy! I have seen lots of inspiring ideas on Pinterest! Luckily I knew from previous cross stitches where I have used metallic thread that they can be difficult! Have a lovely weekend! Christine x

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  3. Ha ha, I didn't realise you still had some cards. I am looking forward to seeing what you do. Your new cross stitch looks nice xx

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    1. I still have lots of your cards! Excited to get started! Chrissie x

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  4. I do agree, a handmade card is always lovely. I look to seeing what you make.

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    1. Thank you Melody! It should be a lot of fun! Christine x

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  5. I used to make all my Christmas cards but finally stopped when my mailing list got too long. This past year I toyed with doing a few but then didn't want to disappoint those who didn't end up getting one. Maybe next year...

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    1. I have made a few here and there in the past and have always enjoyed it. I thought it would be a bit of fun! Have a lovely weekend! Christine x

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  6. I make all my cards, and I'm always looking for inspiration. I hope you make some pretty ones and post them here!

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    1. That's lovely Sunny! I do love handmade cards... it will be fun to have something different to do between sewing projects! Have a lovely weekend! Christine x

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  7. I am sure you will make some beautiful cards, if they are anything like your sewing, they will be awesome. Where do you find the time??? I really must retire soon LOL

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    1. Thank you Dawn! It will be a fun alternative to the sewing! Hope I can find enough time!! Have a lovely weekend! Christine x

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  8. Enjoy your new hobby, Christine; I'm sure you will create beautiful cards. I hope you can show the process here too.

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    1. Thank you Marly! It is always fun to try something different! I will certainly share them here when I do make some! Christine x

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  9. its a slippery slope - these handmade cards! I tried them before sewing and realised that its another addiction if you're not careful. x

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    1. Thank you for the advice Lynda! I fear it may already be too late.... I have just ordered a few 'bits and pieces' that I might need.... It should be fun though! Christine x

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  10. I started my adult craft journey with card making! I did it for years before i started taking up other crafts too. I haven't made any in a couple of years, i must put that right

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    1. I have made a few in the past too, so I shall enjoy trying out some new ideas! Christine x

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  11. Great! It'll be fun to see the different cards you make this year.

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    1. Thank you! Always fun to try something different! Have a lovely weekend! Christine x

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  12. Happy New Year to you Christine, It will be nice to see what you come up with in the new venture, hand made cards are so nice, i look forward to seeing yours..Doti x

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    1. Thank you Doti! I think it will be fun! Christine x

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  13. My sister is a major scrapbook/card maker, so like you I have ended up with lots of bits and pieces to make cards. She makes all her cards and it's so fun to get a special one in the mail. A friend once gave me an assortment of cards she had crafted for me to use--that was a really nice gift--good thing she signed them on the back or I would have passed them off as my own--lol! Can't wait to see your creations!

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    1. Thanks Karen! I just thought it would be a lot of fun and would make use of bits and pieces I already have.... although I have had to add a few 'essentials' so that I have what I need! LOL! Have a lovely weekend! Christine x

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  14. Christine I read this last night then fell asleep before I could comment. ;) I've not made my own card and will look forward to seeing your creations. Glad you had a nice visit with your sister. Love that silver metallic thread on your tree trunk!

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    1. Thank you Linda! It was fun to have my sister here and I am looking forward to playing with the cards! The silver thread looks nice but is fiddly to sew with! Christine x

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  15. A handmade card with a gift would be a lovely addition yes and I look forward to seeing your new craft take flight.
    Ive always thought cross stitch is a therapeutic activity, it relaxes the mind - well once you've got the centre sorted out and you start the design! So your all systems go now lol

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    1. Thank you Lyn! Yes, it is all systems go here... it should be a lot of fun! Hope you are enjoying a lovely weekend! Christine x

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  16. I cannot wait to see the cards you make. Your tree is off to a gorgeous start! The metallic threads can be exasperating to work with, but they certainly are beautiful!

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    1. Thank you Renee! I am excited to try something different! I love the cross stitch tree design... it makes it fun to stitch! Christine x

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  17. Liebe Christine,
    du hast dir für das neue Jahr viele schöne Dinge vorgenommen, ich freue mich schon jetzt darauf alles zu sehen.
    Liebe Grüße
    Steffi

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    1. Thank you Steffi! I think I am going to be busy this year!! Christine x

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