Buzzy Little Bees

Hi everyone! My last post before Easter. And it's to tell you that my two new releases are in the Boutique. If you'd like to go straight to see them, as in right now, immediately, don't-want-to-waste-another-second, you can see them *here* and *here* ... with a little Easter Treat : )

Or, if you'd like to know a little bit more about them, and see how I made my super easy, clean & simple style cards, here are the details you need to know ...

1. Mini Image Stamps ~ 'Buzzy Little Bees'

This set includes ...
- 4 black & white outline image stamps.
- The designs print as individual A4 sheets,
- as 4 images on a single sheet of A4,
- on a white background, ready for you to cut or punch out.
- Their retail price is £2.99
- The download includes each image with choice of 2 'bee' pun sentiments. And without a sentiment too, giving you a total of 12 images.

The sentiments are a mixed-typeface style, in a clean, fresh happy style. I think it's perfect for these images.

2. Colour Collection Papers ~ 'Honeycomb'
My new addition to the Colour Collection, is my 'Honeycomb' design. The honeycomb design is a classic paper design. And it is a design which has seen a revival in popularity during the last few months. So it is currently a very trendy, must-have paper to have in your collection. It always reminds me of 'The Secret Life of Bees' by Sue Monk Kidd.

This set ...
- includes a single paper design
- in a negative design option.
- It includes all 52 colours of the Colour Palette.
- The designs print as individual A4 sheets
- it is available with either White or shades of Cream.
- and it's retail price is £1.99.



The cards I've made to show my new releases to you are very 'Clean And Simple' in design, and probably simple to re-create for an experienced card maker. But if making CAS cards is new to you, I have a couple of tips for you if want to achieve professional results with CAS cards.

So I have a little step-by-step tutorial : ) And look ... no stitching!

For these cards, I have used a technique which is exclusive to digital paper designs. And actually the main reason I love digital designs. And that is, that I can choose the medium on which I want to have my design printed.

And for these cards, I wanted my 'Honeycomb' design to use as my card base. So I have printed it onto thick, white cardstock.

You will need ...
Honeycomb design printed on to white card and cut in half lengthways, to create, when folded, two blank A6 card blanks (as above)
Your image, coloured and also printed onto white card
Glitter to finish
Kraft Button Twine

1. Cut out your image so it measures 8.5cm in width, and 12.5cm in length. On your finished card, you want to leave a 1cm border around it at the top, and sides. And approx 1.5cm border at the bottom. The image will sit ever so slightly towards the top on your finished card.

2. Finish your image with a little glitter. Allow it to dry.

3. Wrap a length of Kraft Button Twine around your image.

4. Mount it as directed above, to your card base, using 3D foam pads for dimension.

And your card is finished!

My tips for achieving professional results with CAS style cards ...

1. Your measurements need to be accurate and your cutting very precise.
Accurate measurements and neat cutting are a basic to making great cards. And they are important on all the cards you make. But with simply designed, CAS cards there is no opportunity to disguise little mistakes. So accurate measuring and precise cutting matter so much more.

2. Use the best possible quality card and paper for your card.
Quality supplies are always important if you want a professional quality finish for any of your cards. But especially so for CAS cards.
For my cards, I have used 340 gsm Smooth White Splendorgel Card from Century Paper for my card bases and for printing my image. It's my go-to card. And my favourite : ) They have a 400gsm card too which I'm also going to try next time I order.

And I've used 110gsm textured paper for my insert. From *here*.It's advertised as linen laid finish. I would simply call it textured. It doesn't have the fine linen texture of some linen paper I've seen. But it is very nice, it's a great weight and I like it for inserts.


You can find the new 'Buzzy Little Bees' *here* in the Boutique.
And 'Honeycomb papers *here*.
And I hope you like them : )

Thank you all, so much, or visiting this week. I hope you enjoy a lovely, long holiday weekend.

Happy Easter everyone : )



Card Credits
Card Base: 'Honeycomb' in Goldenrod from the Colour Collection. Printed onto 340gsm White card from Century Paper. )
Image with Sentiment: 'Buzzy Little Bees' coloured with chalks and finished with Glamour Dust Glitter in 'Crystal' by DecoArt
Kraft Twine