How I make my cards!

I have just been making some more of my cross stitch cards this afternoon and suddenly remembered I promised to show you a step by step guide on how I make them. The one I am going to show is a basic simple technique, I do sometimes vary it but I couldn't possibly show every variation I have ever made!! So here goes -

1. First I fray the edges of my stitching, normally I fray just one of two rows. I then like to back my stitching on some pretty backing paper (used in Scrapbooking) as I tend to use just plain white or cream cards. I found a nice piece of backing paper that was dark red with the words I Love you written all over it.

2. I chose a blank cream card that measured 6 x 4 inches, I used to use aperture cards and mount the stitching inside but I was always having trouble keeping it fixed together..... so now I use just plain, blank cards. I then cut a piece of white card the same size as the stitching to mount the stitched piece onto, then cut the backing paper just a bit smaller than the card blank.

3. I use double sided sticky tape to stick the stitched piece to the card, then I use a glue stick to stick the backing paper to the card. Finally with the glue stick still I add the mounted stitching to the card aswell.

4. I then add whatever embellishments or peel off stickers would suit the card. Sometimes I leave it blank here as the person receiving it has the option of framing it if they want. But this one is for Stuart for Valentine's day so I added silver peel off's that say 'To my dear Husband'. Sadly they aren't as clear as I would have liked as the backing paper is quite dark, but I am happy with the overall finish. I sometimes add ribbon, bows, punched shapes, glitter etc etc.

I finished another Valentine stitching in the week in the same style as Stuart's. I have mounted that today. This time I have used a bigger white card and added a piece of white ribbon through the centre of the card on top of the backing paper. The mounted stitching is then raised above this and stuck with foam pads. I think I'll try this one on Ebay.

As to my non stitching life.... on Friday it was Stuart's Uncle's funeral, it went as well as can be expected and at least the weather remained dry and sunny although cold. Yesterday we had a nice afternoon out at our friend's Sarah and Neil. They live in a lovely part of Warwickshire called Shipston on Stour and it is always a nice drive there through the country side and some quaint little villages. We had a lovely lunch and good natter!!

I have taken my updated photos of Johnny Depp and D for Dancer (never touched the Ballerina one!) but will post pictures of those on my next blog !! I am very pleased with both. Tonight I will continue with some cards before getting Henry back out again tomorrow!

Ginnie x