Back in the Driving Seat Again - It's been a While :)

Hi Everyone

Well it's been a loooong time since I last blogged any projects but unfortunately, life gets in the way sometimes.  So after recently closing the shop I am now back into the crafting swing of things and will shortly be sharing some step-by-step projects with you.  I am looking forward to some serious crafting time and I hope you will enjoy it :)

Watch this space and I will see you here very soon!

It's Panda-monium! - Sneak Peek #2 - Brand New Tonic Studios Jungle Buildables

Hello Everyone

It's a gorgeous sunny afternoon here in the beautiful South Wales valleys.  It looks like Spring is truly here at last :)  I'm excited about the weather but even more excited about Tonic's Brand New Jungle Buildables launching today on Hochanda TV with Jodie Johnson at 8pm.

Today I am sharing my project made using Percy Panda - he's soooo cuddly.

So here we go and I hope that you like it :)

What I Used

Tonic Studios Essentials Jungle Buildables - Percy Panda

Tonic Studios Layering Die – Celtic Dream – 209e

Tonic Studios Essentials Jungle Buildables - Leo Lion

Tonic Studios Essential Card Pack – Gentle Greens 216GSM – 788EGreens

What I Did

• Die cut two white outer shapes, score at top of one only down about 1".  Glue the two circles together at the scored area only to create your card base.
• Die cut the outer size circle in black then recut using the detailed part of die.  Adhere to base card.,
• Die cut smaller red circle from set and re-cut using the smaller detailed die.  Glue in position.
• Die cut Percy Panda from black and white card and assemble him.
• To make the bamboo - Cut 1/4" strips of three different shades of green card.  Using scissors snip little 'v' shapes down the lengths of both sides of each piece. 
• To make the leaves - using Leo Lion die set cut his fringe part out several times in each colour green.  Glue these to the strips to create the bamboo effect.
• Add the bamboo pieces (some flat and some raised on 3d foam) and then add Percy Panda with 3D foam to finish.
• Enjoy!

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

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Brand New Buildables from Tonic Studios - Sneak Peak #1

Hello Everyone

I hope you join Jodie Johnson for the shows starting on HOCHANDA this Thursday, 6th April, at 8pm for the Brand New additions to Tonic Studios Essentials Buildable Die Collection.  These sets are gorgeous and such fun for young and old.  Use them in your cardmaking, gift makes, sewing projects and home décor to name but a few! 

This time around I have been playing with the Jungle Animals and have had an amazing time playing with them.  I have so many ideas to share with you (and not forgetting the fabulous DT with their makes too) so today I am going to open with a visit to the circus :)  So roll up, roll up and get your tickets here!!  ;)

So here we go and I hope you like it.

What I Used

Tonic Studios Essential Buildable Sets - Leo Lion

Tonic Studios Essential Layering Basics – Circles – 1454E

Tonic Studios Essential Card Pack – Heated Hues 216GSM – 787E

Tonic Studios Essential – Banners – 1594E

What I Did

• Use an 8" x 8" white card base.
• Die cut the second largest circle into the centre of the card front.
• Die cut a red frame by using the largest circle die and then cutting out the centre with the second largest die.  Glue to front of aperture. (I have cut a red frame so that if there are any gaps after placing flames you will not see white card through it).
• Next using red, yellow and orange card die cut the flames using Leo's tail mane die.  Glue all pieces around aperture to create the flames.
• Take the Leo Lion Die set and cut and emboss the body pieces highlighting using Nuvo Aqua Flow pens through the die once embossed.  Layer Leo up and glue together.
• To make him leap through front of card - cut two strips of card 1" x 2 1/2" and score them at every 1/2", fold and burnish concertina style.  Glue to rear of Leo.
• Mat a red 7 7/8" square to inside back of card.  Cut three circles decreasing in size in chosen colours and glue in place.
• Glue the tabs on back of Leo to centre of inner circle layers.
• Add a banner with a Happy Birthday sentiment to finish. 

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

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Sneak Peek #2 - Brand New from Tonic - Sail Away with Me

Hi Everyone

Here is another peek at Tonic Studios Brand New Dimensions Sweet Treat Box Collection launching Thursday 30th March with Jodie Johnson on Hochanda TV at 8pm.  I hope you see the shows.

So here is my little unusual project? I must admit I forgot to take the final photo with it fully decorated....a silly little mistake that you will have to forgive... ;).  I hope you like the idea as I had fun making it.  Fill it up with sweets but make them marshmallows we don't want it to sink! lol

What I Used

Tonic Studios Dimensions Cake Slice Box Die Set

Tonic Studios Tangerine Die Cutting Machine

What I Did

• Die cut four navy blue cake box pieces.
• Die cut four rectangle detailed verso pieces from white card, two triangle pieces and two small rectangle pieces.  Next cut the light blue panels using the outer dies to match verso detailed ones.  Glue matching pieces together.
• Take the cake slice box pieces and glue to form box shapes making sure not to glue the opening.
• To glue boxes to make boat shape - take open flaps, and slot into each other with triangle points facing outwards and glue in place.
• Next to make box insert - cut a piece of card at 7" x 7" and score at 1 7/8" around all edges.  Glue to form box.  Insert into centre of cake boxes and glue into position.
• To make the sail - cut two triangle shapes to desired size.  Take a straw and cut slits in it with a craft knife then insert sail pieces into slots created to hold in place.  I used a mini cotton reel to secure to base of the boat by pushing the straw into centre hole and gluing in position.
• Decorate the sail to suit.

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

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xx

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Sneak Peek - Brand New from Tonic - Dimensions Sweet Treat Collection

Hi Everyone

How exciting to have moved to Tonic's New Home over on Hochanda!!  So many new and exciting releases for you on this launch week! 

Tune in on Thursday 30th March at 8pm for Tonic Studios Hochanda TV  debut and the exclusive Launch of the brand new Dimensions Sweet Treat Collection - The Cake Slice Box, The Triangle Aspect Box and Cupcake and Treat box.

Join Jodie Johnson as she demonstrates these beautiful easy to assemble boxes. Perfect for creating favour boxes, decorations and place settings.

Watch on Freeview 85 // SKY 663 // Freesat 817 // Online in ...HD at www.Hochanda.com // Tonic Studios Facebook and YouTube Channel //

So here is my first project for you and I hope you like it :)  It makes a fab Easter project.  Add a rabbit buildable die for a little fun.

What I Used

Tonic Studios Dimensions Triangle Aspect Box

Tonic Studios Shadow Box Creation Die Set – 1635E

Tonic Studios Three Shadowbox Insert Die Set – 1637E

Tonic Studios Beautiful Blooms Sunburst Gazania – 1288E

Tonic Studios Beautiful Blooms – Gerbera Daisy – 1287E

Tonic Studios Dimensions – Window Box – Entangled Terrace – 1563E

What I Did

• Die cut six orange triangle aspect box pieces.  Each box needs two.  Fold and glue together.  Cut four detailed panels for each box and glue into position.  Cut three sets of leaves from green card using the Beautiful Blooms Die sets, plus a small flower.  Punch a hole in centre of flower, poke leaves through holes.  Bend the bottom tip and glue under the flower.  Add this to the top of each box on one side of flap only.
• Die cut two shadow boxes in brown.  Fold and glue one box together (long sides first).
• Take the second die cut piece and using a small square die, cut three evenly spaced apertures.  then fold and glue box together.
• Cut two pieces of brown card the length and height of the box and two pieces the width and height of the box. 
• Glue the long panels to the long sides of aperture box shadow part facing upwards,  Turnover and glue the second box to the panels with the shadow part of box facing up.  Add the shorter panels to each end.
• Cut the detailed frame from insert set plus a plain frame.,  Glue together and add to top edge of aperture shadow box .  Decorate outside of box using the detailed dies from the Bendy Card set and the beautiful blooms. 
• When all finished sit the carrot boxes into the apertures to stand up.

We hope you have been inspired.

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for

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xx

Sneak Peek - Tonic Studios Brand New Dot and Drops Dies

Hi Everyone

Here's another Sneak Peek this time showcasing the Brand New Dot and Drop Dies.  I don't know about you but I find it hard to apply my dots with even gaps!  But these new dies are great to make this so easy and the designs are fabulous.  They surely will add that special professional looking finish to your projects.

Join Jodie Tonic Johnson on Create & Craft TV this Monday 20/3/17 8am.

What I Used

Tonic Studios Dot and Drop Dies

Tonic Studios Large Layering Die – Ornate Frame – 1111E

Tonic Studios Miniature Moments Die – Sent with Love – 1254E

Tonic Studios Beautiful Blooms - Sweet Melia – 1286E

Tonic Studios Nuvo Crystal Drops Collection – Ebony Black – 650n

Tonic Studios Tangerine Die cutting Machine - 147E

Tonic Studios Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive – 200N

Tonic Studios Nuvo Aqua Flow Pens – Autumn Woodland – 890N

What I Did

• Create a 7" square black card blank layer with green card.  Next cut a square of scrapbook paper.
• Use one of the dies to add dot impressions onto top scrapbook paper layer. 
• Distress the edges of the papers with a thread cutter and then add a little Aqua flow Black ink using a piece of foam around the edges.
• Cut two tag shapes using the smaller dies in the Ribbons and Bows Die Set.  Distress with the thread cutter and add ink around the edges.  Die cut the dot and drop placement into one tag.
• Take Nuvo Black Gloss Drops and dot over all marked areas created by dies.  Leave to dry.
• Once dots are dry mount the square onto card front and attach the tags.
• Die cut a frame from green card using the Ornate Ovals dies and also a fancy frame in black card.  Add 3D foam pads to rear of layered frame and attach to card front.
• Die cut the greeting from black and yellow card, shadow and add to card,
• Die cut some flowers from yellow card and tone down with the Aquaflow pens.  Die cut the leaves and add some veins using a ball tool.
• Build the flowers and add them to the card front to finish.

The unique Dot & Drop dies offer both a decorative design and a handy guideline for using your Crystal, Glitter, Jewel and Glow Drops. The beautiful swirling patterns, strips and corners provide accurate placement for these Nuvo products, transforming your creations into something special. By placing a drop on each deboss mark..., you can easily achieve a perfect finish to your card or paper craft project. Where there’s a dot, place a drop!

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

Popping By

xx

Sneak Peek - NEW from Tonic Studios - Rococo City Scenes Die Sets

Hello Everyone

I hope you can join Jodie Tonic Johnson on Create & Craft TV this Monday from 8am for Tonic Studios Brand New Rococo City Scenes together with Dot and Drop Die Sets and Glow in the Dark Drops.  A lot for you all in one set of shows!  Wow!

Introducing the brand new Rococo City Scene die sets and stamps, perfect for your travel based cards and projects.

• These dies are perfect centrepieces for jetsetters
• Featuring well known landmarks and features
• Highly Illustrated die sets that are perfect for focal points of card projects.

Today I am sharing a little Rococo City Scenes Die Set project and I have chosen the London Landmarks set to work with.  So let's have some fun..... :)

What I Used

Tonic Studios Rococo Travel Die Set - London Landmarks – 1628E

Tonic Studios Rococo Travel Die Set - City Skyline – 1631E

Tonic Studios Jetsetter Passport Stamp Sets

Tonic Studios Dimensions – Kings Cross – 765E

Tonic Studios Essential Card Pack – Gracious Grey 216GSM – 790E

Tonic Studio Funky Glue 29.5ml – 421E

Tonic Studios Tangerine Die Cutting Machine - 147E

Acetate

    

What I Did

• Using the Kings Cross Bag die cut it twice in dark grey card.  Stamp the chosen images in black in onto bag pieces and assemble bag.  Line the inside top, base and sides with printed or stamped paper.  Add handle and embellishments to corners.
• Die cut two cityscape pieces one in black and the other in dark grey.
• Die cut Tower Bridge in mid grey, London eye and The Gherkin in pale grey and Big Ben in a stone colour.
• Cut 5 strips of acetate at 3/8" wide by width of bag plus 1/4" tab at either end of this strip.
• Tape the die cut pieces onto the acetate strips.
• Next arrange and attach the strips into the bag base using DS tape on tabs.
• Using the Jetsetter/Passport stamps, stamp chosen words and cut out.  Also stamp the plane in black, cut out and add to bag lid in background.

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

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xx

Sneak Peek #3 - NEW Tonic Studios Shadow Box Creation Die Set - Beach Hut Drawers

Hello Everyone

Hope you are liking all the Sneak Peeks from me and the Design Team at Tonic Studios - we absolutely love these sets!

Today I am sharing a project I made using the Shadow Box Die Set but this time I have made a set of drawers. It will make a great gift filled with chocolate....mmmmmm but maybe that is just me though...lol

So let's start.......

What I Used

Tonic Studios Shadow Box Creation Die Set - 1635E

Tonic Studios Gingerbread House Die Set - 747E

Tonic Studios Essentials – Attraction Simple Type – Upper Case – 1682E

Tonic Studios Cotton Papers

Tonic Studios Craft Perfect Card - Ivory White A4 216gsm – 9015E

Tonic Studios Funky Glue Pen - 421E

Double-Sided Scrapbook Papers

Wooden Buttons

What I Did

• Die cut three Shadow Boxes from your chosen paper - I used double-sided scrapbook paper so that the inside of the boxes were lined.  Glue each of the long sides first and then glue the short ends into place to form your boxes.
• Cut the beach hut front and back pieces from the scrapbook paper using the Gingerbread House Die Set.  Then cut strips of paper for the side walls and the roof. Glue the pieces together to form the hut.  Cut a mat with the coordinating die from Gingerbread House set.
• To make drawer wraps - here I used a box making scoreboard on the bottom right-hand side.  Cut a piece of card at 3 7/8" x 10".  Each time you score, fold and butt the fold against board edge. Score at 5/8" - 5/8" - 7 1/8" - 5/8" - 5/8".  Cut another piece of car to 3 7/8" x 7 1/8" and glue into position to form box wrap.  Repeat this three times then glue one on top of other to form chest of drawers.
• Cut card and decorative paper to size for the sides and top of the drawers holder and glue into position.  This will make it nice and firm.
• Take some pale blue card and tear a piece to fit across left-hand corner.  Glue to top of drawer unit.  Next use some sand coloured card and tear a piece to fit the corner slightly smaller than the blue piece.  Glue in place.
• Add Beach Hut to top of drawer unit. 
• Glue some buttons onto drawer fronts as handles.
• Die cut some letters from the alphabet set, shadow and add to top of drawers.
• To finish add some art stones, small shells etc (which I didn't have in my stash!)
• Enjoy!

Sneak Peek Two - NEW Tonic Studios Shadow Box Creation Die Set - In the Past Frames

Hello Everyone

I'm back with another Sneak Peek of the NEW Tonic Studios Shadowbox Creations Dies Set - it is so versatile.  You create cards, frames, boxes and draws to mention a handful.

Today I am sharing my In the Past Frames - this project is ideal for a really special Mother's Day or birthday project and it is so easy to make with this set of dies as you have everything you need to add those gorgeous professional finishing touches.

So let's get started.......

What I Used

Tonic Studios Shadow Box Creation Die Set - 1635E

Tonic Studios Shadow Box Insert Dies Set

Tonic Studios Craft Perfect Card - A4 216gsm – Bright White - 9016E

Tonic Studios Funky Glue Pen - 421E

Tonic Studio Layering Butterfly Die Set – 530E

Green and Pink Spotty Card

Vintage Pictures

Pink Plain Card

What I Did

• Cut two shadowboxes in pink spotty and two in plain pink card.  Glue to form frames - construct the frame by sticking the long sides first, then the shorter ones in place. 
• Cut four detailed insert frames from the brilliant white card keeping the cut out centre pieces for later.  Also cut two solid spotty frames and two solid pink frames.  Glue the detailed frame pieces to the solid frames. 
• Next cut three 1" wide strips of card from scrap left and score down the length at 1/2" and fold in half.  Glue the left-hand side of the folded strip to the right-hand side of a spotty box.  Then glue the second half of the strip to the front left-hand side of a plain pink box.
• To attach the third spotty box repeat the step above but glue to the back of the boxes.  Then the last strip will repeat and glue to the front again.  The boxes will now concertina fold.  Cut pink spotty rectangle panels to fit rear of boxes so that the strips are covered on the back of the project.
• To cover the glued strips adhere the decorative frames to the front of the boxes.
• Take the brilliant white rectangles that were removed from the detailed frames earlier, and glue them inside the boxes.
• Cut two of the detailed inner panels from plain pink card and two solid panels from the green spotty card.  Choose the images you want, glue to rear of picture apertures.  Glue the green spotty card to the rear of the inner aperture panel and add to inside of boxes.
• Cut two ovals out to act as a vase base.  Die cut the flowers from the new sets, layer together to form the flower heads.  Die cut the leaves.  Glue in position and add butterflies to finish.
• Enjoy!

Sneak Peek - Tonic Studios - NEW ShadowBox Creation Dies Set - For Dad

Hi Everybody

Tonic Studios have done it again with the Brand New Shadowbox Creations Die sets.  It's a whopper of a die with loads in the pack.  There is a total of 38 dies some cut and some deboss - brilliant!  Join Jodie on Friday 3rd March at 9am on Create & Craft TV.

This incredible bundle contains 38 craft dies, including:

• 1 frame base die
• 8 deboss sentiment dies
• 2 ribbon slit dies
• 9 deboss decorative element dies
• 12 mini layering dies designed to perfectly cut your photos for use with our Shadowbox Insert Die Sets
• 4 hanger / stand dies
• 2 full cut decorative element dies

So I thought I would start my sneak peeks with an easy one just for Dad :)

What I Did

• Take the shadow box die and cut out in your chosen double-sided scrapbook paper or card stock.  Once cut fold on score lines, burnish and glue together starting with the longest sides first.  Then glue the short edges to form the box frame.
• Next take some black cardstock, cut the largest outer edge die, then place the verso detailed frame on to it and cut the centre of the panel out using the next rectangle down in size.
• Using the flower dies from the insert die sets, cut out as many as you need together with the small leaves die from the shadow box die set.
• Die cut from the alphabets D-A-D from black card.  Remove the letters from centres and put to one side.  Gild with Indian Gold Embellishment Mousse.  Put DS Tape across the back of the gilded letters and then return the centres of the letters.
• Gild the detailed frame and the flowers using in Indian Gold.
• Out of black card, cut the smaller rectangle die from the insert set.  Next die cut man panel out from the right-hand side of panel and trim the other side away with a craft knife.
• Cut out the centre rectangle from ivory card and glue inside the shadow box.
• Add the man panel to inside of box. Put 3D foam onto the rear of the letters and stick in positon inside the box.
• Glue the gilded frame in place on top of box edge, add the flowers and leaf detail.
• Lastly cut a card stand from black and add to the back of the box so that it stands up.

What I Used

Tonic Studios Shadow Box Card Die Set

Tonic Studios Shadow Box Inserts Die Set

Tonic Studios Man Panel Die Set

Tonic Studios Novo Embellishment Mousse - Indian Gold

Tonic Studios - Glue Pen

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

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xxx

Olivia Owl in the Clouds - Tonic Studios NEW Woodland Buildables

Hi Everyone

Today I am sharing another little project with you using Tonic Studios NEW Woodland Buildables.  I am using Olivia Owl this time and I think she has so much attitude!…. lol

So let's get started....

What I Did

• Take an 8" square white card.  Cut a 7 3/4" square of green card and a 7 1/2" square of pink card and glue to the front of the card.
• Cut a 7" square of pale blue card and add to card base.
• To make the clouds use the long cutting edge from the Floral Strip set.  Place cutting strip onto white card and cut.  Then flip the die to the opposite side and cut again.  Trim cloud shapes to suit.
• Stick clouds in position on card front.
• Next die cut and emboss three of the tummy area and lightly ink around the edges.  Then cut the large body shape from pink gingham card and glue one tummy piece to the bottom of the body.
• Die cut the feet and beak from patterned papers.  Stick the feet on.
• Cut the eyes from white and pink card, eyelashes and pupils in black.  Glue the eye pieces together.
• Cut the glasses in green card.
• Add the eyes, then the beak and glasses to owl's body using 3D foam pads to add dimension. 
• Glue the remaining tummy pieces to the body sides to make the wings.
• Die cut the banner and greeting and glue together. 
• Stick owl into place and add banner to finish.
• Enjoy!

What I Used

Essentials – Buildables – Olivia Owl – 1591E

Essentials – Banners – 1594E

Essentials – Flower & Heart Strip Die Set – 1555E

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

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Sneak Peek Two - Tonic Studios Brand New Buildables Dies Sets - Time to Sleep Canvas

Hi Everyone

I have another sneak peek for you today showcasing the wonderful NEW Buildables Die Sets from Tonic Studios.  I just can't put them away!  So today I thought we would do a little 8" x 8" canvas project using the gorgeous Hedgehog from the collection - he is soooo sweet :)

So let's get started.....

What I Did

• Take an 8" x 8" canvas and using the Nuvo Embellishment Mousse in Spring Green add a little colour all over background.
• Next take some distress ink - Mustard Seed first, then Candied Apple lightly over corner edges.
• Cut out the leaves, whole base leaf and the verso leaf too,  using the Autumn Die Collection Die Sets.
• Using distress inks in Mustard Seed, Ripe Persimmon, Candied Apple and Aged Mahogany and cut and dry foam (or ink blending tools) colour the leaves.  Once dry glue leaf pairs together.  The twig bits are from the verso leaf cut coloured with Vintage Photo ink.
• Using a hot glue gun add leaves to centre of canvas front.  Put aside.
• Die cut the pieces needed for the Hedgehog, glue together.  Shape the cute one you now have to round him up a little and attach to centre of leaves.
• Now he is ready to sleep ..... awwww!
• Enjoy!

What I Used

Tonic Studios Buildables Die Set

Tonic Studios Autumn Die Collection

Tonic Studios Nuvo Embellishment Mousse - Spring Green

Distress Inks - Mustard Seed/Ripe Persimmon/Candied Apple/Aged Mahogany/Vintage Photo

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

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xxx

Sneak Peek at Brand New Tonic Studios Buildable Die Sets - Betty Bunny Wreath

Good Evening Everyone

Mandy-Jane here.  I've been wrestling with Blogger tonight but I think I have won the battle...well for tonight anyway..lol

I am always excited about new Tonic's New launches but this is so very exciting as I love, love, love this new collection and you will too.  Don't blame me for your bank balance tumbling as I sure you will want them all.  So very versatile whether you are using card, cork, fabric etc. You'll have an amazingly cute project.  So let's get started!

What I Did

• Took some hessian fabric and cut it into strips.  Then pull some of the outside threads away to fray edges. 
• Next using a hot glue gun (be careful not to burn your fingers please) glue a strip to the rear and wind around the wreath base adding more strips until the whole wreath base is covered.
• Next cut Betty out using grey, white and coral pink Craft Perfect Card. ** The face and the tummy panel are the same die piece.
• Glue the tummy panel to large body piece and the rear of body and add tail on.
• Take some 3D foam pads and add to back of paws.
• Make up the nose part using foam pads on rear.  Stick this to face head shape.  Cut the eyes out and glue into place.  Add the ears. 
• Add foam pads to bottom rear of head and attach to body.  So cute!
• Using the Birthday Banner Die Set - cut the small size banner and the side tail pieces. Glue together.  Die cut the Happy Birthday from banner set and add to front.  Glue in place.
• Make some flowers using your favourite floral dies - I have used the Beautiful Blooms sets.
• Decorate to finish.
• Enjoy!

                                                                   

What I Used

Tonic Studios Betty Bunny Buildable Die Set -

Tonic Studios Birthday Banner Die Set -

Tonic Studios Beautiful Blooms Die Set -

Tonic Studios Craft Perfect Card - Coral Pink and Bright White

Tonic Studios Essential Card Pack -

Tonic Studios Build A Wreath Bases -

Hessian FabricHot Glue Gun

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

Popping By

xxx