Busy days!

Sorry peeps, I've not been uploading anything recently as I've been rushed off my feet with orders and getting things ready for card and craft fayres (was at the Litten Tree in Coventry on Sunday 28th August selling my wares - was really good fun and got to know like minded people with some really great stuff on offer). Below are some pics I took of the card fayre - the photos are a bit shaky, but lets put that down to me being excited (better pics are on my MagpieDesign facebook account - take a look!)

I've got a few more events lined up ready for the Xmas shopping to begin, so (touch wood), it's all going well and I'm looking forward to getting out there and showing off some new designs

I've been expanding my range - I've been busy creating a new range of birthday cards, 'new arrivals' (for both boys/girls and twins), wedding, anniversary and Christams cards (yep, it's getting to that time already) and I've been taking on a few personalised orders (mainly for birthdays so far). But it's all looking good...

I'm hoping to expand to gift tags and items such as book marks very soon so watch this space!

Rach xx

Birthday Cards

Loads 'a pressies!...

Well, yet another evening was spent squirreled away creating cards, covered in sparkle and glitter.

My new range are for birthdays and would be suitable for young or old. I've been busy hand making all the little presents for decoration (which ends up costing A LOT less than if you bought them pre-made), so I've been doing lots of experimenting with different papers, cards and ribbons.

I will also be adding to this range (shown in image above) by creating another matching set in other colours - blues and greens, which will then be suitable for male or female.

Here are some more samples of the collection so far...

New range of cards - BOATS

Ahoy there!!!

After receiving some positive feedback regarding my baby cards so far - I've decided to try and build up different ranges so that there will hopefully be something for someone, somewhere!

I've been experimenting with all things nautical this week...well, not ALL things nautical, it's just little boats at the mo, but by using different colours/materials etc I've been able to expand the range so that it's not 'just for boys'. I'm trying to err away from the obvious stereo-types (although I am loving the pinks for the girlies), but I have tried to incorporate neutral colours such as greens, yellows and purples which would be suitable for either.

I suppose you could use these for baby showers (if the sex of the little one was a secret??!!)

Below are the cards in detail, a little bit closer up...

It's all about the boys!!!

Cards for the boys...

I've started on my range of cards for new-born baby boys, and they seem to have gone down quite well so far.

I've been using my stash of buttons, ribbons and other little bits I could find, to embellish them and make them look that little bit more interesting.
I've already taken a few orders, so things are looking rosey!

Below are close ups of them (beware I'm not the best photographer, some images may be slightly blurred - this is something I need to practise! Any tips welcome.)

New Baby cards - for girls

I've just completed a set of 4 cards for a new baby girl....a boy's selection to come shortly.

It's all very pink and girlie with lots of 'add-ons' like mini feet and hands, pink ribbons and buttons. I really enjoyed making these and can't wait to get cracking on some more. (Orders are already flying in - yay!)

I've also invested in some packaging materials which finishes them off nicely (but also protects them from grubby little fingers).

Alfie's 3rd birthday...card

Well I got my teeth stuck into another card over the weekend. We had a very important 3 year old's birthday party coming up so I got out the glue and scissors and got creating!

I tried to use a lot of different textures to make it as interesting for him as possible...to be honest though, kiddies are always more excited by the presents - but the parents were very pleased.

Job well done, me thinks!!! (I will need to practise my photography though!)

Card project gets underway!

Card Designs and the birth of 'Magpie Design'

Right, well, I've set myself a creative challenge; seeing as I love all things sparkly I've decided to put my talents to good use and come up with a range of cards.

I will be creating a large range of greetings cards for all occassions and events, hobbies and personalities etc...so hopefully there should be a little something for someone, somewhere. I hope at a later stage (all being well) to add wrapping paper and soft fabric based designs to my range of products (book marks, pin cushions, covered books etc). Sooo cross your fingers for me and take a peek at what I've created so far.

Let's get cracking!!!

I've stocked up on card, coloured/patterned papers and fabrics and have got all my bits 'n' bobs ready for a card making marathon.

After a couple of hours positioning random bits of card, and colour coordinating fabrics, I've created my very first two designs - I'm a very happy bean!!!...

The first two designs have been a bit of a trial run, but they've worked out quite well for a first attempt. I'm really happy!

Hopefully I can now get cracking on a range of these (in various colours/fabrics etc) and then can start expanding on other designs...let's see where it takes me! I've already got quite a few ideas brewing and have a few items on my 'To Do' list.

I'm in the middle of also setting up a website called Magpie Design which once completed, will host my cards and gift wrap. There will be an on-line shop for purchase. (Alan Sugar eat your heart out!!) I'll give proper details of websites etc once it's all finalised.

Keep your eyes peeled for details!
x

Father's Day Fruit and Nut

For Father's Day I decided to make something a bit rustic for my dad. I know he likes his chocolate, and especially the fruit and nut variety. So instead of just buying a bar I thought I'd have a go at making one for him. (A bit more personal that way - plus you get to lick the bowl and spoon when you've finished making it!)

It might not be the prettiest chocolate bar/slab in the world, but I got to feel like a domestic goddess while I was making it and I got to put a big smile on my old man's face. (I was also able to sample some once it was ready...chef's rights!!!)

In case you can't work it out - I tried to write DAD in fruit and nut pieces on the top.

I'm also thinking this may be the way forward for further celebratory occassions - birthdays, easter, Mother's Day, Christmas.........(hope everyone likes chocolate!)

I think it was a success. Happy Father's Day Dad xx

Blogg Off!!!!

Well in my aim to try and become more creative - I have cobbled together this blog in order to track all of the 'creative' things I've been up to!...And first thing on my creative list to do is to create my creative blog!!!