Exciting news...

I've been published in Papercrafts Magazine's special stamping magazine, 'Stamp It!'  And I am thrilled.  I never imagined when I started making cards 16 months ago that I'd end up INSIDE one of the magazines I was devouring for inspiration...  I still can't quite believe it.  I probably won't fully believe it until I see the magazine in the flesh :)  Can't wait for it to arrive on my doorstep...
 
And the icing on the cake is the fact that the card is my first EVER digital creation: Birds on a Branch, using my all time FAVOURITE digi image - Vintage Skyland Birds.

Supplies: Vintage Skyland Birds. Image, Stamp and Notecard- Hero Arts; Paper - Little Yellow Bicycle.

Thank you Papercrafts - I am honoured.

 And I've been meaning to do this for ages... so:
I get lots of questions about my cards, and although I try to email people with the answers, I know I probably miss a few.  So I thought I'd post a list of a few of the most commonly asked questions and my answers.

1.  What products do you use for printing digital images and papers:

      I just have a regular Epson colour printer, designed for photo printing.   I usually use cheap, white cardstock - what ever's cheapest - but recently I've been using some ultra smooth, quality 120gsm cardstock from an office supply store, and I've noticed a difference.  It really helps with coloring images in too.  So although I like to save money (and spend it on pretty products instead) I am now realising that it's worth spending a bit more for a smoother finish.

 2.  How do you keep stitching so straight:

      Thanks! Truth is, I am not sure.  I have my machine switched to a slow setting, and I just watch the foot like a hawk...  I often turn the side knob manually rather than using the foot control - it takes time, but gives a much neater line.  If I can ever bring myself to make another video, I will do one on stitching.

3.  How do you finish the inside of your cards:

     Honestly... I don't.  But my favourite tip is to sew everything before sticking to the cardbase.  This means nothing shows inside.  But generally, I don't really mind a bit of neat stitching showing in the card.  It's nice to have that handmade touch ;)

4.  What string do you use:
The string I use on pretty much EVERY card (very boring...) is just crochet thread.  I bought a ball of thread for about £2 ($3) and it will last me forever I think. Love it.

And finally today... the winner of my last giveaway never claimed her prize, so I redrew, and have a new winner:
JILLIAN FOSTER. Email on its way Jill.