These whimsical teddy cards from our April issue (264) are perfect for any little ones's birthdays on the horizon. To help you achieve a professional finish, we've even designed this printable backing paper.

To complete the set, here's an additional birthday card design you can get start stitching on today! Find the rest of the designs above in CrossStitcher issue 264, on sale now. Click here to subscribe and get every issue of CrossStitcher delivered directly to your door...

In CrossStitcher's October issue you'll find a cuddly set of Santa Claus cards by Durene Jones that are as irresistibly charming as they and colourful.

There's no doubting kids will love them, but we think grown-ups will love them too! Who wouldn't like to receive a fun handstitched card in the post this Christmas? We know we would.

* Download our free backing papers to print out at home. With minimal effort you can give your handmade cards a professional shop-bought finish with a splash of patterend paper.

Simply print out a sheet at home and cover the front of a blank greetings card before mounting your finished stitching on top!

Find the charts for these designs on page 83 of our October issue (on sale until 30th October)

Send someone a bright and cheery sentiment with one of Durene Jones funky greetings cards in CrossStitcher issue 254.

Not only are they bold enough to get you in the mood for summer but they also cover a variety of occasions so you'll always be able to whip-up a perfect greetings card, even if its at the last minute!

You could stitch one for a new graduate receiving their exam results, or for a friend celebrating a big birthday with a garden party this summer? Just pick your brightest threads and get started.

* Download additional LOVE and BEST FRIENDS cards today and find the other four designs (left) on page 35 of our latest issue.

CrossStitcher issue 254 is on sale until 11th July and now available to buy online.