52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge

Saturday 29 February 2020

Wild Rose Studio "Bella Sleeping - New Baby Card


I needed to make a new baby boy card, so used one of my "Wild Rose Studio" stamps to be the main image of my card.

The stamp I used is called "Bella Sleeping" which I stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I coloured the image using a paint brush and my water colour pencils.

I used a Cuttlbug embossing folder with a daisy design for the background.

The sentiment is from a Personal Impressions stamp set called "Double Sayings", stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and die cut using a Simon Says "Nested Banners" die set.

Lavinia Stamps Design Team Retirement


I have had assorted Lavinia Stamps in my collection of crafty stash for at least twelve years and likely a few more years on top of that too.  I have always loved the quality and the detail of the stamps.

For the past thirteen months, I have been a very proud Design Team member for Lavinia Stamps.  I remember how thrilled and excited I was when I received notification that I had made it onto the team and I have loved every minute of it.

Recently my Hubby retired.  It has always been our life plan for him to take a relatively early retirement,  to make the most of our health while we have it and to travel when the sun shines.  Last summer we purchased a VW camper van, so now is the time we can follow our dreams and be as free as a bird.

Unfortuntately, this dream will only work if I cut down on my Design Team commitments, so I have very, very sadly handed in my notice to Tracey and the Lavinia team.  

From the first of March, I will no longer be their Design Team member.  However, I will always be an ambassador for the brand because I love the product so much.  I will of course still continue to buy, use and blog Lavinia Stamps.

Friday 28 February 2020

AAA Cards CAS Challenge - Inchie Weekend Workout


AAA Cards CAS Challenge Facebook Group are holding a "February Inchie Weekend Workout".  The idea is that you are challenged to create a 1" square decorated tile in the middle of a white background (the white area is totally plain, no embossing or embellishments).

I used the Lavinia Stamps tiny hare called "Pipin" for the central image, stamped in Versafine Clair "Pinecone" brown ink.

I used "Tumbled Glass" and "Twisted Citron" Distress Oxide Inks for the background.  Using Arteza Inkonic fineline pens for the grass and flowers.

I then used a Spellbinders square 1" die to cut the image to the 1" required for this challenge and adhered the tile on to the front of a card blank.

Monday 24 February 2020

Visible Image "I've Got A Text" Teen Birthday Card


Today I've made a card for a teenager.  Never an easy task, but certainly easier now I have this new stamp set from Visible Image called "I've Got A Text"!

I stamped the phone in Versafine "Nocturne" black ink and heat embossed the whole thing.  I then re-stamped the phone on an off cut of card and filled in the screen area then heat embossed and adhered over the front of the phone, mounting it on black and silver glitter card.

Funky Fossil - Adventure Tag


Over the weekend, I made this tag using an assortment of Funky Fossil Design stencils and the "Adventure" stamp set.

I started the tag by tearing a couple of pages from an old Welsh hymn book and sticking sections on to a plain tag.  Once the glue was dry, I covered the printed text with two shades of Distress Oxide Inks:  Salty Ocean and Cracked Pistachio, leaving some of the yellowing pages from the book showing.

Using Versafine Clair "Twilight", dark blue ink I stamped the main image, which is from the Funky Fossil "Adventure" clear stamp set.

Using That's Crafty "Black Texture Paste" and the Funky Fossil "Fierce Words" stencil I added the words "Wild" and "Beauty".

I then used the Funky Fossil "Micro Dots" stencil with the "Blue Print Sketch" Distress Oxide ink to create the dotty look.

I used the Funky Fossil "Retro Starburst" stencil with a silver texture past to create the stars, edging them with a black fine liner pen.

I added the words "Explore" and "Adventure" , both are part of the "Adventure" stamp set.

I added sparkle to the water and to the stars by using a selection of Posca pens, Signo glitter pens and Sakura gelly roll pens.

Sunday 23 February 2020

Funky Fossil - "Adventure" male birthday card


I've had a play with a Funky Fossil Designs stencils and stamp set to create this card today.

I've used the Funky Fossil clear stamp set called "Adventure" for all stamping.


I started by stamping the mountain using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I then stamped the trees using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.  The lighter trees are secondary stamping, when there is less ink on the stamp after stamping the first darker images.

I painted the mountain area using three shades of of Distress Oxide Inks ( Antique Linen, Tea Dye and Vintage Photo), applied with a paint brush.

To create the hot air balloon, I used a red texture paste and the Funky Fossil "Up and away" stencil.  I then set aside to dry.

I coloured the sky with a paint brush and "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then layered the Funky Fossil "Micro Square" stencil over the sky area and added two furthe colours of Distress Oxide Inks - Broken China and Faded Jeans.

Finally, I stamped the sentiment using Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink.

Friday 21 February 2020

Design Team sample for 'My Time To Craft Challenge Blog" #416 - Rubber stamp (not digital)


It is time for another challenge theme on the "My Time To Craft Challenge Blog".  Challenge #416 has a theme of "Rubber - not digi stamps".  If you have a minute to spare, please do pop over to the blog and take a look at the fab makes by my Design Team colleagues.

For this sample, I have used a selection of stamps from Visible Image.  I really enjoy working with these stamps as they allow your mind to go in odd directions, which in turn ends up on a card like this one.

I started with a gelli plate background I had created a while back, so I don't recall the colours I have used, but it was originally a mustard/gold colour with water splashes over it.


The first stamping I did was the book, part of a Visible Image set called "Free your imagination", (which is one of their February 2020 releases), stamped in Versafine Clair "Fallen Leaves" dark brown ink.  

I stamped the book again on a post it note, cut around the book and used it as a mask over the original stamped image.
Using Versafine Clair "Chianti", a dark red ink, I stamped the spiral, from the Visible Image "Ahead of our time" stamp set" (the mask over the book protects the area from getting the spiral image muddled up with the book image.  I then removed the mask.

I stamped the crow on the left, also part of the Visible Image "Free your imagination" set in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I stamped the crows in flight on the right hand side, which are part of the Visible Image "Ahead of our time" stamp set, in the same ink.

I then stamped the large sentiment on the bottom right in
Versafine "Vintage Sepia" brown ink.  The sentiment is from another Visible Image set called "Where dreams take you".  Using the same ink, I stamped the word "Hope" at the top left of the card, using a stamp from the Visible Image set called "Peace, Love and Hope".


I needed to pull the eye in to the main images, so using a finger dabber and Versafine Clair "Chianti and Nocturne" I added darker shades from the edge inwards.

I used a white Posca pen, making lots of small dots to lighten the pages of the book and a Sakura gel pen for the page edges.  I used a metallic gold pen for areas of the spiral too.

Wednesday 19 February 2020

Funky Fossil Heat Embossed "Abstract Flowers" stencil image


I seem to be in embossing mode.  Today I created a card using a section of a Funky Fossil Designs Stencil and heat embossed the image.  A simple technique but a strong image all the same.

I started with a plain piece of white card.  I used a blending tool and an assortment of Distress Oxide Ink shades (Antique Linen, Wild Honey, Worn Lipstick and Ripe Persimmon) to create the mottled coloured background.  I made quite a large background and have only used half for this card, so I have a background prepared for a future project now.


I lay the Funky Fossil Designs "Abstract Flowers" stencil over the prepared background and masked off an 2 1/2" square area using low tack masking tape.

Using a finger dabber and the Wow! Embossing Pad, I applied the clear ink through the stencil.  I removed the stencil and shook Cosmic Shimmer, thick embossing crystals in the shade of "Blue Raspberry" over the wet patterned area.  

I used my heat gun, directed to the underside of the design as I wanted a smooth-ish finish (sometimes if you heat from the top it can have an orange peel texture).  The end result was a rather glossy tile, which I decided would be the main feature of the card.

Funky Fossil Foiled Serenity and MDF sentiment


Funky Fossil Designs have recently added a selection of new products to their site, including some fabulous Wow! embossing items.  

I'm familiar with normal dry and heat embossing, but I have never worked with foil, so thought I'd try it out making this card.I decided I would foil the figure from the Funky Fossil "Serenity" clear stamp set.  This is the process I used to foil the image.



I ran an antistatic bag across the surface of the card I was going to use. 

Using my Misti stamping platform, I stamped the image using Wow! Ultra Clear embossing pad.  I stamped and applied more product several times to ensure I had a good coating of the clear ink.

I then coated the inked image with the Wow! Bonding Powder, tipping the surplus back in the pot.  I then heated the image from the underside of the card initially to melt the powder.  I then wafted the heat gun over the top of the card, to ensure that the area was fully melted.

I then placed the copper coloured Fab Foil over the top of the melted aream rubbing and pressing into position.  To ensure all areas were covered I went over it with a bone folder.

When the foil is lifted the original stamped image is displayed in the foil colour of choice.  I found that I didn't always get a clear coverage of foil, with some areas missing, so I heated the original stamped image again and repeated the foiling until I was happy with the coverage.  You can repeat this process many times.

I used the same process for the MDF "Relax" sentiment which is part of the Funky Fossil MDF "Positive Words" set.

I used a mask of the serenity figure to cover the foil area, and then applied the Funky Fossil "Elegant Fans" stencil over the top, secured with low tack masking tape and applied Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" coloured ink with a finger dabber through the stencil.

Finally I adhered the relaxed sentiment to the top corner








Tuesday 18 February 2020

Visible Image "Night Owl" Birthday Card


I have played with a Visible Image stencil and stamp set to create this card for a male birthday.

I used Distress Oxide Inks (Antique Linen, Stormy Sky and Blueprint Sketch),to create the background below the strobe, by swooshing the card through the ink.  I then used the "Chipped Sapphire" Distress ink through the Visible Image "Strobe" stencil.

I used the owl image from the Visible Image set called "Night Owl" to stamp over the strobe background using Versafine ink.

I swooshed a piece of  white card with the owl image through three shades of Distress Oxide inks (Antique Linen, Tea Dye and Rusty Hinge), drying with a heat gun.  I then stamped the owl image on this coloured background using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.  I coloured the owl using a Sakura Gelly Roll pen in a copper colour.  I also added some white highlights to the eye area.  Finally I fussy cut the image and adhered it over the stamped image on the strobe background.

I used a white Posca pen on the lighter areas of the strobe along with a silver glitter Signo Pen and a black fine liner pen, adding dots of colour.

I mounted the image onto blue card and then onto a white card blank, adding a stamped sentiment using a sentiment from a Personal Impressions set called "Double Sayings", stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" ink.

Monday 17 February 2020

Funky Fossil Engagement Card (using Sweet Hearts and Diamond Trio Stencils)


Was love in the air this Valentine's weekend?  Do you need to make an engagement card?



For this card, I have used two Funky Fossil Design stencils.  In the background, I have used the "Sweet Hearts" stencil and the Wow! Embossing pad with a Wow! embossing powder called "Love Is The Drug".  

Now I found something out about this embossing powder, in the pot it is a hot pink colour, so naturally, I assumed it would heat to that colour on the black cardstock, in the same way the sentiment heated in silver.  But I was mistaken, when heated it turns clear with just a tiny hint of pink.  I then tried it on white card and it heated to the pink colour, so I will need to remember this when I go to use it in future. As it turned out for this card, I think it was a happy accident as the card has a more classy feel than it would have had it gone to plan.

For the central diamond, I used a stencil called "Diamond Trio, again using the Wow! clear embossing pad but this time I used "Wow! White Twinkle Embossing Glitter".

For the congratulations sentiment, I used a stamp that I've had for ages, heat embossed using "Wow! Metallic Silver Super Fine Embossing Powder"

Sunday 16 February 2020

Stampscapes - Nature Set 8 (Attempt 2)


I've had a further play with the Stampscape Stamps, adding a little more foliage and made in a different colour-way.


I am again using the Nature Set 8, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

I used the following Distress Oxide Ink colours:  Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Abandoned Coral, Wilted Violet and Blueprint Sketch.


Stampscapes - Nature Set 8 (First attempt)


Today I have had an opportunity to play with a different brand of stamp.  The stamps are unmounted red rubber and are from Stampscapes.  

I mounted my stamps using Stix 2 Mount n Foam so that I could use the stamps in my platform or on clear blocks.

I used the "Nature Set 8" for this card.  I stamped the image using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and set aside to dry for a few minutes.

Once dry, I used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks, starting with the lightest colour "Tumbled Glass" then "Stormy Sky" and then the darkest "Faded Jeans" to colour the image.

I added a little bit of white ink, dabbed on to the central area of trees and water to add some depth to the image.

Finally, I stamped the reeds in the foreground using "Nocturne" ink again.

Funky Fossil Designs - 15% Valentine Disount Code - You're Pawsome Valentine's Card


Funky Fossil Designs are offering a 15% discount on orders over the Valentine's weekend.  If you quote "HEART15" at checkout between Friday 14th February and midnight Monday 17th February, your savings will be applied to your order.  What's not to love about making savings on items you've lusted after for a while?


I used "Fired Brick" Distress Oxide Ink through the Funky Fossil "Sweet Heart" Stencil for the background on this card.

I usd the Funky Fossil "Pugs and Hugs" clear stamp set for the dog image, stamping it in Versafine "Vintage Sepia" ink.  I painted the dog using "Tea Dye" Distress Oxide ink, cut out the image and adhered to the card. I stamped the sentiment, from the same set using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.


Saturday 15 February 2020

Funky Fossil - 15% Off Discount Code - Valentine's Gift Tag


Funky Fossil Designs are offering a 15% off discount code over the Valentine's weekend.  Just quote "HEART15" at checkout before midnight on Monday 17th February to claim your savings.


I made this Valentine's gift tag using "Victorian Velvet" Distress Oxide Ink through the Funky Fossil "Micro Dots" stencil.  

I used the Funky Fossil "Folksy Christmas" clear stamp set for the "Love" word and the Funky Fossil "Scandi Home" clear stamp set for the hearts, all stamped in Versafine Clair "Chianti" dark red ink.

I die cut the banner shape using a Stampin' Up die.

Lavinia Stamps February 2020 Monthly Challenge - Beneath The Moon


There is still time to enter the Lavinia Stamps monthly challenge for February 2020, which has a theme of "Beneath The Moon".  You have till the 25th to submit your maximum of five entries.  A name will be drawn from all entries and the winner will receive £40 of vouchers to spend on lovely Lavinia goodies.

I wanted to create something with Lavinia Stamps that did not include fairies and animals for a change.  Highlighting that you can produce a different card.



I masked off a circle for the moon and created the background using Distress Oxide Inks, using a swooshing through Tumbled Glass and Stormy Sky colours.

I then added the green colours using Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn and Peeled Paint applied randomly with a paint brush.  

I decided the sky needed to be darker, so added some "Chipped Sapphire" Distress Oxide ink.  I edged the masked moon using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  Then lifted the mask and added a touch of "Antique Linen" Distress Oxide Ink.

Using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink, I stamped the "Fairy Dandelions".  Using the same ink I stamped the "Time To Reflect" sentiment. 

I added two sorts of Lavinia Moon Dust to the dandelions, which I hope shows up in the video clip above.




Funky Fossil Designs - 15% Valentine's Weekend Discount Code - Wild Things Card


It's Valentine's weekend!  It doesn't matter if you have a partner to send a card to or not, you can still enjoy 15% off any Funky Fossil Design purchases made between Friday 14th of February and midnight on Monday 17th February by quoting "HEART15".


I used the Funky Fossil "Wild Things" clear stamp to create this card.  I coloured a piece of cardstock with "Wild Honey" Distress Oxide Ink and then stamped the giraffe in Versafine Clair "Chianti" ink.  I stamped the same image onto a white card blank.  I then adhered the coloured giraffe onto the card.

I stamped the "Wild" sentiment using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" ink and printed and cut out the words "...about you!", adhering it below the "Wild Word".

I used the Funky Fossil "Whale of a time" clear stamp set for the little hearts above the giraffe, stamped in Versafine Clair "Tulip Red".

Friday 14 February 2020

Funky Fossil Designs - 15% Valentine's Discount Code - Love Tag


It's Valentine's Day and to celebrate Funky Fossil Designs have a 15% off discount code for use this weekend only (from today (14th Feb) till midnight on Monday 17th February) quote "HEART15" at checkout to claim your saving!


I made this tag using a background sprayed wity Dylusions Ink Spray in "Squeezed Orange" and "Bubblegum Pink" shades.

I used a red glossy dimension paste through the Funky Fossil "Full of love" stencil".  Once that was dry, I added some "Wilted Violet" Distress Oxide Ink to the top right and bottom left corners of the tag where there was less colour.


I used "Blueprint Sketch" Distress Oxide Ink through the Funky Fossil "Micro Squares Stencil" for the areas around the heart shape.

I then used black texture paste through the Funky Fossil "Distressed Diamonds Stencil" in opposite corners of the tag.


In the two empty corners of the tag, I stamped feathers that are in the Funky Fossil "Adventure" clear stamp set stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

I used a white Posca pen to add lighter areas to the feathers and also small dots between the hearts that make up the big heart shape.  

Finally, I adhered a die cut sentiment in white to the middle of the heart.


Funky Fossil Designs - 15% Valentine's Discount Code (Butterfly Wishes Valentine Card)


I know a lot of people don't send Valentine's cards, but we still do.  We will have been married 35 years in May!  


Funky Fossil are celebrating Valentine's weekend with a special discount code.  The offer is valid from Friday 14th to midnight on Monday 17th February - quote "HEART15" to receive 15% off at checkout!



I pulled out some "Funky Fossil"  items,  making this card.  I used the "Butterfly Heart stencil" and used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks through it (Worn Lipstick and Festive Berries).  I graduated the strength of the colour from right to left using a blending tool.

The "Butterfly Kisses" are two words on the Funky Fossil "Butterfly Wishes Stamp Set", both stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

Thursday 13 February 2020

Funky Fossil - 15% off Discount Cose - Beautiful Inside and Out Valentine's Card


It's the eve of Valentine's Day.  To celebrate, Funky Fossil Designs are offering 15% off their range for the weekend.


Quote "HEART15" at checkout before midnight on Monday 17th February to claim your savings.

For this card, I used the Funky Fossil "Beautiful Inside and Out" clear stamp set.

I used a Wow! clear slow drying ink pad to stamp the main image on the card.  I then used a Wow! super fine "Metallic Silver" embossing powder and heat set using the underside of the card not the top.

I painted the flower wreath using Prima "Tropical" water colour confections paints.

I stamped the sentiment (which is from the same set as the main image) using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Monday 10 February 2020

Funky Fossil - MDF Decorated Hearts for Valentine's Day


I decorated a couple of MDF hearts I'd purchased from Funky Fossil Designs this weekend.  It was nice to create an end product other than a card.

I started by coating each side with white Gesso, this is a base to put most mediums on.

I'll describe the process for the heart on the left first.

  • Once the Gesso was dry I used the Funky Fossil "Leafy Mandala Stencil" with the "Tea Dye" Distress Oxide Ink to create the subtle background design.  
  • I had a piece of scrapbooking paper with Valentine text on it.  I drew around the heart on the printed paper and then cut the shape out.  I then ripped the heart and adhered to the lower area of the heart.
  • I decided it looked too bright, so used another Distress Oxide Ink "Aged Mahogany" shade to darken both the text and stencilled area.
  • I used a "Funky Fossil MDF Key" painted with a "Multi Surface Metallic Rose Gold paint" and adhered the dry key into position over the hanging hole of the heart.  To finish I then inked the edges of the heart using Versafine Clair "Chianti" ink.
Process for the heart on the right.

  • I had a piece of textured card in red that has a look like folded leather or fabric, so covered and adhered it to the heart.  
  • Using the other half of the Valentine's text from the previous heart, I adhered it to the top right hand side of the heart over the textured card.  
  • I distressed the text by covering it with "Aged Mahogany" Distress Oxide Ink.
  • I used the "Funky Fossil MDF cogs" again painted in the "Multi Surface Metallic Gold Paint".  I also painted one small cog in a "Black Texture Paste".  Once dry I adhered the cogs on to the heart.
  • I stamped the word "Love" on the top right hand corner using a stamp from the Funky Fossil "Folksy Christmas" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne".


Sunday 9 February 2020

Wild Rose Studio - "New Baby" Card


Another new baby card made today.  This time I have used a brand of stamp that is new to me called "Wild Rose Studio" which is a UK based company.

I used the Wild Rose Studio stamp called "New Baby - CL221" stamped onto white card using Versafine Clair "Verdant" which is a lovely spring coloured green colour.

I coloured the flowers using Arteza Inkonic fine line pens, adding the pink to the lace and bed cover using a Distress Oxide Ink in the shade of "Spun Sugar".  

Using a finger dabber, I added more green to the background using the Verdant ink I had stamped with and for the sky, I used a finger dabber with "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Ink.

I stamped the Personal Impressions "Double Sayings PICSA6104" sentiment using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Saturday 8 February 2020

Lavinia Stamps February 2020 Monthly Challenge "Beneath The Moon"


On the first of the month Lavinia Stamps has a new monthly challenge theme.  The challenge theme for February is "Beneath The Moon".  

You can enter the challenge up to five times per month.  If your name is randomly drawn after the 25th, you will win £40 of vouchers to spend on lovely Lavinia goodies.

This is my first sample for this challenge.  I decided to go for a different look creating a grid background to highlight a gorgeous selection of stamps.



To create the background grid, I used plain white card and "Squeezed Lemonade" Distress Oxide Ink, applied across the card using a blending tool.  I then applied a circle mask to one side of the card.

Using a striped stencil, I used low tack tape to hold the stencil in place over the yellow background, making sure that it is positioned straight.  I then used "Spiced Marmalade" Distress Oxide Ink with a blending tool to create stripes over the yellow background.

I gently lifted the tape and stencil, then repositioned it at a horizontal angle to stripes already created on the card.  I then applied "Picked Raspberry" Distress Oxide Ink, again with a blender.  Gently lift off the tape and the stencil to reveal the grid and remove the mask.

I then moved on to the stamping.  I positioned the main stamp "Josie" the fairy, with the dandelion over the moon and then stamped the image using  Versafine Clair "Chianti" dark red ink.  Using the same ink, stamped the sentiment "Every Dream". I also created the landscape that "Josie" stands on using the torn edge of a piece of copy paper with the Chianti ink.

To create the foliage frame around the base of the card, I used the "Vine" Stamp, stamped in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.  I then stamped the "Mini Berry", which is part of the pound stamp section in "Tulip Red" Versafine Clair ink.  

Finally, I added some gold highlights to the vine leaves using a metallic pen and some gentle gold shimmer to the fairy using a Sakura Gelly Roll pen.

Friday 7 February 2020

Design Team sample for "My Time To Craft Challenge Blog" #415 "Love Me Do"


It is time for a new challenge theme on the "My Time To Craft Challenge Blog".  Challenge #415 is "Love Me Do".


For the base of my card, I brayered three shades of Distress Ink onto the white card, graduating the colours from light to dark using "Spun Sugar", "Worn Lipstick" and "Picked Raspberry" shades of ink.  I then used a fan brush to splatter water droplets onto the surface, mopping up with a piece of kitchen roll, this creates a lovely mottled look and a little more interest to the background rather than just colour.

For all the stamping, I used stamps from three Visible Image stamp sets.  I started with the grid called "Fibonacci", stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Using Versafine Clair "Charming Pink" ink, I stamped the heart, part of the "Don't Judge" stamp set.  I then stamped the same heart on a piece of patterned paper with the word definition of "Love".  I then coloured that stamped heart using "Picked Raspberry" Distress Oxide Ink and cut around the shape, adhering it over the heart that I had stamped on the grid.

Using the word "love" from the "Peace, Love and Hope" set, I stamped the word over the heart and grid using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

I decided to grunge up the edge by using the fragmented edge of a Visible Image Butterfly, repeatedly stamped in "Nocturne".  I then inked the very edge of the card, mounting it onto black card and then onto a white card blank.


Thursday 6 February 2020

Lavinia Stamps February 2020 Hochanda TV show sample - Set 1


Lavinia Stamps will be appearing on Hochanda TV on Friday 7th January at mid-day and 3pm.  Amanda Branston will be demonstrating a fabulous selection of stamps, accessories and techniques.

For this sample, I used a background created using Dylusions Spray Ink to create a red,orange and yellow shaded background.

I stamped the "Berry Leaves" in two shades of Versafine Clair ink (Tulip Red and Chianti).  I then stamped the "Druid's Inn" tree in the Chianti shade and added some more leaves where needed.  Using the same shades of ink, I stamped the "Mini Berries".

I stamped the pixie, which is part of the "Small Pixies" set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I then stamped some stars around the pixie using Memento "London Fog" ink.

I coloured the tree bark in an assortment of green and brown shades using fine liner pens and a gold metallic pen.  I added some gold shimmer to the steps, areas of the pixie and to the stars.  I used a white Posca Pen to add highlight areas to the berries.

Lavinia Stamps February 2020 Hochanda TV show sample - set 2


Lavinia Stamps will be appearing on Hochanda TV on Friday 7th February at mid-day and 3pm, with a selection of stamps and accessories demonstrated by Amanda Branston.

For the background of this card, I have used Colorbox "Artichoke" green ink brayered onto a gelli plate.  I have then sprinkled diluted 'Orange" coloured Brusho from a fan brush which has created the speckled look.

To enhance the colour of the sky, I added some "Broken China" and "Chipped Sapphire" Distress Oxide Inks.

Once the background was dry, I used the torn edge of a piece of copy, dragging ink (Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink) over the edge to create the landscape in the background.  I used a circle to mask the moon area and edged it with the same ink.

I stamped the "Celestial Tree" in the background using a grey ink (Versafine Clair "Morning Mist").  Making the trees lighter gives the impression of depth to the image.

Using Versafine Clair "Pinecone" dark brown ink, I stamped the hare, which is part of the "Whimsical Hares" stamp set.  Using the same ink, I stamped  the baby hedgehog, which is part of "The Wallace Family" stamp set.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the "Wild Poppies".  Using a white Posca Pen, I edged the hare and hedgehog in white.  I added a little bit of shimmer to the edges of the poppies using a Sakura Gelly Roll pen.

Lavinia Stamps February 2020 Hochanda TV Sample Preview - Set 3


Lavinia Stamps will be on Hochanda TV on Friday 7th February at mid-day and 3pm.  Amanda Branston will be demonstrating some fabulous stamps, accessories and tecniques.


I tried something a bit different with the background of this card, using a mini gelli plate with Artichoke and Grape Colorbox Inks brayered onto the plate with a sprinkle of wet turquoise coloured Brusho, repeating the pressing of the circles to create something similar to a bokeh look.


I decided that the background would distract from the stamping so, covered some of it with Distress Oxide Inks - Tumbled Glass and Broken China at the top and Twisted Citron and Mowed Lawn on the bottom.


Using the torn edge of a piece of copy paper, I dragged Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to create a landscape.  I masked off a circle for the moon and edged the moon with the same ink. 

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the large "Fairy Chain" across the middle of the card.  I then cut the card down to the size I wanted to work with.

I continued to stamp in the black ink, stamping the "Forest So Green" sentiment and the "Creeping Vine".

At this stage, I decided I wanted a less solid background, so sprinkled some water droplets from a fan brush, which provided the lighter areas I was wanting.

I added some shimmer to the fairy wings, using a silver glitter Signo Pen.  I then added some fairy sparkle using the "Holographic Moon Dust" in the sky and around the creeping ivy.

Lavinia Stamps February 2002 Hochanda TV Show Preview - Set 4


Lavinia Stamps will be on Hochanda TV on Friday 7th February at 12pm and 3pm, with a fabulous selection of stamps and accessories demonstrated by Amanda Branston.


I used the "Border Stamp Floral" stamped at an angle in three different shades of pale blue/turquoise Colorbox Cats Eye inks.  I then cut the stamped area into a rectangle.

I stamped "The Oracle" figure using Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink which is like a teal colour.  Using the same ink, I created a light landscap, by dragging the ink down over the torn edge of a piece of copy paper.  I used a pencil to ground the figure and staff.

I decided to stamp the sentiment "Embrace Your Dreams" vertically, using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey shade of ink.

Finally, I used a Sakura Gelly Roll pen to add a little subtle sparkle to the card.


Wednesday 5 February 2020

Lavinia Stamps - Sebastian the seahorse (on a gelli plate background)


Looking through my stamps, I realised it's been ages since I used the Lavinia Stamps "Sebastian the Seahorse".  The detail on it is stunning, so I decided to have a play.


I had a prepared 6" gelli plate background from a previous session a couple of weeks back, so decided to use it.  (It was Colorbox "Artichoke" colour ink brayered onto the plate, with splashes of turquoise coloured wet Brusho sprinkled on top of the brayered colour).  

I added some extra colour to the top of the circle as it was too light for what I wanted using a couple of Distress Oxide Inks.

I stamped "Sebastian" in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.

I stamped the background taller "Seaweed 2" in Versafine Clair "Verdant" light green ink.

I stamped the "Stones" in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink and coloured them with a metallic gold pen.

I stamped the darker coloured "Seaweed" stamped in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.

I stamped the "Sea Bubbles" in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I added some touches of silver glitter using a Signo Pen.