Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous Layering Stencil Tag

An early morning craft session today as for some reason I couldn't stop my mind from racing away with thoughts, but it resulted in this tag, where I threw lots at it and I'm quite happy with the way it turned out.

I started with a white piece of card cut into a tag shape.  I lay the Stampers Anonymous/Tim Holtz "Bouquet Layering Stencil (THS143) over the top of the tag and then applied "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil.

I removed the stencil and replaced it with another, this time using the Stampers Anonymous/Tim Holtz "Stripes Layering Stencil" (THS004) with two shades of Ranger Archival Ink "Watering Can" and "Cobalt".

After lifting the stencil, I then drew some wonky vertical lines on the tag using a blue Posca Pen.

I then lay the "Bouquet Layering Stencil" over the top of the tag again and applied some Ranger "Matte Texture Paste", mainly on the right hand side of the tag, using a heat gun to dry it (remember to pop the stencil into a bowl of water immeditately after use, so that the product can be cleaned off easily).

I used Ranger Dylusions "Bubblegum Pink" spray ink to spritz the dry texture paste surface and again used the heat gun to dry.  I then sanded the raised areas lightly to expose the shape of the texture paste flowers.

I splattered the surface of the tag using Dr PH Martin's White bleed proof paint.

Next I die cut a flower from the Sizzix/Tim Holtz thinlits set called "Wild Flower Stems #1 (664163)" and stuck the flower on to the tag using a wet glue.  I coated the die cut flower with "A Wink of Stella" which gives it a lovely subtle gold shimmer.

Finally, I mounted the tag on to a piece of white card and added a word sticker from the Tim Holtz Idea-ology "Small Talk" word set. 

Lavinia Stamps "Winter Berries" Tag

Sorry, I know, I've been missing in action for a long time.  I've been away on a canal boat with Hubby and Rosie the dog.  We had a lovely relaxing time, pootling along at a maximum four miles per hour.  We got home yesterday and I am ploughing my way through the mountain of dirty washing.  Four loads done and a few more to go yet.

Normally, when I am away I am itching to get back to my craft desk, but it felt different this time.  it felt very much take it or leave it.  Obviously, that didn't last long as I got up at silly 'o clock (the gusting wind outside woke me) and decided to craft. It felt good to be at my desk, but I also felt a bit rusty too, which I feel is reflected in this tag a bit.

I used a piece of white card, cut into a tag shape.  Masking off the lower (snow section) of the tag with a piece of copy paper, I coloured the sky area using Distress Oxide "Blueprint Sketch" ink.  I then used a fan shaped paint brush with water to created splatters over the inked area, blotting it, which created the mottled sky. I removed the mask and set aside to dry.

With ink left on my blue blending brush, I created the snow landscape, using thie Lavinia Stamps "Hill Mask". I then used white acylic paint to splatter the white dots over the sky area to create the look of snowflakes.

I used Versafine Clair "Rain Forest" green ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Fir Branch" in first and second generation stamping.

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp sections of the Lavinia Stamps "Small Branch" stamp.

I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Winter Berries" and "Mini Winter Berry" in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.

I moved on to colouring the berries, using both orange and red Posca Pens and a white gel pen.  I used a silver Signo glitter pen to add a bit of sparkle to the tag, and edged the white area with"Blueprint Sketch" Distress Oxide Ink.  I used a white gel pen to add lines of white above the branches along with touches of Ranger "Enamel Accents".

I mounted the tag on to a piece of dark green card, which I thought complimented the colour of the branches.  Finally adding Ranger "Glossy Accents" to some of the berries to make them appear to be 3D.

Clarity Stamps "Best Wishes Flowers By Tina Cox" Kiss Stamps Card

 

I've had another play session, this time using Clarity stamps and stencils.

I've used the Clarity "Leonie Pugil Circle Edges" stencil and the Clarity "Zig Zag" stencil with "Wild Bilberry" and "Cotton Candy" Artistry Inks.

I used the Clarity "Best Wishes Flowers Kiss Stamps by Tina Cox with Versafine Clair "Purple Delight" ink, stamping in both first and second generation stamping.

In the background I added a few dots of white Posca Pen to break up the colour.

Lavinia Stamps "Flower Pots" Card

Moving away from pumpkins today, I thought I would use of the quieter, less obvious stamp sets which is part of the new release from Lavinia Stamps, using the "Flower Pots" set. 

I used two lengths of low tack tape to provide an area I could stencil through.  I lay the Lavinia Stamps "Waffle Stencil" over the card and used "Violet" Archival Ink to create the patterned horizontal band across the card.

I stamped the new Lavinia "Flower Pots" in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist".  While the ink was out, I also stamped the "With Love" sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia "Heartfelt Verse" stamp set.

I stamped the lavender (also part of the flower pots set) in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" for the stems and "Monarch" purple for the flower heads. I then stamped the green foliage in the other post using Versafine Clair "Verdant" green ink.

I coloured the flower pots using "Burnt Orange" Derwent Inktense pencil, applied with a paint brush.

Finally, moving on to the grounding of the pots, I used a paint brush to paint "Lost Shadow" Distress Oxide Ink.  I added a touch of 2B penil right below the pots for a little depth of shadow.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Pumpkin & Pumpkin Vine" card

Well, I must be getting close to perfecting colouring pumpkins, I think this is card number four in a row!  I really like how this one has turned out though.

For this card, I have used two of the recently released stamps from Sweet Poppy Stencils.  I've used the "Pumpkin" and the "Pumpkin Vine" stamps, stamped in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink and "Shady Lane" green ink. I coloured the stamped images with Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a paint brush.

In the background, I have used "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink through the Sweet Poppy "Plaid Backplate Stencil" fading the ink out towards the top of the card.

Lavinia Stamps "Pumpkin Pad" CAS card

I'm back playing with the new Lavinia pumpkin stamps, this time making a clean and simple card.

I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Pumpkin Pad" and the "Ickle Pumpkins" in Versfine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.

Next I stamped the Lavinia "Pixy Houses" using "Rain Forest" Versafine Clair ink.

I then stamped the Lavinia "Small Branch" in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.

I coloured the pumpkins using a selection of Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a paint brush.

I then grounded everything, first I used a paint brush with "Lost Shadow" Distress Oxide Ink.  Once that was dry, I used a black pastel pencil to add more depth to the grounding.

Finally, I added touches of white and gold gel pens.  I used a red Posca pen for the berries and a yellow one for the lights in the Pixy Houses.

Lavinia Stamps "Pumpkin Lodge" Card

I wasn't exactly stalking postie, but I was keeping a little eye out for him this morning, having received an email to say that my order of the new Lavinia Stamps collection would be arriving today.

I wasn't disappointed either.  They arrived, I repackaged them, logged them on my spreadsheet and then got to play with some of them to make this card.  

I made this card totally from scratch, so often these days I go to my folder of backgrounds I have already made, so all I need to do is create the image, but today I did the whole lot of gel printing and then stamping - inbetween coughing and spluttering, the cold is still with me unfortunately, but crafting is a good distraction. 

To create the background, I pulled out a selection of Lavinia Elements Inks and put them directly on to the gel plate.  These are the colours I used:  Greensleeves, Olive, Bermuda, Della Blue, Violet Chalk and Dark Denim.  I then spritzed the gel plate with water and placed the blank card on to the gel plate, leaving for a few seconds and smoothing the surface to ensure that the surface was covered.  I lifted the card and set aside to dry while I tidied the desk.

I stamped the new Lavinia Stamps "Pumpkin Lodge on to the dry gel print and then on to an off-cut of white card using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.

I stamped the new Lavinia Stamps "Fairy Crook" in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.  I then stamped two of the new "Ickle Pumpkins" in Versafine Clair "Twilight" ink and then stamped them again on a white piece of card using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.

I coloured the three pumpkins on the white card using a selection of Derwent Inktense Pencils, then fussy cut them and stuck them over the stamped images on the gel print background.

Using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink, I stamped the Lavinia "Path".  Then the "Pixy Houses" in the distance using Versafine Clair "Twilight" ink.

I used Versafine Clair "Falling Leaves" brown ink to stampe the"Wild Berries" to look like they were climbing up the "Fairy Crook". I used red and orange Posca pens to colour the berries.

Using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink, I stamped the "Small Branch" in first and second generation stamping, then used one of the "Foliage Set" and the same ink.

I used Posca Pens, Gel Pens and Pastel Pencils to add extra detail to the scene.

Funky Fossil Designs "Hedgehugs" Autumn wreath card

 

A CAS card from me this morning using the Funky Fossil Designs "Hedgehugs" stamp set

I stamped the wreath, pumpkin and toadstool in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" greeen ink, colouring them using Derwent Inktense pencils applied with a paint brush.  I used a white gel pen for the dots on the toadstools and a red Posca Pen for the berries.  I've added a few brush strokes of "A Wink of Stella" to areas of the leaves and pumpkin.

The sentiment is also part of a Funky Fossil Designs stamp set, called "Small Print #2", which I stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Floral Friend" Card

 

Another card using a selection of stencils from Sweet Poppy Stencils.

I've used four stencils by Sweet Poppy, starting with the "Leaf Aperture Stencil" paired with the "Harmony Backplate Stencil". I used four shades of Ranger Archival Inks:  Vivid Chartreuse, Prickly Pear, Forget-Me-Not and Paradise Teal).

I then used the Sweet Poppy "Chain Mail Stencil" with "Shadow Grey" Archival Ink, just around the edge of the leaf, fading it away towards the edge.

Next I used the Sweet Poppy "Floral Friend Stencil" with Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink.  I used the same ink to edge the white card with too.

Over the green "Harmony Backplate" swirls, I brushed on "A Wink of Stella" to give a lovely subtle golden shimmer.

I decided I wasn't happy with the empty space past the chain mail design, so used a Clarity Stamps stencil, which is part of the "Birds Decorative Panel stencil" using the stripes section with Ranger "Shadow Grey" Archival Ink.

Finally, I mounted the card on to dark blue card and then on to a white card blank, before using Ranger white "Enamel Accents" to add dots across the surface to break up the colour a little.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Honeysuckle Flourish" card

Sweet Poppy Stencils have released some fabulous new stamps and stencils in the past few days.  It would have been rude of me not to show interest in them and buy a couple - wouldn't it?

My stencil order arrived today, so I wasted no time in making a card using one of the new stencils.

Starting with a piece of white card, I lay the new Sweet Poppy "Honeysuckle Flourish" stencil over the top and secured with low tack tape. Through the stencil, I used Antique Linen, Saltwater Taffy and Picked Raspberry Distress Oxide Inks for the flowers and "Iced Spruce" Distress Oxide for the stems and foliage.

Removing the stencil, I replaced it with the Sweet Poppy "Floral Trellis Stencil", applying "Shadow Grey" Archival Ink through the stencil with a blending brush.

Once the stencil was lifted, I added touches of Van Goch Pastel Pencils to the flowers to add a little depth of colour, then went over the flowers with "A Wink of Stella" which provides a lovely subtle gold shimmer.

Using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the two sentiments, both are part of the Sweet Poppy "Hugs & Kisses" stamp set. Finally, mounting the card on to dark grey card and then on to a card blank (the finished card is slightly smaller than A5, so quite large).

Clarity Stamps "Art Nouveau Snowdrops" stencilled card

Yesterday, I received my order from Clarity Stamps, so of course I had to have a play making this card.

In my stash, I found a background I had made some months back using a selection of Distress Inks, mainly in pinks, blues and purples.  I decided today was the day I would use it!

I lay the Clarity Stamps "A5 Art Nouveau Snowdrops Stencil" over the background and used  four shades of Distress Oxide Inks through the stencil, using Spun Sugar, Peacock Feathers and Wilted Violet.

I then inked the edges of the card using Versafine Clair "Monarch" purple ink.  While the ink was out, I stamped the "Just to say" sentiment , which is part of the Clarity "A4 Bijou Art Nouveau Stamp Collection" on to a piece of white card, cut it to size and inked the edges of that too, before sticking it into position.

Finally, I used some pastel pencils, mainly in a pink and a yellow to add extra colour to the snowdrops and the area around them.

Funky Fossil Designs "MDF Fish Trio" Mandala decorated hanging fish.

For the past three weeks, it feels like I have been fighting off a cold.  Last night it came out in full force, I even did a Covid test - just in case, it was negative, so this is just a cold. I am sniffing, coughing and spluttering and actually feeling quite miserable, even though it is a beautiful sunny day.  Hopefully it will pass quickly .

Anyway, I fancied doing something that I wouldn't have to think about too much and decided to try mandala painting again.  You may recall earlier in the year I had a go at it and it was reasonably successful, but as you can see from my effort today, I need to perfect my art of mandala dotting!

For the base, I used one of the three "MDF Fish Trio" from Funky Fossil Designs. Here's the link if you want to buy them. I coated both sides in metallic silver paint.  I then went over that with three shades of Cosmic Shimmer "Iridescent Shimmer Water Colour Paints" using pink, green and blue.  I set aside to dry, which didn't take long at all.

I then used three sizes of mandala dotting tools with a selection of PaperArtsy "Fresco Finish - Chalk Acrylic" paints to create the dotty design.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Plaid Backplate" Christmas Gift Tags

I've had a quick play making a couple of Christmas gift tags. The Sweet Poppy "Plaid Backplate Stencil" is actually on offer at the moment, till 8th September, so an ideal time to purchase it, if you don't already have it.  Here's the link to it!

For the red plaid tag, I used "Festive Berries" Distress Oxide ink through the Sweet Poppy "Plaid Backplate Stencil" on a cream card background. I then used a "Metallic Rose Gold" paint by That's Crafty through the (now retired) Sweet Poppy Christmas Bauble Stencil also by Sweet Poppy.

For the purple tag, I used a mid coloured piece of purple card, using "Violet Chalk" Elements Ink through the Sweet Poppy "Plaid Backplate Stencil".  I then used Sweet Poppy "Red Glossy Dimension Paste" through the Sweet Poppy Christmas Baubles stencil.

52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge - Taster Tag for September 2023

This is the second monthly "Taster Tag" of 2023.  From January 2024 the challenge will become weekly.  The challenge is very relaxed and is aimed to get you to craft for no specific reason other than a minless bit of crafting, so there are no restrictions on the products mediums or in fact id doesn't even need to be a tag, it could be a card, ATC a frame, really anything you want.  All you need to do is fit it to the monthly prompt/theme.  There is a Facebook Group for this challenge which you can find by clicking on this link.

The prompt/theme for September 2023 is "In the meadow/fields"

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This is my tag for September 2023 "In the meadow" prompt/theme.

To make this tag, I used a base of Dylusion spray inks, I made four backgrounds while I was getting inky, so I have some for future use.  The shades of inks I used are Lemon Zest, Fresh Lime and Bubblegum Pink.

I used three shades of Versafine Clair Inks to stamp with, using Twilight, Nocturne and Summertime, stamping in first and second generation stamping.

The stamp set that I used to stamp with was by Hobby Art Ltd and is part of the "Janie Collection" called "Lino Cut Hares - CS208D".

I added touches of a white gel pen for highlights and metallic gold pen for little dots in the background.

Lavinia Stamps "Everlee on the swing bed" tag

 

More early morning play, this time a tag using Lavinia Stamps.

I used a manila coloured tag for the base, adding "Saltwater Taffy" and "Weathered Wood" Distress Oxide Inks, layering the colours, then drying then laying more colour on top, to get some depth.

Once dry, I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Medium Swing Bed".  I used the same ink to stamp the "Mystic Swirls" and also to ink the edges of the tag.

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the Lavinia "Star Cluster" around the swing bed.  I was then able to stamp the fairy "Everlee" using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.

I added touches of silver glitter pen, gold shimmer pen and finally dots of "White Opal" Ranger Liquid Pearls to areas of the swirls.

Clarity Stamps "Leafy Swirl" Stencilled Birthday Card

 

For some reason I couldn't sleep, so was up 4am and decided to craft. I've used four Clarity stencils and two of their stamp sets for this card.

I started by masking of the vertical and horizontal edges of the right hand side of the card using a low tack masking tape.  I used "Sunflower" Archival ink through three of the rectangles in the Clarity "Abstract Squares" stencil.

I then used "Tea Rose" Archival Ink through the striped section of the Clarity "Birds Decorative Panel" stencil in two different directions over the yellow rectangles.

Next I used "Shadow Grey" Archival Ink through the Clarity "Zig Zag" stencil fading the colour out towards the left hand side of the card.

I used two shades of Ranger Archival Inks (Cornflower first and then Vivid Chartreuse) through the Clarity "Abstract Droplets" stencil, again fading the colour out towards the left hand side of the card.

I stamped the Clarity "Leafy Swirl" and the "Entwined Sentiment" using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.

Finally, adding a few finishing touches, by using a gold shimmer gel pen to go around the edges of the droplets and adding some white "Enamel Accents" to break up the colour a little.

Hobby Art "Town House Scene-Its - CS010D" Christmas Card

 

I'm on a roll with my third card today, this time I've swung straight in to Christmas!

I stamped the trees and the house using two shades of Versafine Clair inks:  Morning Mist and Shady Lane, using second generation stamping. I've used two Hobby Art stamp sets.  One is called "Town Houses CS0101D", sadly I don't know the name of the other set as I've had it for a very long time.

I coloured the image using various shades of Distress Oxide Inks, applied with a paint brush.  The colours I used were". Stormy Sky, Tumbled Glass, Antique Linen, Weathered Wood, Lost Shadow and Festive Berries.

I used Dr PH Martin's Bleed Proof white paint to create the snow using a fan shaped paint brush.  I also added touches of white gel pen to the trees. Finally, stamping the sentiment, using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Clarity Stamps "Just for you" Kiss Stamps Card

A quick clean looking card using a stencil and stamp from Clarity Stamps. 

I used one of the panels on the Clarity Stamp "A5 Birds Decorative Panel" stencil with an Artistry Ink to create the swirl panel.

Over the top of the panel, using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink I stamped the flower, which is part of the Clarity "Just For You" Kiss stamp set.  I then coloured the flower using Derwent Inktense pencils, finally adding green dots using Ranger "Avocado" Liquid Pearls ink.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Autumn Leaves" Card

 

This morning I've been playing with my Sweet Poppy Stencils and stamps to make this card.

I started by stamping the leaves, which is part of the Sweet Poppy Stencils stamp set called "Autumn Leaves".  Stamping in second generation stamping of Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.

I then used a selection of colours (Sunflower, Orange Blossom, Coffee, Pink Peony, Plum and Peat Moss) of Ranger Archival Inks through the Sweet Poppy "Harmony Backplate Stencil".  Blending the colours out from the middle towards the edges, but retaining white space to allow the eye to settle.

I coloured the leaves using a selection of Derwent Inktense pencils, a 2B pencil and a gel pen.

Over the top of the image, I lay the Sweet Poppy "Grid Plate Stencil" and applied "Prickly Pear" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil with a blending brush.  This provided the extra texture.

Laying a piece of paper over the leaves, I used a fan shaped paint brush to splatter white paint over the surface of the card, I used Dr. PH Martins Bleed Proof paint.

I then mounted the card on to a kraft card blank, finally stamping the "Follow Your Dreams" sentiment (also part of the Sweet Poppy "Autumn Leaves" stamp set), using Versafine Clair "Chianti" dark red ink.

Netgalley Book Review: A Winter Wedding At Starcross Manor by Christie Barlow

I was very fortunate to read this book prior to the publication date, reviewing it on Netgalley.

"A Winter Wedding at Starcross Manor" is book twelve in Christie Barlow's "Love Heart Lane" series.  I have read each of the books and this latest one definitely didn't disappoint and I think may be my favourite of them all!

The style of writing just flows beautifully.  A wonderfully descriptive story line, puts you right in the snowy village of "Heartcross" with fabulous "Christmassy" vibes.  I just couldn't get enough of this story line and really hope that there will be another book in the series.

A bit about the story:  Fashion Designer Libby Carter, has been offered a top job in New York and has a few weeks to herself before she packs up her life.  Her brother Flynne, who owns "Starcross Manor" calls upon her help to help arrange a high profile wedding, which would make Starcross Manor "The Scottish wedding destination"! A string of events means that plans tumble like domino's for Libby but the wedding photographer Guy is there to help out at the winter wedding of the century.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Autumn" Card

I was up early this morning making this Autumn card - I think the drizzly weather we've had the last day or so is rubbing off on me!

I started by positioning the Sweet Poppy "Rose Aperture Stencil" over a piece of white card and going around the edges lightly with "Peat Moss" Ranger Archival Ink.  

Next, I lay the Sweet Poppy "Plaid Back Plate Stencil" over the top of the leaf stencil, securing with low tack tape.  I then applied several shades of Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil using a blending brush.  The colours I used were : Tea Rose, Monarch Orange, Fern Green and Sepia.

Removing the Plaid stencil, I then lay the Sweet Poppy "Maple Leaf Stencil" over the top, using "Plum" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil with a blending brush.

I used Versafine Clair "Chianti" dark red ink, to stamp the Autumn verse, which is part of the Sweet Poppy "A6 Season" stamp set.  Finally, adding extra detail using a gold metallic pen.

Lavinia Stamps "Fairy Towns" sign post tag

There are only one or two Lavinia Stamps in my stash that I have actually never used.  The sign post stamp was one of those, so I decided to make a tag, just to use it.

I decided to use a page from an old road atlas as the base for the tag, sticking it on to a manila tag for strength.  I used several green, browns and dark red inks to dull down the look of the atlas page.

Using Versafine Clair "Chianti" and "Pinecone", I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Maple Leaves", the "Large Compass" and the "Fairy Towns" sign post.

I stamped the sign post again on a piece of card and coloured it with "Antique Linen" Distress Oxide Ink before fussy cutting the sign post and sticking it on to the tag. Because the surface of the atlas page was coated in something, the ink seemed to take longer than normal to dry! I then mounted the tag on to a dark red card base.

I added touches of details and highlights, using a metallic gold pen to areas of the leaves and the compass.  I also edged the tag in the gold ink pen too.

Funky Fossil Designs "Surf's Up" Card

 

A very quick CAS card this morning, after the more busy cards I have made of late.

I've used the Funky Fossil Designs "Surf's Up" stamp set, stamping the figure and the sentiment in Versaine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink.

I used "Garden Patina" Ranger Archival Ink through the Funky Fossil Stencil called "Waverider" stencil.  Finally, adding a few touches of silver glitter pen around the end of the surf board.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Daisy" Birthday Card

I raided my file of previously made backgrounds and came across a Brusho background that I felt would work with a stamp I had in mind.  This card is the result.

Using the Brusho background, I stamped the Sweet Poppy Daisy from their "A5 Daisies" stamp set, using three Versafine Clair inks (Acorn, Summertime and Tulip Red).

I then stamped the sentiment, which is part of the Sweet Poppy stencil stamp set called "Hugs and Kisses" in Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink.

I used Derwent Inktense pencils to colour the daisy, using lots of different shades of red, orange and yellows.  I then used a metallic gold gel pen and a gold shimmer pen to add extra detail to the petal area.  I wasn't totally happy with it, so added some dots of red, yellow and orange Posca Pens to the petals too.

Clarity Stamps "Birds Decorative Panel" Card

Here's another card using the Clarity "Garden Birds" stamp set.

I used "Vibrant Fuchsia" and Forget-Me-Not" Archival Inks through the Clarity Stamps "A5 Birds Decorative Panel Stencil", to create the area on the right hand side of the card.

Using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink, I stamped the bird from the Clarity "A5 Garden Birds" stamp set and the  greeting from the Clarity "Congratulations Occasions Sentiment" stamp set.

Clarity Stamps "Garden Birds" Card

I've used Clarity Stamp products for this card. 

Using the Clarity Stamps "A5 Garden Birds stamp and mask set.  I stamped the bird in the bottom left hand corner, off the page using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.  

I covered the stamped bird with the mask and then lay the Clarity Stamps "Woodland Birds Stencil" over the top, applying four shades of Ranger Archival Inks through the stencil using a blending brush.  The colours I used are Tiger Lily, Vibrant Fuchsia, Cactus Flower and Majestic Violet.

Removing the stencil and the mask, I then started to colour the bird, using three shades of Derwent Inktense pencils.  I used Mango, Fuchsia and Violet, along with a couple of metallic gel pens.

I inked the edges of the card with Versafine Clair "Twilight" ink and then mounted it on to a piece of white card, before mounting it on to a dark red card blank.

Sizzix / Stampin' Up "Pretty Pines" snowflake Christmas card

I had an idea in my head about a Christmas card, which I had to try out.  This card is kind of what I had thought of.

I started with a square kraft card blank.  I used the Funky Fossil Designs "Snowflake die", cutting it in thin white card.  Once cut, I coated the snowflake in "Crystal" stickles to give a lovely sparkle and set aside to dry.

I had a mega cutting session using my Sizzix Big Shotm cuttine elements from the Sizzix / Stampin' Up "Pretty Pine Thinlits" dies, using different coloured shades of green and brown cardstock.

I used wet glue to stick the snowflake on to the card blank.  I then started to build up the foliage on the left hand side of the card.

I used Dr PH Martin's white bleed proof ink, slightly diluted, using a fan shaped paint brush to splatter the white across the card, to replicate snowflakes.

I had die cut the word "Merry" in a lovely deep red shade, but it kind of got lost on top of the snowflake, which is where the vision in my head, differs from what I have made.  It didn't seem to make a difference where I positioned the word, it just didn't work.  So instead, I stamped "Season's Greetings", part of a Clarity Stamps set called "Christmas Celebration Words" in Versafine Clair "Chianti" dark red ink.  I then die cut it in to a banner shape, tucking one end below some of the foliage.

Finally, I added "crystal" stickles around the sentiment and added "Ruby Red" Liquid Pearls to the foliage to replicate berries.

Cardio-Majestix "Field Florals" Artist Trading Card

I came across a small piece of white card, from a previous project that was really too small to do much with, but it was just big enough to make and ATC (Artist Trading Card).  ATC's measure two and a half by three and a half inches in size.

Using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" I stamped the poppies, which are part of the Cardio-Majestix "Field Florals" stamp set.  I then stamped the grasses, in Versafine Clair "Rain Forest" and "Shady Lane" (in both first and second generation stamping).  The grasses are part of another Cardio-Majestix stamp set, this one was called "Still Waters".

I coloured the flowers with a red Posca Pen, adding small dots of orange and yellow Posca Pen to replicate small flowers in the grasses.  I also used a white gel pen around the flower heads.

Finally, I stamped the sentiment, which is part of a Penny Black clear stamp set called "Not Older, Better", stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  

Cardio Majestix "Last Orders" Birthday Card

I'm trying to get ahead of myself making cards for birthdays coming up in the next couple of months.

For this card, for a male friend, I started with using the Sweet Poppy "Circle Aperture Stencil" with "Shadow Grey" and "Forget-Me-Not" Ranger Archival Inks to create the coloured background circle.

Initially, I was thinking I would make a clock, using the bottles as the numbers, but decided against that idea.  I used a small bottle stamp from the Cardio-Majestix stamp set called "Last Orders" stamped in Versafine Clair "Green Oasis" ink.

Next, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the "Happy Birthday" words using the Hobby Art Stamp set called "Greetings For Friends - CS158D".

I mounted the card on to co-ordinating green card and then on to a card blank, finally adding a spotty background using a silver glitter Unibal Signo pen.

Stampers Anonymous "Perspective" Happy Birthday Beautiful Card

 

This card came together really quickly, so quickly I wasn't really sure where I was going with it and thought it can always go in the bin if ending badly.  Thankfully, it turned out ok.

It started with me stamping the butterfly, part of the Stampers Anonymous "Perspective - CMS213" stamp set, in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, then coating it in Wow! Embossing Clear embossing powder and heat setting.  I then stamped the butterfly again on a piece of copy paper, fussy cutting the shape to create a mask, which I positioned over the heat embossed butterfly.

I lay the Funky Fossil Designs ""Beauty In Profile" stencil over the top of the butterfly and applied Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink through the stencil.  I removed the stencil then applied "Lost Shadow" Distress Oxide Ink through the Funky Fossil "Micro Squares" stencil to fill the white areas.

I removed the stencil and the mask, then inked the edges of the card, first with "Warm Breeze" Versafine Clair ink and then with "Nocturne" black ink.  I then mounted the card on to black card and then on to a card blank.

I used a Derwent Inktense pencil in the shade of "Malibu" diluted and applied with a brush to areas of the butterfly.  I then used a white gel pen to go round the edges of the blue stencilled area.  I added black dots of Ranger "Enamel Accents" below the butterfly,

Finally, I used a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker from the "Big Chat" book saying "Beautiful". Then using Versfine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, stamped the words "Happy Birthday" using a stamp from the Simon Says Stamp set called "Tiny Words - Birthday".

Sweet Poppy Stencils " Botanicals Holly Sprigs" Christmas Card

 

Another CAS card, this time I'm fast forwarding to the festive season with a Christmas card.

I used the Sweet Poppy "Aperture Circle Stencil" with "Library Green" Ranger Archival Ink to create the shaded partial circle.

I used Versafine Clair "Rain Forest" dark green ink to stamp the Sweet Poppy "Botanicals Holly Sprigs" stamp.  I coloured the leaves using three shades of Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a brush.  I added "A Wink of Stella" to the leaves to give a beautiful subtle gold shimmer to them.

A red Posca Pen was ideal for colouring the berries.  I added white highlights with a gel pen to the leaves and the berries.

Next, I stamped the sentiment, which is part of the Sweet Poppy "Festive Phrases" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Tulip Red" ink.

Finally, I added splatters of white paint using a fan shaped paint brush to replicate snow flakes.

Stampers Anonymous "Flower Jar CMS297" Card

I was up at silly 'o clock again this morning.  I was feeling too hot to sleep, so decided to get up and make this card.

I decided to use a Stampers Anonymous stamp set, I've not used them for ages, opting for the red rubber cling set called "Flower Jar - CMS297".

I used two shades of Versafine Clair inks (Warm Breeze & Morning Mist), both stamped in second generation stampin as I didn't want hard solid lines for the glass jar.

Next I stamped the flower, using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" for the stem and "Summertime" for the flower head, again stamped in second generation stamping as I wanted the whole thing to look light and delicate.

I coloured the flower with Derwent Inktense Pencils, applied with a paint brush, I also extended the stem of the flower towards the base of the jar.

I used "Weathered Wood" Distress Oxide ink and a 2B pencil to ground the jar.

Using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the "Thinking of you" greeting, which is part of the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words" sentiment stamp set.

I then used "Lost Shadow" Distress Oxide ink, through the Funky Fossil "Micro Dots stencil" just around the main stamped area.  Finally adding some touches of white gel pen as highlights.

Visible Image "Daisy Grunge" Smile Card

While my Visible Image stamps and stencils were out, I decided to have a further play, making this card.

To start with, I used a white card, laying the Visible Image "Daisy Daisy" stencil over the top and applying two shades of Ranger Archival Inks (Cornflower Blue and Garden Patina) through the stencil with a blending brush.

Using Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink, I stamped the large daisy from the Visible Image "Daisy Grunge" stamp set.  Using the same ink, I stamped the solid daisy from the Visible Image "Imperfection Is Beauty" stamp set.

Between the flowers, I stamped the word "Smile" in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, which is also part of the Visible Image "Daisy Grunge" stamp set.

I used three shades of Van Goch Pastel Pencils to colour the petals of the large daisy, using an orange and a yellow colour to colour the middle of the flowers, adding touches of yellow and orange Posca Pen dots to the same area.  I used a white gel pen to add highlights to some petals and to add some white dots across the card.

Visible Image "Atomic Flower" Birthday Card

I made this quick birthday card this morning, using two shades of Ranger "Archival Inks" (Chrome Yellow and Tea Rose), through the Visible Image Stamps "Atomic Flower" stencil. 

I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Visible Image "Happy Birthday" sentiment and verse.  Finally, adding some dots using a metallic gold pen.

Woodware "Leaf Quartet" Congratulations Card

GCSE exam results are just around the corner and I know a certain young man will have done fantastically well, so I hope I've not jinxed the results by making this congratulations card. 

I've used one of the leaves from the Woodware "Leaf Quartet JGS342" clear stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Green Oasis" ink.  I stamped the leaf again on to a post-it note and then fussy cut it to create a mask and popped it over the original stamped image.

I used low tack tape to mask off the edges of the card, then used Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink through the Funky Fossil Designs "Burlap Texture Background Stencil.

Removing the leaf mask and the low tack tape, I then created a mount in a co-ordinating colour of card, before sticking it on to a card blank.

I used a sentiment from the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiments" stamp set, with Versafine Clair "Green Oasis" ink for the "congratulations" word.

Finally, I added some dots of white Ranger "Enamel Accents" drifting from top left to bottom right of the card.

Lavinia Stamps "Forest Flower" on a stencilled background

A late evening play session, I should really have waited till the morning to take the photograph as the lightling this evening really doesn't do the card any justice.

I started by stamping and heat embossing the Lavinia ""Forest Flowers" using Wow! Embossing "Rich Gold Super Fine" embossing powder. Once heat set, I moved on to the background.

I used the Lavinia Stamps "Tall Leaf Mask" with several shades of Ranger Archival Inks (Sky Blue, Garden Patina, Manganese Blue, Library Green and Majestic Violet).

I then used the Lavinia Stamps "Honeycomb Stencil" with  "Sky Blue" Archival Ink around the edge of the leaf.  

Next I used one of the Lavinia Stamps "Hill Masks" to create lines of colour around the leaf using a couple of shade of Ranger Archival Ink:  Garden Patina and Manganese Blue".

In the top left of the card, I stamped teh "Just for you" sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia Stamps "Heartfelt Verse" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I added touches of colour to the flowers using a selection of coloured gel pens.

Clarity Stamps "Fly Away" Hang In There Card

Back from the caravan and of course, I couldn't wait to get cracking on my next inky project. 

I found a small inky background I'd made a long time ago, I don't recall making it and I can't even guess what inks I might have used either, but that's what I used for the base.

At the top of the background, I lay the Clarity Stamps "Sunshine Stencil" over the top and through the gaps I applied a white Derwent Inktense pencil tp lighten areas.  I lifted the stencil, then rubbed the pencil areas with my finger, to blend the colour to give the impression of rays.

On the lower section of the card.  I lay the Clarity "Zig Zag" stencil over the top and applied "Vivid Chartreuse" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil to give a slight pattern.

Next I stamped the flying figure, using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink with the Clarity Stamps "Fly Away A6 stamp set".  I used the same stamp set for the tree tops, but stamped in first and second generation stamping using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.

I inked the edges of the card using "Shady Lane" and "Warm Breeze" Versafine Clair inks, applied with a finger dabber.  I then used yellow and orange Posca Pens to give the impression of flowers at the base of the card.

Finally, I added a sentiment, which is part of the Simon Says Stamp set called "Tiny Words" stamped in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.

Hobby Art Ltd "Abstract Flowers" Birthday Card

I'm still rummaging through my stamps and came across my box of Hobby Art stamps.  They have some lovely designs and I don't use them often enough, so addressed this by making this card.  It is so not my usual style, but I rather like it.

I started by using Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs "A7 Vintage Script" stamp in a few areas across the central area of the card.  I then used two shades of Ranger Archival Inks (Forget-me-not and Library Green) to add some colour to the surface. 

I decided it needed something else, to used more "Library Green" Archival Ink through the Funky Fossil "Abstract Pattern Stencil".  I then dragged a finger dabber with Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink, along the surface of the piece. I then mounted the coloured piece of card on to a white piece of card and then on to a navy blue card, before mounting it on a white card blank.

On a white piece of card, I stamped three of the flowers from the Hobby Art Ltd stamp set called "Abstract Flowers", stamping them in Versfine Clair "Twilight" Dark Blue ink.  I decided at this stage to add a couple of round doode looking shapes to the background piece too.

I fussy cut the three flowers, using a wet glue on the underside of the middle of the flowers to glue the three flowers.  I then used a yellow and orange Posca Pen to colour the middle areas of the flowers.  Still not happy with that, I used "Crystal" stickles with my finger tip to cover the central area of the flowers too.

Finally, I used a Waffle Flower stamp from their "Oversized hello" stamp set for the "Birthday Girl", stamped in Versafine Clair "Twilight" ink.

Crafty Individuals Gift Tag

I was tidying and sorting some of my stamps today and came across a box of Crafty Individuals stamps which I have not used close to a couple of years.  They're lovely stamps and it was great to re-discover them.  I decided to make a quick gift tag before bed time. 

I stamped the image on to white card using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I coloured the stamped image using four shades of Distress Oxide Inks (Salvaged Patina, Dusty Concorde, Lost Shadow and Mowed Lawn), applied with a paint brush.  I then added touches of yellow Posca Pen to the centre of the flower, adding highlights with a white gel pen and silver dots using a Unibal Signo pen.

I mounted the stamped area on to a piece of dark grey card and then on to a blank tag, finishing by threading a co-ordinating ribbon through the hole.

Get Well Soon Card

Over the past three years, my friend has had an awful run of bad luck with her health and has also lost some dear relatives too.  This weekend she was taken in to hospital again for an operation, so I've made her this card.

I've used a selection of products from different suppliers for this card. 

I started with a piece of white card using three shades of Ranger Archival Inks ( Sunflower, Tea Rose and Vibrant Fuchsia), through the Sweet Poppy Stencil called "Harmony Backplate Stencil" to create the backgroud design.

I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" Dark Blue Ink to stamp the Crafty Individuals CI-493 "Wild Flowers and Ferns" stamp over the stencilled background.  I then mounted the card on to dark blue card stock and then on to a white card blank.

The sentiment is from a Funky Fossil Designs stamp set called "Stripped Back Sentiments", which I have also stamped in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.

Patchwork Lap Quilt Update

You may remember a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I had purchased a small quilting kit at a charity shop.  I really enjoyed hand quilting it, so decided to pull out a UFO (unfinished object) from the depths of the cupboard, which will eventually be a lap quilt.

The history of it so far: about seven years ago, I cut and machine pieced the top of the quilt.  It then got put away in a cupboard.  A few years on, I took it out and sandwiched the pieced top, the wadding and the backing together by tacking/basting the layers together.  It got put away again.

Today, the lap quilt saw the light of day again. I decided to draw on the quilting designs.  I used a  large and medium size glass pudding basin and a Pringles lid to draw the circles on to the fabric.

Now all that is left to do is the little, tiny job of hand quilting... wish me luck.  It could take some time, but I will hopefull get it done over the coming cooler months.

Planning forward for the 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2024

I spent this morning, writing up notes for the 2024 tag challenge in my new project book.

I don't know about you, but I get a tiny bit excited about defacing a brand new notebook - odd I know!

I like to be organised, some have said I have a touch of OCD about things and I have to agree with them . However, I find in this instance it helps to plan forward and get things in writing.

Once it's down in writing, it's the law as far as I'm concerned!

I've made really good progress too. When I think of possible prompts/themes for the challenge, I make a note in my phone. I've transferred those lists into the first section of my note book. I've added a print out of the 2024 calendar to the inside cover of the book to refer to too.

In the second section I've allocated a month per page, detailing the dates of the Sundays and the week numbers against them. I've then referred to the prompt/themes list and matched them to the dates, adding a note of the week number against each prompt so I know when it's being used, I guess you'd call it cross-referencing. My high-lighting pen has been very busy 

I now have a prompt against each of the 52 weeks of 2024, with likely enough prompts left over to do 2025 too.

Now all that is left for me to do, regarding the challenge, is to start making the tags, writing notes of what I've used, so that I can schedule social media posts closer to the time.

I feel quite accomplished having done this today! It took all morning, but well worth the time spent to be where I am now.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Sending Hugs" Anchor Card

 

This is my afternoon make.

I've used two shades of Ranger Archival Inks (Shadow Grey & Garden Patina) through the Sweet Poppy "Symphony Backplate stencil" in the bottom right corner, fading the pattern colour out to the top left.

I used two shades of Versafine Clair inks (Morning Mist and Warm Breeze) to stamp the anchor and the "sending hugs" sentiment, both are part of the Sweet Poppy "A5 Octopus" stamp set.

I used two shades of Derwent Inktense pencils (Neutral Grey and Dark Mink), applied with a paint brush to colour the anchor.  I added a few touches of white gel pen to highlight areas of the anchor, then gave a few strokes of "A wink of Stella" to give the anchor a lovely subtle gold shimmer.  Finally, I added three dots of white Ranger "Enamel Accents".

Funky Fossil "Beauty's Garden" Tag

Tidying up one of my craft shelves, I came across some patterned paper off-cuts from a Funky Fossil paper pad called "Neutrals".  I challenged myself to use them up, rather than putting them away again, so made this tag. 

I'm not very good at informal style of crafting, so stuck the paper on to the tag base without trying to think about it too much. I then splattered metallic gold paint across the surface of the tag and set aside to dry.

I inked the edges of the tag with Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink and then "Nocturne" black ink.

Using the Funky Fossil Designs "Beauty's Garden" stamp set, I stamped the urn and the sentiment on to a piece of cream coloured card stock using Versafine Clair "Nocturne".  I fussy cut the urn and then inked the edges of it in black.  Using foam pads, I positioned it on to the tag

I die cut the sentiment in to a banner shape, giving it a light coating of Versafine "Shady Lane" green ink before sticking it in to position on the tag.

I used a We Are Memories "Ring Hole re-inforcer" to cut three circles in black card and stiuck those on to the tag too.

Finally, I mounted the tag on to black card, going around the edge with a gold shimmer pen.  I also added touches of gold metallic pen to the urn and also added some dots of gold coloured Ranger Liquid Pearls too.