"Grow" Artist Trading Card

It's a misty grey start to the day here, so I have made a bright Artist Trading Card to lift the mood.

Starting with  a piece of bright orange card for the base, I used Versafine Clair  "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs "Vintage Script" stamp.  I then used torn pieces of white and orange patterned paper and glued into position.

I added a red banner through the middle and covered it with a strip of Funky Fossil Designs Washi Tape. then a this strip of yellow patterned paper.  In the middle strip I stamped the word "Grow" in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

Next, using Versafine Clair "Green Oasis" ink, I stamped the plants/pots which are part of a Hobbycraft clear set of stamps.  Finally, I rounded the corners of the ATC and then added some white dots of white Ranger Enamel Accents.

Butterfly Artist Trading Card

 

I came upstairs to do one thing and ended up dipping into the craft room, making this Artist Trading Card (ATC).

I used bits of off-cuts of patterned paper, and washi tape for the background.  I added a layered die of a butterfly using two Memory Box Inc dies (Pippi Butterfly 98508 and Isabella Butterfly 98507), colouring the top layer of the butterfly with "Abandoned Coral" Distress Oxide Ink.  Finally adding a word sticker saying "use your wings" some sticky black dots and a dot of white Ranger Enamel Accents.

Lavinia Stamps "Two for joy" Magpies Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I've used a piece of card with and aged look to the colour for the background. Adding torn sections of text from a book, coloured with "Bundled Sage" Distress Oxide Ink.  The edges of the card have been inked firstly with "Old Paper" Distress Oxide Ink and then "Sand Dune" Versafine Clair ink.

I used Versafine Clair "Pinecone" a dark brown ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Witch Hazel: branches.  I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Magpies".  I printed off the "Two for joy!" sentiment from the computer , sticking it into position, then finally added some small gold leaves to the branches.

Poppy Stamps Inc "Lorelai Outline Leaf Die" Artist Trading Card

This afternoon was one of those crafing sessions when things don't turn out how you want them, resulting on two Artist Trading Cards (ATC),ending up in the bin.  Fortunately, I did manage one that I was happy with.

I used a piece of patterned paper from a Funky Fossil Designs paper stack for the background design, topped with a white die cut made by Poppy Stamps Inc. called "Lorelai Outline Leaf Die Ref 840". I inked the edges of the ATC using Verfsafine Clair "Twilight" Dark Blue ink.

I used a word sticker from my stash, sorry no idea who makes it, saying "all great things have small beginnings"..  I then added some dots of black Posca Pen edged with a gold gel pen. 

Spellbinders "Blooms One S2-044" Artist Trading Card

 

When you can't sleep craft... that was me last night, so I got up and made an Artist Trading Card (ATC).

I actually used two pieces of card, a yellow piece for the base and then another in dark green with a punched edge like it had come from a small note book, layered over the top.

Using yellow card, I die cut three flowers using the Spellbinders "Blooms One - S2-044" die set.  I glued the three flowers on to the ATC then using a white Posca Pen added white dots on the green background, so break up the solid colour.  I used a birhgt orange coloured Posca Pen to decorate the die cut flowers, finally adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "be awesome today".

Lucky Artist Trading Card

 

Here's my daily Artist Trading Card (ATC).  For the base, I used a piece of Bo-Bunny double dot cardstock.  I then tore a piece of text from an old book and covered it with "Broken China" Distress Oxide Ink, then glued the section on to the card base,  

I rounded the corners of the card, then inked the edges with "Warm Breeze" Versafine Clair ink.  I used the same ink through a Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stencil (Ref:  THMM101) ensuring the left edge was a bit calmer for the eye to settle on, rather than the busy right hand side.

I used a dark blue Posca Pen for dots from the bottom left hand corner up to the top right corner. I then die cut a piece of foliage from white card and glued into positon over the blue dots.

Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "lucky", then added bright orange "Outrageouis" Liquid pearls to replicate berries.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 24

 

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

This is a weekly challenge. I provide you with a prompt/theme each Sunday morning through out the year.  The challenge is very relaxed.  You can do as much or as little as you like.  You can create cards, tags, Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) or index cards, the choice is yours. You just go with what ever is in your head at the time.  You can stamp, get inky, use patterned papers, texture, embellish it is all down to you.

There is a dedicated private Facebook Group, with a lovely bunch of people who are already sharing their makes from previous challenges.  You can find the group by clicking this link.  I'd love you to join in. 

The prompt for Week 24 is "Retro Music"

For my tag, I have used Patterned Papers from the Funky Fossil Designs 8x8 paper stack called "Turn It Up", layering images and splattering paint with three colours of Posca Pen.

I have finished the tag by using a very old "Retro" Dymo tape label maker to print the words "you can never have too much vinyl" as a nod to the era of records.

A pair of floral Artist Trading Cards

 

Back on my Artist Trading Cards (ATCs), I've made a pair this time:  one flower looking down, the other looking upwards. 

I started by using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp a "Phil Martin - Botanica" stamp.  I then added a diluted "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Ink to the surface, wafted the heat gun over the surface to dry, then cut the card into two pieces of two and half inches by three and a half inches - the size of ATCs.  I rounded the corners then edged the cards in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink. Next I splattered a copper coloured metallic paint over the surface and set aside to dry.

On a piece of white card, I used a Hobbycraft clear stamp with Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp two flowers. I coloured them using "Squeezed Lemonade" and "Abandoned Coral" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then fussy cut the flowers and glued them into position on the ATC.  Finally, I added some black splatters of Posca Pen as I felt the cards needed some darker colour and then added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker to the cards, one saying "timeless" the other saying "sentimental".

Prima Marking "Rosarian" Artist Trading Card

I seem to be on a roll with my Artist Trading Cards (ATC).  I'm really enjoying making them.  I've used sections of patterned paper from the Prima Marketing "Rosarian" 6x6 paper stack for this ATC cutting a border from one page to sit on another.  Adding fine tip pen dots and inking the edges, finished with some Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word stickers saying "remember to dream".

Die cut flowers Artist Trading Card

I found myself up in the craft room and decided to make another Artist Trading Card (ATC).  I like that they are a quick make and a small area to fill.

I used some pink and white patterned washi tape to cover the card base, then used some narrow stirps of white card and glued into position. Next I added some torn pieces of text from an old book, adding some gold dots to those areas using a gel pen.

On a white piece of card, I die cut the two flowers, no idea what the die is called, it may have come with a magazine.  I then coloured the flowers with Ditress Oxide Ink, using Mowed Lawn, Squeezed Lemonade and Ripe Persimmon and glued into position.  I added some black dots with a Posca Pen then added the Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "delight", finally adding a few dots of black Ranger Enamel Accents.

Paperartsy Kate Crane KCM013 Artist Trading Card

I'm enjoying making these little Artist Trading Cards, it's handy as it uses up some of the small scraps of papers I've saved for that "just in case I need them moment"! 

I've used an off-cut of a Funky Fossil Designs patterned paper for the yellow background, stamping the Paperartsy "Kate Crane KCM015" stamp in Versafine Clair "Verdant" lime green ink.  I've then used the Paperartsy "Kate Crane KCM001" stamp with Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink.

Next, I tore a section from an old hymn book and covered it with "Mermaid Lagoon" Distress Oxide Ink, then glued the torn section on to the ATC.  I rounded the corners of the card, then edged the card in Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink. I then splattered black and white Posca Pen across the surface of the ATC.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the Paperartsy "Kate Crane KCM013" branch stamp.  I then stamped the same image on a piece of white card.  I fussy cut the white leaves and glued them into postion on the ATC.

Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker, saying "discover" and added some white dots of Ranger Enamle Accents.

Creative Expressions Wreath Die Cut Artist Trading Card

Another Artist Trading Card, this time using washi tape from Funky Fossil Designs and some torn edged pages from a book for the background. Edged in Verasfine Clair "Melon Soda" green ink and topped with a small die cut wreath by Creative Expressions.

I've used a black and white Posca Pen adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker to the middle of the wreath, saying "magnify".  I have then added some brigh orange berries to the wreath using "Outrageous" Liquid Pearls.

Floral Artistr Trading Card

 

I'm continuing using up small scarps of paper that loiter in the corners of my desk, making this Artist Trading Card (ATC).

I've used assorted patterned papers in yellow and orange colours, along with some torn pieces or print from a book, washi tape and plain coloured card.  I've topped the ATC with a flower I stamped the flower (a Hobby Craft stamp), on to white card using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, coloured with "Crushed Olive" and "Ripe Persommon" Distress Oxide Inks. Finally adding dots of black and white Posca Pens and a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "Good Life". Edging the card in "Warm Breeze" Versafine Clair Ink.

Orange and yellow Artist Trading Card

I'm enjoying using up off cuts of card and patterned papers that have been lingering on my desk for some time.  Making Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) allows me to do this. 

For this ATC, I've used patterned papers, a strip of cardstock, torn secions of text from a book, topped with a foliage die cut, which I have coated in "Ripe Persimmon" Distress Oxide Ink.  I've finisihed with a splatter of black Posca Pen and a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "Collector of memories".

Funky Fossil Designs "Ammonite" ATC (Artist Trading Card)

Another ATC (Artist Trading Card) make using up off-cut"s of card.  I've used the Funky Fossil Designs "Ammonite" A7 stamp, stamped in Versafine Clair Morning Mist" grey ink.

Around the ammonite, I have coloured the background with "Spun Sugar" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then coloured the ammonite with"Lost Shadow" Distress Oxide Ink.

I masked the ammonite image and then used the Funky Fossil "Crackle" A7 stamp with Versafine Clair "Baby Pink", edging the card in the same colour. Then gave the surface a splatter of black Posca pen. Finally, I added the word "peace" which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Sentimental Sticker Stack".

Funky Fossil Designs "More Furry Friends" ATC (Artist Trading Card)

Another quick play in the craft room, making this ATC (Artist Trading Card - which measures just two and a half by three and a half inches).  I've used three different washi tapes by Funky Fossil Designs for the background colour/pattern.

On an off cut of card, I stamped the ball in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and the dog in Versafine Clair "Acorn" a mid brown coloured ink, both are part of the Funky Fossil Design "More Furry Friends" stamp set,  I then coloured the dog with two shades of Distress Oxide Ink, using "Mustard Seed" and "Rusty Hinge".  I coloured the ball with a yellow and orange Posca Pen.  Finally adding a word sticker from the Funky Fossil Designs "Sentimental Sticker Stack".

A Tulip Collage Tag

Sometimes, I like to play with paper, just for the sake of playing and see what develops.  Today is one of "those days", with this tag being one of "those" projects.   

I started with a tag that i covered in a piece of patterned paper with a tulip design.  I then added sections of torn edged patterned paper, then some Tim Holtz  collage paper numbers and some Dina Wakley collage paper dashes, drew some circles, added some bright pink Posca Pen dots.  Finally adding a Tim Holtz I'Idea-ology" word sticker saying "stronger than yesterday".

Funky Fossil Designs "Leaves and Flowers" Card

 

For this card, I have used a white texture paste through the Funky Fossil Designs stencil called "Leaves & flowers" on kraft card. Once dry, I cut to size and topped with a fern, cut using a Funky Fossil Die.  Finally adding a pop of colour using an orange Posca Pen.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 23

 

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

This is a weekly challenge. I provide you with a prompt/theme each Sunday morning through out the year.  The challenge is very relaxed.  You can do as much or as little as you like.  You can create cards, tags, Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) or index cards, the choice is yours. You just go with what ever is in your head at the time.  You can stamp, get inky, use patterned papers, texture, embellish it is all down to you.

There is a dedicated private Facebook Group, with a lovely bunch of people who are already sharing their makes from previous challenges.  You can find the group by clicking this link.  I'd love you to join in. 

The prompt for Week 23 is "Bright and beautiful"

For this tag, I used a white tag for the base, coating it with three shades of Ranger Archival Inks using the Buttercup at the top, Tea Rose in the middle and Carnation Red at the lower area. I lay the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stencil THMM108 over the top of the tag and applied the same shades through the stencil to achieve the circle designed background.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the birtd, which is part of the Paperartsy stamp set designed by "Kate Crane - KC009".  I then stamped the bird again on to white card.  I coloured the image using Posca Pens and then fussy cut the bird

I used Versafine Clair "Summertime" orange ink to stamp a crown over the prepared background of the tag, the crown is also part of the Kate Crane KC009 stamp set.  I glued the bird figure on to the tag then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the sentiments, which are also part of the same stamp set.

Funky Fossil "Folk Garden" card

A quick make this afternoon, using one of the stamps from the Funky Fossil Designs "Folk Garden" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Grass Green" ink.  I've then matted and layered onto white and kraft card. 

Happily Ever After Wedding Card

I've made this clean and simple wedding card today, using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the birds and the hearnin the middle of the card.  The stamp is from an old magazine (Creative Stamping Issue 71).  I then added the sentiment in the same ink.  The "happily ever after" is by Papertrey Ink and is part of their Love lives here" stamp set.

I added a circle mask over the stamped area and then lay the Lavinia Stamps "Replenish" stencil over the top, applying "Weathered Wood" Distress Oxide Ink through the stencil.

I coloured the central stamped image using Distress Oxide Inks, applied with a paint brush,  the colours I used are:Spun Sugar and Tumbled Glass for the birds.  Picked Raspberry for the heart and Weathered wood to ground the birds.

Stampin' Up "Wetlands" Thinking of you card

I've been playing with a Stampin' up stamp set to make this card.  I used their "Wetlands" rubber cling stamp set with Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" ink to stamp the wading birds.

I then used four shades of Distress Oxide Inks, applied with a paint brush to colour the image.  The shades of ink I used are:  Tumbled Glass, Speckled Egg, Broken China and Antique Linen.

I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" again to stamp the sentiment, which is part of a Simon Says Stamp set called "Tiny Words".

Crafty Individuals Floral Tag

 

Undecided what to make, I opted for a little gift tag.  I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the central floral image, using a Crafty Individuals cling rubber stamp, which I think may have come free with a magazine, many years ago.  I coloured the stamped image using Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a paint brush.

I then used "Weathered Wood" Distress Oxide Ink though the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "String Stencil - THS103" on a plain white tag,

I mounted both the tag and the central image on to grey coloured card, then used foam pads to mount the central image on the tag itself. Finally adding some dots of white Ranger Enamel Accents.

Lavinia Stamps "Indian Flourish" Card

It's a grey and rainy day here on Anglesey, so an ideal time to craft!  I hope the weather is kinder to you where ever you are.

I used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks, using Squeezed Lemonade, Blueprint Sketch and Wilted Violet. for the area where the feather would be.  I then used Squeezed Lemonade through the Lavinia Stamps "Splendour" stencil for the background patter.  Edging the card in the same yellow Ink.

I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the feather by Lavinia Stamps called "Indian Flourish".  I used sections of the same stamp to stamp the border.  I stamped the sentiment, part of the Lavinia Stamps "Heartfelt Verse" stamp set and inked the edge of the card in "Twilight" dark blue ink too.  To finish, I added detail to the feather using a gold coloured gel pen.

Paperartsy Kate Crane ATC (KSM010)

Today, I received delivery of an order I had placed with Art From the Heart for the lovely and quirky Paperartsy / Kate Crane stamps.  I love the whole design, quite unlike many of my exisiting stamps.

Because I have been using so many blues and greens in my recent makes, I decided to go all out with colour. Covering an ATC (artist trading card), which measures two and a half by three and a half inches with a bright coloured Jane Davenport washi tape.

I then used a black and a white Posca Pen to doodle a rough frame around the edge of the ATC.

On a plain piece of card, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black Ink, I stamps the Paperartsy/Kate Crane image, it has a reference of KCM010.  I then fussy cut it and glued it on to the ATC.

I coloured the image using Distress Oxide Inks and Posca Pens. Finally adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "story" to the top left corner.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Front Cover

Now that the #the100dayproject2026 has finished, I decided to make front and back covers for my pieces.  I had already stuck two to a page as I made them, so it was punching holes in the pages and making the covers, before they were tiedied away onto the bookshelft 

I covered some white board I had that would be strong enough to offer structure for the covers.  I used some 12x12 scapbooking paper in my stash, which I think was from Stampin' Up.  I die cut the letters for "Project" and printed out the rest of the wording.  I've used very large book rings to bind the pages together.

Funky Fossil Designs "Tree Silhouette Dies" Sympathy Card

 

Sadly, time to make a sympathy card. 

I used a watered wash of three Distress Oxide Inks for the background colour, using the following shades of ink:  Weathered Wood, Shaded Lilac and Spun Sugar.  I wafted the heat gun over the surface to dry it.

Next, uisng an off-cut of white card I die cut the trees using the dies by Funky Fossil Designs "Tree Silhouette Die Set" and glued them on to the card.  Finally adding a stamped sentiment, using Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink to stamp the Clarity Stamps "Entwined Sentiment" saying "Deepest Sympathy".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 100

Today, is Day 100 of the 100 Day Project 2026, the final day of this project. This has been a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 100 I used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks to create the idea of a sky, using Tumbled Glass and Speckled Egg shades of ink.  Round the edge of the card, I used "Peeled Paint" Distress Oxide Ink.

I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane", a mid green coloured ink to stamp the Penny Black cling stamp called "Windswept - 40-790".  I then coloured some of the leaves using three shades of Posca Pen, using a dark blue, a green and an aqua shade of acrylic paint pen. I then added gold coloured polka dots between the leaves using a gold gel pen.

Finally, I fussy cut the swallow, from a Dina Wakley collage paper set, this swallow has apeared on all one hundred of my makes for this challenge.  I then added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "throw kindness around like confetti", which I thought was apt with the leaves falling through the air.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 22

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

This is a weekly challenge. I provide you with a prompt/theme each Sunday morning through out the year.  The challenge is very relaxed.  You can do as much or as little as you like.  You can create cards, tags, Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) or index cards, the choice is yours. You just go with what ever is in your head at the time.  You can stamp, get inky, use patterned papers, texture, embellish it is all down to you.

There is a dedicated private Facebook Group, with a lovely bunch of people who are already sharing their makes from previous challenges.  You can find the group by clicking this link.  I'd love you to join in. 

The prompt for Week 22 is "Wedding Season".

This tag is a mash-up of three brands of stamps & stencils, from Lavinia Stamps, Penny Black Stamps, Papertrey Ink and Funky Fossil Designs.  I've used lots of different inks too, so the description may be a bit long.

I started with a cream coloured tag, stamping the Penny Black hedgehogs, which are part of their "every which way - 30-008" clear stamp set, stamping in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I then painted Pebeo drawing gum, a masking fluid over the top of the stamped image.

Next I used the same ink to stamp the arch, which is the Lavinia Stamps "Arch of angels" stamp. I used the Funky Fossil Designs "Brick Wall stencil" with four shades of Ranger Archival Inks through the stencil and to colour the church door.  The shades of ink I used are: Chrome Yellow, Leaf Green, Tea Rose and Shadow Grey.

In front of the church door, I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Texture 3" stamp, again in "Morning Mist" grey ink. I used two Lavinia Stamps for the foliage around the door,  The stamps I used are: Leaf Creeper and Foliage Set, stamped using two shades of Versafine Clair green ink.  the colours I used are:  Shady Lane and Rain Forest.  I then used a lilac and white coloured Posca Pens to create the impression of flowers.

I removed the dry masking fluid from the hedgehogs and coloured them ink using a paint brush with Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours I used are Weathered Wood, Victorian Velvet, Spun Sugar and Tattered Rose.

I then used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks with a blending brush round the edge of the tag,  The colours I used are:  Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint and Walnut Stain.

I stamped one of the Lavinia Stamps "Fairy Charms" to hang over the hedgehogs.  Finally, I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the Papertrey Ink sentiment, saying "happily ever after...", which is part of their "Love Lives Here" stamp set.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 99

Today, is Day 99 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 99 I used Versafine Clair "Arctic" blue ink to stamp the open dots in the background, which are part of the Visible Image stamp set called "Grunge Tones".

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Adriatic Sea" a mid blue colour ink to stamp the grungy looking numbers, which are part of a Visible Image stamp set called "Distressed Christmas".

Then using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the Butterfky and text background, which is part of the Visible Image "Antisocial Butterfly" stamp set.  I then stamped the butterfly again on white card, fussy cut the image and glued into position on the base card.

I added colour to the butterfly using an aqua coloured Posca Pen, then added a "Wink of stella" to the wings to give a lovely gold shimmer, sadly the photograph has not really picked that detail up.

Finally, I added the signature swallow, part of a Dina Wakley collage paper set and a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sentiment saying "hello my darling" to the top right corner.

Stampin' Up "Studio Sketches" jug and pear card

A quick play in my craft room, using a stamp set that has not seen the light of day for a very long time. It was originally going to be a clean and simple design, but my mind took it into a very "busy" direction resulting in this card.

I used a wood mounted Stampin' Up stamp set called "Stuido Sketches" using the jug and pears stamp, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I then painted the image with Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours of ink I used are:  Dried Marigold, Bundled Sage, Crushed Olive, Peeled Paint and Speckled Egg.

Undecided what to do next, I cut up sections of Tim Holtz Idea-ology" collage paper and glued it on to the card in random positions, overlapping the text in places. 

I then used a black and peach coloured Posca Pen to splatter acrylic paint across the surface.  Finally adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "be open to whatever comes next".  I thought this sentiment apt as I had absolutely no idea where I was going with this card!

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 98

Today, is Day 98 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 98 I cut an aperture using a Spellbinders circle die in a piece of white card, discarding the middle and using the remainder as a frame.  Then in pencil I lightly drew round the circle over a piece of card of a matching size, so I knew the area I would be working on.

I put the circle frame to one side and stamped the wading birds, part of a Stampin' Up stamp set called "High Tide", using Versafine Clair "Nocturne: black ink. I then painted the background scene using Distress Oxide Inks,  The colours I used are: Antique Linen, Tumbled Glass, Broken China and then Speckled Egg for the sky area,

I used Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink to stamp the grasses, which are also from the "High Tide" stamp set.

I glued the circle frame over the top of the painted area, then fussy cut a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "always take the scenic route".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 97

Today, is Day 97 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 97 I used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks for the background colour. The shades of ink I used are:Salvaged Patina,  Boken China and Cracked Pistachio.  I then used "Broken China: Distress Oxide Ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Distressed Background Snippet Stencil - SS31".

Next I used one of the stamps from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs stamp set called "Garden Elements - TE30", stamped lightly in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink. Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the lily (from the same "Garden Elements" stamp set), on to the prepared background and then on to an off-cut of white card.  I fussy cut the one of white card, glueing it into position over the stamped image on the background.  I added some colour to the lily by painting with "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Ink.

I added some dots of white and black Posca Pen around the lily.  Then fussy cut a Dina Wakley swallow from one of her collage paper sets. Finally adding a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "keep moving forward".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 96

Today, is Day 96 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 96, I have used Tim Holtz and Dina Wakley collage papers, drawn circles and coloured in areas using Posca Pen, then added strips of white card and discs of dark blue card.  Finally, adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word stcker saying "be original".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 95

Today, is Day 95 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 95, I used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks for the background colour, using Cracked Pistachio, Broken China And Salvaged Patina.  I then used the "Salvaged Patine" trhough the Funky Fossil Designs "Harlequin Background Stencil" in various areas.

Next I used a couple of die cutsd and some Dina Wakley collage paper, finally adding a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "express".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 94

Today, is Day 94 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 94 I covered a piece of white card using "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then lay the Funky Fossil Designs "Sunshine Mandala stencil" over the top of the card and applied "Faded Jeans" Distress Oxide Ink through the stencil to create the background pattern.

I fussy cut a couple of Dina Wakley collage paper images, the swallow and the moth, colouring the moth with Derwent Inktense Pencils (applied with a paint brush).  Finally I added some dots of black ink and two Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word stickers saying "enjoy creating".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 93

Today, is Day 93 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 93 I used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks (Salvaged Patina and Blueprint Sketch) through the Funky Fossil Designs "Large Polka Dots stencil.

I lay torn strips of Dina Wakley collage paper horizontally and added a paper swallow too. Next I glued on blue and white punched circles, Finally adding a couple of Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word stickers, saying "express art".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 92

Today, is Day 92 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 92, I've returned to my collage box of oddments tand off-cuts o create this, using strips of card, Tim Holtz and Dina Wakley collage papers, punched circles and Tim Holtz Idea-ology" word stickers.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 21

 

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

This is a weekly challenge. I provide you with a prompt/theme each Sunday morning through out the year.  The challenge is very relaxed.  You can do as much or as little as you like.  You can create cards, tags, Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) or index cards, the choice is yours. You just go with what ever is in your head at the time.  You can stamp, get inky, use patterned papers, texture, embellish it is all down to you.

There is a dedicated private Facebook Group, with a lovely bunch of people who are already sharing their makes from previous challenges.  You can find the group by clicking this link.  I'd love you to join in. 

The prompt for Week 21 is "Coffee rings/stains"

For my tag, I started by covering a plain tag with a section of a letter I'd received in the post, which I then covered in "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Inks. I then used the same ink through a couple of Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous stencils.  The codes of the stencils I used are THS127 for the zig zag pattern and THMM4 for the harlequin design.

I then used "Abandoned Coral" Distress Oxide Ink through a Funky Fossil Designs stencil called "Coffee Stains" to create the rings and splatter detail.

Next, I applied "Walnut Stain" Distress Oxide Ink through the Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous "Wild Flower Layering Stencil - THS035.   I then used "Gathered Twigs" Distress Oxide Ink  through sections of "THS130" Tim Holtz stencil.

I inked the edges of the tag using Versafine Clair "Acorn", a mid brown coloured ink.  I then added white polka dots using an acrylic paint pen.  I used a gold coloured gel pen and a gold shimmer pen to add extra depth to the flowers.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 91

Today, is Day 91 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 91, I used the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Persepective CMS213" stamp set for the butterfly, stamped in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.  I used the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "String - THS004" stencil with two shades of Ranger Archival Inks, using "Sky Blue" and "Vivid Chartreuse" coloured inks.

I added a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker staying "there is beauty in simplicity".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 90

Today, is Day 90 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 90, I lay a piece of low tack tape from one corner to the other on my white card base.  I used "Salvaged Patina" Distress Oxide Ink through the Clarity Stamps "Stripes" stencil.  Lifted the stencil and tap and relaied them, applying the ink through the stencil again.  This provided me with the right angled background design.

Using a black fine liner pen, I drew a circle round a lid.  Then fussy cut three Dina Wakley collage paper swallows and glued them into position.

I used two shades of Versafine Clair Inks (Morning Mist and Medieval Blue) to stamp the flowers round the circle using a couple of Lavinia Stamps "Mini Stamps".  Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "timeless" to the bottom right hand corner.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 89

Today, is Day 89 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 89 piece I covered the white card in "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then lay the Funky Fossil Designs "Ever Decreasing Circles" stencil over the top and applied "Mowed Lawn" Distress Oxide Ink through the stencil.

I cut some Dina Wakley collage paper leaves and a swallow and glued them into position.  Then fussy cut a stamped flower, coloured and glued that into position.

Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker and added some dots of black ink.

Marianne Designs "Silhouette Art - Branch CS180" on a stencilled background

I had an off cut of white card, floating round my desk, so decided to make something with it, resulting in this card.

I started by colouring the card using "Chrome Yellow" Ranger Archival Ink.  I then lay the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "String Stencil - THS103" over the top and applying "Monarch Orange" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Marianne Designs "Silhouette Art CS180" branch.  I used the same ink to stamp the word "hello" which is part of the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words" stamp set.

Finally, using the lower section of the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Xmas Stencil THMM178", I applied white polka dots using an acrylic paint pen.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 88

Today, is Day 88of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 88 I shaded my white card with "Salvaged Patina" Distress Oxide Ink, having the colour strong on the right, fading to nothing on the left hand side.

I cut a couple of pieces of Dina Wakley collage papers *swallow and face) and glued into position,  I then used two thicknesses of black pen and a white acrylic pen to fade the large piece into the white area.  Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "secrets" to the base.

Lavinia Stamps Botanical Blossom and Moss Flowers "Happiness" Card

 

I had an urge to play with my Lavinia Stamps, which resulted in this card.  I used 49andMarket "Green Jean" ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Elegance" stencil, with stronger colour on the right hand side, fading out towards the left side.

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze: ink to stamp the Lavinia "Botanical Blossom" stamp. On plain white card, I stamped the Laviia "Moss Flowers" in two shades of orange ink, using Versafine Clair "Summertime" and "Carrot Orange",  I fussy cut the flower heads and glued into position.  I then painted the inner area of each flower using "Squeezed Lemonade" Distress Oxide Ink.

I returned to the Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink to stamp then "Happiness" sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia Stamps "Blessings" stamp set.  Finally adding some dots of white Ranger Enamel Accents.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 87

Today, is Day 87 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 87 I coloured the white square of card using "Cracked Pistachio" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then used an animal print stencil with "Blueprint Sketch" Distress Oxide Ink.

I used a lid with Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink to create circles.  I then fussy cut a couple of swallows and a circle of Dina Wakley collage paper with a face on it and glued into position.  Adding a stitched detail round the circle using a black fine liner pen.

Finally, i added a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "everyday chronicles".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 86

Today, is Day 86 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 86 I randomly stuck strips of washi tape across the base card.  I then used some Dina Wakley collage paper for the face and bird, adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "darling, you are a work of art".

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 20

 

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

This is a weekly challenge. I provide you with a prompt/theme each Sunday morning through out the year.  The challenge is very relaxed.  You can do as much or as little as you like.  You can create cards, tags, Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) or index cards, the choice is yours. You just go with what ever is in your head at the time.  You can stamp, get inky, use patterned papers, texture, embellish it is all down to you.

There is a dedicated private Facebook Group, with a lovely bunch of people who are already sharing their makes from previous challenges.  You can find the group by clicking this link.  I'd love you to join in. 

The prompt for Week 20 is "Paint Blowing".

Starting with a white tag, I lay a Tracy Evans "Wild Flower" stencil on to the card and applied Pebio Drawing Gum through the gaps using a paint brush.

Next, I put five colours of Elements inks on to my glass mat,  The colours I used are: Lemon Drop, Sundance, Russet Orange, Blue Atoll and Dark Denim.  I added a little water to a fan shaped paint brush, dabbed it into the ink on the glass mat and then splattered the paint from the brush over the tag, by tapping the brush.  I then quickly used the Tim Holtz air puttfer, not sure what the actual name is, to blow air and spread the ink towards the edges of the tag, you could also use a drinking straw to do this. I did this with all of the colours, using a heat gun to dry the ink between each colour.

Once completed, I wafted the heat gun over the surface to ensure it was fuly dry, before using the Frisk "Maskaway" eraser.  If you don't have one, you can use a finger tip to erase the masking fluid.  

Finally, I added a few pencil details and grounded the flower, using some remaining ink on  a blending brush.  I added some dots of Ranger White Enamel Accents to break up the background colour a little too.