Tracy Evans "TE52 Wilderness" Foxglove Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day, I hade a pretty cottage garden in mind while making this one.

The background is a piece of a gel press print, made many years ago, there was no pattern, just lots of pretty speckles of paint colour. I used Versafine Clair Shady Lane, Charming Pink and Dahlia Purple to stamp the foxgloves.  Stamping the word "Foglove" in Versafine Clair "Monarch" purple ink.  The foxgloves and the words are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Wilderness TE52" stamp set.  I added touches of Derwent Inktense pencils and a white gel pen for exra detail.

Funky Fossil Designs "Winter Wonderland" Misty Artist Trading Card

Rummaging through my prepared background file, I came across a small section of a gel plate background, made some years ago using Pan Pastels through a couple of stencils by Funky Fossil Designs, if memory serves me correctly I used "Lovely Leaves" and "Peony Panel" stencils.

Using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink, I stamped the trees, birds and "calm" sentiment, which are all part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Winter Wonderland" stamp set.  I created the ground, using the same ink and the torn edge of paper.

To create the mist, I used a finger dabber with Hero Arts "Unicorn" white pigment ink,  I had to apply several layers of dabbing to get the strength of "mist" I was looking for. I finished adding touches of white gel pen to the trees and the birds.

Tracy Evans "Explore Nature TE67" Pauce Card

Rummaging in my backgrounds folder, I came across a gel plate background I made a while back using "Paprika" elements ink with white, yellow and purple Brusho paint.

On a piece of white card I stamped the flower (part of the Tracy Evans "Nature Feeds The Soul TE48" stamp set.  I then stamped the flower oagain on to the gel plate printed background, stamping off the edge of the background.

Using the text from the Tracy Evans "Explore Nature TE67" and Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I multi stamped the text down the left hand side of the gel print background.  I wound some cotton thread into loose circles and secured it into position.

On another piece of gel print background, I stamped part of the large "notes" tag, from the same set, then stamped tow of the medium tags on to white card.  I fussy cut the tags, adding holes to them and using Derwent Inktense pencils to colour the white tags.  I fussy cut the tags, layered the tags and glued them into positon and trimmed the edge.  Using a black fine liner pen, I drew the circles. 

I added some white paint splatters, using Dr Ph. Martin's bleed proof white paint.  Returning the stamped flower on the white card,  I coloured it using Derwent Inktense pencils , applied with a paint brush.  I used a gold coloured sparkle pen for the middle to add extra dimension, sadly this isnt really picked up in the photo. I then fussy cut the flower, glued it into position and trimmed the edge.

On a small off cut of white card, I stamped the word "Pause".  This is also part of the Tracy Evans "TE67 Explore Nature" stamp set.  I added some colour and then trimmed and glued into position, adding a rough frame to the word using a black fine liner pen.

Finally, I added a small butterfly to the bottom left hand corner and then some sticky gems in white and black on the edge of the circles.

Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2025 - Day 4

This is my Day 4 of "Karen Telfer's 12 Days of Christmas Tags 2025".  Here is the link to Karen's tutorial if you fancy having a go yourself.

I went off piste with my tag!  I used a Brusho / Gel Plate print that I had in my stash for the background of this tag.  I don't recall what coloured ink of Brusho I used.

I used the Lavinia Stamps "Pheasant Stamp", but didn't stamp the bird itself, just  the fence, using Versafine Clair "Acorn" Brown ink. I used the same ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps robin, part of the "Small Robins" stamp set.

I used a Lavinia "Moon Mask" with "Cobalt" Ranger Archival Ink to darken the sky, ensuring it was light around the robin itself.

I then stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Berry Wreath" in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.  I coloured the berries using a red Posca Pen.  I then coloured the robin, using Derwent Inktense pencils and a dark brown fine liner pen.

For the snow, I used Dr Ph. Martins's Bleed Proof White paint, applied with paint brushes to the fence, berris and the ground.

Lavinia Stamps "Coven of Curiosities" New Release - Make 12

Yesterday, I tidied my desk and put all the new release stamps away in their trays, but then I found myself pulling them out again to make this card.

For the base, I used a gel plate background I had in my stash. I used of the new Lavinia Stamps "Autumn Mist" stencils with two shades of Versafine Clair Inks:  Lilac Bloom and Monarch shades of ink. I then used the "Lilac Bloom" ink to stamp the Lavinia "Paint Splatters" around the stencilled area

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the "Witch Hazel" branches, the "Bats", the "Broomstick", the "Hallowmere signpost" and the "Poppy Dwelling" and "Poppy Lodges" stamps.

I painted the "Poppy Lodges" and "Poppy Dwellings" in "Dusty Concorde" Distress Oxide Ink.  I used the Versafine Clair "Monarch" ink to stamp the "Magic Dwells" verse in second generation stamping around the card.  Inking the edges of the card with "Villainous Potion" Distress Oxide Ink.  Finally, I added touches of a gold coloured glitter pen and a white gel pen to areas of the card.

Lavinia Stamps "Coven of Curiosities" - Make 7

I am continuing my play with the new Lavinia Stamps release called "Coven of Curiosities" making this card.

I found a Gel Plate background in my folder, so decided to use it for the base of this card as I felt the colours worked well.

I used three colours of Versafine Clair inks:  Nocturne, Morning Mist and Twilight for the assorted stamping.  The Lavinia stamps I used are:  Cloche, Penelope, Bats, Mini Rune and Oak Tree.

I used Van Goch Pastel Pencils for shading areas, a black fine liner pen, a white gel pen and a 2B pencil too.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "New Beginnings TE4" Gel Plate Card

An early morning play session for me today making this card.  I used a circular gel plate background I had in my stash.  

I pulled a page from an old Welsh hymn book with music notes on it and stamped the large flower, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "new Beginnings - TE4" stamp set.  I then added a wash of colour to the flower using two shades of Distress Oxide Inks.  I used Wild Honey and Ripe Persimmon.  I then fussy cut the flower.

For placement, I then stamped the flower again on to the edge of the gel plate circle.

Using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink I stamped the ferns, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Fern - TE3" stamp set.

I used the "New Beginnings" stamp set again for the bird.  Stamping it on to the card for placement using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I then stamped it again on a bright yellow gel plate off cut I had in my stash, fussy cut the bird and then stuck it over the image on the card.

Finally, I added some dots of metallic gold gel pen and also some dots of black Posca Pen. I'll add a sentiment at a later date when the card is needed.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Tweet" Card

I've had a quick play this afternoon, making this rather busy looking piece using Tracy Evans Boutique Designs stamps and stencils.

I found a gel plate background in my stash, in coral coloured tones. I used the Tracy Evans SS! - Snippet Stencil "Tweet" with a layer of "Wild Honey" Distress Oxide Ink, which I decided didn't really show, so then added some "Festive Berries" Distress Oxide Ink over the top, to make the bird more visible on the background.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Tracy Evans "Shadowed Elements - TE12" stamp.  I also used the same ink to stamp the bird from the Tracy Evans "New Beginnings - TE4" stamp set.

Round the edge of the tag, I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the branches, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Silhouette - TE38" stamp set.

Finally, I added red berries to the branches and to three of the hearts using a Posca Pen.  I then used a gold gel pen to add polka dots to the stencilled bird in the background.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2025 - Week 7

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2025:

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 7 is "Gel Print"

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For my Week 7 "Gel Print" tag, I used a plain white tag to take the Brusho / Colourbox print from the gel plate for the coloured base.

I used the Lavinia Stamps "Tree Branch stamp" with Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp the branches. I then used Versafine Clair "Pinecone" brown ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Flittermice/bats".

I used two Versafine Clair purple inks (Lilac Bloom and Monarch) with one of the Lavinia "Moon Masks" to spotlight the two of the hanging bats.  I then used a white Derwent Inktense pencil to lighten areas of the moon/spotlight.

At the base of the tag, I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp the Lavina "Climbing Ivy".

Finally, Using a gold glitter/shimmer pen I added highlights to areas of the tag and then added dots of Liquid Pearls in "Blackberry (purple) and a copper colour to give the impression of flowers within the foliage at the base of the tag. I added dots of yellow Posca Pen to the eyes of the bats too.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2024 - Week 41

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2024:

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 41 is "Numbers"

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For my Week 41 "Numbers' tag, I started by using a gel plate/Brusho background I had in my stash, which I cut into tag shape.

Next I used Ranger Archival "Violet" ink through two stencils from Funky Fossil Designs, using the "Number Scrabble Stencil" and the "Large Polka Dots Stencil".

I then used the Funky Fossil "Musings Stamp Set" to add the darker numbers on the top left, using Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink.  I used the same ink to ink the edge of the tag and also to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Witches Cat" at the bottom right hand corner.

I used the Funky Fossil Designs "Blooming Numbers 2" stamp and die set with Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" to create the number seven, which I layered using foam pads for added dimension.

I used a white Posca Pen to add dashes of white vertically and horizontally.

Finally, I added a sentiment of "I feel so lucky" from the Tim Holtz "Idea-ology TH93193 Small Talk" sticker set.

Lavinia Stamps "Dancing Till Dawn" gel plate card

 

I enjoyed the gel plate technique Eileen Godwin shared on her "Live" last night that I decided to make another card using the same principles.

I used Versafine Clair "Avocado" green ink and a brayer to put a thin base layer of ink on the gel plate.

Then I used two shades of Ranger Archival Inks to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Berry Leaves" multiple times in first and second generation stamping using "Periwinkle" blue innk and "Paradise Teal" a green coloured ink, direct on to the gel plate.  I then placed a piece of card over the top of the gel plate and took the impression.

Round the top and bottom, I added extra foliage using the Lavinia Stamps "Arctic" blue ink with the "Wild Vines" stamp.

Next, I stamped the Lavinia "Dancing till dawn" ladies, using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.  I used the same ink to stamp the "Vine Branch" at the top of the card, also to ink the edges of the card too.

Using Versafine Clair "Arctic" blue ink and a Lavinia Stamps "Hill Mask" I created the landscape behind the dancing ladies.

I then used a large Lavinia "Moon Mask" with "Rose Madder" Ranger Archival ink to create the impression of the pink dawn sun.  I used the same ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Feather Leaf Stencil" too, within the sun area.

I used a 2B pencil to add shadows and a white and a gold gel pen for highlights.  I used a white and coral coloured Posca Pen for the dots to create the impression of flowers.

Finally, I added the "Have an amazing day" greeting, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiments" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Twilight" ink.

Lavinia Stamps "Mae" and the crystal ball

Last night, I watched the super talented Eileen Godwin do a live tutorial.  I was up early this morning, so decided to have a go myself.  I didn't take any notes, so this is made by memory.  I've used a couple of different stamps to Eileen too.

I used a brayer to put Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" ink on to a gel plate. Then I used the Lavinia "Maple Leaf" stamp to stamp leaves around the edge, using two shades of Ranger Archival Inks.  The colours I used were "Cornflower Blue" and "Rose Madder". I then took a print from the gel plate.

Using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink, I stamped the Lavinia fairy called "Mae" and also the "Small Lily Flourish".

I used "Rose Madder" Ranger Archival Ink with a Lavinia "Moon Mask" edging the moon with the pink colour.  I then used the same coloured ink through the Lavinia "Laurel" stencil".

Next I stamped the Lavinia "Luna Lights" that hang on the top right of the card, in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.  I used the same ink to edge the card too.

I used the Lavinia "Bubbles" stamp set, using the smallest bubble for the crystal ball, stamped in Versafine Clair "Arctic" and then given touches of 2B pencil and white gel pen.

I coloured the flowers using "Malibu" coloured Derwent Inktense pencil.  I used a gold pen to colour in the "Luna Lights" and a gold shimmer pen to outline some of the leaves.  I added "A Wink of Stella" to the wings of the fairy and then finally added some dots of white Ranger Enamel Accents round the moon.

Floral Card

Continuing my stash busting efforts, I found a small off cut of a gel plate background in my box of "ditch or do" goodies.  It only measured 11 x 7 cm, but I had fortunately had the foresight to jot down on the back what I had used to create the background.  I'd used "Mulberry" Element Ink, brayered on then splattered with white, lemon and purple Brusho paints.

I decided to break up the colour a little more by adding splatters of purple, black, lemon and white Posca Pens.

Using a wet glue, I added some white die cuts which I had never got round to colouring, if I remember correctly they're from a Sizzix/Tim Holtz thinlits die set called "Wildflowers" or something similar. Finally, I added a few dots of white Ranger "Enamael Accents".

Cat Collage Card

Like many crafters, I loathe to throw any bits away.  This includes off cuts of projects and die cuts never used. Because I have been making so many items the last three months, my box of bits and bobs is struggling to close, so I decided to make a collage, using some of the pieces I'd kept.

I can't tell you much about the process of this.  I started with a three and a half inch square piece of white card and just covered it.  Mainly I have used off-cuts from gel plate printing, some snippets of torn book pages and die cuts.  If I recall correctly, the cat is from a Memory Box die and the black circular area in the top right is from a Tim Holtz die.  I suspect the "Love" die cut word is from a Sizzix / Stampin' Up word die set.  That's all I can tell you about the process.

I really like the way this has turned out.  I especially like the hints of lime green that lift all the blues.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 86

Today is Day 86 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is about inks.  Only another two weeks to go till the finish.  I can't believe I have come this far.

For the background of this card, I have used the gel plate with "Mulberry" Elements Inks and three shades of Brusho, using White, Lemon and Purple colours.

I have then used a die for the flower, sorry, I'm not sure who makes it.  I've cut the outline of the flower in card and the inner petal area in tissue.

I used a wet glue to stick the outer and flower edge in place, then added a dot of glue to the inner tissue petals, then added another layer of tissue petals over the top.

I added a little wet glue to the middle of the flower and popped some micro beads in an orange/yellow colour over the top of the glue.  I then used a white Posca Pen to add the stem to the flower.

Finally, using Versafine Clair "Monarch" purple ink, I stamped the Simon Says Stamp sentiment, which is part of their "Tiny words" stamp set.  I used one of the Simon Says Stamp "Nested Banners SSSD111928" to die cut the sentiment into shape, then used some double sided sticky tape to position the sentiment on the card.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 69

Today is Day 69 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge.  This week the prompt is "Dollar Tree Finds", but as we don't have a Dollar Tree shop in the UK, I am having a week of creating what I fancy.

In my stash I found a circular gel plate background I had made a couple of years back, do decided to use this as the base of the card.  Over the top, I used two shades of Ranger Archival Inks "Magenta Hue" and "Shadow Grey" through the Funky Fossil "Scandi Starburst" stencil, moving the stencil about so the colours overlapped.

On a piece of white card, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink I stamped the flower arrangement, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Hello Gorgeous" stamp set.  I also stamped the sentiment, which is part of the Funky Fossil "Stripped Back Sentiment" background.

I fussy cut the flowers and glued on to the card, adding a touch of colour using a Derwent Inktense pencil.  I cut down the sentiment and inked the edges, then stuck that on to the card using double sided sticky tape.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysaertplay Challenge - Day 67

Well I've got two thrids of the way through the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge.  I can see the light of the finish line at the end of the tunnel. The prompt for this week should be "Dollar Tree" finds, but here in the UK, we don't have Dollar Tree, so I'm making making anything I fancy this week.

For this card, I used a piece of gel plate/Brusho background I had in my stash.  Stamping the Creative Expression "Hexagon Script" over the surface using Versafine Clair "Charming Pink" ink.  I used the same ink to ink the edges of the card. I splattered some white paint from a Posca Pen across the surface of the card.

I used Wow! Clear Embossing Ink and Wow! Bright White Super Fine Embossing Powder to stamp the dandelion and sentiment and then heat set.  (I'm not sure who made the stamp set, it's one I've had for years with a reference of SSC1106 STM2010). I then mounted the card on to a piece of pink paper and then on to a white card blank.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 55

Today is Day 55 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about using the gel press.

I've used Pan Pastels on the gel plate with three stencils by Funky Fossil Designs.  The stencils I have used are:  Retro Starburst, Peony Panel and Distressed Diamonds. For this card, I have only used half of this gel plate print.

Using Verasfine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the figure and sentiment, which is part of the Funky Fossil "Serenity" stamp set.

I created a dark ground area for the figure, by using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink and the torn edge of a piece of paper.  I outlined the figure using a white gel pen. Finally adding Versafine Clair "Strawberry" to ink the edges of the card.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 54

Today is Day 54 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge, this week is all about using the gel plate.

For the background pattern, I have used "Della Blue" Elements ink on the gel plate with the Lavinia Stamps "Ambiance" stencil to achieve the pattern.

I then used a Creative Stamps "Floral Sketch STON0112" background stamp with Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink to stamp the delicate pattern.  I coloured areas with a felt pen, then mounted the card on to a piece of co-ordinating card.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 53

Today is Day 53 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about the gel plate.

I've used Pan Pastels through the Funky Fossil Designs "Batik Stencil" to create the pattern in the background. 

Over the top of the pattern, I have used a black pen to draw Zentangle doodle designs, drifting from the top left to the bottom right hand corner of the card.