Lavinia Stamps "Zia" and the "Tree of Dreams".

I have no idea where this card came from in my head.  The only thing that I had in my mind was to use the Lavinia Stamps "Zia" as I've never used her before and she has been in my stash since the Steampunk collection were released.

I stamped "Zia" in Versafine Clair "Acorn" in second generation stamping, so that the image was quite light.  I then stamped another "zia" on a piece of scrap paper, fussy cut it and placed over the other one to use as a mask.

I then stamped the Lavinia "Texture 1" stamp in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" either side of the face.

While the mask was in position, I stamped the "Tree of Dreams" in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink. I used the same ink to multi stamp teh "Small Branch".

Over the Texture area and the "Tree of Dreams , I used a blending brush with "Antique Linen" Distress Oxide ink.  I decided to add a little brown and green to the background by using the Archival Inks called "Coffee" and "Leaf Green"

I removed the mask and coloured Zia's face using three shades of Distress Oxide Inks:  Tatterred Rose, Spun Sugar and Picked Raspberry applied with a brush.  I coloured her lips and eyes using a green Derwent Inktense Pencils.

I then started work on the hair area using the small Lavinia Pound stamp called "Mini Leaf Creeper" stamped in first and second generation stamping in Versafine Clair "Verdant" and Shady Lane.

I edged the card using "Bluebird" Archival Ink.  I then stamped the bird, part of the Lavinia "Birds Collection" in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.  

Finally, I added touches of white gel pens to the hair/leaf area.  I added the sentiment of "Dream" which is part of the "Inspire Me" stamp set, stamped in Verafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Clarity Stamps "Dandelions" Sympathy Card

Sadly I needed a sympathy card, so made this one using Clarity Stamps and one of their stencils. 

I used the Clarity Stamps "Abstract Droplet Stencil" with Versafine Clair "Cheerful" yellow ink, fading the colour from the bottom right hand corner to the top left.

Using Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink, I stamped the Clarity "Dandelions" and the greeting from the "Entwined Sentiment" stamp set.

Finally, I added a few dots of white Ranger "Enamel Accents".

Clarity Stamps "Abstrace Squares" Male Birthday Card

I was looking at the Clarity "Abstract Squares" stencil and decided it would make a good male birthday card, so had a quick play.

Rather than using the whole Clarity Stamps 7x7" Abstract Squares Stencil, I opted to used less than half, placing it off the edge of the card.  Through the shapes, I used an assortment of Archival Inks.  The shades I used were:  Fern Green, Peat Moss, Garden Patina, Shadow Grey, Cobalt and Coffee.

I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the sentiment, which is part of the Clarity "Christmas & Celebration Words" stamp set.  I used the same ink to stamp the "Kiss by Clarity - Doodle Discs and Framers" for the circular inked area.

Lavinia Stamps Textured Seascape Card

Last Friday, the lovely Amanda Branston did a demo of using texture paste with the new Lavinia Stamps Dinkles.  I was impressed, so decided to have a go myself. 

I lay a Sweet Poppy aperture circle stencil over my piece of card, then lay the Lavinia Stamps "Honeycomb Stencil" over the top, securing it with a piece of low tack tape.  I then applied Tim Holtz/Ranger Matte Distress Texture Paste with a palette knife.  I then used my heat gun to dry it. 

Once I was happy the paste was set, I repositioned the circular Sweet Poppy metal stencil and then spritzed the inner area of the circle with water. I then tapped small amounts of three shades of Lavinia Stamps "Dinkles" on to the spritzed surface, using Deep Yellow, Lime Divine and Sea Blue shades.  I gave an added spritz of water t ensure the powder dispersed then used my Tim Holtz hand held air puffer (I can't remember the proper name for it, but it's in the photo above), to blow the surplus water off the textureed area onto the white card. I continued to rotate the card so that the ink was blown outwards all the way round. I used a heat gun to dry off the area.

At this stage, I really wasn't sure what I was going to do with this textured circle, then I thought of a fishing net and that gave me the idea of a seascape.

I stamped a selection of Lavinia Stamps ocean stamps (Shoal of fish, Fish Set, Seaweed 2, Seaweed and Urchins) in Versafine Clair inks. I coloured them with Derwent Inktense pencils and then fussy cut and stuck the images on to the textured card.

Finally, I added some touches of silver glitter gel pen and then mounted the card on to a dark mauve piece of cardstock and then on to a card blank.

Funky Fossil Designs "Doodle Alpha Blocks" Diet Journal Cover Page

Funky Fossil Designs recently released a stamp set, that shouted to me to use in my diet journal.  The stamp set arrived in the post today, so I got busy creating a page... I appear to be in orange mode today, this being the second orange coloured make of the day!

I started by digging around in my background folder, where I found two backgrounds using Funky Fossil stencils with Pan Pastels.  I used the "In the grove stencil" and the "Lots of pips stencil", I don't recall which Pan Pastel colours I used.

I distressed the "Lots of pips" background by using a white pastel pencil and dragging a green Versafine Clair ink over it.  I then stamped the Funky Fossil "A7 Sea Life stamp in Versafine Clair "Rain Forest".

I did cut the "In the grove" background and inked the edges of it in Versafine Clair "Rain Forest" green ink and then stamped the Funky Fossil "Doodle Alpha Blocks" in the same ink. I used a wet glue to stick the circle on to the "pips" background and then stamped the word "Journal" in the same ink.

Finally, I added touches of white gel pen to areas of the letters and dots of "Outrageous" Liquid Pearls to the "Sea Life" pattern in the background.

Clarity Stamps "Kiss by Clarity Doodle Discs" Thank You Card

This morning, I have had more play with Clarity products making this thank you card. 

I started with a spray ink background I'd made some months ago using orange and yellow spray inks.

Using Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink, I stamped the "Kiss by Clarity - Doodle Discs" in a row.

I then used "Bright Tangello" Archival Ink through the Clarity "Stripes" stencil.  I decided it needed something more, so used "Poppy" Archival Ink through areas of the Clarity "Orbit" stencil.

Finally I stamped the "Thank You", part of the Clarity "Entwined Sentiment stamp set" in Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue", I then inked the edges of the card in the same ink.

Clarity Stamps "Treescape Stencil" card

I seem to be on a roll with my crafting today, each make has been quite different, which I like.

I had an urge to do something with trees and came across a stencil by Clarity Stamps that I had purchased second hand from Ebay, called "7x7 Treescape", so decided I would put it to use for the first time.

I had a rummage through my file of prepared backgrounds and came across one that I thought would be suitable.  It was a variation of mid green shades, which I thought I would be able to manipulate.

I ended up using the following Versafine Clair Inks, used in this order for the area above the ground:  Warm Breeze, Monarch and Medieval Blue.  For the groundscape area, I used two shades of green Versafine Clair Inks:  Verdant and Shady Lane.

I used my Van Goch Pastel Pencils to create light and shade areas, adding touches of white using a white gel pen.   

Lavinia Stamps "Indian Flourish" on a "Dinkles" Background

Recently, Lavinia Stamps have released a new product called "Dinkles", they're a little similar to Brusho but are a fine powder, rather than being granular.  Initially, I thought "I'm not going to buy these'!  But of course I got sucked in and orderd the set.  They have been sat on my craft desk for almost a week waiting to be used, so today was the day that I gave them a try. 

I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with the Dinkles or how I was going to use them, so decided I would spritz a piece of card with water (both sides so that it didn't curl), then poked holes into the lids of the Dinkles, like I did with the Brusho all those years ago and then gently tapped a little of the powder out.  I used two colours "Amethyst" and "Magenta".  

Initially, I put a very tiny bit of powder onto the spritzed surface, but knew I wanted a little more colour, so added another spritz of water then tapped a little more powder on.  I then used my heat gun to dry the surface.

Once the card was dry, I ran an anti-static bag over the surface then stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Indian Flourish" feather on to the card.  I quickly coated the stamped image with Wow! Silver Embossing Powder and heat set.

I cut the card down to an appropriate size and then added a stamped sentiment, using the Lavinia Stamps "Heartfelt Verse" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Charming Pink" ink.

Funky Fossil Designs "Shellebration - We're on the move" card

I've used a similar background to the card I made yesterday to make this card, again using Funky Fossil products. 

With this card, I have used the torn edge of copy paper with Versafine Clair "Verdant" green ink.  I've then used "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide ink with the Funky Fossil "In the clouds" stencil.

I stamped the sentiment and the snail image, part of the Funky Fossil "Shellebration" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I then stamped the snail image again on a piece of white card.

Using the stamped snail image on the white card, I coloured it using Derwent Inktense pencils.  I then fussy cut it and stuck over the stamped image on the landscape.

I added touches of shading, grass and flowers using a 2B pencil and gel pens.

Funky Fossil "Spring in the forest" card

I've made another card using older stamps and stencils from Funky Fossil Designs, making this card. 

To create the landscape I used Versafine Clair "Verdant" green ink with a Lavinia Stamps "Hill Mask'.

For the sky, I used "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Ink with the Funky Fossil "In the clouds stencil".

I used the Funky Fossil "Spring in the forest" stamp set, stamping the tree in second generation Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink, stamping the flowers in Versafine Clair "Verdant" light green ink.

I coloured the image using Derwent Inktense pencils and a few touches of 2B pencil and gel pens too.

Funky Fossil Designs "African Woman" Card

This morning, I was in the mood for some stencil play, so pulled out some of my older Funky Fossil stencils to make this card.

I found a gel plate background in my file that I'd made a while back using Distress Oxide inks on a gel plate, so thought that would be a nice bright background to use.

I placed the Funky Fossil "African Woman" stencil over the top of the background and applied Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink through the stencil.

Next I used the Funky Fossil "Abstract Pattern Stencil" with Versafine Clair "Summertime" orange ink.

I felt it needed something else, so I pulled out one of my most used stencils, the Funky Fossil "Micro Dots Stencil" and used "Vibrant Fuchsia" Archival ink through the stencil to provide an extra dimension.

I mounted it on black card to pull the eye in to the image.

Clarity "Abstract Droplet Stencil" Congratulations Card

I recently joined the Clarity Stamps "Stencil Club".  I received my first stencil and welcome pack today, so of course I had to have a quick play.

The stencil is called "Abstract Droplets" by Clarity Stamps.  I used five colours of Archival Inks through the stencil to create the background (Cactus Flower, Violet, Leaf Green, Forget-me-not and Vivid Chartreuse).

For the greeting, I used a stamp from the Clarity "Entwined Sentiments" set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Purple Delight" ink. 

An "Abstract" tag using Clarity Stencils

I've been away again, home just in time to do one of Eileen Godwin's challenges of create something "Abstract". 

I raided my backgrounds file and found a tag I'd made a while back using "Bundled Sage" and "Peeled Paint" Distress Oxide Inks on a cream coloured tag.

I used "Peat Moss' Archival Ink through the Clarity "Abstract Droplet" stencil.

Next I used "Library Green" Archival Ink through the Clarity "Circle Dots" stencil.

Using a fine tip black pen, I drew some vertical lines, then drew some boxes on them, adding dots inbetween the boxes.  Some of the boxes I coloured with a gold shimmer gel pen, the others I filled using a black Posca Pen, edging some with a metallic gold pen.

I inked the edges of the tag using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink before mounting it on to black card.  

Finally, I added dots of black Ranger "Enamel Accents" and gold coloured Liquid Pearls.

Sweet Poppy Stencil "Feather" Brusho Card

Another day and another feather on a Brusho background, but quite different to the earlier one. 

I raided my Brusho background file and found this blue and green piece of card, which was the ideal size for the Sweet Poppy "Feather" stencil.

I used Versafine Clair "Monarch" purple ink through the Sweet Poppy Stencil, I then coated it in "Rich Gold" Wow! Embossing powder and heat set with the heat gun.

I used "Monarch" again to stamp the sentiment, which is part of the Sweet Poppy "Autumn Leaves" stamp set.

Finally, inking the edges of the card in "Monarch" then mounting on co-ordinating paper and then a white card blank.

Lavinia Stamps "Feather" on a Brusho and stencilled background

After making relatively clean cards in the past day, this evening I have gone all out to fill all the white space.  It's one extreme to another!

I started with a Brusho background I had made a while back.  I rubbed an anti-static bag over the surface of the card then stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Feather" and a sentiment from the "Heartfelt Verse" stamp set in Versafine Clair Medieval Blue.  I immediately coated stamped images in Wow! Clear Embossing Powder and heat set using a heat gun.

I used "Bright Tangelo" Archival Ink through areas of the Lavinia "Elegance" Stencil. I then used "Cobalt" Archival Ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Waffle" stencil, trying not to overlap the stamped images, so each were allowed to breathe and highlight the design of each stencil.

Finally, I inked the edges of the card using Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink, then mounted it on to a dark blue card before placing on a card blank.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Wildflower Butterfly Stencil SP2-129" Heat Embossed Card

I've been playing with my heat gun today to make this card using a Sweet Poppy stencil.

I ran an anti-static bag over navy blue card then lay the Sweet Poppy Stencil called "Wildflower Butterfly SP2-129" which I believe may now be retired from the present collection.

Through the stencil, I applied Wow! Clear Embossing Ink using a finger dabber till all areas were covered.

I then covered the inked area with Wow! Rich Gold embossing powder and heat set.

I was going to add a head embossed sentiment, but decided that this card would be handy to have for any occasion, so decided to leave it blank.

 

Lavinia Stamps "Bogart" CAS Card

One of the Lavinia Stamps I have hardly used is "Bogart", so I decided to make a card featuring this handsome guy.

I stamped "Bogart" in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I used a Simon Says Stamp from their "Tiny Words" stamp set for the sentiment, also stamped in Morning MIst.

I coloured Bogart and the water using a selection of Derwent Inktense Pencils, applied with a paint brush.  I used:  Lemon, Spring Green, Light Olive, Sicilian Yellow and Malibu.

I added touches of yellow Posca Pen, I also used a 2B pencil to add some extra tone and a white Gel Pen too. Finally, I added a dot of Ranger "Glossy Accents" to the eye.

 

Lavinia Stamps "Fern Heads - Diolch" card

Today, Tuesday 16th May, Eileen Godwin set a challenge to make a "Thank you" card.  I've opted for the word "Diolch" which is the Welsh word for "Thanks". 

I started by using shades of Archival Inks through the Lavinia Stamps "Words 1 Stencil" to create the floral background I used Leaf Green, Pink Peony, Violet and Cornflower Blue inks.  I used the latter to blend the edges of the card.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the Lavinia "Fearn Heads" and the words "Diolch" which is part of the Lavinia "Welsh Words" stamp set.

Using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the Lavinia "Texture 1" at the base of the card.  Finally adding some white dots of Ranger "Enamel Accents".

Funky Fossil Designs "Happiness Blooms" Birthday Card

I've had a few days away again, so I of course couldn't wait to get back to my craft desk, especially as my order from Funky Fossil Designs was waiting for me to play with.   

I joined the Funky Fossil Design Team when it first started in 2019. I love their products, especially the stencils, which were my first FF love.  

Since 2022 I have been an "Honourary DT Member" which allows me to go away without feeling any pressure to keep up with releases.  I guess it's the best of both worlds for me.  

When the "Happiness Blooms" stamp set was released, I knew that I had to order it as I loved the clean look of the design.  I wasn't disappointed in using it either.  I love it.

I stamped the main image and sentiment (both part of the Happiness Blooms" stamp set) using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I used three colours of Derwent Inktense Pencils to colour the image:  Golden Yellow, Cadmium Orange and Spring Green.  Applied using a paint brush and building up the strength of colours.  I finished off using a 2B Pencil and a white gel pen to add some tone too.

Lavinia Stamps "Tree of Dreams"

As I had the Lavinia Stamps "Tree of Dreams" stamp out, I decided to make another card using it. 

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Tree of Dreams" in the middle of the white card.  I then stamped "Pipin" and one of the hares from the "Wild Hare" stamp set.

Using a black fine line pen, I extended the roots of the tree and drew a landscake.

I then used Archival Inks through the Lavinia "Elegance" stencil fading the pattern out towards the edges

I coloured the tree and the landscape using Derwent Inktense pencils.

I then used two shades of Versafine Clair Inks:  Purple Delight and Monarch with a blending brush to blend the edges of the cards fading towards the middle of the card.  I then edged the card in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

I used Versafine Clair 'Purple Delight" ink to stamp the "Sacred Spells" verse around the edge of the tree.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" and "Morning Mist" I stamped the "Fairy Hives" hanging from the tree, adding dots of yellow Posca Pen to the windows.

I used an orange glitter and white gel pen to colour the climbers and to highlight the roots.  I then used the orange glitter pen to add dots around the tree, to give the impression of leaves.

Using Gold Stickles, applied with my finger tip, I added sparkle to the tree canopy.  In real life it looks really pretty, sadly the sparkle isn't picked up in this photograph.

Lavinia Stamps "Tree of dreams" card (following a tutorial by Lisa Taggart).

After making some clean and simple cards, I've gone to the total other end by making this card, which is a take on a recent Lisa Taggart tutorial using the Lavinia Stamps "Tree of dreams".  You can see her tutorial here.

Basically, to start this piece you apply a selection of Elements Ink to a gel plate, spritzing with water before taking a print.  Then build up the colours by adding more ink and spritzing again.

Then using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, stamp the Lavina Stamps "Tree of Dreams". then apply more Element Inks building the depth of colour.

Extend the tree lower than the stamped image.  Then use pastels, coloured pencils, gel pens, Posca pens to create the rest of the image.  

The tutorial is very thorough and well worth a watch.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Snowflake Aperture Stencil" Card

I'm either very late or very early making this Christmas card, but I just fancied making one! 

I've used the Sweet Poppy "Snowflake Aperture Stencil", using "Forget me not" Archival Ink through the stencil.

I stamped the Sweet Poppy "Small Winter Cottage" in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I coloured the cottage image using Derwent Inktense pencils, using a paint brush.

I used a Simon Says Stamp sentiment, from their "Tiny Words - Christmas" stamp set, also stamped in "Morning Mist".  

Finally, I added some sticky gems in two sizes to the snowflake wreath.

Penny Black "Hello Dear 40-062" Birthday Card

I thought it was time I used one of my Penny Black stamps as it has been a while, so made this card.

I used the Penny Black red rubber cling stamp called "Hello Dear 40-062", stamping the image in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

To colour the stamped image, I used Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a wet paint brush, addking touches of gel pen to the flowers at the base.

Finally, I stamped the sentiment, which is part of the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words - Birthday" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist grey ink, before mounting the card on to a lilac piece of card and then on to a card blank.

Sweet Poppy "Foxglove" Tag

A late craft session from me today as I've had a migraine that is still lingering.  Hopefully it will have passed by the morning.

I rummaged in my file of prepared backgrounds and found one made on the gel plate with bubble wrap, to create the pattern, which I thought would okay. Then cut it into a tag shape.

I stamped the Sweet Poppy Stencil "Foxglove" stamp in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I then coloured it using Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a paint brush.  I added touches of white and purple gel pens.

Lavinia Stamps "Horse & Foal" Birthday Card

It seems like ages since I last used my Lavinia Stamps, but as I needed to make a card for a horse mad young lady, the "Horse & Foal" stamp seemed ideal for the focus of the birthday card.

I used the Sweet Poppy "Circle Aperture" stencil for the central round area.  Using "Sky Blue" Archival Ink with a blending brush to create a very subtle background.  I then lay the Lavinia Stamps "Feather Leaf Stencil" over the top and used the same ink and brush to provide a quiet background pattern.

I was in two minds to keep all the stamping within the circle or let some of it "off the edge".  I decided on the latter.

I stamped the large tree, the Lavinia Stamps "Elm" Tree in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, allowing the branches to extend past the circle edge.  Using the same ink, I stamped the Lavinia "Horse & Foal".

Using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I created the landscape using a finger dabber to apply the ink over the torn edge of copy paper.

Using the same ink and the Lavinia Stamps "Small Trees", I stamped the tree images so they looked like they were in the distance.

I used a black pastel pencil to create the impression of shadows from the legs of the horse and foal.  I then used a black fine line pen to give the impression of grass in the foreground.

Finally, I stamped the "Happy Birthday" using the Lawn Fawn "Simply Sentiments" stamp set.

Creative Stamping VW Camper Van Card

I'm back to a cleaner look with this VW Camper Van card using products from several different manufacturers.

I started by stamping the camper van, which was a free stamp within a "Creative Stamping Magazine (Issue 54), stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I then stamped the van again on a post it note, fussy cut the image and popped it over the original stamped image to make a mask.

With the mask in place, I then lay the Sweet Poppy "Aperture Circle Stencil" over the top and coloured the background in "Peat Moss" Archival ink.  I then lay the Clarity "Sunshine Stencil" over the top and applied "Sky Blue" Archival Ink through the stencil.

Removing the stencils, I then coloured the camper van using Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a paint brush.  I also added touches of silver Gel Pen for the chrome areas of the van.

To finish the card, I stamped "Happy Birthday", which is part of the Lawn Fawn "Simply Sentiments" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I then mounted the card on to co-ordinating card stock and then on to a white 7"x7" card blank.

Paperartsy "JOFY JM11" Artist Trading Card

I fancied doing a bit of crafting, but didn't want to make a card, so made this ATC (Artist Trading Card).  It's just two and half by three and a half inches, so a small area to work with.

I started by using a blending brush with "Pink Peony" Archival Ink, blending from the edges towards the middle, so that the edges were darker than the central area.

I then used the Paperartsy "JOFY JM11" red rubber stamp with Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the text/flower image.

I coloured the berries with a Posca Pen, colouring the leaves with two shades of Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a brush.

I used "Plum" Archival Ink through the Funky Fossil "Abstract Bamboo Stencil", using the same ink to darken the edges of the ATC.  I then used "Nocturne" on the very edge to make the colours pop.

Next, I lay the Funky Fossil "Celebrations Stencil" over the ATC and applied "Blue Bird" Archival Ink through the dots, fading from left to right.  I then used a fine tipped pen to draw around the circles for definition.

Clarity Stamps "Leaf" Card

I've not been feeling quite right today.  Nothing I can put my finger on, just not right, which meant I've not crafted until this evening.  Hopefully it will have passed by the morning.

I've used a selection of products from Clarity Stamps, starting with the "Leaf Stamp and Stencil set".  I stamped the leaf in Versafine Clair "Verdant" light green ink.

I then coloured the stamped image using the following shades of Derwent Inktense pencils:  Spring Green, Leaf Green and Wild Flame, applied with a brush.  I added touches of yellow and orange Posca Pen to the middle of the flowers.  Then used a 2B pencil to add a little definition.

I then lay the leaf mask over the top of the stamp and coloured image and edged it with Versafine Clair 'Verdant" and "Shady Lane" green inks.

I then lay the Clarity "Sunshine Stencil" over the topand faded out Versafine Clair "Verdant" ink towards the edges.

I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" mid green coloured ink to stamp "Thank You", which is part of the "Entwined Sentiments" stamp set.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Octopus Stamp" card

This evening, I have had a play using the new Octopus stamp from Sweet Poppy Stencils. 

I found a Brusho background I had made some months ago which I thought would be suitable for a watery background.

I stamped the Octopus image using Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink.  Then coloured the image using Derwent Inktense Pencils applied with a brush, building up the colour to create layers of colour.  I added touches of a white gel pen and a yellow Posca Pen, finally adding Ranger "Glossy Accents" to the eyes and the suckers.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Lily of the valley" card

Sometimes when I'm laying in bed in the early hours, I get an idea for a card and I can't let the thought go.  I had that problem this morning, so had to get up and make the card and this is it.

I've used one of the new stamps from the Sweet Poppy Stencils "Botanical" range called "Lily of the valley".  I've stamped the flower using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink on Kraft card.

I've coloured the image using Derwent Inktense pencils.  The sentiment is also by Sweet Poppy Stencils but I'm not sure what it is called as I think this set is retired from their range. 

Visible Image "Free your imagination" mixed media card

Once again, I am back from a few days away and I really missed my crafting, so while the first load of washing was in the machine, I got cracking and made this mixed media card. 

I used lots of products on this and to be honest I didn't make notes, so don't recall what order I used things, so I'll list the products I used.

Visible Image - Free Your Imagination Stamp Set

Visible Image - Atomic Flower Stencil

Visible Image - Supernova Stencil

Visible Image - Strobes Stencil

Visible Image - Halftone Stencil

Archival Ink - Prickly Pear

Archival Ink - Garden Patina

Archival Ink - Sky Blue

Archival Ink - Watering Can

Versafine Clair - Nocturne Black Ink

Ranger - Distress Texture Crackle Paste

Ranger - White Enamel Accents

Posca Pen - Yellow

Unibal Signo Pen - White

Sweet Poppy "Dragonfly Blooms" with in a circle card

Having made a few cards with "white space" lately, I've covered every surface of this card!  One extreme to the other! Sadly the lovely sparkle and shimmer doesn't really show up in this still photograph, so I've made a short video clip so you can see it.

I started by using the Sweet Poppy Stencils (SPS) "Twisted Vines Aperture Stencil" with two shades of Archival Inks:  Peat Moss and Garden Patina through the decorative edge of the stencil to create a border.  I used the same colours for the central area using a light covering of the "Peat Moss", then lay the SPS "Faux Dragon Leather Stencil" over the top and applied the "Garden Patina" Archival Ink.

I stamped the dragonfly, which is part of the SPS "Dragonfly Blooms" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink.

I then painted the dragonfly using Cosmic Shimmer "Iridescent shimmering watercolour paints" and a silver glitter Signo Pen.

Around the edge of the circle, I painted a purple colour, suing "Dusty Concord" Distress Oxide Ink.  Once dry, I then edged the card with Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink, fading the colour out towards the circle so just a halo of the original paint colour showed.

Using a glue pen, I outlined the dragonfly and the foliage detail in the ring adding Lavinia Stamps "Moon Dust".  I then added touches of Ranger "Enamel Accents" in white and dots of Liquid Pearls in "Blackberry" and "Mermaid".

Clarity Stamp "Swallow Journaling" white space challenge card

Today, Wednesday 26th April, Eileen Godwin set a challenge of "Lots of white space".  This is the card that I made, using the same products as the ones I used yesterday. 

I used the Clarity Stamp "Stripes" stencil with "Prickly Pear" Archival Ink as the base layer, fading it out from the middle.

I then used the Clarity Stamp set called "Swallow Journaling" to stamp the text, using Versafine Clair "Verdant" light green ink and then the foliage in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" mid green coloured ink.

I used a white Posca Pen to splatter across the card, adding a few dots of Ranger "Enamel Accents" too.

I deliberately left this free of a sentiment, as I thought this design could work well as an emergency card for several occasions.

Clarity Stamps "Swallow Journaling" Red, White and Blue Challenge Card

Yesterday, Eileen Godwin set a "Red, White and Blue" challenge. I've only just had an opportunity to make a card and this is it. 

I used the Clarity Stamps "Stripes" stencil with "Carnation Red" Archival Ink.  I then lifted the stencil, shifting it one line up (to cover the red), then applied "Cobalt" Archival ink through the stencil to get the multi coloured stripe look.

I used two stamps from the Clarity "Swallow Journaling" stamp set, stamped in first and second generation Versafine Clair "Twilight" ink.

I added dots of red Posca Pen and Ranger "White Enamel Accents", giving a touch of colour to the bird using Derwent Inktense pencils.

Sweet Poppy Stencils "Dragonfly Blooms" Card

This is another card started in the caravan at the weekend and finished off at home.

I've used the Sweet Poppy Stencil stamp set called "Dragonfly Blooms", stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink in second generation stamping, so that I had a very pale outline of the image.

I coloured the stamped image using Derwent Inktense pencils applied with a paint brush.  I used a 2B pencil to add shading and a white Signo Pen to add highlights. I also used a metallic silver pen for the beads and chain.

The "Just for you" sentiment is by Lavinia Stamps and is part of their "Heartfelt Verse" sentiment set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink. 

Visible Image "Creative Chaos" CAS Card

This is the card that I had started at the caravan, but couldn't finish till I got home today. 

I started the card, by stamping the flowers from the Visible Image "Creative Chaos" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

I then used Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a paint brush to colour the flowers.  I used a minty green Inktense pencil with a brush to create a very informal rectangle panel of colour behind the flowers.

I used "Weathered Wood" Distress Oxide Ink through part of the Visible Image "Supernova Stencil".

I then added extra black and white dots using Ranger "Enamel Accents". Finally mounting the card onto a piece of black paper and then on to a card blank.

Visible Image "One Kind Word" Card

I took a few crafting bits with me to the caravan, but I struggled to craft there as I only took one ink pad, stamping platform, a handful of stamps,my Derwent Inktense pencils with a paint brush.  So I ended up stamping, making this card and made half a card which I will finish at a later date.

While trawling through Social Media, I noticed how cruel and thoughtless some comments made by people were.  As I had the Visible Image "One Kind Word" stamp set with me, I decided to make a black and white card, so that the attention is brought to the wording.  I stamped using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

Sweet Poppy Stencil "Thistle Stem Stamp" Card

Last week, I entered an Instagram competition to "like, tag & share" their post regarding the release of their new stamps.  I was thrilled to receive a message to say that I was one of the winners.  Today I received my three stamps from the new collection.  I opted for the Foxglove, Poppy and the Thistle Stem. 

Today has been a bit busy, so I didn't get to play with the stamps till late evening.  I decided to use the "Thistle Stem" stamp first, stamping it in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, then colouring the image using Derwent Inktense pencils, sometimes applied with a paint brush and sometimes as a pencil.  I also used a gel pen, a 2B pencil and a Posca Pen.

In the background, I used a Sweet Poppy stencil called "Grid Plate" with "Weathered Wood" Distress Oxide Ink, blending tout he colour from right to left.

Finally, I stamped a sentiment from the Simon Says Stamp set called "Tiny Words - Birthday" in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Texture Challenge Card

Today, Wednesday 19th April, Eileen Godwin set a challenge of "Texture".  This is the card that I made.  I was totally out of my comfort zone using the texture paste! 

I started this card doing one thing but it morphed into something quite different as I wasn't sure how to use a product and winged it.  Lesson learnt, check Google first.  

I made a beautiful background thinking it would crackle, but it  didn't as I'd used "Crazing" which was clear when I applied it.  I then put the stencil back on and added the"Crackle" paste, which was very white when applied and stayed white, so I lost the nice background, which resulted in working with what I had left!

I decided to use the inks left on my blending brushes to provide colour to the crackled area.  I'd used a Funky Fossil stencil called "Broken Mosaic" with the Tim Holtz "Crackle" Texture Paste. A small area of the base remained and that was where I had stamped the Funky Fossil "Vintage Script" using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.

I decided I would die cut a section of the surface, using a Sizzix Tim Holtz die, but due to the depth only some of it actually cut, which I actually don't mind as it is more informal.

I found some MDF cogs in my stash, so coated them with "Plum" Archival Ink and then added touches of gold gilding wax.  I stuck them into position using Glossy Accents.

I used a Tim Holtz "Paper Doll" and gave the gentleman a bit of colour by using felt tips pens and rubbing off the surface ink, which left just a suggestion of colour.  I used double depth foam pads to adhere the upper body of the paper doll and Glossy Accents for the legs, positioning him as if he were sitting on the cogs.

I found a Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous "Sticker Word" which was suitable, mounted it on dark red card and cut to shape.  Finally, I had some little dark gold looking metal embellishments which I thought worked well, so added these by using some dots of Glossy Accents.

Funky Fossil "Free Spirit" Birthday Card

I made a quick card for a male this morning.  When I say quick, it really was.  It was made, written and in its envelope withing ten minutes!

I've used products by Funky Fossil Designs for this card, starting by stamping the horse image, which is part of the "Free Spirit" stamp set, in Versafine Clair "Twilight", which is a dark blue ink.

I then applied "Shadow Gray" Archival Ink through the "Burlap Texture Stencil" fading the colour out towards the edges.

Using Versafine Clair 'Twilight" again, I stamped the sentiment, which is part of the Funky Fossil "Small Print" stamp set.  Finally I added three sticky backed grey dots to the stamped image.

Tuesday challenge card "Black and White"

Today, Tuesday 18th April, Eileen Godwin has set a challenge of "Black and White".  This is the card that I have made for this prompt using a selection of Visible Image products.

I stamped the main image, called "Behind Every Mask" in the middle of the card using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  With the remaining ink on the stamp, I stamped the image on a post-it note then fussy cut the shape to create a mask.

With the mask in place, I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink through the Visible Image "Strobes" stencil, fading it out towards the edges.

Using Versfine Clair "Nocturne" black ink I stamped one of the Visible Image "De-stressed" stamps multiple times around the edge of the card.  I then did the same using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I then used the Visible Image "Free Your Imagination" stamp set for the feather and the sentiment, stamping both in "Nocturne" black ink.

Finally, I mounted the card on to a piece of black paper then on to a card blank.  Around the edge of the black paper, I drew a line in a white gel pen.  The last thing I did was to add dots of white Ranger "Enamel Accents" below the flight of the bird.

Butterflies Challenge Card

I'm playing catch up with the challenges I have missed, while I was away.  The Friday Eileen Godwin challenge prompt was "Butterflies", this is the card I have made. 

The central image is actually the mask I used for the "glitter" challenge a few days ago.  I couldn't bring myself to throw it away as it was so pretty - just as well I didn't!

The mask is a stamped image from the Visible Image stamp set called "Butterfly Effect", stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. It's got lots of different Archival Inks and splatters on it.

In the background, I have used a stencil called "Butterfly Wreath" by Funky Fossil Designs, with "Shadow Grey" Archival Ink, using more ink in the central area and blending out so it is lighter on the edges.

I used foam pads to adhere the butterfly over the wreath.  Then stamped the sentiment, which is part of the Simon Says Stamp set called "Tiny Words - Birthday", stamped in Versafine Clair "Monarch" purple ink.

I then mounted the card on to a piece of grey paper and then on to a card blank.  Finally adding some dots of Ranger "Enamel Accents" to complete the card.

Lavinia Stamps - "Believe" challenge card

 

I'm home again after a few days away.  How I have missed my crafting!

Yesterday, Monday 17th April, Eileen Godwin set a challenge of using only stencils to make a card.  This is what I made. It is totally out of season, but actually quite nice to do something festive for a change.

I used a whole host of stencils by Lavinia Stamps along with Archival Inks and Wow! Embossing Powders.

I started the card by using the Lavinia "Stag" Sticker Stencil from set 4 using "Tea Rose" Archival ink go colour the stag head.  I then used the same ink through the Lavinia "Cryptic" stencil.

I used "Prickly Pear" Archival Ink around the stag head, then used the same ink and some "Leaf Green" Archival Ink through the Lavinia "Honeycomb" stencil.

I then used "Sky Blue" Archival Ink through the Lavinia "Divine" stencil.

Next I applied "Fern Green" Archival ink through the Lavinia "Red Brick" stencil.

I moved on to "Cobalt" Archival Ink with the Lavinia "Moon Mask" to create the partially shaded moon in the background.

While I had the "Cobalt" ink out,  I then used it through the the Lavinia "Faith" stencil to create the "Believe" word. Using "Cobalt" again to darken the edges of the card.

I used Wow! Embossing Ink and Wow! Clear Embossing Powder through the Lavinia "White Orbs" stencil from the top left to the bottom right and heat set.

Once the clear embossing was cool, I dusted the surface with an anti-static bag and used the same stencil with Wow! White Puff Twinkle Embossing Powder in the same area and heat set.

I added a few pencil details around the head of the stag using "Van Goch Pastel Pencils" to add some shadow to the head.

Here's a little video clip to share with you, in the hope you can see the embossing detail a little better.

Vibrant Background Challenge Card

Today, Thursday 13th April, Eileen Godwin set a challenge of creating "A background of vibrant colours'.  I think I have fulfilled the brief with this card.  

I have used a selection of colours of Archival Inks through the Clarity Stamps "Abstract Squares" stencil in the background.

I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink through the Funky Fossil Designs stencil called "Ava".  I used the same ink to stamp the "Happy Birthday" sentiment, which is part of the Clarity stamps set called "Christmas & Celebration Words".

When I showed the completed card to Hubby, he said "that's not at all your style", which is true it isn't my normal, but I enjoyed making it all the same.  I guess that is what taking part in challenges is all about!

Visible Image "Butterfly Ink" glitter challenge card

Eileen Godwin set a challenge today (12th April 2023) to use glitter.  This is the card that I have made. 

Starting with a plain piece of white card, I stamped the central butterfly, using the Visible Image "Butterfly Effect" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink.  I then coated it in Wow! Clear embossing powder and heat set.

I stamped the butterfly again on a piece of copy paper, then fussy cut the shape to use as a mask while I created the background. I used a small amount of repo glue to position the mask over the top of the card.

Using blending brushes, I applied two shades of Archival Inks:  Vivid Chartreuse and Violet around the background.

I then used Cactus Flower and Vivid Chartreuse Archival inks through the Visible Image "Strobes" and "Supernova" stencils.

I then lay the Visible Image "Breakout" stencil in a couple of positions and applied "Wow!  embossing ink" with a finger dabber through the stencil, then coated in Wow! Clear Embossing Powder and heat set.

I lay the Visible Image "Butterfly Ink" stencil over the butterfly and applied Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink through the stencil to creats the dark splatters.  I used the same ink to stamp the "Butterfly" sentiment which is also part of the "Butterfly Effect" stamp set.

Using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" I stamped some rings on the left hand side of the butterfly and some random circular images on the top right, which are both part of the "Butterfly Effect" stamp set.

I used a white acrylic paint with a fan shaped paint brush to add fine white splatters, from the bottom left to the top right hand corner.  

I then removed the paper mask from the butterfly, it looks so pretty with all the colours.  If it didn't blend in so well with the background, I would have kept it in position!

I now turned my attention to decorating the butterfly itself.  I used Creative Expressions Cosmic Shimmer Iridescent paints in a blue and purple shade.  I then used "Lavender" coloured stickles for the four main sections of the wings, adding small dots of silver glitter signo pen to the dots at the ends of the wings.

In the background, I added dots of Ranger Glossy Accents and also some dots of White Enamel Accents.

Once everything was dry, I inked the edges of the card using Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink, then layered it on to dark and then white card. Finally adding some very small sequins to the top left and bottom right hand corners.