Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge - Day 70

Today is Day 70 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge.  This week is all about "Dollar Tree Finds" but as we don't have the Dollar Tree shop here in the UK, I am creating what I fancy instead.

I used Prima Confections "Tropicals" water colour paints to create the background.  Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the toadstools, insect and grasses, which are part of the Hobby Art Ltd "Garden of wonder CS227D" stamp set.  I've added touches of Posca Pen to create the impression of small flowers.

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.

Funky Fossil "Polite Society" stencil sympathy card

Sadly, it's time for another sympathy card, so I've gone with a  clean and simple sympathy card design.

I've worked straight on to a white card blank for this card, using Ranger "Sky Blue" Archival Ink through the Funky Fossil "Polite Society" stencil, fading the colour our towards the top and the left hand side.

Using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I've stamped the flower from the Funky Fossil "In the meadow" stamp set and the greeting from the Funky Fossil "Stripped Back Sentiment" stamp set.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 68

Today, is Day 68 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week has a prompt of "Dollar Tree Finds" but as we don't have that shop in the UK, for this week, I am making things as I please.

Starting with a cream coloured tag, I used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks for the background stripes (Picked Raspberry and Spiced Marmalade).  Over the top of that I used the Funky Fossil "Circle Cascade" stamp created by "Dellow Designs" with two shades of Versafine Clair Inks (Summertime orange and Charming Pink).

Next, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the flowers and butterflies, which are part of the Funky Fossil Designs "In the meadow" stamp set.  Finally adding some white dots of Posca Pen to break up the colour.

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 66

Today is Day 66 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week the prompt should be "Dollar Shop Finds" but as we don't have Dollar shops here in the UK, I am having a week of creating for the sale of it.

For this make I used the Funky Fossil Designs "Tie Dye" stencil with "Chrome Yellow" Archival Ink and "Wilted Violet" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then splattered paint from a purple Posca Pen across the surface.

I inked the edges of the card with Versafine Clair "Fantasia" purple ink then used the same ink to stamp the flower and sentiment, both are part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Hello Gorgeous" stamp set.  Finally adding some dots of orange Posca pen to the middle of the flowers.

Lavinia Stamps "Whimsical Hare' in woodland (collage) card

I've used off-cuts of patterned papers from a Funky Fossil Designs paper pad called "Neutrals", to create the background collage landscapeof this card. Masking a circle for a moon and edging the moon mask with ink. Stamping one of the Lavinia Stamps "Whimsical Hares" and their "Woodland" stamp in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I've also added touches of white gel pen

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 65

Today is Day 65 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  As we don't have the "Dollar Tree Shop" here in the UK, I am making my own prompts for this week.

I've opted for a "Monochrome" theme for my make, using a selection of products from Sweet Poppy Stencils.

I started with the "Leaf Aperture" stencil and "Sea Grass" Ranger Archival Ink.  Over the top of that I lay the "Floral Trellis" stencil, applying "Olive" Ranger Archival Ink to create the background pattern.

I used Versafine Clair "Avocado" green ink to stamp the "Pumpkin Vine" and the sentiment from the "Hugs & Kisses" stamp set.

Finally, adding some colour using Derwent Inktense pencils a 2B pencil and a white gel pen.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge - Week 17

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

The prompt for Week 17 is "Use your initials"

*****

This is the tag that I have made for the Week 17.

I started by painting my tag with two shades of Distress Paint, using a mix of "Villainous Potion" and "Prize Ribbon" shades.  I set the tag aside to dry and then flattened it between a couple of books as it was curling.

I used assorted acrylic paints to paint the three main flowers and foliage in a folk art style.

I then die cut my initials "SCS" and glued into position.  

I filled in the background area by using Posca Pens to create smaller flowers, using pale blue, yellow, orange and white pens.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 64

Today is Day 64 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge.  There is a new prompt for this week "Dollar Tree Finds" but as I'm in the UK and don't have a Dollar Tree shop I'll make a card a day with a varied theme.  

I started with a sheet of patterned paper from a Funky Fossil Designs paper stack, which I seem to recall was called "Kaleidoscope".  I cut the paper down and stuck it on to some bright yellow card then on to a piece of white card.

Using some of the same white and yellow card, I cut the flowers, using the Funky Fossil Designs "Doodle Blooms" die set.  I coloured the larger petals of the middle flower by adding a touch of "Squeezed Lemonade" Distress Oxide Ink, then stuck the elements on to the card using wet glue. Then added some "Outrageous" Liquid Pearls to the middle of the flowers.

Finally, on a piece of white card, I stamped the sentiment of "Hello Sunshine" using Versafine Clair "Charming Pink" ink and a sentiment from the Funky Fossil "Small Print" stamp set.

Funky Fossil "Comic Book" Birthday Card

I've mentioned it a few times, that I struggle making cards for males.  I saw the Funky Fossil Designs "Comic Book stamp and die set" and fell in love with it.  Alas, it was sold out, but Sarah must have found more stock, as the next time I looked it was on her site, so I ordered one along with three stencils which I felt would work well with the stamp set.

This afternoon I got to play with the stamps and dies, they are everything I was hoping for.  They're going to make male cards so much easier for me now.

I used some bright yellow paper, stamping the comic style explosion shape in the new Versafine Clair red colour called "Strawberry".  I then stamped the shape again in white card, fussy cutting the shape and then sticking the white over the yellow central area.

I then mounted the yellow paper on to a piece of dark blue card and then on to a white card blank.

Next, using Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink, I stamped the word "Boom" on white card and used the matching die to cut it to shape,  I added white foam pads to the underside of the word so that it has a 3D look to it.  Finally, using the same ink, I added the "Happy Birthday" greeting, which is also part of the "Comic Book Words" stamp set.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 63

Today, is Day 63 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  It is the last day using the prompt of "Collage".  I have found some days more testing than others for this prompt.

For my collage, I have used three strips of Washi Tape by Funky Fossil Designs, paired with off cuts of patterned paper from two paper collections by Funky Fossil Designs (Patina and Textures).

I've added ink to some of the torn edges and also used sections of book print too.  I die cut a tree using the Funky Fossil Designs "Tree Silhouette Die" but decided I prefered the white side to the patterned side.  This then prompted me to add more white to the piece by adding dots and dashes using a white Posca Pen.

Finally, I stamped tiny sections of text using a stamp from the Funky Fossil "Musings" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 62

Today is Day 62 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about "Collage".

I used a postcard from a product I'd purchased a few years ago for the lighthouse and boat image, which I stuck on to a piece of white card. I edged the light house using a charcoal pencil and a white gel pen.

I used "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide ink to colour the white card, then inked the edges of the card using two shades of Verafine Clair Inks, using "Blue Belle" and "Bali Blue" shades.

Next, I stamped Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp some text in the background.  I actually used a Lavinia stamp called "See a fairy"as it has a nice vintage script.

Along the base of the card, I glued on a decorative ribbon strip with a loopy design and with peal beads attached.

Above the decorative ribbon, I added a strip of Washi Tap, with shell designs.  I then stuck on some tiny sea shells and coloured beads.

Finally, I added some Nuvo "Diamond" sequins to add some lovely shimmer and a Tim Holtz Idea-ology word sticker, saying "The most beautiful thing".

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 61

Today is Day 61 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about collage.  

I've raided my odds and ends drawers to make this collage.  I've used an off cut of a 12x12 scrapbook paper.  A piece of vellum with a die cut circle in it, tissue paper with a butterfly design, a turquoise coloured Posca Pen some small buttons and some sticky backed pearls.  Finally, adding a Tim Holtz Idea-ology word sticker saying "the loveliest things".

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 60

 

Today is Day 60 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is about "Collage".

For my collage, I have used off-cuts of old scrap booking patterned paper that I have had in my stash for more than fifteen years!  I cut them into strips and layered them across a 6"x 5" card.  By memory the brands used are Crate Paper and My Minds Eye.  Then with the remaining papers I punched circles and glued them over the striped background.

I mounted the colourful background on to a piece of white card and then stuck a Tim Holtz "Paper Doll" of a wedding couple.   Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology word sticker staying "never meant to last".

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 59

Today is Day 59 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about "Collage".

For my collage card, I have used a mixture of patterned paper and a hand made background.

I've stamped various tickets from the Globeland "Vintage" stamp set in three shades of Versafine Clair inks, using Nocturne, Medieval Blue and Blue Belle.  I inked the edges in the same ink and coloured/painted the large ticket in the background using Derwent Inktense Pencis and a white gel pen.

Finally, I used a stamp from a Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stamp set called "The Journey" for the "Enjoy the journey" sentiment, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

Clarity Star Flower Sprey Stamp Sympathy Card

While we were away last week, I received some sad news that the wife of my dear cousin has passed away. The news was a shock, she was a lovely warm, kind and caring woman.  I think what hit me more was that she was my era.  The first of the Cousins to pass.  Although we didn't see each other often, I will miss her.

Anyway, I needed to get a sympathy card in the post and was not really feeling crafting to be honest, so I replicated a card I made a while back, which I felt would be suitable to send to a male.

In the background, I have used "Cornflower Blue" Ranger Archival Ink through the Clarity Stamps "Peacock Pattern" stencil, fading the colour out towards the top and the left hand side.

Using Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink, I stamped the Clarity "Star Flower Sprey" stamp.  I used the same ink to stamp the small "With Sympathy" sentiment, which is part of the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words" stamp set.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 58

Today is Day 58 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week the prompt is collage. 

For my collage, I started with a piece of cream coloured card, colouring areas of it with Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" ink to give it a more aged look.

I added brown splatters, to replicate foxing, by tapping a brown Posca paint pen over the surface of the cream coloured card.

I had saved some of that course brown paper that is in some Amazon packages.  I tore a piece off, scrunched it up then flattened it.  I then dragged a Versafine Clair "Pine Cone" ink pad over the surface, so that it hit the higher areas.  Then stuck the paper down on the cream coloured card.

In my stash, I have some book pages that I had tea dyed some years ago.  I tore a piece of one of the pages up, inked the edges using "Gathered Twigs" Distress Oxide Ink and then stuck the piece of book page on to the card.

I added a line of Washi Tape with a music design about two thirds down the card.

I had some pretty tissue paper with a butterfly design on it.  I cut a small area off and stuck it to the card with Distress Collage Medium.

I used a Tim Holtz Idea-ology word sticker, saying "in the garden" and finally added some dots of Liquid Pearls called "Gold Pearl".

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2024 - Week 16

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

The prompt for Week 16 is "Stencil"

*****

This is the tag that I have made for the Week 16.  I started with a cream coloured tag, colouring the surface with three shades of Ranger Archival Inks, using Buttercup, Sunflower and Bright Tangello.

I used "Vermillian" Ranger Archival Ink through the Clarity Stamps "Bijou Bookprint Stencil" in three different positions off the edge of the tag.

Next I used Ranger Archival "Watering Can" ink through the stripes section of the Clarity "Birds Decorative Panel" in the blank areas.

I lay the Clarity "Barbara's Star Flower Spray stencil" over the tag and applied Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink through the stencil.  I then inked the edges of the tag using the same ink.

For extra detail, I went around some of the areas with a black fine liner pen. I also added dots and lines using a metallic gold gel pen.  Finally adding some dots of pale blue Posca Pen to the middle of the flowers.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 57

Today is Day 57 of Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  It's the start of a new week of prompts, this week is "collage"!

For my make, I raided my stash of cardstock and patterned papers, finding a 6x6 patterned paper with tiny copper dots on a blue background, so I matched everything else with that.

I've used different shades of blue cardstock, some with torn edges, there is some stamping in Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink using one of the Lavinia Stamps "Pysichic Signs".  

I used a piece of Funky Fossil "Washi Tape" and a piece of copper foil tape that I scrunched up and then smoothed for added texture/interest.

I used various die cuts I already had cut and finally added a Tim Holtz Idea-ology "Big Chat" word sticker saying "Understanding".

Book Review: The Vintage Flower Van on Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow

Every now and then, I share a review of a book I have read.  Today, I wanted to share a fabulous read by the author Christie Barlow called "The Vintage Flower Van on Love Heart Lane (this is actually book 14 of the Love Heart Lane series) and I have loved every one of them.  The books can be a stand alone read or you can read them numerically.

I was very fortunate to be offered to read this book via Netgalley, having previously reviewed a couple of titles by Christie Barlow.

I was itching to start reading this book as soon as it was downloaded, but had to control the urge and finish the book I was mid way through.  As soon as I started the first paragraph, I was immersed back into the world of the Scottish village of Heartcross and their residents.

Florist, Florries life is in a spin, Aunt Ada has passed away. At the funeral service, the face of Tom, her teenage crush turns up and then she finds out what she thought was being left to her isn't!  

Florrie has to call upon the community of Heartcross to help save "Rose Cottage Gardens" from being developed into new homes, she also has to fight to save the Vintage Flower Van too, which results in some surprising collaborations, and Toms face just keeps popping up!

I have loved reading all the Love Heart Lane books and this one is no exception.  It definitely gets a thumbs up from me!

The Vintage Flower Van on Love Heart Lane is available to pre-order on Amazon, with a release date of 23rd May 2024.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 56

Today is Day 56 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge.  It is the last day of using the gel plate prompt.

For my background, I used "Graphite" Elements ink brayered on to the gel plate.  I then splattered three colours of Brusho paint, using White, Lemon and Purple, to achieve the speckled background.  I apologise, I got stuck in to stamping and forgot to take a photo of the background.

For the stamping, I used Versafine Clair "Spruce" greeen ink to stamp the Penny Black "Breezt - 40-111" slapstick/cling stamp.  I added extra detail with a white gel pen, finally adding some dots of white Ranger "Enamel Accents" to break up the background colour.

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.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 52

Today is Day 52 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about using the gel plate.

For this background, I used Acrylic Paint as the carrier and red, blue and yellow Pan Pastels on the gel plate, with four different stencils from Funky Fossil Designs.  The stencils used on the gel plate were:  Compass, Broken Radius, Peony Panel and Retro Stars.

I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the guitar heads, wings and sentiment, which are all part of the Funky Fossil "Guitar Hero" stamp set.  Finally, splattering grey and black Posca Pens to give a more grungy feel.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 51

Today is Day 51 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100dayartplay challenge.  This week is about working with the gel plate.

I applied Elements "Graphite" ink to the gel plate with a brayer.  Then from a fan shaped paint brush, I splattered water droplets and little bits of diluted paint on to the gel plate before taking the impression, which resulted in this pretty background.

I used two Paper Artsy acrylic chalk paint - Candy Floss and Cerise, along with two Decoart Americana Acrylic paints - Plum and Snow (Titanium) white to paint the flowers.

For the stem and the leaves, I used Derwent inktense pencils.

Lavinia Stamps "Once upon a time..." tag

Another make using Lavinia Stamps and the new Versafine Clair ink colours.

For this tag, I started by applying the new "Avocado" Versafine Clair ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Berry" stencil.

I then stamped the "Leaf Spray" in two shades of Versafine Clair, using both "Avocado" and "Verdant" in first and second generation stamping.  Using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane' I stamped the "Vine Branch". Then used Versafine Clair "Rain Forest" to stampe the "Small Branch".

I stamped the robin from the "Bird Set" in Versafine Clair "Portobello" and used the same ink to add areas of text using the Lavina "Psychic Signs" stamp set.  I stamped the two hares in Versafine Clair "Pinecone", these were "Lupin" and the "Whisical Hares" stamp set.

I added shading using pastel pencils and colour using Posca and gel pens.  Finally adding a Lavina "Word Sticker" saying "Once upon a time...".

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2024 - Week 15

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

The prompt for Week 15 is "Spring"

*****

This is the tag that I have made for the Week 15.  

I started with a white tag and stamped the branches, feeder and bird in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  All the stamps are part of a Clarity Stamps set called "Garden Birds".

I then lay the Clarity Stamps "Peacock Feathers Stencil" over the tag and used "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil.  Around the edges of the tag, I used "Bundled Sage" Distress Oxide Ink.

I then coloured the stamed image using various shades of Distress Oxide Inks, applied with a paint brush.  

• For the bird I used "Squeezed Lemonade" and "Faded Jeans".
• For the branches I used "Tea Dye" and "Gathered Twigs".
• For the blossom I used "Spun Sugar" and "Victorian Velvet"

Finally, I added a Lavinia Stamps word sticker from their Stickers #6 set.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 50

Well here we are on Day 50 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  At the half way point!  Where have all those days gone?  I remember thinking on Day 7, "I don't think I can do this" well I am proving myself wrong!

Today is the first day of a new prompt.  This week is all about the "gel plate".

For my piece I used Paper Artsy chalk acrylic paints (Jade, Gold and Cayenne) on the gel plate with the Lavinia Stamps "Pebble Stencil" to achieve the pattern.

I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Botanical Blossom" stamp at the top and the bottom of the card.  I used the same ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Creativity" sentiment in the middle of the card.

I inked the edges in Versfine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and mounted the piece onto black and then white card, finally adding touches of a white gel pen to areas of the stamping.

Lavinia Stamps Snailcap Mushrooms Card

 

In recent weeks, I have seen many ink pad cards inspired by Sarah Anderson, so I decided to make one myself.

I used Distress Oxide "Antique Linen as the background ink of choice for my central square, pulling the colour from the edge towards the middle of the square.

I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Snailcap Mushrooms" in the new Versafine Clair colour called "Sand Dune".  I created masks for the mushrooms, then lay the Lavinia Stamps "Laurel Stencil" over the top, applying another new Versafine Clair coloured ink "Avocado" through the stencil to give a subtle pattern.

While the masks were in position, I stamped the foliage using the Lavinia Stamps "Thimbleweed" stamp with Versafine Clair "Avocado" green ink.

I used another new Versafine Clair ink colour, called "Portobello" to stamp the tiny bits of script, using the Lavinia stamp set called "Psychic Signs".  I used the same ink to stamp the word "Hope" which is part of the Lavinia Stamps "Blessings" stamp set.

I used Derwent Inktense pencils, a 2B pencil and a white gel pen to colour the mushrooms and to add highlights to various areas.

Lavinia Stamps Fairy Bell and Fairy Orchid Card

Today, I took delivery of the new and long waited for Versafine Clair inks.  There are twelve new colours in total and as expected they are absolutely fabulous.  I of course couldn't wait to get to play with them, so I quickly got cracking on this card.

In the background, I have used the new "Lilac Bloom" ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Pods" stencil, fading out he colour from right to left.

I then stamped the flowers choosing two Lavinia Stamp sets "Fairy Orchid" the taller flower and "Fairy Bell Set" the shorter flower. I stamped the stems first using two shades of the new ink, using "Grass Green" and "Avocado".  I then stamped the flower heads using the new "Hawthorn Rose" ink.

To ground the flowers, I created a landscape using the Lavinia Stamps "Hill Mask" with Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I used dots of Posca and gel pens to create the flowers on the ground.  

 I added splattters of white paint to break up the stencilled surface a little, I also added touches of 2B pencil for low-lights on the flowers and white gel pen to highlight areas of the stamped flowers.

Lavinia Stamps Oak Leaves black and white card

 

A friend asked me about a technique, so I set too making this card, so I could share the process.

I've used a good quality solid black coloured card, approx 280 gsm.  I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Oak Leaves" in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black" ink.

I then used a white Uniball Signo Pen to go over the edges of the stamping.  It goes on quite dull as the card seemed to absorb the colour.

I then used a white and black pastel pencil to colour the leaves, blending the colours with a paper stubb.  I then went over some of the edges of the leaves with the white Signo pen again, these remained brighter than the original ones.

Finally, I used a Tim Holtz Idea-ology word sticker from their "Small Talk" booklet, going round th edges with the white Signo pen.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 49

Today is Day 49 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week has been all about stamps and stamping.

I seem to have a theme of circles in the past few days and that has continued into this card.  I drew different sized circles with a pencil across the card.  I then painted them using Prima Confection "Tropicals" water colour paints.

Once the paint was dry, I then used Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs "Hello Gorgeous" stamps, designed by Ann Corbiers-Scott.  Finally adding touches of yellow and orange Posca Pens.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 48

Today is Day 48 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative £100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about stamps and stamping.

For this card, I have used Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink to stamp the Wow! Blossom (stamp set 53).  Once stamped, I coated the stamped area in Wow! Clear Embossing Powser and heat set.

I mounted the embossed image on to navy blue card and then on to a white card blank

I stamped and die cut the word "Hello" using Wow! Rich gold embossing powder and ink pad and the Waffle Flower "Oversized Hello 271309" stamp and die set.  I used wet glue to stick the word in position.

Finally, using a gold gel pen, I coloured in some of the flowers and edged the white with a gold band of ink.

Stamping and Zentangle Art Fusion

On my earlier post, I shared two zentangle doodles I made while at the caravan.  We came back home today, so I decided to work with one of the dentangles and stamp on it.

I used a golden yellow shade of paint fromt the Prima "Tropicals" Water Colour Confections paint set, to paint the large zentangle circles.

while the paint was drying, I drew a circle the same size as the large circles on a post it note, I cut the inner area out to create a mask for stamping.

Using the post-it note to protect the area around the circles, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp four different patterns from the Funky Fossil Designs A7 stamp sets.  The sets that I used were:  Vintage Script, Round in dots, Inky Grid and Ditsy Flowers.

I mounted the card on to a piece of black card and then used orange and white coloured Posca Pens to add a bit of colour within the large circles.

Zentangles at the caravan

We've been away at the caravan for a few days.  While there, I miss my crafting so always take a bag of bits and bobs with me to play with.  This time I had a note pad and black pen, so doodled some Zentangle designs. It's very calming.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 47

Today is Day 47 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about stamps and stamping.

For my card, I have stamped a reflection of the tree, by using Verafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Trees" stamp, stamping on a piece of acetate.  I then used the acetate to transfer the image on to the card.

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the trees above the reflection. I used a 2B pencil to add extra shadows and depth in the water area, I also extended the land/water on both sides of the tree stamped area.

I added a very subtle touch of blue to the sky area and the water using three shades of Derwent Inktense pencils, using "Malibu - 1213", Iron Blue - 0840" and "Neutral Grey - 2120"

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 46

Today is Day 46 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about stamps and stamping.

I started with a white piece of card, cut into a tag shape.  I stamped the Honyedoo Crafts "Lilies" flower using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

I painted the flower and the background using Prima "Tropicals" Water colour paints adding touches of gold gel pen to the flower and adding a white Posca Pen outline.

I inked the edges of the tag using Versfine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and then used the same ink with a finger dabber through the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "THS004" String Stencil.

I then used the gold gel pen through the dots on the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous Christmas stencil before mounting the tag on to a piece of black card.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 45

Today is Day 45 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about stamps and stamping.

I started with a white piece of card, cut in to a tag shape.  I used the stamps from two Visible Image stamp sets, using "See Everything" and "Creative Chaos", stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and then coated in Wow! Clear Embossing Powder and then heat set.

I used a blue and a yellow Derwent Inktense Pencils to colour the iris of the eye.  I then used yellow, orange and light blue coloured Posca pens to colour in various sizes of dots. Finally, mounting the tag on to co-ordinating blue card.

Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay Challenge - Day 44

Today is Day 44 of the Tiffany Johnson Creative #100daysartplay challenge.  This week is all about stamps and stamping.

For this card, I used a background I had in my stash that I had made with the gel plate, the Funky Fossil Designs "Organic Circles" and "Victorian Velvet" Distress Ink.

I cut the card down to 4x4" and then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs "Ammonite" stamp, then coated the stamped image with Wow! clear embossing powder and heat set. I then coloured the image using "Bundled Sage" Distress Oxide ink, applied with a paint brush and used a white gel pen for highlight.

On the top left and bottom right hand side, I stamped the Funky Fossil Designs "Vintage Script" stamp using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink and second generation stamping. 

I then applied two shades of Distress Oxide Ink "Dusty Concorde" and "Wilted Violet" through the Funky Fossil Designs "Micro Dots stencil".  I inked the edges of the card using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" ink, then finally added the "Fig 21" which is part of the Funky Fossil "Musings" stamp set, applied with Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.