Today, is Day 3 of Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags. If you would like to see her tutorial, click on this link.
For my tag, I have used a selection of patterned papers with die cuts and punched trims to make the smaller tags within the pockett.
Today, is Day 2 of Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2025". The tag for today has a theme of "bright and cheerful", so that it is suitable for the warm sunny parts of the world in December. You can find Karen's tutorial for todays tag here.
I used the large daisy from the Visible Image stamp set called "Daisy Grunge", stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink off the edge of the tag. I then used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks (Squeezed Lemonade and Dried Marigold), through the Visible Image stencil called "Supernova".
I stamped the "Merry and Bright" sentiment, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Christmas Sentiment" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I coloured the daisy using Derwent Inktense pencils. I used these colours for the petals: Mango, Wild Flame and Scarlet Pink. For the middle of the flower I used Sun Yellow and Golden Yellow.
Finally, I added touches of black Posca Pen dots, added "A Wink of Stella" to the middle of the flower for a lovely subtle gold tint and a gold coloured gel pen to the petals.
For the base of this card, I used "Forget Me Not" Ranger Archival Ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Snippet Stencil Distressed Background - SS31" fading the ink out towards the right hand side and the top of the card.
Next I used the Tracy Evans "Garden Elements - TE30" stamp set for the background design over the diamonds, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink. I then used the wellington boots stamp, from the Tracy Evans "Create Your Own Story - TE51" stamp set. stamping in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.
Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the black birds, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Garden Elements" stamp set. On a piece of white card, I used the same ink to stamp the sentiment, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Create Your Own Story" stamp set. I also used "Nocturne" for stamping the little hearts above the birds, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Quirky Birds - TE10" stamp set. Finally adding some dots of black Posca Pen around the main image.
For me, it is that lovely time of year, when I can embrace Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2025" series. Due to various commitments, Karen is not able to make new video content this year, instead using twelve of her favourite tags from the previous years. If you want to follow along, you can find her video for today on this link.
Here is my Day 1 tag. As I have made this tag, following Karen's colours previously, I decided to do something a bit different this time using cool whites, mauves, pinks and grey colours.
I painted a piece of corrugated cardboard using PaperArtsy "Snowflake" Fresco Finish chalk acrylic paint. Once dry, I stuck on various colours of card, showing the torn edges. On the pink card, I used a Lavinia Stamps "Winter Magic" stamp with Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the verse. I also used a couple of Lavinia Stamps "Snowflake Stickers" on the background too.
For the central stamped image, I used a Lavinia Stamps "Small Fairy Fir Tree" with "Dusty Concord" Distress Oxide Ink which was spritzed with a spray of water to make the stamping more water colour like. I edged the central white card uisng Versafine Clair "Hawthorne Rose" ink.
Finally, I added some co-ordinating die cuts using the Sizzix/Tim Holtz "Holiday Greens - 658759" die cut set. Adding a word sticker to the central area of the die cuts saying "Winter Vibes".
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 46 is "Abstract"
I started by using two shades of Ranger Archival Ink to cover a white tag. The colours I used were: Sap Green and Periwinkle. I then used Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" turquoise coloured ink to stamp the circles in the background, using a Carabelle Studio "Inky Circles" stamp. In some of the circles, I added some Cosmic Shimmer Iridescent Shimmering water colour paint.
Next using a black fine liner pen and a roll of low tack tape, I drew round the inner and outer edges of the roll to achieve concentric circles. I then splattered white Posca Pen across the surface of the tag.
Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the owl, which is part of the Visible Image "Night Owl" stamp set. I stamped it again on a piece of white card, painted it with "Tea Dye" Distress Oxide Ink, then fussy cut the owl and stuck it into position on the tag.
Next, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" ink. I stamped the birds in the top right and bottom left of the tag, these are part of the Visible Image "Free Your Imagination" stamp set. Using the same ink, I stamped the words Love and Art. These are part of the Visible Image stamp set called "Beauty is art". Finally, I used a black Posca Pen to add some black splatters.
For this card, I used a piece of white card measuring approximately 4" x 5". I started by laying the Tracy Evane "Snippet Stencil Leaf -SS32" on to the card and applying two shades of Ranger Archival Inks through the stencil. The colours I used are: Monarch Orange and Leaf Green.
Using Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" light brown ink, I stamped the distressed harlequin stamp from the Tracy Evans "Create Your Own Story - TE51" stamp set around the leaf.
Next, using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink, I stamped the berries and the berry sentiment, both are part of the Tracy Evans "Berries - TE55" stamp set. I then used Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink to stamp the mouse which is also part of TE55 stamp set.
I used a red and white Posca Pens to colour the berries, adding touches of Ranger Glossy Accents to achieve a 3D look to the berries. Finally, I added some extra detail to the leaf using a 2B pencil and a gold coloured gel pen.
My second play with the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create Your Own Story - TE51" stamp set, making this Christmas card.
I started with a white 4" square piece of card. I used a circle mask and a blending brush with "Manganese Blue" Ranger Archival Ink for the sky and landscape, adding touches of "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink to the top edges of the circle.
Keeping the circle mask in position, I stamped the hares and the berries using Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" light brown ink. I then added more colour to the hares using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink in second generation stamping, this achieved a lighter colour. Both the hares and the berries are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs stamp set called "Create Your Oen Story - TE51". I then stamped the sentiment, which is part of a Simon Says Stamp set called "Tiny Words - Christmas" using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.
Next, I moved on to colouring the images. I used a red and brown fine liner pen to go round the berries and the branches. I then used two Derwent Inktense pencils a green and a red, to add more colour to those areas. I added touches of white gel and Posca Pens for highlights to the berries and the hares. Finally adding some Ranger Glossy Accents to some of the berries to achieve a 3D look to them.
I had a quick play with the new Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create Your Own Story - TE51" stamp set to make this card.
I started by using a 4" square piece of white card, placing the Tracy Evanbs "Snippet Stencil Tweet - SS1" in the middle of the card and using two shades of Ranger Archival Inks. I used "Pink Peony" and "Violet" shades of ink. Then around the bird I used "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink using the Tracy Evans "Snippet Stencil Distressed Background - SS31". I then edged the card with "Violet" Ranger Archival Ink.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the flower, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Create Your Own Story - TE51" stamp set. I used a small circular designed stamp, which is part of the same stamp set with Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, just using my finger to put a little pressure on the stamp to transfer part of the image into the background area.
Finally, I coloured the flower using Derwent Inktense pencils to colour the flower and added some black dots of Posca Pen around the flower for more detail
I've used one of the older Lavinia Stamps in my stash "Three kings and a star" for this Christams card.
I started by using five shades of Element Inks for the sky. The colours I used are: Sundance, Russet Orange, Paprika, Dark Denim and Midnight Blue.
I cut some white card, to create a 3D hill look, then using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the three kings.
I used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks for the ground, using Lost Shadow and Antique Linen. I then used Hero Arts "Unicorn" white ink to stamp the star. I used a white gel pen to add smaller dots to the sky to replicate stars.
Finally, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia Stamps "Christmas Greetings" stamp set.
A quick card using a couple of Paperartsy / Kate Crane stamps.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the leaves using the Kate Crane KCM013 stamp. I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the grid in the background, using the Kate Crane KCM014 stamp.
Next in the background I painted daubs of two shades of Distress Oxide Inks. The colours I used for the background are: Saltwater Taffy and Old Paper. Finally, I added some extra dots of black pen around the foliage.
Another night of disturbed sleep, so I decided to get up and craft, making this card.
I used a background from my stash that I had made a couple of years ago, by using Distress Oxide Inks on a striped stencil, then upturning the stencil on to a piece of card and printing the stripes. Sorry, I don't recall the colours I used,
I then used two shades of Ranger Archival Inks through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Snippet Stencil Heart - SS12". The shades of inks are Vibrant Fuchsia, edging the heart in Cactus Flower inks.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Mistletoe, which is from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Mistletoe - TE19" stamp set.
Finally, using a gold coloured gel pen to add dots to the heart and to highlight areas of the mistletoe itself.
For this card, I've used the Lavina Stamp "Circle Mask" with blue and green inks that were on my blending brushes from a previous project to give a hint of colour to the background.
Around the edges of the circle, I have used "Morning Mist" Versafine Clair ink through the Lavinia "Dynamic" stencil.
I've used four Lavinia Stamps, all stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. The stamps I have used are Mushrooms (LAV 044), Fairy Wishes Large (LAV292), Fairy Foragers (LAV498) and Mini Pipin (LAV581).
To finish, I have added touches of highlights using a white gel pen. I've used a yellow Posca Pen for the lights in the windows and candle light and "A Wink of Stella" for a subtle shimmer to the fairy wings.
A quick fairy card, using the Lavinia Stamps "Briana" fairy , the "Fairy Dust" verse and "Mini Stars 1" stamps.
I've stamped in Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" and "Morning Mist" inks, on a background using Ranger Archival Inks (Pink Peony and Violet) through the Lavinia "Waffle" stencilled background. I've added a touch of sparkle to the wings using "A Wink of Stella" and dotted the middle of the stars using a silver glitter gel pen.
weeThe 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 45 is "Colouring Pencils & Pens"
For this card, I used my Derwent Inktense pencils with water to create the patchy background colours.
I used Versafine Clair "Fantastia" ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Indra" and the "Let your spirit take flight" sentiment.
I used "Storm Dust" grey Derwent Inktense pencil to draw the diagonal lines across the tag.
I then added colour to the stamped moth by using two Derwent Inktense Pencils. The colours I used are: Sea Blue and Malibu.
For the background of this card, I've used four shades of Lavinia Stamps "Dinkles" using Yellow, Deep Yellow, Pine Green and Blue Dragon shades.
I've used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" and "Morning Mist" inks to stamp the Lavinia Stamps Geese, Tree of hope, Tree of courage and a sentiment from the Lavinia "Christmas Greetings" stamp set.
Finally, I used a white gel pen to outline the geese and the branches and a red Posca Pen for berries.
I'm keeping the process of making this card brief as I used so many shades of inks that I have forgotten what I used at what stage!
For this card, i have used the Tree of Courage and Tree of Hope, Honeysuckle Cottage, Small Pixy Houses, Tree Scene and the Path stamps.
Stamping in Versafine Clair inks with a mixture of Archival Inks and Derwent Inktense pencils for the background colours.
Another night where I can't sleep, so decided to get up and craft, making this card.
I started with a white piece of card, adding several spritzed Distress Oxide Inks to the surface of the card, using a heat gun to dry each colour before adding another. The colours I used are: Saltwater Taffy, Fozilized Amber, Tea Dye, Old Paper Vintage Photo and Rusty Hinge.
I then moved on to the stamping. I have used Lavinia Stamps through out, stamping in Versafine Clair Inks. The colours of inks I have used are: Pinecone, Acorn and Shady Lane. The stamps I have used are: Starpine, Sugar Pine Cones, Fir Cone Branch, Cedar and a sentiment from the "Seasonal Words" stamp set.
In the background area around the word "Peace", I have used the Lavinia Stamps Honeycomb stencil with "Sunflower" Ranger Archival Ink. I have edged the card using "Rain Forest" Versafine Clair Ink and added highlights to the stamped areas using a gold gel pen.
I've been playing with the Lavinia Samps "Simmi" stamp to create this card. I started with a 4x4" piece of white card and Stamped "Simmi" on to the card using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.
I used three shade of Ranger Archival Inks (Sky Blue, Prickly Pear and Tea Rose) through two Lavinia Stamps stencils (Splendour and Honeycomb).
I then stamped the text in the top left and bottom right corner. I stamped the Lavinia "Forbidden Secrets" stamp in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.
Next, I coloured Simmi. I used "Salvaged Patina" for the eye itself, covering the surface with Glossy Accents to give a more 3D look.
I added "Cornflower Blue" Ranger Archival Ink to the brow area and a gold gel pen to decorate around the eye and brow. Finishing with a few dots of "Opal White" Liquid Pearls
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 44 "A circle / circles"
A very simple tag from me this week using kraft card for the background. I used a washi tape roll to draw round with a white pastel pencil to create the circle. Then added some Lavinia "Snowflake Stickers" to create a wreath, using pale blue sticky gems for the middle of the snowflakes.
I used one of the Lavinia Stamps "Christmas Greetings" stamps with Wow! clear embossing ink, coated in Wow! Bright White super fine embossing powder and heat set. I then used a white Posca Pen to create snowfloakes drifting over the tag.
A Sizzix Stamp & Spin session, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, with a couple of Lavinia witches (Anwen & Faba) and their cats (Mini Rune & Mini Jinx).
I've also used the Lavinia "Bramble" stamp on the corners and the Lavinia "Ambiance" stencil with Ranger Archival inks in the background.
I've added touches of Posca Pens, white gel pen and a gold shimmer pen along with a 2B pencil and a black fine liner pen.
***The more I look at this, the more I think it could be made into some kind of spinning game if the witches and cats were numbered... food for thought!
When you can't sleep.... craft!
This is a middle of the night make, using kraft card as the base for this tag, stamping Lavinia Stamps in Versafine Clair. Portobello brown for Pipspell the mouse and the Everdusk Tree. Nocturne for the black bird, which is part of the :"Birds" stamp set and Morning Mist for the Tiptoe Prints verse.
I've coloured using Van Coch Pastel Pencils and white and Ultramarine Blue Pan Pastels, with splatters of white Posca Pen.
I've had a play with two of the new Lavinia "Faelight Chronicles" collection to make this card.
For the background I used three shades of blue ink, using the lighter in the middle and getting darker towards the edges. The colours of Ranger Archival Inks I used are: Sky Blue, Bluebird and Cobalt
I have used Versafine Clair "Twilight" to stamp the "Witch Hazel" branches from an earlier release and one of the "Winter Foliage" stamps from the Faelight release along with the sentiment from the Lavinia "Christmas Blessings" stamp set.
I've used Versafine Clair "Charming Pink" to stamp the baubles from the Lavinia "Glimmer Orbs" adding touches of gold gel pen too.
Finally, adding snow to the branches and splattering white paint from a paint brush to replicate snowfall.
I've fashioned a "Get Well Card" using one of the new stamps from the Lavinia Stamps "Faelight Chronicles" release.
I stamped the Lavinia "Thistlewhisk" mouse using Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" ink. Then I used "Sky Blue" Archival Ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Waffle Stencil", applying very light pressure to the blending brush as I only wanted a suggestion of the pattern.
Using a 2B pencil I drew the clouds, raindrops and the landscape, adding shading and a touch of colour using colouring pencils and a white gel pen.
I coloured the mouse using Derwent Inktense pencils, applie with a paint brush. I added some flower detail to the grass area using dots of red and yellow Posca Pens.
Finally, using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the Papertrey Ink sentiment saying "So sorry you're under the weather".
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 43 "Spooktacular"
For the base of this tag I sprayed three shades of Dylusion ink sprays on to a piece of white card. The colours I used are Lemon Zest, Squeezed Orange and Bubblegum Pink.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink through two Funky Fossil stencils. The bats, witch and broomstick are on the stencil called "Witching Hour". The tombstone shapes are part of the "Gothic Graveyard" stencil. I added some sparkle to the tag using a gold shimmer Gelly Roll pen, finally adding a word sticker saying "on my adventure"!
The new release order from Lavinia Stamps called "Faelight Chronicles" arrived at my house today, so after adding them to my spreadsheet of Lavinia Stamps and popping them in plastic wallets, it was time for my first play, making this card.
I used one of the Lavinia Moon Masks with "Sky Blue" Archival ink to colour the background. I stamped "Pipspell" the mouse in second generation stamping using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink. I used the same ink to stamp the small branches around the edge of the circle, which are part of the new Lavinia "Winter Foliage" stamp set. I used the fir tree branch from the same stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Rain Forest" green ink, in first and second generation stamping. I then used "Peat Moss" green Archival Ink to go round the top edge of the circle to make it a little more solid looking.
I created the land behind the mouse using a Lavinia "Hill Mask" with two shades of Versafine Clair inks: Bali Blue and Morning Mist.
I coloured the mouse using Van Goch pastel pencils. I added some red berries to the foliage and a three dots of "White Opal" Liquid Pearls for the berries of the mistiletoe hanging from the bauble.
Finally, using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the Seasons Greetings sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia "Christmas Greetings" stamp set.
I was up early so headed to the craft room for a play, making this card.
I started by using the Lavinia Stamps arch stencil, which is part of their "Sticker Stencil 5" set, using two shades of Ranger Archival inks. Chrome Yellow for the base then Orange Blossom through the Lavinia Stamps "Cryptic Stencil".
I masked the arch off then around the edge used "Orange Blossom" and "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Ambiance" stencil. I shaded the edges of the card using "Twilight" Versafine Clair Ink.
Using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the "Mystic Swirls" to oposite corners of the arch. Within the arch, I stamped the Lavinia "Words of Spring" verse.
Next, using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink, I stamped the small Lavinia Hummingbird. I then stamped it again on a piece of white card, fussy cutting the second stamped image and sticking into position over the first stamped bird.
Finally, I added some spots of black Posca Pen and then added a touch of gold shimmer to the wings of the bird using "A wink of stella".
This evening I've been playing with the Stampscape polymer stamps licenced to Sweet Poppy Stencils.
Another Sweet Poppy Stencils make from me today, this time using their new "Mouse on wheat" stamp.
I used white Pan Pastel for the central circle on grey card. Then stamped the "Mouse on wheat" using Verafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I used the same ink to stamp the "Happy Birthday" which is part of the Sweet Poppy "A6 Hugs and Kisses" stamp set.
I coloured the mouse and white using pastel pencils, then used "White Opal" Liquid Pearls to create a beaded edge to the circle.
For this card, I used two shades of Archival Inks (Prickly Pear and Paradise Teal), through the Lavinia Stamps "Splendor" stencil. I used the Lavinia "Moon Mask" with Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to lightly shade the edge of the circle.
I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Moss Flowers" colouring two of them using Distress Oxide Ink, using "Tumbled Glass" and "Mermaid Lagoon" shades.
I stamped the Lavinia sentiment "Diolch, part of the Lavinia Stamps "Welsh Words" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink, adding some dots around the flowers using a blue Posca Pen, finally adding some dots of "White Opal" Liquid Pearls.
I've had a quick play with the new Sweet Poppy "Feather Aperture Stencil", which I have paired with some Stampscape Stamps.
I started by using some blue, green and mauve coloured Ranger Archival Inks through the Sweet Poppy Stencils "Feaather Aperture Stencil.
I used two of the Stampscapes polymer" stamps. (The polymer stamps are licenced to Sweet Poppy Stencils), stamping the trees in "Fallen Leaves" Versafine Clair brown ink. I stamped the Stampscapes Moon in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink. I used Dr. Ph. Martin's white bleed proof paint to paint snow on the trees and for the landscape, then splattered some across the feather image to replicate snow.
At this stage, I felt the feather looked a bit washed out, so decided to fussy cut the shape and stick on to some dark blue card, which highlights the feather beautifully.
I've had a play with Tracy Evans Boutique Designs goodies to make this card.
Starting with a piece of white card, I stamped the large flower petals from the Tracy Evans "Garden Elements TE30" stamp set in "Bali Blue" Versafine Clair Ink. I then used the smaller petals from the same set and stamped them in Versaifne Clair "Blue Belle" ink.
I applied Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink through the Tracy Evans "Snippet Stencil Tweet - SS1" using less ink on the breast area. I then used the same ink to stamp the two wrens, which are also from the Tracy Evans "Garden Elements" stamp set, also in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink, but stamping them three times to get a really dark shade.
Next, I used Pastel Pencils on the breasts of the birds and a white gel pen to outline the bird shapes.. I grounded the birds using the torn edge of a piece of copy paper with Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.
On the dark blue flowers, I added a lovely gold shimmer using "A wink of stella". I then filled the white areas with polka dots using a gold gel pen. Finally adding flowers to the ground using dots of pink and white Posca Pen and adding some dots of "Mermaid" green Liquid Pearls to the middle of the flowers.
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 42 "Stripes"
I started with a white tag and roughly laid down two colours of Distress Oxide ink with a blending brush. The colours I used were "Squeezed Lemonade" and "Abandoned Coral. Once the surface was covered, I used a fan shaped brush with water on to splatter droplets across the surface of the tag. I then blotted with a piece kitchen roll and then ran the heat gun over the surface to be sure it was fully dry.
I then used more "Abandoned Coral" Distress Oxide ink with the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous THS004 String Stencil and THMM101 a dotty stencil. Next, I added some yellow stars using the "Squeezed Lemonade" Distress Oxide Ink with the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Sparkle" layering stencil.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the pram/stroller, which is part of the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Mini Blueprints CMS231" stamp set. I stamped it again on an off cut of card, fussy cut the main body of the pram and stuck on to the tag, I felt this broke the colour up.
Finally, I used a red Posca Pen to colour in the heart on the pram and then stamped the "Hello" and "XOXO", both these are part of the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Crazy Bird" clear Stamp set
I have been stalking Postie, waiting for my overdue delivery of the new polymer "Stampscapes" release making this Christmas card.
I started by using two shades of green Ranger Archival Inks throught the SPS-125T Triangle Aperture Stencil.
I then used three shades of Versafine Clair inks for the stamping, using Spruce, Morning Mist and Nocturne colours to stamp the three polymer Stampscapes stamps which are licenced to Sweet Poppy Stencils. The stamps I used are Snowy Tree Medium, Snowy Church Medium and Snow People.
I used a few touches of Distress Oxide ink to colour the snowman before using Dr Ph. Martin's white bleed proof ink to splatter over the surface and to paint the snow on the branches of the trees.
While in America last week, I was able to pop in to Hobby Lobby and pick up a few crafting bits and pieces. I of course headed to the Tim Holtz area, which wasn't huge, but I did get five packs of Idea-ology goodies, so decided to have a play with them.
I used a piece of kraft card for the base, using three Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stencils with Versafine Clair inks. The stencils and inks I paired are: Bouquet Layering Stencil (THS143) with Rain Forest green ink. String stencil (THS004) with Morning Mist grey ink and THMM101 with Nocturne black ink.
I used some patterned paper and matching card from my stash, along with a Tim Holtz "Layered Frame" and a couple of pieces from the "Layers" set with a male paperdoll. I also used some word stickers from the Tim Holtz "Chit Chat" set.
I added splatters of gold and white paint across the surface, finally adding three old buttons from my button jar.
I made this card for a friend who is quite poorly at present. Starting with the Lavinia Stamps "Shadow Bloom" stamp, I stamped the image using Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink. I then coated the stamped image in Wow! Clear Embossing Powder and heat set.
I used "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Waffle Stencil" around the stamped image, fading the colour out towards the top and bottom.
Using Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink again, I added some foliage to the flower using one of the leaves from the Lavinia "Vine Set". I used the same ink to stamp the word "Hope" which is part of the Lavinia "Blessings" word set.
Next, I used a paint brush to colour the flowers using "Spun Sugar" Distress Oxide Inks. I added dots of yellow Posca Pen to the middle of the flowers, finally adding some dots of "White Opal" Liquid Pearls to the stencillled area.
I have used the Lavinia Stamps "Red Brick Stencil" and their "Sticker Stencil set 5" for the arch, with Ranger Archival Inks (Sky blue, Shadow Grey, Fern Green, Leaf Green, Acorn and Tea Rose).
I've used assorted Versafine Clair inks (Acorn, Fallen Leaves, Morning Mist, Shady Lane and Rain Forest) for the stamping of the Lavinia Stamps Cherry Blossom, Silhouette Castle, Tree Scene and Heartfelt Verse sentiment. Finsihing with touches of 2B pencil, Posca Pens and Fine Liner pen.
I had a small window to play in the craft room last night, making this Christmas card.
I used the Lavinia Stamps "Block Print" stencil with two shades of Ranger Archival Inks (Library Green and Paradise Teal). I used Fern Green and Shadow Grey Archival Ink with the Lavinia "Moon Mask" to make the moon in the background.
I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the following Lavinia Stamps: Small Pine Trees, Small Fairy Fir Tree, Winter Magic Verse and a sentiment from the Christmas Greetings Stamp set.
I splattered white paint over the surface to replicate snow, using the same paint with a brush to create the landscape. Once dry, I added a few touches of "Crystal" stickles for a little sparkle.
I apologise for my absence. I've been away on holiday to America to see the colours of the leaves in "New England in the fall". I've had a fabulous time but I am equally glad to be home to see Rosie our dog and to do some crafting.
For this card, I used the new Lavinia Stamps "Snowflakes" stencil with blue and grey Archival ink left on my blending brushes from previous projects.
I have used the Lavina "Circle Mask" for the central stamped area, sying blue ink round the edge of the circle. I then used Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink to stamp the Lavinia "Mystic Swirls" on the right hand side of the circle.
I used the fence post from the Lavinia "Pheasant" stamp with Versafine Clair "Portobello" brown ink, I used the same ink to stamp the two robins which are part of the Lavinia "Small Robins" stamp set.
I used a white Signo Pen and some Dr Ph. Martin's white bleed proof ink on a very thin paint brush to create the look of snow on the fence and ground. I added colour to the robins using Derwent Inktense pencils, finally adding a touch of "Crystal" Stickles to my fingertip and smudging it on the snow areas for a little bit of sparkle, (sadly this doesn't really show up on the photo).
Finally, using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia "Christmas Greetings" stamp set, adding some touches of "White Opal" Liquid Pearls round the edge of the circle.
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 41 "Teens"
For my Week 41 "Teens Tag" i've opted for a skate board dude. Starting with a white tag and three shades of Distress Oxide Inks. Using Stormy Sky at the top, Chipped Sapphire in the middle and Unchartered Mariner on the lower third. I then used a fan shaped paint brush, dipped in water to splatter water droplets over the surface of the tag, blotting it with kitchen paper to take up the excess then running the heat gun over the surface. Once dry, I edged the tag in "Prize Ribbon" Distress Oxide Ink.
I moved on to stamping. I had three sets of Sarah Davis "Just for men" stamp sets. From the "Urban Graffiti set" I stamped the splatters, stars and circles using three shades of Versafine Clair Inks: Warm Breeze, Paradise and Medieval Blue.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the skateboard figure, which is part of the "Street Wise" stamp set and the sentimetn which is part of the "Rock Star" stamp set.
I inked the edges of the tag using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and then added splatters of pink and white Posca Pen. I used a white gel pen to outline the skate boarding figure, adding a "Wink of Stella" to the middle of the stars too.
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 40 "Dogs"
I covered a white tag with "Wilted Violet" Distress Oxide Ink and then lay the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Shifter Layering Stencil - THS127" over the tag and applied "Villainous Potion" Distress Oxide Ink through the stencil.
Next, I lay the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Sparkle Layering Stencil" over the tag and applied white texture paste through the stencil. The texture paste absorbed some of the background colour making the stars a lovely lilac colour.
On a plain white piece of card, I stamped the dog and bowl, both are part of the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Crazy Dogs - CMS271" stamp set using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I then coloured them using Derwent Inktense pencils applied with a paint brush, fussy cutting them and sticking them on to the tag.
I used "Platinum Pearl" Liquids to dot some of the middle of the stars.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the female figure which is part of the Visible Image stamp set called "Calm over chaos".
In the background, I used "Pink Peony" Ranger Archival ink through the Visible Image stencil called "Frosty".
I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the multi circles, which are part of the Visible Image stamp set called "Faerie Magic". Finally adding dots to the circles using an "Aqua Green" Posca Pen.
About a year ago, I bought the Sizzix Stamp and Spin tool, however, because we were moving house, it got packed away and has not been used till today. It was winking at me from the shelf. So as I didn't have a project on my desk, I decided today was the day to try the tool out.
I was a little nervous at first, but soon got the hang of it, thanks to You Tube. I couldn't grasp the instructions that came with the set - I guess now I'm getting older a visual demonstration is easier for me to grasp!
I used two shades of Versafine Clair inks. I used Avocado green for the foliage and Lilac Bloom for the flowers and sentiment. The Lavinia Stamps I used are Mystic Swirl, Vine Set, Mini Flutter and Mini Dots.
The central sentiment is by Hobby Art Stamps and is part of their "Greetings for friends - CS158D" stamp set. I also used a yellow Posca Pen and a white gel pen for extra detail.
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 39 "Buttons, Buckles and Sliders"
For my Week 39 Tag, I used white texture paste through the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous THS032 - Flourish Layering Stencil and set aside to dry.
I had some embellishments left over from a wedding project in my stash so used a coule of gem set and pearl buttons and a gem set ribbon slider. Typing and printing a sentiment saying "To have and tol hold" on the computer, finally adding some sticky flat back pearls to some of the flourishes.
This morning i've played with a couple of Sweet Poppy Stencils and a Stampscapes stamp to create this card.
I started by using Verasfine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to multi stamp the Stampscapes "Curvy Branch" along the bottom of the card and part way up the sides.
I then used "Sky Blue" Archival Ink through the Sweet Poppy "Symphony Backplate Stencil", using the remaining ink on the blending brush around the edges of the card.
Next, I used "Poppy" Archival Ink through the Sweet Poppy "Duo Birds Stencil", but instead of having them one on top of the other, decided to have them looking at each other.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the "Have a great day" sentiment, which is part of the Sweet Poppy "Hugs & Kisses" stamp set. Finally adding some gold dots to the branches, round the edge of the birds and the card itself with a gel pen.
I decided to play with my Stampscape stamps again, making this card. I purchased my polymer Stampscape Stamps from Sweet Poppy Stencils, who are licenced to sell them with the approval of Stampscapes. Here's the link to the stamps on their site.
I started by creating a coloured base. I used Distress Oxide Inks, applied loosely with a paint brush, to colour the base in shades of green ( Old Paper, Peeled Paint and Mowed Lawn) and the sky in shades of blues and greys (Tumbled Glass, Weathered Wood and Speckled Egg).
Using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink, I stamped the Stampscapes "Flower Field". I then used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" grey ink to stamp the "Medium windmill".
I coloured the scene using Derwent Inktense pencils and a 2B pencil
I made this little notelet by stamping the bird tile stamp, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Folk Garden" stamp set. I stamped in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane", which is a mid green coloured ink. I then coated the stamped image with Wow! Clear Embossing Powder and then heat set.
I trimmed the stamped image so there was a white border, mounted it on to a piece of kraft card then on to a plain white card.
I've had another play with my new polymer "Stampscape" stamps I ordered from Sweet Poppy Stencils, this time going for a "white out" style Christmas card.
I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" ink to stamp the Stampscapes "Snowy Covered Bridge", then I masked the stamped image off and stamped the Stampscapes "Pine Row" and the flying birds from the "Critter Set 8" stamp set.
I used Distress Oxide Inks, applied with a paint brush to colour the image. The shades of ink I used are: Antique Linen, Tumbled Glass, Lost Shadow and Weathered Wood.
I used a white gel pen to soften some of the fence posts and to add snow to the trees. I then used a fan shaped paint brush to splatter white paint, I used Dr. Ph. Marin's bleed proof white paint for this. It replicates a blizzard perfectly.
