Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous Halloween Stamp & Stencil (THMM167) Autumn Card

For this card, I a cream coloured card, using three shades of Distress Oxide ink and the hand held puffer/blower tool to move the ink about on the card. The shades of ink I used are: Mustard Seed, Carved Pumpkin and Rusty Hinge. I then used a heat gun to gently dry the surface before I started stamping.

I used Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink to stamp the leaves, which are part of the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous halloween stamp and stencil set with a reference of THMM167.

I then used Versafine Clair "Portobello" dark brown ink through on section of the stencil which is also part of THMM169 stamp and stencil set.  Finally, I added some dots of metallic coloured pen to add some lighter areas.

Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Halloween Leaves - THMM167" Hello Card

I have continued my play with the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous THMM167 stamp and stencil set.  On this card, I have only used the stamp set though.

On a piece of blue card, I multi stamped one of the leaves in Versafine Clair "Paradise" blue ink.  I mounted it onto an off cut of double dot card and die cut the hello from the same card using the Waffle Flower "Oversized Hello 271309" stamp and die set.

Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2024" - Day 10

On the run up to each Christmas, I usually take part in Karen Telfer's Christmas Tag challenge.  Because we were living in the caravan and I didn't have my craft supplies, I wasn't able to take part in 2024.  Now my craft room is set up, I thought I had better get cracking on the tags.  For 2024, Karen was doing 12 tags rather than 24 as she had a busy work schedule.

This is my Day 10 Tag (You can watch Karen's tutorial here).

I've opted for a different colour way to Karen's tag. The Distress Oxide Inks I have used for the background are Weathered Wood, Tumbled Glass and Broken China, edging the tag in "Mermaid Lagoon".

The stamp set I have used is by Visible Image Stamps and is called "Let it snow".  I stamped the large snowflake in Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink and the smaller ones in "Bali Blue" ink.

I have added some silver sequins, some pearls and some clear beads to the surface of the tag.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2025 - Week 35

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 35 "Berries"

For my Week 35 "Berries" stamp, I started with a white tag, covering the surface with two shades of Distress Oxide Inks, using "Lost Shadow" at the top and "Weathered Wood" at the bottom.

I then used the Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous THMM101 stencil for the dots with "Iced Spruce" Distress Oxide Ink.  Using the same ink to blend around the edges of the tag so that the middle looked lighter.

I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink with the Lavinia Stamps "Wreath Flourish" stamps using both the left and right stamps. I then painted the leaves with two shades of Distress Oxide Ink, using "Peeled Paint" and "Rustic Wilderness" shades of green ink.

Next, I stamped the Lavinia "Berry Wreath" stamp using Versafine Clair "Portobello" brown ink.  I coloured the berries using a red Posca Pen.

I used two shades of Versafine Clair Ink to stamp two of Lavinia "Bird Collection stamps, using "Nocturne" black ink and "Pine Cone" brown ink.

I added some small dots around the wreath using one of the Lavinia Mini stamps called "Mini Dots" stamped in Versafine Clair "Avocado" a mid green shade of ink.

Finally, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, to stamp the word "Hope" which is part of the Lavinia "Blessings" word set of stamps.

 

Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous Halloween Leaves (THMM167) Card

Today is wet and grey, it definitely feels like autumn is knocking at the door, which is likely why I made this card.

I used the reverse side of a cream coloured linen card, although in the photo it looks quite white!. I started with the leaf which is part of a Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous Halloween stamp and stencil set (THMM167). I used three shades of Versafine Clair ink, starting with the lighter colour of Avocado, then shady lane on the outer edges then Acorn brown ink of the very edge of the leaf.

Next, I used "Gathered Twigs"  Distress Oxide Ink through the splatters part of the same stencil the stamp came with.

I then used the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous String stencil THS004 with two shades of Distress Oxide Inks:  Wild Honey and Rusty Hinge, fading the colours out towards the left and the top of the card.

I used a black Posca Pen for some black splatters.  I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the sentiment, which is part of the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Tiny Text CMS394" stamp set for the "Make a wish" greeting.

Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2024" - Day 9

On the run up to each Christmas, I usually take part in Karen Telfer's Christmas Tag challenge.  Because we were living in the caravan and I didn't have my craft supplies, I wasn't able to take part in 2024.  Now my craft room is set up, I thought I had better get cracking on the tags.  For 2024, Karen was doing 12 tags rather than 24 as she had a busy work schedule.

This is my Day 9 Tag (You can watch Karen's tutorial here).

I used a Penny Black cling stamp for the robin and holly.  The stamp is called "Cheerful Christmas 40-642), stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink on to the tag and also on to a piece of white card.

On the tag I used two circle masks to add three rings of colour in the background, using Bundled Sage, Festive Berries and Shabby Shutters Distress Oxide Ink.  I also made splatters in these colours along with some gold paint splatters too.

I coloured both robin & holly images with Derwent Inktense Pencils applied with a paint brush.  The one on the white card, I partially fussy cut the image, used foam pads on the reverse of the image and stuck it on to the tag.

I added Ranger Glossy Accents to the berries to give them more of a 3D appearance.

Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2024" - Day 8

On the run up to each Christmas, I usually take part in Karen Telfer's Christmas Tag challenge.  Because we were living in the caravan and I didn't have my craft supplies, I wasn't able to take part in 2024.  Now my craft room is set up, I thought I had better get cracking on the tags.  For 2024, Karen was doing 12 tags rather than 24 as she had a busy work schedule.

This is my Day 8 Tag (You can watch Karen's tutorial here).

I have loosely followed Karen's tutorial for this tag, leaving out the small tags hanging from the top.

I have used "Saltwater Taffy" and "Weathered Wood" Distress Oxide Inks with the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous THS084 "Mosaic" stencil.

In my stash, I had a couple of flower dies, which I'm not sure where they came from, but used them with white card and stuck on to the tag.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words - Christmas" sentiment, then placed an arc of white dots using Ranger Enamel Accents.

Lavinia Stamps Underwater Scene Card

This evening I was in limbo, there was nothing on TV to interest me, so I took my self off to the craft room making this card.

I found a Brusho paint background in my file that I felt had a water feel to it, so that was the direction I took using a selection of Lavinia Stamps, stamped in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink and "Twilight" dark blue ink.  I inked the edges of the card using "Villainous Potion" Distress Oxide ink.  

The Lavinia Stamps I used are: Urchins, Shoal of Fish, Sea Bubbles and Marine Kelp.  I also used a Lavinia word sticker saying "turn the tide" which is part of thier  Sentiment Stickers 6 set.

I used Pastel Pencils to colour and shade areas, a white and a silver glitter gel pen and a 2B pencil.

Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2024" - Day 7

On the run up to each Christmas, I usually take part in Karen Telfer's Christmas Tag challenge.  Because we were living in the caravan and I didn't have my craft supplies, I wasn't able to take part in 2024.  Now my craft room is set up, I thought I had better get cracking on the tags.  For 2024, Karen was doing 12 tags rather than 24 as she had a busy work schedule.

This is my Day 7 Tag (You can watch Karen's tutorial here).

Formy tag, I have used several Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous stencils. These are the ones I have used: THMM178 - Christms Dots , THS164 - Pinecones, THS138 - Bubbles and THMM102 - Brickwork.

Through the stencils, I have used four shades of Distress Oxide Inks:  Twisted Citron, Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint and Forest Moss.  

I used Mowed Lawn Distress Oxide Ink to colour the edges of the tag. I hand cut various green banners from off cuts of cardstock in my stash.  Using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp the seniments on the banners, which are part of the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words - Christmas" stamp set.

Karen Telfer's 12 Days of Chrismas Tags 2024 - Day 6

On the run up to each Christmas, I usually take part in Karen Telfer's Christmas Tag challenge.  Because we were living in the caravan and I didn't have my craft supplies, I wasn't able to take part in 2024.  Now my craft room is set up, I thought I had better get cracking on the tags.  For 2024, Karen was doing 12 tags rather than 24 as she had a busy work schedule.

This is my Day 6 Tag (You can watch Karen's tutorial here).

I used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks for this tag, using: Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn and Abandoned Coral shades of inks.

I used a Wow! clear embossing stamp pad and Wow! Bright White super fine embossing powder and heat set to stamp the star and the sentiment, which are both part of the Stampin' up stamp set called "Bright and Beautiful".

I added some splatters of white paint and black Posca pen to the background too.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Mistletoe" Christmas Card

Rummaging through my file of backgrounds, I came across a small piece of card with Brusho paint on it, which I thought would lend itself well to a Christmas card.  It was mainly red, with some touches of yellow and green on it. 

I used Wow! Clear Embossing Ink with the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Mistletoe -TE19" stamp with Wow! Rich Gold Embossing Powder and heat set the mistletoe and the sentiment.

I mounted the piece on to dark red card and then on to a white card blank.

Lavinia Stamps Nature & Nurture Sticker Stencil Bird Card (Inspired by Eileen Godwin).

I was inspired by something Eileen Godwin made to make something similar.  This is my take on her card.

I have used Ranger Archival Inks (Chrome Yellow, Pink Peony, Orange Blossom and Sky Blue) through the Lavinia Stamps bird "Nature & Nurture Sticker Stencil" and their "Feather Leaf Stencil"

I have stamped the Lavinia Stamps in Versaifne Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  The stamps I have used are:Spiral of Spells, Fairy Dandelions and the Balace Word stamp set.  I have also used a 2B pencil, a silver glitter gel pen and some dots of white Liquid Pearls.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2025 - Week 34

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 34 "Pockets and Pouches"

For my Week 34 tag, I decided to use a couple of pieces of Patterned Paper from the Funky Fossil Designs "Vintage Patchwork" paper stack.  I stuck one straight on to a blank tag, cutting to size, then I cut round one of the large flowers and decided to use that to create a pocket on the tag, using double sided sticky tape on the lower and left hand side of the flower, leaving the top and the right hand side open.  I went around the pocket flower with a black pen. Using a black Posca Pen, I added some doodles. I then added a word sticker with the words "Love you always", which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Sentimental Sticker Stack".

For the small tags within the pocket, I cut three shapes from the Funky Fossil "Vintage Patchwork" paper stack and mounted them on to black card.  I punched a hole in the top corner of each of the tags and threaded some pink and white "Bakers Twine" through the hole.  ON each tag, I added a word sticker from the Funky Fossil "Sentimental Sticker Stack".  The words I chose for the tags are:  Forever and always, You're the best and Love you to the moon and back.

Lavinia Stamps Headress Jingle Bell Forest Tag

I've had a very random play today, making this tag, which I have called "The Jingle Bell Forest".

I used four shades of Distress Oxide Inks for the background, using Salvaged Patina, Peacock Feathers, Blueprint Sketch and Villainous Potion. I sprinkled splatters of water across the surface then blotted the tag to get a mottled/bleached look/

I used the Wow! Clear Embossing Pad with the Lavinia Stamps "Headress" and "Bells" stamps, coated in Wow! Rich Gold embossing powder and heat set.

I then stamped the trees, using four shades of Versafine Clair Inks (Morning Mist, Warm Breeze, Blue Belle and Twilight) with the Lavinia Stamps "Small Fairy Fir Tree" stamp. I used Versafine Clair "Arctic" ink for the shadows.

Finally, I added some splatters of white Posca Pen and dots of "Mermaid" Liquid Pearls to the headress along with some dots of blue glitter gel pen too.

Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2024" - Day 5

On the run up to each Christmas, I usually take part in Karen Telfer's Christmas Tag challenge.  Because we were living in the caravan and I didn't have my craft supplies, I wasn't able to take part in 2024.  Now my craft room is set up, I thought I had better get cracking on the tags.  For 2024, Karen was doing 12 tags rather than 24 as she had a busy work schedule.

This is my Day 5 Tag (You can watch Karen's tutorial here).

I more or less followed Karen's tutorial for my tag.  I used "Lost Shadow" and "Weathered Wood" Distress Oxide Inks for the moon along with a Stamper's Anonymous "Layering Moon Mask".

For the colours around the moon I used:  Shaded Lilac, Dusty Concorde, Blue Print Sketch and Chipped Sapphire Distress Oxide Inks.

For the stamping, I used Versafine Clair inks to stamp the Lavinia "Small Fairy Fir Tree "stamp.  The colours I used for the trees were:  Morning Mist, Very Peri, Fantasia and Twilight.  

I used water splatters from a fan shaped paint brush and Dr Ph. Martin's Bleed Proof White paint for the brighter white splatters.

I used Versafine Clair 'Nocturne" black ink to stamp the sentiment, which is part of a Simon Says Stamp set called "Tiny Words".

Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2024" - Day 4

On the run up to each Christmas, I usually take part in Karen Telfer's Christmas Tag challenge.  Because we were living in the caravan and I didn't have my craft supplies, I wasn't able to take part in 2024.  Now my craft room is set up, I thought I had better get cracking on the tags.  For 2024, Karen was doing 12 tags rather than 24 as she had a busy work schedule.

This is my Day 4 Tag (You can watch Karen's tutorial here).

I used the Funky Fossil Designs "Nordic Star Background Stencil" with Ranger Matte Texture Paste to create the patterned background.

I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp the mistletoe, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Festive Greenery" stamp set.

I painted the berries using "Antique Linen" Distress Oxide Ink.  Then painted the leaves using three shades of Distress Oxide Inks.  The shades of ink I used are: Peeled Paint, Rustic Wilderness and Forest Moss. I then carefully fussy cut the outer area of the image and glued on to the tag.

I used sayings from the Funky Fossil Designs "Sentimental Sticker Stack", which says "Mistletoe Kisses and Christmas Wishes".

Deep Red "Drum Set (SKU 3X404216) Card

Looking round my craft room, I knew I wanted to create, but had no idea what.  I decided the first stamp that I see on my shelf I would use.  It happened to be this little Deep Red cling stamp called "Drum Set (SKU 3X404216), which I paired with a couple of tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous layering stencils.

I stamped the drum set and the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words" sentiment in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

The two Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stencils I used were THMM178 which was part of a Christmas stamp and stencil set and THS103 "String Layering Stencil" which I used with two shades of Ranger Archival Inks "Sky Blue" for the string layering stencil and "Peat Moss" through the dots section of the Christmas stencil.

I painted the drum set using different shades of Distress Oxide Inks, adding some pencil and black fine liner pen for the shadows.

Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2024" - Day 3

On the run up to each Christmas, I usually take part in Karen Telfer's Christmas Tag challenge.  Because we were living in the caravan and I didn't have my craft supplies, I wasn't able to take part in 2024.  Now my craft room is set up, I thought I had better get cracking on the tags.  For 2024, Karen was doing 12 tags rather than 24 as she had a busy work schedule.

This is my Day 3 Tag (You can watch Karen's tutorial here).

I didn't have the stamps or stencils Karen used for her tag, so I have improvised with what I have to make this tag.

I stamped the large flower stamp from the Funky Fossil Designs "Funky Florals" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

I then used "Mowed Lawn" Distress Oxide Ink through two Funky Fossil stencils (Nordic Star Background Stencil and Micro Dots Stencil).

I painted the flowers using Distress Oxide Inks:  Lumberjack Plaid, Mustard Seed and Lucky Clover) shades of ink.  I also used a yellow and an orange Posca Pen.

Next, I added some colour around the edge of the tag, I used "Peeled Paint" Distress Oxide Ink.

Finally, I added a stamped sentiment.  I chose the word "Noel" which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Christmas Sentiment" stamp set.

Karen Telfer's "12 Days of Christmas Tags 2024" - Day 2

On the run up to each Christmas, I usually take part in Karen Telfer's Christmas Tag challenge.  Because we were living in the caravan and I didn't have my craft supplies, I wasn't able to take part in 2024.  Now my craft room is set up, I thought I had better get cracking on the tags.  For 2024, Karen was doing 12 tags rather than 24 as she had a busy work schedule.

Here's my Day 2 tag (this is the link to Karen's Day 2 tutorial).

I used an embossing folder that came free with Creative Stamping, Special Ediion 1 magazine for the texture on this tag.  I do know that it was quite agressive on the water colour paper and in a couple of places, totally cut through the paper, which I think I have been able to disguise.

I used Cosmic Shimmer Iridescent Shimmering Watarcolour paints for this tag, opting for a turquoise and dark/blue almost purple shades.

Once dry, I then applied Cosmic Shimmer "Old Gold" Gilding Wax over the raised areas of the surface.  I added a Creative Expressions word sticker then added "Copper Pearl" Liquid Pearl dots where the berries would be.

Karen Telfer Craft - 12 Days of Christmas 2024 - Day 1

On the run up to each Christmas, I usually take part in Karen Telfer's Christmas Tag challenge.  Because we were living in the caravan and I didn't have my craft supplies, I wasn't able to take part in 2024.  Now my craft room is set up, I thought I had better get cracking on the tags.  For 2024, Karen was doing 12 tags rather than 24 as she had a busy work schedule.

So this is my Day 1 tag (here's the link to Karen's tutorial)

My tag is pretty similar, but also a little different from the one Karen has made.  I used the Lavinia Stamps "Holly" stamp with "Rustic Wilderness" Distress Oxide Ink and a red Posca Pen.  I used the Sizzix "Holiday Greens -65859" for the die cuts.  In my stash I found some co-ordinating frosted looking baubles that I'd rescued from used Christmas crackers.

Lavinia Stamps "Marcie" witch Halloween Tag

 

I've had an early morning play session using my Lavinia Stamps today, making this tag.

In my stash I found a tag with a background I had made a while back, using the Lavinia Stamps "Dynamic" stencil with ink on it to loosely print the stencil pattern on to the white tag.  So I decided to use this for the base of the tag.

There was quite a bit of bright white area, so I decided to use Distress Oxide Inks to colour the areas.  The shades of ink I used are: Squeezed Lemonade, Twisted Citron, Lucky Clover and Prize Ribbon.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp "Marcie" the Lavina witch, I then used Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink to stamp the Lavinia "Witching Hour Verse" around the witch. Next I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the "Dill" bushes and to create the landscape.  I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink again to stamp the "Vine Branches on the top right hand side of the tag.  

Finally, using some touches of white gel pen and yellow and mauve coloured Posca Pens.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Dog Challenge 2025 - Week 33

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 33 "Cats"

This is my Week 32 "Cats" tag.  I started with a white background and used "Garden Patina" Ranger Archival Ink through the Funky Fossil Designs "Dotty Grid Stencil".

On a plain piece of card, I stamped the cat and border from the Funky Fossil Designs "Folk Garden" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink.  I then fussy cut the cat shape and stuck to the stencilled tag.  I then used the same ink through the Funky Fossil "Cat Silhouette Stencil" either side of the main cat.

Finally, using Medieval Blue ink again, I inked the edges of the tag and then stamped the top and bottom border, which is also part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Folk Garden" stamp set.

Lavinia Stamps "Pumpkin Lodge" Halloween Card

 

've been playing with my Lavinia Stamps again this afternoon, making this card featuring the wonderful Lavinia "Pumpkin Lodge".

I created the background using several different shades of Distress Oxide Inks, building up the colour by using the hot air gun to fully dry the surface before the next colour was applied.  The shades of ink I used are: Mustard Seed, Twisted Citron, Crushed Olive and Mowed Lawn.

I stamped the Lavinia "Pumpkin Lodge" and the "Organic Root" in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.  I then stamped the pumpkin again on to a piece of white card.  Colouring the pumpkin by painting it with Distress Oxide Inks, fussy cutting the shape and sticking over the pumpkin on the green background. I coloured the "Organic Root" image by using a brown fine liner pen and a metallic gold pen.

I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the Lavinia text called "Forbidden Secrets" around the edge of the card.  I then used "Prize Ribbom" Distress Oxide Ink to sedge the card up to the root area.

Next I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the Lavinia "Vine Branch around the top of the card.

I then used Versafine Clair 'Nocturne" black ink to stamp the cat which is part of the Lavinia "Hocus Pocus" stamp set.  I used the same ink to stamp the "Dill" foliage around the base of the card.

Hobby Arts "Vintage Plonk - CS186D" Birthday Card

For the central area, I tore a page out of an old book and covered it with four shades of Distress Oxide Inks to achieve the mottled green look. The colours I used were:  Mowed Lawn, Crushed Olive, Twisted Citron and Mustard Seed.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the gentleman, which is part of the Hobby Arts "Vintage Plonk - CS186D" stamp set, on to the page and then stamped him again on a piece of white card.  I coloured the image on the card using a selection of Distress Oxide Inks and then fussy cut him and glued him on to the book page over the original stamped image.

On a piece of cream coloured card, I stamped the clock and moustache, which are also part of the "Vintage Plonk" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I then used a  Tim Holtz layering stencil called "Dot Fade - THS006" with "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink around the stamped images.

Lavina Stamps abstract "Bramble" Card

For the abstract background of this card, I used four shades of Distress Oxide Inks, using:  Picked Raspberry, Squeezed Lemonade, Cracked Pistachio and Mermaid Lagoon shades of ink, applied randomly with a paint brush between two lines of masking tape.

After removing the masking tape, I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Bramble" stamp and the "Just for you" sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia "Heartfelt Verse" stamp set.

Finally adding some black dots of Posca Pen and some "Opal White" dots of Liquid Pearls around the stamped image.

Funky Fossil Designs "Folk Garden" Anniversary Card

For this card, I have used the Funky Fossil Designs "Pretty Circle Stencil" with "Poppy" Ranger Archival ink to create the decorative circle.

In the centre of the stencilled circle, I have used another Funky Fossil stencil called ""Pretty Print" with "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the decorative strip across the middle of the circle, which is part of the Funky Fossil "Folk Garden" stamp set.  I used the same ink to stamp the "Happy Anniversary" which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiment" stamp set.

Finally, I used the remaining red "Poppy" ink on my blending brush to add a blush to the corners of the card and then added some black dots of Posca Pen to the decorative circle area

Funky Fossil Designs "Folk Garden" yellow card

Today I have played with a stamp I have long been waiting to play with.  I'd ordered this stamp set by Funky Fossil Designs called "Folk Garden", while still living in the caravan.  Now, we're back in a house and my craft room, I have had an opportunity to play with it.

I decided to stamp the central image in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink on to a piece of yellow coloured card.  I then mounted the squarre on to a piece of black coloured card.

On a separate piece of yellow card, I used "Sunflower" Ranger Archival Ink, through the Funky Fossil Designs "Pretty Print Stencil".  I mounted the central image on to the yellow background and then added it to a card blank.

Using Versafine Clair "Twilight" again, I stamped the "Sending Hugs" sentiment, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiment" stamp set.

Lavinia Stamps "Sunflower 1" Birthday Card

 

I used a cream coloured card for the base of this card.  Stamping the Lavinia Stamps "Sunflower 1" in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" and "Summertime" inks.

I then lay the Lavinia Stamps "Red Brick Stencil" over the top of the card and used three shades of Ranger Archival Inks, using:  Cornflower Blue, Leaf Green and Orange Blossom through the stencil.

I used one of the Lavinia "Hill Masks" to ground the sunflower using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.  I used the same ink to add tiny areas of text on the wall area using one of the Lavinia "Spirit Signs" stamps.  I then stamped the sentiment using one of the greetings from the "Heartfelt Verse" set of sentiment stamps.

I coloured the sunflower using  various shades of Distress Oxide inks.  Adding finishing touches with a gold coloured gel pen and a Posca pen.

Lavinia Stamps "The Nook" Tag

I used a cream coloured card for the base of this tag.  Stamping the Lavinia Stamps "The Nook" tree house stamp in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I used three shades of Ranger Archival Inks through the Lavinia Stamps "Charming Stencil", using Plum, Prickly Pear and Orange Blossom shades of ink.

I then used"Potting Soil" brown Ranger Archival Ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Honeycomb Stencil" around the edges of the tag.

I used Versafine Clair "Chianti" dark red ink to stamp the "Just For You" sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia "Heartfelt Verse" stamp set.  I then used the same ink to randomly stamp sections of Lavinia "Spirit Signs", using finger pressure on the back of the inked stamp rather than using a block or platform.

Next, I coloured the tree and house using assorted Distress Oxide Inks and a fine liner pen.  Finally, adding some dots of Ranger "Prickly Pear" Liquid Pearls to embellish the tree area.

Lavinia Stamps Abstract Fish (Sticker Stencil 10)

 

I've had a play session creating the abstract looking tag using a Lavinia Stamps vase stencil.

I used one of the Lavinia Stamps vase sticker stencils from set 10, on it's side for this tag, using Distress Oxide Inks for the colour.  I used Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon and Abandoned Coral for the three vase/fish.  Then lay the Lavinia Stamps "Nimbus" stencil over the top and used "Festive Berries" Distress Oxide ink through the stencil.

I used a black Posca Pen to colour the surrounding background area.  They used a gold cloured gel pen to draw circles over the background.  I filled some of them with the gold gel pen and some of them I added a "Wink of Stella" to add a gold glittery look.

I used a couple of Van Goch Pastel Pencils for shading on the vase/fish with touches of gold gel pen on the base/tail.  I then used a white and black Posca Pen to create the eye.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2025 - Week 32

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 32 "Moonlight"

For the background of this tag, I used Element Inks, using "Lemon Drop" for the moon and then Violet Chalk, Flying Fig and Dark Denim for the surrounding colour, making the edges darker.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturn" black ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps owls and the branches.  I used a white gel pen for highlights and stars and a Lavinia sentiment sticker saying "Time for bed".

Lavinia Stamps "Vine" Just For You card

 

A quick clean and simple card made using Lavinia Stamps.  I used the Lavinia "Vine" stamp with Versafine Clair "Hawthorne Rose" ink.  I stamped the sentiment in the same ink.  The sentiment is part of the Lavinia Stamps "Heartfelt Verse" sentiment stamp set.

In the background, I have used "Sky Blue " Ranger Archival Ink through the Lavinia "Waffle" stencil.  I finished the card by adding white dots of Ranger Enamel Accents.

Lavinia Stamps Acorn Abode Card

Today, I decided to dip into some of my Lavinia Stamps, making this card.  I've used a mixture of older and newer stamps. 

I started by stamping the Lavinia "Acorn Abode" stamp in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink on to a piece of white card.  I then stamped it again on to a post-it note, fussy cut the image to use as a mask and stuck it over the original stamped image.

Using Versafine Clair "Avocado" green ink, I stamped the Lavinia "Forest Leaf" stamp.

Keeping the original mask in place, I then placed the Lavinia"Dynamic" stencil over the stamped area and used Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" light brown ink through the stencil.

Next, using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink and second generation stamping, I stamped the Lavinia  "Winter Spice" verse down the left and right hand sides of the card.  Once dry, I used Versafine Clair "Sand Dune", "Avocado" and then "Acorn brown ink to colour around the image.

I used the Lavinia Stamps "Hill Mask" with Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to create a landscape behind the acorn image.  I added shadow depth using a 2B pencil, also drawing some grasses.

Finally, I used a mix of Derwent Inktense pencils and Distress Oxide Inks, both applied with a brush to colour the image, adding highlights of Posca and gold coloured gel pen.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2025 - Week 31

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 31 "Fish"

For this tag, I started with a plain white tag, using three shades of Ranger Archival Inks.  I used Prickly Pear all over, then "Garden Patina" through the Woodware "Bubbles" stencil, then I used Mangalese Blue" ink around the edge and also through the Sweet Poppy "Dots Backplate" Stencil.

I used Versafine Clair  "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the fish, which is a stamp by Kate Crane and has a reference number of KCM007 down the middle of the tag and then again on a white piece of card.

I used colouring pencils, Gel Pens and Posca Pens to colour the fish on the white card, then fussy cut them and glued into position over the fish on the tag.

I used a Woodware stamp called "Plant a meadow" for the leaves and berries around the edge of the tag, stamped in "Mangalese Blue" Ranger Archival Ink and Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. Finally I added some touches of gold gel pen and white Posca Pen.

Funky Fossil Designs Beauty in bloom bokeh card

Some time back, I fell in love with a stamp set by Funky Fossil Designs, called "Beauty In Bloom", I bought it, but because I was living in the caravan with minimal craft supplies, decided not to use it till I was in my own craft room.  That time has arrived and this card is the result of my first play.

I decided to keep the design simple by using the Funky Fossil "Bokeh builder stencil" with the ink that was on my blending brushes to get a very light look of colour.

I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Funky Fossil "Beauty in bloom" and sentiment from the same stamp set.

I used a pink and green colouring pencil from my Derwent Inktense set, applying the colour to the flowers using a paint brush.  Finally, adding some dimension with some dots of Ranger Enamel Accents in white.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs - Seed Pods Card

Well here I am, in my new home and in the craft room too.

Hubby has worked wonders and has prepped, decorated and put new flooring down in the room.  I've been busy all week unpacking boxes and moving things from what seems one place to another, but I am happy to say I have just faffed and made a quick card.

I used a Brusho background from my existing stash for the background.  Then stamped the background design, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Garden Elements - TW30" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.

I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Tracy Evans "Seed Pods - TE29" stamp.  Finally adding some touches of gold coloured gel pen.