52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 27

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

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 27 is "Diamonds"

Starting with a plain white tag, I sprinkled some Ken Oliver Crafts "Bursts" paint in a turquoise and  orchid colours on to the surface (I think I got these as a free gift when I subscribed to a magazine years ago, they're a bit like Brusho paint). I then spritzed the surface lightly with water and watched the colour develop, setting aside to dry fully.

Over the top of that, I lay a Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "THmm104"stencil down and applied Deco Art "Snow" acrylic paint through the stencil using a stencil brush with hardly any paint on it to create the diamond shapes  I then splattered white acrylic paint and a metallic gold paint from a paint brush, again setting aside till fully dry.

On a white piece of card, I stamped the bird, which is part of a Sizzix / Tim Holtz Framelits die called Love you - 660190" stamp and die set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink.  I then die cut the bird using the die from the same set.  While the Sizzix / Big Shot was out, I also cut a multi circle dot shape in white card.

I glued the circle die cut on to the card, then used foam pads to adhere the bird over the top, to give dimension.  I used two Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word stickers saying "Sprinkle Inspiration", which I edged in gold pen.  I also edged the tag in gold coloured dots using a gel pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs ":Love Grows Here" Wildflower Card

For the floral background of this card, I have used the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs 6x6" Wildflower Stencil with four shades of Ranger Archival Inks.  The colours of inks I used for the flowers are:  Chrome Yellow, Sunflower, Tea Rose and Tiger Lily.

Moving on to the stamping, using the Tracy Evans "Love Grows Here - TE65" stamp set,  used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the feather.  I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the birds and the sentiment.

Finally, I added some shading using a pastel pencil and added white dots to the background frame area using a Posca Pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Love grows here - TE65" cicles card

Before leaving my craft desk to do house work chores, I made this very quick card.  I used three shades of Ranger Archival Inks through a circle stencil.  The colours of ink I used are:  Forget Me Not, Shadow Grey and Vivid Chartreuse.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the flower, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Love grows here - TE65" stamp set.  I then used a fine liner pen in black to draw circles and dots.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "New Beginnnings - TE4" Artist Trading Card

For this Artist Trading Card (ATC):  Using a white card base, and Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the base text which is the Tracy Evans "Background Elements TE11" stamp.  I then inked the edges and dragged Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" and "Avocado" inks down the length of the ATC.

On an off cut of white card, using Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink, I stamped the flower and then the bird (in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink), both these elements are part of the Tracy Evans "New Beginnings - TE4" stamp set.  

I fussy cut the shape and glued it on to the prepared ATC base.  I added more colour to the flower using a pastel pencil and a yellow Posca Pen, finally adding dots of black Ranger Enamel Accents to provide depth to the background.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create a garden - TE66" wild flower card

I used a piece of white card 4x4" on one edge I added diluted "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Ink.  Once dry, I then added another layer of ink using a narrower strip of diluted "Picked Raspberry" Distress Oxide Ink.  I used a little of the "Saltwater Taffy" ink on a fan shaped paint brush to splatter fine dots of paint over some of the white area.  I then wafted the heat gun over the surface till totally dry.

I tore the edge of a piece of copy paper and used the torn edge as a mask over some of the inked edge.  I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to multi stamp the text from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set, repeating the process till the right hand edge of the card was filled with text.

Next, I used the wild flowers from the same "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Twilight" a dark blue ink. I added some touches of yellow Posca Pen to the middle of the flowers.  

Finally, I used a small bird from the Tracy Evans "Garden Elements - TE30" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I added touches of white gel pen to areas and some white dots of Posca Pen to the pink areas.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - the half way mark - Week 26

I thought I would share a photo of the first 26 tags i have made for The Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026" - the half way mark, down hill to 2027 now! 

I now need to start to schedule the prompts for the 2027 challenge.  I keep a list of ideas on my phone, adding to the list as I think of a new prompts, I find this easier than trying to think of them all together!

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create a garden - TE66" Artist Trading Card

My Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day uses the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set.

This was a really quick make, using a piece of yellow card for the background and dragging three shades of Ranger Archival Inks across the card.  The colours I used  are:  Cactus Flower, Vibrant Fuchsia and a very small amount of Violet. I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the wild flowers and the sentiment, both are part of the Tracy Evans "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set.  I also used the same ink to ink the lower edges of the ATC.  

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create a gardem - TE66" stamp set

Another make using one of the recently released stamp sets from Tracy Evans. For this card, I have used the "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set.

I used a circle mask for the coloured circle, drawing a line where I knew I would be stamping.  then I used "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink through the circle shape, leaving the area where I would be stamping lighter in colour.

I used two colours of Versafine Clair inks for the fuchsia, using "Avocado" green and "Baby Pink" coloured ink.  I then coloured the flowers with Derwent Inktense coloured pencils, applied with a paint brush.

I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the bird and branch, which is also part of the "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set.  Finally, I added extra detail to the flowers and the bird using a white gel pen, adding some white dots to break up the grey colour using a Posca Pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Garden Elements - TE30" Wren Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC), for the day.  I've used the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Garden Elements TE30" stamp set across this card.

Stamping the flower in Versafine Clair "Carrot Orange" and "Avocado" shades of ink and the wren and sentiment in "Acorn" brown ink.  I edged the card in the same brown ink too.

For the background colour, I used "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Ink applied with a paint brush, adding gold coloured dots over the top of the blue.  I painted the flower and wren using Derwent Inktense pencisl adding touches of a 2B pencil and gold coloured gel pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Promise of tomorrow - TE63" Christmas Card

 

I'm not sure if it is too early for the "C" word, but here's a Christmas card I made this morning.

I started by masking off a circle and filling it with two shades of Ranger Archival Inks, using "Sunflower" at the top and blending into a darker shade "Tea Rose" at the bottom.  

In the middle of the large circle, using Versafine Clair "Chianti" a deep red coloured ink, I stamped the large star, then stamped the two smaller stars in the same ink.  The stars are part of the Tracy Evans Designs "A Promise of Tomorrow - TE63" stamp set. I then stamped the two smaller stars. I edged the large circle in black pen then drew round a couple of lids in black pen for the smaller circles.

Masking off the star, with a piece of paper, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the holly branches and the little birds in the small circles.  These are also part of the "A Promise of Tomorrow - TE63" stamp set.

Across the middle of the star, I stamped the "Peace & Joy" sentiment, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Christmas Sentiment" stamp set, also stamped in Versafine Clair "Ncoturne" black ink.

Within the central star I added touches of gold coloured gel pen.  I also added little splatters of black and gold ink aorund the holly, finally adding some dots to the edge of the medium sized circle.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "One of a kine - TE54" Artist Trading Card

I'm late in the day with my Artist Trading Card (ATC), so here it it.

I started with a piece of grey card by rouding the corners.  I then placed the Tracy Evans Boutique Dsigns "Snippet Stencil Leaf - SS32) over the top of the card and applied "Yellow Ochre" Pan Pastel through the stencil.

Once the stencil was lifted, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the snowdrops and the sentiment, which are both part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "One of a kind - TE54" stamp set. I used the same ink for the edges of the ATC.

I then used a black pen to go round the edge of the leaf and a gold coloured gel pen to draw extra detail on the leaf.  Around the edge of the leaf, I used an orange and a white Posca Pen to add dots to the background, circling some of the orange dots in  a black fine liner pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Explore Nature - TE67" Nigella Card

 

A quick early morning make and I'm really happy with the way it turned out.  Using grey coloured card for the base, I used Versaifne Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the nigella plant, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Explore Nature - TE67" stamp set.  I coloured the image and made a moon in the background using Van Goch Pastel pencils.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Love Grows Here - TE65" Dandelion Artist Trading Card

 

A quick play in the craft room this evening making this Artist Trading Card (ATC).

I've used a small piece of lightly coloured yellow and blue Brusho painted background for the base, stamping the large dandelion from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Love Grows Here - TE65" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink. I inked the edges of the card in the same ink.

I've added extra yelllow to the background using Elements "Lemon Drop" ink, applied with a cotton bud.  I then used Versafine Clair "Ncoturne" black ink to stamp the "Quiet Moments" sentiment, which is part of the Tracy Evans "One of a kind - TE54" stamp set.  I used the same ink and stamp set for the random areas of text on the card.  Finally, adding extra detail with a silver glitter pen, a white gel pen and a black fine liner pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Fern" Artist Trading Card

Another Artist Trading Card (ATC) from me today.  I've used a light covering of "Periwinkle" Ranger Artchival Ink for the background colour.  I have then used "Vivd Chartreuse" Ranger Archival ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Snippet Stencil - Fronds", multi positioned to cover most of the surface.

Next, using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink I stamped the fern fronds, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Special Delivery - TE64" stamp set.  I used a wild flower from the Tracy Evans "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set, stamped in the same ink.

In the bottom right hand corner, I added a snail, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Love grows here - TE65" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.  I used the same ink to stamp the "Flora and fauna" sentiment, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Special Delivery - TE64" stamp set.  I used the same ink to edge the ATC.  I then added touches of a gold coloured gel pen to the fern and snail and a white Posca Pen to the wild flowers.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Special Delivery" Artist Trading Card

When you can't sleep... craft!  It's another middle of the night make from me, with this Artist Trading Card (ATC).

Starting with a white piece of card, I used Versafine Clair "Avocado" green ink to stamp part of the Tracy Evans "Background Elements - TE11" stamp I then lighty coated the surface of the card using Versafine Clair "Arctic" a light blue coloured ink.

I used Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink to stamp the flowers on the right hand side and the word "Shine", inking the edge of the card in the same ink.  I then used Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" turquoise coloured ink to stamp the special delivery sign and the bubbles,  All of these stamped elements are part of one of the new stamp sets by Tracy Evans, it's called "Special Delivery - TE64".

Finally, I used a blending brush to add more colour to the edges of the card using more Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink.  I added some white Posca Pen to the bubbles, a white gel pen to the flowers and a yellow Posca Pen to the middle of the flowers.  Then added a tied piece of string round the middle of the card (recycled from the packaging of the Tracy Evans order of stamps I had received).

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Love Grows Here - TE65" Card

Today, I recieved a very speedy turn around of an order of stamps I placed on Saturday, which arrived with me mid-day today, Monday.  The stamps are from Tracy Evans Boutique Designs and are part of her recent new release of stamps and stencils.

In my prepared background folder, I found a peice of card with yellow and green spray inks across the surface, so decided that this would be the base. I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the garland, birds and sentiment of "Love grows here", all these images are part of the new stamp set called "Love grows here - TE65".

Next I used the Tracy Evans "Snippet Stencil Heart - SS12" with "Monarch Orange" Ranger Archival Ink to create the heart shape.  I then used Versafine Clair "Summertime" orange ink to stamp the flowers within the heart using flowers from another new stamp set by Tracy Evans called "Create a garden - TE66".

I returned to the Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the small hearts within the large heart shape.  These little hearts are part of the Tracy Evans "Quirky Birds - TE10" stamp set.

I decided I wanted some bolder colour around the edges of the card, so used a blenting brush to apply "Mowed Lawn" Distress Oxide Ink at the lower section of the card and "Mustard Seed" Distress Oxide Ink at the top.  Finally, I added some dots to the garland and a mohican haircut to one of the birds, using a black fine liner pen.

Stampin' Up "Dragonfly Dreams" Birthday Card

Time for a birthday card, I made this about a week ago, but don't share the posts till later on the day of the birthday.  I don't like feeling pressured to create anything.  For me, it takes the joy away from crafting.

Starting with a white piece of card, I used Versafine Clair "Verdant", a lime green coloured ink to stamp the dots around the edge of the card.  The dots are part of a Stampin' Up stamp set called "Dragonfly Dreams".  I then used the same ink with a blending brush to colour the edges of the card.

I used "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink with a blending brush to colour the central area of the card.  Then using Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink and a cotton but, I stamped dots and edged the card in the same ink.

I used Versafine Clair "Twilight", a dark blue ink to stamp the dragonfly, which is also part of the "Dragonfly Dreams" stamp set.  I used the same ink to stamp the sentiment, which is party of a 7 piece stamp set, by Chloes Creative Cards, which came free with Simply Cards & Papercraft Magazine, Issue 283.I then used three gel glitter pens, a silver, a green colour and blue colour to add sparkle and shimmer to the card surface.

Zebra Print Artist Trading Card

In the corner of my desk, I found a small piece of card painted in bright yellow, that was just big enought for an Artist Trading Card (ATC), so I decided to use it for the base of my next ATC.

I used  Versafine Clair "Carrot Orange" ink to stamp the Dark Room Dooe "Zebra Print Background Stamp".  Howeverm because of the paint I had used ion the base, it took some time to set, which allowed me to drag some of the ink off with a wet wipe, reulting in a more distressed look background.

I added a black frower die cut, some black and white dots of Posca Pen, some sgold coloured sticky dots and finally a Tim Holtz / Ideaology" word sticker saying "just one life".

Memory Box Co. Kensington Border 98743 - Butterflies Artist Trading Card

A quick Artist Trading Card from me today, using different widths of Washi Tape for the background.  Topped with part of a Memory Box Co. "Kensington Border 98743" butterfly die cut,  I've added a word sticker saying "be amazed" and dots of gold coloured gel pen and white Ranger Enamel Accents.

"Stampin' Up "Because I care..." hydrangea Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I covered a white background with "Old Paper" Distress Oxide Ink.  I stamped the Stampin' Up hydrangea using a stamp from theirn "Because I care" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Avocado" green ink.  I used a small flower stamp from the same stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Dahlia Purple" I multi stamped the design in the background.

I used a cotton bud head tip to colour the flower head using the following shades of Versafine Clair Ink". Shady Lane, Dahlia Purple and Purple Delight.  I inked the edges of the card with Versafine Clair Shady Lane green ink and used a green Derwent Inktense pencil to colour the leaves.

I added extra detail using a yellow Posca Pen and a black fine liner pen, finally adding a word sticker staying "be awesome today".

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - week 26

 

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

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 26 is "just add water"

Here we are at the mid point of The Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026", thanks for keeping me company on this challenge, it is very much appreciated.

The prompt for this week may seerm a bit scary, but actually when you think about it, there are a few options that you can consider for your make.  maybe diluted water colour paints, adding a spritz ot water to Brusho Paints or similar granular paints, or spritz a stamped design, which is what I have done to create this tag.

I started with a piece of smooth-ish water colour card.  I used "Squeezed Lemonade" Distress Oxide Ink to stamp the Sweet Poppy Stencils "Fern" stamp.  I used a stamping platform to multi-stamp the image in the same position to get a good covering of ink.  I then spritzed the surface with water, letting the ink run and expand.  

Once dry, I then repeated the process (keeping the stamp and tag in the same position in the stamping platform), but this time using  "Rustic Wilderness" Distress Oxide Ink.  Spritzing the surface and allowing the ink to move as it pleased.

Again, retaining the tag and stamp in the same position, I used Versafine Clair "Rain Forest" a dark green ink to stamp the image again. I used a white and a green Derwent Inktense Pencils to give a little colour to the stamped leaves.

I edged the tag with "Evergreen Bough" Distress Oxide Ink, using a blending brush to pull the colour from the edge, towards the stamped image,  I then added some dark sequins and then smaller dots and a line frame round the edge of the tag using a black pen using a fine liner pen. Finally adding a couple of Tim Hoitz "idea-ology" word stickers saying "create magic".

Stampin' Up "Olive Branch" Artist Trading Card

 

For this Artist Trading Card (ATC), I used a piece of card from my stash that I had painted with a yellow colour using a childs water colour paint set.

I used Versafine Clair ":Shady Lane", a mid green coloured ink to stamp the Stampin' Up "Olive Branch" stamp.  I used the same ink to stamp the word "Moments" whicb is part of a That's Crafty "Lots of words stamp set".

I used a corner rounder and then inked the edges of the card using Versafine Clair "Chianti" dark red ink, dragging the ink from the edges towards the stamped image.  Finally, adding dots to the background using a gold coloured gel pen.

A trio of hare Artist Trading Cards

Today, my hare mad friend celebrates her birthday, so I have made this trip of Artist Trading Cards to pop into her card.

ATC 1:  I''ve used Distress Oxide Inks, using Salvaged Patina and Spiced Marmalade shades for the background.  Stamping in Verfsafine Clair Nocturne (black) and Morning Mist (grey) ink. to stamp the Hobby Art "Lino Cut Hares" stamp. I've also added touches of red Posca Pen to the flowers.

ATC 2:  I've used "Carved Pumpkin" and "chipped Sapphire" Distress Oxide Inks for the background, using Versafine Clair 'Nocturne" black ink to stamp the hare, which again is from the Hobby Art stamp set called "Lino Cut Hares..  I used a white Pan Pastel for the moon and Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink for the landscape and coloured Posca Pens for the flowers.

ATC 3.  I've used "Salvaged Patina" Distress Oxide Ink for the background, edged in "Chipped Sapphire" Disress Oxide Ink.  The hare is from another Hobby Art stamp set called "March Hares CS124D", which I have stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and coloured with pastel pencils.  I have then added golod coloured dots to the background using a gel pen.

Funky Fossil Designs "Scribble Hare" Birthday Card

For this card, I used several Distress Oxide Inks for create the background colour.  The shades of ink I used are: Carved Pumpkin, Worn Lipstick, Squeezed Lemonade and Picked Raspberry.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the hare, which is a Funky Fossil Designs stamp called "Scribble Hare". I then inked the edges of the card using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, dragging the edge of the ink pad across the edge of the card for more detail.

I used "Abandoned Coral" Distress Oxide Ink through a Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stencil, called "Sparkle Layering Stencil - THS132".

I then stamped the "Big Birthday Wishes" greeting which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiments" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne' black ink. Finally, I used a gold coloured gel pen to draw around the square and add small polka dots across the surface of the card.

Cat with butterflies Artist Trading Card

For this Artist Trading Card (ATC), I covered a piece of card with a butterfly print patterned paper, then added two torn edged pieces of cardstock at the base.  I then added a die cut cat silhouette shape, cut using the Poppy Stamps Inc. "Large Sitting Cat - 871" die.  Mext I used a black fine liner to add a frame and dots round the cat, Finally, adding a word sticker saying "Stay Curious".

Dachshund Artist Trading Card

For the background of this Artist Trading Card (ATC), I covered the card in some wrapping paper that surrounded a Father's Day gift.  It was a kraft background with white stars.  I added small dots in bright orange Posca Pen between the stars.

I die cut three dachshund shapes in three different coloured cards and glued them in to postion, I then added a word sticker to each dog shape, using the words:  love, cherish and adore.  Finally, Inking the edges using Versafine Clair "Pinecone" brown ink.

"Strength" Artist Trading Card

I've returned to my box of collage bits and bobs to make this Artist Trading Card (ATC).  Using a piece of blue card for the base, a section of an embossed card and patterned papers.  I've added white dots to the plain teal coloured strips and a Hobbycraft stamped flower, coloured with Distress Oxide Inks (Dried Marigold, Carved Pumpkin and Ripe Persimmon).  Finally adding a word sticker staying "Strenth" and three dots of black Ranger Enamel Accents. 

Stampin' Up "High Tide" Sea Shell Artist Trading Card

For this Artist Trading Card (ATC), I created the background of this card, I have repeatedly stamped a shell from an old Hero Arts wooden stamp set called "Little Shells - LL738".  I have then used Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" a beige coloured ink for the edges, dragging the ink pad across the surface to provide a more distressed appearance.

I then used the water, wading birds, reeds and birds from the Stampin' Up "High Tide" stamp set, with Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black and "Morning Mist" grey ink. I gave the card a light wash of blue ink, using "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide ink, then edged the card in black Versafine Clair "Ncoturne" ink, finally adding a word sticker saying "Memories".

Stampin' Up "Fabulous Florets" Artist Trading Card

A bit late in the day, but here's my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.

For the base, I used a piece of card in a soft butter milk colour. Using "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink through the Clarity Stamps "Stripes" stencil.

I then used Versafine Clair "Green Oasis" ink to stamp one of the Stampin' Up "Fabulous Florets" stamps, using the same coloured ink to roughly ink the edges of the card.  I then topped the edges with Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

I used a gold coloured gel pen to outline the stamped flower, then added "Aqua" coloured Polka Dots across the ATC, circled with a black fine liner pen, finally adding a word sticker saying "take risks".

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 25

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

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 25 is "Rock Pools"

For my tag, I started with a piece of  Clarity Stamps "Shenandoah" patterned paper, covering a plain tag. I used Versafine Clair "Verdant" a zingy lime green coloured ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Seaweed 2" stamps. Using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" to stamp the Stampin' Up seahorse from their "By The Tide" stamp set.  I then stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Sea Bubbles" using the same ink. I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp some weeds using a Unity Stamp stamp from their "Fishy Philosophy" stamp set.

I inked the edges of the tag using two shades of Versafine Clair ink, using "Warm Breeze" and "Shady Lane".  I used the same colours to accentuate areas of the tag.  Then used Posca Pens and gel pens to create the look of gravel at the base of the tag.

On a piece of white card, I used Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Urchins".  I also stamped tiny star fish which are part of a Rubber Stampede" mini stamp set that I have had for years. I coloured the urchins using Distress Oxide Inks, using Spun Sugar, Crushed Olive and Weathered Wood.  I used "Scattered Straw" Distress Oxide Ink to colour the star fish, then fussy cut the shapes and glued into position. Then added more Posca and gold gel pen dots to tie the two into the backbground.  

Finally, I used a white and a gold coloured gel pen to add highlights of colour to various areas of the tag.

Stampin' Up "Reason to smile" Artist Trading Card

I've made a clean and simple Artist Trading Card (ATC) using one of the stamps from a Stampin' Up stamp set called "Reason to smile" stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I've coloured the flower and extended the petals using a white Derwent Inktense pencil.

Stampin' Up "Textured Notes" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. For the base colour of this ATC, I have used two shades of Distress Oxide Ink, using Shabby Shutters and Pumice Stone.

I then used one of the basket weave stamps from the Stampin' Up "Textured Notes" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Grass Green" ink.  I then used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" a mid green coloured ink to stamp the foliage, which is part of the same stamp set.

I inked the edges of the card using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" ink and then used an orange and white Posca Pens to add dots to the background, drawing round the orange dots with a fine liner black pen.  Finally, I added a word sticker saying "let it go". I forgot to round the corners of the ATC before taking the photograph!  Silly Sam!

Lavinia Stamps "Barkley" Artist Trading Card

I received my order of the lovely new release of stamps from Lavinia Stamps, called "The Loomweavers' Collection" today, so had to have a quick play with them, making this Artist Trading Card (ATC).

I used a piece of grey coloured card for the base using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the new "Barkley (small)" the racoon the Lavinia "Witch Hazel" branch and one of the "Magpies'.

I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to create the ground, using the same ink with a cotton bud to create leaves on the branches and also to stamp some foliage, using one of the stamps from the Lavinia "Foliage Set" of stamps.  Finally, I added touches of white gel pen and a white coloured pencil to lift the colour a little.

Lavinia Stamps "Honeysuckle" Artist Trading Card

This is today'a Artist Trading Card (ATC)..  I've used  "Pumice Stone" Distress Oxide Ink, spritzed with water for the coloured background of the card, adding torn pieces of text from an old book, then edging the card with "Pumice Stone" again.

Using Versafine Clair 'Shady Lane", a mid green coloured ink, I stamped the Lavinia Stamps 'Honeysuckle" stamp.I then coloured the stamped image with three shades of Distress Oxide Inks, applied with a thin paint brush.  The colours of inks I used are:  Antique Linen, Victorian Velvet and Peeled Paint.  I then used the "Peeled Paint" ink to loosly edge the card.

Finally, I added some black dots round the stamped image to provide colour depth definition then added a Lavinia Stamps word sticker from their "Sentiment Sticker 6" set, saying "love nature".

"Hello my darling" Art Stamps Flower Artist Trading Card

This is my cheerful Artist Trading Card (ATC), for today, using a piece of yellow card for the base, I added some torn strips of text from a book and two strips of orange Washi Tape on the two long edges of the card. I then used a red Posca Pen to splatter paint across the surface.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamp leaves and a flower from the Hobby Art Stamps set called "Abstract Flowers -CS175D" on to white and green card.  I fussy cut the shapes and glued them on to the ATC.  Finally adding a word sticker saying "hello my darling" and dots of white Ranger Enamel Accents.

"Grow" Artist Trading Card

It's a misty grey start to the day here, so I have made a bright Artist Trading Card to lift the mood.

Starting with  a piece of bright orange card for the base, I used Versafine Clair  "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs "Vintage Script" stamp.  I then used torn pieces of white and orange patterned paper and glued into position.

I added a red banner through the middle and covered it with a strip of Funky Fossil Designs Washi Tape. then a this strip of yellow patterned paper.  In the middle strip I stamped the word "Grow" in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

Next, using Versafine Clair "Green Oasis" ink, I stamped the plants/pots which are part of a Hobbycraft clear set of stamps.  Finally, I rounded the corners of the ATC and then added some white dots of white Ranger Enamel Accents.

Butterfly Artist Trading Card

 

I came upstairs to do one thing and ended up dipping into the craft room, making this Artist Trading Card (ATC).

I used bits of off-cuts of patterned paper, and washi tape for the background.  I added a layered die of a butterfly using two Memory Box Inc dies (Pippi Butterfly 98508 and Isabella Butterfly 98507), colouring the top layer of the butterfly with "Abandoned Coral" Distress Oxide Ink.  Finally adding a word sticker saying "use your wings" some sticky black dots and a dot of white Ranger Enamel Accents.

Lavinia Stamps "Two for joy" Magpies Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I've used a piece of card with and aged look to the colour for the background. Adding torn sections of text from a book, coloured with "Bundled Sage" Distress Oxide Ink.  The edges of the card have been inked firstly with "Old Paper" Distress Oxide Ink and then "Sand Dune" Versafine Clair ink.

I used Versafine Clair "Pinecone" a dark brown ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Witch Hazel: branches.  I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Magpies".  I printed off the "Two for joy!" sentiment from the computer , sticking it into position, then finally added some small gold leaves to the branches.

Poppy Stamps Inc "Lorelai Outline Leaf Die" Artist Trading Card

This afternoon was one of those crafing sessions when things don't turn out how you want them, resulting on two Artist Trading Cards (ATC),ending up in the bin.  Fortunately, I did manage one that I was happy with.

I used a piece of patterned paper from a Funky Fossil Designs paper stack for the background design, topped with a white die cut made by Poppy Stamps Inc. called "Lorelai Outline Leaf Die Ref 840". I inked the edges of the ATC using Verfsafine Clair "Twilight" Dark Blue ink.

I used a word sticker from my stash, sorry no idea who makes it, saying "all great things have small beginnings"..  I then added some dots of black Posca Pen edged with a gold gel pen. 

Spellbinders "Blooms One S2-044" Artist Trading Card

 

When you can't sleep craft... that was me last night, so I got up and made an Artist Trading Card (ATC).

I actually used two pieces of card, a yellow piece for the base and then another in dark green with a punched edge like it had come from a small note book, layered over the top.

Using yellow card, I die cut three flowers using the Spellbinders "Blooms One - S2-044" die set.  I glued the three flowers on to the ATC then using a white Posca Pen added white dots on the green background, so break up the solid colour.  I used a birhgt orange coloured Posca Pen to decorate the die cut flowers, finally adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "be awesome today".

Lucky Artist Trading Card

 

Here's my daily Artist Trading Card (ATC).  For the base, I used a piece of Bo-Bunny double dot cardstock.  I then tore a piece of text from an old book and covered it with "Broken China" Distress Oxide Ink, then glued the section on to the card base,  

I rounded the corners of the card, then inked the edges with "Warm Breeze" Versafine Clair ink.  I used the same ink through a Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stencil (Ref:  THMM101) ensuring the left edge was a bit calmer for the eye to settle on, rather than the busy right hand side.

I used a dark blue Posca Pen for dots from the bottom left hand corner up to the top right corner. I then die cut a piece of foliage from white card and glued into positon over the blue dots.

Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "lucky", then added bright orange "Outrageouis" Liquid pearls to replicate berries.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 24

 

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

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 24 is "Retro Music"

For my tag, I have used Patterned Papers from the Funky Fossil Designs 8x8 paper stack called "Turn It Up", layering images and splattering paint with three colours of Posca Pen.

I have finished the tag by using a very old "Retro" Dymo tape label maker to print the words "you can never have too much vinyl" as a nod to the era of records.

A pair of floral Artist Trading Cards

 

Back on my Artist Trading Cards (ATCs), I've made a pair this time:  one flower looking down, the other looking upwards. 

I started by using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp a "Phil Martin - Botanica" stamp.  I then added a diluted "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Ink to the surface, wafted the heat gun over the surface to dry, then cut the card into two pieces of two and half inches by three and a half inches - the size of ATCs.  I rounded the corners then edged the cards in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink. Next I splattered a copper coloured metallic paint over the surface and set aside to dry.

On a piece of white card, I used a Hobbycraft clear stamp with Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp two flowers. I coloured them using "Squeezed Lemonade" and "Abandoned Coral" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then fussy cut the flowers and glued them into position on the ATC.  Finally, I added some black splatters of Posca Pen as I felt the cards needed some darker colour and then added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker to the cards, one saying "timeless" the other saying "sentimental".

Prima Marking "Rosarian" Artist Trading Card

I seem to be on a roll with my Artist Trading Cards (ATC).  I'm really enjoying making them.  I've used sections of patterned paper from the Prima Marketing "Rosarian" 6x6 paper stack for this ATC cutting a border from one page to sit on another.  Adding fine tip pen dots and inking the edges, finished with some Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word stickers saying "remember to dream".

Die cut flowers Artist Trading Card

I found myself up in the craft room and decided to make another Artist Trading Card (ATC).  I like that they are a quick make and a small area to fill.

I used some pink and white patterned washi tape to cover the card base, then used some narrow stirps of white card and glued into position. Next I added some torn pieces of text from an old book, adding some gold dots to those areas using a gel pen.

On a white piece of card, I die cut the two flowers, no idea what the die is called, it may have come with a magazine.  I then coloured the flowers with Ditress Oxide Ink, using Mowed Lawn, Squeezed Lemonade and Ripe Persimmon and glued into position.  I added some black dots with a Posca Pen then added the Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "delight", finally adding a few dots of black Ranger Enamel Accents.

Paperartsy Kate Crane KCM013 Artist Trading Card

I'm enjoying making these little Artist Trading Cards, it's handy as it uses up some of the small scraps of papers I've saved for that "just in case I need them moment"! 

I've used an off-cut of a Funky Fossil Designs patterned paper for the yellow background, stamping the Paperartsy "Kate Crane KCM015" stamp in Versafine Clair "Verdant" lime green ink.  I've then used the Paperartsy "Kate Crane KCM001" stamp with Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink.

Next, I tore a section from an old hymn book and covered it with "Mermaid Lagoon" Distress Oxide Ink, then glued the torn section on to the ATC.  I rounded the corners of the card, then edged the card in Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink. I then splattered black and white Posca Pen across the surface of the ATC.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the Paperartsy "Kate Crane KCM013" branch stamp.  I then stamped the same image on a piece of white card.  I fussy cut the white leaves and glued them into postion on the ATC.

Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker, saying "discover" and added some white dots of Ranger Enamle Accents.