Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Snowman ST26" Flurry Christmas Card

I've had a little stamp and stencil play session, making this little snowman scene. I started with a piece of white card and used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Snowman SS26" stencil.  The shades of inks I used are Faded Jeans and Tumbled Glass. I then used "Tumbled Glass" again through the Tracy Evans "Flurry SS53 stencil" and both colours to create the landscape the snowman stands on.

I then stamped the image within the snowman, uisng a tree stamp from the Tracy Evans "On The Wild Side TE50" stamp set, in first and second generation stamping and the stag from the Tracy Evans "Take The Scenic Route TE68" stamp set, I then added snow using a white Posca Pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Honesty TE28" Autumn Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used three shades of Ranger Archival Inks t Prickly Pear, Orange Blossom and Leaf Green) to stamp the leaves in the background.  The leaf is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Honesty TE28" stamp set.

Using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" mid green coloured ink, I stamped the wild flowers, which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutque Designs "Create A Garden TE66" stamp set.  I added colour to some of the flowers and grasses using an orange and a white Posca Pen.  Finally, adding a word sticker saying "a quiet place".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Magnolia TE43" Get Well Card

 

For this card, I used "Tiger Lily" Ranger Archival Ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Silhouette Bloom ST2 stencil.

I then used Versafine Clair "Charming Pink" ink, in first and second generation stamping, using the Tracy Evans Botuique Designs "Magnolia TE43" stamp set.

Finally, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the sentiment, which is part of the Funky Fossil "Stripped Back Sentiments" stamp set saying :Get Well Soon".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "On The Wild Side TE50" Moon and Hare Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used a gel plate print from my stash for the background.

I used Versafine Clair Nocturne" black ink to create the moon, using the inner and outer area of the Tracy Evans Boutique Desgins "Circular ST6" stencil.

I used Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink to create the ground, using a torn edge of a piece of paper.  I also used the same ink to stamp the wild flowers, part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "On The Wild Side TE50" stamp set, on each long edge of the ATC.

Returning to the Versafine Clair Ink, I stamped the toadstools and the hare. Both are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Berries TE55" stamp set.

Finally, I added some white dots to the sky using a Posca Pen and added a word sticker saying "Silent Night".

Tracy Evans Botuique Designs "Seed Pods TE29" Card

I've had a lovely half hour colouring these seed pods, which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Seed Pods TE29" stamp set, which I stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I know the seed pods wouldn't traditionally be the colour of apples, but I enjoyed colouring them, using Derwent Inktense Pencils in an Autumna colour way. I'll call it "artistic licence"!

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Silhouettes TE38" Tree and Stag Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used Distress Oxide Inks to  create a water colour style background, by spritzing the card then using a very wet paint brush with the ink on it, straight on to the card.  The colours of inks I used are: Tea Dye, Stormy Sky and Chipped Sapphire.

I used Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" and "Twilight" for stamping, using the tree and first line of the verse from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Silhouettes TE38" stamp set and the stag from the Tracy Evans "Take The Scenic Route TE68" stamp set.  Finally, I added touches of white gel pen and a black fine liner pen too.

Lavinia Stamps "Wild Summer Flowers LAV749" Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I used two shades of Ranger Archival Ink to cover the white card.  the shades I used are "Bluebird" and "Leaf Green".  I then used the "Bluebird" ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Dynamic ST031" stencil.  I decided I wanted the bottom corner of the ATC a bit darker, so added some "Cobalt" Ranger Archival Ink to the bottom right hand corner.

I used Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Wild Summer Flower LAV749" stamp set.  I then used a white Posca Pen to colour the seed heads.  Finally, using a word sticker from the Lavinia Stamps "Sentiment Stickers 6" set, saying "peace and harmony".

A crafting NIche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026" - Week 39

 

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 39 is "Face"

I used a cream coloured tag, laying the stripes Clarity Stamps stencil over the top and applying "Cracking Campfire" Distress Oxide ink through the stencil.

I recently picked up a large photographic book on David Niven from a charity table, so picked a photo from there and tore it into sections and glued them on to the tag.

I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink through the Clarity Stamps "Three Blooms" Stencil.  I added aqua coloured Posca Pen to the middle of the flowers then added a clear domed gem to give a 3D look.  I also added tiny orange gem stones across the tag.

Finally, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the word "smile" on a piece of white paper, adding a touch of the "Crackling Campfire" Distress Oxide ink to it and glued it into position on the tag

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Good Things Take Time TE60" Alphabet Flower Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I stamped the flower from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Good Things Take Time TE60" stamp set on to the white card, then coated the flower heads in "Pebeo Drawing Gum"(Masking Fluid).

Once the gum was dry, I then dragged the ATC through  spritzed "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Ink.  When that was dry, I was then able to stamp the alphabet, using Versafine Clair "Arctic" blue ink.  The stamp I used is Tracy Evans "Artsy Alpha/Numbers" stamp.

I then rubbed away the masking fluid and added a word sticker saying "Cultivate Kindness" and added some dots of "Outrageous" Liquid Pearls to the flower. Finally, using a black fine liner pen, I drew lines and dots round the edge of the card.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Winter Delights TE23" water colour lakeside scene

My Hubby is away in Scotland, playing in boats on lochs, so this scene kind of reflects what he is doing this weekend.

I've used a cream coloured card for the base as it's a warmer tone. I spritzed the card with water then using a paint brush applied Distress Oxide Inks to the card, allowing the colours to run.  The shades of Distress Oxide Inks I used are:  Tumbled Glass (for the water), Stormy Sky and Faded Jeans for the land and reflections.

I used both sizes of the trees in the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Winter Delights TE23" stamp set, using two shades of Versafine Clair to stamp both first and second generation stamping.  The colours of inks I used are Fantasia and Twilight. I added depth of the purple colour using a Derwent Inktense pencil called "Deep Violet" and a black fine liner pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Good Things Take Time TE60"

For the background of this card, I have used a brayer clean up sheet (a sheet of paper, where I roll off surplus paint or ink).

I stamped the flowers, part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Good Things Take Time TE60" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I stamped the flower heads again, using the same ink on to white card, fussy cut them and put them to one side. 

I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, through the Tracy Evans "Distressed Background SS31" stencil.  I then used the same ink to ground the flowers using the edge of a piece of paper. I used a yellow coloured Posca Pen to splatter yellow ink across the surface of the card.

Next, using Versafine Clair 'Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the bird, which is part of the Tracy Evans "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set.  Using a black fine liner pen, I drew in some grass.  Finally, I glued the fussy cut flower heads in position, adding a bit of colour to them using "Twisted Citron" Distress Oxide Ink.

Penny Black `'Ebullient 30-474" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used the bird on a branch from the Penny Black "Ebullient 30-474" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink on a chevron gel plate print background.

I coloured the image using the followind Distress Oxide Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Tea Dye, Brushed Corduroy and Rusty Hinge,  I also used a couple of pastel pencels, a 2B pencil and a gold gel pen.

I edged the ATC, uisng "Faded Jeans" Distress Oxide Inks, adding white gel pen dots and black fine liner dots around the stamped image, finally addying a word sticker saying "just because".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Malva TE8" Paper Hug Card

 

I've opted for a clean and simple design for this card.  I used the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Creative Spark TE24" stamp set for the circle, stamped in Versafine Clair "Arctic" blue ink.

I then stamped the small flower from the Tracy Evans "Malva TE8" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I stamped the flower again on to an off-cut of white card too.  Using the same ink, I stamped the leaves, which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Insect TE27" stamp set.

Next, I used "Lost Shadow" Distress Oxide Ink through the Tracy Evans "Flurry SS43" stencil around the stamped area.  I fussy curt the flower on the white bit of card and glued into postion on the card, adding some shadow using a 2B pencil.  I added a touch of clour to the central area of the flower using  a paint brush to apply "Twisted Citron" Distress Oxide Ink.  

Finally, I used the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words - Birthday" stamp set, for the sentiment, also stamped in Versfine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create A Garden TE66" in the moonlight Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day., using a piece of kraft card for the background.  

I used white Pan Pastel in the aperture of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Circular Stencil ST6" for the moon.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the bird on a branch, part of the Tracy Evans "Create A Garden TE66" stamp set and the berries, which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Berries TE55" stamp set.

I edged the ATC using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  Then colourerd the berries using a red Posca Pen.  I used a white gel pen for highlights, finally adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "be brave".

Tracy Evans. Boutique Designs "Love Grows Here TE65" flower and text Artist Trading Card

 

This is my second Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used a background sheet made from cleaning off my brayer using blue inks.  I then cut curves of text from an old book and glued into position.  Using Vesafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the flower, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Love Grows Here TE65" stamp set.  Then adding some black and orange Posca Pen splatters, edging the ATC in orange Posca Pen too.  I added some white gel pen highlight lines to the flower, finally adding the word sticker that says "do what you love, love what you do"!

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Art Backdrop TE17" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Traing Card (ATC) for the day.  I used a background I have made in the past using a gel plate print.  I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" to stamp the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Art Backdrop TE17" stamp in two opposite corners.

I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stmap the flowers, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Jar Of Wishes TE26" stamp set, adding highlights to them using a white gel pen.

I used a black fine liner pen to draw round a lid, to highlight the word "Art", I then edged the inner circle edge using a white pastel pencil.  I returned to the black fine liner pen adding horizontal stripes across the ATC, but leaving the circles plain.  I added some dots to the lines and then edged the card using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  Finally adding a word sticker saying "I just want to make nice things".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flora and Fauna TE53" gate and pigeon card

I've created this little scene for no reason other than wanting to craft.  I can add a sentiment and make it into a card at a later date if I want to.

I started by using Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" and "Morning Mist" inks to stamp the gate, part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flora and Fauna TE53" stamp set.  I then used three shades of green Distress Oxide Inks fo the grass and ground.  The colours I used are:  Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint and Rustic Wilderness.

I used Versafine "Morning MIst" grey ink to stamp the pigeons, which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Good Things Take Time TE60" stamp set.

I added more detail and depth of colour using Van Goch Pastel Pencils ,with a 2B pencil and paper stub too. Finally adding some tiny dots of yellow and white Posca Pen to replicate buttercups and daisies in the grass.

Penny Black "Fall Flourish 40-783" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.

I used a piece of grey card for the background. stamping the Penny Blak "Fall Flourish 40-783" image in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I added shadows to the image first, using a 2B pencil and a paper stub, then coloured the image using Van Goch Pastel Pencils.  I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the word "time" which is part of the "That's Crafty - Lots Of Words" stamp set.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flora and Fauna TE53" Sign Post Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used a piece of card where I removed ink form my brayer in shades of blues and greens for the background.  I stamped the grasses in the foreground in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane", a mid green coloured ink. The grasses are part of the Tracy Evans "Explore Nature TE67" stamp set.

Next, I stamped the signpost in two shades of Versafine Clair inks.  The first was "Sand Dune" and the next "Morning Mist", this achieved a good "weathered look" to the signpost.  I enhanced it using a 2B pencil for shading and a black fine liner pen.  The sign post is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flora and Fauna TE53" stamp set.

I then stamped the bird, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink and coloured with Van Goch pastel pencils and outlined in a black fine liner pen, 

I added extra colour to areas using Van Goch Pastel Pencils.  I added some white dots of Posca pen to the grasses and then stamped the word "Paunse" using Versafine Clair "Morming Mist" grey ink. The word is also part of the "Explore Nature" stamp set.

A Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026" - Week 38

 

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 38 is "Black Background!" 

I cut a piece of black card to tag shape, then lay an oval shaped Clarity stencil ovet the top of the black background.  Through the oval aperture of the stencil, I applied white Pan Pastel with a foam blender.

I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Starmoth" one of the magpies and the Raventhorne branch.

I created the landscape that "Starmoth" stands on, by using Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink with the torn edge of a piece of copy paper.  I used a black fine liner pen to create the look of grasses and added some white dots of gel pen to replicate the look of flowers. I added  some pink and some gold glitter gel pen dots to the Raventhorn branches. Finally, addiing a word sticker, cut in two, which says "always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Amonst The Flower TE61" grunge background Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  In the background, I have used a very grungy looking gel plate print.  I filed the edges of the ATC to give a more distressed look too!

Using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink, I stamped the large flower from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Amongst The Flowers TE61" stamp set.  I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp text from the same stamp set, down the left hand edge of the ATC.

Next, stamped it again on white card as the stamping didn't show up too well on the background.  I fussy cut the flower and leaves and then glued it into position on the ATC. I added some colour using Van Goch Pastel Pencils.

I turned my attention to the background, using a blending brush, I added some blue colour, using "Chipped Sapphire" Distress Oxide Ink.  I used the same ink to drag along the edges of the ATC. I then added splatrers and coffee cup rings using more stamps from the "Amongst The Flowers TE61" stamo set, using Versafine Clair "Pinecone" dark brown ink.

Finally, I added gold coloured vertical stripes to the card, adding the occasional dot to them too.  I also edged the word sticker that says "go out and make things happen", using the same gold coloured gel pen.

Lavinia Stamps "Forest Flower - LAV813" Card

I must be in an experimental mood today.  Following on from my ATC this morning, I've experimented with more squares with this card.

I lightly drew a grid of twelve squares in the middle of a white piece of card.  Each square I coloured a different colour of Distress Oxide Ink:

On the top row, I used:  Iced Spruce, Saltwater Taffy and Frayed Burlap inks.

On the second row, I used Fosilized Amber, Peacock Feathers and Old Paper inks.

On the second to last row, I used:  Mowed Lawn, Wilted Violet and Dried Marigold inks

One bottom row, I used: Rusty Hinge, Salvaged Patina and Festive Berries inks

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Forest Flowers".  I then used Dr. Ph. Martin's bleed proof white paint to paint between the lines of squares, dragging the paint brush up and down.  

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the word "Hope" which is part of an old Lavinia Stamps set called "Christmas Blessings".  I then used an orange/bronze coloured glitter gel pen to colour in the flowers.

Finally, I lightly drew a frame round the blocks using a black fine liner pen and then added black dots diagonally across the card using a Posca pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" flower Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I very roughly painted six even-ish squares on my ATC using Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours I used are: Dried Marigold, Fossilized Amber, Mowed Lawn, Peacock Feathers, Festive Berries and Hickory Smoke.

I then stamped the large flower from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set, in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I stamped the flower head again, on to white card, fussy cut it and glued it over the one on the ATC.

I painted three or four areas using Dr Ph. Martin's white bleed proof paint.  Once dry, I used a black fine liner to draw a rough grid work adding black dots occasionally too.  I added some dots of yellow Posca Pen to the middle of the flower.

Finally, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the word grow.  This is to reflect the flower, but also my growth in my art work.  It is constantly evolving, I don;t think I have a definite style, but I do like clean-ish look to my work - if that is a style, then that's it!

Lavinia Stamps "Marcie the witch" and the full moon card

I've had a play with some of my Lavinia Stamps halloween stamps to create this scene.  Masking off an area for the moon, I spritzed the surface of the card and applied two shades of Brusho Paint granules.  The colours I used are:  Grey and Ost. Blue.  Once dry, I iused "Weathered Wood" Distress Oxide Ink to give the moon a more mottled look to it, edging the moon in "Wilted Violet" and "Blue Print Sketch" Distress Oxide Inks.  I then went round the edge of the card with the "Wilted Violet" blending brush to give it a more uniform appearance.

I then used "Black Soot" Distress Oxide Ink through areas of the Lavinia Stamps "Charming" stencil.  Next, I stamped the Lavinia "Marcie the witch" using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I used the same ink to stamp the Lavinia "Tree Of Courage" on the left hand side of the page.

I used the Lavinia Stamps "Hill Mask" to create the landscape with Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink. then added colour to the landscape and to the stencilled areas using Van Goch Pastel Pencils.

I added highlights using a white gel pen and shadows using a black fine liner pen.  I added the look of flowers using a pale pink Posca Pen.  Finally, stamping the "Full Moon" sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia Stamps "Nightfall" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Seedheads TE40" Card

I've continued playing with a cream coloured background, making this card, which I have kept blank, so that I can add a sentiment at a later date when needed.

Vertically, through the middle of the 4x4" cream coloured card, I used "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Inks to stamp the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Bubbles TE34" stamp.

Then using Versafine Clair "Acorn", a mid brown coloured ink, I stamped the seed heads which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Seedheads TE40" stamp set.  I stamped the top of the seedheads on to a piece of cream coloured card, then coloured them by painting with Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours I used are: Wild Honey, Spiced Marmalade, Old Paper, Peeled Paint, Mowed Lawn and Rustic Wilderness.  I also used a black fine liner pen, a white and a gold gel pen.

I fussy cut the seed heads and glued them in to position, finally adding some dots of "Copper Pearl" Liquid Pearls which tied in nicely with the background kraft card.

Lavinia Stamps "Maple Leaf" Just For You Card

While my Lavinia Stamps were still on my desk, I had another play, making this card.  Again, I used the flat side of cream coloured linen card for stamping on.

I used "Sky Blue" Ranger Archvial Ink through a circle stencil making one side darker than the other.  I then lay the Lavinia Stamps "Dynamic" Stencil over the top of the circle stencil and used the same "Sky Blue" ink through the stencil.

I used "Orange Blossom" Ranger Archival Inks to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Maple Leaf" and "Mini Maple Leaf 5" stamps.  I then added dots too, using the Lavinia "Mini Dots" stamp. I added colour to the maple leaves using Van Goch Pastel Pencils and  white and gold coloured gel pens.  Finally, stamping the Lavinia Stamps "Just For You" sentiment, using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Holly & Berries TE21" Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I used a piece of cream coloured linen card for the background, stamping on the flatter side of the card.

I used "Orange Blossom" Ranger Archival Ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Cluster SS42" stencil.  I then used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp the holly branch and the word "Holly" inking the edge of the card in the same ink.

Finally, I coloured the holly berries using a red Posca Pen and once dry, added a touch of white gel pen to each berry.

Lavinia Stamps "Seasons Change" leaf wreath

Today, I have had a play with some of my older Lavinia Stamps, creating this Autumnal vibes card.

I used the flat side of cream linen card for the base. Stamping in assorted colours of Versafine Clair inks. the inks I used are: Sand Dune, Chianti, Acorn, Avocado and Shady Lane.  I also used "Orange Blossom" Ranger Archival ink too.

The Lavinia Stamps I used are: Seasons Change, Oak Leaves, Maple Leaf, Oak Leaf Branch and Mini Maple Leaf.

I added extra detail using a white and a gold coloured gel pen and Derwent Inktense Pencils.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Abstract Trees TE35" Abstract Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I set myself a little challenge.  With my Tracy Evans box of stamps and stencils in front of me, I closed my eyes and took one large and one small set of stamps from the box and decided those were the ones I would use for my ATC.

It was initially a struggle, but it eventually came together.  I used a Brusho paint background.  Then stamped the star, part of the Tracy Evans "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink. 

I then used the branch from the Tracy Evans "Abstract Trees TE35" stamp se, stamping it three times horizontally across the ATC, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I stamped the word "Nature" in the same ink.  The word is also part of the same stamp set.

I kept looking at the ATC and felt it needed something else, so grabbed the Tracy Evans "Good Things Take Time TE60" stamp set which has a piece of text stamp and used that with Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink along the left hand edge of the ATC.

So my challenge of two stamp sets failed, but I'm ok with that.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Sunflower TE33" Artist Trading Card

 

For the background of this Artist Trading Card (ATC), I used Distress Paints and took prints from a stamping block.  The paints I used here are Prize Ribbom, Salvaged Patina and Speckled Egg.

I actually made a mistake making this ATC.  Initially there was stamping below the sunflower. but I didn't like it.  I stamped the clock face, part of the Tracy Evans "Moments In Time TE25" stamp set using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I then used an Aqua Posca Pen to add dots to the background, circling them in a white gel pen.

I covered up my error area by stamping the sunflower, part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Sunflower TE33" stamp set on to white card, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I then coloured the stamped image by painting Distress Oxide Inks on to the petals.  The colours I used are: Wild Honey, Spiced Marmalade, Carved Pumpkin and Rusty Hinge.  I also added touches of gold coloured gel pen.

I fussy cut the sunflower and glued it into postion on the ATC.  I then went around the edge of the card using a dark blue Posca Pen.  Finally, adding the word stickers saying "you are never too old, to dream a new dream".

Visible Image Stamps "Stay Wild" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.

For the base, I used an off-cut of a piece of Stampin' Up patterned paper, tro cover the card base. I then used Versafine Clair  "Medieval Blue" ink to stamp the horse and the sentiment, which is part of the Visible Image Stamps "Stay Wild" stamp set.  

Finally, added some white and gold polka dots using Pens and drew round some of the circles using a black fine liner pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "The Miracle Of A Flower TE59" Seed Head Card

Another card, using a background I created a couple of weeks ago using three shades of Ranger Distress Paint (Prize Ribbon, Salvaged Patina and Speckled Egg).

I stamped the seed head, from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "The Miracle Of A Flower TE59 Stamp Set, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I stamped the top of the seed head again, but this time on to white card, fussy cut it and put it to one side.

I sed Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink through the Tracy Evans "Distressed Background SS31" stencil.  I then splattered white paint, using Dr Ph, Martin's bleed proof paint over the surface of the card using a fan shaped paint brush.

Once the paint was dry, I glued the seed head into position adding extra shading using a white pastel pencil and a white gel pen.  Finally adding a word sticker saying "take chances".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "The Miracle Of A Flower TE59" Floral Spray Artist Trading Card

 

Another Artist Trading Card (ATC) from me today.  Using a white card base, I coloured it with "Sea Glass" Ranger Archival Ink. I then used "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Grunge ST3" stencil. I then used "Peachy Keen" Ranger Archival Inks on the edges of the card, then dragged Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink over the outer edge to provide a more distressed look.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the central floral spray, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "The Miracle Of A Flower TE59" stamp set.   I colorued the flowers and leaves by painting Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours I used are: Mustard Seed, Ripe Persimmmon and Peeled Paint.  Finally, I added some black and white dots of Posca Pen and a word sticker saying "Beautiful Chaos".

Bring On The Cake" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. For the background, I used a piece of Stampin' Up patterned paper with chevrons on it.  I added a Dina Wakley collage paper image and glued into postion.

I used a black fine liner pen to draw lines and dots.  Using a Pink Posca Pen on the edges of the ATC.  Finally, I used a Funky Fossil Designs word sticker, saying "Bring on the cake" cut into sections.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Blossoms Of Hope TE62" Ivy Flower Pot Card

Another disturbed night of sleep, so I got up and faffed in the craft room, eventually making this card.

I started by adding a light covering of "Tea Dye" Distress Oxide Ink on the lower right hand side of the white card. I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" to stamp the flower pot, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Blossoms Of Hope TE62" stamp set.  I masked off the flower pot and applied three shades of Ranger Archival Ink through the Tracy Evans "Brick Wall ST9" stencil. The colours I used are:  Sea Glass, Tea Rose and Shadow Grey.

Removing the mask, I then added grounding and shading below the flower pot, using a 2B pencil and a paper stub.  I painted the flower pot using two shades of Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours I used are Dried Marigold and Rusty Hinge.

Next I stamped the ivy leaves, part of the Tracy Evans "A Myriad Of Designs TE44" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.  I added extra colour to them using Van Goch Pastel Pencils and a gold coloured gel pen.

Finally, I stamped the bird, part of the Tracy Evans "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Fallen Leaves" and coloured with Van Goch Pastel Pencils, a black fine liner pen and a white gel pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "New Beginnings TE4" Flower and Fern Card

 

Back in the craft room this morning making this card.  I used  several colours of Ranger Archival Inks through the Tracy Evans "Frames SS24 Stencil.  The colours of inks I used are: Sky Blue, Sea Glass, Sun Dazed, Peachy Keen and Magenta Hue.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the flower over the stencilling.  The flower is part of the Tracy Evans "New Beginnings TE4" stamp set.  I then stamped the flower again on a piece of white card and fussy cut it.

I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp the ferns which are part of the Tracy Evans "Ferns TE3" stamp set.  I used a 2B pencil and a paper stub to add shading below the flower.  I then glued the white fussy cut flower into position on the card and added pencil shading to that too.

Next, I used "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink through the Tracy Evans "Garden Text ST8 stencil. positioning the stencil so the writing ran vertically.  Finally, I added some black dots around the flower using a Posca Pen.

A Licence To Grill Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I've used bits of Stampin' Up patterned paper to make this card, printing the sentiment of "A Licence To Grill" from the computer.  I've added  Posca Pen to the edgesand polka dots to areas too.

A Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026" Week 37

 

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 37 is "It has wheels!" I used a cream coloured card for the base, stamping the Funky Fossil Designs engine from their "Engine Room" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, coated in Wow! Clear Embossing Powder and heat set.

I then used a Clarity "Stripes Stenci" with two shades of Ranger Archival Inks (Sea Glass and Tea Rose).  I then used the Funky Fossil "Slimline Brick Wall" stencil with Sea Glass, Tea Rose and Shadow Grey Ranger Archival inks. I then inked the edges of the tag using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.

I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the scipt on the left hand side of the tag, the text if from the Funky Fossil Designs stamp set called "Musings",  I used the same ink with the Funky Fossil Designs A7 "Halftone" stamp.

Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "Inspection Requested" and drew round some of the circles in the Funky Fossil Bokeh Builder stencil.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Bloom and Grow TE42" Card

This is my third make for the day.  I used the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Circular ST6" stencil with "Sea Glass" Ranger Archival Ink, deliberately fading out the colour towards the left hand side, so there was just a hint of the circle edge in one area.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the floral spray and sentiment, both are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Bloom and Grow TE42" stamp set. I coloured the flowers with Derwent Inktense Pencils, a white gel pen and a 2B pencil for shading. 

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create Your Own Story TE51" Wellington Boots Card

I was supposed to be helping Hubby put up the garden shed this morning, but the weather had other ideas, so I have had an unexpected session in the craft room.

Another play from me, with a card.  I used a 5" square piece of white card for the base. In the bottom right hand corner, I positioned the large circle of the Tracy Evans "Circular ST6" stencil and applied "Sea Glass" Ranger Archival Ink to fill the circle. I then positioned the Tracy Evans "Brick Wall ST9" stencil over the top and appliedthree colours of Ranger Archival Inks, using "Sky Blue", "Sea Glass" and "Tiger Lily" shades of ink, to create a variegated look to the wall.

At this stage, as I lifted the stencils and the low tack tape that was holding them in position, I managed to tear a little bit of the surface of the card, the tape I had used was more tacky than expected!

To cover this error, I put the circle blank from the stencil over the brick wall area and used "Slky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink very lightly through the Tracy Evans "Grunge ST3" stencil.  The design ihas quite random placement, so it covered the problem are quire well.

After I had removed the plastic disc that was covering the circle with the stencilled wall design, I was able to commence with the stamping.

I used the large pair of wellington boots, which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create Your Own Story TE51" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink. I used the same coloured ink to ground the boots using a torn edge of a piece of paper.  I then stamped the sentiment in "Twilight".  The sentiment of "A Space To Simply Be" is part of the Tracy Evans "Blossoms Of Hope TE62" stamp set.

Using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the two birds, they are part of the Tracy Evans "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set.  

I moved on to colouring and shading.  I used Van Goch Pastel Pencils to add shading to the boots and colour to the birds.  I used a black fine liner to draw grass and add shading below the boots.  I then added more shadow below the boots using a 2B pencil.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" Brayered Background Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  For the background, I have used a section of paper I had cleaned my brayer on after and ink and paint session.  I then glued the section on to a card base.

I used the large flower from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue and "Shady Lane" green ink.  I then stamped the flower head again, using "Twilight" on to a piece of white card, which I fussy cut and glued over the flower head on the ATC.

I used yellow and orange Posca Pens to add colour to the middle of the flower and a white gel pen for highlights on the leaf and stem area.  I also added some white lines of gel pen round the edges of the ATC, before adding an aqua coloured Posca Pen border.  Finally adding a word sticker, staying "make a wish".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Delight In Nature TE13" Artist Trading Card

 This is my second Artist Trading Card (ATC). I used plain white card for the background, using "Sea Grass" Ranger Archival Ink through the Tracy Evans "Grunge ST3" stencil. I then added some colour to the edges of the card using "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink,

Next, I stamped the flower in the middle, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Delight In Nature TE13" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I then coated the area with Pebeo Drawing Gum as a mask.

Once the drawing gum was dry, I used two shades of Distress Inks, Ripe Persimmon and Carved Pumpkin colours, using Peeled Paint for the stems of the flowers which are the Tracy Evans "Daisy Daisy ST5" stencil.  I then rubbed away the masking fluid.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the word "garden" along the stem of the flower.  The word is part of the Tracy Evans "Dog Rose and Butterfly TE45" stamp set.  I added white gel pen and black fine liner to the stems and to areas of the flowers.  I used a 2B pencil and a paper stub to add shadows to the main flower and then added colour to the petals using Derent Inktense Pencils.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Good Things Take Time TE60" pigeon Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I've used a piece of white card for the base, adding colour that was on my blending bushes through the Tracy Evans "Brick Wall ST9 stencil".

I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the flower pot, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Blossoms Of Hope TE62" stamp set.  Using the same ink I added the text down the left hand side, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Good Things Take Time TE60" stamp set, stamped in second generation stamping.  I used the same stamp set and ink for stamping the pigeon too.

I then used Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" a sandy/beige coloured ink to stamp the special delivery postal mark, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Special Delivery TE64" stamp set.  I then coloured the pigeon and the flower pot by using a paint brush to apply Derwent Inktense pencil.  Finally, adding Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" and "Morning Mist" ink to the edges of the card.

Visible Image Stamps "Live In The Moment" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used a gel plate print background from my stash, where I have used a Tim Holtz chevron layering stencil to achieve the pattern.

I have stamped the small drogonflies, part of the Visible Image "Live In The Moment" stamp set using Versafine Clair "Bali Blue" ink.  Then using stamps from the same stamp set, I stamped the sentiment and the large dragonfly, using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.  I used the same ink to edge the ATC too.

I added silver glitter pen to the wings of the large dragonfly and a blue fine liner centre to the small dragonflies in the background.  I added white polka dots in the background, which I circled using a black fine liner pen, to make them stand out more.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "On The Wild Side TE50" Wilderness Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. A water colour scene with stamping.  I used Derwent Inktense Pencils with a paint brush to create the river and landscape scene.  

I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp the trees in first and second generation stamping.  The trees are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "On The Wild Side TE50" stamp set.  I then stamped the wild grasses in the foreground, part of the same set using Versafine Clair  "Rain Forest" a dark green ink, topped with white Posca Pen.

Next, I stamped the word "Wilderness" which is also part of the Tracy Evans "On The Wild Side" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  Using the same ink and a stamp from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Take The Scenic Route TE68" stamp set, I stamped the heron standing on the rocks.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Bird SS29 Stencil" card

Earlier today, I made some backgrounds, using  a stamping block and sprtized Distress Paints, I used Prize Ribbon, Salvaged Patina and Speckled Egg colours.  I've used one of the lighter backgrounds for this card.

I placed the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Bird SS29" stencil over the background and applied "Aquamarine" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil with a blending brush..

I then stamped the floral/part circle wreath, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs stamp set called "Malva TE8", using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.  I used the same ink to create a landscape, using the torn edge of a piece of paper.

I used Van Goch Pastel Pencils to add colour to the bird and the landscape, also using a white gel pen on the breast of the bird. I added shadows using a 2B pencil and a paper stub.

Using Versafine Clair "Twilight" ink again, I stamped the grasses in the foreground, which are part of the Tracy Evans "On The Wild Side TE50" stamp set, adding touches of white and aqua coloured Posca Pen.

Colour prints using a stamping block

Unusual for me, I didn't want to stamp or be creative in the normal way, so decided to make some backgrounds for future use instead.

I cut a couple of pieces of A4 300 gsm card into four quarters and lightly spritzed the surface with water

On an acrylic stamping block, (place a piece of kitchen roll under the block), I've used dots of three shades of Ranger Distress Paint. The colours I have used here are: Speckled Egg, Salvaged Patina and Prize Ribbon. I lightly spritzed the paint dots and then moved the paint around using the non brush end of a paint brush.

To take the prints, I lay a piece of the spritzed card over the top, smoothing it down and then took the print. Each print became lighter and in some places the paint was nearly non existent, so I added another spritz of water, to move the paint around, till there was no more paint left on the block.

I set the prints aside to air dry fully and cleaned the stamping block of any residue paint, so it was ready to use again.

For any body that reads my posts regularly, you'll know that greens and blue shades are my favourite colour combinations, so I look forward to uisng these backgrounds in the future.

Top Tip: When saving the backgrounds for future use, in pencil write on the back of each one, what shades of paints or inks you used, or write it on a post -it note and cliip the prints together. It makes it a lot easier than relying on memory when writing your blog posts

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Zinnia TE41" Hope Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I had a background in my stash with very pale  speckled colours on it, so decided to use that for the base of this ATC.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Zinnia TE41" stamp set, I stamped the central image.  

I then used the Tracy Evans "Snowflakes SS47" stencil with two shades of Ranger Archival inks.  The colours I used are:  Garden Patina and Majestic Violet.  I then used the blending brush used for the violet, to add colour round the edges of the ATC.

Next, I used a lid to draw a circle with a black fine liner pen round the stamped image.  I coloured the flowers using a yellow Derwent Inktense Pencils, adding touches of orange Posca Pen to the flower too.  Finally, stamping the word "hope", which is also part of the "Zinnia" stamp set.  I then inked the edge of the card in black Versafine Clair "Nocturne" ink.

Funky Fossil Designs "Festive Greenary" Artist Trading Card

For the base of this Artist Trading Card (ATC), I have used an off cut of the Funky Fossil Designs "Turn It Up" patterned paper pad. 

In the top left and bottom right corner, I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the Funky Fossil "A7 Vintage Script" stamp.  Then in the top right and bottom left corners, I stamped the Funky Fossil "A7 Brick Wall" stamp using Versafine Clair "Avocado", green ink.

I lay the Funky Fossil Designs "Pretty Print" stencil over the top of the ATC and applied Versasfine Clair "Avocado" green ink, "Strawberry" red ink and "Acorn" brown ink, with a blending brush, through the stencil.

At this stage, I decided I wanted some warmer tones to the background so used some "Tiger Lily" Ranger Archival Ink on a blending brush.  I then used the remains of the "Strawberry Versafine Clair ink on the blending brush round the edges of the ATC, finally adding a little bit of Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink to the very edge of the ATC.

I moved on to stamping, using two shades of Versafine Clair inks.  I used "Shady Lane" and "Acorn" to stamp the berry branch, fir cone and fir branch, all are part of the same stamp set from Funky Fossil Designs called "Festive Greenary".

I added touches of gold gel pen to areas, green , brown and white Derwent Inktense pencils and a red Posca Pen and a white gel pen for the berries.  Finally, I printed the word "Seasons", cut to size and glued into position.  I dulled down the stark white background, by running a blending brush over the surface.

A Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026" - Week 36

 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 36 is "Postage Stamps"

Using a plain tag for the base, I rummaged through my stash of "essential bits" I have saved over the years and came across an air mail envelope fully addressed with a postage mark of July 1993 - yes, that's how long some of my stash is!!!! 

I decided this would be an ideal base for this tag.  I had to cut it about a bit to fit and to cover up the written address, so the background is a bit of a paper patchwork really, but unless you look closely, you wouldn't really know.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink with a blending brush to apply the ink through the Funky Fossil Designs stencil called "Ava".  then to pull all areas together, I added some small dots using "Tulip Red" Versafine Clair ink through the bottom section of a Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stencil with a reference of THMM178 and left the tag at that.