Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Sit and Reflect TE70" Candles Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I used a piece of white card for the background, stamping the candles, which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Sit and Reflect TE60" stamp set, in Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" ink.

Then, using the Tracy Evans Botuique Designs "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set, I stamped the holly, using Versafine Clair "Rain Forest" a dark green icoloured ink. I then painted colour to the holly using two shades of Distress Oxide Inks:  Mowed Lawn and Peeled Paint.

Next, I coloured the candles, using a wine colour a red, a yellow and an orange coloured Posca Pen, along with a black fine liner pen too.

I painted the background using the following shades of Distress Oxide Ink:  Antique Linen, Scattered Straw, Tea Dye and Vintage Photo..  I then used a blending brush to add an extra depth of colour using "Walnut Stain" Distress Oxide Inks.

I used a red Posca Pen to coloru the berries, a black fine liner and a white gel pen to outline the holly leaves and berries and a white pastel pencil to add a lighter area around the candle flame.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Moments In Time TE25" Christmas Lights Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I used a pencil to draw a couple of lines on to white card, to decide where I wanted the lights to be. I then used the small light bulb stamp from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Moments In Time TE25" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the light bulbs.

I coloured the light bulbs using different coloured Posca Pens.  I then painted thebackground using "Blueprint Sketch" Distress Oxide Ink, once dry, I outlined the light bulbs using a black fine liner and drew in the the light cable.  I added white dots to the background using a Posca Pen.  Finally adding a Creative Expressions word sticker saying "Christmas Lights".

A Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026" - Week 43

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 43 is "Pumpkins / Orange".

I used a white tag for the base, stamping the Lavinia Stamps "Wands & Spells LAV819" books in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I then stamped the pumpkin, which is part of the Lavinia Stamps "Ickle Pumpkins LAV828" stamp set in Versafine Clair " Nocturne" black ink.  I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Broom Stick LAV827" in Versafine Clair "Pine Cone" a dark brown ink.

I then lay the Lavinia Stamps "Charming ST024" stencil over the top of the tag and applied four shades of Ranger Archival Inks through the stencil, facing the colours out towards the top right hand side.  The colours I used are:  Tea Rose, Leaf Green, Sky Blue and Watering Can.  I then edged the tag in "Orange Blossom" Ranger Archival ink.

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Pine Cone" a dark brown ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Witching Hour LAV920" verse towards the top of the tag.

I then started to colour the stamped images using a selection of Distress Oxide Inks.  I used "Tea Dye" for the broomstick.  Spiced Marmalade, Rusty Hinge and Mowed Lawn for the pumpkin, adding touches of orange Posca Pen too.

For the books I used the following Distress Oxide Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Lumberjack Plaid, Fossilized Amber, Rustic Wilderness and Prize Ribbon.

I used a 2B pencil and a paper stub for the shading/grounding, adding touches of a black fine liner pen and a gold coloured gel pne to areas too.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Take The Scenic Route TE68" Heron Card

I've made a very clean and simple card, by using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the circle, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Embrace Nature - TE71" stamp set and the herons from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Take The Scenic Route - TE68" stamp set.

Within the circle, I painted a quick scene using "Tumbled Glass"Distress Oxide Ink for the sky and water and two shades of Ranger Archival Ink:  Shadow Grey and Leaf Green for the landscape.

Lavinia Stamps "Candle light LAV1088" Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day, inspired by a wonderful make by Mona.  For the background I used three shades of Element Inks, using: Lemon Drop, Pixie Green and Bermuda colours.

I stamped two of the new Lavinia release stamps using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  The stamps I used are "Candle light LAV1088" and "Holly Tree LAV1090".  I coloured the holly and candle using Derwent Inktense Pencils and Posca Pens.  I used a white gel pen for highlights, finally adding a Lavinia word sticker (from their sticker 6 set) saying "give light".

Lavinia Stamps "Thistlewhisk - LAV1019" Umbrella Weather Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day, reflecting the weather ouside my craft room window with the wind and rain battering the glass.

I used Versafine Clair "Pine Cone" a dark brown ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Thistlewhisk - LAV1019.  I painted the scene using Distress Oxide Inks, using the following colours: for the sky I used Speckled Egg, Weathered Wood and Hickory Smoke.  For the ground I used: Pumice Stone and Old Paper.  For Thistlewhisk, I used Spun Sugar, Tea Dye and Lumberjack Plaid.

In the bottom left corner, I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp the Lavinia "Creeping Vine" and Versafine Clair "Pine Cone" to stamp the branch from the Lavinia "Flower Collection" stamp set, adding some red Posca Pen for the berries.

Finally, I added some raint and grounding using a 2B pencil and a paper stub for blending the shadow. I added white Posca Pen to the umbrella for the toadstool spots. Then added the sentiment which I printed from the computer saying ""it's definitely umbrella weather".

Lavinia Stamps Ashfoot and Elderskip in the moonlight card

I seem to be on a roll with my Lavinia Stamps makes, I have even managed to order the new Lavinia release this morning, which has been far more of a task than it should be!  Here's the details of how I made this card.

I started by using a 4x4 inch square of linen card, using the flat side for stamping on.  I started by using Versafine Clair "Fallen Leaves" ink to stamp "Ashfoot - LAV1037" and "Elderskip - LAV1040".  I stamped them again on a Post-it note, fussy cut them and placed over the stamped images, using them like a mask..  

Then using one of the Lavinia acetate circle masks, I edged the circle to create a large moon, using "Tea Dye" Distress Oxide Ink and Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink. Keeoing the masks in place, I used "Morning Mist" grey ink again to stamp the Lavinia "Tree Scene - LAV219" stamp. I then used the Lavinia Stamps "Acetate Hill Mask" with "Tea Dye" Distress Oxide Ink to create the landscapes.

Removing the masks, I then painted the hares/rabbits using three shades of Distress Oxide Inks. The colours I used are:  Spun Sugar, Brushed Corduroy and Vintage Photo.

I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink again to stamp the Lavinia "Meadow Grass - LAV387", then highlighted the edges using a black fine liner pen.  I used the same ink to add a little bit of depth to the moon surface too, finally adding some touches of 2B pencil for grounding and shadows and a white pastel pencil in areas too.

I will likely add an anniversary sentiment at a later date, when the card is needed.

Lavinia Stamps "Pipspell LAV1016" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used a piece of kraft card for the background, stamping the Lavinia Stamps "Pipspell the mouse - LSV1016" in Versafine Clair "Fallen Leaves", a brown ink and stamping the Lavinia "Sacred Spells - LAV465" in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I used Derwent Inktense Pencils to colour the image, along with a white gel pen and a black fine liner pen.  Round the top edge and sides of the ATC, I used "Prize Ribbon" Distress Oxide Ink to pull the eye in to the stamped image.

Lavinia Stamps "Swing LAV976" Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  While looking at my Lavinis Stamps, I realised I had never used their "swing" stamp, so decided to address that by making this ATC.

On a Brusho paint gel plate print background, I wanted to create the look of movement, so stamped the Lavinia Stamps "swing" at an angle, using Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" a light brown coloured ink.

Then on the ropes of the swing, I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Small Whimsical Whisps LAV493" using Versafine Clair "Spruce" ink. I built up the foliage at the top of the ATC by using "Green Oasis" and "Rain Forest" Versafine Clair inks to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Vine Set LAV804" leaves.  I added highlights to the leaves using a white coloured gel pen.

At the base of the ATC, I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" a mid green coloured ink to stamp the Lavinia "Orchard Grass LAV672".  I added colour to the swing using Van Goch Pastel Pencils and a black fine liner pen.

Finally, I printed out the words "The Lone Swing" cut it down to size and used double sided tape to stick it in position, i then dabbed the sentiment with a green blending pen so that the colour matched the ATC better.

Lavinia Stamps "Silence LAV576" Winter Scene Card

Today the wind is hurtling rain against the windows, so it feels great to be out of the weather in my craft room. Likely the weather has contributed to this wintery scene I have just made.

The background is a gel plate print I have had in my stash for a whilte, but the note I made with it tells me that I used Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic Paint in the shade of Tangerine Twist, with Distress Paints in Kitsch Flamingo and Lumberjack Plaid.

The print had naturally faded out towards the bottom of the card, which leant itself to a snowscene.  I used the torn edge of a piece of paper to create the landscape, stamping the Lavinia Stamps "Small Pine Trees LAV835" in first and second generation stamping using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I used the same ink to stamp the Lavinia "Small Pixy Houses LAV734"

I stamped the Lavinia "Silence" LAV576, in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink then used a white gel pen and a white Posca pen to add snow to the scene and to make the foreground a more solid colour.

Lavinia Stamps "Penelope LAV1003" and the "Pumpkin Lodge LAV818" Trick or treating

 

Looking at this finished card, I like to think that Penelope is going "Trick or treating" to Pumpkin Lodge!

I used a grey piece of card then used a sponge to apply a circle of "Hansa Yellow" Pan Pastel. I then stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Pumpklin Lodge - LAV818" in Versafine Cliar "Shady Lane: mid green ink.  I coloured the pumpkin using Van Goch Pastel Pencils a gold and pink coloured gel pen and a black fine liner pen/

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Penelope - LAV1003" figure giving her highlights with a white gel pen and grounding her with a dark coloured Van Goch Pastel Pencil.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Quiet Moments TE72" Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  For the backgound colour, I have sprinkled some Lindy's Snozzleberry Magenta paint granules on to a spirtzed card surface.

Once the surface was dry, I was able to commence with the stamping.  Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the butterfly off the edge of the ATC.  I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the honeycomb and Versafine Clair "Dahlia Pink" to stamp the circles. The butterfly, honeycomb and circles are all part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Quiet Moments TE72" stamp set.

I used a white pastel pencil to fill the middle of the circles and edged them with a stitch detail using a black fine liner pen.  I filled some of the hexagons and the wing side of the butterfly using a pink glitter gel pen. In the background, I added tiny dots using a white gel pen.  Finally adding a word sticker saying "out of the blue"

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Honesty TE28" Autumn Leaves Card

 

This is a "when you can't sleep... craft" card. Something disturbed the dog about 3:30 am and I gave up trying to get to sleep at 4:30 am!  There are so many beautiful colours outside at the moment, both in the trees and the hedgerows, I felt inspired to create something with those hues.

I used a white piece of card and very lightly coverd it with four shades of Ranger Archival Inks.  The colours I used are:  Sunflower, Tea Rose, Orange Blossom and Fern Green, applied with a blending brush to give just a hint of colour.

I then moved on to stamp the leaves, which are part of the Tracy Evans Botuique Designs "Honesty TE28" stamp set. For the yellow/green leaves I used Versafien Clair Golden Meadow and a touch of Summertime.  For the red leaves I used Versafine Clair Summertime,  Tulip Red and Chianti.  For the green leaf, I used Versafine Clair Avocado and Shady Lane inks.

I then stamped the branch, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Silhouettes TE38" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" ink/

I used a 2B pencil and a paper stub to add slight shadows and then used a gold coloured gel pen to add dots to the background of the card, before matting and layering it.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Take The Scenic Route TE68" flower card

I like to have a couple of cards "ready to go" in my cupboard.  What I mean by that is I can add any sentiment quickly and get it in the post.  It could be sympathy, get well, belated birthday or a ...just because card.  This is one of those cards.

For this clean and simple card, I have used Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink to stamp the flower, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Take The Scenic Route TE68" stamp set and the circle whichi is part of the Tracy Evans "Embrace Nature TE71" stamp set.

Lavinia Stamps "Stag LAV218" at sun rise

For this card, I have re-visited some of my older Lavinia Stamps to create this card "Stag at runrise".

Starting with a white piece of card approx 4x5 inches, I decided where I wanted the sunrise to be (top right hand corner).  I then colloured the card with Distress Oxide Inks, leaving a small area white for the sun, I started with Antique Linen then Dried Marigold, making the colour heavier to the left hand side.

I used the torn edge of a piece of paper to create the mountains and then used more Dried Marigold and a hint of Tea Dye Distress Oxide Inks.  I then moved on to the next colour which was Brushed Corduroy with a hind of Black Soot Distress Oxide Ink.

I then stamped the Lavinia Stamps stag (LAV218) using Versafine Clair "Sand Dune", a light brown ink. I positioned a piece of paper across where the stag legs would be to use as a mask, then I stamped the stag three times to get the depth of colour I wanted. I then used Dried Marigold Distress Oxide Ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Tree Scene LAV219" to suggest a break from a field to a forest in the distance.

Next, I used Brushed. Corduroy to stamp the Lavinia "Small Branch LAV703"around the stag and to the edges of the card.

For the bottom area of the card, I used "Frayed Burlap" Distress Oxide Ink with a blending brush.  Then used the same ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Meadow Grass LAV387" in the foreground.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Berries TE55" Brusho Panel Artist Trading Card

 

I save the smallest pieces of card, that I think "may come in handy" for a future project.  The central panel Brusho paint panel of this Artist Trading Card is one of those pieces - beautiful colours, small, but too good to ditch.  It was an ideal size for an Artist Trading Card (ATC) though.

I used glue tape to secure the Brusho panel in position, then used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink to stamp the word "Berries" , the berry branch and the decorative dotty edge, all are part of the Tracy Evans "Berries" stamp set.

I added colour to the berries using a red and an orange Posca Pens, using a white gel pen for highliths.  I used two shades of green Van Goch Pastel Pencils to ground the berry branch too.

Fountain Pen Flowers Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day, I doodled some flowers on to a white card using blue Quink Ink in my fountain pen.  In hindsight, looking at the ATC, I think they look similar to a design by Tracey Dutton of Lavinia Stamps, but it was nice to have a totally clear mind while I drew. 

Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "embrace beautiful chaos".

A Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 42

 

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 42 is "Sunrise / Sunsetl"

It's hard to believe that there is only another ten weeks of the 2026 challenge left.  This year has certainly flown by.

Just over the bridge on the main land from Anglesey is Lake Padarn, in Llanberis.  On the lake is what is known locally as the "Lonely Tree".  It is photographed often and although I have never seen it in real life, feel that I know it well. I have made this interpretation of it at sunrise.

With a plain white tag I loosely drew the scene using an HB pencil.  I then coloured the scene using Faber Castell soft pastels, which I reckon must be about twenty years old, but are still going strong!  I also used a white pastel pencil too.

For the tree, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Tree Branch".  I extended the image for the rocks using a black fine liner pen, also using black and grey pastels too

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Framed Delights TE58" Anniversary Card

A clean and simple anniversary card using the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Framed Delights Te58" stamp set for the branch wreath stamped in Versafine Clair Acorn and Pinecone brown ink. I then used a cotton bud with "Avocado" green Versafine Clair ink to create the leaves.

I used the birds from the Tracy Evans Botuique Designs "A Myriad Of Designs TE44" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Pinecone", a dark brown ink.  I used the same ink to stamp the anniversary greeting which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiment" stamp set.

Finally, I added the hearts, which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Quirky Birds TE10" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Baby Pink" ink.

Blowing in the wind - a pen and ink wash scene

 

I had a very informal play with a pen, ink and wash, creating this scene which I call "Blowing in the wint".  I used a blue Quink Ink with a faountain pen to draw the flowers, then used a mop paint brush loaded with water to allow the water to run, adding a touch of green using "Evergreen Bough" Distress Oxide Ink and white Posca pen for the flowers then used a heat gun to dry the surface.

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

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have painted the background colours using a childs water colour painting set. I added some clouids to the ky using a Van Goch Pastel Pencil.

I've then used  two shades of Versafine Clair inks (Avocado and Shady Lane) 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 word "natural" which is part of the same stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.

A Year Of Wild Nature Taster 4 - Mystical Botanicals (Toni Burt

Today, I have tried my hand at a pen and wash technique which was part of the "A Year Of Wild Nature - Taster Event" on Facebook.  This taster was tutored by Toni Burt and is called "Mystical Botanicals".

In my piece, I didn't have black ink, so used blue Quink Ink in a fountain pen instead.  I broke off a couple of pieces of honeysuckle from the bush in the garden and used those as my reference point.

I wasn't really sure what extra colour ink to use, so opted for "Peacock Feathers" Distress Oxide Ink as blues and greens are my favourite. Splattering some white Dr Ph. Martins Bleed Proof paint over the surface.

Once I got to grips with the fountain pen, I really enjoyed the process.  I will likely try something similar in the future.

Nature Napkin/Serviette Artist Trading Card

 

While in Tesco this morning, I spotted some beautiful paper napkins/ serviettes with nature images on them.  I had to buy them as the images would be great for a decoupage project.  Obviously, I had to buy them!

Once home, it was time to make my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day, so I set about cutting out some of the images and layering them on to a white ATC card covered in glue.  Once in position, I added a little bit of "Antique Linen" Distress Oxide Ink with a brush to tie in all the pieces.  

I used a white Posca Pen to highlight areas on the toadstools and berries, then added a Lavinia Stamps word sticker saying "nature", finally adding dots of "Avocado" liquid pearls over the surface of the ATC.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Wild and Free TE47" Nature Artist Trading Card

My Artist Trading Card (ATC) is late in the day today, as the day just seems to have disappeared! For the background colour, I spritzed a white ATC with water then sprinkled a tiny bit of Lindy's "Snozzleberry Magenta`' Everlasting Brights, available to purchase from Tracy Evans Boutique Designs,  paint granules on to the wet surface and let the colour develop and move across the card.  I then used the heat gun to dry the surface.

I used Versafine Clair "Monarch" purple ink to stamp the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Wild and Free TE47" stamp set on to the surface of the card.  I then stamped it again on to white card, fussy cut the flowers and glued them into position on to the ATC.

I used Derwent Inktense Pencils and an orange Posca pen to add colour/detail to the flowers and leaves, finally adding a word sticker saying "nature"'.

Tracy Evans "A Myriad Of Designs TE44" pumpkin card

 

I made this scene for the "Get Inky Card Challenge Group" on Facebook.  The theme for October is "Pumpkin Patch".

I used Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" for the stamping of the pumpkins , which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Myriad Of Designs TE44" stamp set and "Acorn" for the stamping of the tree stump, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Quiet Moments TE72" stamp set.

I coloured the scene using Derwent Inktense pencils, a black fine liner and a white gel pen.  I then decided to add a bird to the tree stump, which was stamped in Versafine Clair "Portobello" brown ink.  The bird is also part of the "A Myriad Of Designs TE44" stamp set.

For the background colour, I initially used a light coating of "Chipped Sapphire" Distress Oxide Ink, but it looked a bit flat, so I lifted the colour by using "Wilted Violet" Distress Oxide Ink over the top.  to finish, I dipped a fan shaped paint brush into water and tapped it so that small droplets fell on the inky background.  I then used a piece of kitchen roll to mop us the surplus which left a nice milky way style background.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Quiet Moments TE72" Tree Stump Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. Using a piece of green card for the background, I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the tree stump, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Desgins ""Quiet Moments TE72" stamp set.  

I used a white pastel pencil and the Tracy Evans "Circular ST6" stencil to create the moon, I then used the same ink to stamp the grasses, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Sit and Reflect TE70" stamp set and the birds from the Tracy Evans "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set.

 I shaded the tree trunk, the ground using an HB pencil.  Adding white highlights using a gel pen and a black fine liner to vardious areas too.  Finally, adding a word sticker saying "don't forget to fly".

A Year Of Wild Nature 2026 - Tester 3

Tester 2 of "A year of wild nature" is using air dry clay.  As I don't have any, I have skipped to Tester 3 which is creating a Pan Pastel scene "Light In Bloom" tutored by Dawn Van Der Stoep.

I have to say that I struggled with this, because it is quite messy and I like to craft in a clean area.  The Pan Pastel dust seemed to get everywhere.  My finished scene is no where near the sample Dawn created, I think I will call it a "loose interpretation"!

I didn't have all the Pan Pastel colours Dawn used in her sample, so made do with the ones I did have, which was the same for the pastel pencils.

The more I look at this photo, the more the scene is growing on me!

A Year Of Wild Nature Tasters 2026

On Facebook, there is a page called "A year of wild nature - tasters". where you get free taster sessions of different ways to craft by different teachers.

I'm a bit late to get going with mine. These are my makes from the Taster 1, run by Tamara Laporte, creating happy butterflies and happy ladybirds.  The idea is that you create without inhibition, just going with the flow, allowing the creative process  without expectiations or perfection.

The last two words are a struggle for me, as I like to plan and am super critical of my work.  Also, this wouldn't be my chosen style of crafting... not sure what is, but I know this isn't it.  I found it a challenge to create so informally, but I guess the results are not too bad.

I used Prima Marketing "Confections Tropical Watercolour Paints" and Posca Pens for these makes.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Walk Through Nature TE69" Thistles Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I coated a white piece of card vry lightly with "Pebble Beach" Ranger Archival Ink.

I then used three shades of Ranger Archival Inks through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Brick Wall ST9" stencil.  The colours I used are Shadow Grey, Tea Rose and Leaf Green.

Next, I used "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival ink, through areas of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Stripes ST12" stencil.

I then started the stamping uisng Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink to stamp the grid and the little dotty bits on the edge of the card.  These are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Walk Through Nature TE69" stamp set.  I then stamped the thistles, which are also part of the same stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Pinecone" dark brown ink.

I edged the ATC in orange Posca Pen.  I then used a white and gold coloured gel pen on the thistle.  Finally adding a word sticker saying "stay curious".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Quiet Moments TE72" Butterfly Card

This card ended up having lots of layers to it, starting with a wash of "Antique Linen" Distress Oxide Ink. Once dry, I then used "Tea Dye" Distress Oxide ink through the Tracy Evans "Grunge ST3" stencil.

The next layer was using "Ripe Persimmon" through the Tracy Evans "Daisy Daisy ST5" stencil.  I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink through the Tracy Evans "Distressed Background SS31" stencil.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the butterfly, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Quiet Moments TE72" stamp set.  I stamped the wing side again on to white card and then coloured it with a Derwent Inktense pencil and a ehite gel pen, before sticking it into position on the card. 

Finally I drew some vertical lines using a black fine liner pen and added little chunks of text by finger stamping using text from the Tracy Evans "Poppy TE39" stamp set.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Sit and Reflect" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used  four shades of Ranger Archival Inks through the Tracy Evans Boutiqe Designs "Distressed Grid ST10" stencil.  The colours I used are:  Prickly Pear, Vivid Chartreuse, Fern Green and Sky Blue inks.

I then started the stamping, first I stamped the tree which is part of the Tracy Evans "A Walk Through Nature TE69 Stamp Set, stamped in two shades of Versafine Clair green inks:  Shady Lane and Avocado.

Next using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink, I stamped the bench, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Sit and Reflect TE70" stamp set. I then stamped the wild flowers which are part of the Tracy Evans "Create a Garden TE66" stamp set.

I added the look of leaf cover to the tree using a cotton bud to apply two colours of Versafine Clair green ink.  I used Avocado and Shady Lane.  I then added more colour to the tree trunk and shading for the bench using Van Goch Pastel Pencils.

Finally, I added dots of Posca Pen to replicate flowers and a word sticker saying "life is good".

Tracy Evans Boutique Desgins "Embrace Nature" film strip Artist Trading Card

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

Over the top I have used "Violet" Ranger Archival Ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Stripes ST12 Stencil" fading the colour out towards the right hand side of the ATC.

Stamping the film strip, the flowers and leaf garland in Versaifne Clair "Monarch" purple ink. These images are part of one of the new release stamp sets by Tracy Evans Boutique Designs.  This stamp set is called "Embrace Nature TE71".

I then stamped the butterfly, which is from the same stamp set using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

I used a white gel pen to dtaw lines and dots on the ATC, finally adding a word sticker that says "have hope".

A Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026" - Week 41

 

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 41 is "Journal".

For my tag, I decided to write about home and what it meant to me.  I started with a plain cream coloured tag and drew a border line approximately half an inch in from the edges.  I used low tack masking tape to cover the edges.

In the middle of the tag, I positioned a moon mask, then lay the Lavinis Stamps "Feather Leaf Stencil" over the top and applied "Tea Rose" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil.

I removed the stencil and then drew round the moon mask, using a black fine liner pen. Once the moon mask was lifted, I stamped the house shape, a stamp from the Funky Fossil Designs "Home" stamp set, using the "Tea Rose" ink again. I then drew gold coloured dots between the circle border and the house using a gold gel pen, and coloured the heart in the middle of the house with a red Posca Pen.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the large "home" word which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Home" stamp set. I lifted the masking tape and using the same ink, stamped the black hearts, the smaller "home" word and the sentiment of "Love Lives Here" which are all part of the Papertrey Ink "Love Lives Here" stamp Set.

I added a blush of the "Tea Rose" ink on the edges of the card and then wrote my journalling, which says "A place to be safe and comfortable - Family - Warmth - a homely and unpretentious place".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Embrace Nature TE71" Butterfly Circle Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used a gel plate print for the background stamping the circle and butterfly, both part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Embrace Nature TE71" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

In the background, I have stamped the fine, which is also part of the same stamp set in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I gave the ATC a light splattering of white acrylinc paint and then added a word sticker saying "today is a new day".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Quiet Moments TE72" Happy Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I used a brayered ink background from my stash, no idea what type of ink/paint  I used.  

I used one of the new stamp sets from Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Quiet Moments TE72" with two shades of Versafine Clair inks (Shady Lane and Acorn) to stamp the leaf, I then added extra colour to it using Van Goch Pastel Pencils.

I used "Acorn" brown ink again to stamp the grid which is also part of the "Quiet Moments" stamp set.  I added gold dots within the grid, which I then circled with a black fine liner pen.  I used the gold pen again for highlights on the leaf.

Finally, I added a word sticker saying "happy" and then added the string,, knotted to secure,  which was wrapped round my order from Tracy Evans as an extra detail.

Funky Fossil Designs "Comic Book' 60th Birthday Eclipse Card

Our friend celebrates his 60th birthday this weekend.  I had been putting off making his card, I just had no ideas, but then I woke at 5am this morning with a blinding thought of inspiration, so got up and made this eclipse card using Funky Fossil Designs stamps and stencils.

I started with a five and a half inch square piece of white card and used the two Funky Fossil "Wow! 2 Layering Stencils" with two colours of Ranger Archival Ink.  I used Sun Dazed and Manganese Blue.

I then stamped the "OMG!" which is part of the Funky Fossil "Comic Book Words", stamped in Versafine Clair "Paradise" ink.  Using the same ink, I stamped the sentiment which is part of the Funky Fossil "Stripped Back Sentiments" stamp set.

I then used a white Posca Pen to add dots to the word "wow" !  

The next step is where my first make of this card went wrong.  I positioned the two number dies in the middle of the card, used a little bit of low tack tape to hold them in position and ran it through the Sizzix Big Shot.  However, even though I had de-stickied the tape, by running it through the machine it had welded itself to the card and pulled the surface of the card off, so I had to start all over again!

So, I repeated the process, but left out the sticky tape and prayed to the god of die cutting that the dies didn't shift.  I prayer was answered and I was able to continue with my card.

Over the back of the area where the dies had cut, I glued a square of red paper.  I then mounted the card on to a piece of dark blue/purple coloured card, then a piece of red card and finally on to a white card blank.

Finally, I used foam pads, which I had to cut down in size in places to adhere the two numbers into position.  I then used wet glue to stick the inner of the number six and the naught into position.

Penny Black "Windswept 40-790" cling stamp, breeze Artist Trading Card

 

This is.my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I used a piece of kraft card for the base, stamping the Penny Black "Windswept 40-790" branch and leaves using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.

I coloured the leaves using Posca Pens and a fine liner black pen, finally adding a word sticker saying "breeze".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Feed Your Soul" birdhouse Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I used Versafine Clair "Pinecone", a dark brown coloured ink to stamp the heart branches, which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Framed Deliights TE58" stamp set.  I used the same ink to stamp the bird house and sentiment, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Feed Your Soul TE57" stamp set.

I then used Versafine Clair "Acorn" a mid brown coloured ink, to stamp the bird, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set.

I then added the leaves to the heart wreath, using two shades of green Versafine Clair inks:  Verdant and Avocado, applied with the end of a cotton bud.  I drew in the branch for the bird to stand on and then used Van Goch Pastel pencils to add extra colour.

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

For the background colour of this card, I have used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks, which I spritzed to get different strengths of colour.  The shades that I used are:  Mermaid Lagoon, Prize Ribbon and Stormy Sky.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the dandelion which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Love Grows Here TE65" stamp set.  I used teh same ink to stamp the wild flowers at the base of the card in first and second generation stamping.

I used Versafine Clair "Medieval Blue" ink to stamp the sentiment saying "Enjoy Your Day: which is part of the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words - Birthday" stamp set.  I added white gel pen to the dandelion head and some tiny glue giitter dots uisng a blue gel pen.

Sea Shells Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I'm feeling a bit rubbish today, so not really feeling being creative.  Instead I grabbed one of my pre-made backgrounds from my stash, where I have used Brusho on a gel plate.  I then raided the collage. box and found a green net from a bag of limes, which I glued on to the ATC.

I also found a selection of stamped and fussy cut sea shells, which I think by memory are from a Stampin' Up stamp set and a swirly wreath.  I glued the blue wreath and the sea shells into position over the netting, inked the edges using "Prize Ribbom" Distress Oxide Ink and added some matiching sequins and a word sitcker sayoing "live your life" to finish the card.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Dog Rose and Butterfly TE45" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used a Brusho paint splattered background, stamping the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Dog Rose & Butterfly TE45" in Versafine Clair "Nocuturne" black ink and colouring with Van Goch Pastel Pencils and a shimmer of gold to the butterfly using "A Wink Of Stella".

Using a black fine liner pen, I added lines and dots round the edge of the card.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flora and Fauna TE53" ...waiting for Dad! Artist Trading Card

I've made another Artist Trading Card (ATC) today, this time using a brayer clean up sheet for the background in green and blue tones.

I used Versafine Clair "Acorn" a mid brown coloured ink to lightly stamp the fence, part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flora and Fauna TE53" stamp set.  I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the dog, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Beauty Surrounds Us TE56" stamp set.  I then returned to the "acorn' brown ink pad to stamp the bird, which is part of the Tracy Evans"A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set.

I coloured and shaded the ATC using Van Goch Posca Pens, a black fine liner and a white gel pen.  I added some white and yellow dots of Posca Pen for flowers, then printed out and cut down a sentiment saying "...waiting for Dad!".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs :Explore Nature TE67" Pause Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I used a piece of pale blue coloured card for the background.

I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" a dark blue ink, to stamp the flower and the word "Pause". I then stamped the wording in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  All elements are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Explore Nature TE67" stamp set.

I used Van Goch Pastel Pencils to add colour to the flower and a black Posca Pen to add dots in the background.

A Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 40

 

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 40 "Acrylic Paints"

On a plain tag, I spuezed three shades of DecoArt "Americana Acrylic Paint" on to the surface,  The colours I used are: Blue Harbor, Lavender and Vivid Violet.  I used a witde flat paint brush to co=ver the surface of the tag, deliberately leaving streaks of the colours.  I then set it aside to dty.

Once dry, I then squeezed a couple more colours of "DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint" on to the painted surface of the tag, this time, I used the narrow end of a paint brush to loosely mix the colours up, ensuring there was a fair distribulation of the background colour left. The colours I used are:  Primary Yellow and Bright Orange paint.

I then had a "stash-busting" exercised, by using up some die cuts from previous projects I came across in the collage box, using pieces from the following:

Memorybox Honeycomb Background Die (99434)

Sizzix/Tim Holtz Wildflower Stems #2 Die Set (664164)

Sizzix/Stampin' Up Swirly Sribbles Thinlits Dies (141497)

Funky Fossil Designs Butterfly Wishes Stamp Set

Once I had glued on all the die cuts, I then glued in to position the butterfly, which was also in the collage box.  I had heat embossed the outline of the butterfly and coloured the middle with what looks like a Distress Oxide Ink.  Not really sure which colour I had used.

Finally, I added some black sticky backed gems and a word sticker saying "be original".

Stampers Anonymous / Tim Holtz "Flower Jar CMS297" Card

 

I have made this card by using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the jars and flowers which are part of the Stampers Anonymous / Tim Holtz "Flower Jar CMS297" stamp set.  I have coloured them using Derwent Inktense Pencils.

In the background, I have used the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "String THS004" stencil with "Lost Shadow" Distress Oxide Ink.  Over the top of that I have used "Speckled Egg" Distress Oxide Ink through the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Dot Fade THS006" stencil.  I added shadow to the jars using a 2B pencil. I'll add a sentiment to the card when I need it.

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

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I started with a white card colouring three quarters of it using "Veridian" green Ranger Archival Ink, making it darker at the bottom fading the colour out towards the top.

I then coated the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Tiles SS37" stencil with "Peacock Feathers" Distress Oxide Ink and gave it a very light spritz of water.  I then turned the inked stencil upside down on to the ATC.  Holding the stencil in position, I used a piece of kitchen towel to blot any excess ink away before lifting the stencil.

After cleaning the stencil, I then lay it on top of the ATC, aligning the pattern and applied "Peacock Feathers" Distress Oxide Ink again through the lower area of the stencil using a blending brush.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the dandelions, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Love Grows Here TE65" stamp set.  I then added some white dots of Posca Pen and a word sticker saying "a new beginning" and inked the edges of the card using "Veridian" Ranger Archival Ink.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Explore Nature TE67" Notes Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I have used a gel plate print from my stash.  I've no idea what I have used on it, but the ink for stamping seemed to bleed into it, giving the branches a more distorted look!

Using Versafine Clair "Acorn", a mid brown coloured ink, I stamped the 'Notes" tag, part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Explore Nature TE67" stamp set and the berries and mouse, part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Berries TE55" stamp set. I used red and white Posa Pens to colour the berries and a black fine liner pen to add some shadow to areas.