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.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Alpha Florals TE32" on a star background Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day,  For the background, I have used three shades of Ranger Archival Inks, Chrome Yellow, Sunflower and Tiger Lily, through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Cluster SS42 Stencil".

I then used the small start stamp from the Tracy Evans "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Summertime" orange ink stamped over the stencilled background.

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Acorn" a rich brown coloured ink to stamp the flowers, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Alpha Florals TE32" stamp set.

I added a word sticker saying "memory" and edged it in gold gel pen, I added highlights to the flowers with the same gold gel pen and edged the ATC in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "The Wonder Of Nature TE14" pencil worked card

For this card, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the flower from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "The Wonder Of Nature TE14" stamp set and a sentiment from Simon Says Stamp from their "Tiny Words" stamp set.

I used a 2B pencil and a paper stub to shade and highlight areas of the stamped flower, adding some white pastel pencil detail to it and tiny dots of white gel pen to the middle of the flower.

Get Inky Card Challenge - September 26 - Colours

There is a new group on Facebook called "Get Inky Card Challenge" which I was invited to join.  The first challenge is for September and is "colours" using a specific colour palette, shown below.

I think my photo has made the background look a bit brighter than it is in real life

I started with a white card and used lots of different shades of Distress Oxide Inks, adding, drying then adding another layer. I have no idea what order I iused them or which I used for the squirrel, so I will detail all the shades used here:
Rusty Hinge

Tea Dye

Crackling Campfire

Barn Door

Carved Pumpkin

Ripe Persimmon

Wild Honey

Mustard Seed

Crushed Olive

Mowed Lawn

Peacock Feathers 

Chipped Sapphire

The stamps I used are all by Funky Fossil Designs.  The squirrel is part of the "Grateful Heart" stamp set and stamped in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink, with added black Posca Pen, pastel pencils,white gel pen detail and dots of "Copper Pearl" Liquid Pearls,

I stamped the trees, part of the Funky Fossil "Badger Trails" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink, fussy cutting them and glued into position with dots of "Avocado" Liquid Pearls.

In the foreground, I used the Funky Fossil "Circle Cascade" stamp with Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  Adding a white dot of Posca pen to the middle of each swirl.

Finally, I added some shadows using a black fine liner pen and some dots of colour for flowers.

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

For this card, I used the flower from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Good Things Take Time TE60" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I then painted the flower heads with Pebeo Drawing Gum to mask them from getting ink on them.

I then worked on the background, using the Tracy Evans "Circular ST6 Stencil" with "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival ink, colouring in three different sized circles. I then used the same ink with the Tracy Evans "Flurry SS43 Stencil" to add dots across the surface.

Next, I used "Shadow Gray" Ranger Archival Ink through the Tracy Evans "Distressed Background SS31 stencil" to create the diamonds. I deliberately left a relatively open space to the middle right of the flower so that I can add a sentiment at a later date.

I rubbed off the drawing gum then added shados to the flowers and to the diamonds to provide a more 3D look.  Finally, adding colour to the flowers by using a paint brush to apply Derwent Inktense pencils.

Tracy Evans Boutique Dsigns "Good Things Take Time TE60

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. For the background, I used "Sky Blue" and "Tiger Lily" Ranger Archival Ink through one of the apertures in the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Circular ST6 Stencil".  I used the same size to draw a circle using a black fine liner pen.

Round the edge of the circle on the left hand side, I stamped text which is part of the Tracy Evans "Good Things Take Time TE60" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Arctic" light blue ink. Ithen stamped the word "Lily" and the flower, part of the same stamp set. stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I stamped the flower again on white card, fussy cut it and glued it into position.  Then added a touch of colour using "Scattered Straw" Distress Oxide Ink.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Special Delivery TE64" Heat Embossed Artist Trading Card

A clean and simple design on my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day,  Starting with white card, I used a blending brush to apply three shades of Distress Oxide Inks.  Starting with Shaded Lilac in the bottom right corner, then Wilted Violet as the mid colour and then the darker colour of Villainous Potion.

I used Wow! Clear Embossing Ink pad tio stamp the flowers, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Special Delivery TE64" stamp set.  I then coated the stamped image with Wow! Opaque Bright White embossing powder and heat set.

I added some tiny specks of white Posca pen near the embossing, finally adding a word sticker saying "hope".

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

I started with a white card and drew the window in pencil, shading the windows and adding demention with shading and a paper stump.  I then covered the exterior edges of the window frame with Pebeo Drawing Fluid to mask the area.  I then gave the rest of the card a wash of diluted "Antique Linen" Distress Oxide Ink. 

Once dry, I then used two shades of Ranger Archival ink:  Tea Rose and Shadow Grey, through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Brick Wall ST9" stencil. I then used the Frisk Maskaway eraser to remove the drawing fluid.

I then started to stamp the wisteria.  There are two sizes of it on the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "The Miracle Of A Flower ST59" stamp set.  I used the following Versafine Clair inks:  Avocado, Shady Lane and Very Peri.  I then added extra colour using Derwent inktense pencils.

Using Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink, I stamped the text down the left hand side, using a stamp from the Tracy Evans set called "Create A Garden TE66".  I used the same ink to stamp the robin, part of the Tracy Evans "Love Grows Here TE65" stamp set, using Derwent Inktense pencils.

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

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used a piece of a gel plate print from my stash for the background.  I have then used Versafine Clair "Adriatic Blue" ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Distressed Background SS31" stencil. I used a blue fine liner pen to accentuate the left hand side of each diamond shape.

Then, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the leaves and flowers from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Delight In Nature TE14" stamp set.  I used Posca Pen dots for the flowers and in the background, also a white gel pen to highlight the large leaf.  Finally adding a word sticker saying "Dwell".

Paperartsy Kate Crane Stamps :KCM013" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day,  The background is a mop up session of Distress Oxide Inks from some time ago.  

I used Versafine Clair "Charming Pink" ink with the "Paperartsy / Kate Crane KCM015" stamp and Versafine Clair "Monarch" purple ink with the "Paperartsy / Kate Crane KCM013" stamp.  I used the same ink for the sentiment saying "inspiration" which is part of the That's Crafty "Lots of words" stamp set. Finally, I added some dots of "Blackberry" Liquid Pearls.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flower Power TE37" Spotlight Card

For the base of this card, I have used a Brusho background, with lemon and blue colours merging to green.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped teh flowers, which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flower Power TE37" stamp set.  I then stamped the flower heads again, using the same ink on to a piece of white card.  I fussy cut them and glued them onto the card.  

I used a circle mask to create a spotlight area and coloured the rest of the card using a blending brush and Versafine Clair "Adriatic Sea" ink.

Returning to the spotlight area, I edged the circle in a white pastel pen to lighten it a little.  Then used Derwent Inktense pencils and a Posca pen to colour the flowers.  I stamped the "Hugs and Kisses" sentiment, also from the "Flower Power" stamp set and finally added three sticky backed gems to the rim of the circle.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Creative Spark TE24" Clean and Simple circular design card

Today I have made a very clean and simple looking card, using three Tracy Evans Boutique Design stamp sets.

Using Versafine Clair "Bali Blue" ink, I stamped the circular design in the background, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Creative Soark TE24" stamp set.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the flower, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Love Grows Here TE65" stamp set, the bird which is part of the Tracy Evans "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63 stamp set and the sentiment which is also part of the "Creative Spark TE24" stamp set.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Magnolia TE43" Artist Trading Card

I'm tired today after a busy Bank Holiday Monday, so there has been minimal crafting, but lots of laundry to carch up on.  This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.

For the background, I used Paper Artsy Fresco Finish Chalk Paint in "Peach Nectar" and "Candy Floss" to achive this gorgeous colour combo. For the drama, I have stamped in Versafien Clair "Nocturne" black ink, using the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Magnolia TE43" stamp set for the flower and the sentiment.  Adding highlights with a a white pen and three drops of Ranger Enamel Accents.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create A Garden TE66" Blackbird Spotlight Artist Trading Card

This was the Artist Trading Card I made yesterday morning, but didn't get round to posting it on line as we had friends staying over.

The background is brayered Colorbox ink with stronger colour towards the base.  I used a circle mask to cover the central area and inked the external edges with Versafine Clair "Chianti" dark red/brown ink. I then used a gold coloured gel pen pen to draw polka dots.

Within the central circle, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the blackbird on a branch, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create A Garden TE66" stamp set.  Adding some touches of white gel pen to the branch and bird.  Finally, adding a printed word saying "spotlight",

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Framed Delights" Clean and Simple heart wreath card

 

I absolutely adore the heart wreath I've used on this card.  I had planned to do something quite different to what I ended up with, prefering to keep a clean and simple look.

Using the heart shaped wreath stamp from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Framed Delights TE58" stamp set, I used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" a green ink and "Acorn" a brown ink to achieve the colour I wanted for the wreath.

I used the same colours of ink to stamp the sentiment, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutiqeu Designs "Amongst The Flowers TE61" stamp set.  The birds are from that stamp set too, I used Versafine Clair "Nocurne" black ink to stamp those, adding a littel bit of black fine liner for a hair-do on one of the birds and a white gel pen to add some highlights to areas of the birds

A Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 35

 

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 35 is "watercolour"

A few weeks back I saw a technique on Instagram where the posted had made three water colour stripes over a stamped image.  It was a technique that stuck in my mind, so thought I'd give it a go.  I did try stamping first, but I didn't like the way the stamping reacted to the paint, so I have achieved a similar look but carried out in a different way.

I started by using watercolour paper and a large mop paint brush, laden with water and brushing the water along the lenth of the tag.  I then used diluted pink, yellow and blue childrens water colour paint and using the same brush adding the colours the length of the tag, starting with yellow down the middle, pink to the left and blue to the right, allowing the colours to run into their neighbouring colours.  I then set it aside for a couple of hours to dry naturally.

I then started to stamp, initially using Versafine Clair  "Morning Mist' for the images further away and then Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink for the images in the forefront.  I used a selection of cling Stampscape Stamps that I bought from Sweet Poppy Stencils, who hold a licence to reproduce the stamps in to a clear stamp rather than red rubber.

Lakeside Cove

Critter Set 2 & 3

Lilygrass

Pine and Rocks small & medium

I added shading using a 2B pencil, a paper stub for blending and a white pastel pencil.  I added touches of colour using Derwent Inktense Pencils and "Morning Mist" Versafine Clair Ink,

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Dog Rose and Butterfly TE45" Gold Heat Embossed Card

When I started to make this card, I had a clear idea of how I wanted it to look.  I'd choosen the background, the stamp and colour of embossing powder before even going in the craft room.  Sometimes when creating, things don't always sit right and this is one of those makes for me.  I actually made this card yesterday, walking away from it to see how I felt about it when I saw it again. It is now growing on me slowly.

The background is two shades of brayered Colorbox Inks.  Greens and blues are my favourite colour combo! For the central design, I used a stamp from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Dog Rose and Butterfly TE45" stamp set, initially stamping it in Versafine Clair "Twilgiht" dark blue ink, but then I decided to add Wow! Rich Gold Embossing Powder over the top of the stamping and heat set.

On a small off cut of blue card, I then stamped three butterflies from the same stamp set and repeated the heat embossing process.  I fussy cut the butterflies and glued them into position.

Next, I drew some circles with a gold gel pen and added some line detail to them.  I then used a dark blue Posca Pen to add three lvertical lines from the top right and the bottom left, to balance the design.  They looked too prominent, so I added some line detail using the gold gel pen again.  Finally, I added some tiny dots of "Blackberry" Liquid Pearls across the surface.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Garden Delights TE15" snowflake Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I used a background from my stash, a gel plate print made some years ago with lilac, purple and blue tones to it.

I used "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Snowflake" stencil.  I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the tree/part circles, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Garden Delights TE15" stamp set.

Once the stamping was on the ATC, it looked very dull, so I decided to go over the stencil with a white Posca Pen and then added extra Posca Pen tiny dots to the background.

Funky Fossil Badger Trails Collage

It seems a long time since I created a collage style piece, so this morning I have played with some Funky Fossil Designs goodies to create this, which I rather like.

For the background, I used a dark blue page with numbers on it from the Funky Fossil "Turn It Up" papar pack.  I then used other papers from the pack, torn into strips and different shapes and glued into position, along with some Dina Wakley collage paper. I then used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the Funky Fossil "Circle Cascade" stamp.

I then used  Daler Rowley white texture paste through the Funky Fossil "Ever Decreasing Circles Stencil" and set aside to dry.  Once dry, I splattered white, orange and aqua coloured Posca Pens over the surface and left to dry.

On a piece of white card, I used blending brushes to with"Tiger Lily" and "Garden Patina" Ranger Archival Ink.  Then using Versafine Clair "Nccturne" black ink, I stamped the badger, which is part of the Funky Fossil "Badger Trails" stamp.  I then fussy cut the badger and glued into position, finally mounting it on to dark blue card and then a piece of kraft card,

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Poppy TE39 Stamp Set". Poppy Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I used a gel plate print for the background that has been in my stash for some time.  I stamped the Poppy in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  The poppy is part of a Tracy Evans Boutique Designs Stamp Set called "Poppy TE39". I stamped the poppy head again on a piece of white card too.

Down the left hand edge of the ATC, I stamped text, from the same "poppy" stamp set, using Versaifne Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.  I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the sentiment.  

Returning to the poppy head, I used a couple of Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a paint brush to colour the flower, adding yellow Posca Pen to the middle, with more depth using a black fine liner pen and a white gel pen in areas to provide depth.  I then fussy cut the flower head and glued into position and coloured in the poppy stem with a Derwent Inktense pencil.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flora and Fauna TE53" Rose and Heart Anniversary Card

This evening I made this anniversary card.  I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the rose, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flora and Fauna TE53" stamp set.

In the background, I used the Tracy Evans "Heart SS12" stencil, with "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then used the same ink through the Tracy Evans "Flurry SS43" stencil round the edge of the heart.

I used a 2B pencil, a paper stub and a white gel pen to shade the rose in.  Finally adding the sentiment, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Love Grows Here TE65" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Nature Feeds The Soul TE48" - black with white pastel pencil

 

This afternoon, I've had a play using a white and black pastel pencil on black card.

I used the "Echinacea" stamp from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Nature Feeds The Soul TE48:" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink on to black card.  I was able to see just enough of the design to  colour the image with white and black pastel pencils and a white gel pen.

The sentiment is part of the same stamp set.  I used Wow! Clear Embossing Ink with Wow! Silver embossing powder and heat set, then glued it into position on the card.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Sunflower TE33" Sunflower Card

 

Sunflowers are my favouite flowers, sp getting this Tracy Evans sunflower stamp set (TE33) was a must.  I have to say the detail of the stamp itself is incredible.

I stamped the sunflower (Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Sunflower" TE33) stamp in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

I lay the Tracy Evans "Grunge ST3" stencil over the top and lightly applied "Fern Green" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil, ensuring it was darker by the sunflower and fading the coloru out towards the left and the top of the card.  Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink again, I stamped the word "Sunflower" which is from the TE33 stamp set.

I coloured the sunflower by painting and colouring direct with Derwent Inktense pencils, adding touches of a white and gold gel pen, a black fine liner pen and a 2B pencil with a paper stub for a little shading.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Numeral Cats TE36" Cats and the wall Artist Trading Card

Here's my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I used a background from my stash, which I think had been made on a gel plate many years ago.

I positioned the Tracy Evans Boutique Design "Wall Stencil ST9" about a quarter of the way down the ATC.  Then used three shades of Ranger Archival Inks, using Watering Can, Orange Blossom and Fern Green. I then added extra depth of colour using Van Goch Pastel Pencils. I went round the edge of the card using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the cat looking over the wall and the full size lady cat.  I highlighted areas with a white gel pen, adding extra whiskers to the male cat looking over the wall at the female.  Finally, I added some hearts between the two cats.  The hearts are part of the Tracy Evans "Quirky Birds TE10" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink,

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Magnolia TE43" Double Magnolia Card

 

A relatively clean and simple design after the busy grungy mistake from last night.

In the backgground, I have used the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Magnolia ST2 stencil" with two shades of Ranger Archival Ink, using "Vivid Chartreuse" and "Fern Green" colours of ink.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the magnolia using the Tracty Evans "Magnolia TE43" stamp set.  In the top left and the bottom right, I stamped the text, in Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink in second generation stamping.  I then stamped the word "Magnolia" in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  Both the word and the text are part of the "Magnolia TE43" stamp set.

I added some depth of colour to the stencilled area by using a blue coloured pastel pencil and a white gel pen.  I then added some black speckles of Posca Pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Special Delivery TE64" Flower on Brusho Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I have used a small piece of a Brusho paint background from my stash for the background colour.

I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist`' grey ink to stamp the flower, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs"Special Delivery TE64" stamp set.

On the left hand side, I multi stamped the text saying "Plant a gardem, and breathe new life into a space", using Versfine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink again.  The text is part of the Tracy Evans "Explore Nature TE67" stamp set.

I coloured the flower using Derwent Inktense pencils and a white gel pen.  Finally, adding the sentiment. also part of the "Explore Nature TE67" stamp set, stamped vertically in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

When things go wrong make

 

This is a "When things go wrong" make.  I created a beautiful background of two Distress Oxide inks,  using "Tea Dye" and "Peacock Feathers".  But then I dropped an ink pad in the middle of it, so it ended up a cover up make with grunge vibes.

I have used three Tracy Evans Boutique Designs Stamp Sets for this card:

TE61 Amongst the Flowers

TE64 Special Delivery

TE67 Explore Nature

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "The Miracle Of A Flower TE59" Just For You Card

For this card, I used a three and a half inch square piece of whte card for the base, very loosely painting the left hand edge, about a quarter of the way across using "Peacock Feathers" Distress Oxide Ink.

Once dry, I used "Peacock Feathers" Distress Ink to stamp the Tracy Evans "Bubbles TE34" stamp.  Over-lapping some of painted area but extending tp about the two thirds way across the card.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" ink, I stamped the seed heads and the setiment of "Just For You", they are both part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "The Miracle Of A Flower TE59" stamp set.  Then on an off-cut of white card, I stamped the seed heads again, fussy cut the actual seed heads and glued into position.  Finally, adding some white highlights using a gel pen to the stems and then adding a few dots of black and white Posca Pen.

Lavinia Stamps "Coven of the blue moon" Misty Witch Artist Trading Card

This is.my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I used a gel press background from my stash with blues and purples in it, so felt it suitable for halloween.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the witch, part of the Lavinia Stamps "Coven of the blue moon" stamp set, I deliberately faded the ink out towards the base of the skirt as I wanted a misty lool.  

I used a circle stencil to create the moon with a white pastel pencil.  I then used "Nocturne" ink again for stamping the branches from the Lavinai "Tree of courage" stamp set.  

I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the text on the left hand side of the ATC, the text is part of the Lavinia stamps "Witching Hour" verse.  I then used Hero Arts "Unicorn" white pigment ink, with a finger dabber to create the misty look at the base of the ATC.  Finally adding some coloured berries to the branches using a lilac and purple Posca Pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Artsy Alpha/Numbers TE16" with a star Artist Trading Card

Here's another Artist Trading Card (ATC).  The background blues and orange shades are from a clean up of my brayer, some years back.  Because the colour was so dark, I didn't get round to using it.  So today, I decided it had been hanging around for long enough.  Use it or bin it!  I opted to use it.

Using a Wow! Clear Embossing Ink Pad, I stamped the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Artsy Alphas/Numbers TE16 Stamp" on to the dark brayered background.  I then coated the stamped ink image with Wow! Rich Gold Embossing Powder and heat set.

On a piece of navy coloured card I stamped the large star from the Tracy Evans "A Promise Of Tomorrow TE63" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I then coated the stamped image with Wow! Clear Gloss Embossing Powder and heat set.  Once dry, I fussy cut the star shape and glued onto a piece of card cut to the same shape to add a bit of dimension, I then glued the double layered star on to the Artist Trading Card.

I inked the edge of the ATC using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and then added a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker to the middle of the star, saying "Create".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Acorn Snippet Stencil SS28" Card

 

Another card made using Tracy Evans Boutique Designs stamps and stencils.

I used the Tracy Evans "Acorn Snippet Stencil SS28" with Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" a light brown coloured ink.  Then on the edges, I used a deeper shade of ink "Acorn" brown.

Within the acorn shape, I created a landscape, using the torn edge of a piece of paper with Versafine Clair "Fallen Leaves" a dark brown ink.  I stamped the trees, which are part of the Tracy Evans "On The Wild Side TE50" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" Green ink.  I stamped the toadstool, from the same stamp and coloured it with Posca Pen and Derwent Inktense pencils.

I stamped the red squirrel, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Alpha Florals TE32" stamp set, in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown" ink, adding shading to the squireel usuing a white pastel pencil, a white gel pen and a black fine liner.

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink through the Tracy Evans "Flurry Snippet Stencil SS43".

I added more depth of colour to the ground using Derwent Inktense pencils and then stamped the sentiment "On The Wild Side" (part of the Tracy Evans stamp set of the same name), in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane".

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

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I have used a piece of gel plate print for the background.  I used Versafine Clair "Wisteria Purple" ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Tile Stencil S37". 

I then used Versaifne Clair "Fantasia" purple ink to stamp the dandelion head, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Love Grows Here TE65" stamp set. I created a cloud over the dandelion head by using a finger dabber with Hero Arts "Unicorn White" Pigment Ink.  Once dry, I used a white pastel pencil to increase the dreamy cloud look of the dandelion head, then topped each bit with a white Posca Pen, using a white gel pen for the stem.

Finally, I used a purple Posca Pen on the edges of the ATC and a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "wishful".

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs :"Feathered Friend TE49" Happy Couple Card

I have continued to play with the Tracy Evans "Feathered Friend TE49" chicken stamp set, making this fun engagement card.  

In the background I used "Chrome Yellow" Ranger Archival ink to cover just under a half of the white card.  I then used the same ink with the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "TE34 Bubbles" stamp on the yellow and on the white areas of the card.

I then lay the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Cluck Stencil SS30" off the right hand edge of the card, filling the middle area with "Tiger Lily" Ranger Archival ink.

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Strawberry" red ink to stamp the chicken, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Feathered Friends TE49 stamp set.  I coloured the hearts in the body using a white Posca Pen. The grounded the birds using "Coffee" Ranger Archival Ink.

Finally, I added the sentiment of "congratulations" and "to the happy couple", both of these are part of the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words" stamp set, stamped in Verafine Clair "Strawberry" red ink.

Tracy Evans "TE52 Wilderness" Foxglove Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day, I hade a pretty cottage garden in mind while making this one.

The background is a piece of a gel press print, made many years ago, there was no pattern, just lots of pretty speckles of paint colour. I used Versafine Clair Shady Lane, Charming Pink and Dahlia Purple to stamp the foxgloves.  Stamping the word "Foglove" in Versafine Clair "Monarch" purple ink.  The foxgloves and the words are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Wilderness TE52" stamp set.  I added touches of Derwent Inktense pencils and a white gel pen for exra detail.

Lavinia Stamps "Blackthorn Chapel" circles card

Today, I have made a card in the style of a dear friend, Eileen Godwin.  She has inspired so many people over the years and I love her work.

Starting with a white piece of card, I used a circle mask to create the background coloured circels using Range Arcival Inks.  The colours I used are:  Prickly Pear, Tiger Lily and Sky Blue.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Blackthorn Chapel", "Pixie Lanterns", one of the rats from the Lavinia "Ragwort & Strawson" and one of the birds from the Lavinia "Poe & Noctis" stamp set.

I then used two of the recently released Lavinia stencils, with the same Ranger Archival Inks (colours as above) and Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  The Stencils used are:  Baroque Flower Stencil and Distressed Chequerboard Stencil.

Using a black fine liner pen, I drew circles.  I then stamped text round the large circle using the Lavinia Stamps verse called "Forbidden Secrets", using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I then stamped the word "Silence" which is part of the Lavinia Stamps "Nightfall" stamp set.

I gorunded the tree and the rat using a 2B pencil and a paper stub.  I coloured areas with Van Goch Pastel Pencils and a white gel pen,  Finally adding some whie and black splatter dots with Posca Pens,

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Feathered Friend TE49" Hen Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. In the background, I created a very loose looking yellow gingham grid using "Chrome Yellow" Ranger Archival Ink.

I stamped the hen, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Feathered Friend TE49" stamp set, using two shades of Versafine Clair inks:  Strawberry red and Acorn brown inks.  I then used Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink with second generation stamping of the branch round the edge of the ATC.  The branch is actually the tree from the Tracy Evans "Silhouettes" stamp set.

Using a red Posca Pen i drew the berries, adding a touch of white gel pen to each berry I grounded the hen using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, topped with some Van Goch Pastel Pencils.  I used the pastel pencils to edge the card too. I also added touches of a black fine liner pen to various areas.

On to a white piece of card, using Versaifne Clair "Strawberry" red ink, I stamped the words "Just Hatched", which is part of a Papertrey Ink stamp set called "On the farm".  I cut it to an arrow shape, glued into position, added a touch of "Chrome Yellow" Ranger Archival Ink on to the sign to tone the white down, finally adding a black edge, using a fine liner.

Lavinia Stamps "Starmoth" Card

For this card, I started by masking off a circle within the square card to work within, to ensure no ink went on to the edges. I used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks for the background colour, using Saltwater Taffy on the edges and Shaded Lilac in the middle.

I then stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Starmoth" using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I actually stamped it twice as I wanted more depth of colour, but not as strong as black.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the crow, part of the Lavinia Stamps "Poe & Noctis" stamp set.  Using the same ink, I stamped the rat, part of the Lavinia Stamps duo stamp set called "Ragword & Strawson".

Retaining the mask/stencil position, I then stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Raventhorn" bramble round the edge of the circle using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I used the same ink with a small blending brush to darken the edges of the circle.  I then used "Morning Mist" again with one of the Lavinia Stamps "Hill Masks" to create the ground scape area.

Using some lilac/purple ink remaining on my blending brush from a previous project I applied the colour through the Lavinia Stamps "Baroque Flower Stencil, either side of Starmoth. Finally, I moved on to adding colour and detail to the scene using a selection of Van Goch Pastel Pencils, assorted normal and glitter gel pens.

A Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026" - Week 34

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 34 is "Summer"

During the summer months, Rosie our dog likes to swin in the sea, so my tag is about 'Dog walkes by the sea".

I used a plain white card, cut into a tag shape.  I then used a Wow! Clear Embossing Ink Pad on the Inkylicious "By The Sea - Waves Stamp Set", coated the ink with Wow! Clear Gloss Embossing Powder and then heat set using a heat gun.

I then used "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink though the Inkylicous "Scenic Mountain Hills Stencil", adding touches of a dark pastel pencil for extra details

I gave the sky a light covering of "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink.  I then painted the sky, using two shades of diluted Distress Oxide Inks:  Tumbled Glass and Speckled Egg.  For the Sea, I used three shades of diluted Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours I used are:Salty Ocean, Mermaid Lagoon and a tiny touch of Mowed Lawn.  For the sand, I used two shades of diluted Distress Oxide Inks:  Tea Dye and Wild Honey.  I added extra colour to the sand using a pastel pencil.

Finally, I printed out the words "walkimg the dog on the beach", cut it to size and glued into position, then added a touch of diluted "Tea Dye" Distress Oxide Ink to tone the white down and make it look less obvious.

Lavinia Stamps "Blackthorn Chapel" Card

For this card, I used a background I made a few weeks back using a selection of spritzed Element Inks. Using white Pan Pastel and a Lavinia "Moon Mask" I created the moon.

Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Blackthorn. Chapel".  I then greated the landscape using the Lavinia Stamps "Hill Masks" using "Mermaid" and "Dark Denim" Element Inks.

I then used two Lavinia Stamps stencils:  "Baroque Flower Stencil" and "Distressed Chequerboard Stencil" with "Flying Fig" and "Mulberry" Element Inks. I masked off the edge of the hills and stamped the Lavinia "Ancient Chapels" using Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink.

Then using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black Ink, I stamped "Pipin" the hare and the branches from the Lavinia "Tree of Courage" stamp set and some branches from the Lavinia "Foliage Set". Finally, I coloured areas using Van Goch Pastel Pencils, white gel pen, a fine liner and Posca Pens.

Funky Fossil Designs "Winter Wonderland" Misty Artist Trading Card

Rummaging through my prepared background file, I came across a small section of a gel plate background, made some years ago using Pan Pastels through a couple of stencils by Funky Fossil Designs, if memory serves me correctly I used "Lovely Leaves" and "Peony Panel" stencils.

Using Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink, I stamped the trees, birds and "calm" sentiment, which are all part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Winter Wonderland" stamp set.  I created the ground, using the same ink and the torn edge of paper.

To create the mist, I used a finger dabber with Hero Arts "Unicorn" white pigment ink,  I had to apply several layers of dabbing to get the strength of "mist" I was looking for. I finished adding touches of white gel pen to the trees and the birds.