Stampin' Up "Studio Sketches" jug and pear card

A quick play in my craft room, using a stamp set that has not seen the light of day for a very long time. It was originally going to be a clean and simple design, but my mind took it into a very "busy" direction resulting in this card.

I used a wood mounted Stampin' Up stamp set called "Stuido Sketches" using the jug and pears stamp, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I then painted the image with Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours of ink I used are:  Dried Marigold, Bundled Sage, Crushed Olive, Peeled Paint and Speckled Egg.

Undecided what to do next, I cut up sections of Tim Holtz Idea-ology" collage paper and glued it on to the card in random positions, overlapping the text in places. 

I then used a black and peach coloured Posca Pen to splatter acrylic paint across the surface.  Finally adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "be open to whatever comes next".  I thought this sentiment apt as I had absolutely no idea where I was going with this card!

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 98

Today, is Day 98 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 98 I cut an aperture using a Spellbinders circle die in a piece of white card, discarding the middle and using the remainder as a frame.  Then in pencil I lightly drew round the circle over a piece of card of a matching size, so I knew the area I would be working on.

I put the circle frame to one side and stamped the wading birds, part of a Stampin' Up stamp set called "High Tide", using Versafine Clair "Nocturne: black ink. I then painted the background scene using Distress Oxide Inks,  The colours I used are: Antique Linen, Tumbled Glass, Broken China and then Speckled Egg for the sky area,

I used Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink to stamp the grasses, which are also from the "High Tide" stamp set.

I glued the circle frame over the top of the painted area, then fussy cut a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "always take the scenic route".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 97

Today, is Day 97 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 97 I used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks for the background colour. The shades of ink I used are:Salvaged Patina,  Boken China and Cracked Pistachio.  I then used "Broken China: Distress Oxide Ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Distressed Background Snippet Stencil - SS31".

Next I used one of the stamps from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs stamp set called "Garden Elements - TE30", stamped lightly in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink. Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the lily (from the same "Garden Elements" stamp set), on to the prepared background and then on to an off-cut of white card.  I fussy cut the one of white card, glueing it into position over the stamped image on the background.  I added some colour to the lily by painting with "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Ink.

I added some dots of white and black Posca Pen around the lily.  Then fussy cut a Dina Wakley swallow from one of her collage paper sets. Finally adding a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "keep moving forward".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 96

Today, is Day 96 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 96, I have used Tim Holtz and Dina Wakley collage papers, drawn circles and coloured in areas using Posca Pen, then added strips of white card and discs of dark blue card.  Finally, adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word stcker saying "be original".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 95

Today, is Day 95 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 95, I used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks for the background colour, using Cracked Pistachio, Broken China And Salvaged Patina.  I then used the "Salvaged Patine" trhough the Funky Fossil Designs "Harlequin Background Stencil" in various areas.

Next I used a couple of die cutsd and some Dina Wakley collage paper, finally adding a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "express".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 94

Today, is Day 94 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 94 I covered a piece of white card using "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then lay the Funky Fossil Designs "Sunshine Mandala stencil" over the top of the card and applied "Faded Jeans" Distress Oxide Ink through the stencil to create the background pattern.

I fussy cut a couple of Dina Wakley collage paper images, the swallow and the moth, colouring the moth with Derwent Inktense Pencils (applied with a paint brush).  Finally I added some dots of black ink and two Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word stickers saying "enjoy creating".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 93

Today, is Day 93 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 93 I used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks (Salvaged Patina and Blueprint Sketch) through the Funky Fossil Designs "Large Polka Dots stencil.

I lay torn strips of Dina Wakley collage paper horizontally and added a paper swallow too. Next I glued on blue and white punched circles, Finally adding a couple of Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word stickers, saying "express art".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 92

Today, is Day 92 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 92, I've returned to my collage box of oddments tand off-cuts o create this, using strips of card, Tim Holtz and Dina Wakley collage papers, punched circles and Tim Holtz Idea-ology" word stickers.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 21

 

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 21 is "Coffee rings/stains"

For my tag, I started by covering a plain tag with a section of a letter I'd received in the post, which I then covered in "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Inks. I then used the same ink through a couple of Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous stencils.  The codes of the stencils I used are THS127 for the zig zag pattern and THMM4 for the harlequin design.

I then used "Abandoned Coral" Distress Oxide Ink through a Funky Fossil Designs stencil called "Coffee Stains" to create the rings and splatter detail.

Next, I applied "Walnut Stain" Distress Oxide Ink through the Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous "Wild Flower Layering Stencil - THS035.   I then used "Gathered Twigs" Distress Oxide Ink  through sections of "THS130" Tim Holtz stencil.

I inked the edges of the tag using Versafine Clair "Acorn", a mid brown coloured ink.  I then added white polka dots using an acrylic paint pen.  I used a gold coloured gel pen and a gold shimmer pen to add extra depth to the flowers.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 91

Today, is Day 91 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 91, I used the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Persepective CMS213" stamp set for the butterfly, stamped in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.  I used the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "String - THS004" stencil with two shades of Ranger Archival Inks, using "Sky Blue" and "Vivid Chartreuse" coloured inks.

I added a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker staying "there is beauty in simplicity".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 90

Today, is Day 90 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 90, I lay a piece of low tack tape from one corner to the other on my white card base.  I used "Salvaged Patina" Distress Oxide Ink through the Clarity Stamps "Stripes" stencil.  Lifted the stencil and tap and relaied them, applying the ink through the stencil again.  This provided me with the right angled background design.

Using a black fine liner pen, I drew a circle round a lid.  Then fussy cut three Dina Wakley collage paper swallows and glued them into position.

I used two shades of Versafine Clair Inks (Morning Mist and Medieval Blue) to stamp the flowers round the circle using a couple of Lavinia Stamps "Mini Stamps".  Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "timeless" to the bottom right hand corner.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 89

Today, is Day 89 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 89 piece I covered the white card in "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then lay the Funky Fossil Designs "Ever Decreasing Circles" stencil over the top and applied "Mowed Lawn" Distress Oxide Ink through the stencil.

I cut some Dina Wakley collage paper leaves and a swallow and glued them into position.  Then fussy cut a stamped flower, coloured and glued that into position.

Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker and added some dots of black ink.

Marianne Designs "Silhouette Art - Branch CS180" on a stencilled background

I had an off cut of white card, floating round my desk, so decided to make something with it, resulting in this card.

I started by colouring the card using "Chrome Yellow" Ranger Archival Ink.  I then lay the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "String Stencil - THS103" over the top and applying "Monarch Orange" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Marianne Designs "Silhouette Art CS180" branch.  I used the same ink to stamp the word "hello" which is part of the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words" stamp set.

Finally, using the lower section of the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "Xmas Stencil THMM178", I applied white polka dots using an acrylic paint pen.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 88

Today, is Day 88of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 88 I shaded my white card with "Salvaged Patina" Distress Oxide Ink, having the colour strong on the right, fading to nothing on the left hand side.

I cut a couple of pieces of Dina Wakley collage papers *swallow and face) and glued into position,  I then used two thicknesses of black pen and a white acrylic pen to fade the large piece into the white area.  Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "secrets" to the base.

Lavinia Stamps Botanical Blossom and Moss Flowers "Happiness" Card

 

I had an urge to play with my Lavinia Stamps, which resulted in this card.  I used 49andMarket "Green Jean" ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Elegance" stencil, with stronger colour on the right hand side, fading out towards the left side.

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze: ink to stamp the Lavinia "Botanical Blossom" stamp. On plain white card, I stamped the Laviia "Moss Flowers" in two shades of orange ink, using Versafine Clair "Summertime" and "Carrot Orange",  I fussy cut the flower heads and glued into position.  I then painted the inner area of each flower using "Squeezed Lemonade" Distress Oxide Ink.

I returned to the Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink to stamp then "Happiness" sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia Stamps "Blessings" stamp set.  Finally adding some dots of white Ranger Enamel Accents.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 87

Today, is Day 87 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 87 I coloured the white square of card using "Cracked Pistachio" Distress Oxide Ink.  I then used an animal print stencil with "Blueprint Sketch" Distress Oxide Ink.

I used a lid with Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink to create circles.  I then fussy cut a couple of swallows and a circle of Dina Wakley collage paper with a face on it and glued into position.  Adding a stitched detail round the circle using a black fine liner pen.

Finally, i added a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "everyday chronicles".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 86

Today, is Day 86 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 86 I randomly stuck strips of washi tape across the base card.  I then used some Dina Wakley collage paper for the face and bird, adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "darling, you are a work of art".

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 20

 

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 20 is "Paint Blowing".

Starting with a white tag, I lay a Tracy Evans "Wild Flower" stencil on to the card and applied Pebio Drawing Gum through the gaps using a paint brush.

Next, I put five colours of Elements inks on to my glass mat,  The colours I used are: Lemon Drop, Sundance, Russet Orange, Blue Atoll and Dark Denim.  I added a little water to a fan shaped paint brush, dabbed it into the ink on the glass mat and then splattered the paint from the brush over the tag, by tapping the brush.  I then quickly used the Tim Holtz air puttfer, not sure what the actual name is, to blow air and spread the ink towards the edges of the tag, you could also use a drinking straw to do this. I did this with all of the colours, using a heat gun to dry the ink between each colour.

Once completed, I wafted the heat gun over the surface to ensure it was fuly dry, before using the Frisk "Maskaway" eraser.  If you don't have one, you can use a finger tip to erase the masking fluid.  

Finally, I added a few pencil details and grounded the flower, using some remaining ink on  a blending brush.  I added some dots of Ranger White Enamel Accents to break up the background colour a little too.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 85

Today, is Day 85 of the 100 Day Project 2026, and it's another clean and simple design from me.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 85, I used three shades of Distress Oxide Ink, using Salvaged Patinam, Tumbled Glass and Blueprint Sketch through one of the sections of the Visible Image Stamps stencil called "Art Spheres #2".

I then fussy cut a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and added a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "don't forget to fly".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 84

Today, is Day 84 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 84 I've gone for a clean and simple look using "Cracked Pistachio" Distress Oxide Ink through a Funky Fossil Designs Stencil called "Indian Mandala".

I've used a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "life is good".  Finally adding areas of dots and lines using a black fine liner pen, allowing the beautiful pattern of the mandala to sing.

Visible Image Stamps "Bloom and Grow" Baby Shower Card

Our fourth Grand child is due to be born in July, this is the card I have made for her baby shower, which is in a couple of weeks time.

I used the finger print stamp from Visible Image "Bloom and Grow" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Baby Pink" ink.  I then used the baby stamp and the love word, from the same stamp set with Versafine Clair "Monarch" purple ink.  

I love the simlicity of this card and how it speaks volumes too!

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 83

Today, is Day 83 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 83 I used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks (Salvaged Patina, Speckled Egg and Tea Dye), to create the background colour.  I then used the Tracy Evans "Distresed Background Snippet Stencil - SS31" with "Cracked Pistachio" Distress Oxide Inks to create the harlequin background.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the flowers, which are part of the Tracy Evans "One of a kind TE54" stamp set.  The sentiment of "The sound of silence" is from another Tracy Evans stamp set called "Create your own story - TE51", also stamped in Nocturne" black ink.

I used a circle mask to create the spotlight, edging the mask in Versafine "Morning Mist" grey ink and colouring the inside edge with a white pastel pencil.  I grounded the flowers using the edge of a torn piece of paper and Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.  I used a black fine liner pen to add a border and to create grass strands, using a white and aqua coloured Posca Pen to imitate flowers.

Finally, I fussy cut a Dina Wakley swalow from a collage paper set and added some dots of "White Opal" Liquid Pearl dots to the edge of the spotlight.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 82

Today, is Day 82 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 82 I used "Blueprint Sketch" Distress Oxide Ink dragged over two thirds of the white card.  I then used the same ink on an piece of  white card and punched circles into the blue and the white card, positioning the circles on the dragged background.I then added splatters of acrylic paint in aqua and black colours.

I used pieces of Dina Wakley collage paper to cover areas, including three swallows.  Finally adding a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "follow your heart".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 81

Today, is Day 81 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 81 I used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks (Prize Ribbon and Twisted Citron) through an Angela Poole "Lattice Stencil" to create the background design.

I then used a couple of different Dina Wakley collage papers for the face and bird, adding some touches of black fine liner pen to areas,  Finally, adding a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "embrace the journey".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 80

Today, is Day 80 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 80, I've used a stamp from Funky Fossil Designs for the central circle, it is part of the Funky Fossil "Circularity" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink. I dragged the "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Ink across the card from the left and the right, towards the middle.

I've used an assortment of Dina Wakley collage papers adding touches of colour using pastel pencils and a fine liner. Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "it's all persepective".

The 100n Day Project 2026 - Day 79

Today, is Day 79 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 79, I've used lots of odds and ends of patterned and stencilled papers including pieces of Dina Wakley & Tim Holtz collage paper, adding a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker, saying "travel".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 78

Today, is Day 78 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 78, I cut a dark blue coloured card three and a half inch square and glued on to a white background.  I then used two shades of green (for the landscape) and a white (for the moon) Pan Pastel.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Forrest Scene" trees, using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the "Small Pixie Houses".

I added a Dina Wakley collage paper swallow and a Lavinia Stamps word sticker from their "Sentiment Stickers 6" set.  Adding some touches of gold shimmer pen to the threes and landscape.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 19

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 19 is "Vintage Vibes"

For my Week 19 tag, I used lots of bits and bobs I have squirrelled away over many years.  I've used pages of book test, hymn book notes, parts of paper doilies and the brown paper that comes in Amazon packages, to name just a few.

I used a "Photobooth Film Strip", whicjh is part of a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" set, with a reference of TH93799. I've also used stamps from two Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stamp sets.  Finally adding a small metal locket frame around the central image of the film strip.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 77

Today, is Day 77 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 77, I used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks through a Clarity Stamps striped stencil.  The two colours I used are "Tumbled Glass" and "Mowed Lawn".

I then loosely cut around collage paper foliage prints by Dina Wakley, adding a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "Wander".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 76

Today, is Day 76 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 76, I used two shade of Distress Oxide Inks for the background, using "Twisted Citron" and "Broken China" to cover the white card.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Carabelle Stuidio cling stamp SA70171.  I then added white, black, yellow and red detail using Posca Pens.

Finally, I added a Dina Wakley collage paper swallow and a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker staying "Strength".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 75

Today, is Day 75 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 75, I used four shades of Ranger Archival Ink through a star stencil.  Over the top I applied some Dina Wakley collage paper and coloured the image using pastel pencils.  Finally adding a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "Be you, bravely".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 74

Today, is Day 74 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 74 I used a stamp shaped punch I got from Amazon to punch shapes in various patterned paper.  I arranged them on to my white card base.  When happy with the positions, I glued them into place.

I useda lid to draw a circle using a black fine liner pen, adding some dots to the opposited sides of the circle.  I fussy cut a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and then added tthe Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word stickers saing "Creative Journey".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 73

Today, is Day 73 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 73 I dragged three shades of Distress Oxide Ink from the left to the right hand side, fading the colour out towards the right.  The shades of ink I used are: Salvaged Patina, Speckled Egg and Tumbled Glass. I the wafted the heat gun over the surface, to ensure it was fully dry.

Next, I used a stamp set I have had for 15+ years, I think it's by Sassafraslass?, stamped in two shades of Versafine Clair Inks:  Bali Blue and Nocturne black inks. I added touches of white acrylic paint to the middle of each flower.

Finally, I fussy cut a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and added a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "travelt he world over to find the beautiful".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 72

Today, is Day 72 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 72, I started by using Versafine Clair "Arctic" blue ink to stamp the circles in the background, using a stamp from the Funky Fossil Designs set called "Circularity".

I glued on some pieces of Dina Wakley collage paper birds, colouring some with a green coloured pastel pencil.  I then glued on thin torn edge strips of green and blue paper.

I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "Encourage Possibility" and finally added a drawn frame using a black fine liner pen.

Lavinia Stamps "Bridge your dreams" card

For this card, I started by painting a central circle, in yellow, then built the colours up from the middle through shades of green, eventually using a blue shade of ink,  I applied the Distress Oxide Inks with a paint brush, drying each colour before adding another colour.

I then lay the "Ever decreasing circles" stencil by Funky Fossil Designs over the top of the paint and using a wet wipe, removed some of the exposed areas of ink, providing this kind of bleached colour look.

Using Versafine Clair "Fallen Leaves" dark brown ink, I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Witch Hazel" stamp repeating the process in a circular motion till I was happy the branches had filled the space.

Next, I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist", a mid green coloured ink to multi stamp the leaves and dots, which are part of the Lavina Stamps "Foliage Set 2" stamp set, again repeating the stamping till the area was full. I used the same ink to stamp the sentiment, which is part of the Lavinia Stamps "Bridge your dreams" stamp set.  Finally, I added some touches of gold coloured gel pen to the branches and white dots using an acrylic paint pen to replicate flowers/berries.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 71

Today, is Day 71 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 71 I spritzed water on to some "Salvaged Patina" Distress Oxide Ink on my glass mat, then smooshed/dragged the card through the ink to achieve a patchy coverage, with various depths of colour.

Once dry, I used the same ink through two Funky Fossil Designs stencils:  Harlequin Babckground and Swallows.

I then fussy cut a swalow and a crow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and glued into position, adding a few extra lines using a black fine liner pen.  I then drew a part circle round the crow.

Finally, I used a splatter stamp from a Funky Fossil Designs stamp set caled "Distressed Elements" with Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, using the same ink to ground the bird.  Then added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "everything has beauty".

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 18

 

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 18 is "Teddies and Toys"

For my Week 18 tag, I started by painting a white tag with shades of green, using a childs water colour paint set, so nothing fancy for the base at all. Then using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the sentiment, train and carriages, which are part of the same stamp set from "Boys and their trains" by Personal Impressions.  I stamped the train and carriages again on white card and coloured with Posca Pens. fussy cut them and placed to one side.

Returning to the green tag itself, I used "Cobalt" Ranger Archival Ink through a Tim Holtz / Stampersanonymous stencil, I apologise I don't recall the name or of it as I've used it so often the writing has rubbed off, but the reference is THS130.

I then used another Tim Holtz / Stampersanonymous stencil, THMM178, using the lower half with the polka dots on it, with a white Texture Paste by Daler Rownay.  Once dry, I inked the edges is black and then glued the fussy cut train and carriages into position.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 70

Today, is Day 70 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 70 I have played with shapes and lines.  I started covering a white card with "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Inks.  I then lay the Funky Fossil Designs "Melting Circles" mask over the top and applied "Mowed Lawn" Distress Oxide Ink through the mask.

I then used a black fine liner pen and a gold coloured gel pen to create lines and dots around the pattern.  Finally adding a Dina Wakley collage paper swallow and a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "Cultivate Kindness".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 69

Today, is Day 69 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 69 I used three shades of Distress Oxide ink on a water saturated background to achieve the water colour stripes in the background,  the colours I used are Mowed Lawn, Mermaid Lagoon and Salvaged Patina.

I used a heat gun to dry the card before drawing a part circle round a lid uisng a black fine liner pen.

I cut two shapes, the moth and the swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and glued them into position.  then coloured the moth using a couple of pastel pencils. 

I used a gold coloured gel pen to create a polka dot background around the part circle then added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 68

Today, is Day 68 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 68 I used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks for the background, using "Cracked Pistachio" for the inner area and "Mermaid Lagoon" for the outer edges.

I then stamped the circle in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  the stamp is part of the Funky Fossil Designs stamp set called "Circularity".  Next i lay the "Ever Decreasing Circles" stencil over the prepared background and lightly rubbed a wet wipe through the gaps of the stencil.  This lifts the ink in that area and provides a bleached colour appearance.  I then set it aside to dry. Once dry, I used a black and white Posca Pen to splatter paint.

I used "Salvaged Patina" Distress Oxide Ink on a page from an old book.  I then stamped the black cirlce again on the book page using "Nocturne" again.  I then stamped a flower from the Funky Fossil stamp set called "In the meadow" using Versafine Clair "Paradise" blue ink. I fussy cut the circle and glued it over the circle on the background piece of card.  Adding some touches of black fine liner and yellow Posca Pen to the flower.

Finally, I added a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology word sticker saying "Remember the now".

Lavinia Stamps "Magpies" Two for joy card

 

I've had a long over due play with my Lavinia goodies this morning, making this card.

I started by using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" a mid green coloured ink, to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Vine Branch" stamp.  I then used two shades of Versafine Clair inks:  Twilight and Morning Mist to stamp the Lavinia "Magpies".  I used these two colours as I didn't want a totally solid black colour.

Next, I used "Sky Blue" Ranger Archvial Ink through the Lavinoa Stamps "Waffle Stencil" (I believe it is now discontinued), fading the colour out towards two corners. I then used Derwent Inktense pencils with a paint brush to colour the branch and magpies, using a gold and a white gel pen in places too.

Finally, I added a Lavinia word sticker, saying "Out of the blue".  This phrase is part of the Lavinia "Sentiment Sticker 6" set.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 67

Today, is Day 67 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 67, I coloured a page from an old book using three shades of Distress Oxide Inks.  the colours I used  are Tumbled Glass, Mermaid Lagoon and Blueprint Sketch.

Then I die cut a piece of 4x4" white card using a die from Funky Fossil Designs.  Sadly I didn't write the name down on the backing card, on checking the website it doesn't appear, so guessing it's now a retired die, as I have had it for a couple of years. or maybe more.

I adhered the white card overf the coloured book page and trimmed the excess from the edges. I coloured the die cut sun area using "Mustard Seed" Distress Oxide Ink and glued into position.

Using a black fine liner pen, I added a loosely drawn frame with some dots. Then glued down a fussy cut swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set.  Finally adding a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "Voyage".

Papertrey Ink "Home is where the heart is" card

For this card, I started with a 4x4" piece of card, creating a band of colour through the middle using three shades of Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours I used are: Mermaid Lagoon, Salvaged Patina and Cracked Pistachio.

While the ink was drying, I die cut the white trellis, which is a Gummiapan die. I used a wet glue to stick the lattice over the inked background.

Next I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the sentiment on to the card and the house on to a piece of plain white card.  I used the Papertrey Ink stamp set called "Love Lives Here" for both. Onced glued into position on the card, I used a red Posca Pen to colour in the central heart.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 66

Today, is Day 66 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 66, for the central wave area, I used four shades of Distress Oxide Ink through the Funky Fossil Designs "Wave Rider" stencil. I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs "Circle Cascade" stamp.

Next, I added a strip of Funky Fossil Designs Washi Tape to the base of the card,  I added some colour to some of the circles using pastel pencils and used a black fine liner to add some dots.

Finally, I added a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker, saying "adventure".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 65

Today, is Day 65 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 65, I've used four shades of Distress Oxide Inks (Salvaged Patina, Cracked Pistachio, Mermaid Lagoon and Faded Jeans) with the Inkylicious "Mini Splatter Circle stamp" to achieve the background colour.

I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the Creative Expressions "Botanical Frames - CE1032 stamp" and the words from the same stamp set, saying "Field Notes".

I added some tissue paper foliage, which had wrapped a previous Inkylicious order and then added the Dina Wakley swallow, which is part of a collage paper set.  Finally I added some black splatters from a Posca Pen.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 17

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 17 is "Pinks and Purples".

For my tag, I started with a white base which I covered in "Spun Sugar" Distress Oxide ink.I then added a moon mask and started to build the colours up round the moon, starting with Shaded Lilac and Victorian Velvet, then moving on to darker colours using Seedless Preserve, Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet and Villainous Potion Distress Oxide Inks.

I used Versafine Clair "Monarch" purple ink, to stamp the grass and birds, which are both part of an Inkylicious stamp set called "Windswept Set".  Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker to the bottom saying "collect beautiful moments".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 64

Today, is Day 64 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 64, I drew around the outer and inner edge of a roll of sticky tape to achieve the two circles, then added black lines using a fine liner pen,  withing the circles I added off cuts of plain and patterned card.  Adding gold coloured dots using a gel pen.

Finally, I added a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set and a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker, saying "Memories".

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 63

Today, is Day 63 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  This is a challenge where you spend a short time each day creating, using the mediums of your choice.  Mine is 4x4" card, using collage, stamps and stencils.

For my Day 63, I've used strips of patterned and plain paper along with a swallow from a Dina Wakley collage paper set, paired with a Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word sticker saying "Determined" and a white die cut branch. I've used a fine liner black pen to add lines to the edge of the piece and to draw a circle.

Visible Image Stamps "Bring on the beers" Birthday Card

I don't want to speak too soon, but I appear to be on a roll with my card making the past couple of days!

For this card, I started by stamping the glass of beer, (part of the Visible Image "Bring on the beers" stamp set), using Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" light brown ink.  I then stamped the glass again on a post-it note, fussy cut the shape and used it as a mask over the first stamped image.

Next, using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamed the Visible Image "Fibaoacci' curve and grid. I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the "Cheers" which is also part of the "Bring on the beers" stamp set, along with the "Big Birthday Wishes" sentiment which is part of a Funky Fossil Designs stamp set called "Stripped Back Sentiments".

I then coloured the beer glass and the background, uisng assored shades of Distress Oxide Inks, applied with a paint brush. The colours I used are:  Wild Honey, Tea Dye, Weathered Wood and Lost Shadow.  I also used a white gel pen and a gold shimmer pen on areas of the glass,

I mounted the card on to a piece of black card for the sides only, then mounted it on to a kraft square card blank.