It's obviously a crafting day for me today, with my third Artist Trading Card (ATC) of the day.
Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the candles, the stamp is called "Wonky Candles" by Funky Fossil Designs. I used the same ink to stamp the "congratulations" sentiment, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Small Print" stamp set. I coloured the candles using assorted shades of Posca Pen, using a black fine liner pen to add the kisses border.
Another Artist Trading Card (ATC) from me today, this time using a very old magnetic based stamp by Rubbadubbadoo for the feather, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I used the same ink to stamp the word "Memories" using a stamp from That's Crafy "Lot of Words" Stamp set. I used a white, pale blue and black Van Goch Pastel Pencils to colour the feather.
This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.
On the right hand side of the card, I daubed two shades of Distress Oxide Inks, I used Dried Marigold and Spiced Marmalade colours. Using Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" beige. coloured ink, I multi stamped the gate from the Tracy Evans "Flora and Fauna - TE53" stamp set.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the flowers and sentiment, both are part of the Tracy Evans "Special Delivery - TE64" stamp set. I added some touches of green pastel pencil to give it at lift in colour. Then added touches of gold coloured pen to the flowers.
Another Artist Trading Card (ATC) for me today with a hint of Christmas to it.
I lightly covered a white piece of card with "Tea Dye" Distress Ink to give it an aged look. I then used the holly stamps from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Promise Of Tomorrow - TE63" stamp set, stamping in frist and second generation, using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane", a mid green coloured ink.
I then inked the edges of the card using "Rain Forest" Versafien Clair ink. This is a brighter shade of green, even though it is acrually darker in colour. I coloured the holly berries with a red Posca Pen. I then outlined the leaves and the berries using a black fine liner pen.
Next, I used Versafine Clair "Pinecone" a mid to dark coloured brown ink to stamp the bird on a branch, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create A Garden - TE66" stamp set. I used Van Goch Pastel Pencils and a black fine liner pen for definition and then added touches of white gel pen to the berries, bid and branch.
This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I've gone for a very clean, clear and simple look with this one.
Using "Peacock Feathers" Distress Oxide Ink, I painted a line acorss the card, just below centre, I then used the same ink, diluted to lesser strengths to graduate the colour, almost back to white at the base.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the butterfly, wild flowers and sentiment. All are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "On The Wild Side - TE50" stamp set. I then added painted colour to the butterfly using "Prize Ribbon" Distres Oxide Ink. Finally adding some black dots by the butterfly.
I'm on a roll with my creativity today, with another Artist Trading Card. I coated a page from an old book with diluted white acrylic paint. At the base of the card, I made it a little thicker. Once dry, I glued it on to a piece of card and rounded the corners.
On another old book page, I positioned the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Tall Trees Stencil - SS44" and applied two shades of Distress Oxide Inks through the stencil, replicating the process three times. The shades of ink I used are: Lucky Clover and Peacock Feathers. I then fussy cut the shapes.
Using some ink I had on a small blending brush and the torn edge of a piece of paper, I create the landscape, I repeated the process with some grey and dark blue ink for the sky. Ihen glued the trees into position. I added some white areas against the left side of the trees to replicate snow.
I splattered white paint from a fan shaped paint brush, to create a blizzared look. The paint I used is Dr Ph.Martin's white bleed proof paint. Finally, using Versaifne Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink, I stamped the "peace" sentiment, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Christmas Wishes - TE22" stamp set.
Another make from me today with this card. I masked off rectangles of colour, and applied Ranger Archival Inks through the masked areas. using Pink Peony, Vibrant Fuschia and Cactus Flower shades of ink.
I then used "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival ink through the Tracy Evans "Distressed Diamonds SS31 Stencil" in a couple of areas. I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black innk to stamp the flowers, sentiment and blocks of numbers, all are part of the Tracy Evans ""Special Delivery - TE64" stamp set.
I added white dots to the mid coloured rectangle, black dots around the flower base and drwen three circles. Finally adding some sticky backed dots to the edge of the big circle.
Here's my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I've used a piece of card that I printed using bubble wrap and acrylic paint, for the background random design.
I've used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink for all my stamping. I stamped the post card from the Tracy Evans "Special Delivery - TE64" stamp set. I then stamped the dog and the "Follow your heart" sentiment, from the Tracy Evans "Beauty Surrounds Us - TE56" stamp set.
Next, I stamped the hearts from the Tracy Evans "Quirky Birds - TE10" stamp set, then I added doodle lines and dots using a black fine liner pen.
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 28 is "Honeycomb
I started with white card cut into a tag shape and used three shades of Ranger Archival Inks to colour the base, using "Sunflower" at the top, "Tiger Lily" in the middle and "Monarch Orange towards the base of the tag.
Next, I ran the "Picked Raspberry" Distress Oxide Ink pad over the surface of the Funky Fossil Designs "Honeycomb Background Stencil", gave it a light sprtiz of water then stamped the image over the tag. I then used Versafine Clair "Charming Pink" ink through the Funky Fossil Designs "Honey Bees stencil".
Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the bee, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs stamp set called "Queen Bee", I stamped the sentiment at the base of the tag is from the same stamp set and is also stamped in Nocturne. I coloured the bee using Derwent Inktense Pencils and Posca Pens.
I used white card and two Memorybox die, through the Sizzix Big Shot to create the honeycomb. The dies I used are"Honeycomb Stitched Circle Frame" and "Honeycomb Background", I glued them into postion on the tag.
Finally, I added some black and white dots/splatters using Posca Pens and added touches of a gold coloured gel pen to various areas.
I managed to find my way back in to the craft room and made this Artist Trading Card (ATC).
I used a grey coloured piece of card and stamped the retriever dog, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Beauty Ssurrounds Us - TE56" stamp set, stamped in Versifne Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I grounded the dog using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink. Then using the same ink, I stamped the flowers, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set.
On a piece of light green card of the same card, I die cut a circle. I stamped the same wild flowers along the lower section of the card, then glued it over the grey image. I used a white and yellow coloured Posca Pen and a white gel pen for the flowers and highlighted areas.
This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I've used a Tracy Evans Boutique Designs stencil and stamp set.
First I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the flower, which is part of the Tract Evans "Special Delivery - TE64" stamp set. I then used a paint brush to apply Pebeo "Drawing gum" oa masking fluid, over the stamped area.
I used four shades of Ranger Archival Inks through the Tracy Evans "Brick Wall Stencil - ST9". The shades of ink I used are: Shadow Gray, Leaf Green, Tea Rose and Orange Blossom.
I rubbed off the masking fluid. Using a black fine liner pen, I drew circles round a lid. I then used Van Gock Pastel Pencils to colour the flower and areas where the circles overlapped. finally I added some dashes round the edge to replicate stiitches.
This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I've used pastels through the Tracy Evans "6x6 Brick Wall Stencil - ST9), in various shades of white, browns, greens and red shades. I stamped the lamp post and the sentiment in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. The stamps are part of the Tracy Evans "Flora and Fauna - TE53" stamp set. The dog, also stamped in Verasfine Clair "Nocturne" black ink is part of the Tracy Evans "Beauty Surrounds Us - TE56" stamp set.
I grounded the dog and the lamp-post by using versafine Clair "Morning Mist" and added touches of black fine liner pen to some of the bricks and a white gel pen to the lamp-post.
An evening play session, making this Artist Trading Session (ATC). I used two Distress Oxide Inks painted on to a central band of the card and then stretching the colours from top to bottom by dragging the paint brush. The two shades of ink I used are: Crushed Olive" and "Saltwater Taffy".
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the flower on to the card. I then stamped it again on a piece of white card, painting it using a brush with a Derwent Inktense pencil. I then fussy cut the image and glued it into position over the original stamped flower. The flower is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Flora and fauna - TE53" stamp set. The sentiment (also stamped in Nocturne), is from the same stamp set.
Finally, I added some dots of black pen and then some larger dots of white Ranger Enamel Accents.
I found the background of this card in my stash, if I remember correctly I used the Lavinia Stamps "Charming Stencil" with inks, I don't recall which ones, to stamp the stencil design on to the card. There was quite a lot of white space on this card, so I added some yellow and orange diluted Distress Oxide Ink to the card. The colours I added are: Mustard Seed and Spiced Marmalade.
Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the witches, all three are from the Lavinia Stamps "Coven of the blue moon" stamp set. Using Versafine Clair "Twilight", a dark blue ink, I created the landscape using the Lavinia Stamps "hill masks". I used the same ink round the edges of the card. Returning to Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the trees on each side of the witches, using the Lavinia Stamps "Tree of courage" and "Tree of hope" stamps.
I used pastel pencils to colour the trees and some of the landscape, adding touches of white gel pen as highlights and tiny dots of yellpw and white Posca Pen for flowers.
This is my morning Artist Trading Card (ATC), I think the muted colours reflect what is going on outside, the fog horn has been sounding all night and there is a thick mist/fog hanging in the air, obstructing my view of the sea and the breakwater.
The background design is a piece I made a while back using acrylic paint and bubble wrap to create the circles. I used Versafine Clair 'Nocturne" black ink and "Morning Mist" grey ink for the stamping of two Tracy Evans stamp sets. "Wilderness - TE52" for the deer and the sentiment and "On the wild side - TE50" for the trees.
This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day, using three Tracy Evans Boutique Designs stamp sets.
I stamped the Tracy Evans "Quirky Bird - TE10" and the word "Tweet" from the same set in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the line of clocks from the Tracy Evans "Wilderness - TE52" stamp set and the line with dots from the Tracy Evans "Berries - TE55" stamp set.
I gave a wash of an aqua coloured water colour paint and then used a pink water colour paint on the bird. I needed it to be more vibrant so used a neon pink Posca Pen to add tiny dots to the bird to lift the colour. Finally, adding some more black dots and a loose stitching detail round the edge using a black fine liner pen.
I kept looking at the antlers of the deer on the Tracy Evans "Wilderness - TE52" stamp set and thinking I'm sure they'd make a tree, so I decided to have a go, creating this scene.
I masked off the bottom third of the card and then added a vertical strip of tape in the middle of the white card, so that I had something to stamp up to. I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the right hand side of the tree. I then moved the central strip of tape over to the right hand side slightly and stamped the left hand side.
I, then popped a circle of paper over part of the tree as a moon mask and coloured the sky area using four shades of Distress Oxide Inks. The colours I used are: Tumbled Glass, Stormy Sky, Prize Ribbon and Chipped Sapphire.
I then moved on to the landscape using the torn edge of rough paper and two shades of Versaifne Clair ink. I used "Nocturne" the black ink and "Morning Mist" the grey ink.
I used a black fine liner pen to draw in the tree trunk and add some grass tufts to the hillside. I used a white gel pen for detail and a white pastel pencils to lighten the area around the moon.
I am clearly feeling the bright colours, with this and my previous make. I've no idea why this happens but it seems to!
I started with the sky, using several shades of Distress Oxide Inks. The colours I used are: Mustard Seed, Carved Pumpkin, Ripe Persimmon, Picked Raspberry and Villainous Potion. For the snow area, I used a couple of Ranger Archival inks: Forget Me Not and Shadow Grey along with a couple of pastel pencils.
I stamped the trees, which are actually branches from the Tracy Evans "Silhouettes - TE38" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I stamped the hares and the berries, whicha are both part of the Tracy Evans "Berries - TE55" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Fallen Leaves" a dark brown ink. I used a red Posca Pen for the berries and used Dr Ph. Martin's Bleed Proof White Paint, applied with a paint brush to create the idea of snow on the trees and the berries.
This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I used a piece of pink card for the base then lay the Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stencil THMM108 over the top and applied "Vibrant Fuschia" Ranger Archival Ink through the stencil. I then used a red fine liner pen to add circles within the darker dots.
On a piece of white card, I stamped the cat and the balloon, which are part of the Tim Holts / Stampers Anonymous s"tencila and stamp set - THMM109", using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I then splattered the ink from a white Posca Pen across the surface of the card.
I coloured the cat by painting "Carved Pumpkin" Distress Oxide Ink and a red Posca Pen for the bow tie. I used "Lucky Clover" Distress Oxide Ink for the ballloon, adding gold cooured dots with a gel pen. I fussy cut both shapes.
Finally, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the "Hello Friend" sentiment, the stamp is part of the same stamp set I mentioned earlier. I drrew a black line around the card, like a frame using a black fine liner pen, then glued the fussy cut cat and balloon onto the vcard, I then drew in the string for the balloon.
I've been playing with layers on this card. Starting with drawing the shapes of random pebbles toward the base of the card. I then painted the shapes using Prima Watercolour Confections "Tropicals" paint and a gold shimmer paint by CSY Art Gallery..
I then stamped the clocks and flowers background, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Garden Elements - TE30" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink. I then stamped the wren, from the same stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. But it looked too solid, so I stamped it again on a piece of white card using Versaifne Clair "Acorn" a mid brown coloured ink. I then coloured the brown stamped image using Van Goch pastel pencils, fussy cut the shape and glued over the black stamped image.
To finish, I used a black fine liner pen to draw round the pebble shapes and added some black dots to some of the pebbles too.
This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I've used Verasfine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the hydrangea petals on to kitchen roll. The petals are part of the Tracy Evans "Garden Elements - TE30" stamp set. I've then inked the edges of the petals using "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Ink, fussy cut the petals then peeled off the extra layer of paper on the back to achieve a delicate less rigid looking petal . I've then glued them on to the grey coloured card base.
I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink again to "finger" stamp sections of a text stamp which is in Tracy Evans "Create A Garden - TE66" stamp set, stamped in random poisitons. I then added some silver coloured sticky backed dots from Funky Fossil Designs, finally adding some black and white dots of ink by the text and a Tim Holtz "idea-ology" word sticker saying "faith".
A late in the day Artist Trading Card (ATC) make from me today. I added a wide band of a peach coloured water colour paint down the middle of the card, then painted a line of bright pink down the centre of the stripe of colour.
Once dry I was able to stamp the background design, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Create Your Own Story - TE51" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink. I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the bird, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Create A Garden - TE66" stamp set. finally adding some black dots and a touch of white to the bird.
The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:
This is a weekly challenge. I provide you with a prompt/theme each Sunday morning through out the year. The challenge is very relaxed. You can do as much or as little as you like. You can create cards, tags, Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) or index cards, the choice is yours. You just go with what ever is in your head at the time. You can stamp, get inky, use patterned papers, texture, embellish it is all down to you.
There is a dedicated private Facebook Group, with a lovely bunch of people who are already sharing their makes from previous challenges. You can find the group by clicking this link. I'd love you to join in.
The prompt for Week 27 is "Diamonds"
Starting with a plain white tag, I sprinkled some Ken Oliver Crafts "Bursts" paint in a turquoise and orchid colours on to the surface (I think I got these as a free gift when I subscribed to a magazine years ago, they're a bit like Brusho paint). I then spritzed the surface lightly with water and watched the colour develop, setting aside to dry fully.
Over the top of that, I lay a Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous "THmm104"stencil down and applied Deco Art "Snow" acrylic paint through the stencil using a stencil brush with hardly any paint on it to create the diamond shapes I then splattered white acrylic paint and a metallic gold paint from a paint brush, again setting aside till fully dry.
On a white piece of card, I stamped the bird, which is part of a Sizzix / Tim Holtz Framelits die called Love you - 660190" stamp and die set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink. I then die cut the bird using the die from the same set. While the Sizzix / Big Shot was out, I also cut a multi circle dot shape in white card.
I glued the circle die cut on to the card, then used foam pads to adhere the bird over the top, to give dimension. I used two Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" word stickers saying "Sprinkle Inspiration", which I edged in gold pen. I also edged the tag in gold coloured dots using a gel pen.
For the floral background of this card, I have used the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs 6x6" Wildflower Stencil with four shades of Ranger Archival Inks. The colours of inks I used for the flowers are: Chrome Yellow, Sunflower, Tea Rose and Tiger Lily.
Moving on to the stamping, using the Tracy Evans "Love Grows Here - TE65" stamp set, used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the feather. I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the birds and the sentiment.
Finally, I added some shading using a pastel pencil and added white dots to the background frame area using a Posca Pen.
Before leaving my craft desk to do house work chores, I made this very quick card. I used three shades of Ranger Archival Inks through a circle stencil. The colours of ink I used are: Forget Me Not, Shadow Grey and Vivid Chartreuse.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the flower, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Love grows here - TE65" stamp set. I then used a fine liner pen in black to draw circles and dots.
For this Artist Trading Card (ATC): Using a white card base, and Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the base text which is the Tracy Evans "Background Elements TE11" stamp. I then inked the edges and dragged Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" and "Avocado" inks down the length of the ATC.
On an off cut of white card, using Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink, I stamped the flower and then the bird (in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink), both these elements are part of the Tracy Evans "New Beginnings - TE4" stamp set.
I fussy cut the shape and glued it on to the prepared ATC base. I added more colour to the flower using a pastel pencil and a yellow Posca Pen, finally adding dots of black Ranger Enamel Accents to provide depth to the background.
I used a piece of white card 4x4" on one edge I added diluted "Saltwater Taffy" Distress Oxide Ink. Once dry, I then added another layer of ink using a narrower strip of diluted "Picked Raspberry" Distress Oxide Ink. I used a little of the "Saltwater Taffy" ink on a fan shaped paint brush to splatter fine dots of paint over some of the white area. I then wafted the heat gun over the surface till totally dry.
I tore the edge of a piece of copy paper and used the torn edge as a mask over some of the inked edge. I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to multi stamp the text from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set, repeating the process till the right hand edge of the card was filled with text.
Next, I used the wild flowers from the same "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Twilight" a dark blue ink. I added some touches of yellow Posca Pen to the middle of the flowers.
Finally, I used a small bird from the Tracy Evans "Garden Elements - TE30" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink. I added touches of white gel pen to areas and some white dots of Posca Pen to the pink areas.
I thought I would share a photo of the first 26 tags i have made for The Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026" - the half way mark, down hill to 2027 now!
I now need to start to schedule the prompts for the 2027 challenge. I keep a list of ideas on my phone, adding to the list as I think of a new prompts, I find this easier than trying to think of them all together!
My Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day uses the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set.
This was a really quick make, using a piece of yellow card for the background and dragging three shades of Ranger Archival Inks across the card. The colours I used are: Cactus Flower, Vibrant Fuchsia and a very small amount of Violet. I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the wild flowers and the sentiment, both are part of the Tracy Evans "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set. I also used the same ink to ink the lower edges of the ATC.
Another make using one of the recently released stamp sets from Tracy Evans. For this card, I have used the "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set.
I used a circle mask for the coloured circle, drawing a line where I knew I would be stamping. then I used "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink through the circle shape, leaving the area where I would be stamping lighter in colour.
I used two colours of Versafine Clair inks for the fuchsia, using "Avocado" green and "Baby Pink" coloured ink. I then coloured the flowers with Derwent Inktense coloured pencils, applied with a paint brush.
I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the bird and branch, which is also part of the "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set. Finally, I added extra detail to the flowers and the bird using a white gel pen, adding some white dots to break up the grey colour using a Posca Pen.
This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC), for the day. I've used the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Garden Elements TE30" stamp set across this card.
Stamping the flower in Versafine Clair "Carrot Orange" and "Avocado" shades of ink and the wren and sentiment in "Acorn" brown ink. I edged the card in the same brown ink too.
For the background colour, I used "Tumbled Glass" Distress Oxide Ink applied with a paint brush, adding gold coloured dots over the top of the blue. I painted the flower and wren using Derwent Inktense pencisl adding touches of a 2B pencil and gold coloured gel pen.
I'm not sure if it is too early for the "C" word, but here's a Christmas card I made this morning.
I started by masking off a circle and filling it with two shades of Ranger Archival Inks, using "Sunflower" at the top and blending into a darker shade "Tea Rose" at the bottom.
In the middle of the large circle, using Versafine Clair "Chianti" a deep red coloured ink, I stamped the large star, then stamped the two smaller stars in the same ink. The stars are part of the Tracy Evans Designs "A Promise of Tomorrow - TE63" stamp set. I then stamped the two smaller stars. I edged the large circle in black pen then drew round a couple of lids in black pen for the smaller circles.
Masking off the star, with a piece of paper, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the holly branches and the little birds in the small circles. These are also part of the "A Promise of Tomorrow - TE63" stamp set.
Across the middle of the star, I stamped the "Peace & Joy" sentiment, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Christmas Sentiment" stamp set, also stamped in Versafine Clair "Ncoturne" black ink.
Within the central star I added touches of gold coloured gel pen. I also added little splatters of black and gold ink aorund the holly, finally adding some dots to the edge of the medium sized circle.
I'm late in the day with my Artist Trading Card (ATC), so here it it.
I started with a piece of grey card by rouding the corners. I then placed the Tracy Evans Boutique Dsigns "Snippet Stencil Leaf - SS32) over the top of the card and applied "Yellow Ochre" Pan Pastel through the stencil.
Once the stencil was lifted, I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the snowdrops and the sentiment, which are both part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "One of a kind - TE54" stamp set. I used the same ink for the edges of the ATC.
I then used a black pen to go round the edge of the leaf and a gold coloured gel pen to draw extra detail on the leaf. Around the edge of the leaf, I used an orange and a white Posca Pen to add dots to the background, circling some of the orange dots in a black fine liner pen.
A quick early morning make and I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Using grey coloured card for the base, I used Versaifne Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the nigella plant, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Explore Nature - TE67" stamp set. I coloured the image and made a moon in the background using Van Goch Pastel pencils.
A quick play in the craft room this evening making this Artist Trading Card (ATC).
I've used a small piece of lightly coloured yellow and blue Brusho painted background for the base, stamping the large dandelion from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Love Grows Here - TE65" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink. I inked the edges of the card in the same ink.
I've added extra yelllow to the background using Elements "Lemon Drop" ink, applied with a cotton bud. I then used Versafine Clair "Ncoturne" black ink to stamp the "Quiet Moments" sentiment, which is part of the Tracy Evans "One of a kind - TE54" stamp set. I used the same ink and stamp set for the random areas of text on the card. Finally, adding extra detail with a silver glitter pen, a white gel pen and a black fine liner pen.
Another Artist Trading Card (ATC) from me today. I've used a light covering of "Periwinkle" Ranger Artchival Ink for the background colour. I have then used "Vivd Chartreuse" Ranger Archival ink through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Snippet Stencil - Fronds", multi positioned to cover most of the surface.
Next, using Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink I stamped the fern fronds, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Special Delivery - TE64" stamp set. I used a wild flower from the Tracy Evans "Create a garden - TE66" stamp set, stamped in the same ink.
In the bottom right hand corner, I added a snail, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Love grows here - TE65" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink. I used the same ink to stamp the "Flora and fauna" sentiment, which is part of the Tracy Evans "Special Delivery - TE64" stamp set. I used the same ink to edge the ATC. I then added touches of a gold coloured gel pen to the fern and snail and a white Posca Pen to the wild flowers.
When you can't sleep... craft! It's another middle of the night make from me, with this Artist Trading Card (ATC).
Starting with a white piece of card, I used Versafine Clair "Avocado" green ink to stamp part of the Tracy Evans "Background Elements - TE11" stamp I then lighty coated the surface of the card using Versafine Clair "Arctic" a light blue coloured ink.
I used Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" ink to stamp the flowers on the right hand side and the word "Shine", inking the edge of the card in the same ink. I then used Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" turquoise coloured ink to stamp the special delivery sign and the bubbles, All of these stamped elements are part of one of the new stamp sets by Tracy Evans, it's called "Special Delivery - TE64".
Finally, I used a blending brush to add more colour to the edges of the card using more Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink. I added some white Posca Pen to the bubbles, a white gel pen to the flowers and a yellow Posca Pen to the middle of the flowers. Then added a tied piece of string round the middle of the card (recycled from the packaging of the Tracy Evans order of stamps I had received).
Today, I recieved a very speedy turn around of an order of stamps I placed on Saturday, which arrived with me mid-day today, Monday. The stamps are from Tracy Evans Boutique Designs and are part of her recent new release of stamps and stencils.
In my prepared background folder, I found a peice of card with yellow and green spray inks across the surface, so decided that this would be the base. I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the garland, birds and sentiment of "Love grows here", all these images are part of the new stamp set called "Love grows here - TE65".
Next I used the Tracy Evans "Snippet Stencil Heart - SS12" with "Monarch Orange" Ranger Archival Ink to create the heart shape. I then used Versafine Clair "Summertime" orange ink to stamp the flowers within the heart using flowers from another new stamp set by Tracy Evans called "Create a garden - TE66".
I returned to the Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the small hearts within the large heart shape. These little hearts are part of the Tracy Evans "Quirky Birds - TE10" stamp set.
I decided I wanted some bolder colour around the edges of the card, so used a blenting brush to apply "Mowed Lawn" Distress Oxide Ink at the lower section of the card and "Mustard Seed" Distress Oxide Ink at the top. Finally, I added some dots to the garland and a mohican haircut to one of the birds, using a black fine liner pen.
Time for a birthday card, I made this about a week ago, but don't share the posts till later on the day of the birthday. I don't like feeling pressured to create anything. For me, it takes the joy away from crafting.
Starting with a white piece of card, I used Versafine Clair "Verdant", a lime green coloured ink to stamp the dots around the edge of the card. The dots are part of a Stampin' Up stamp set called "Dragonfly Dreams". I then used the same ink with a blending brush to colour the edges of the card.
I used "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink with a blending brush to colour the central area of the card. Then using Versafine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink and a cotton but, I stamped dots and edged the card in the same ink.
I used Versafine Clair "Twilight", a dark blue ink to stamp the dragonfly, which is also part of the "Dragonfly Dreams" stamp set. I used the same ink to stamp the sentiment, which is party of a 7 piece stamp set, by Chloes Creative Cards, which came free with Simply Cards & Papercraft Magazine, Issue 283.I then used three gel glitter pens, a silver, a green colour and blue colour to add sparkle and shimmer to the card surface.
In the corner of my desk, I found a small piece of card painted in bright yellow, that was just big enought for an Artist Trading Card (ATC), so I decided to use it for the base of my next ATC.
I used Versafine Clair "Carrot Orange" ink to stamp the Dark Room Dooe "Zebra Print Background Stamp". Howeverm because of the paint I had used ion the base, it took some time to set, which allowed me to drag some of the ink off with a wet wipe, reulting in a more distressed look background.
I added a black frower die cut, some black and white dots of Posca Pen, some sgold coloured sticky dots and finally a Tim Holtz / Ideaology" word sticker saying "just one life".
A quick Artist Trading Card from me today, using different widths of Washi Tape for the background. Topped with part of a Memory Box Co. "Kensington Border 98743" butterfly die cut, I've added a word sticker saying "be amazed" and dots of gold coloured gel pen and white Ranger Enamel Accents.
This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. I covered a white background with "Old Paper" Distress Oxide Ink. I stamped the Stampin' Up hydrangea using a stamp from theirn "Because I care" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Avocado" green ink. I used a small flower stamp from the same stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Dahlia Purple" I multi stamped the design in the background.
I used a cotton bud head tip to colour the flower head using the following shades of Versafine Clair Ink". Shady Lane, Dahlia Purple and Purple Delight. I inked the edges of the card with Versafine Clair Shady Lane green ink and used a green Derwent Inktense pencil to colour the leaves.
I added extra detail using a yellow Posca Pen and a black fine liner pen, finally adding a word sticker staying "be awesome today".
The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:
This is a weekly challenge. I provide you with a prompt/theme each Sunday morning through out the year. The challenge is very relaxed. You can do as much or as little as you like. You can create cards, tags, Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) or index cards, the choice is yours. You just go with what ever is in your head at the time. You can stamp, get inky, use patterned papers, texture, embellish it is all down to you.
There is a dedicated private Facebook Group, with a lovely bunch of people who are already sharing their makes from previous challenges. You can find the group by clicking this link. I'd love you to join in.
The prompt for Week 26 is "just add water"
Here we are at the mid point of The Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026", thanks for keeping me company on this challenge, it is very much appreciated.
The prompt for this week may seerm a bit scary, but actually when you think about it, there are a few options that you can consider for your make. maybe diluted water colour paints, adding a spritz ot water to Brusho Paints or similar granular paints, or spritz a stamped design, which is what I have done to create this tag.
I started with a piece of smooth-ish water colour card. I used "Squeezed Lemonade" Distress Oxide Ink to stamp the Sweet Poppy Stencils "Fern" stamp. I used a stamping platform to multi-stamp the image in the same position to get a good covering of ink. I then spritzed the surface with water, letting the ink run and expand.
Once dry, I then repeated the process (keeping the stamp and tag in the same position in the stamping platform), but this time using "Rustic Wilderness" Distress Oxide Ink. Spritzing the surface and allowing the ink to move as it pleased.
Again, retaining the tag and stamp in the same position, I used Versafine Clair "Rain Forest" a dark green ink to stamp the image again. I used a white and a green Derwent Inktense Pencils to give a little colour to the stamped leaves.
I edged the tag with "Evergreen Bough" Distress Oxide Ink, using a blending brush to pull the colour from the edge, towards the stamped image, I then added some dark sequins and then smaller dots and a line frame round the edge of the tag using a black pen using a fine liner pen. Finally adding a couple of Tim Hoitz "idea-ology" word stickers saying "create magic".
For this Artist Trading Card (ATC), I used a piece of card from my stash that I had painted with a yellow colour using a childs water colour paint set.
I used Versafine Clair ":Shady Lane", a mid green coloured ink to stamp the Stampin' Up "Olive Branch" stamp. I used the same ink to stamp the word "Moments" whicb is part of a That's Crafty "Lots of words stamp set".
I used a corner rounder and then inked the edges of the card using Versafine Clair "Chianti" dark red ink, dragging the ink from the edges towards the stamped image. Finally, adding dots to the background using a gold coloured gel pen.
For this card, I used several Distress Oxide Inks for create the background colour. The shades of ink I used are: Carved Pumpkin, Worn Lipstick, Squeezed Lemonade and Picked Raspberry.
I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the hare, which is a Funky Fossil Designs stamp called "Scribble Hare". I then inked the edges of the card using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, dragging the edge of the ink pad across the edge of the card for more detail.
I used "Abandoned Coral" Distress Oxide Ink through a Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous stencil, called "Sparkle Layering Stencil - THS132".
I then stamped the "Big Birthday Wishes" greeting which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiments" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne' black ink. Finally, I used a gold coloured gel pen to draw around the square and add small polka dots across the surface of the card.
For this Artist Trading Card (ATC), I covered a piece of card with a butterfly print patterned paper, then added two torn edged pieces of cardstock at the base. I then added a die cut cat silhouette shape, cut using the Poppy Stamps Inc. "Large Sitting Cat - 871" die. Mext I used a black fine liner to add a frame and dots round the cat, Finally, adding a word sticker saying "Stay Curious".