Lavinia Stamps Pixy Houses in Silversong Willow Woods

I used a tag from my stash with a Brusho print from a stencil.  I had used Lemon and Leaf Green Brusho.  This was the second print from the stencil so there is less stencil design.

I loosely coloured over the tag using "Sky Blue" and "Leaf Green" Ranger Archival Ink to give a unified coloured base.

I used "Accorn" Versafine Clair ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Silversong Willow" trees, extending some of the branches using the Lavinia "Witch Hazel" branch.

I used the torn edge of a piece of paper with "Shady Lane" Versafine Clair green ink to create the landscapes. I then used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Pixy Houses"

To finish, I used Posca Pens, a white gel pen and a 2B pencil for extra detail and colour.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 4

Today is Day 4 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  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 4, I've used two shades of Distress Oxide Inks (Tumbled Glass and Stormy Sky), through an aperture stencil for the central circle of colour.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Creative Expressions "Botanical Frames CEC1032" and the "nature" word from the same stamp set.

Finally, I added a bird from the Dina Wakley collage papers and added some dots of "Aqua Green" Posca Pen.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 3

Today is Day 3 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  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 3, I've used off cuts from previous Brusho projects and pieces of blue card with blue acrylic paint on them to create this collage.

I've used three of the birds from Dina Wakley collage papers and two words from the Tim Holtz "idea-ology Chitchat" book of word stickers.

Lavinia Stamps "Magpie "and "Moss Cap Mushrooms" just for you card

I don't recall the last time I played wth my Lavinia Stamps, it was definitely a few months ago, likely before Hubby was diagnosed with bowel cancer in early December  I've just not been in the right frame of mind to craft.  Fortunately, he is making a good recovery from his operation, which is likely why I felt the need to use my stamps.

For this card, I used Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Moss Cap Mushrooms". I then used Versafine Clair "Acorn" ink to stamp the Lavinia "Star Cap Mushrooms".  

I used Versafine Clair "Avocado" green ink and the torn edge of a piece of paper to create the ground.

I then used a Lavinia "Moon mask" with "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink to spotlight the top of the mushrooms.  Then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp one of the Lavinia "Magpies".

I used Derwent Inktense water colour pencils (Fern, Tan and Scarlet Pink shades) for colouring the mushrooms, along with touches of white gel pen.  I used red and yellow Posca Pens for the flowers in the grass a 3B pencil to darken areas.

Finally, using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink, I stamped the sentiment using one of the Lavinia 'Heartfelt Verse" stamps.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 2

Today is Day 2 of the 100 Day Project 2026.  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 2 make. I used collage papers I had made as part of the Collage Breakthrough course a few weeks ago.  I used a bird from the Dina Wakley collage papers and three Tim Holtz "Idea-ology "Chitchat" words.  Finished off by drawing a circle in black fine liner and adding some black sticky backed gems to the edge of the circle.

The 100 Day Project 2026 - Day 1

The 22nd February 2026 is the first day of "The 100 Day Project" and I have decided to take part in it.

The idea is that for the next 100 days, you commit to doing a bit of quick crafting of maybe 5-10 minutes long. There are no prompts, so you can create anything you want in what ever format you prefer.

For my project, I have cut lots 4x4" squares of white card to work on.  My plan is to use a collage style with stamps and stencils, that in itself is not a challenge for me, but commiting to 100 days is.  You may recall I completed a similar challenge a couple of years ago.

For my Day 1 make, I have used " Bluebird" Ranger Archival Ink through the Funky Fossil Designs "Bokeh Builder Stencil".  

I used a piece of Dina Wakely collage tissue paper with birds on glued over the top of the circles.  I then edged the circles with small pen strokes using a black fine liner pen. I used an "Aqua Green" Posca Pen to make polka dots within the circles

Finally, in between the circles, I have used a striped stencil with "Shadow Grey" Ranger Archival Ink to create the stripes.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 8

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 8 is "String"

For my Week 8 "String" tag, I've used blue and green patterened papers to cover a plain tag.  I then used the Sizzix / Stampin' Up "Swirly Scribbles Thinlit Dies 141497, to cut various shapes in different coloured card.

I put wet glue down on to the tag and made use of a piece of string that had wrapped a package, starting in the middle of the glue circle, I tightly wrapped the string tightly round itself to create what looked like a mini drinks coaster.  I then added further circles of string around it with informal gaps to replicate a nest.

I used more wet glue to stick the die cuts into position.  With the eggs, I added speckles of colour using Posca Pens.

Rummaging through my stash I came across a shape of a cardboard bird.  I covered it in patterned paper and then inked some of the edge and stuck into position.

Finally, I used a gold coloured gel pen to add highlights to the nest area.  I used a word sticker saying "expecting", mounted on to a piece of card and then also edged in gold coloured gel pen.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 7

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 7 is "Oriental / Chinese New Year"

For my week 7 tag, I used white card for the base and cut a circle out of black card and placed the black card over the white, to expose the white circle.  

I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the fish, which is part of the Funky Fossil Designs "Dreaming of Japan" stamp set.

I used a pencil to draw wavy lines, then painted the areas between the lines using Derwent Inktense pencils, applied with a paint brush.  I used three shades:  Iron Blue, Bright Blue and Deep Indigo.

I used "Wild Flame" Derwent Inktense pencil along with a gold gel pen and black fine liner pen to colour the fish.

I stamped the "Friend" greeting, which is also part of the Funky Fossil "Dreaming of Japen" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

Finally, I used a gold coloured gel pen to add lines and dots to the blue background, also edging the cirlcle in the same colour.

Walking on sunshine by Heidi Swain - Book Review

I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity from the publisher Simon & Schulster UK, to read and review "Walking on sunshine" by Heidi Swain, one of my favourite authors.

Previously, books written by Heidi Swain are based in Norfolk, but this book has jumped the county lines into Suffolk. It features a village called "Willowell", where the main character, Tilly used to spend childhood summer holidays with her Dad and brother.

Tilly returns to Willowell to scatter the her Father's ashes, which brings back many memories of her halcyon summers, especially the fields by the river and her dream house "Fernside".  On her journey to Willowell she meets James, her "Meet Cute" who rescues her hat.

Tilly is at a crossroads in her life, she has given up the job that she hates, handed in her notice on the flat share and has the seeds of a business idea she would like to grow.  She spots a "For Sale" sign for Willowell woods that would be the perfect location for her new venture.

Life takes a turn when Tilly meets the owner of the woods, Constance" who can make Tilly's dreams come true.  But things like a love life can get in the way of Tilly'a plans.

I really enjoyed reading "Walking on sunshine".  The writing flows beautifully, allowing the reader to visualise everything.  In my opinion, this book is a must read and is available to pre-order on Amazon or purchase in the shops from 23rd April 2026.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 6

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 6 is "Woodgrain/ tree bark"

I painted a white tag with pale green/blue water colours for the base of the tag, then used Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" light brown ink to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs "Woodgrain" stamp".  I then repeated the proces in different areas using the same stamp but with "Acorn" mid brown Versafine Clair ink

In the gaps, I then stamped the Funky Fossil Designs "Vintage Script" stamp in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Next, I lay the Funky Fossil Designs "Large Polka Dots Stencil" over the tag and applied "Avocado" green Versafine Clair ink through some of the dots.  I then stamped the Funky Fossil "Ferns" using "Fallen Leaves" dark brown ink.

I used Derwent Inktense pencils with a paint brush to add extra colour to the woodgrain/bark,  I used a gold pencil to outline some of the green circles and to edge the tag.  Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Ideaology" word sticker saying "Explore".

Funky Fossil Designs "Happiness Blooms" Good Luck Card

 

Another brief trip into the craft room this afternoon, making this "Good Luck" card.

I used a circle aperture stencil shading the edge with "Mint Chill" 49 and Market ink to give a very soft colour.

I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs 'Happiness Blooms" and the greeting from the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiment" stamp set.

I used two Derwent Inktense pencils "Maethyst" and "Olivina" to colour the stamped image, finally adding some dots of white Ranger "Enamel Accents".

Funky Fossil Designs "Beauty In Boom" thinking of you card

I slipped into the craft room for half an hour again today and made this card.  Nothing too strenuous, using a piece of Prima Marketing patterned paper, from their "Zephyr" 6x6 paper stack, for the base.

I used Versafine Clair to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs "Beauty in bloom" face and flowers.  Stamping the flowers again on to white card and fussy cutting then sticking them on to the card.

Finally, I used a sentiment from the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiments" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

Prima "Rosarian" Patterned Paper Birthday Card

Getting in the craft room two days in a row is not something that has not been happening recently, but here's another Birthday card I've made this weekend.

I've used some patterned papers from a Prima Marketing 6x6 stack called "Rosarian".  I used a word sticker from my stash for the greeting and die cut into a banner shape. Finally using a gold gel pen to add highlights and dorts to various areas.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 5

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 5 is "Robins"

For the background of this tag, I have used a 3D embossing folder, (sorry I have no idea of the brand), run through the Big shot.  I then used Van Goch "Water Colour Pencils" applied with a paint brush to paint the flowers and leaves and ground in very pale colours.

On an off cut of card, I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Jemima" Robin using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.  I then added extra colour using Van Goch water colour pencils.  Fussy cut the robin and stuck in on to the tag using foam pads, so that it is more 3D looking.  I grounded the robin using Van Goch "Pastel Pencils".

Sweet Poppy Stencil Butterfly Card

 

I've been in the craft room this morning making this card using some new inks.  The Ranger "49 and Market" collection.  They are the most beautiful colours!

I used a piece of 300gsm white card for the base. I lay the Sweet Poppy Stencils "Harmony Backplate Stencil" over the card and applied "Pink Sands" 49 and Market ink throught part of the stencil.

Next, I used a Sweet Poppy Butterfly stencil, designed by Tracey Dutton of Lavinia Stamps, off the page with Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.  I used the same ink to stamp the "Happy Birthday" sentiment which is part of the Sweet Poppy Stencils "Hugs and Kisses" stamp set.

Next, I used the Sweet Poppy "Dots Backplate Stencil" with 49 and Market "Fossil" ink.  I edged  the card with "Mint Chill" 49 and Market green ink. 

Finally, I added some white dots of Ranger "Enamel Accents".

Collage and Memory Box "Chloe Stem" Die Cut

 

Today, I have had a quick play with some of the collage papers I made when taking part in the "Collage Breakthrough" course, making this page.

Once the papers were stuck into position, I used a Memory Box "Chloe Stem 98321" die, cut in white card, adding it over the patterned papers.

I used a roll of sticky tape and a black fine liner pen to draw the inner and outer circle.  I then used a gold coloured gel pen to add dots within the cicle.

I added a verse sticker that says "learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow", finally adding five sticky backed black gem stones.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 4

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 4 is "Embossing"

For this prompt, I covered a tag with multi coloured Jane Davenport "Washi Tape", placed it in an embossing folder (I think it's by Crafter's Companion) and then ran it through the big shot.  To expost the wavy lines more, I used a wide nail file to sand the raised embossed surface.

Next, I dug out my box od dies and cut two pieces with a circle cut out design and glued into position on the tag.

I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder with orange coloured card to create the raised sentiment of "For Someone Special". I then die cut the orange card into a banner/flag shape.  I used a larger banner/flag die with white card to cut the larger shape, layering and using foam pads to elevate the greeting.  I then lightly sanded the surface of the greeting to highlight the wording more.  Finally, I glued the banner/greeting into position on the tag.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 3

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 3 is "Feel the chill"

I started out with a white card for the base of this tag, using "Sky Blue" Ranger Archival ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Feather Leaf Stencil".

I then used "Watering Can" Ranger Archival Ink through the Lavinia Stamps "Snowflakes Stencil".

Next, I used "Twilight" Dark Blue Versafine Clair ink to stamp the words "Snow Is Falling" on to an off-cut of white card.  The words are part of the Funky Fossil Designs stamp set called "Filigree Flakes".  I cut the white card with the words on down and glued on to the tag. I used the same ink for the edges of the tag too.

I then used Versafine Clair "Twilight" ink again to stamp the small snowflakes, which are part of the Lavinia Stamps "Snowflakes" stamp set.  In the middle of each large grey snowflake, I added a dot of Ranger "Crystal" Stickles.  In the middle of the stamped dark blue snowflakes, I added a tiny dot of "White Opal" Liquid Pearls.

Funky Fossil Designs "Mechanical Hello" Card

I needed to make a birthday card for my brother, so decided to use a background I had in my stash.  It comprises of various Distress Oxide Inks and then a further Distress Oxide ink applied through the Funky Fossil Designs "Mechanical" stencil.  On the left hand side I had used three shades of Wow! Embossing Powders and heat set.  Sadly the sparkle doesn't show too much in the still photo

I then used the Funky Fossil Designs "Hello Die" with two shades of green cardstock to cut the word out. I layered them with the darker one in the background so that it works as a shadow.  Mounting the card in the same coloured cardstock for continuity.

Catherine Rains "Collage Breakthough" - Lesson 3

Today, I have watched the Day 3 video by Catherine Rains "Breakthrough Collage" course nd made my two four inch collages.  I've used the off cut of papers used from the previous two lessons.  The brief was to leave open space round the edge of the collage.

Also, Cat tells us how we can make our own embellishments uing paints on tissue paper.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 2

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 2 is "Acetate"

For my tag, I decide to use white acrylic paint, applied with a make up sponge, through the Funky Fossil Designs "Snow Storm" Stencil on a sheet of clear acetate cut to tag size which I secured with ribbon, over the top of the dark blue tag.

For the tag below the acetate, I started with a plain white tag, covering it in three shades of Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours I used are Blueprint Sketch, Prize Ribbon and Chipped Sapphire at the top of the tag.  I used a heat gun to ensure it was fully dry before stamping on it.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Crafty Individuals CI-495 Perching Wagtail cling stamp.  I usd the same ink to edge the tag and then a gold coloured gel pen to add highlights to some of the foliage.  I also added a touch of pastel pencil to the bird.

Catherine Rains "Collage Breakthrough" Lesson 1 and 2

I am not in my normal crafting mode, so decided to do something a little different - collage.  On-line I saw an ad for a free collage course, do decided to sign up.  It's run by Catheriine Rains and is called "Collage Breakthrough".  It's a step by step course on how papers work together, whether they're quiet or patterned.  Catherine also guides on how to create your patterned papers.

Lesson one was using two papers one patterned and one quiet.

Lesson two was using  three pieces of collage paper, in each grid there were to be two quiet and one patterned or one quiet and two patterned.

I found it surprising how long I deliberated on the positions and sizes of the papers.  

Funky Fossil Designs "Take 3 Challenge - January 2026

My entry for the Funky Fossil Designs January "Take 3" challenge (Purple, Stitching & Love).

I've used Distress Oxide Inks for the background colour. I've used: Spun Sugar, Picked Raspberrym Wilted Violet, Faded Jeans and Chipped Sapphire. Using Versafine Clair "Fantasia" ink through the Funky Fossil "Scandi Sunburst" stencil.

I've then used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the hearts which is the Funky Fossil "Heartfelt" stamp, heat embossed using Wow! Clear Embossing Powder.

I've used the Funky Fossil "Rub Ons" for the stitches and the one of the Funky Fossil word stickers from their "Sentimental Sticker Stack".

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 1

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 1 is "Highlight of 2025"

For me, 2025 was a mixed bag.  We lived for seven months in our touring caravan before moving into our new home, that was hard to do but we absolutely love our new home.  Our son got married in May.  We had a fantastic weekend in a chateau in the Dordogne, France for the wedding, so I have chosen that for my tag.

There was lots of lovely stationery for the wedding, the invites, information sheets, timetable of events, thank you notes and lots more.  They've been sitting on my desk, being moved from one area to another so I decided to make them into a tag.  I added extra colour using two shades of Distress Oxide inks:  Rustic Wilderness and Iced Spruce,  I smooshed some of the cards through the ink to give a more uniform colour.

I then added some Cosmic Shimmer gold gilding flakes to areas and used a gold coloured gel pen for extra detail too.