Lavinia Stamps "Magnus LAV638" and the lantern, Christmas Card

 

Now that halloween is in the past, my thoughts are turning towards Christmas, making this card.

I used the Lavinia Stamps acetate "Hill Mask" with Sky Blue" Ranger Archival Ink to create the snowscape.  I then stamped the Lavinia "Magnus the stag - LAV638" stamp using "Fallen Leaves" Versafine Clair dark brown ink.  Using Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink, I stamped the Lavinia "Tumbles Lantern LAV1064" stamp. I returned to Versafine Clair "Fallen Leaves" ink and stamped the brambles, sticking up through the snow, using a stamp from the Lavinia "Foliage LAV679" Stamp Set.

I painted the sky using different colours of Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours I used are: Iced Spruce, Stormy Sky, Prize Ribbon and Chipped Sapphire.  For the sunset and the lantern colours, I used Antique Linen, Scattered Straw and Wild Honey.  I used Van Goch Pastel Pencils, a black fine liner pen and a white gel pen to colour Magnus.

I used a white Posca Pen to add snow to the lantern, brambles and to Magnus.  Then from a fan shaped paint brush, I splattered Dr, Ph Martin's Bleed Proof white paint to give the impression of a snow fall. Finally stamping the "Seasons Greetings", part of the Lavinia Christmas Greetings LAV839" stamp set in Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.

Lavinia Stamps "Acorns LAV983" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day,  I have used Versafine Clair "Fallen Leaves", a dark brown ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Acorns LAV983" stamps.  I then used Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" a beige coloured ink, to stamp the Lavinia "Oak Leaves LAV763" stamps.

I then used a 2B pencil and a paper stub to ground/shade below the larger acorn.  I coloured the background, using diluted "Pumice Stone" Distress Oxide Ink, painted by daubing ink rather than actual painting.  I coloured the  scene using Derwent Inktense Pencils with and without paint.  Finally adding a few touches of a black fine liner pen to the shadow area.

Tracy Evans "Quiet Moments TE72" Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the dayt.  I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the flowers which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Quiet Moments TE72" stamp set.  I then used a 2B pencil and a paper stub to blend the pencil marks for shadows. 

I painted the flowers using Distress Oxide Inks, using Tumbled Glass for the petals, Spiced Marmalade fo the middle of the flowers and Crushed Olive for the leaves.

I then painted the background, using a daubing motion with a paint brush and diluted "Pumice Stone" Distress Oxide Ink.  I inked the edges of the ATC using "Blueprint Sketch" Distress Oxide Ink, finally adding a word sticker saying "be awesome today".

A Crafting Niche "52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026" - Week 44

 

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 44 is "Horizontal Stripes".

Well there is not a lot to share with you about this tag.  I started by sticking a sheet of striped patterned paper on to a tag. Then I tore strips of a purple coloured paper and glued the stips on to the tag.  I used a white gel pen to add vertial lines to the strips then used a Posca Pen to add white dots below the lines.

Next, I found a couple of die cuts in black card in my oddments box, which I glued into position, sorry no idea what die cut them.  I added some white gel pen detail and then added a Lavinia Stamps word sticker saying "Flowers".

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

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I started with a white piece of card, spritzed it with water, then sprinkled Lindy's "Fizzy Lifting Lime" Magical Shaker paint lightly from one corner to the other.  I gave the surface another light spritz and let the paint do its magic.  I then used a heat gun to drty the surface.

I used the grid stamp from the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Quiet Moments TE72" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Bali Blue" ink to stamp the grid on the top left and bottom right of the ATC. I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the dandelions, which are part of the Tracy Evans "Love Grows Here TE65" stamp set.

Finally, I added a word sticker saying "make a wish" and added five dots of "Brilliant" blue Liquid Pearls.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Decorations TE18" Christmas Bauble Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  I started with a white piece of card and used the ink remaining of a light blue ink on my blending brush, through the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Grunge ST3" stencil.

Using Versafine Clair "Very Peri" ink, I stamped the Christmas bauble and the word "Joy", which are part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Decorations TE18" stamp set.  I then used Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" a mid green coloured ink to stamp the mistletoe, which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Mistletoe TE19" stamp set.  

I used my Van Goch Pastel Pencils and a white gel pen to add shading and highlights to the ATC.

Edited to add:  Doh!  I took the photo before drawing in the string!

Lavinia Stamps "Realms Of Suits LAV1095" Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day. In the background, I have used "Sand Dune" a beige coloured ink by Versafine Clair to stamp the new Lavinia "Realms Of Suits LAV1095" stamp. off the left hand side edge of the cream coloured card base.

I then used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the Lavinia Stamps "Starflare Pods LAV1036" stamp.  I coloured in some of the areas in a copper shimmer gel pen.  Drawing siimilar shapes with a black fine liner pen and colouring them withe the same copper colour. Finally, adding a word sticker from the Lavinia Sentiment Sticker 6 set, saying "share your shine".

Lavinia Stamps "Wisp LAV1102" Christmas Card

A Lavinia Stamps play session using some of the recent new release stamps.

I used Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink to stamp the new Lavinia "Tumblecard LAV1096" stamp. I then stamped the new Lavinia Stamps "Wisp LAV1102" stamped in Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" a beige coloured ink and the jacket in "Deep Sea Doodle" Element Inks.  I then stampd the Lavinia "Fir Tree LAV022" in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" a mid green coloured ink.

I coloured the scene using a selection of Derwent Inktense Pencils, Van Goch Pastel Pencils, Posca Pens, a gold and white gel pen and a black fine liner pen.

Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "A Myriad Of Designs TE44" The Pumpkin Patch Artist Trading Card

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  Starting with a white piece of card I stamped the pumpkins, which are part of the Tracy Evans "A Myriad Of Designs TE44" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Summertime" an orange ink and "Avocado" a mid green coloured ink. I then stamped the bird, from the same stamp set using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" greyi ink.

I painted the background using Distress Oxide Inks.  The colours I used are: Pumice Stone and Tea Dye.  I coloured the ground using Mowed Lawn and Peeled Paint Distress Oxide Ink.  Then inked the edges of the card using "Walnut Stain" Distress Oxide Ink.

I used Van Goch Pastel Pencils to colour and shade the pumpkin and bird.  Then used Versasfine Clair "Morning Mist" to stamp the text. which is part of the Tracy Evans Boutique Designs "Magnolia" stamp set.  Finally, I added a word sticker saying "remember the now".

Lavinia Stamps "Masie LAV1091" in the moonlight Card

 

I've had a quick play with a couple of the new release stamps by Lavinia Stamps, which went public last Thursday.  It's a lovely collection and I've enjoyed making this card.

I used a three and a half inch square piece of white card for the base.  Using Versafine Clair "Morning MIst" grey ink to stamp the new Lavinia "Winter Glimmer LAV1099" icy ground stamp. Then using Versafine Clair "Portobello" a mid brown coloured ink, I stamped the new Lavinia Stamps "Masie LAV1091" rat stamp. I then stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Glimmer Orb LAV1012" using Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" a beige colloured ink.

I then positioned one of the Lavinia "Acetate Moon Masks" over the face, orb and some of the body and used three shades of Distress Oxide Inks, starting with the lightest colour closest to the moon (Tumbled Glass), then the mid colour which was "Stormy Sky' then on the outer edges of the card I used "Prize Ribbon" Distress Oxide Ink.

I then stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Star Cluster LAV299" using Versafine Clair "Twilight" a dark blue ink.  I coloured the image, using a mix of a black fine liner pen and Van Goch Pastel Pencils.

Lavinia Stamps "Witches Socks LAV1086" - and suddenly... Artist Trading Card

 

This is my Artist Trading Card (ATC) for the day.  The witches socks are airing ready for Saturday!

I have used a white piece of card for the background, stamping the Lavinia Stamps "Witches Socks LAV1086" in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.  I then used the Lavinia Stamps "Mini Fairy Lantern LAV588" stamped in Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" beige coloured ink to cover the background. I added orange coloured Posca Pen paint to the socks too.

At the top of the ATC, I stamped the Lavinia "Tree Branch LAV506" using Versafine Clair "Fallen Leaves" a dark brown ink.  Then on the left hand side of the ATC, I used Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink to stamp the Lavinia "Sacred Spells LAV465" verse.

Finally, I added a touch of colour on the edges of the ATC using "Blueprint Sketch" Distress Oxide Ink and added a Lavinia sentiment from their Sticker Set 6, saying "and suddenly..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

This is a weekly challenge. I provide you with a prompt/theme each Sunday morning through out the year.  The challenge is very relaxed.  You can do as much or as little as you like.  You can create cards, tags, Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) or index cards, the choice is yours. You just go with what ever is in your head at the time.  You can stamp, get inky, use patterned papers, texture, embellish it is all down to you.

There is a dedicated private Facebook Group, with a lovely bunch of people who are already sharing their makes from previous challenges.  You can find the group by clicking this link.  I'd love you to join in. 

The prompt for Week 43 is "Pumpkins / Orange".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lavinia Stamps "Candle light LAV1088" Artist Trading Card

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lavinia Stamps Ashfoot and Elderskip in the moonlight card

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lavinia Stamps "Pipspell LAV1016" Artist Trading Card

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

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

Lavinia Stamps "Swing LAV976" Artist Trading Card

 

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

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

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

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

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