Blue Christmas

Hi everyone, today I would like to share a Christmas card I made which was inspired by a Tracy Evans YouTube video, but where I had to make a number of adjustments due to not having all the same colouring media, stamps and other supplies! 

Tracy’s original card was a rectangle, and had a splodgy background created by inking around the edges of a 5” x 3” gel press. The 2 gel presses I have aren’t suitable shapes and sizes for this technique, so I created a background on square card by applying inked and spritzed acetate. As the outcome effect was different I then went off on a tangent with my foliage, coloured my baubles with Zig pens rather than pencils, and changed the colour of my background stamping to suit!

I cut a 13cm square of white stamping card, and dabbed Distress Oxide ink  around the edges of a piece of acetate the same size, spritzed and dabbed onto the card. I stamped mini baubles into the white space, copying Tracy’s technique of roughly inking round the edges with a Medieval Blue VFC inkpad, then coloured with Zig pens and blender. I stamped 1st and 2nd generation holly branches around the border, hand drew the bauble strings, then added some background word stamping in Morning Mist and the number 25 in Medieval Blue. I added white Posca highlights to the baubles and leaves, sparkle to the baubles, and stamped a teeny Robin bottom left. I matted the square onto dark blue card stock and a 6” square card blank, then added a sentiment which I stamped onto separate card.

Stamps: Tracy Evans Boutique Designs TE21 Holly and Berries, TE22 Christmas Wishes, TE23 Winter Delights;

Media: Tim Holtz Distress Oxide ink (Blueprint Sketch); Versafine Clair (Nocturne, Medieval Blue, Morning Mist); Kuretake Zig Clean Color watercolour pens; Spectrum Noir Sparkle pen (clear); Posca pen (white).

Challenges I would like to enter:

12 Months of Christmas #125 - Anything Goes Christmas

A Place To Start (August) - Anything Goes

As You Like It - Favourite Colouring Medium (and why)

(I love using Zig pens as they are so vibrant and blend easily)

C.R.A.F.T.  #762 - Christmas

Creative Fingers #306 - Anything Goes

DL.Art (August) - Anything Goes

Everybody Art #583 - Anything Goes

Girlz & the Art of Letters #8 - H is for…

(Holly)

Holly and Ivy #190 - Anything Christmas Goes

Peace On Earth #94 - Anything Christmas Goes

Outlawz Festive Friday (August) - Christmas (2nd entry)

Rudolph Days (August) - Anything Christmas Goes - TOP 3

Simon Says (Wednesday) - Anything Goes

Word Art Wednesday #714/715 - Anything Goes

I have to confess that when this card was halfway in progress it looked a bit of a shambles, but I’m fairly happy with how it turned out in the end.

Take care and thanks for visiting.

Hugs,

Flower Divine

Hi everyone. I’ve been having a bit of a Bank Holiday playtime, with a view to making a last minute entry for this month’s Lavinia Creative Challenge. It occurred to me that I have a beautiful statement flower stamp that I have never inked up, so I decided now’s the time!

I cut a piece of white stamping card 20cm x 9cm, then stamped and heat embossed the flower and bees. I masked the flower head and bees, then applied smooshed Lemon Drop and Green Parrot Elements inks onto the panel with acetate. I stamped second generation background stamping and applied some honeycomb stencilling with Pine Elements. I removed the masks and coloured the flower and bees using Wink of Stella pens. I stamped, cut out and attached the sentiment, then added a tiny fairy perched on one of the words, then matted onto a black border and DL card blank.

With all the Wink of Stella it’s very sparkly, but the camera doesn’t really capture that.

Stamps: Lavinia Flower Divine 2, Bumble and Hum, Keeping Faith, Fairy Foragers, Believe In Magic;

Media: Lavinia Elements inks (Lemon Drop, Green Parrot, Pine); Versafine Clair (Nocturne, Shady Lane); clear embossing powder; Wink of Stella pens (purple, pink, gold, blue, clear); Posca pen (white);

Tools: Lavinia stencil - Honeycomb.

Challenges I would like to enter:

Beautiful Blossoms #32 - Anything Floral Goes (2nd entry)

Creatalicious #292 - Anything Goes (3rd entry)

Crazy Is Our Fame, Stencils Are Our Game (August) - Use a Stencil (3rd entry)

Creative Moments #273 - Embossing (2nd entry)

Lavinia Creative Challenge (August) - Beautiful Blooms (3rd entry)

NBUS #77 - Use Your Never-Before-Used Schtuff (2nd entry)

(floral and crouching fairy stamps, purple Wink of Stella pen)

Pammie’s Inky Pinkies #2534 - Anything Goes

Triple B (August) - Birds, Butterflies and/or Blooms (2nd entry)

We Love 2 Create #8 - Anything Mixed Media/Papercrafting Goes (3rd entry)

Word Art Wednesday #712/713 - Anything Goes (5th entry)

Hope everyone is enjoying the lovely Bank Holiday weather we are having here in the UK. We had a lovely day out yesterday at medieval Samlesbury Hall near Blackburn, which we had never been to before despite it being less than an hour away. I really love this type of historic property - so pretty! Here are a few photos from our visit.

Take care, and thanks for visiting.

Hugs,

Fly Free 🎈

Hi everyone, I went through a stage where I really loved making (and trading) ATC’s, but for various reasons I haven’t made any for months. I was recently looking through my folder and I came across a couple I made earlier but never blogged - here is one of them.

Before the Crafter’s Companion shop closed in Chesterfield, I bought a bundle of stamps by Sheena Douglass which were on offer following an in-store workshop. I didn’t realise until later they were part of Sheena’s ‘Draw the Line’ technique range, which is all about creating watercolour wash horizons on watercolour paper. I had a go and to be honest I didn’t have much success with the technique, but did manage to produce this ATC.

I cut a piece of watercolour paper 3.25” x 2.25” and created an inky background wash, masking off a circle for the moon. I stamped the focal skyline with the Sheena Douglass reflection image, and a small sentiment. I added some Posca pen and Sakura Stardust pen highlights, and matted onto a piece of blue card stock 3.5” x 2.5”.

Stamps: Crafter’s Companion ‘Draw the Line’ by Sheena Douglass - Peaceful Bliss and Relax & Renew; Lavinia Silhouette Foliage Set; Tracy Evans Boutique Designs TE4 New Beginnings (sentiment);

Media: Lavinia Elements inks (Blue Lagoon, Violet chalk); Versafine Clair (Nocturne); Sakura Stardust pen (clear); Posca pen (white).

Challenges I would like to enter:

ATC’s Around the World (August) - Anything Goes

Classic Design Challenge #8 2025 - Anything Goes (3rd entry)

Creatalicious #292 - Anything Goes (2nd entry)

Creative Aunts #104 - ATC’s

Creative Crafters #91 - Anything Goes (2nd entry)

Creative Crafting Uncles #68 - Anything Goes (2nd entry)

Outlawz Anything Goes In. Card Free Zone (August) - Anything But a Card

Simon Says (Monday) - Fun With ATC’s

Word Art Wednesday #712/713 - Anything Goes (4th entry)

I really need to get back into making ATC’s … but as I STILL have a couple of 2025 Lavinia calendar pages to complete, and with the 2026 calendar now on the horizon and the Christmas card rush just around the corner, whether I will make any in the near future remains to be seen!

Have a good Bank Holiday weekend if you’re in the UK, take care and thanks for visiting.

Hugs,

I Spy With My Little Eye #29 ☀️🌅

Hi everyone, summer is flying by, and it’s time once more for another I Spy With My Little Eye... challenge over at Ellibelle's Corner.  Thanks so much to everyone who joined in last time - please do check over on Ellie’s blog to see if you are one of our top picks. 

I chose the challenge theme this month, and it is

I Spy With My Little Eye 

*** Warm and Sunny Colours ***

We hope you’ll be inspired by the warm and sunny weather we’ve been having, and look forward to seeing your makes. Please don’t forget to pop over to Ellie's blog to see her fab creation and link up your entries here.

This month we are delighted to again welcome a guest designer -  Fiona - so please click on her name to visit her blog and see her fabulous creation.

Here’s my card for the challenge. I wanted to make something sunray related, but I don’t have a specific sunray stencil, though I do have a Strobes stencil by Visible Image. I decided to go with that, and a dramatic focal silhouette image by Indigo Blu to make a change from my recent floral scenes. 

I cut a square of stamping white card and softened the whiteness by smooshing with Lemon Drop Elements ink. I then applied Sundance and Russet Orange Elements through the stencil to create a sunburst effect. I stamped the focal image - Indigo Blu ‘Juliet’ - and added a few white Posca highlights, then added some background circle stamping round the edges using Cheerful and Summertime VFC. I stamped the sentiment and a couple of grungy lines, then matted the finished piece onto black and yellow card stock and a 6” square card blank. To finish I added a teeny orange heart gem.

Stamps: Indigo Blu ‘Juliet’, ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ (free with craft magazine); unbranded background circle and grungy line stamps from Amazon;

Media: Lavinia Elements inks (Lemon Drop, Sundance, Russet Orange); Versafine Clair (Nocturne, Cheerful, Summertime); Posca pen (white); 

Tools: Visible Image Strobes stencil.

Challenges I would like to enter:

Addicted to Stamps & More #499 - Any Occasion (2nd entry) - TOP ADDICT

Classic Design Challenge #8 2025 - Anything Goes  (2nd entry)

Crazy Is Our Fame, Stencils Are Our Game (August) - Use a Stencil (2nd entry)

Daisy Chain #99 - Girls

Girlz & the Art of Letters #7 - G is for …

(Girl)

Heart’s Quest #76 - Anything Goes with Red or Orange Hearts - WINNER

Shopping Our Stash #554 - Hot, Hot, Hot!

Sisterhood of Crafters - Card of Encouragement (2nd entry) - TOP 3

Try It On Tuesday - Going Round In Circles

Unicorn #112 - Girls

We Love 2 Create #8 - Anything Mixed Media/Papercrafting Goes (2nd entry)

Word Art Wednesday #712/713 - Anything Goes (3rd entry)

The I Spy Challenge will end on the Sunday before the next challenge starts at 23:59 US Central Time - so this time that is Sunday September 14th, and the next challenge will begin on Wednesday September 17th.

Take care, and thanks for visiting.

Hugs,

Positivity 🌺🌼

I mentioned in a recent post that I had bought a craft magazine in WH Smith (or whatever they now call themselves!) which turned out to be a sale bundle with more goodies inside than anticipated. It included an Altenew stamp, stencil and die set - now I really like some of the Altenew designs, but for some reason have never purchased any! Anyhoo, after I made a previous card with the set, I discovered an Altenew challenge blog so I decided to have a go. Only my focal flowers are Altenew, so I hope that’s ok!

I cut a 5 1/2” square of stamping card, and stamped two flowers. I then watercoloured around them using Elements inks in a dabbing and stippling motion (this idea was inspired by a card I saw by Anne Young in the Tracy Evans FB group). I stamped the flowers again plus two more onto separate card, and coloured with Zig pens, then fussy cut and set aside. I added some random background script stamping to the main panel which I heat embossed white, then some 2nd generation green background letter stamping. I attached the flowers to form a spray, then added a stamped and heat embossed sentiment panel. The card was matted onto a black border and 6” square card blank, and finally I added some sparkle to the flowers and faux gold spatters.

Stamps: Altenew Dynamic Duo - Always Smile; Tracy Evans TE11 Background Elements, TE16 Artsy Alpha/Numbers; AALL & Create #533 Bring On the Sentiments;

Media: Lavinia Elements inks (Olive, Lime Punch); Versafine Clair (Nocturne, Shady Lane); Kuretake Zig Clean Color watercolour pens; Versamark, WOW Opaque Bright White embossing powder; Spectrum Noir sparkle pen; Posca pen (gold).

Challenges I would like to enter:

Ally’s Angels #97 - Anything Goes

Altenew Inspiration Challenge (August) - Photo Inspiration

Beautiful Blossoms #32 - Anything Floral Goes

Classic Design Challenge #8 2025 - Anything Goes

Crafts Galore Encore #138 - Anything Goes (2nd entry)

Creatalicious #292 - Anything Goes 

Creative Crafters #91 - Anything Goes

Creative Crafting Uncles #68 - Anything Goes

Dragonfly Dreams (August) - Lots of Layers

Sisterhood of Crafters - Card of Encouragement

Word Art Wednesday #712/713 - Anything Goes (2nd entry)

Take care, and thanks for visiting.

Hugs,

Open Sunflower 🌻

Hi everyone, I thought I should make the most of using my beautiful new Lavinia sunflower stamps before summer is over, so here’s another one.

I die cut a large stitched square of white stamping card, then created a circle with blended Elements inks which I lightly spattered with water. I stamped the focal sunflower, then stamped again onto separate card, coloured with Zig pens and Spectrum Noir sparkle pen, and cut out. I stamped some second generation script background text, then added a couple of butterflies which I coloured with Sakura Stardust pens. I added some light stencilling in two corners, then attached the cut out sunflower, stamped the sentiment and assembled onto a card blank.

Stamps: Lavinia Open sunflower, Background Script, Bee Mini, Heartfelt Verses;

Media: Lavinia Elements inks (Blue Lagoon, Green Parrot); Versafine Clair (Nocturne, Paradise);  Kuretake Zig Clean Color watercolour pens; Sakura Stardust pens (yellow, clear); Spectrum Noir sparkle pen; Posca pen (white);

Tools: Hunkydory Moonstone Duo Stitched square die; Lavinia Leaf Trails stencil; Press to Impress circle mask.

Challenges I would like to enter:

Addicted to Stamps & More #499 - Any Occasion

Alphabet Challenge - I is for Ink Blending - TOP 3

Crazy Is Our Fame, Stencils Are Our Game (August) - Use a Stencil

Creative Artiste #118 - Anything Mixed Media Goes

Creative Inspirations (August) - Anything Goes

Double D - Bee Happy

Four Seasons (August) - Anything Goes Summer

Heart’s Quest Celebrations of Love #8 - Birthdays

If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #207 - Happy Birthday

Lavinia Creative Challenge (August) - Beautiful Blooms (2nd entry)

Love to Craft #87 - Anything Goes (3rd entry)

Love to Scrap #174 - Anything Goes (2nd entry) - TOP PICK

Mix It Up #78 - Anything Goes with option Mixed Media (2nd entry)

Outlawz Festive Friday ( August) - It’s a Colourful World

Try It On Tuesday - Summer (2nd entry)

We Love 2 Create #8 - Anything Mixed Media/Papercrafting Goes

Word Art Wednesday #712/713 - Anything Goes

I must admit my crafty mojo is still very much on its travels, and I’m feeling very lethargic in this stifling hot weather! 

Take care, and thanks for visiting.

Hugs,

Floral Spray 🌺

Hi everyone, I mentioned in a recent post that I had bought a craft magazine, which when I opened it contained some unexpected treasures that weren’t really indicated on the packaging as it was a “sale bundle”.  Well, today I have made a card using the stamp set that actually motivated me to purchase the magazine in the first place - a lovely floral spray by Crafter’s Companion.

I die cut a stitched rectangle from white stamping card, then stamped and heat embossed the flower spray in gold. I coloured the image using Zig pens and added some gold Posca spatter. When dry I matted onto a larger stitched square cut from a snippet of pearlescent pink card and onto a 7” x 5” card blank. Finally I die cut the sentiment from snippets of gold and black card, glued together and attached. A fairly straightforward traditional card, but I’m pleased with how it turned out.

Stamps: Crafter’s Companion flower (free with craft magazine);

Media: Versamark; WOW metallic gold embossing powder; Kuretake Zig Clean Color watercolour pens; Posca pen (gold);

Tools: Hunkydory Moonstone Duo- Stitched rectangle dies; Simon Says Stamp Script Thanks die.

Challenges I would like to enter:

Ally’s Angels #96 - Anything Goes

Beautiful Blossoms #31 - Anything Floral Goes (2nd entry)

Crafty Catz #699 - Anything Goes (2nd entry)

Creative Moments #273 - Embossing

Ellibelle’s Garden Party #5 - Anything In or From a Garden (2nd entry)

NBUS #77 - Use Your Never-Before-Used Schtuff

(floral stamp)

Simon Says (Wednesday) - Anything Goes (3rd entry)

Snippets Playground #512 - Use Snippets - TOP PICK

Triple B (August) - Birds, Butterflies and/or Blooms with optional Mood Board

Word Art Wednesday #710/711 - Anything Goes (3rd entry)

Take care, and thanks for visiting.

Hugs,

Teapot Cottage 🫖

Hi everyone, I’ve not had a lot of time for crafting recently, so I’ve been working my way patiently through the new release Lavinia stamps I bought when I visited the Dreamatorium a month ago. Here’s a card which uses the remaining stamp sets I hadn’t yet opened - namely Teapot Cottage, the poppy seed heads and teeny sunflowers.

I cut a square of white stamping card, stamped the teapot then masked it and stamped the fairy path. I then masked that and created my landscape by blending Elements inks using hill and circle masks. I stamped some flowers and foliage emerging from the teapot, the little background houses and the fairies holding the teapot lid aloft (quite tricky masking there!). I removed the masks and coloured the teapot and path with Zig pens, and added some mushrooms and poppy seed heads to fill the scene. I stamped two small sunflowers onto separate card, coloured, fussy cut and attached, then added some sparkle to the windows and fairy wings, and a sticker sentiment to finish. 

I was using a brand new VFC Nocturne inkpad, and with hindsight my stamping of the teapot looks a bit heavy but hey, it’s done now! 

Stamps: Lavinia Teapot Cottage, Fairy Path, Dancing Till Dawn, Fairy Foragers, Wild Summer Flower, Dill, Thyme, Sunflower Heads, Small Dwellings, Poppy Dwellings, Mushrooms Mini, Birds;

Media: Lavinia Elements inks (Blue Lagoon, Sundance, Olive, Pine, Green Parrot; Versafine Clair (Nocturne, Pinecone, Morning Mist, Shady Lane, Avocado, Verdant); Kuretake Zig Clean Color watercolour pens; Sakura Stardust pen (yellow); Spectrum Noir Sparkle pen (clear); Posca pen (white); 

Tools: Lavinia acetate Hill masks, Mini hill masks, Circle masks;

Other: Tim Holtz Small Talk sticker.

Challenges I would like to enter:

Alphabet Challenge - H is for Home - TOP 3

Country View FB Challenge (August) - Silhouettes

Crafts From the Fairy Den (July) - Anything Fairy Goes

Crafts Galore Encore #138 - Anything Goes

Girlz & the Art of Letters #6 - F is for … (2nd entry)

(Fairies, Flowers)

Heart’s Quest Fantasy Challenge #8 2025 - Anything Fantasy Goes

Krafty Chicks #779 - Anything Goes

Lavinia Creative Challenge (August) - Beautiful Blooms (version without sentiment)

Love to Craft #87 - Anything Goes (2nd entry)

Simon Says (Wednesday) - Anything Goes (2nd entry)

Try It On Tuesday - Make It Magical - TOP 5

Word Art Wednesday #710/711 - Anything Goes (2nd entry)

Sadly the sunny scene on my card doesn’t remotely reflect the weather here today - it’s absolutely pouring down! Fingers crossed it will soon improve! Take care, and thanks for visiting.

Hugs,