Merry Little Christmas! A Vintage Journey Challenge December 2020 and some Important news....

Hi Everyone and Welcome

Hope you have all had a peaceful Christmas staying safe and keeping well. 

At the beginning of the month A Vintage Journey launched their last challenge of 2020 and some important news but unfortunately I wasn't able to post my contributions at that time so I thought I'd share them with you today, even though the challenge is now closed and today sees the realisation of the 'important news. 

Better late than never, right? 

First for the challenge itself. It was called 'Merry Little Christmas' and the brief was: 

'To celebrate the season and create an ATC or set of ATC's depicting Christmas scenes or colours.'

Here's my 'Merry Little Christmas'ATC. It is infact one of two but as both designs are identical I thought I'd post just the one. 

I don't often reach for ATC's to use as a substrate so it was a refreshing change to create with them.  

I crackled the background using PaperArtsy Crackle Glaze and Frescos.....

... added some text stamping using one of Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous stamps (Holiday words) and some white paint splatters for a snowy effect. 

The gorgeous poinsetta and greenery were cut from kraft core using Tim Holtz Sissix dies (Tattered Poinsettia, Holiday Greens, Holiday Greens Mini). The petals of the poinsettia were sewn together with a brass antique button and the 'snow' continued to fall on the flower and the foliage. 

A Tim Holtz memo pin tucked behind the poinsettia embellished and added to the focal arrangement....

.....while a Tim Holtz metallic sticker provided the ideal seasonal sentiment to suit all: 

'Happy Holidays'. 

I hope you're holidays have been happy and if they aren't yet over I hope they continue to be. 

*********

 Now, for my second ATC . This was created especially for AVJ as the important news shared on the challenge launch post was that A Vintage Journey would be pulling into its final destination and terminating its journey today, New Years Eve 31st Dec 2020. 

AVJ began its journey on the 28th Feb 2014 and has been travelling along ever since. It fast became a popular challenge blog picking up many followers, subscribers, visitors and regular challenge entrants along the way. 

I was thrilled to join the team in Nov 2015, beyond happy and so honoured and humbled to be creating alongside so many talented creatives. It really was a dream come true.

AVJ has been a huge part of my creative journey so far and I'm going to miss it heaps- already am! 

Heres the ATC I created for AVJ and a few supporting words..

' I have loved every minute journeying with my fellow Creative Guides that have become valued friends who I love, respect and admire greatly. You all have a very special place in my heart. 

 A Vintage Journey has allowed me to grow both creativity and personally and I feel truly blessed and so very grateful to have been an AVJ Creative Guide for 5 years.

Since knowing A Vintage Journey was reaching its final destination my heart has been heavy but it has also been full, full of all the many ‘happy’s’ I now have to treasure. 

Thank you AVJ it really has been the best journey ever, an amazing ride that I will remember and appreciate always.' 💛 

I covered the ATC background with words that to me epitomise AVJ....

I realised I'd missed out 'warmth' so I portrayed the warmth I've felt being part of the AVJ family through the colours. (Distress inks)

I had to feature our acronym 'AVJ' some where on my ATC ....

......and there had to be a heart. It may be rusty but its packed full of happy memories and love for AVJ  and all my Creative Guide friends. 

💛

A Vintage Journeys final post went live on the blog today so if you wish to pop by you are welcome. 

**********

That just leaves me to thank you all for supporting me with your visits, follows and comments during my AVJ years. I have appreciated greatly and only hope that along the way you have enjoyed stopping by and that I have offered some creative inspiration.

My personal creativity and blog will continue so I hope you will stay around to see what comes next????  

As this crazy year draws to a close tonight I would like to wish you a peaceful, healthy, safe New Year. 

May it be kind to one and all. 

Take Care 

Hugs

Amanda

x

Merry Christmas

 Hi Everyone and Welcome 

As usual with it being Thursday I'm over on That's Crafty's blog today sharing my latest DT project. This will be my last post before Christmas so decided to create something for you all - a mixed media wintry plaque wishing you all 

'A Merry Christmas'.

I'd love for you to join me over on the blog where theres ore to see and read.  

If you click HERE you will redirected swiftly and smoothly. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x 

'A Wintery Snowflake Round'

 Hi Everyone

 

Hope you are all keeping safe and well?

 

Today I'm over on That's Crafty's blog where my seasonal creativity continues in the form of a small piece of mixed media 'Art on the Round'. 

The round features a layered glistening snowflake set against a blue and white background with textured detail and some wintery white splatters.

It also holds some holiday wishes packed full of love on the back so why not come join me over on the blog to see those wishes, read more details and see more pics.   

To be quickly and smoothly redirected just click HERE 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x 

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges: 

Country View Crafts Challenge Blog: December 2020, 'Anything Goes' 

Creative Artiste Mixed media Challenge #67: 'Anything Mixed media Goes'

'Masterboards' for PaperArtsy

 Hi Everyone and Welcome 

Happy Weekend! 

Hope you are all enjoying! 

This evening I would like to invite you to join me over on PaperArtsy's blog where I am honoured and priviledged to be a Guest Blogger sharing a project/s I have created for their current topic: Masterboards. 

I won't say too much about my 'masterboard' creativity here as I'm sharing those details (including photos) over on PaperArtsy Blog but I will share a few 'select' photos that I hope will tempt you to accept my invite and come join me over on the blog. 

Here's are the masterboards I created

PaperArtsy Frescos are a great medium to use to create masterboards and I've mixed some of my old favourite colours with some of the new 'blues'. Have you see them?  They really are pretty special especially if like me you 'love your blues'.

They also have some fabulous stampsets that lend themselves to this kind of creativity.  I worked primarily with stampsets from the Eclectica collection designed by Ellen Vargo. 

White embossed stamping looks lovely with shades of blue  and I'm a big fan of a blue and white colour palette for christmas so it was no surprise that my masterboards became a collection of christmas cards and gift tags. 

I would love for you to accept my invitation and come join me over on PaperArtsy's blog. 

If you just click HERE you'll be whisked right over, swiftly and smoothly. 

Hope to see you soon

Amanda

x

Happy Holidays!

Hi Everyone 

Happy December! 

I'm over on That's Crafty's blog today sharing a 'wintery mixed media tag' that features a That's Crafty Craftyboard sprig of snow sprinkled holly and glossy berries as the focal feature set upon a crackled background. 

If you'd like to see and read more you are very welcome to come join me over on the blog. I'd love for you to pop by . 

If you click HERE you will be with me in seconds 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Snowflake Bauble ATC

 Hi Everyone, 

Before I mention any creativity today I would like to wish all my American friends and family, 

'Happy Thanksgiving!'

Although your celebrations may be a little different his year I hope you all have a lovely day.

*******************************

Now for the creativity.... I'm sharing a small piece of Christmas decor on That's Crafty's blog today that I'ved created using some of That's Crafty's surfaces (MDF and Greyboard) , PaperArtsy Fresco's and PaperArtsy stamps designed by Seth Apter. 

Here's a quick peek......

If you fancy seeing and reading more you are welcome to pop by the blog. 

Just click HERE and you will be redirected swiftly and safely. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

I would like to enter this into the following challenges: 

Country View Challenges: November 2020- Anything but a Card 

Creative Artiste #66 Challenge: Anything Mixed Media Goes  

'Believe'

 Hi Everyone 

It's that time of the week again when I'm sharing some of my creativity over on That's Crafty's blog.

This time it's a 'Mixed Media' Postcard panel that I've created using some of PaperArtsy's fabulous products, namely their Fresco Finish Acrylic paints and their Eclectica stamps designed by Seth Apter. There's layer upon layer of colour and stamped detail, all finished off with some white embossing!

 

If you fancy stopping by the blog to see and read more Just click HERE. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 
x 

'Mixed Media Butterflies'.

 Hi Everyone 

Hope you are all doing good and keeping safe? 

As it's Thursday I'm over on That's Crafty's blog in my regular DT spot. 

This week I've created a piece of 'Stamp block' Art that features some of Tim Holtz much loved Distress Inks and a lovely Carabelle Studio stamp: 'Mixed Media Butterflies' designed by Birgit Koopsen. 

You get kind of a 2 for one with this piece as I've mirrored the creativity on both faces of the stamp block-give or take some inevitable creative nuances. 

Here's a quick peek at one of the faces ... 

.... and if you fancy seeing the other face and reading more about the creativity you're welcome to join me over on the blog. 

If you click HERE you will be redirected swiftly and safely . 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges: 

Country View Crafts November Challenge: Anything but a Card

Creative Artiste #66 Challenge: Anything Mixed Media Goes 

Pairs, Trios and Sets - A Vintage Journey November 2020 Challenge

 Hi Everyone 

Its been a busy creative week here at -ink-a-pink. There's been a couple of 'sneak peak type' posts - one here on Sunday for PaperArtsy, one here on Thursday for That's Crafty and now this one today, a full post telling you all about our new challenge over A Vintage Journey. 

Our lovely talented Toni is the host this time and the challenge is 

'Pairs, Trios and Sets' 

'For this challenge we would like to see you create a set that works together. It could be ATC's, triptychs or any other grouping. Just remember to create your project in one of our preferred styles: vintage, shabby, mixed media, art jounralling, industrial, timeworn or steampunk.'  

This challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity to make a start creating some Christmas cards so armed with paints, gel plate, brayer, stamps and embossing powder the festive creative fun began. Here is the first of my Trios of Christmas Cards.

I usually go CAS with my christmas cards but wanted this time to create cards that had more of a mixed media feel to them so the background panels for this Trio are all cut from a 'brayered off', 'mop up' piece.  

 The paints I worked with were PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Acrylics: Snowflake, Midnight, Little Black Dress.

The sides of each of the 3 panels were caught with Snowflake Fresco. 

I love all the varying detail, texture and colour of the background panels so let them shine in their uniqueness stamping only a central Snowflake and corner Snowflake spikes to each of the panels. 

 The snowflakes I used are from Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous 'Swirly Snowflake' (CMS319) and the snowflake and spike stamping was embossed with fine detail white embossing powder.   

The smooth gleam of the white embossing offered such a lovely touch of luxury in contrast to the rougher, grungier backgrounds.  A contrast I personally LOVE.   

I just hope you can pick up the effects of the embossing from (at least) some of the photos as it proved tricky for the lens to capture! 

As a finishing touch a simple pearl gem bead embellished the centre of the snowflakes. 

So that's one trio , heres the second ...

The background panels for this trio were cut from a gelli print created with a gel plate and PaperArtsy  Frescos. 

This set saw me using a more delicate colour palette and a different snowflake design from Tim's Stampers Anonymous 'Scribbly Snowflake' stampset. 

The fine white detail embossing continued as did the much loved rough/ smooth contrast between the background and embossing.

There were quite a few more 'trios' created at the same time as these (it turned out to be a bit of a  marathon christmas cardmaking session) but I'll save those to share another day. 

I hoped you have enjoyed your time here with me today and that maybe I have offered some creative inspiration for our new challenge. 

If you haven't already be sure to pop by A Vintage Journey's blog where there is a fabulous gallery of  inspiring projects created by some of our Creatives Guides. 

We hope you will join us in this challenge as we are looking forward to seeing your 'Pairs, Trios and Sets' creativity. 

Thank you so much for stopping by today. 

Your visits, follows and any kind comment you leave are so very much appreciated. 

Wishing you all a lovely creative November. 

Take Care, Stay Safe

and 

'Keep on the Happy Side'  

Amanda 

x

The Power of Sight!

 Hi Everyone,

Today I'm over on That's Crafty's blog sharing a card I have created using some of Tim Holtz Distress Inks and Oxides. The card features a Carabelle Studio Stamp called 'The Power of Sight'!

It would be lovely if you were able to join me on the blog and find out about the creativity. If you are  then just click HERE for the quickest way there. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda

x

A Beautiful Flower for PaperArtsy

 Hi Everyone 

Happy November! 

I'm starting the month and my first November evening honoured and humbled to be a Guest blogger on PaperArtsy's blog for their current topic: 'Words of Wisdom'. 

I won't say much about my project here as the full creativity story (including pics) is over on PaperArtsy's blog but I will share a few photos that I hope will tempt you to come join me over on the blog. 

 Here is my 'Words of Wisdom' Art on the Round.  

It features a beautiful flower from one of PaperArtsy older stampset Hot Picks HP1009 stamp collection

 water coloured with PaperArtsy Infusions - such a wonderful medium for watercolouring.

   And of course my chosen 'words of wisdom'!  

If I have tempted you,  just click HERE and you will be redirected over to PaperArtsy's blog. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x 

'Open Heart'

Hi Everyone 

Just a quick post here today as my full post is over on That's Crafty's blog.

 I'm in my usual DT spot over on the blog sharing a Mixed Media Plaque I've created using That's Crafty Surfaces along with all the usual mixed media suspects: stamps , stencils, paints, inks and texture paints. 

I've called the plaque 'Open Heart' as that is kind of what I did for the focal heart......

.... fancy finding out more

? Then please come join me over on That's Crafty's blog where I'm sharing more details.

For the quickest and smoothest redirection click HERE 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda

x

Exhibit A

 Hi Everyone 

Hope you are all well and staying safe. 

I'm over on That's Crafty's blog today in my usual Thursday DT spot sharing a piece of Tag Art.  It features a couple of Tim Holtz recently released products , namely one of the stamps from Tim's Stampers Anonymous 'Specimen stampset' and Tim's 'Deco Arch' layering stencil along with some  older pieces of Tims Ideology.

 So, here's a quick glance of the tag here on my blog.... 

..... and my full detailed post with more photos can be found HERE on That's Crafty's blog.  

Hope you'll be able to join me 

Maybe see you soon 

Amanda 

x

'Arty Wings'...

 Hi There

As usual on a Thursday I'm over on That's Crafty's blog in my regular DT spot sharing some weekly creativity. 

I 'd like to invite you to join me there to see and read about how I created my small piece of mixed media art  using products from That's Crafty! and AALL and Create. 

For the quickest route over to the blog just click HERE 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Mr 'Hex Bones'

 Hi Everyone,

Just a quick post here today to invite you to join me over on That's Crafty's blog where I'm sharing a fun colourful card / invitation for halloween. 

It features one of Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Halloween stamps from last year, 'Mr Bones' along with one of AALL and Creates recent released stamps 'Lined Hexagons' designed by Bipasha BK. 

If you fancy stopping by to meet 'Mr Hex Bones', as he became known during the making of the card theres no need to RSVP  just click HERE 

We hope to see you soon

💀 

Amanda

x

This is It!

 Hi Everyone 

 

Happy October! 

I'm starting this month over on That's Crafty's blog in my regular Thursday weekly DT spot sharing a piece of 'Art on the Round' featuring one of Stamperia's fabulous rice papers

I have a real love of 'faces' and 'eyes' so I was instantly drawn to this particular rice paper:  Wandering Minds. Although I love the beautiful image as it is on the paper for 'art's sake' I gave it a 'make over'.

To find out more feel free to pop by the blog anytime as thats where I'm sharing more details about the 'make over' creativity. 

For the quickest route over just click HERE 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Live and Shine!

Hi Everyone, 

Happy Thursday! 

Today, I'm over on That's Crafty's blog sharing a  piece of mini clipboard art that I've created with That's Crafty's Craftyboard Tags and some of AALL and Creates fabulous NEW Washi Tape. 

I'd love for you to join me over on the blog to see and read about my 'washi tape' creativity so please feel free to pop by anytime. 

For the quickest route over to the post just click HERE. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Noted Observations!

Hello Everyone 

I'd like to invite you to join me over on That's Crafty's blog where I'm sharing a mixed media art panel rich in colour, layers, texture and dimension. 

It features some of Tim Holtz fabulous new products, namely his new Stampers Anonymous stampset , 'Specimen', his new layering stencil 'Script' and his new delicious 'Crackling Campfire' distress ink. There's Tim's Ranger Distress texture pastes and Seth Apters Aladine Izink dye sprays thrown into the mix too!  

 No need to RSVP just pop by the blog anytime. to see and read more. 

 For the quickest and most direct route there click HERE.  

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

I'd like to enter this into the following challenge: 

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Frame It! 

Country View Crafts September 2020 Challenge: Complimentary Colours

(blue/ orange)

Creative Artiste Challenge #64: 'Anything Mixed Media Goes'

Adventure Awaits You!

Hi Everyone 

It's my day today to share some creativity over on That's Crafty's blog so  just a quick post here to invite you to join me over there to see and read about the mixed media art panel I've created. It features Tim Holtz fabulous 'Professor' looking out from a 'hole in the wall' as he awaits his next big adventure! 

No need to RSVP,  just click HERE to call by 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Thankful Blessings!

 Hi Everyone 

Its's that time of the week again when you can find me over on That's Crafty's blog sharing my latest DT project. 

This time I've created a card using stencils from PaperArtsy designed by Tracy Scott and Sara Nauman , Eclectica stamps from PaperArtsy designed by Seth Apter and Distress Inks, Ideology and Paperie from Tim Holtz. 

The card features a dimensional focal flower rich in colour that stands proud of its more subtle background.

 

Heres a quick pic of the card....

If you fancy popping by the blog to find out more just click HERE to be redirected swiftly and smoothly 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x 

'Shades of White' for PaperArtsy

Hi Everyone 

and 

Happy September! 

Tonight I would like to invite you to join me over on PaperArtsy's blog where I am honoured and humbled to be one of their Guest Bloggers for the current topic: 'Shades of White'. 

I won't say too much about my project here as the full 'scoop' is over on PaperArtsy's blog but I will share a few photos of my 'Shades of White' Mixed Media Art Panel that I think has a kind of grungy/ classy feel- if thats even possible? 

It features some of PaperArtsy's fabulous products: PaperArtsy Eclectica stamps designed by Alison Bomber, Tracy Scott and Seth Apter, a PaperArtsy Stencil designed by Sara Naumann and of course some of the fabulous 'shades of white' PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Acrylics.  

The 'grungy' reveals itself primarily in the background with the textured layers, paint, stenciling and   white cracks...

  

....whilst the 'classy' introduces itself in the embossed focal feature

and button embellishment.

I would love for you to accept my invitation and come join me over on PaperArtsy's blog. 

For a quick and speedy redirection just click HERE 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Butterflied Hearts! at That's Crafty!

Hi Guys 

Today I'm sharing my latest DT project for That's Crafty! over on their blog. I've created a piece of home decor using a few of That's Crafty's fabulous substrates and 13Arts Papers. 

Here's a couple of pics that I hope will tempt you to join me over on the blog where there's more details about the creativity.

For a quick redirection just click HERE. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x