Try this sketch challenge with the Gears and Textures Bundle

Hi I joined a sketch challenge group on Instragram and this our the sketch we decided to create with our stash for April.  

I used the Gears and Textures bundle and went for a more girly colour scheme than I've used before with this bundle.  The papers are part of an amazing pack called Mixed Up Patterns offering subtle designs in various colours.  I followed the sketch using the green, yellow and pink colours and I'm really happy with how this turned out.  I used the stamp set for some background imaging and then cut different gears/cogs for overlay.   To add my usual bling I used gold embellishments from the Kintsugi Suite.  I've found these so useful for subtle bling.  

You can see what the others did by visiting my instagram account and they are all tagged in my post with the sketch showing.  

I'll pop this in the post at some point to say hi to someone and brighten their day.  

Have a great weekend crafty friends.

Hugs Zoe x

LAST DAY FOR DOUBLE STAMPIN' REWARDS

Shop Supplies Used

Gears and Textures Bundle

Mixed Up Patterns 12 x 12 papers

Flower Accents gold

 

Ink pads

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Make the most of your craft stash

Here's a simple idea to make use of every piece of your lovely craft papers.  With any left over offcuts, cut strips of different widths and patterns that coordinate.  Also cut a matt layer of any card as it wont show once used to sit on your base card with or without a border.  Before sticking this matt layer onto your card start in the middle and stick the strips of patterned paper onto it.  Butt each strip up to the one before and don't worry about the inevitable overlaps at the edges.  Once you have covered the matt layer trim off the excess.  Some of these pieces can be used on another matt layer for the next card.  

You can then consider using an embossing folder to add more detail to this striped piece.  Once you have done this either stick it onto your card base or use dimensionals to raise it a little for more depth.

The finishing touch is to add an image and sentiment.  This can be anything or you could just add a bold sentiment.   I die cut a plant pot and saucer and added some foliage and flowers using other offcuts from the same pack of patterned papers. You can also use something like irridescent pearls to the flower centres and if you run out half way through use a white gel pen to add similar flat dots.

Don't you just love the little Ladybird! 

Here is another version  of this technique which is great for using up papers. 

 Do have a go and share you pictures on social media.

Have a great day 

Zoe x

SHOP SUPPLIES

Mixed Up Patterns DSP

Beaufiful Gallery DSP 

Help Me Grow bundle

Ladybug Garden epoxy shapes

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How to use layering stencils for simple stamping

 

Welcome to the March Totally Techniques blog hop.  We are sharing ideas for using layering stencils which could be homemade using die cuts or using bundles like this Layers of Beauty version that I have created.  There are 5 stencils.  Start with #1 and work your way through all 5. 

After stamping your image gently attach it to a piece of copier paper or grid paper with some low tack tape.  Position stencil #1 over the image in the correct place lining it up with the image outlines.  You can then mark the position of the stencil starting at the top left with the notch in the stencil.  I've added pen marks for the corners of the stencil. 

 

Use blending brushes or sponge daubers to add colour to the revealed sections of the image. 

Once completed carefully remove stencil #1 and work through each stencil lining it up with the notch and corner marks.  Use the colours that suit your design. 

Once completed you can die cut the image or you can use the whole sheet on which it is stamped, however make sure you remove any tape carefully at a 45degree angle to reduce the risk of tearing the card. 

As you can see I die cut my image and added some extra die cuts using other dies from the set.  Again I added colour using a blending brush and added these extra leaves to my main image.  I use a little glue on the front of each stem to then adhere them to the back of the image.  

I also added a sneak peek sentiment from a new stamp set coming in May in the new Summer catalogue.  It's called A Family Celebration and has mainly the script font and a number of the words in capitals.  A great size and fresh looking.  I stamped in black ink and cut each word to add to my background of Wood Grain Wonder DSP.  

I added Wink of Stella to some of the petals for some shimmer along with a ladybird and clear epoxy dots to the Daisy flower centres.  I love a little #simplestamping and colouring in for an easy, effective and relaxing craft session.  

Enjoy the hop and gather the tips to create your own versions.

Thanks for popping by.

Happy stamping Zoe x

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PAPER PUMPKIN SUBSCRIPTION KITS

COMING 1 APRIL 2026 

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Supplies

Large Blending Brushes

small blending brushes

Ladybug Garden Epoxy Shapes

Layers of Beauty Bundle

Please contact me. 

How to do the double embossing technique

 

Welcome to February's Totally Techniques blog hop.  This month we are sharing tips for the Double Embossing technique.  

I decided to use one of my newest stamp bundles that will be available in my Stampin' Up! shop from 3 March.  It's called Match Day and is perfect for all card makers and scrapbookers with football fans or football players in their family or friendship groups.  You can create in colours to suit their favourite team and have lots of fun.  I have already created several cards in sky blue for family who are hoping to see Coventry City promote back to the Championship league for the first time in quite some years.   My dear Dad will jump for joy in heaven if it happens, he was a big City fan.  Keeping our fingers crossed. 

For this card you'll need the Match Play bundle along with Cajun Craze and Old Olive card, an embossing folder similar to Exposed Brick, some Versamark ink and clear embossing powder and a heat tool.  

You can see how to create this fun technique in my video below. 

Enjoy our hop and if you are based in the UK remember you can buy the necessary products in my shop via the links below or browse my Stampin' Up! ® Shop

Thanks for checking in

Zoe x

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Supplies

Old Olive Cardstock

Cajun Craze cardstock

Versamark Ink pad

Embossing powder

Clean and simple cardmaking technique

 

Hello lovely visitors.  Welcome to my share for the Totally Techniques blog hop for January 2026.  This month we are sharing CAS cards, clean and simple or as my US friend calls it Clean and Sharp.  I've used a couple of very simple techniques within that theme of ink blending and splattering.  You can make similar with more colours or indeed stick with the gorgeous Secret Sea ( my new Old Olive go with any colour ) and a single colour combo. 

I like the striking outline images of the Natural Botanicals stamp set and it has lent itself really well to this card.  

If you haven't come across our January Product of the Month (POTM) then do take a look at how you can get your hands on it for just £5.  It has a super pair of fonts and sentiments for many, many occasions.  

Enjoy our hop. 

Sending sunshine

Zoe x

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Supplies

In color dsp

Natural Botanicals stamp set

Fabulous Sayings 

Cardstock

In Color Flat Pearls