Simple Expressions - colourful and retro

Hi Crafty Friends!

Welcome back to my 2nd instalment showcasing STAMPlorations new Simple Expressions - FOCUS stamp set.

Today's offering is rather colourful with a distinct sense of times-gone-by. Let's have a look ...

The jars in the image reminded me of making jams, chutneys and generally preserving food which seems to have had a revival in recent years hence the sentiment of 'Focus on the good life'. It is also a nod to the British sitcom The Good Life taking a humorous look at the challenges of self sufficiency in suburbia. 

The sentiment was made up using the Simple Expressions - FOCUS set in combination with the word 'LIFE' from the Bold Sentiments - Journey set. (I could have handwritten the word 'LIFE', but it wouldn't have looked anywhere near as good. 😀)

The background is partially stamped and ink blended using the solid 'FOCUS' stamp and partially stencilled using the Square Lots Square Stencil as a nod to garden trellis and home grown food. 

To create the layered look, I simply used low tack masking tape to mask off the area I wasn't working on.

This card started off with the pencil coloured ATC and wanting to have a background that wouldn't drown out the softer colouring. While searching through bit of orange card for the best shade to use, I came across this almost square piece which ended up being my background. I rather liked the somewhat irregular frame in combination with the layering I had in mind.

It always pays to play around with what you already got as it opens up different opportunities as you can see in my next card.

This one has a different shape, a more regular frame and bolder colouring of the image.  The bolder coloured image can hold its own against the background stamping. I think the combination of both looks rather striking.

I've been stamping across layers again for today's cards, a technique described in my previous post here.

Summing up today's post:

Masking can be used to create faux layers to add interest/layers without adding bulk to your projects.

Stamping across layers can add interest to either background or sentiments.

Changing the shape and/or colouring medium used can easily transform one idea into different looking cards.

You can use bits of stamps you already have in your stash for custom sentiments. The Simple Expressions - FOCUS sentiment would work well with words such as 'times', 'in life', 'in others', 'days', 'memories', 'possibilities' to name a few. I'm sure you can think of more.

That's it from me for today. I shall be back later this week with some new makes. Until then ...

Hugs

Monika 💕

Here is what I used:

Just a little reminder: I am on the STAMPlorations DT Team. Please be aware that the following links are affiliated links which means should you use them to make a purchase I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

- from the STAMPlorations Shop

Simple Expressions - Focus



Retro People ATC




Bold Sentiments - Journey

Blossom Sprays 3

Bold Sentiments - Believe (retired) for the '& SHINE'

Square Lots Square Stencil

Feel free to check out STAMPlorations Subscription offers for stencils, paper goods and stickers.

In addition please d check out STAMPlorations Freebie of the Month which will automatically be shipped with any order of $25 and over.

- from my stash

white card

Confetti White, Melon Mambo and orange card (sorry, can't remember the exact shade), Coastal Cabana ink by Stampin'UP!

colouring pencils, unbranded

alcohol markers, unbranded

onyx black Versafine ink

Roasted Coffee Prism ink

The Izink ink

sequins

Simple Expressions - stylish in black & white

Hi Crafty Friends!

STAMPlorations have some new kids on the block ... a selection of Simple Expressions stamps.

Today I'm showcasing the one called 'FOCUS' in combination with some the Retro Peoples ATCs in timeless Black & White.

These stylish cards are super quick to make and use minimal supplies. Let's have a look ...

My first card uses the solid stamp from the set with the idea being to put the word 'FOCUS' centre stage. This was achieved by stamping it once only in solid black with the repeat stamping being done with an old, very well used ink pad of the same Versafine onyx black to achieve the more grey and slightly out of focus look. 

TIP!: In case you haven't one of those well used ink pads, you can achieve the same/similar look by inking your stamp up as normal and then stamp first on scrap paper/card before stamping on your base card.

The fully black 'FOCUS' was stamped using my MISTI on my base card first. I left the stamp in place on the lid and moved my base card along for the light coloured stamping. I then edged the ATC using my old and very well used ink pad and adhered the ATC in place before stamping the word 'FOCUS' again with my newer ink pad.

TIP!: For a stamped image to overlap layers without showing a line around the layers, it is best to use a stamping tool such as MISTI to leave the stamp in place after the first stamping and stamp the image again on each layer as they're being added to you card. This guarantees a seamless transition across the layers.

Next up is a duo of cards based on the same idea. One has embossed lines, the other one has lines added using the edge of a ruler.

This card only uses 3 elements, the ATC, a sentiment (both edged in black) and the 3 embossed lines.

Embossed lines are a great way of adding a little texture structure to your cards without detracting from your focal point. On my square card they act like an anchor for both the focal image and the sentiment.

The embossed lines were made using my Hougie Board (which I've had for ages) and scoring tool. Of course, you can use whichever scoring board and tool you have. 

Should you not yet have one of these, using a ruler to 'draw' lines with a bone folder down the inside of your card front will give a similar effect. 

The next set of lines were stamped/drawn using the inked up edge of a ruler. To keep the lines straight while pulling the first ruler's edge along, I used a second ruler to align the first ruler's edge against otherwise I would have managed to get all over the place 😅.

Sometimes the simplest things can have a great effect.

Summing up today's post ...

The Simple Expressions - FOCUS stamp set is perfect for creating stylish and versatile cards. As a sentiment the FOCUS set leaves room for you to personalise the message (more about this in my next post) which comes into its own when a card is sent for encouragement and as a sort of pick-me-up pep talk one.

You can easily create your own custom card making kit by combining the Simple Expressions - FOCUS set with card fronts, ATCs, Collage Papers, Pocket Backdrops or Ephemera Cut-Out Sheets. More details can be found by following the link below to the stamp set. 

That's it from me for today. I shall be back soon with the second instalment Simple Expressions - colourful and retro.

See you then.

Hugs

Monika 💕

Here is what I used:

Just a little reminder: I am on the STAMPlorations DT Team. Please be aware that the following links are affiliated links which means should you use them to make a purchase I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

- from the STAMPlorations Shop

Simple Expressions - Focus



Retro People ATC

Feel free to check out STAMPlorations Subscription offers for stencils, paper goods and stickers.

In addition please d check out STAMPlorations Freebie of the Month which will automatically be shipped with any order of $25 and over.

- from my stash:

white card

Versafine Onyx Black ink
score board and tool
ruler
scissors
MISTI

Be The Exception

Hi Crafty Friends!

A little card of encouragement today ...

... for those who need to stand out from the crowd. 

I used stamping, masking and a bit of fuzzy cutting in combination with a little ink blending. My card was finished off with some gems.

I'm playing along at:

Word Power July 2026 Challenge - sentiment as main focus

That's it from me for now. Wishing you a lovely day.

hugs

Monika 💕

Here is what I used:

- from my stash

white card stock

Purple Velvet, Black Currant Jam, Spring Meadow and Roasted Coffee Prism inks

gems

Just a little reminder: I am on the STAMPlorations DT Team. Please be aware that the following links are affiliated links which means should you use them to make a purchase I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You can use the discount code STAMPGIRLMONIKA at checkout to get 20% off your purchases, excludes subscription offers.

- from the STAMPlorations Shop

Artsy Tribal Doodles 

Be The Exception

Ovals Flexi-Template

Feel free to check out STAMPlorations Subscription offers for stencils, paper goods and stickers.

In addition please d check out STAMPlorations Freebie of the Month which will automatically be shipped with any order of $25 and over.

Just Playing with Artsy Tribal Doodles

Hi Crafty Friends!

Just a couple of cards today as a little reminder that STAMPlorations have a Never Ending Anything Goes Challenge on their blog.

I've been playing with one of their sets called Artsy Tribal Doodles and lots of colour. Artsy Tribal Doodles is a set of many possibilities ... borders, shapes, frames you name it.

I hadn't used it in a while and just went where curiosity took me with simple stamping, layering and adding my own doodles.

 

I used gems and sequins to finish my cards off.

That's it from me for now.  I hope you feel inspired to join STAMPlorations Anything Goes Challenge over on their blog.

Wishing you a lovely day!

hugs

Monika 💕

Here is what I used:

Just a little reminder: I am on the STAMPlorations DT Team. Please be aware that the following links are affiliated links which means should you use them to make a purchase I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You can use the discount code STAMPGIRLMONIKA at checkout to get 20% off your purchases, excludes subscription offers.

- from the STAMPlorations Shop

Artsy Tribal Doodles 

Little Monsters

 

True And Free

 

Feel free to check out STAMPlorations Subscription offers for stencils, paper goods and stickers.

In addition please d check out STAMPlorations Freebie of the Month which will automatically be shipped with any order of $25 and over.

- from my stash

white card stock

onyx black Versafine ink

think the coloured inks for the flower were Prism inks, but not sure about the exact colours

Aurore, Cire and Miel Izink ink

black and orange fine liner pens

a couple of stamps from my stash slipped in too for 'on your birthday' and the flower stem

sequins and gems

Wish Upon A Star

Hi Crafty Friends!

Just a quick card today as a little reminder that STAMPlorations have a Never Ending Anything Goes Challenge on their blog.

There are a few simple rules to follow all of which can be found here.

My card features one of STAMPlorations recent release sets called Layered Stars which is perfect for quick cards with as much or little colour as you like.

I've chosen a classic black-grey-yellows theme for my slimline card. The small outline stars from the

set were used to stamp the border.

The layers and border highlight the slimline shape. The focal point is the two tone yellow star balance through the placement of the black sentiment and the golden sequin to finish.

That's it from me for now. I shall be back with another reminder card soon.

Wishing you a lovely day!

hugs

Monika 💕

Here is what I used:

Just a little reminder: I am on the STAMPlorations DT Team. Please be aware that the following links are affiliated links which means should you use them to make a purchase I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You can use the discount code STAMPGIRLMONIKA at checkout to get 20% off your purchases, excludes subscription offers.

- from the STAMPlorations Shop

Layered Stars 

Feel free to check out STAMPlorations Subscription offers for stencils, paper goods and stickers.

In addition please d check out STAMPlorations Freebie of the Month which will automatically be shipped with any order of $25 and over.

- from my stash

white, grey and black card stock

onyx black Versafine ink

Aurore and Miel Izink ink

London Fog Memento ink

sequins

You're Vintage

Hi Crafty Friends!

It's the weekend, and I'm sharing a little birthday card I made when feeling a bit nostalgic ...

A vintage jukebox on a bubbles background

That's it from me for today.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

Hugs

Monika 💕

Here is what I used:

- from my stash

white card

Early Espresso card - Stampin'Up!

Mer Du Sud and Outremer Izink inks

Roast Coffee Prism ink

sequins

Just a little reminder: I am on the STAMPlorations DT Team. Please be aware that the following links are affiliated links which means should you use them to make a purchase I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You can use the discount code STAMPGIRLMONIKA at checkout to get 20% off your purchases, excludes subscription offers.

- from the STAMPlorations Shop

Nostalgia #1 Ephemera Cut-Outs

Nostalgic #1 Clear Stickers

Patchwork Frenzy Graphic Squares stamp set - retired

Bubbles Stencil - retired

Feel free to check out STAMPlorations Subscription offers for stencils, paper goods and stickers.

In addition please d check out STAMPlorations Freebie of the Month which will automatically be shipped with any order of $25 and over.

Garden of Happiness

Hi Crafty Friends!

As you're probably aware, STAMPlorations are celebrating their 13th birthday this week. To help them celebrate I shall be posting extra inspiration each day. That's apart from the ones I made as part of their design team.

Today's bonus project is a cheerful floral card using one of the Floral Parade Ephemera Cut-Outs in combination with a matching Floral Magic Clear Sticker sentiment by STAMPlorations ....

... all simply arranged on a textured circle background and finished off with a single strategically placed sequin.

It's over to you now, head to the STAMPlorations Blog for birthday give-aways and perks and to comment and help them celebrate. It's the last day today. Make the most of it. 😀

Back with more inspiration tomorrow.

Hugs

Monika 💕

Here is what I used:

To celebrate 13 years, shipping is FREE on all US orders of $25 or more this week only – and you'll get the Freebie of the Month automatically included in your order! Happy shopping! 🛍️✨

Just a little reminder: I am on the STAMPlorations DT Team. Please be aware that the following links are affiliated links which means should you use them to make a purchase I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You can use the discount code STAMPGIRLMONIKA at checkout to get 20% off your purchases, excludes subscription offers.

- from the STAMPlorations Shop

Floral Parade Ephemera Cut-Outs

Floral Magic Clear Stickers

Circles All Over Texture Cover Plate Die

Feel free to check out STAMPlorations Subscription offers for stencils, paper goods and stickers.

In addition please d check out STAMPlorations Freebie of the Month which will automatically be shipped with any order of $25 and over.