TinkerCards Designs: August 2026

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