A New Year’s Bloom: Mixed Media Magic with Gel Press

 

Hello friends!
Ericka from Strangely Creative here again, and today I’m excited to share a vibrant mixed media page to kick off the New Year. Using a gel press background as the foundation, this page came together quickly and brought so much joy to create. Let’s dive into the details!

 

For my base, I started with a gel press print featuring PaperArtsy Fresco Paints in Bubble Gum and Firebird. To add an extra touch of texture and color, I had previously pulled a print using the Lavinia Lattice stencil with Berry Nice, introducing pops of purple into the mix. The layers and colors made for a dynamic and fun background that set the tone for the entire page.

 

To build dimension and interest, I incorporated bits from the AALL & Create Skycrossed Paradise die cuts and accented them with AALL & Create Letter Back Home washi tape. These elements added texture and a sense of movement to the page.

For the central image, I used a beautiful flower from the AALL & Create Petal Power set, which fit perfectly within a black frame I’d prepared. To make the flower pop even more, I added a touch of extra color with some colored pencils. The fine details really brought the image to life and made it the star of the page.

 

 

To wrap up the design, I included a sentiment from the AALL & Create Motivation Station set. It’s always satisfying to finish a piece with the perfect phrase, tying the elements together and adding a thoughtful message to the artwork.

And there you have it! A vibrant and layered mixed media page to celebrate the New Year. I hope this project inspires you to get creative with your gel press and explore new techniques. Thank you so much for stopping by, and I wish you a year filled with joy, creativity, and artistic exploration.

Happy crafting!

Topflight Stamp Supplies

AALL & Create - Petal Power Shop at: TP	Lavinia - Lattice Shop at: TP	AALL & Create - Skycrossed Paradise Shop at: TP	AALL & Create - Letter Back Home Shop at: TP	WOW! Embossing - Clear Shop at: TP
AALL & Create - Motivation Station Shop at: TP	Tsukineko - VersaFine Clair - Nocturn Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Berry Nice Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Bubble Gum Shop at: TP
PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Firebird Shop at: TP	Gel Press - Reusable Gel Printing Plate Shop at:  TP	Speedball - 2" Brayer Shop at: TP

Crafty Love and Texture

 

Happy New Year, friends!
Ericka here from Strangely Creative, and I’m so excited to share a playful mixed media Valentine’s Day card with you. If you’ve been following me, you know how much I adore using my gel press to create unique, colorful backgrounds. Today’s project is no exception, and I can’t wait to show you the steps!

 

For this card, I decided to break out my trusty gel press along with some acrylic markers in white and gold. I used the markers directly on the gel plate, drawing fun, Valentine designs. Once the marker lines were completely dry, I layered on PaperArtsy Fresco Paints in Bubble Gum and Lily the Pink. Then, I pulled up my print to reveal a vibrant and textured background. This technique is not only fun but also gives every print its own personality!

To make my card extra special, I used the PaperArtsy Frances Papillion PS377 stencil with Spectrum Noir Glitter Paste in Peony Bloom. The glittery heart shape added just the right touch of sparkle to my design. Once the paste was dry, I traced the heart onto a spare gel press scrap and mounted it on black cardstock to create a bold, eye-catching element.

To assemble the card, I attached the heart using foam tape for a little dimension. For the sentiment, I turned to the AALL & Create Motivation Station set, which added the perfect final touch to this cheerful Valentine’s Day creation.

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending time with me as I dive into the world of mixed media. I hope this project inspires you to experiment with your gel press and bring a little love to your crafting table this season.

Here’s to a wonderful 2025 filled with creativity, joy, and handmade treasures!

Happy crafting,

Topflight Stamp Supplies

PaperArtsy - Frances Papillon PS377 Shop at: TP	AALL & Create - Motivation Station Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Bubble Gum Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Lily the Pink Shop at: TP	Spectrum Noir - Glitter Paste - Peony Bloom Shop at: TP
Gel Press - Reusable Gel Printing Plate Shop at:  TP	Speedball - 2" Brayer Shop at: TP

Clean & Simple Thank You Cards

Welcome 2025! Lisa Hoel here. I can't believe it's the start of a new year already. Hopefully you all have had a joyful and creative holiday season. I always find myself in need of some thank you cards this time of year so I made a set as my project for the week:

I kept it simple – a few background stamps for visual texture and pieces of gorgeous AALL & Create Washi tape (Priority Dispatch). My goal is to send off my Christmas thank you notes by the end of the week! 

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the Topflight Stamps store for a wide selection of different and hard to find stamps, stencils and other paper crafting supplies from all around the world! Also keep an eye here on the Topflight Stamps blog. There is new inspiration posted daily!

Topflight Stamps Supplies Used:

AALL & Create Washi #114 Priority Dispatch

PaperArtsy Stamp Set - Tracy Scott 24, ETS24 

PaperArtsy Stamp Set - Seth Apter 08, ESA08 

AALL & Create Die Set - #34 Skycrossed Paradise

Versafine Pigment Ink Pad - Onyx Black

Clair Ink Pad - Arctic

Lavinia Elements Ink Pad - Russet Orange