Seashell by the Seashore

Hello friends!  You've got Colleen here today - this week at Topflight Stamps our theme is  Beach / Ocean!  I used several items to create a moody ocean themed card.  On a couple of pieces of watercolor paper scraps, I sprinkled PaperArtsy Infusions Dye Sleight Blue powder then spritzed with water liberally.  Once dry, I used Studio Light Scenery Borders Waves die set to cut out some waves. I set those aside and used the PaperArtsy Sara Naumann Mini 118 seashell stamp to create a focal point on ivory cardstock, stamped with VersaFine Onyx Black Ink.  On the card base, I used a PaperArtsy Alison Bomber Summer Edition sentiment stamp and Lavinia Dye Ink Soft Cygnet, stamped repeatedly across the background.  Final touches were some enamel dots from my stash, and Hunkydory Classic Pearls.

Hope you have a wonderful week! ~ Colleen

Below are the watercolor paper scraps I created with the PaperArtsy Infusions Dye in Sleight Blue.  Aren't they beautiful as-is?

Supplies Used From Topflight Stamps:

PaperArtsy - Sara Naumann - Mini 118 stamp set

PaperArtsy - Alison Bomber - Summer Edition stamp set

PaperArtsy Infusions Dye - Sleight Blue

Studio Light - Scenery Borders Dies: Waves

Lavinia Dye Ink - Soft Cygnet

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink

Hunkydory Classic Pearls

Sparkly Nature Card with PaperArtsy Sara Naumann Stamps

 

Hello crafty friends, it’s Ericka from Strangely Creative! ✨

Today I’m diving into one of my favorite creative combos—gel prints, sparkly textures, and beautiful nature-inspired stamps. For this card, I played with the PaperArtsy Sara Naumann 51 stamp set to create a nature card that shimmers and shines in all the right places.

Building the Background

I started with a gel press print using the gorgeous new PaperArtsy Fresco Finish colors in Watermelon, Coastal, and Admiral. These three shades blend into such a dreamy background that is vibrant yet soft enough to let the details shine through.

Adding the Details

Next, I stamped the focal images from the Sara Naumann 51 set with Versafine Clair Pine Cone ink and heat embossed them in clear powder. This gave my images a crisp outline and just the right amount of glossy texture.

But I wanted to bring in a little extra movement so out came the Sara Naumann 090 stencil! Using Spectrum Noir Glitter Paste, I added a couple more sparkling birds that really catch the light and bring that magical feel to the card.

 

Finishing Touch

Once the glitter paste dried, I completed the card with a simple but meaningful sentiment from the Lavinia Sentiment Stickers. Sometimes all you need is just a few words to tie it all together.

 

The Final Look

This project is all about texture, shimmer, and layering different mediums. Between the bold gel press colors, glossy embossed images, and glittery stencil birds, the card feels alive with nature’s energy. Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this sparkly card inspires you to mix up your gel prints with stamping and stencil textures for your next project. Wishing you a creative and joyful close to the month and enjoy the last week of August! 💖

 

 Topflight Stamp Supplies

PaperArtsy - Sara Naumann 51 Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Sara Naumann PS090 Shop at: TP	Lavinia - Sentiment Stickers - Uplifting Collection Shop at: TP	Tsukineko - VersaFine Clair - Pine Cone Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Paint Seth Apter Admiral Shop at: TP
Spectrum Noir - Glitter Paste - Candlelight Gold Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Paint Tracy Scott Watermelon Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Paint Tracy Scott Coastal Shop at: TP	Gel Press - Reusable Gel Printing Plate Shop at: TP
Speedball - 2" Brayer Shop at: TP

Crayon Blooms & Inky Play: A Mixed Media Floral Adventure

 

Hello friends and Happy Friday! 💕 Ericka here from Strangely Creative, and today I’m sharing a playful and vibrant card that features the Crayon Flowers set from Chou & Flowers. If you know me, you know I can't resist flowers or coloring—so this set basically had my name written all over it! 😄🌸

Brushmarker Comeback

To kick things off, I dusted off my Karin Brushmarkers (literally it’s been a minute!) and got to work. I stamped the sweet floral image using Versafine Clair Nocturne ink and watercolored it with my markers. These brushmarkers blend like a dream and brought the whimsical blooms to life with soft, juicy color.

Once everything was dry, I gave the flowers a good fussy cut to prep them for layering onto my background.

 

Inky Background Magic

For the backdrop, I reached for my Bristol Smooth paper and blended Lavinia Elements Dye Ink in Mulberry and Truffle. I love how rich and moody this combo turned out. To add a touch of texture, I spritzed the background with water to lift some ink—instant grungey goodness! 🙌

Then, I stamped the beautiful script from the PaperArtsy Sara Naumann 51 set in Twilight ink for some subtle layered interest.

Sparkle & Final Touches

No mixed media card is complete without a bit of shimmer, right? ✨ I gave the background a light mist of Lindy’s Gang Spritz Spray in Golden Sun, just enough to catch the light without overpowering the design.

To finish things off, I added a tiny tag with a sentiment from the same PaperArtsy set, highlighted a few details with a white gel pen, and drew a simple hand-doodled frame around the border for that artsy, handmade touch.

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Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this inspires you to pull out some supplies you haven’t used in a while—sometimes forgotten tools lead to the most fun discoveries. 🖌️💛

If you create something inspired by this post, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @strangelycreative and let’s get inspired together.

Have a beautifully crafty weekend!
—Ericka 💫

Topflight Stamp Supplies

Chou & Flowers - Crayon Flowers Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Sara Naumann 51 Shop at: TP	Lavinia - Elements Dye Ink - Mulberry Shop at: TP	Lavinia - Elements Dye Ink - Truffle Shop at: TP	Tsukineko - VersaFine Clair - Nocturn Shop at:  TP
Tsukineko - Versafine Clair - Twilight Shop at: TP	Lavinia 5/8 Stencil Brush Shop at: TP

Feathered Friends & Magical Colors: A Mixed Media Watercolor Adventure

 

Happy Friday, crafty friends!
Ericka here from Strangely Creative, and today I’m excited to share a pair of whimsical bird cards that combine some of my favorite things—watercolor play, stamping, and a touch of texture magic!

 

These cards were inspired by the beautifully detailed birds from PaperArtsy Sara Naumann Set 64 and 41. I’ve had this stamp set in my stash for a while and thought it would pair perfectly with the vibrant colors of Lindy’s Gang Magicals (think Brushos, but with extra shimmer and personality!).

 💧 Watercoloring with Magicals
I started by sprinkling the magical powder pigments onto watercolor paper and activating them with water. Watching the colors bloom and blend is half the fun—no two pieces ever turn out the same, which makes it perfect for background play or creating focal panels.

 

🖋 Stamping & Details
Once the watercolor was completely dry, I added some handwriting in the background. I then stamped the bird images in Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink for crisp, rich detail. I love how the bold ink contrasts with the soft, dreamy watercolor underneath.

📎 Finishing Touches
To add some artsy flair and texture, I pulled out some AALL & Create washi tape—these patterns always bring such a quirky charm to mixed media projects. I also ran the edges through my sewing machine for a hint of stitched texture and movement. Finally, I sketched hand-drawn frames around each card to tie everything together and give them that finished look.

 

These cards are simple in design but rich in detail—and most importantly, they were so much fun to make.

 

🕊️ Whether you’re a seasoned mixed media artist or just dipping your toes into watercolor and stamping, I hope these sweet bird cards inspire you to get inky this weekend.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a creative and colorful day!

 

Topflight Stamp Supplies

 

PaperArtsy - Sara Naumann 41 Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Sara Naumann 64 Shop at: TP	AALL & Create - Washi Tape #3 Artour de Mwa Shop at: TP	AALL & Create - Washi Tape #39 Scriptual Shop at: TP	AALL & Create - Washi Tape Heritage Scroll Shop at: TP
Tsukineko - VersaFine Clair - Nocturn Shop at: CS | AZ | TP

Fall in Love with Mixed Media Layers

 

Hello, friends! It’s Ericka from Strangely Creative, and today I’m excited to share a fall-themed mixed media card with you. One of my favorite ways to start any mixed media card is by creating a textured, layered background, and for this project, I used my trusty gel press.

To capture those rich fall colors, I selected PaperArtsy Fresco Paints in Tango, Sunshine, and Persimmon. After pulling a vibrant print from the gel press, I wanted to add more dimension, so I reached for the PaperArtsy Sara Naumann 36 set and stamped it in Versafine Clair Pine Cone Ink to enhance that autumn feel.

No mixed media card is complete without a bit of texture! I applied texture paste through the PaperArtsy PS 248 stencil and sprinkled WOW! Embossing Powder in Twiggy on top while it was still wet. Once the paste dried, I used a heat tool to melt the powder, creating a stunning, textured, metallic layer.

 For the main focal image, I chose a beautiful design from the PaperArtsy Sara Naumann 41 set and heat embossed it using WOW! Embossing in Decadent Ruby. The ruby tones added a lovely pop of color that really makes the image stand out against the warm background.

To tie everything together, I added a sentiment from the Sara Naumann 36 set on vellum, softening the look while keeping the focus on the texture and colors underneath.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope this card inspires you to dive into your own mixed media stash and create something beautiful for fall. Have a wonderful weekend!

Until next time, Ericka

Topflight Stamp Supplies

PaperArtsy - Sara Naumann 36 Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Sara Naumann 41 Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Sara Naumann PS248 Shop at: TP	WOW! Embossing - Clear Shop at: TP	WOW! Embossing - Clear Embossing Pad Shop at: TP
WOW! Embossing - Twiggy Shop at: TP	WOW! Embossing - Decadent Ruby - Raquel Burillo Perez Shop at: TP	Tsukineko - VersaFine Clair - Nocturn Shop at:  TP	Tsukineko - VersaFine Clair - Pine Cone Shop at: TP
PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Persimmon Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Sunshine Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Tango Shop at: TP	Speedball - 2" Brayer Shop at: TP
Gel Press - Reusable Gel Printing Plate Shop at: TP