Woodland Wanders with Lynne Perrella stamps {by Mags Woodcock}

Hi everyone, nice to be back with you again

Mags here with you today.

This year on the blog, we have free rein to do a deep dive into a PaperArtsy product ranges of our choosing. For this post I have been exploring two fabulous Lynne Perrella stamp sets

Today I'm looking forward to sharing with you how I use a faux wood slice to create a woodland plaque with lots of texture and dimension within the layers. Lots of PaperArtsy products came out to play and it was fun to use several products to add colour in a variety of ways.

 I used Grunge Paste (GP190) combined with some Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics and Just Walnut Infusions (CS25) to add texture and vintage colour to my project. I also used quite a few Mattints to colour my stamped image, and I share how I achieved a lovely skin tone. 

 As you can see here, I chose some neutral colours along with a couple of greens to combine with the Lynne Perrella stamp sets.(LPC047 & LPC048) The stencil is by Kay Carly (PS061) and was the obvious choice for a delicate botanical feel. As it turned out, I didn't use the plain tissue or Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic, Snowflake , but instead stamped directly onto my faux wood slice

I'll take you through the other supplies I used, as I use them.

 

I wanted to add quite a lot of interesting detail to the background of my project. So I started by stamping the lavender foliage from Alison Bomber's Lavender Edition stamp set (EAB47) available from a PaperArtsy stockist. I used Ranger, Archival, English Ivy to achieve a lovely crisp images

The background was a little bright for my liking so I sponged on Nutty (MT02), Fern (MT03) and Ash (MT10) Mattints, available from a PaperArtsy stockist , working in a circular direction to follow the wood grain. Using the Mattints to add colour as well as seal the surface allowed me to colour the leaves with Fern followed by a touch of A Bit Jaded Infusions (CS02), The Mattints stopped any bleeding of the Infusions outside the stamped lines

I wanted to use some Grunge Paste to add texture to the background, so mixing it with some Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics , Magic Moss (FF130) and Castleton (FF231),available from a PaperArtsy stockists , achieved the colour I wanted.

I applied the coloured grunge Paste through the Kay Carly stencil, working in from the edges of the wood slice, and using various parts of the stencil to add variety. When the Grunge Paste was completely dry I brushed on a coat of diluted Just walnut Infusions (CS25) to add a vintage feel.

Whilst gathering supplies to possibly use on the project, I came across some gorgeous MDF leaves. They were perfect to add some more dimension. I used a sponge to add a base coat of Fresco finish Chalk Acrylic, Buff (FF96), followed by a mixture of Buff and Magic Moss. A touch of Castleton mixed into the mixture created a slightly darker shade, which I added to one edge of the leaves.

Continuing to add colour to nature themed elements, I had some chipboards that I thought would look lovely. There was one large circular piece that I wanted to include, plus some smaller elements. I used A Bit Jaded Infusions mixed with water and decanted into a spray bottle, and randomly spritzed the chipboards. I didn't actually use the large circular element in the project, but it will await it's turn to shine.

I was really pleased with all the elements and background I had created, It was now time to move on to the focal image for the project, and also decide on the colours to use. I had a couple of ideas, but as we all know things can change as we progress with a project.

My initial idea for the focal area of the project was to stamp out the two faces from the stamp sets, fussy cut them out, then layer them up to give the simpler one a "Beehive" hairstyle,  adding in the embellishments I had created. I experimented with this idea, but soon realised it didn't work to my satisfaction. I put my thinking cap on and soon realised that what was needed was a contrast. A contrast to the organic leaves, birds, feathers and other items.

I stamped the image from LPC048 on to Smoothy Card (SCA4) using Ranger Archival, Jet Black and created a panel with the image in the centre. The straight lines of the panel were just the ticket for adding in that much needed contrast.

Just Walnut Infusions came into play once more, to add a vintage vibe to the stamped image. I used a large brush to add a wash and then when it was dry, added a few extra splatters.

I coloured the face with watered down Ladybug Mattint (MT12) available from a PaperArtsy stockist and the cheeks with full strength Ladybug.

Now was the time for a big decision, which other colours to add to the image. I toyed with the idea of yellow, or green, but in the end Dragonfly Mattint (MT07) won the day. It would give the image the much needed pop of colour.

My focal image was taking shape very nicely, but it needed something to lift it from the background. I had always planned to mount it on something, but exactly what took a while to decide. I tried book pages, kraft card, and stamped card, none of which looked right. it was at this point I came across some small panels of wood veneers. They were just right for my purpose, only one problem, they were too small. After a bit of playing around I came up with the idea to layer up two panels to form a solid base for the image. Splitting the two remaining panels and distressing the ends before overlapping them worked perfectly.

It was now time to bring everything together on my wood slice background. I had some mini wood slices in my stash of possibilities, these were perfect to mount the focal panel on.

I used foam tape and Heavy Gel medium to layer up the focal panel on the slatted wood panel. This allowed for embellishments to be tucked in between the layers easily later.

I loved how everything was coming together and couldn't wait to add more. As always, I think it's the little details that make a project

The birds in the stamps were crying out to be used in the layers surrounding the panel. but also featuring on the nest, these were also coloured using Mattints, Glow (MT01), Nutty (MT02) and Dragonfly (MT07). I also added some grey board butterflies which had a base coat of Buff followed by a coat of Dragonfly Mattint, and the eyes from the face on stamp set LPC047 added

Coordinating buttons added some much needed colour to tie in with the Ladybug . A coat of Matte Glaze took away the annoying shine for a more vintage look

As you can see here, layering up the elements made the project multi dimensional and added lots of interest and texture.

The face on the seed packet stamped image was distracting so I covered it with some buttons from another stamp in the set, using Glow and Ladybug Mattint, and Just walnut infusions to add colour.

Colouring the white feathers from my stash was easy , I sprayed with just Walnut infusions and left to dry.

I have loved creating this project with all the little details. I hope you enjoyed seeing how it came together. I can imagine a set of tags or a journal cover using the elements and stamps I used in this project.

Take care and happy crafting................. Mags x 

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September 2025 - With 3 Things - Woven book {by Dounia Large}

Hi friends, 

It's Dounia from PaperArtsy HQ with you for another 'With 3 Things' challenge post. 

For this feature on the PaperArtsy Blog 3 identical items are sent to 3 members of the PaperArtsy Blogging team. Typically we will receive a stamp, a stencil and a couple of Fresco Paints.

We have no clue what PaperArtsy HQ is going to send, the whole idea of this challenge is to do something crafty in our personal style with these 3 items. We can incorporate other PA products into the mix if we feel it is necessary.

So let's take a look at what I 'received' from PA HQ ...

We had a very autumnal kit this time: a lovely stamp set full of textures from Lin Brown (ELB34), a choice of leaves in a fun stencil from the archives, PaperArtsy Stencil PS002  (also from Lin Brown) and two gorgeous warm Fresco Finish acrylic paints from the Seth Apter range: Kiwi Gold and Rusty. I also added a couple Fresco Finish colours from my stash for contrast and variation: Mahogany and Toffee.

With all of that I made a little sketch book with a fun woven cover.

The base for the cover of my book was a series of Regular Smoothy card bands, as well as a full A4 sheet for the inside cover. I worked simultaneously on all of them, without thinking too much, treating each like a mini master board.

I started with the texture stamps from ELB34. I used them quite randomly all over the bands, stamping in coordinated, water resistant inks.

Once dry, I added a layer of paint all over using Kiwi Gold, Rusty, Mahogany and a range of mixes. As all those paints are translucent, you can partially see the layers beneath, creating lovely and subtle textures. For an ever lighter coverage, I diluted some of the mixed with a bit of water.

I cut the finished bands into strips of varying width and it was time for weaving! 

I kept the more textured backgrounds quite large to show them off and the cut the brighter and darker ones one much thinner. I took inspiration from plaid for the weaving sequence but I think a random one would be gorgeous too! I tried to keep everything square with the help of a grid but the end piece is not exactly rectangular...

Now for the stencil, PS002 by Lin Brown. I really love the group of little leaves on it and wanted them to run along the whole cover. I secured the ends of my woven panel with masking tape and turned it over. I positioned the stencil under it and marked the groves with a stylus to create embossing. It is a technique I love but here it was not the easiest to achieve a clear image because of the thickness of the woven substrate and the breaks between the strips.

I then gave the whole cover a wash of Toffee Fresco Finish paint, making sure to push it in all the crevices and them wiping the excess on the raised parts. This disguised the white cut edges of the strips and helped all the colours work together .

I re-did the same technique with pure Toffee paint on the leaves to accentuate the relief. I also lightly sanded the raised parts  to make them stand out even more.

I love the overall effect! Then I 'only' had to glue on the inside cover and sew on the signatures. However, once I had the book completely constructed, I was not convinced the leaves were visible enough, so I dry brushed a little bit of Gold on the raised pattern. It was the final touch I was missing! I reminds me of a sunny autumn day!

The inside cover was done just like the bands with Kiwi Gold and Rusty, just on a bigger size.

I had a lot of fun with this project and love the result. It was a pretty safe bet as the colours are among my favorites! 

I hope this helps you travel toward autumn and maybe inspire you to try your hand at paper weaving.

Stay creative!  

Dounia x

September 2025 - With 3 Things - Autumn Book & Box {by Helen Ranger}

Hello, Helen Ranger (butterflywings_beautifulthings) here with you today on the PaperArtsy blog. I was surprised and excited when PaperArtsy asked me to be a guest blogger for the September 'with 3 things' challenge. Some of you may have seen some of my creations on the PaperArtsy People Group on Facebook. I haven't been creating for very long compared to some and still consider myself to be a beginner with a lot to learn. 

For this feature on the PaperArtsy Blog 3 identical items are sent to 3 crafters. Typically we will receive a stamp, a stencil and a couple of Fresco Paints. We have no clue what PaperArtsy HQ is going to send, the whole idea of this challenge is to do something crafty in our personal style with these 3 items. We can incorporate other PA products into the mix if we feel it is necessary.

When my parcel arrived, I carefully opened the beautiful bird paper wrapping to find a autumn inspired selection of Fresco Finish acrylic paints with Rusty and Kiwi Gold, a lovely Lin Brown stamp set ELB34 and PaperArtsy stencil PS002, also by Lin Brown. Ideas began to race through my mind.

Today I have made a mini book and its box, inspired by nature in the fall.

I have to admit nerves set in a little at this point along with a little self doubt for good measure. My usual style is to have delicate stencil backgrounds with very defined focals but this selection was possibly the opposite of that? 

I was feeling a little overwhelmed so I started with some exploration before taking any decision. I began to test the beautiful colors of paint with ink colours and paints that I thought might work well. All those rusty leaves gave me the idea to create a box with an autumn walk themed mini booklet inside.

I began my project by enjoy myself using my gel plate to make some backgrounds. I added small blobs of the two paint colours and used my brayer to blend them, then removing paint onto a spare sheet of copier paper through the stencil. This created a beautiful distressed textures.

I pulled the prints using the Heavy Cream Fresco Finish which toned down the colours a little. Perfect for a background!

Next I trimmed two of the backgrounds to the height of the reclaimed box I had chosen and glued the strips together to create a snippet roll. I used most of the stamps in the stamp set in various colors of ink all the way along the snippet roll. I did a lot of overlapping and some partial stamping. I finished it off with stitching along both edges.

I also needed to decorate the base of the box. Using embossing ink, I stamped onto one of the gel printed backgrounds using the distressed floral stamp. I coated this for two colours of embossing glaze then I added additional stamping and stitching. This way the base coordinates perfectly with the sides but has more texture!

I cut the snippet roll to size and painted the edges of the box in French Roast Fresco Finish I then glued the snippet roll inside and out fitting the base into the bottom of the box.

With the bow all pretty, it was time to begin creating my booklet. I sprayed some Distress stain and oxide through PaperArtsy stencil PS002 onto some card, adding water splats and drying. I brayered on a little of the Kiwi Gold Fresco, mainly around the edges. I glued another piece of the gel printed paper to the back. This will be the cover for my booklet

I wanted the booklet to fit snuggly in the box so I used the measurements of the box reduced by half a centimeter to determine to size of my covers. I cut a strip of the right height in the stencilled card and marked the covers width on each end. I glued on a second piece of card to the back of the booklet along the three edges, as shown above, to create a little pocket then inked up all the edges.

Then I began concertina folding the remaining strip between the covers. I wanted five pages so I created 5 peak folds, but you could have as many as you like. I finally glued together the valley folds on the outside of the booklet, stopping the concertina from opening. This created raised flaps inside the booklet to adhere my pages to.

I think I should have made the folds larger as folding the doubled card was hard on my hands and gluing the small folds was a bit tricky.

For my pages, I cut five pieces of the gel printed paper to the height of my cover minus half a centimeter and double the width. Each was to be folded in half and glued together sandwiching a flap of the cover, thus creating 5 pages.

Those pages now needed to be decorated! I brayered on matching ink to the one on the cover. I added scraps of the lovely tissue paper used to wrap my parcel (PT11 - Birds) and textures stamps to decorate the background.

I stamped many of the main leaves in the ELB34 set on card using different colour inks then painted them layering the two colours Rusty and Kiwi Gold. I also added a little bit of Claret Fresco Finish paint just around the edges as they felt a little "flat". I fussy cut these out and inked around the edges and the back as I knew that I wanted to bend some and I didn't want any white showing.

The next bit is intuitive to me as I love using fragments of fabric, string, book page and card/paper scraps to my nature work. Very often it can be the smallest of pieces. This process began when I created a junk journal for a year it was a period of healing for me.

I added these to the pages arranging the leaves, stamped words, scraps of snippet roll and text from a digital download.

I then added simple doodles, lines, dots and circles to each page.

Nearly there... I added leaves to the box and set about creating the finishing touches. I added some rusty paint to a metal token with a sentiment fitting the project. I let it partially dry and dapped it with kitchen towel. I glued the string inside the back cover so that the metal token dangled on the outside.

I fussy cut a moth and coated it with frosted crystal for my cover. A process I really enjoy!

I put cut off pieces of the base into the back pocket to use as a mini tag. (You didn't think I could create all this without a tag did you?).

All done! Here is a look at the different pages:

I loved all the processes to create this mini booklet and box which I can now fill with projects inspired by the upcoming season. I look forward to filling it and sharing my makes with you on PaperArtsy People!

Helen xx

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