Nov 2025 - With 3 Things - A Trio of Christmas Cards {by Victoria Wilding}

Hi friends, 

It's Victoria, from VictoriaWildingCreates, 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 ...

With Christmas fast approaching, I really need to get my skates on and make a stash of cards to send to friends and family, so today I have made a trio of Christmas cards. When I opened my design package and saw the lovely Kay Carley designs EKC11 and PS162, I knew it was time to get those Christmas cards started. I decided on a trio of complementary, clean and simple designs. So let’s get into the details.

I selected three pieces of 6x4” card (2 white, 1 kraft) to create the main images for the three cards. For the first card I choose white and decided to use the Fresco Finish Acrylic Paints in Verdigris (FF191) and Zinc, to stamp the images. To get a nice even coat of paint on the stamps I applied it with a sponge. Be careful not to let the paint dry on your stamps or it will ruin the designs. 

After stamping out three of the smallest trees in the set, I added a star to the top of each, stamping the image in VersaMark Watermark ink and traced the design in a metallic silver gel pen. 

I then added some extra dimension to the tree branches by adding lines of colour using the metallic silver gel pen on the Zinc stamped trees, and a dark green coloured pencil on the Verdigris stamped tree.

Next I made a start on the second card by applying Fresco Finish Acrylic Paints in Verdigris, through the holly stencil design, on three edges of the kraft card. 

Once dry I used a red coloured pencil to colour over the top of the berries elements in the design. 

Before tracing the outline of the holly leaves in dark green coloured pencil, to add more dimension.

I finished by stamping the ‘Christmas wishes’ sentiment and embossing in white and adding white platters.  

For the final card I decided to use the snowflake and pot stamps and turn them into mini trees. I started by stamping the pots in Zinc and added a variety of snowflakes in Verdigris. 

I added stems with brown coloured pencil and added extra texture in green coloured pencil to the snowflake branches. 

I finished by applying some grey coloured pencil to the main body of the pots, I kept the colour application rough with patches of white showing through.

I then mat and layered each of the cards, adding a small Christmas sentiment to the tree designs, to complete them. 

The clean and simple designs on these cards, really compliment Kay Carley’s lovely designs.

The extra details added using coloured pencil is so effective, and the lovely chalk texture of the paints makes layering no top of them so easy.  

I think I’ll be using the same, simple techniques with the other stamp designs in the set to extend this little collection even further!

They really do compliment each other so nicely.

Until next time, wishing you a happy creative week!

Victoria 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@victoriawildingcreates

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victoriawildingcreates

Facebook: www.facebook.com/victoriawildingcreates

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/victoriawildingcreates

Get Ahead Tags with NEW JoFY products {by Keren Baker}

Hi everyone, nice to be back with you again; Keren here with you today.

I was thrilled to have been sent the new JOFY Christmas range. Today, I'm looking forward to sharing with you easy ways to create multiple tags using a few backgrounds.

I really hadn't intended to create 7 tags, but when you've got all the elements you need and multiple prepared backgrounds, the tags just kept on coming! I also loved the challenge of creating trees out of non-tree images!

I have always wanted to create my own tartan/plaid and thought that this would be a great background for JOFY's stamps and stencils. 

To create a tartan background you just need some paint and some not-too-sticky washi tape. If you to be really precise, do measure out your spacings before you start. I just eye-balled it!

The process is simple but leave yourself an hour or so to create the pattern.

Having removed a bit of the tape's stickiness on your clothes, lay out the washi tape leaving equally spaced gaps. I started with my lightest colour.

Now add the washi tapes at a 90 degree angle from the first stripes and paint between them in the same colour.

Now position the washi tapes to cover all of the white spaces so you end up with just some of the green squares showing. Paint with a darker colour and you'll end up with a gingham effect.

Next place the strips so there's a small gap between them, roughly in the centre of each green stripe. Add slightly smaller gaps for the gaps either side of these to add interest.

Now do the same again but rotated by 90 degrees and add the final colour. I used London Bus which worked particularly well as it's a translucent so added a little more depth to the finished result.

You can see in the previous picture where the paper ripped. My washi tape was really sticky, and it also helps if you leave the paint to dry really well. I didn't mind the finished look and the PaperArtsy Heavy Smoothy cardstock stood up to a lot of faffing with it! Below is my finished result.

You could create more traditional types of tartan, but I thought this went excellently with Jo's modern style of Christmas stamps and I just loved the colours!

Next I needed to create an inked embossed background, stamp and colour and try and get some trees created!

 

I wanted to use white embossing powder and stencilling on acetate to add layers to my tag.

Simply adding ink over the embossed lettering from JOFY 143 and flicking water over it provides a subtle background layer.

I simply love acetate and so using JOFY Stencil PS478, I taped it securely onto a sheet of acetate and daubed onto each section.

The end result is just lovely! 

Next up I grabbed some more acetate, a little Grunge Paste and used a palette knife to add over the JOFY PS479. I did try and add some mica powder to the Grunge Paste but it ended up thickening it, and after thinning it down with water, the mica sheen wasn't obvious, so I added that to my list of 'not quite successful experiments'.

Jo Firth-Young's images are always sized well to colour, and so I used my alcohol markers to add graduated colour and depth. I used a combination of different sets.

JOFY trees are always fun, but I also saw several new trees in the leftover images so set about arranging them.

All I needed was to compile all the different elements to create various tags...

I added lots of details using micro beads, twine, attaching acetate using eyelets and stacking elements together.

These designs are great for getting-ahead, ready for Christmas. I know it's months away, but honestly it creeps up so quickly and then you don't have time for those extra special details like handmade tags. I have a tag box that I add to gradually and by the time December rolls around, it's filled up in no time!

If you change up the colours, it will give such a different look and there's plenty of scope for glitter and ribbon too.

I've loved creating with Jo's new range and I just know you will too! Grab some friends and host a tag making day. These stamps are the perfect candidates for it!

See you soon!

Happy creating.

My Blog

Facebook 

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

NEW PaperArtsy Products {Jo Firth-Young} August 2024

A note from Leandra:

I have lost count of the Christmas stamps Jo has created over the years, but its 100% true that you can't have too many because they are, of course a timeless addition to your crafty stash! If one appeals to you this year, then it undoubtedly still will in another 5 or 10 years. In my book that's an investment in Christmas present and future! ;) 

Every year Jo offers us a delightful selection of designs that bring a smile and build the excitement that Christmas isn't too far away.

This year there are stencils that have double purpose - a simple stencil is often one of those you reach for time and again, and  once you see what Jo does with these they will be straight in your basket I'm sure!

But never mind the stencils and stamps - can we just say a big and happy Ho Ho Ho! for the Printed Tissue! That will be perfect for gift wrapping a pressie for any of your crafty friends for SURE!!!

 

Jo will be along to share with you LIVE all these new products and ideas over in our Facebook Group, 'PaperArtsy People' shortly after this post publishes, and ... don't forget

 

These stamps are available EXCLUSIVELY from our approved stockists. Please check the list at the foot of this post to find a retailer online or geographically near you, it makes sense to order within your country where possible. Our retailers also endeavour to join the designer's live to share their direct shopping links - this makes it super easy for you to find a store with product in stock immediately.

Hi everyone. Jo here with you for another fabulously festive JoFY Christmas release!  

I think I probably say this every year but I think this year's Christmas stamps are my favourite so far! The two sets work together perfectly and will blend brilliantly with previous JOFY Christmas sets.... and this year there is Christmas tissue paper!!! Very excited to show you everything so lets get going...

 

Lets start with the tissue paper....

Printed Tissue Paper by Jo Firth-Young (PT09)

Price: RRP €4.20 +VAT

Size: 30" x 20" (67 x 47 cm) 4 per pack

Printed with permanent ink, will not bleed when you add wet media. To increase tissue  strength, coat with Matte Glaze on a non stick surface, let dry, then apply a second layer of Matte Glaze to adhere tissue to your preferred surface (card, wood, paper, fabric etc). The more liquid the glue, the more easily the tissue will disappear into the receiving surface.

I have so much fun designing tissue paper! The images on my first tissue paper were smaller in size because I had card making in mind when I designed it, but for this new Christmas themed paper I was thinking more about decorative items and journal pages so the images are slightly bigger (don't worry there are still some smaller elements for the card makers out there).
Bold words, snowflakes, collage clusters and dinky little snowmen!

Deck the halls!

On this panel I have painted and attached (with PaperArtsy Matte Glaze) a tissue paper motif on to a background painted with one of my new stencils - PS438. I combined Fresco Finish paints with coloured pencils to create dimension.

Mash-up decorations!

In my introduction I mentioned how all the designs would work brilliantly together and these decorations are a great example of that - a mix of stamps, stencils and tissue paper! I think I may be hooked on creating these decorative wood slices!! They're fun to create and personalise - and they're not just for Christmas!

Red Rubber Stamps (A5 set)

Price: RRP €23.00 +VAT    

Size:5" x 6" (13 x16.5cm)

All stamps are individually trimmed onto cling foam, with a laminated storage/index sheet.

Jo Firth-Young - A5 stamp set 136 {JoFY136}

This stamp set just makes me smile!! And how can you not smile when you see the happy face of this year's snowman!

There are three 'word blocks' on this stamp set - I kept one empty so you can add a word or someone's name to personalise your project.

Cards, cards, cards...

I always want to design stamps that are versatile so you can use them in a variety of ways. The 'JOY' word is great as a stand alone image that creates impact on a card - great for a clean and simple design, or against a stenciled background as shown in the card below where I've teamed it with one of my new stencils (PS438).

To highlight the versatility of the stamps I made these cards to show you how the bauble can easily be separated from the word 'Joy' and used on its own... On the card below I've used that bauble and placed it with the scribble-wreath.

The card below uses the same elements - this time I coloured and cut several baubles and the tag (there's no such thing as too many tag motifs!).

Stargazer

This year's snowman may be the 'cutest' I've designed so far - look at that face! lol He's gazing up at the star but that motif could be masked off and replaced with something else.

I played around with ways to alter the snowman - by cutting/shortening the snowman's height and changing the angle of the head I was able to create a group (family?) of snowpeople. The left-hand snowman is looking at middle snowman, middle snowman is looking up at the right-hand snowman who is the original & looking at the star. Simple changes but effective.

Jo Firth-Young - A5 stamp set 137 {JoFY137}

This stamp set, JoFY137, has a matching stencil, PS439 (more on that below) - 6 apertures that match the square motifs and triangles that 'complement' the trees.

Elements of this stamp set were inspired by grid journaling. The structure of a grid is simple to work with - especially when making cards. 

The image is stamped and background colour stencilled over the top using a pale Distress Oxide ink. Additional colour is added using coloured pencils. I like the vintage, muted tone of this card - the images' are a relatively plain style - so use different colours of pencil paint to create a different vibe. Vintage, bright, whatever you wish to coordinate with your preferred Christmas colour story.

When you receive these stamps, they come as one block of 6 stamps as shown in the picture below. You can use the stamp as a single block or cut them apart yourself. It is possible to repeat stamp it for a bigger background, and then also cut up the resulting pieces. 

I intended it to be used as a 3x2 block but as I mentioned at the start of this blog post I want you to get maximum, and varied, use out of them.

The photo above shows a couple of ideas for using the blocks. The blocks are repeated on an A5 panel of card - this can be used on the front of a card (shown on left), or the panel can be cut up and the squares coloured and used individually (shown on right above and in the photo below).

The 50/50 phrase is designed to fit inside the blank tag. I've created separate stamps to make it more versatile - it can be stamped to run up or down the tag, and having a blank tag is always useful!

The hearts & stars strip can be used as a background or a border- would also look lovely stamped as a washi tape strip.

The squares from the 3x2 block are easy to separate with minimal cuts and can then be used singly. This means you can create less grid-like designs such as the mandala style pattern shown below, this one was created using the Sizzix Stamp and Spin tool.

Oh Christmas Tree!

Oh I do like a doodled Christmas tree!! Use these ones as a strip or singly. 

The trees look gorgeous coloured with a media of your choice - I used coloured pencils on the sample below but I'm looking forward to colouring them with watercolour pencils and paints too. I look forward to seeing how you colour them!

The matching stencil doesn't 'match' exactly - it is an off-set design which give a lovely retro screen-printed effect, deliberately 'on the wonk' offers an arty vibe.

The photo above show the trees stamped onto a gel print made with stencil PS438. 

Some of the lines have been shaded with pencil to add volume to the trees. I added the stamp set's greeting strip along the top and bottom of the card.  It is actually designed to be separated into 2 pieces - you could also split this sentiment by adding 'season's greetings...' on the front of the card and '...from our house to yours' on the inside of a card.

PaperArtsy Stencils {Regular}

Price: RRP €5.64 + VAT

Regular Size: 6.5" x 7" (16 x 18cm) 

Robust 250 micron mylar designed to offer longevity, deep texture and easy clean up

PaperArtsy Stencil by JoFY 438 {PS438}

This is going to be a really useful stencil - stars and spots can but used for so many occasions in card making - and also a fun background on a journal spread.

Deck the Halls!

I played around with the stencil to show how different it can look if only certain motifs are coloured - and as the spacing of the motifs are fairly open, it's easy to use several colours together (bottom right)

PaperArtsy Stencil by JoFY 439 {PS439}

 

This is a much more versatile stencil than you might think... like Leandra said in the intro, it looks 'simple' but it packs some punch!

The photo above show the basics shapes.
The squares can be used to colour through, or draw around, template style, to create open space or can be used as a grid journal page to doodle inside the squares.

The triangles can be used in the same way - as colour blocks or outlines.

I combined the grid stencil and stamped blocks on this card - I drew outlines of the squares in white pencil for an overall structure, and then added the stamped blocks to some of the squares. The positive and negative spaces work well together.

Here are the stamped trees and 'matching' triangles coloured with an ombre colour fade using Distress Oxide inks.

I said this was a more versatile stencil than you might think ... turn the trees upside down and you have bunting!! lol Colour the triangles, use a fine liner pen to draw around the shapes, add hanging threads and a touch of doodling! Ta daaa ....Bunting!! 

Perfect to use throughout the year.

I hope these new products have made you feel fabulously festive! I've loved creating with them and I still have lots of ideas buzzing around in my head! 

I can't wait to see what you create with them - please share on social media - we love to see what you make!

Happy Christmas!!

Jo

You can see more and visit me at... 

YouTube: Jo Firth-Young

Pinterest: @jofyjo

Facebook: JoFY Jamboree!

Twitter: @jofyjo

Instagram: @jofyjo

Classes coming up ....

15 September 2024  Stampers Grove, Scottish Borders, www.stampersgrove.co.uk

19 October 2024 Artistic Stamper, www.theartisticstamper.co.uk

26 October 2024 Loobi Crafts, www.loobicrafts.co.uk

 PaperArtsy Stockist List

Our stockists are your go-to  source for all PaperArtsy products, and we suggest that you also use the PaperArtsy People Facebook group to source a retailer in your country. Many are members of our FB group and will happily share links to their online stores.

Australia

A Place to Create, Brisbane a place to create

Bev's Cross Crafts, Spreyton, Tasmania bevscrosscrafts

Crafters Cupboard, Berwick, Victoria crafters cupboard

Hillbilly Scrappin, Nikenbah, QLD hillbilly scrapping

Memories on the Murray, Murray Bridge, SA  memories on the murray

Natalie May Scrapbooking, Dover Gardens, SA natalie may

Scrapbook Superstore & More, South Penrith, NSW scrapbook superstore

The Scrapbooker's Confetti Box, Swansea, NSW the scrapbookers confetti box

The Scrapbook Store, North Perth,WA the scrapbook store 

Belgium

Cart N Scrap Art, Antwerp, cart n scrap art

Créatelier Caracolle, Liège, createlier caracolle

Canada

Clipper Street Scrapbook Company, Langley BC, Clipper Street Scrapbook Co

Glitter & Ink, Belleville ON Glitter & Ink

Paper Art Creations Inc, Leduc, Alberta, paper art creations
Scrapbook Centrale, Dollard Des Ormeaux, Quebec scrapbook centrale

Scrap Addicts, Edmonton, Alberta scrap addicts

Scrap and Bean, Edmonton, Alberta scrap and bean 

Scrapbooking Fairies, Drayton Valley, Alberta scrapbooking fairies

The Paper & ink Boutique, Calgary, Alberta paper and ink boutique
The Scrap Yard, Calgary, Alberta, the scrap yard 

Denmark

Hobbyboden Scrapworld Samso hobbyboden

Finland

Korttipaja, Istunmaki Heidin Korttipaja 

Klemmarikellari, Turku Klemmarikellari

France

Eirl Bancon Cartoscrap, Midi Pyrenees, www.cartoscrap.com

Emispheres Eurl Ruy Montceau,38300   

Fée Du Scrap, Saint Sébastien-Sur-Loire, fee du scrap

Horizon Créatif, Ste Jalle horizon creatif

Instant Créatif, La Possession, La Réunion, i creatif

Katzelkraft, Ingwiller katzelkraft

Kerudoc Creation, St Yvi kerudoc creation

Le Grenier des filles, Pierre Benite

Page de scrap, Saint Pavace, page de scrap

Passion Scrap, Vieux-Conde, Passion Scrap

Scrap by Jo, Saint-Orens-de-Gameville, 31650 Scrap by Jo

Scrap Déco Home, Goutrens, www.scrap deco home

Toutencolle, Dun sur Auron toutencolle

Germany

Stempeloase Munich, Munich stempeloase

Stempelfee Shop, Hilden stempelfee shop

Stempellaedle, Stuttgart, stempellaedle

Tue Was Di Liebst, Bayern, Tue Was du Liebst

Italy

Immagine SAS di Rapaccini, Rome, immagine lab

Il Negozio Della Mamma Di Cle, Torino, il negozio della mamma di cle

Marte Savona, Savona, marte savona

Pezze E Colori, Lissone, pezze e colori 
Piccole Passioni, Siena, piccole passioni

Japan

La Wadao, Odawara, Kanagawa, la wadao

Tiny Dots, Funabashi-shi, Chiba tiny dots

Netherlands

De Hobbystudio, Genemuiden, de hobby studio

Doe@ding,Spijkenisse doe @ ding

Hobbycompleet de Duif, Leeuwarden hobby compleet

Stampingcorner, Capelle Aan Den Ijssel stamping corner

Puerto Rico

Paper Boutique, Fajardi Paper Boutique

South Africa

Kcraft imports Ltd, Centurion 0014  kcraft

Spain

Cien por Cien Manualidades, Barcelona,  100 x 100 manualidades

Ideas 10 Manualidades Y Scrapbook, Bilbao ideas 10 manualidades/

Marakiscrap, Tarragona, maraki scrap

Scrap & Papers Experiences, Barcelona, scrap papers experiences

The Paradise Corner, Barcelona, the paradise corner

United Kingdom

Amelia's Creative Crafts, Studley, Warwickshire  amelias creative crafts

Art from the Heart, Harrogate, Yorkshire art from the heart

Crafts at The Malthouse, Herstmonceux,  East Sussex, crafts at the malthouse

Countryview Crafts, Potton, Bedfordshire countryview crafts

Loobi Crafts, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, loobi crafts

Procraftynation Ltd, King's Lynn, Norfolk Procraftynation

Sir Stampalot, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire sir stampalot

Stampers Grove, Springbank, Lilliesleaf, Melrose,Scotland stampers grove

The Artistic Stamper Craft Store, Faversham, Kent the artistic stamper

The Forget me not Kraft Kabin, Rochford, Essex, The Forget Me Not Kraft Kabin

USA

Artistic Artifacts, Alexandria, VA artistic artifacts

Artistic Studio Creations, Fayetteville, Georgia Artistic Studio Creations

Craftiness, Chatsworth, CA, craftiness

Everything Scrapbook & Stamps, Lake Worth, Florida Everything Scrapbook & Stamps

Frantic Stamper, Oregon frantic stamper

Free Heart LLC, Denver, Colarado, free heart llc

Joggles, Coventry, Rhode Island, joggles

Messy Papercrafts, Temecula CA Messy Papercrafts

PaperCraft Clubhouse, Westbrook, Connecticut, papercraft clubhouse

Roadtique Boutique, Hilton NY 

Runaway, Art & Craft Studio, NE Salem, Oregon runaway

Scrap-A-Latte, West Babylon NY scrap a latte

Scrapbook-N-Memories, Harrisonville Missouri Scrapbook N Memories

Simon Says Stamp, Columbus, Ohio simon says stamp

Topflight Stamps, Irmo, South Carolina topflight stamps

If you are interested in becoming a PaperArtsy stockist contact Dounia@paperartsy.com for more information

PaperArtsy Links

Facebook Group PaperArtsy People

Facebook Page PaperArtsy

Blog blog.paperartsy.co.uk

Twitter twitter.com/paperartsy

Instagram instagram.com/paperartsy

Pinterest uk.pinterest.com/paperartsyhq

YouTube youtube.com/user/PaperArtsy