Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Two For Tuesday - Uniko Style

 It's been a while since I've done a Two For Tuesday and while I was packing stamps yesterday I was inspired to ink up Uniko Style which has recently come back into stock.

For my first card I was inspired by a graphic I came across on Pinterest HERE. This patten was inspiration for this stamp set too. 





What I loved was the two colour split, but also the tone on tone stamping. This took a little bit of masking and I should have changed the mask sooner as the ink seeped through a little, but I am still please how it turned out.





For my colours I used Pink Lemonade for my DL slimline card base and Poppy card for the lower section. For the stamping I used Cranberry ink as I wanted the flowers to stand out. My sentiment choice is from Everyday Spring Sentiments.


Next I decided to go rainbow to create this one layer card.





I used Honeysuckle and Berry Kiss, Clementine & Spiced Cider, Buttercup and Honeycomb, Sprout and Parsley, Surfside and Lakefront, then finally Harbor and Blueberry. 





For my sentiment I chose a current favourite from Organic Blooms and finished my card with a variety of enamel dots from my stash to match the colours as close as I could.


That's all from me today, I hope these cards have inspired you to dust off your Uniko Style stamps or try the cards with some solid/layering stamps.

Crafty Hugs


Monday, 8 June 2026

Brand Ambassador Inspiration........ Zesty Lemon

 Hello everyone!

Happy Monday!

Vinita here with an inspiration post! Add beautiful lemons to your card to add fresh citrusy fun.  And the bright summery colors makes me want to drink some lemonade!



The image were stamped on a smooth white CS dried marigold DI. I colored the image with my ZIG watercolor brushes. I highlighted the image with some white dots in the leaves for more interest.

The pun sentiment is from the same stamp set using rusty hinge DI and added some splatters as well.

Perfect for summer time, don't you think? I hope you enjoyed it all!

Happy crafting! 

Friday, 5 June 2026

Fond Farewells & Thank You's

Hello! 

Today is a tough day at Uniko HQ as today we say a fond farewell and thank you to not one, but two amazing, creative Uniko Brand Ambassadors. These two ladies have become wonderful friends over the years and are just like family. 

Firstly we say farewell to Steph. 

Steph joined Uniko back in 2021 after being a valued customer for many years and has been a inspirational and valued member of the team. 

Here are a few of my favourite makes that stood out to me when looking through all the beautiful inspiration Steph has made over the years.












There are SO many more wonderful makes on Steph's blog HERE and also her Instagram page. Be sure to take a look when you are wanting inspiration.

Next we say farewell to Anita.

Anita joined Uniko back in 2022, again after being a valued, customer for many years and has been a inspirational and valued member of the team.

I will miss Anita's perfect CAS designs, here are a few of my recent favourites.












There are SO many more wonderful makes on Anita's blog HERE and also her Instagram page. Be sure to take a look when you are wanting inspiration.


Anita and Steph, thank you SO much for all you have done for me & Uniko. You will both be truly missed SO much.

Crafty Hugs

Thursday, 4 June 2026

Colourful Gerbera Throwback

Happy Throwback Thursday.

Today I am sharing another card we made at one of the May Uniko Stamping Retreats. I originally made this Pure Florals Gerbera card in August 2012 and this is the original.





Originally I used Papertrey Ink colours, I loved these inks back in the day. And the sentiment is from a retired Uniko stamp set called Fontiments.

Here is my remake...





This time I used Concord & 9th inks in Honeysuckle, Oceanside and Buttercup. I also used a stamping platform so I could add a little highlighting to the flower centres using Spiced Cider which I dabbed onto the stamp using a dauber. 
 



My trio of panels are slightly larger too, this was a good choice as I could stamp more of the flower. My sentiment choice is from Floral Vines

It was fun recreating an older card. Especially with the advancement of paper crafting tools, I didn't have a stamping platform back in 2012. Plus, I've learned some fun techniques over the years too. 

That's all from me today.

Crafty Hugs


Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Hello June 🌸

Hello June ðŸŒ¸

Wow, May sure went by in a flash! It's been a busy month of shows and four stamping retreats. Two collaborations, one with Ruth Gets Crafty and one with Dies to Die For and two Uniko only. So I am ready for a slightly quieter month!

Before I get to some upcoming and news, I thought I would share one of the recent Uniko Stamping Retreat cards...




It's been ages since Beautiul Blooms I Clear Stamps & Designer Dies got an inking up, so they deserved this inky love. 

I also dusted off my Distress Oxide ink, some vellum and Gansi Tambi Watercolurs.




Now, what's happening this month...

First up, I am heading back to Crafterama Kent on Saturday 13th June. You can purchase tickets HERE or on the door on the day. I am looking forward to coming back down south and seeing you all.

I will also be at Crafterama Bolton for the first time. You will find me on the Dies to Die For stand. Again you can purchase tickets HERE and on the door on the day.

Along with these shows I have a Brand New Release coming at the end of the month. I super excited to finally share it with you all. 

Now, if that isn't enough you might have missed these super popular restocks...


Phew! That's a whole lots of paper crafting goodness.

I'll be back tomorrow with more to share, until then, 

Crafty Hugs




Friday, 22 May 2026

Friday Focus - Balloon Stencil and a Reminder

Morning all, Julie here with reminder that you still have time to join in at Uniko's FB VIP Challenge where the theme is

Anything Goes!

What says happy birthday more than balloons, so when my daughter asked me to make a card for her dance teachers 50th this is what I came up with.


On a panel of white card I inked an array of balloons using Balloon Bash stencil and some rainbow colours of Distress Oxides. I chose, Squeezed Lemonade, Spiced Marmalade, Salty Ocean, Twisted Citron, Wilted Violet, and Picked Raspberry. I filled the 5 x 7" white panel with an array of different balloons, overlapping them to create a sense of depth. Once complete, I splattered some water over the top and lifted it off with a clean paper towel to create the effect of confetti. There is a stencil to create the balloon strings but I prefered to add them freehand with a black fineliner pen. 

On a scrap of black card I stamped the 50 Sensational Years with one of Bev's earliest releases, Classic Numbers in Versamark and embossed with white EP. It was then trimmed to create a banner and added to my now trimmed down panel. Happy birthday from the Doodle Flowers set was stamped above and the finished panel added to a 5 x 7" white card base.

Judging by the photos on FB, the old classmates had a fabulous time, as did the birthday girl!

So if you've made a card using Uniko products, why not share it on the Uniko VIP FB page for a chance to win £15 to spend in store.


You've got until June 11th to join in!

Happy crafting

xx

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Brand Ambassador Inspirations : Summer cards

  Hello everyone!

Happy Wednesday!

Fill up a drink and let toast to the Summertime!

Vinita here, Today's card inspirations are full of summer and sunshine! I made two cards showcasing Monstera Leaves in summery colors and sunny mood. I am showcasing super trendy technique of contemporary art - abstract collages!


First card

The soft pastel hues of the summer sun along with circle is the inspiration of this card. I love how this circle created a landing spot for smaller stamped leaves.



To create this look, I stamped the circle from the Background Builders: Round in circle stamp set using Memento rose bud ink and to achieve the soft color impact, I re-stamped the image using Frost white pigment ink on it. Then I stamped the Paradise leaves in black and soft lemon color. In between the top two leaves I created a summer sun in soft yellow using the little part of the circle image directly.

The sentiment is from the Sunshine & Rainbows stamp set. The completed panel attached to the light cream color panel using double tape.



For this CAS card, I created a simple stroked panel by dragging my Memento dye ink directly in smoky blue from the top to bottom directly 3- 4 times. I stamped the paradise and monstera leaves straight on the card using both outlined and solid images in sweet plum dye ink and Versafine Onyx black ink.

The sentiment is from the Originally Organic Flower Garden stamp set.

Have a sun-filled day!

Happy crafting!

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Birthday Wishes

Happy Tuesday.

This week is my birthday week and I decided to bring all the birthday inspiration. Yesterday I shared this fun Balloon Bash card. You can watch the YouTube short of me making it HERE.

Today, I thought I would share one of the cards that we made during the Uniko and Stampin' Up! Mashup on Saturday.





On this card I paired the Stencil Layering Retro Rainbow with a butterfly from a Stampin' Up! set called Extraordinary Life. The sentiment is from Simply Said Blocks III.

For the three rainbow arches I used SU! Basic Grey. I started by inking light and increased the intensity for each arch. For the butterflies I used Calypso Coral, Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Poppy Parade, Old Olive, Lost Lagoon and Night of Navy.




I love showing how Uniko products can be paired with other wonderful companies, and I think this turned out pretty well. 

I'll be back with more to share this week, and a special offer too, so stay tunned.

Crafty Hugs


Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Brand Ambassador Inspiration - Pretty Primroses

Good morning, 

Steph here today with my Brand Ambassador Inspiration and for this one I was inspired by one of my fellow Brand Ambassadors, Julie. I loved her use of the Uniko Spring Botanicals Primrose stamp on her March FB challenge card here so I reached for the stamp set and had a go at creating three very different cards.


For my first card I stamped, coloured and fussy cut the image four times. I wanted this card to look like a planted bed of Primroses.


I really love to see white on Kraft so I stamped and heat embossed the image onto Kraft card and coloured with watercolour pencils. The image hasn't picked up the colours that well as they are a bit stronger than this on the card itself with more gradient of colours. 


Finally I tried my hand at a pocket shaker. I stamped the primrose onto a piece of card before colouring with alcohol markers. I took a piece of acetate which was larger than the card and scored the edges to fold around the back of the card and create a pocket. I added some heart shaped sequins and glitter before fully sealing the acetate on the back of the panel. I adhered this to a blank card base. Using the primrose stamp in the same location I stamped it again onto another piece of card and used a craft knife to cut around the image before stamping the sentiment and adhering over the shaker panel. 

Three completely different styles using the same stamp to hopefully get the creative juices flowing! 


Much love
Steph x

Monday, 20 April 2026

Roses & Birthday Wishes

Hello & Happy Monday.

Today I thought I would share one of the cards that we made at yesterday's Uniko Stamping Retreat at a new venue in Hartlepool.

This card was a hit with the ladies and like me they love this supersize rose.




Along with having the pleasure of inking up this Stencil - Pure Florals Rose again, I dusted off this old 'ghosting' technique. It's such a fun one and give this lovely shadow look. 




I'll be sure to share a video soon of this fun technique, I have another stencil I'd like to try this technique on.

Crafty Hugs



Thursday, 16 April 2026

BA Inspiration Pure Florals - Peony

 Good afternoon, Julie here with a little bit of floral watercolour inspiration. Over at Color Hues the colours for the latest challenge are Coral and Green, so I thought I would ink up my large Pure Florals Peony and do some watercolouring with inks. Here is the result.


I used Altenew's Limestone ink stamped onto Mixed Media paper, to create a no line look, then I smooshed some of their other inks onto an acrylic sheet to use for the technique. I used Coral Berry, Grapevine and Coral Bliss for the petals and Olive, Moss and Evergreen for the stem and leaves.

Each petal was painted separately, first with plain water then with the paler Coral Bliss and darker Coral Berry, allowing the water to blend the colours. It's best to paint sections that don't touch one another to reduce the risk of colour bleeding until each section has dried. Some of the lightest areas had virtually no colour and the off white paper showed through to suggest hilights. I repeated the technique for the leaves, using first Olive then Moss.

To create an even greater sense of depth, I went back into the bloom, first with a damp brush, I wet the areas that needed to be in shadow before going in with the Grapevine ink. For the green shading I used the Evergreen ink. Once dry, I fussy cut it out and concentrated on my background. 

I used a Mama Elephant die to cut Eyelet panel from white card, then removed the center with a rectangle die to create a frame. Using the magnets in my Misti, I held the frame and bloom down whilst I placed the greeting from Originally Organic. Once happy with the placement, I removed the frame and bloom and stamped it in Memento London Fog. The frame and bloom were then glued to my A6 white base card.

That's all from me for today, but why not take a moment to try the technique. You don't need watercolour paints, just some dye inks and a paintbrush! You can get really lost in the process, well I know I do!

Keep crafting! 

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Technique Tuesday & a Winner!

Happy Tuesday. 

I've just about caught up after Crafterama Gateshead on Sunday and I found time to create a card inspired by my daily walk to the Post Office this week. 

I read or heard some where recently how getting outside can get the creative juices flowing, and that is certainly true this week. The blossom on the trees is in full bloom, beautiful pinks and white. And it got me to thinking how I could translate this onto a card. 





Of course I had to ink up the Stencil Layering Spring Blossom and I am currently obsessed with inking on kraft card stock. 

You can check out the process over on the Uniko YouTube channel HERE.

And now, how about the winner of the March Non Release Hop. I counted up all the comments left across all the Brand Ambassador blogs and social media. The winner was then randomly selected and I am delighted to say the winner is...

Jacqueline @a_word_foryou 

Congratulations! I have sent you a message.

Crafty Hugs




Tuesday, 7 April 2026

B A inspiration: My Favorite Color Is Rainbow!

  Hello everyone!

Happy Tuesday!

Vinita here today! 

A cute lil' spring pattern came to life using a mix and match of some stamps!

I am obsessed with small rainbow image from the My Favorite Color Is Rainbow Stamp set!

Bring cheer and vibrance to any card with this gorgeous rainbow background! If you are looking for a burst of positivity, colors and happiness, this rainbow-patterned background with blooms will give you just that!




On a textured white panel CS, I stamped the rainbow images in rows along with Florals using Mid Century Modern Florals stamp set,  Then I turned the rainbow image into tortoise, how fun. I used my ZIG clear brushes and stamped the sentiment. 
I hope you enjoyed the outcome!

Happy crafting!

Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Spring Window

Happy Wednesday. 

Hold onto your Easter bonnets, I'm sharing a card where I dusted off the colouring pencils! Yep, I told you to hold onto them. 

I've actually had this card idea in my head for a while and I just needed to step out of my comfort zone and dust off those pencils. 





I've been following Kit & Clowder for a while and I've been taking a few of their light source tips on board. So I used those to colour this Spring Botanicals Daffodil.




It's far from perfect, but I am pleased how it turned out. Most of all I actually had fun and found it relaxing colouring.

Happy April.

Crafty Hugs


Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Welcome to the March 2026 Non-Release Brand Ambassador Hop & GIVEAWAY!

Happy Tuesday.

Welcome to the March 2026 Non-Release Brand Ambassador Hop & GIVEAWAY! 


For those of you who are new around these parts I will explain what this post is all about...

Here at Uniko HQ it is just myself behind the screen, blogging, designing, packaging stamps & orders through the Uniko online shop, customer service and all the things in between. I *usually* release new product every other month or so, for a number of reasons, but mainly so I can keep up with everything!

On non - release months like this month I like to set myself and the Brand Ambassadors a challenge to look back at a previously released product and give it some more love. Plus, I think it's always nice to revisit older sets and provide more inspiration and not just from me.

This month I suggested choosing a favourite or favourites from either the January or February 2026 Releases. Let's have a look at what the team have chosen.

























I always love seeing all the different products the Brand Ambassadors have chosen to use, so many wonderful techniques too. 

I know that a lot of clear stamps and stencils are currently out of stock, I have a bunch of restocks coming in the next week - two weeks.

I hope you left some comment love along the way, I will randomly select a comment to win the £20 eGift certificate to spend in store. I will announce the winner on Monday 13th April 2026. 

Crafty Hugs