Mid Century Monday

Happy Monday.

I love a fresh new week and although I am super exhausted after a long weekend of travel and being at Crafterama Kent, which was amazing by the way. I am excited for a brand new week of inspiration AND a fun announcement on Wednesday. 

Last week before I went to Crafterama Kent I needed to fill a couple if spaces on display boards and one space was on my Mid Century Modern board. Here is what I chose to ink up...

Mid Century Modern Wreath Builder came back in stock recently and it was a delight to ink it up again. This set is more geared towards Christmas, but I love showing how my products can be used all year round.

I chose a super fun and colourful design, but one which took lots of masking! Thank goodness for a stamping platform to achieve a colourful look like this! 

This card made me happy when I'd finished stamping, so that's why I chose this sentiment and I completed the look with a sparkly bow.

That's all I have to share today, have a wonderful Monday.

Crafty Hugs

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

Stencil Sunday - Patchwork Bauhaus Christmas Blocks

Happy Sunday. 

Today I have a fun card to share with you that I also created in a video and shared over on the Uniko YouTube Channel today HERE.

Recently I have seen quite a few patchwork style designs while browsing Pinterest and I had a fun idea to create a card in this style and use the new Stencil - Layering Bauhaus Christmas Blocks in the design. 

Here's how the finished card turned out. 

Fun, isn't it? 

I had no idea how this card would turn out, but I just went for it and I think there is so many ways you could develop this card design. For example you could add the images from the stencil to inch squares cut out and added with dimension or add tone on tone patterns to the coloured squares incorporating the original Stencil - Layering Bauhaus Blocks. 

Just a little heads up in case you've not seen the Uniko newsletter, social media or don't watch the video straight away...

Check back tomorrow for more inspiration and some Bank Holiday Bargains over on the website!

Crafty Hugs

Rainbow Waves & Paw Print Hearts

Happy FriYAY!

It's been another day of show prep in the studio today, but I managed to find some inspiration and time to finish add something to this background I stamped a few days ago. 

I've been on a little watercolour kick this past week, working on some cards coming for the April Release at the end of the month. 

But I had this idea to do some watercolour waves using the Background Blocks Waves. I started with a panel of watercolour card that I washed with water before putting inside my stamping platform. I then inked the Background Blocks Waves in Poppy, Marmalade, Buttercup, Parsley, Oceanside and Blueberry. Stamping it down onto the card and letting the colours smoosh and bleed into the paper.

I then couldn't decide what to put on the background, but then today I thought of Paw Print Hearts. So I simply used my stamping platform to stamp the heart and sentiment in black ink before adhering the panel to a piece of Honeysuckle card. 

Like all sympathy cards they are difficult to make, but good to have on hand for when they are sadly needed. 

Right, time to do a bit more prep.

Crafty Hugs

March Meet The Maker - Tools & Materials

Happy FriYAY! 

Today on March Meet The Maker it's all about tools and materials. Here at Uniko HQ the tools and materials vary depending on what I am doing business wise.

Let's start with a little behind the scenes at the tools I use to design Uniko products. 

Sometimes I dust off my sketchbook and gather my pens and pencils, going back to my design degree roots and draw my designs first.

I then take all my designs onto the computer and digitise them ready to send to my manufacturers to either turn into stamps, stencils and occasionally designer dies.

Most times these days now that I am a little more proficient in Adobe Illustrator I go straight to designing digitally. I use my iPad and Apple Pencil to do this and I use a cool app which shows what I am doing on my large screen at the same time. 

I often have a stack of design books I am using for reference on my windowsill, I do love a browse in a book to find that spark of creative inspiration.

Next comes the tools and materials I use when I am crafting and showing how the products I design can be used. Here are a few of my 'go to' supplies. 

Of course there will be Uniko Clear Stamps and Uniko Stencils on my usually chaotic desk. Yes, I gave it a tidy to take photos 😂

Then there will be inks, my current favourite are Concord & 9th, white card stock from Stampin' Up! then there are ink blending brushes, my trusty MISTI stamping platform and my Tim Holtz Tonic Studios paper trimmer. 

Of course there are LOTS of other things I use, my VERY old Sizzix Big Shot die cutting machine, makers, pencils, tapes, glues and embellishments. The list goes on, and on, and on! 

Today I have selected a rainbow of colours to ink up the Uniko Stencil - Layering Organic Blooms, here's how it turned out.

I used just two of the stencil layers from the set, the leaves and the flowers, inking each layer with the rainbow of colours. 

I used Poppy, Marmalade, Buttercup, Parsley, Oceanside, Blueberry, Fig and a little smidge of Honeysuckle. 

Once I'd inked up the layers I decided it needed a little more detail, so I opted to stamp the coordinating flowers from the Organic Blooms clear stamp set in black ink. The sentiment I used is also from the stamp set, which I adhered using foam tape, with a few enamel dots finishing my card.

As you know I can't choose a favourite colour, why choose one when you can have them all, right?! But the other reason is that this month the challenge over in the Uniko VIP Facebook group is all about rainbows.

The group is private over on Facebook, a nice friendly space to share all of your Uniko makes. Follow the link HERE to request to join and also join in on the rainbow fun this month. There is a £10 eGift code up for grabs. 

Crafty Hugs

March Meet The Maker - Colour 🌈

Happy Wonderful Wednesday. 

Today on March Meet The Maker, it's all about colour. 

I love 💕 colour and I find it really hard to choose a single favourite, so I love the  🌈  instead! However, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favourite cards that I've made fairly recently, and a few from the archives that I think show my use of colour.

Products Used - Ink & Flip Stencil Layering Hexagon & Simply Said Blocks III

As you will see, I love a white background. Personally I think this helps colours pop, especially brights. Here I used lots of my go to colours, raspberry pink, orange, yellow, green, turquoise and bright blue. 

Products Used - Stencil - Layering Bauhaus Blocks, Christmas Pop & Simply Said Blocks Christmas

Not only do I love bright colours, I love pairing them with fun geometric designs and one of my favourite paper crafting techniques, spotlighting. 

One of my aims when I started Uniko was to bring more creative and fun designs that could be used for masculine cards. 

Everything I saw here in the UK, to me seemed to be so 'traditional' with images of sports, wood work and cars. Whilst there is nothing wrong with those types of images on stamps I used to use them, but they didn't spark creativity other than different colouring mediums and techniques. 

The colours I remember them in being muted shades of blues and browns and maybe a few greens. All colours I love but they just didn't give the WOW factor! 

Products Used - Background Blocks Linear & Mid Century Modern Frames

Driven by my love of pattern and design history, I've channeled this into some of my most popular collections like the Mid Century Modern & Art Deco. 

Simple lines and geometrics provide the tools for funky designs and are perfect for a splash of bright cheerful colours. 

Products Used - Background Blocks Mid Century Modern, Mid Century Modern Florals & Stencil - Mid Century Modern Circles & Stars

These next couple of cards are from the Uniko archives! My three 'go to' colours, raspberry pink, aqua/turquoise and yellow. 

Those who have been round here for sometime know I have an ink pad addiction. A new brand of inks that  have a rainbow of colours, I will give them a whirl. And I always start with these three colours as they work so well together! 

Products Used - Pure Florals Cosmos

Yes, I used a tiny bit of green to for the stems. I never used to be a lover of greens but over recent years I use it a lot more.

Lastly for today I couldn't resist a rainbow colour card.

Products Used - Background Blocks Halftone, Background Builders Round In Circles, English Country Garden Butterflies & Simply Said.

What's your favourite colour or colour combination? 

I apologise for not having anything new to share today, I've had my head down designing newness all day and I am rather excited about what I've been up to! 

I'll be back tomorrow with more to share.

Crafty Hugs

March 2025 Non-Release Brand Ambassador Blog Hop & GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to the March 2024 Non-Release Brand Ambassador Blog Hop & GIVEAWAY! 

It's been a while, mainly because of so many recent new releases. But to fill in for the months where I need a beat to catch up and give your bank balance a rest! It's time for a non release inspirational blog 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 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.

So without further ado, lets see the product I decided upon for March.

Sunshine & Rainbows £11.50

Released in June 2022 I finally jumped on the rainbow bandwagon and released my version of a building rainbow stamp set. Not only is this stamp set perfect for up coming spring, but all year round sending hope and cheer. 

The set works wonderfully independently, but with so many new products since it was released there are so many creative possibilities and pairings. 

Let's have a look and see what the Brand Ambassadors have created. Don't forget to comment along the hop for your chance to win a £25 eGift code to spend in store. 

Anita

Bev

Izzy

Julie

Steph

Vinita

Such a cheerful and colourful hop. You know that I love a rainbow and rainbow colours, so this has set up my Tuesday well for sure. I hope it has added cheer to your day.

I hope you left some comment love along the way, I will randomly select a comment to win the £25 eGift code on Monday 24th March 2025. So be sure to comment before then.

Crafty Hugs

Brighter Days Are Coming & A Little Peek

 

Hello & Happy Sunday! 

I'm a lot later than planned, and not with what I intend to share with you all today. But Boy! All the prep and excitement for yesterdays Uniko 13th Birthday Stamping Retreat took it out of me! 

Here's a little look at the room set up from yesterday. 

As usual I was too distracted and forgot to take any photos during the workshop. But from the feedback, everyone had a lovely and creative time.

Today, I actually had to be a responsible adult and mum, and catch up on some things around the house in preparation for the week ahead. I'm sure I only did a food shop the other day, but these ever growing Beans have eaten us out of house and home.

Anyway, as I didn't quite finish my original cards I thought I would share one that I shared a peek of on social media yesterday and a little peek at another of something coming soon.

The cards in the kit were a mix of the January Release and the upcoming February Release. I chose Flower Power #11 from January going for some cheerful rainbow colours and a little brighter days sentiment. 

This little stamp set is in demand and I can confirm that it'll be back in stock along with the new release at the end of the month.

Talking of restocks, I have a BIG restock of stencils coming this week, including the NEW Layering Picked Posies and Mid Century Modern Circles & Stars from the January Release. Along with others that have been requested. 

I will update the website as soon as I have a definite confirmation and I will share here on the blog and via newsletter, along with another fun offer. 

Talking of offers, this awesome offer ends tonight. Be sure to take advantage before it expires!

Lastly, before I go, a little peek at something coming soon....

Crafty Hugs

Sending Rainbow Hugs

Happy Thursday 😃

Today I was in the mood for rainbow colours, it literally hasn't stopped raining all day. Coincidently this weeks Card Of The Week products include Sunshine & Rainbows and BIG & BOLD Hugs, which I have used on my card today. 

I started by stamping the rainbow, making sure I had room for the hugs sentiment. And to make sure I had the rainbow nice and centred I started with the inner arch, working my way out to the biggest. I used Concord & 9th Inks in Poppy, Marmalade, Buttercup, Parsley and Oceanside. 

For the clouds I used Dove and a little fussy cutting before adding a tiny little heart enamel to one of the clouds. 

I finished with a combination of sentiments. The Sending and Rainbow from Sunshine & Rainbows and the Hugs from BIG & BOLD Hugs. I masked off the 's' from the end of the rainbows sentiment.

Both of these sets are 15% off this week in The Card Of The Week section on the website. 

I hope you are staying warm and dry where you are. 

Crafty Hugs

Floral Friday 🌼

Hello & Happy Friday 😃

I've had the rainbow colours out again today while I was working on some inspiration coming soon 😉 so I couldn't resist putting them to work with the Stencil - Pure Florals Chrysanthemum, which came back in stock recently.

I thought that this cheerful card would be wonderful as a Get Well Card, so I added the sentiment from Everyday Sentiments to a strip of paper and adhered it using foam tape. I finished off with a trio of white enamel dots.

A couple of bits of news in case you missed it, I have a new video up on the Uniko YouTube Channel. 

AND there are only a few hours left of the End Of Summer SALE, so be sure to take advantage of these FAB bargains.

That's all I have for today, I hope to pop in with more inspiration over the weekend 🤞🏻 

Crafty Hugs