Saturday, 28 March 2026

It's Springtime at Allsorts


Morning everyone, over at Allsorts we have a new challenge where it's my turn to choose the theme and there could only be one, It's Springtime', my favourite season. We have two beautiful Penny Black Stamps to give away from Buddly Crafts.

A shortish post again (explanation below) and a card I made weeks ago, an adaptation of a vertical three panel design on Pinterest. Masked four panels, brushed ink in different colours and with the masking still in place stamped Penny Black Daffodil DanceDazzleAt Grace and Gentle Whisper, inked direct to stamp using Ecoline pens and A&C word. Adding at Colour Dare 696, Spring at Creative Knockouts and Sweet Stampin', finally Spring Flowers at Card Concept.


Now the new Meadowbrook Tales collections from Lavinia which is gorgeous. But confess the above was a struggle (full bin) and far from happy with it. The stamps have been sitting on my desk and promised I would get at least one made for today, but with one arm dysfunctional stamping's difficult. Adding to Four legged friends at Fab 'n Funky and Star Stampz, Spring at Try it on Tuesday.


It's also Rudolph Day's time so a simple design using a Gelli Plate background, the Spin tool, Versafine Clair and Lavinia stamps, glitter and a white gel pen. I've loads of background prepared so for now the spin tool may be my best best friend as it's easier than conventional stamping.

Last week I mentioned referral for an MRI, it happened quickly followed by an Orthopedic consultant who told me I need surgery to pin my upper spine. It's a biggie, long recovery time and high infection risk for the immune compromised so something I need to have a really long hard think about. For weeks crafting has been difficult due to arm pain and spasms so gripping with my left hand's an issue, likewise typing, hence short posts and comments on your blogs, I'll still be doing it all, it's what keeps me going but may be limited in content. 

But on a positive note Spring does seem to have arrived, the clocks go forward tonight so lighter evenings to watch the flora and wildlife in the garden and I do hope Spring will inspire you to join in my new theme at Allsorts.

39 comments:

Aquarius said...

Beautiful Spring colours on the two cards and great work with the handy spin tool for Rudolph Days. That's a serious decision you have to make, hope everything works out for the best. Crafting is certainly really good therapy to keep you going. Take care x

Sarn said...

Wholeheartedly agree with everything Val says above.
LOVE all the cards on this post.
Good luck with your decision Brenda xxx

KarinsArtScrap said...

what very beautiful cards you have made Brenda......gr karin

Lisa said...

Such a lovely celebration of the season. The soft inking across the masked panels gives each flower its own moment, and the mix of Penny Black favorites feels so fresh in these colors. The Lavinia scene has a beautiful sense of movement and light, and the Gelli Plate background on your Rudolph Day make adds such energy. Even with the challenges you mentioned, your creativity shines through so clearly here.

Janette said...

Love the creations Brenda, as always just so amazing.
I am sad to read about your health problems, this is not an easy time for you I don't know how you will decide but I hope God is steering you in the right direction. xx

Chris said...

I don't envy you with that decision Brenda, spinal surgery is no picnic at the best of times let alone with the health challenges you have to face.
Your cards are as always inspiring and beautiful, so much detail in each of them especially as your body isn't playing nice. It would be so easy for you to just give up on crafting, blogging- but I am so glad you don't.!! xx

crafty-stamper said...

Absolutely beautiful selection of cards, love all the stamps but must admit the first one is my favourite. Sorry to about your ongoing health problems and yes that is a difficult decision.
Carol x

Ellibelle said...

Such beautiful creations Brenda. I love how you used the 4 floral stamps for one card, a really clever design! And I think your Lavinia card is beautiful, such a great scene and I love how you framed it with the blossom branches and mushrooms.
Great Christmas make too using your spin tool!
I am sorry you are faced with such a difficult decision to make.

Helen said...

You have such a difficult decision to make Brenda, but is good that you are taking it slowly and taking time to think it all through. You do an amazing job on all your design teams, with your beautiful cards and encouraging comments. Please believe they are greatly appreciated. I agree that crafting is a wonderful activity in so many ways. Please take care and good luck on your future health journey. x

meg said...

Wonderful makes as always,the bursts of colour on the first two cards is beautiful,I love the background colour and stamping on your Christmas card. Wouldn't want to have to make the decisions your facing Brenda, thinking of you xx

Donna said...

Gorgeous cards Brenda, the spring card is a lovely design and colors, your Lavina scene is amazing-so many fabulous images in your scene, and your Christmas card is stunning, great wreath and background. Thinking of you and the decision you have to make.

Greta said...

I'm so sorry you have such a big decision to make. Wishing you peace and wisdom as you ponder what to do. Your cards are all lovely, but I especially love the look of the 4 blocks.

Gail L said...

Great cards Brenda!
Hoping everything works out in the health department!

Joan said...

Love your spring scene Brenda so much to see !
Thanks for joining in at Try It On Tuesday

Helen said...

Beautiful cards Brenda - really love the way you've used those gorgeous PB floral stamps!
Sorry to hear about your health problems - sending best wishes xx

Gerrina said...

Love the technique on your irst card! You already have the new stamps from Lavinia! (I have to wait untill my suplier is back from a vacation and the new release won't be in the Netherlands untill in about two weeks or more...) . As always that is my favorite... Although the wreath is a beauty too!
It's not easy to know what is best and even then it is hard... Hope you will make a discission that feels good for you! Hugs, Gerrina

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

These are gorgeous and refreshing, Brenda.

Mrs.B said...

Lovely cards as always and I do like the design of the first one, and the little Lavinia scene you've shared over at TioT is so pretty.
Sorry to read about your ongoing health problems and that's a difficult decision for you to make. Avril xx

LesleyG said...

Your creations are wonderful, and even more amazing that you are doing most of it one handed. I’m sure you will make the decision that is right for you, meantime enjoy the new growth of spring……we have lambs in the fields nearby which is a lovely sight xxx

Marlies said...

Your cards are beautiful as allways Brenda. You are a fantastic crafter and I admire how you manage to make them all with all your pain. Succes with making the decision. Take care. Marlies x

Craftyfield said...

All 3 are gorgeous makes, Brenda, even the Lavinia card you find fault with! Sorry to hear about your latest set back, difficult to know what to do for the best. x

Sandra H said...

Two stunning and colourful spring cards with gorgeous spring flowers too and a lovely Christmas wreath card too beautiful they all are, its hard for you Brenda l know you will make the right choices sending hugs x

Pat said...

Beautiful cards Brenda, the Spring card has such lovely flower images and colours, love the scene you have designed with the new Lavinia stamps and your Christmas card is gorgeous. So sorry the MRI revealed you needing an operation on your spine and I am sure you will make the right choice for you. Take care.

Pat xx

Pat said...

Hi again Brenda, just popped back to say thank you for joining in our challenge at Fab’n’Funky with your lovely spring scene card.

Pat xx

Chris said...

So pleased to see your beautiful card pop up over at Sweet Stampin'- thanks for joining in.
xx

Lynne said...

3 fabulous makes Brenda. I love the colours of your Christmas card, so pretty! Sorry to hear about your news, it must be very difficult for you x

Linby said...

Two beautiful bright and cheery spring cards, so full of colour. Your Christmas wreath is so pretty using yet another stamp I didn't know I needed lol. Thinking of you and your health.

creationsnz said...

Sorry to hear of your medical complications Brenda, a hard choice for you. I love love love your quad flower card, so bright and cheerful. Cheers, CarolG

Karen Letchworth said...

You create such beautiful cards and I really appreciate you for sharing your wonderful art in our challenges at Word Art Wednesday. I appreciate you and hope to have you join us again soon.

Conny said...

Oh wow.. so wonderful, Brenda! Love the colors on your Spring card - really beautiful!

Gismo`s kreative Seite – Mein Blog
The Little Things Challenge – Co Owner
ATC Around The World Challenge - Owner
The Dream Factory Challenge – Co Owner
Kreativtanten Challenge - DT

xoxo Conny


My name is Erika. said...

Sorry to read you need surgery. Hopefully that decision won't be too too difficult. And you have some really lovely art today. Not only did you create a knock out wreath, but I like your flowery window. It's a very clever idea. I hope you have a lovely new week. hugs-Erika

Sarah said...

Beautiful springtime cards Brenda and the Christmas wreath is super too. That does sound like a huge decision, trust your instinct and it will be the right one xx

Karen Mead said...

Beautiful cards Brenda and Thank you for joining us this month at The Card Concept xx

Helen said...

Beautiful Christmas design Brenda - love the colours.

Thanks for joining me at the Rudolph Days Challenge.

Helen x

My Paper Epiphany said...

Gorgeous cards! I especially love the unique design of the first card!

Tammy said...

pretty! thanks for sharing at Color Dare!

Michelle said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Angelnorth said...

Lots of lovely cards as always Brenda, I really came looking for your CCC for March but glad I read down this far — sorry to hear about the diagnosis. As you say, big decision on that one with lots to factor in. I hope you get some specialist input to inform your thinking so you can arrive at the best decision. Could you use speech recognition to help you out with posts and perhaps commenting? It might help to limit the amount of necessary movement for you without you having to cut back on an element of something you enjoy. Take care.

Karen Letchworth said...

I'm back again.....wearing a different hat. LOL Thank you for sharing this wonderful card with us at The Card Concept. I enjoy seeing your creations, so I was very grateful for another chance to stop by, take a peek and say hello. Have a blessed and creative week.