Every Ending is a New Beginning Mini Art Journal Flip Through

One of my favourite things about mixed media art journaling is that there are no rules. Some pages become fully finished works of art, while others remain backgrounds waiting patiently for inspiration to strike.

Today I'm sharing a miniature art journal created to fit inside the Elizabeth Craft Designs Mini Art Journal folder.

The journal measures approximately 9cm x 12.5cm (3.5" x 4.9"), making it the perfect size for experimenting with techniques, colour combinations and composition ideas without feeling overwhelmed by a large page.

 

Creating the Journal

For the pages I used the Sizzix Bigz XL Lynda Kanase 663627 Travellers Notebook Pages & Pockets die to cut the signatures before assembling the journal.

The backgrounds were created using layers of acrylic paint, applied in a loose and intuitive way. Rather than working towards a specific design, I allowed the colours to build naturally through printing, scraping, stencilling and stamping.

Throughout the journal I repeatedly returned to a palette of:

• Soft pinks
• Fresh greens
• Warm yellows
• White texture paste
• Black stamping

These colours helped create a cohesive look from page to page while still allowing each spread to develop its own personality.

Texture, Layers and Details

Many of the pages feature:

• Stencilled texture paste
• Script stamping
• Honeycomb patterns
• White splatter
• Bees, butterflies and dragonflies
• Die-cut embellishments
• Vintage-inspired quotes

Some spreads are highly decorated focal pages, while others remain simple backgrounds ready for future embellishment.

I actually enjoy having a mixture of finished and unfinished pages in my journals. It reminds me that creativity is a journey rather than a destination.

A Theme Emerges

Although I didn't begin with a specific theme in mind, as the journal developed I noticed recurring ideas appearing throughout the pages:

• New beginnings
• Creativity
• Growth
• Transformation
• Taking your time
• Finding joy

The butterflies, dragonflies, clocks and inspirational sentiments all seemed to weave themselves into the same visual story.

Why I Love Mini Art Journals

Mini journals are perfect for:

• Testing new techniques
• Using scraps from larger projects
• Building confidence
• Exploring colour palettes
• Creating quick creative sessions
• Taking art journaling on the go

Because the pages are small, even 15 minutes at a craft desk can result in a completed spread.

Final Thoughts

Some of these pages are finished.

Some are still waiting for their final layer.

And honestly, I think that's what makes art journals so special.

They grow alongside us, collecting ideas, experiments, successes and happy accidents along the way.

After all...

"Every story has an end, but in life every ending is just a new beginning."

Where Can I Find This? (June 2026 Edition)

June 2026 Edition

Featured in this month's Dragonfly ATCs

 🦋 Dragonfly & Grid Die Set

• Purchased from Temu for £1.61
• Approximate size: 10cm x 8.2cm
• Cuts cleanly through card stock
• Perfect for ATCs, tags and journal cards 

What I liked:
The dragonfly has lovely wing detail and works well with inks, embossing powders and shimmer cardstock.

🍃 Dragonfly, Foliage & Sentiment Die Set

• Purchased from Temu for £1.98
• Approximate size: 12.8cm x 9.1cm 
• Cuts cleanly through card stock
• Perfect for ATCs, tags and journal cards 

 What I liked:
The foliage die is incredibly versatile and can be used with florals, butterflies and dragonflies.

⬡ Honeycomb Background Die

• Purchased from AliEpress for £1.40
• Approximate size: 13cm x 5.1cm 
• Cuts cleanly through card stock
• Perfect for ATCs, tags and journal cards 

 

What I liked:
Excellent for adding texture and interest without covering too much of the background.

Disclaimer:

Products featured were purchased by me and are not sponsored. Links are provided purely to help readers locate similar products. Availability may change over time. 

Dragonflies, Wood grain and Forgotten Treasures

Hello everyone,

Today I am sharing a set of three dragonfly Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) created using a mixture of old favourites, recent purchases, and a little bit of creative recycling.

One of the things I have enjoyed most since returning to regular crafting is rediscovering supplies that have been quietly waiting in drawers and cupboards for years. These ATCs are a perfect example of that.

The base for each ATC was cut using a Tim Holtz Alterations Bigz die called ATC & Corners. I honestly could not tell you how old this die is, but it still works beautifully and creates the perfect foundation for Artist Trading Cards.

For the background, I recycled some brown packing paper from a recent Amazon delivery. The paper was coloured with Gathered Twigs and Frayed Burlap Distress Inks before being embossed with my trusted wood grain embossing folder. I wanted to create the look of aged timber, providing a rustic backdrop for the dragonflies and foliage.

 The embossing was done using another blast from the past, my Sizzix Texture Boutique. Although it is no longer widely available, I did spot a few for sale on eBay while researching supplies for this post. It is always satisfying to see older tools still earning their place on the craft desk. 

I tested a few options before making the final decision and glueing things down.

 

The decorative dragondlies were die cut using a selection of dies from Temu and assembled using my usual liquid glue. I layered the delicate foliage and sections of honeycomb die cuts and finished each ATC with shimmering dragonflies that add a lovely touch of colour and movement against the natural wood grain background.

Each card was completed with a black die-cut sentiment. The words were created one letter at a time using an old Tattered Lace Alphabet set. It took a little patience, but I think the finished sentiments add a lovely personalised touch to each card.

To finish the backgrounds, I added subtle white and black splatter using my Chakola paint pens. The effect is quite delicate and not immediately obvious in the photographs, but it adds an extra layer of texture and interest to the finished cards.

The sentiments I chose were:

• Transform
• Joy
• Flight

All three words felt perfectly suited to dragonflies, which are often associated with change, freedom, growth, and embracing new beginnings.

 One thing I discovered while writing this post is just how many of the products I used come from a different era of my crafting journey. Finding links and information for some of these older supplies proved to be more challenging than making the ATCs themselves! It was a lovely reminder that good tools never really go out of style.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope these little dragonflies have inspired you to dust off some forgotten supplies and give them a new lease of life.

Until next time,

Bon

A Vintage Floral ATC Collection

Today I'm sharing a trio of Artist Trading Cards created using a soft vintage colour palette and a selection of my favourite Distress Inks. I wanted these cards to feel delicate and feminine, with plenty of texture and layering while still allowing the backgrounds to remain the star of the show.

For this collection I used the following Ranger Distress Inks:

• • Speckled Egg
  • Cracked Pistachio
  • Bundled Sage
  • Antique Linen
  • Tattered Rose
  • Victorian Velvet
  • Hickory Smoke  

 

I began by creating the backgrounds using a simple smooching technique, pressing ink onto my craft mat, spritzing with water and repeatedly dipping the card stock into the colour until I achieved the soft distressed look I was after. Once dry, I added texture and interest by stamping a text stamp and postage stamp in Hickory Smoke Distress Ink. Using the same ink for both the background stamping and sentiments helped tie the entire collection together.

To finish the backgrounds, I added splatters of diluted white gesso, creating the appearance of aged paint flecks and giving each card a little extra character.

For the focal points, I created coordinating inked panels using the same Distress Ink colours. The flowers were cut from card stock coloured with Tattered Rose and Victorian Velvet Distress Ink, along with white lightweight card stock for contrast. After die cutting, each flower was shaped on a foam mat using a medium embossing ball tool to create natural dimension and softness.

The foliage was die cut from card stock coloured with Bundled Sage Distress Ink. To keep the arrangements light and airy, I also added several leaves cut from vellum. The translucent vellum softens the floral clusters beautifully and prevents the design from feeling too heavy.

Behind each arrangement sits an embossed vellum strip. I created these using my Sizzix Big Shot and a wood grain embossing folder before lightly swiping Memento Moonlight White ink over the raised areas to highlight the texture. This subtle detail adds interest without competing with the flowers.

 All of the dies used were already in my stash and were cut using my Baby Blue Die Cutting Machine, which is currently only available on eBay. The various elements were assembled using my usual liquid glue, while a simple Pritt Stick worked perfectly for adhering the embossed vellum pieces behind the floral arrangements.

Each ATC was finished with a Hickory Smoke die-cut sentiment, each letter individually die cut to build the words from an old Tattered Lace Alphabet set:

Bloom
Grow
Hope

Mounted onto clean white mats, these three cards became a coordinated collection celebrating growth, beauty and possibility. I love how the muted colours, distressed textures and soft vellum layers work together to create a gentle vintage feel while still keeping the overall design fresh and modern.

 

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope this project inspires you to look at your Distress Ink collection in a new way and create coordinating backgrounds, flowers and embellishments from the same colour palette. Sometimes limiting the colours can create the most harmonious results.

 

Happy crafting,

Bon

Feathered Thoughts ATCs

Today's ATC set began with a background that had been sitting in my stash waiting for the right project. Sometimes the best creative sessions start by rediscovering pieces you've already made and seeing them with fresh eyes.

For the backgrounds I blended Ranger Distress Inks in Rustic Wilderness, Cracked Pistachio, and Mowed Lawn, creating a rich mix of greens ranging from deep woodland tones to brighter spring shades. Over this I adhered some previously created tissue paper using Ranger Matte Medium, sealing it with an additional coat over the top. This not only protects the surface but also creates a lovely layered mixed-media foundation ready for further embellishment. 

The focal points are elegant feather die cuts created using a feather die purchased from Temu for just £1.99. To contrast against the green backgrounds, I coloured the feather inserts with Tumbled Glass and Peacock Feathers Distress Ink and producing a soft turquoise shimmer that immediately draws the eye.

To add a little sparkle using Ranger Stickles in Star Dust, I finished the feather inserts with glitter accents and a few white highlights. The feathers were then mounted over the textured backgrounds to create depth and dimension.

The sentiment strips came from a set purchased through AliExpress and cost only a few pence per sheet. I selected phrases that encourage reflection and personal growth:

• You can't change the past
• You have to believe in yourself
• I lose myself

Although simple, these short phrases add meaning and help transform the cards from decorative pieces into miniature reminders and reflections.

To finish the set I mounted each ATC onto black cardstock. This small change made a surprisingly big difference, framing the artwork beautifully while helping the white feather outlines stand out against the background. A few white splatters and subtle circular details complete the mixed-media look without overwhelming the focal images.

I love how this set evolved during the creative process. What started as a simple feather design gradually became a collection of uplifting little reminders layered with texture, colour, sparkle, and thought.

 

Supplies Used

Background

• Ranger Distress Ink – Rustic Wilderness
• Ranger Distress Ink – Cracked Pistachio
• Ranger Distress Ink – Mowed Lawn
• Previously created tissue paper
• Ranger Matte Medium

Feathers

• Feather die (Temu)
• Ranger Distress Ink – Tumbled Glass
• Ranger Distress Ink – Peacock Feathers
• Glitter accents - Ranger Stickle in Star Dust
• White highlights - Posca pen

Finishing

• Sentiment strips (AliExpress)
• Black cardstock matting
• White paint splatter

A trio of uplifting reminders layered with texture, shimmer, and heart.

Sponsor & Collaboration Opportunities

I am currently welcoming sponsorships and creative collaborations for late 2026 and 2027.

If you are a craft company, stationery brand, mixed media supplier, stamp designer, or creative business interested in having your products featured on my blog, I would love to hear from you.

Products may be showcased through:

• Honest product reviews
• Cards and ATC projects
• Mixed media and journaling inspiration
• Step-by-step creative posts
• Social media features and photography

Please note that all opinions shared are always genuine and based on personal experience using the products.

If you are interested in collaborating or becoming a sponsor, please get in touch via the contact form and I will respond as soon as possible.

Thank you for supporting the creative journey here at Bonscraft.
Bon

406pcs Phrase Word Stickers for Journaling & Scrapbooking from Aliexpress

 One of my favourite little AliExpress finds lately has to be these Phrase Word Stickers for Journaling & Scrapbooking

 

 Price paid: £2.30 on AliExpress

 

 Price paid: £2.30 on AliExpress

I used a few of them on my latest ATC project and they worked perfectly with the smaller format. Sometimes full sentiments can completely overpower an Artist Trading Card, but these tiny phrases add just enough personality without stealing the spotlight from the background or focal image.

The set includes a lovely mix of vintage-style quotes, labels, and short phrases in different fonts and colours, making them ideal for junk journals, collage work, layered cards, tags, planners, and mixed media projects. They are especially useful when you need those final little “finishing touch” details that make a project feel complete.

What I personally love most is the size. They tuck beautifully into clusters and layered embellishments without making the design feel crowded. Perfect for ATCs where every millimetre counts.

✨ Great for:
• ATCs and mini cards
• Junk journals
• Layered collage work
• Planner decorating
• Vintage and shabby chic projects
• Quick sentiments without stamping

💷 

Disclaimer:
All products featured on this blog are purchased by me unless otherwise stated. I am not sponsored by any company, brand, or seller mentioned in my posts, and I do not receive commission, rewards, or any financial benefit if you choose to purchase through the links I share.

I simply enjoy sharing the products, tools, and crafty finds that I personally use and love in my own projects.

Framed Florals & Gentle Words

 

There is something so satisfying about finally gluing all the little elements down after a creative session like this. The desk looks like a paper tornado swept through it, tiny flowers are stuck to your sleeves, and somewhere under a pile of scraps is the glue lid you just had a second ago. Crafting chaos at its finest.

For this ATC set I combined elements from Die Cutting Essentials Issue 79 and Simply Cards & Papercraft Issue 219, mixing soft layered backgrounds with bold black geometric frames for contrast. I really enjoyed the balance between the delicate florals and the sharper modern frame shapes. It gives the cards a slightly contemporary feel while still keeping that warm mixed media softness I love.

The backgrounds were created using Distress Inks blended onto smooth cardstock before adding texture with a black script stamp. I kept the stamping fairly loose and imperfect because I wanted the backgrounds to feel aged and artistic rather than overly polished. The soft peachy tones mixed with the darker script create that lovely worn-paper look that almost reminds me of old journal pages found in an attic somewhere beneath a pile of forgotten letters and dried flowers.

The black frames were die cut from plain black cardstock and layered over white decorative die cut pieces to help everything stand out more clearly. I love how the black frames anchor the design and stop the softer colours from floating away visually. They almost work like little windows into each tiny floral scene.

The flowers and leaves were stamped from the included free stamp sets and coloured before being carefully fussy cut by hand. The bright oranges and pinks against the muted background make the florals feel alive and cheerful without becoming overpowering. Tiny pops of green foliage help pull everything together and add movement across the cards.

For the sentiments, I used a sentiment strip pack from AliExpress. I will add the link below for anyone interested because these little phrase strips are incredibly useful for ATCs, journaling, tags, and collage projects. I especially liked the gentle uplifting feel of the sentiments in this set:

• collect beautiful moments
• choose to see the good
• remember to play

Small reminders tucked into tiny artworks. Like paper fortune cookies for the soul.

 Supplies Used

• Die Cutting Essentials #79
• Simply Cards & Papercraft #219
• Distress Inks
• Black script stamp
• Black cardstock for frames
• White decorative die cuts
• Free floral stamp sets
• Alcohol markers for colouring (Spectrum Noir)
• Sentiment strips from AliExpress (406pcs Phrase Word Stickers from Aliexpress)
• Detail scissors for fussy cutting
• Glue adhesive of choice (B6000 Super Glue from AliExpress)

This set felt very relaxed and therapeutic to make. No pressure for perfection, just layering pieces until the composition felt balanced and pleasing to the eye. Sometimes those are the most enjoyable projects of all. Tiny pockets of creativity stitched together with ink, glue, and a little patience. ✂️🖤

Disclaimer:
All products featured on this blog are purchased by me unless otherwise stated. I am not sponsored by any company, brand, or seller mentioned in my posts, and I do not receive commission, rewards, or any financial benefit if you choose to purchase through the links I share.

I simply enjoy sharing the products, tools, and crafty finds that I personally use and love in my own projects.

Playtime ATCs

Tiny Adventures in Mixed Media 

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about this little set.
The kind of nostalgia that smells faintly of grass stains, scraped knees, warm afternoons, and “home before the streetlights come on.”

For these ATCs I pulled out the very last of my retired Woodware stamp sets designed by the incredibly whimsical Francoise Read called Playtime. I had almost forgotten I still owned it until my recent shed clear-out, and finding it again felt a bit like opening an old toybox from another version of myself.

This set became a celebration of playful chaos, layered texture, and childhood freedom.

 

The Backgrounds

The backgrounds were created using my usual mixed media stash and layering process, building colour slowly until the cards felt textured and lived-in rather than overly polished.

I worked mainly with:

• mustard yellows
• teal greens
• touches of turquoise
• distressed earthy browns

The combination gives the cards a slightly grungy playground feel while still keeping them bright and cheerful.

For texture I used:

• gold embossing powder
• black texture stamping
• layered paint and ink splatters

The gold embossing catches the light beautifully in real life and adds that slightly messy, magical sparkle I always seem to gravitate towards lately.

The Images

The little characters were coloured using my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers again. I kept the colouring intentionally simple and graphic because the backgrounds already contain a lot of movement and texture.

Sometimes detailed colouring competes with busy mixed media backgrounds.
This time I wanted the images to stay bold, clean, and playful.

The black outlines help anchor everything against the layered backgrounds, while the pops of orange and blue keep the eye moving across the set.

I also added:

• minimal white splatter
• tiny shadowing around some elements
• soft dimensional layering

Just enough to create interest without overwhelming the cards.

My Favourite Details

A few things I especially love in this set:

✨ The tiny scooter and backpack
✨ The oversized bicycle wheels
✨ The little dog chasing the football
✨ The gold texture peeking through the layers
✨ The feeling that each ATC captures a tiny frozen moment

Together they feel like pages from a child’s summer diary.

Creative Reflections

Looking back at older work while starting to create again has been emotional in ways I did not expect.

I stopped crafting for quite a while because my mental health simply was not in a good place. Creativity becomes very difficult when your mind feels heavy all the time. But lately, sitting quietly with ink, stamps, texture paste, and messy backgrounds has started to feel calming again instead of exhausting.

Not perfect.
Not pressured.
Just… enjoyable.

And honestly? That matters more to me right now than making “perfect” art.

This little set feels like a reminder that creativity does not always need to be deep or dramatic. Sometimes it can simply be playful.

Supplies Used

Stamp Set:
Woodware “Playtime” by Francoise Read (retired)

Colouring Medium:
Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers

Texture & Background Elements:

• Gold embossing powder
• Tiny texture stamps
• White splatter
• Mixed media layered backgrounds

Three tiny cards.

One playful little story.

And perhaps a small step back toward myself again. 🎨✨

Garden Babies ATCs

Mixed Media Artist Trading Cards using retired Woodware stamps by Jaqueline Ross

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about revisiting retired stamp sets. They carry a certain kind of magic, like favourite books with softened corners or a song you forgot you loved until the first note starts playing again.

For this set, I pulled out the adorable Garden Babies stamps by Jacqueline Ross for Woodware and built a dreamy mixed media background around them using gel printing, acrylic paint, embossing paste, and layered stamping.

The finished cards feel soft and whimsical, almost like tiny snapshots from a hidden fairy garden.

 

Creating the Backgrounds

The backgrounds started with gel printing and acrylic paints, layered in soft pastel shades of aqua, lavender, blush pink, and hints of white. I wanted the colours to feel airy and playful while still having enough contrast for the focal images to stand out.

Once the paint layers were dry, I added extra texture using:

• Embossing paste
• A stencil for raised dimensional detail
• Script stamping for added definition and movement

For the script detail, I used Versafine Clair Onyx Black, stamping lightly in random areas to create visual texture without overwhelming the softer colour palette.

The combination of printed layers, embossed circles, script fragments, and splattered detail created that perfectly imperfect mixed media look that I love so much.

 

Embossed Circle Details

The textured circles behind the focal images were created separately to help frame the little Garden Babies and add extra dimension.

I stamped the circles using:

• Versafine embossing ink
• WOW Detailed White Embossing Powder

After heat embossing, each circle was carefully cut out by hand using 7.6mm detail scissors from Amazon. 

The crisp white embossing against the soft backgrounds adds a beautiful contrast and almost gives the impression of bubbles, moonlight, or floating garden spores drifting through the scene.

Colouring the Images

The Garden Babies images were stamped using:

• Memento Dye Ink – Tuxedo Black

I specifically chose Memento because it works beautifully with alcohol markers and does not smudge during colouring.

The images were coloured using:

• Crafter’s Companion Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers

I kept the colouring bright and cheerful with fresh greens, buttery yellows, and soft skin tones to preserve the playful personality of the stamps.

The black outlines from the Memento ink stay wonderfully crisp, even with layered blending.

Assembly & Adhesive

For assembly, I used:

• B6000 Super Glue from AliExpress

This glue has honestly become one of my favourite crafting discoveries.

It has:

• A fine precision tip
• Strong holding power
• Minimal visibility behind vellum
• Excellent versatility for mixed media projects

I especially love it for adhering:

• Vellum
• Gems
• Paper embellishments
• Glass
• Wood
• Plastic elements

And because a little goes a long way, it’s also incredibly budget friendly and come in various sizes.  

Buy the 15ml for just £1.48 and try it for yourself.

Final Thoughts

I think this set perfectly captures why I still adore mixed media ATCs so much.

They are small enough to experiment freely, but detailed enough to tell tiny visual stories.

Each card in this collection feels like a different little garden moment:

• sitting quietly in a flower,
• peeking through leaves,
• or drifting peacefully on the breeze.

Soft layers, raised textures, embossed details, and cheerful little characters all working together to create something playful and comforting.

Exactly the kind of crafting that makes me forget the world for a while. 🌸🫧

 

Lighting My Creative Space

Reviewing My New LED Craft Desk Lamp

One of the biggest problems with crafting in the evening is lighting.

Poor lighting affects:

• ink blending
• colour matching
• detail work
• photography
• eye strain

So alongside my new craft desk, I decided to invest in an adjustable LED desk lamp that would give me bright, even lighting without taking up valuable workspace.

 

Why I Chose This Lamp

The main thing that attracted me to this lamp was the clamp design.

Because it attaches directly to the desk:

• no base takes up workspace
• more room is left for projects
• it keeps the setup looking cleaner and less cluttered

For a smaller craft desk, that makes a huge difference.

Features

This lamp includes:

✔ 10 brightness settings
✔ Multiple light temperatures
✔ Natural daylight mode
✔ Flexible adjustable arm
✔ 45-minute timer auto shut-off
✔ USB connection with UK plug adapter included
✔ Energy-saving LED lighting
✔ Eye protection settings
✔ After-sales support email included (uk-desk-lamp@outlook.com)

First Impressions

The lamp feels lightweight but practical, and the adjustable arm moves smoothly without feeling loose.

The wide light bar gives a much more even spread of light across the desk compared to traditional lamps.

That is especially useful for:

• card making
• colouring
• mixed media work
• detail stamping
• evening journaling

I also think it will improve my product photography and blog photos because the light coverage is much softer and more balanced.

Crafting Performance

The natural daylight setting is probably my favourite feature so far.

It makes:

• distress ink colours easier to judge
• tiny details easier to see
• shadows less harsh during photos

The brightness settings also mean I can:

• use stronger light during detailed work
• switch to softer lighting during relaxed evening crafting

I can already tell this will become one of those tools I use constantly without even thinking about it.

Unexpected Bonus

I originally bought this mainly for crafting, but I honestly think it would also work brilliantly as:

• a reading light
• journaling lamp
• office desk light
• study light

Especially because the softer settings feel much gentler at night.

Final Thoughts

For £14.44 including delivery from Amazon, I think this was an excellent purchase for a compact craft space.

It gives:

• strong lighting
• flexible positioning
• space-saving design
• better photography conditions
• more comfortable evening crafting

Without dominating the desk itself.

Disclaimer:
All products featured on this blog are purchased by me unless otherwise stated. I am not sponsored by any company, brand, or seller mentioned in my posts, and I do not receive commission, rewards, or any financial benefit if you choose to purchase through the links I share.

I simply enjoy sharing the products, tools, and crafty finds that I personally use and love in my own projects.

 

Creating My New Craft Space

 Reviewing the Vida Designs Mason Desk

After spending some time away from crafting due to my mental health, one of the first things I wanted to do was create a small dedicated space that felt calm, organised, and inspiring again.

My new white craft desk from B&Q was the first step in rebuilding that little creative corner.

I purchased the fully white version to match the rest of the furniture in my room, and at £49.99 including delivery, it felt like a very reasonable option for a compact craft setup.

I also spotted the same desk on Amazon for around £57.99 with free delivery.

First Impressions

The desk arrived well packaged, with all parts protected properly, and delivery went smoothly without any damage.

Juliet built the desk for me, and overall assembly seemed straightforward. The only real issue was that the drawer sections did not have pre-drilled holes for the drawer runners, which made that part slightly more awkward than expected.

Other than that, everything lined up well and the finished desk feels surprisingly sturdy for the price.

Why I Chose This Desk

One of the biggest reasons I chose this desk was the storage layout.

The open shelving section is perfect for:

• my Sizzix Big Shot
• dies and accessories
• embossing folders
• frequently used tools

The drawers will help keep the “creative chaos goblin energy” under control a little better. 😄

My current plan is:

Top Drawer

Daily essentials:

• scissors
• blending tools
• stamps
• acrylic blocks

Middle Drawer

Texture and mixed media products:

• embossing powders
• texture paste
• collage medium
• Mod Podge
• glues

Bottom Drawer

Overflow storage and bulkier supplies.

Workspace Size & Practicality

At 120cm wide, the desk gives me enough working space for:

• a distress ink rack
• craft lamp
• cutting mat
• current project area

The shelving side also stops the desk from feeling visually heavy, which helps keep the room feeling softer and more open.

Future Additions

To protect the surface, I have already ordered:

• a grey desk cover from Temu 
• a Anti-Slip, Heat-Resistant PVC Surface for the main working area

I wanted something practical without losing the clean white aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

For under £50, I honestly think this is a great starter or small-room craft desk.

It probably would not suit someone with a massive craft room or industrial-level stash storage, but for:

• card makers
• journal artists
• ATC creators
• small-space crafters
• beginner mixed media artists

…it offers a surprisingly functional setup for the price.

Most importantly, it feels like a fresh creative beginning for me, and sometimes that matters just as much as the furniture itself.

Quick Review Summary

Likes

✔ Clean white design
✔ Compact but functional
✔ Great price point
✔ Useful shelves and drawers
✔ Perfect for smaller craft rooms
✔ Good delivery and packaging

Dislikes

✘ No pre-drilled drawer runner holes
✘ Drawers are not very deep for large supplies

Would I Recommend It?

Yes. Especially for smaller creative spaces or anyone restarting their craft area on a budget.

Disclaimer:
All products featured on this blog are purchased by me unless otherwise stated. I am not sponsored by any company, brand, or seller mentioned in my posts, and I do not receive commission, rewards, or any financial benefit if you choose to purchase through the links I share.

I simply enjoy sharing the products, tools, and crafty finds that I personally use and love in my own projects.

 

When Colour Found Me Again: A Look Through My Art Journal

There was a time when this journal closed… not because I ran out of ideas, but because life became heavier than creativity.

This collection sits right at that edge.

Every page you see here was created just before I stepped away. Looking back now, I can see it clearly… this wasn’t just art. It was me trying to find my way back to myself, one layer at a time.

A Beginning in Texture and Play

It started simply. Backgrounds built with colour, movement, and curiosity.

Blues melting into pinks. Soft purples clashing gently with bold marks. Texture paste scattered like thoughts that hadn’t quite formed yet.

There was no pressure to be perfect here. Just the need to start.

Finding My Voice in Small Pieces

The  ATCs came next. Small, contained, but full of intention.

These little cards taught me something important. Even in a tiny space, balance matters. A focal point. A quiet area. A moment to breathe.

They were controlled… but still playful.

When the Pages Became Heavier

As I moved deeper into the journal, the layers grew thicker.

More stamping. More texture. More colour.

Almost like I was trying to fill every inch… as if leaving space meant leaving room for thoughts I wasn’t ready to sit with.

Some pages became beautifully chaotic. Others felt overwhelming. But all of them were honest.

Stories, Faces, and Fragments of Emotion

The character pages are some of my favourites.

Soft girls with big eyes. Strong expressions. Quiet confidence.

They don’t just sit on the page… they hold it.

Looking at them now, I realise they reflect different parts of me:

• playful
• guarded
• hopeful
• tired

Each one placed carefully, sometimes grounded, sometimes floating… just like I felt at the time. 

Moments of Calm

Not every page was loud.

Some were softer. Simpler.

A single flower. A gentle sentiment. Light colour and open space.

At the time, I thought these were my “weakest” pages.

Now I see them differently.

They were the moments where I stopped pushing… and just allowed something to exist without overworking it.

Experimentation Without Rules

There are pages here that break every rule:

• bold colour clashes
• heavy textures
• unexpected combinations

And I love them for that.

They remind me that creativity isn’t always neat. Sometimes it’s loud, messy, and unapologetic.

Sometimes it’s just about trying something… without needing it to work.

A Pause, Not an Ending

Eventually, I stopped.

Not because I didn’t love it.
Not because I ran out of ideas.
But because my mental health needed my attention more than my journal did.

And that’s okay.

This journal holds that pause. It captures the moment just before everything went quiet.

Coming Back, Gently

Looking through these pages now feels different.

I don’t see mistakes.
I don’t see “too much” or “not enough.”

I see:

• growth
• exploration
• resilience

And most importantly… I see that the creativity never really left.

It was just waiting.

Moving Forward

As I return to creating again, I’m bringing a few things with me:

• more intention
• more balance
• and a little more kindness toward myself

Because art doesn’t need to be perfect to matter.

It just needs to be real. 

If you’ve ever stepped away from something you love…
consider this your reminder:

You’re allowed to come back.

Slowly. Quietly. Without pressure.

The page will still be there… waiting for you.