Walking on sunshine by Heidi Swain - Book Review

I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity from the publisher Simon & Schulster UK, to read and review "Walking on sunshine" by Heidi Swain, one of my favourite authors.

Previously, books written by Heidi Swain are based in Norfolk, but this book has jumped the county lines into Suffolk. It features a village called "Willowell", where the main character, Tilly used to spend childhood summer holidays with her Dad and brother.

Tilly returns to Willowell to scatter the her Father's ashes, which brings back many memories of her halcyon summers, especially the fields by the river and her dream house "Fernside".  On her journey to Willowell she meets James, her "Meet Cute" who rescues her hat.

Tilly is at a crossroads in her life, she has given up the job that she hates, handed in her notice on the flat share and has the seeds of a business idea she would like to grow.  She spots a "For Sale" sign for Willowell woods that would be the perfect location for her new venture.

Life takes a turn when Tilly meets the owner of the woods, Constance" who can make Tilly's dreams come true.  But things like a love life can get in the way of Tilly'a plans.

I really enjoyed reading "Walking on sunshine".  The writing flows beautifully, allowing the reader to visualise everything.  In my opinion, this book is a must read and is available to pre-order on Amazon or purchase in the shops from 23rd April 2026.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 6

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

This is a weekly challenge. I provide you with a prompt/theme each Sunday morning through out the year.  The challenge is very relaxed.  You can do as much or as little as you like.  You can create cards, tags, Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) or index cards, the choice is yours. You just go with what ever is in your head at the time.  You can stamp, get inky, use patterned papers, texture, embellish it is all down to you.

There is a dedicated private Facebook Group, with a lovely bunch of people who are already sharing their makes from previous challenges.  You can find the group by clicking this link.  I'd love you to join in.

The prompt for Week 6 is "Woodgrain/ tree bark"

I painted a white tag with pale green/blue water colours for the base of the tag, then used Versafine Clair "Sand Dune" light brown ink to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs "Woodgrain" stamp".  I then repeated the proces in different areas using the same stamp but with "Acorn" mid brown Versafine Clair ink

In the gaps, I then stamped the Funky Fossil Designs "Vintage Script" stamp in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Next, I lay the Funky Fossil Designs "Large Polka Dots Stencil" over the tag and applied "Avocado" green Versafine Clair ink through some of the dots.  I then stamped the Funky Fossil "Ferns" using "Fallen Leaves" dark brown ink.

I used Derwent Inktense pencils with a paint brush to add extra colour to the woodgrain/bark,  I used a gold pencil to outline some of the green circles and to edge the tag.  Finally, I added a Tim Holtz "Ideaology" word sticker saying "Explore".

Funky Fossil Designs "Happiness Blooms" Good Luck Card

 

Another brief trip into the craft room this afternoon, making this "Good Luck" card.

I used a circle aperture stencil shading the edge with "Mint Chill" 49 and Market ink to give a very soft colour.

I used Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs 'Happiness Blooms" and the greeting from the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiment" stamp set.

I used two Derwent Inktense pencils "Maethyst" and "Olivina" to colour the stamped image, finally adding some dots of white Ranger "Enamel Accents".

Funky Fossil Designs "Beauty In Boom" thinking of you card

I slipped into the craft room for half an hour again today and made this card.  Nothing too strenuous, using a piece of Prima Marketing patterned paper, from their "Zephyr" 6x6 paper stack, for the base.

I used Versafine Clair to stamp the Funky Fossil Designs "Beauty in bloom" face and flowers.  Stamping the flowers again on to white card and fussy cutting then sticking them on to the card.

Finally, I used a sentiment from the Funky Fossil Designs "Stripped Back Sentiments" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink.

Prima "Rosarian" Patterned Paper Birthday Card

Getting in the craft room two days in a row is not something that has not been happening recently, but here's another Birthday card I've made this weekend.

I've used some patterned papers from a Prima Marketing 6x6 stack called "Rosarian".  I used a word sticker from my stash for the greeting and die cut into a banner shape. Finally using a gold gel pen to add highlights and dorts to various areas.

52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2026 - Week 5

The Crafting Niche 52 Week Mini Art Card/Tag Challenge 2026:

This is a weekly challenge. I provide you with a prompt/theme each Sunday morning through out the year.  The challenge is very relaxed.  You can do as much or as little as you like.  You can create cards, tags, Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) or index cards, the choice is yours. You just go with what ever is in your head at the time.  You can stamp, get inky, use patterned papers, texture, embellish it is all down to you.

There is a dedicated private Facebook Group, with a lovely bunch of people who are already sharing their makes from previous challenges.  You can find the group by clicking this link.  I'd love you to join in.

The prompt for Week 5 is "Robins"

For the background of this tag, I have used a 3D embossing folder, (sorry I have no idea of the brand), run through the Big shot.  I then used Van Goch "Water Colour Pencils" applied with a paint brush to paint the flowers and leaves and ground in very pale colours.

On an off cut of card, I stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Jemima" Robin using Versafine Clair "Acorn" brown ink.  I then added extra colour using Van Goch water colour pencils.  Fussy cut the robin and stuck in on to the tag using foam pads, so that it is more 3D looking.  I grounded the robin using Van Goch "Pastel Pencils".

Sweet Poppy Stencil Butterfly Card

 

I've been in the craft room this morning making this card using some new inks.  The Ranger "49 and Market" collection.  They are the most beautiful colours!

I used a piece of 300gsm white card for the base. I lay the Sweet Poppy Stencils "Harmony Backplate Stencil" over the card and applied "Pink Sands" 49 and Market ink throught part of the stencil.

Next, I used a Sweet Poppy Butterfly stencil, designed by Tracey Dutton of Lavinia Stamps, off the page with Versafine Clair "Twilight" dark blue ink.  I used the same ink to stamp the "Happy Birthday" sentiment which is part of the Sweet Poppy Stencils "Hugs and Kisses" stamp set.

Next, I used the Sweet Poppy "Dots Backplate Stencil" with 49 and Market "Fossil" ink.  I edged  the card with "Mint Chill" 49 and Market green ink. 

Finally, I added some white dots of Ranger "Enamel Accents".