12 Tags of 2014 - December

Happy Friday Everyone!  I'm here to post my final tag for Tim's 12 Tags of 2014!  I actually made all twelve tags for the first time EVER!!!

I really liked the tag that Tim created for this month.  I have the previously released Reindeer Flight die but not the new Prancing Deer.  I thought about using the older die and creating some antlers with the Branch Tree die but I decided to use the new Angelic die instead and I'm really glad I did!

Here's my tag...

 

I attempted Tim's method for the background on the tag but it didn't work out for me.  I don't have the distress stain sprays so I used Perfect Pearls for the metallic spray and it didn't mix well with the distress paint and my homemade Mini Mister spray stain.  The tag remained sticky after it had dried and it was a little brighter than I liked.  I'm sure there's a lesson on that somewhere in the Creative Chemistry 102 class!!  Although I've paid for the class I haven't watched any of the content so I found out the hard way!!  I went back to the drawing board and created the background by misting the tag with water and then swiping it through Faded Jeans and Brushed Pewter distress stains.

 

The rest of the tag was made based on Tim's tutorial.  I used the Starry Night embossing folder on the Frosted material.  The angel was painted with Antique Linen distress paint. I added Mustard Seed distress glitter to her wings for some extra bling. The trumpet was painted with a Ranger Adirondack Metallic Gold paint dabber. If I had it to do over I probably would have painted her wings with the gold paint instead of using the distress glitter. I sprinkled the rock candy distress glitter on using my thumb and index finger (similar to the way you'd add a pinch of salt to a recipe) since I don't have that type of tea infuser. Walnut distress ink was then used to tone everything down.  Originally I was going to use the word "Joy" on the tag because that's what this angel represents to me. But it didn't seem like enough so I chose "Peace on Earth" and added the Joyful muse token.

 

I'm totally impressed with myself for taking the time to do the actual sewing instead of stapling the Frosted to the background.  I think it's a first for me!  It only took two minutes since my sewing machine was already threaded with the right color of thread.  Had it not been I might not have done it!  It's also a little uneven because I was under the influence of pseudoephedrine for a sinus headache and my hands were shaky!

 

The Industrious Border sticker was in my possession thanks to Paula Cheney as it was in the Collection Folio class kit from her recent teaching trip to Whim So Doodle!  The Frosted material was graciously supplied to me by my good friend Sue. She shared part of the package she bought when we met to take Paula's classes. Thanks Sue!  Sometimes it takes a village to make a tag!

 

And there you have it!  The final tag for 2014!  This will probably be my last post for this year so I want to wish all of you Happy Holidays and may the New Year bring you joy, health and lots of love!

 

Thanks for stopping by!



Pop-It Up Dies by Karen Burniston

I finally got to play with Karen Burniston's new Pop-It Up dies.  These samples were made for my local store, Whim So Doodle, located in St. Petersburg, FL.  My work, and photography (LOL!), really don't do these dies justice!  The packages come pretty much complete...you get the main die and accompanying accessory dies in various sizes.  All you'll need is paper, stamps and glue to complete some AWESOME cards! And we all have plenty of those three things, right??!!

To see some awe-inspiring work go to Karen's blog or visit her Facebook page, Karen Burniston, Designer.  She has a crack team of designers that produce jaw-dropping work!  Trust me!

Here are my samples...

These first two cards use the Circle Accordion Album die. The second card below also includes the Circle Frame Edge dies.

This next album was constructed with the Oval Accordion Frame die and the Oval Dot Frame Edge dies.  This demonstrates how you can string together as many frames as you like to create an album or use just two frames to make a card (as I did above).  I used Core-dinations paper for the background and Tim Holtz Kraft Resist paper for the dot frame edges.  The images were colored with distress markers and a water brush.  You can barely see the dimension but I cut out the stamped elements with my Sizzix Eclips machine using the Stamp2Cut feature and popped them up with foam tape.

If you're in the St. Petersburg area stop by Whim So Doodle to see these samples "up close and personal"!  And while you're there you can pick up some of these dies.  You'll love them!

Thanks for stopping by!



Hello Again!

I hope that all is well with all of you!  It's been a long time since I've posted.  Time just seems to slip away and I haven't quite figured out where it goes yet!  I did a much needed clean-out of  my craft room.  Donated bags and bags of goods and supplies to schools/churches and I still have way too much stuff.  But, like everything else, it's a work in progress.  I'm also doing a little remodeling...not built-in (I wish!)...but my brother-in-law helped me put together a new work table and I'm adding some bookcases from Ikea for storage.  I'll share photos once it all comes together but right now things are scattered about the room and the house.

In the midst of it all I managed to create this Apothecary Tag Book which I'll be teaching this Saturday, October 12, from 10am-2pm at Whim So Doodle in St. Petersburg, FL.

 

We'll be using some of the new Tim Holtz Halloween stamp sets including The Chemist and the new Halloween Blueprints.  The tags will cover techniques from both of Tim's Compendium of Curiosities books.  I believe there are still a few spots left in the class so if you live in the area I'd love to meet you!

Wish me luck as this is my first foray into teaching and I'm getting a little nervous about the whole thing.  As long as everyone has fun and learns something I'll consider it a success!!

Blueprints for Love!

Happy Valentine's Day!  I thought today would be appropriate for posting this set of tags I made using Tim's Valentine Blueprints stamp set.  These were made for display at my local store, Whim So Doodle.  Coincidentally, this is the same stamp set that Tim used on his February tag for the 12 Tags of 2013!  Admittedly mine doesn't look much like his but that's ok with me!  I'm also entering this at Inspiration Journal where this month's theme is L.O.V.E.


The blueprints were stamped on kraft tags along with images from the Love Struck stamp set.  The tags were sprayed with various Perfect Pearls mists.  The blueprints were stamped again on kraft cardstock and then colored with colored pencils.  I cut out the main image and adhered it on the stamped tag with foam tape.   Then I added the various embellishments and die cuts all glittered and distressed accordingly!

I've included a supply list under the tag photos.  Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you get to spend the day doing something you love with someone you love!!

"Cupid” Blueprint Tag

Ranger #8 Kraft Tag

Ranger Archival Ink Black

Tim Holtz Valentine Blueprint Stamps

Tim Holtz Love Struck Stamps

Tim Holtz Odds & Ends Stamps

Sizzix Alterations- Stacked Words: Valentines

Sizzix Alterations-Ticket Strip

Perfect Pearls Mist-Interference Red

Distress Ink-Walnut Stain, Picked Raspberry

Stickles-Rock Candy

Stickles Dry Glitter-Rock Candy

Crinkle Ribbon

Distress Stain-Barn Door, Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick

Stash: color pencils, pleated ribbon

"Love” Blueprint Tag

Ranger #8 Kraft Tag

Ranger Archival Ink Black

Tim Holtz Valentine Blueprint Stamps

Tim Holtz Love Struck Stamps

Tim Holtz Odds & Ends Stamps

Sizzix Alterations- Stacked Words: Valentines

Sizzix Alterations-Ticket Strip

Perfect Pearls Mist-Forever Red

Distress Ink-Walnut Stain, Picked Raspberry

Stickles-Rock Candy

Stickles Dry Glitter-Rock Candy

Crinkle Ribbon

Distress Stain-Barn Door, Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick

Stash: color pencils, pleated ribbon

"14” Blueprint Tag

Ranger #8 Kraft Tag

Ranger Archival Ink Black

Ranger Crackle Accents

Tim Holtz Valentine Blueprint Stamps

Tim Holtz Love Struck Stamps

Tim Holtz Odds & Ends Stamps

Sizzix Alterations- Stacked Words: Valentines

Sizzix Alterations- Vintage Lace Strip

Sizzix Alterations-Ticket Strip

Sizzix Alterations-Movers & Shapers Heart

Perfect Pearls Mist-Sunflower Sparkle

Distress Ink-Walnut Stain, Picked Raspberry

Stickles-Rock Candy

Stickles Dry Glitter-Rock Candy

Crinkle Ribbon

Distress Stain-Barn Door, Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick

Stash: color pencils, red leather



“Queen” Blueprint Tag
Ranger #8 Kraft Tag
Ranger Archival Ink Black
Tim Holtz Valentine Blueprint Stamps
Tim Holtz Love Struck Stamps
Tim Holtz Odds & Ends Stamps
Sizzix Alterations- Stacked Words: Valentines
Sizzix Alterations-Ticket Strip
Perfect Pearls Mist-Biscotti
Distress Ink-Walnut Stain, Picked Raspberry
Stickles-Rock Candy
Stickles Dry Glitter-Rock Candy
Crinkle Ribbon
Distress Stain-Barn Door, Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick
Stash: color pencils, pleated ribbon

Melissa Frances DIY Houses



I've been busy these last couple of weeks working on the these two Melissa Frances DIY Houses for Whim So Doodle.  These were time consuming but really fun to put together and decorate.  

  

This first one is the Large Queen Anne.  I covered it with MF 5th Avenue papers in Hattie and Essie.  The base is covered with MF Countdown to Christmas-Salutations.  After covering each piece with paper I ran the pieces face down through my Xyron 850 and applied adhesive to the front side. Then I applied Martha Stewart Crystal Fine glitter.  Adding the glitter with the Xyron was super easy and the results are fabulous! The glitter is evenly distributed and it really does stay on!  The credit for that step belongs to this blog, Ain't She Crafty.  I'll definitely be using this method in the future when I want to add some bling to something!

 

I used Zip-Dry glue both for covering the pieces with paper and for assembling the house.  The trees and wreath were dyed using TH Ranger Distress Ink reinker in Picked Raspberry combined with water in a Ranger Mini-Mister. The pearls are from Michael's Recollections line. The fence was painted with a Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber in Snow Cap and then glitter was pressed into the paint while it was wet.  

 

 

This second house is the Large Chapel.  I followed the same steps as shown above for covering and assembling the house.  The trees and wreath were dyed using TH Ranger Distress Ink reinker in Pine Needles combined with water in a Ranger Mini-Mister. The pearls are from Micheal's Recollections line. The fence was painted with a Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber in Snow Cap and then glitter was pressed into the paint while it was wet.  The tinsel is TH Rope Tinsel.  The snow accents were added using a DecoArt Snow Writer.

 





I really like how they both turned out and I think they're charming Christmas decorations reminiscent of a bygone era.

Holiday Blueprint Cards

Hello!  Last Friday I was supposed to go to Epcot for the Food & Wine Festival.  I should have been eating and drinking my way around the "world" but Hurricane Sandy, passing along the east coast of Florida, nixed those plans!!  So, since I had the day off from work I did the next best thing...spent the day in my craft room working on my Whim So Doodle DT assignment, Tim Holtz inspired holiday cards.  I really had a difficult time with these cards!  I can whip up a tag pretty quickly but working on a card format was different!  In the end I was pleased with how they came out.

This first card showcases the new Tim Holtz Idea-ology Mirrored sheets.  These are very cool!

Supplies: Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations-Bigz Vintage Noel Die, Bigz Styled Labels Die, Movers & Shapers Styled Labels, Tattered Flower Garland Strip, Christmas Background and Borders Texture Fades Set; Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stains-Victorian Velvet, Picket Fence, Brushed Pewter; Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink-Brushed Corduroy; Ideaology-Seasonal Paper Stash, Mirrored; Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber-Snow Cap; Core’dinations Paper

Last week I posted a couple of tags, for the Studio L3 weekly CC2C challenge, which I've now completed by making a pocket for each tag.

Supplies: Tim Holtz Stamper’s Anonymous-Christmas Blueprints, Grunge Snowflakes; Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations Tattered Pinecone Die, Festive Greenery Strip; Sizzix Bigz XL Die-Envelope/Pocket; Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink-Iced Spruce, Faded Jeans, Stormy Sky, Walnut Stain, Forest Moss; Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain-Broken China, Faded Jeans; Ranger Perfect Pearls Powder; Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist-Turquiose; Idea-ology-Seasonal Paper Stash, Kraft Paper Stash, Crinkle Ribbon, Christmas Muse Token, Seasonal Chit Chat; Core’dinations Paper

Supplies: Tim Holtz Stamper’s Anonymous -Christmas Blueprints, Holiday Wishes; Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations Tattered Pinecone Die, Festive Greenery Strip; Sizzix Bigz XL Die-Envelope/Pocket; Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink-Wild Honey, Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Walnut Stain; Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain-Wild Honey, Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy; Ranger Perfect Pearls Powder; Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist-Sunflower Sparkle; Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber-Snow Cap; Ideaology-Seasonal Paper Stash, Kraft Paper Stash, Crinkle Ribbon, Christmas Muse Token, Seasonal Chit Chat; Core’dinations Paper

These last two cards feature the blueprint stamps embossed in white on paper that I inked to look like blueprint paper.  I blended Distress Ink in Faded Jeans and Stormy Sky and then did the Sprintz & Flick technique on the paper before embossing.

Supplies: Tim Holtz Stamper’s Anonymous -Christmas Blueprints; Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations-Bigz Carved Ornaments #2, Movers & Shapers Joy, Festive Greenery Strip; Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink-Faded Jeans, Stormy Sky, Brushed Corduroy, Emboss; Ideaology-Patterned Grungeboard, Seasonal Paper Stash, Mirrored, Plaquettes, Clip; Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber-Gold, Silver; Core’dinations Paper; Personal Stash-White EP, ribbon, wire, rhinestones

Supplies: Tim Holtz Stamper’s Anonymous -Christmas Blueprints, Odds & Ends; Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations-Bigz Winter Wonder Die, Movers & Shapers Mini Snowflakes, Ticket Strip, Snow Flurries Texture Fades; Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink-Faded Jeans, Stormy Sky, Brushed Corduroy, Emboss; Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain-Broken China, Picket Fence, Brushed Pewter; Ideaology-Seasonal Paper Stash, Clip, Tiny Brads; Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber-Snow Cap Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist-Perfect Pearl; Core’dinations Paper; Personal Stash-White EP, plastic packaging

I am really happy with how the snowman card turned out.  It's difficult to see in the photo but the snowman is sprayed with Perfect Pearls Mist in Perfect Pearl underneath the embossed plastic.  The effect was really pretty!

I hope you like them! Thanks for stopping by. Now go make something!

Getting Dylusional at Whimsodoodle

Last week I had the pleasure of taking some classes with Dyan Reaveley when she visited my local scrapbook store, Whimsodoodle, in St. Petersburg, Florida.  I was only able to take two classes but I had a great time and learned so much!  Dyan is a wonderful person and a great teacher!  I also had the pleasure of meeting Sue, who blogs at This Life.  I recognized her immediately from her blog photo!  We were able to sit together for the second class and she was so generous to share her newly purchased stencils with me!  Thanks Sue!  Hope to see you again soon!

 

Below are some photos from the classes.

 

Here's Dyan demonstrating her "Kitchen Roll" technique!

  

 My tag from the Down & Dirty Tag workshop.  The backside is below. 



 

 

 

 Here are some of the mop-up tags I made. Can you tell I like Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist?

 

 My very own Dylusions Creative Journal!!  Can't wait to get it inky!



Inky fingers...a badge of honor!

 

My Background Tag Journal.  I was so happy with the way it turned out and the way my spritzed ribbon turned out.  I can't bear to cut the ribbon into pieces so I think I'll use it to tie around the journal.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Now go make something!

Holiday Configurations

I just completed my first Whim So Doodle design team project!  They liked my Configurations Crypt so I was asked to create a Christmas-themed Configurations box using the 6.75 x 8.75 box, Woodland Trees and the Mini Lantern, all from the Tim Holtz Idea-ology line.  Here's what I came up with...

I removed all of the small boxes from the upper two-thirds of the Configurations box so that I could create the woodland scene.  I covered the lid, the inside boxes and back of the box using paper from the Idea-ology Seasonal Paper Stash.  I positioned the background paper, from the Idea-ology Seasonal stash, so that Santa's face would be visible.  Unfortunately, by the time I added everything else he became a little obscured.  It still works though!  I sealed all of the edges using Symphony tissue tape and then distressed the box using Distress Ink in Iced Spruce, Broken China and Walnut Stain.

For the background snowflakes, I embossed a piece of plastic packaging with the TH Alterations Snowflurries Texture Fade.  I cut out the snowflakes and applied Ranger Stardust Stickles.  Then I glued the snowflakes inside the upper section of the box using Ranger Crystal Accents.  The header was also embossed on a piece of plastic packaging using the snowflake border from the TH Alterations Christmas Backgrounds Texture Fades. After embossing I cut out the design and decorated it with Stardust Stickles.  I attached the header to the inside of the box lid.

I dyed the Woodland tree, and wreath, using a combination of Distress Iced Spruce and Broken China reinkers. Then I added glitter snowtex to the tree.  The owl is a find from Michael's.  I die-cut the branch, as well as the background tree, using the TH Alterations Branch Tree.  I wired the branch through the side of the box base.  (This was done only after I realized that a blob of silicone wouldn't hold up for very long!)  I cut the snowbank, behind the reindeer, from a Grungeboard scrap that already had the snowflakes embossed on it. (Always save your scraps!)  I painted it with a Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber in White and then applied Distress Ink in Broken China, Iced Spruce, and Walnut Stain.  I die-cut the reindeer from Grungeboard using the TH Alternations Mini Reindeer, painted it with an Adirondack Paint Dabber in Hazelnut and distressed it with Walnut Distress Ink.  The white accents were added using a white Sharpie paint pen.

The Mini Lantern is suspended from the top of the base box using an Idea-ology Screw Eye.  I cut a small opening in the back of the box for the cord and I added an elastic toggle at the bottom of the back of the box to hold the battery compartment.  The elastic toggle is hidden in the front by the "25" Grungeblock!

I filled the Corked Vial with blue glass glitter.  Behind that is a small heart ornament from my personal stash.  The "25" is an Idea-ology Grungeblock.  I used an Adirondack Paint Dabber in Cloudy Blue for the background.  I coated the numbers with Martha Stewart Glitter Glue in Sterling.  The wreath is decorated with a Grungepaper bow, from the TH Alterations Movers and Shapers Mini Bunny and Bow, and decorated with some pearls.  The bow was painted with an Adirondack Paint Dabber in Red Pepper.  The cardinal is from Michael's.

The final touches were the Christmas Adornments Wreath behind a Curio Knob, the Christmas Adornments Snowflake at the top, the "Believe" Philosophy tag and the Foundations box feet!

I'm entering this in Simon Says Stamp & Show Challenge: Tape It Up for including Idea-ology Tissue Tape.

Thanks for stopping by!  Now go make something!