Tim Holtz

so long 2009...

hey bloggers!  as we say so long to 2009, it's with such new creative opportunities that i am anxious to ring in 2010.  this past year has been such a wonderful journey and i truly want to thank all of you for sharing it.  in this techno world, the possibilities to share creative ideas in the blink of an eye is truly amazing.  next year will be filled with even more possibilities and i can't wait to share with all of you.  in addition to all of the new products, and a new book releasing next year, i have a few more surprises up my sleeve for all of you.  i hope you'll be a part in the next chapter of our artful adventure together.  remember the random draw for the "12 Tags" will be posted tomorrow so don't miss it.  for now, i'll leave you with a few more sneak peeks at more alteration goodness (i am really loving these) - have a safe and happy new year!...t!m

there's still time...

hey bloggers!  hope you had a wonderful holiday...  i have moved all of this year's tags into the gallery on the bottom left column of the blog titled "12 tags of christmas 2009".  just wanted to remind you that all 12 tags entries are due by midnight PST 12/31/09.  just email me photos of your tags.  the winner will be posted on the blog on 1/1/10.  we have been receiving so many incredible tags so far - and it all comes down to the luck of the draw!  good luck...t!m

merry christmas...

hope your day is filled with the memories and magic christmas brings!
merry christmas everyone...t!m

winter wishes...

just wanted to share a quick pic i took with my iphone yesterday of the morning snowfall here is prescott right outside my door.  of course, it's already gone today, but it was still a wonderful winter wish if only for a moment...t!m

a few more alterations...

wow, i'm so thankful for all of your comments and excitement for my new alterations line with sizzix.  i know the cha 2010 debut seems like a long ways away, but it will be here before we know it.  i thought i would share just a few more dies with you to keep your creative wheels spinning.  i'm sure you may recognize some of these - the flourishes from yesterday, and the mini wings, hinge, and keyhole are all from the grungeboard elements.  advantus allowed me to use the same designs for these dies since they are the most popular and i got so many emails for more of "just those".   ask and you shall receive - so many possibilities...can't wait to show you what i've planned for all of them...t!m

about alterations...

well bloggers - thanks for sharing in my excitement for all of the new cha-2010 releases.  i know it seems like teasing to some, torture to others, but this is all is good fun so please remember that - it's the way it works around every cha show...known as sneak peeks.  i won't make every post on the blog about new products, but i will share what i can - when i can.  there have been lots of questions about my new line with sizzix and i can't wait to tell you everything!  right now, i want to at least give you the details on what "alterations" is all about.  i love die cutting, i always have.  with the introduction of grungeboard and grungepaper i started die-cut and embossing like crazy, but unfortunately the designs out there aren't really my style.  so i teamed up with sizzix to design a line to meet my artistic needs.  they allowed me to push the limits, explore my creative desires, and come up with some very innovative ideas that have never been done before - it's all so exciting!

the "alterations" line will include 18 steel rule dies (these are the ones that will cut through a variety of materials thick or thin including grunge), 3 decorative strips (these are thinner dies that will only cut paper, but allow more intricate detail and designs), 16 texture fades (these are embossing folders with a twist, more about that later), and even a new machine - no, not the new eclipse - something entirely different (but these will also work in the bigshot machines).  here are a few of the new die designs - i look forward to this new adventure...t!m

finally! cha 2010 details...

well happy monday bloggers!  finally i am able to start sharing with all of you what i've been so busy creating for the last several months.  okay, i admit, i'm not sharing everything today, but at least i'm getting things started by sharing some of my new release products coming out at the cha-2010 show in january.  i am so excited for these releases and planning on randomly sharing new products throughout the next several weeks leading up to the show.  so if you like a little suspense and creative excitement, then join me in celebrating what's in store for 2010.  i have so much in the works and today's post will hopefully set the foundation - let's get going...

let's start off with something that i've been waiting for a while now...you've heard the rumors...yes 12 new distress ink colors.  i have been wanting these colors for quite a while and they are finally going to be hitting the shelves of a store near you (i hope).  you might be saying, "i already have 24 distress colors, what more could i want?".  well see for yourself if these new colors will fulfill your creative wishes...they sure do mine, i'm sure the names speak for themselves...

next up is one of the things i'm so excited to share.   something that i simply can't believe is finally coming to reality...  i've teamed up with sizzix, one of the industries most recognized leaders in die-cutting systems to create my own signature line of dies, texture/embossing folders, and yes, a new machine.  welcome to my new line debut - tim holtz alterations.  i hope this line will revolutionize the way we think, and use our die-cutting tools and showcase the possibilities for not only thinking outside the box, but for creating an entirely new one.  join me over the next several weeks as i introduce and share with you, this innovative line of dies and textures, to explore a whole new world of possibilities.  maybe you're already happy with your die-cut choices, well it's time to make a few "alterations"...

and finally, the world of idea-ology is a world that i have created based on my personal creative dreams.  a place i call my own, with products that challenge what is desirable our ought to be.  this new chapter in the idea-logy line will not only explore, but evolve new ideas and artistic potential from the paper crafter to jewelery artist and beyond.  just wait and see all that is possible with the world of idea-ology.  think you've seen it all?  hopefully these products will open your eyes to all the thoughts and ideas of idea-logy.  you won't want to miss a single sneak peek more on that tomorrow...t!m

 

congrats blog hop winners...

hey bloggers!  thanks for taking part in the hero arts blog hop.  there sure was an abundance of great ideas shared throughout the blogs.  hope you found some inspiration from it all.  congrats to the 3 blog hop winners from my blog.  please email me your contact info so i can get your prize out to you.  i have some BIG news to share here on the blog on monday!  you won't want to miss it...have a great weekend...t!m

Deana in No. CA - Oh my, you did a beautiful job on those cards! Hero Arts doesn't seem like your style, but I can see I was wrong.

Avital - Awesome creations with Hero Arts new stamps!!! Leave it to you to take the cute stamps and make something grungy, vintagey and artsy out of them :)

Darlyne Wagner - Breathtaking! I couldn't imagine you using the simple designs of hero arts at first, but of course, your genius pulled four winners out of the bag. Love what you did!

hero arts blog hop...

hey bloggers!  welcome to my stop on the hero arts blog hop, thanks for checking it out.  myself, along with 30 talented stampers are all part of this hero arts blog hop to celebrate the new releases from hero arts 2010 catalog.  each blog throughout the hop will have creative and innovative ways to share the fun and artistic imagery of hero arts newest stamps.  join the fun today and be sure to visit all of the stops along the way, you never know what you might discover...or win!  be sure after you check out my projects, you click the link at the end of my post for the next stop on the hop.  so let's get to sharing...

it's fun being a stamp designer myself to work with other company's images.  when i was asked to be a part of this blog hop, there was no doubt i wanted in.  i've been using hero arts stamps since the day i started stamping - i'm sure most of us have several in our collection of stamps.  the versatility and simplicity in their style lend to a variety of creative uses.  here i wanted to share one of my favorite designs from their new collection.  after looking at this stamp, one might not see the possibilities this single image holds, i however saw it as a stamp for all seasons...

i incorporated the new dandelion frame (CG153) which is a hero arts cling stamp to create 4 cards with the same layout, but with entirely different seasonal themes.  this one design can be captured as a watercolor for an artistic spring card, as a design element for a colorful splash of summer card, as a touch of nature for a warm autumn card, or as a bit of winter whimsy for a winter themed card.  all of these using the same individual stamp and nothing else.  you see, what you see, isn't always what you can get.  i hope these inspire you to check out some of the other new designs hero arts has created for you.  next stop, my very talented, clever, and oh so inspiring friend jennifer mcguire - hop on over to jennifer's blog now and enjoy the rest of this creative day...t!m

*be sure to post a comment on my blog today for a chance to win one of 3 different hero arts prize packs including some of their brand new 2010 images!  winners will be announced tomorrow...good luck!

some creative holiday happiness...

well bloggers, here they are - all "12 Tags of Christmas" from 2009.  i hope you enjoyed this creative wonderland to hopefully jump start your own holiday imaginations.  thanks again for sharing in the fun of these tags...t!m

12 Tags...the final winners

hey bloggers.... happy holidays and thank you all again for your excitement and support of the "12 Tags of Christmas".  i hope you enjoyed this years tags.  i'll post a recap photo of them all soon.  have a great weekend...t!m

*ALL prizes have been claimed.  thanks!

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 12}

supplies: craft sheet, distress inks, distress reinkers, rock candy distress stickles, heat tool, mini mister, perfect pearls, glossy accents, ink blending tool (ranger); grungepaper, adage tickets (idea-ology); scissors (tonic); pearl bling, holly leaves (prima); script, fabulous flourish stamp (stampers anonymous); #8 tag, glue sick, ribbon

step 1: combine in mini mister, 1 scoop (the end of a craft stick works great) of perfect pearls.

step 2: add 1 dropper full of distress re-inker.

step 3: fill about 3/4 of the way with water.

step 4: shake the contents really well to emulsify the mixture.  *you're ready to go with your own custom pearl sprays.  the color combinations are limited only to your imagination.

step 5: die cut (3) 6 petal flowers (i used sizzix flower layers #5) from grungepaper and color them by misting with various pearl sprays.

step 6: repeat until they are saturated in color.

step 7: dry the inked grungepaper with a heat tool.

step 8: ink the edges of the grungepaper flowers with distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 9: snip between each petal about 1/2” to help the curl later.

step 10: flower #1 make only one cut in between two petals to the center of flower as shown.

step 11: flower #2 completely cut out one petal of the flower all the way to the center as shown. *this will look like a piece of pie.

step 12: flower #3 completely cut out two petals of the flower all the way to the center as shown. * this will look like a butterfly wing.

status:  this is what you should have at this point...5 flower pieces

step 13: apply glossy accents to the back of the grungepaper on the petal to the right of the cut line. be sure to spread it out over the entire flower petal as shown.

step 14: wrap the flower into a cone shape overlapping the petal on the left over the glossy accent one on the right and line them up to adhere together as shown.

step 15: apply a paper clip to the overlapped areas allowing the glossy accents to dry completely - this is very important!

step 16: repeat above steps for the other two larger flower pieces creating three flower cones as shown.

step 17: ink the back of the two remaining petals with distress ink using ink blending tool as shown.

step 18: curl in the two top edges of smallest petal into the center with the main color on the outside as shown.

step 19: curl only the top left petal back towards the center of the remaining petal with the main color on the outside as shown.

step 20: the tricky part: flip petal over and roll into itself creating a cone with the curled petal on the outside as shown.

step 21: apply glossy accents to the area of the petal where they overlap as shown.

step 22: hold in place to dry with your fingers by pinching this area together as shown.

step 23: snip the ends from both small petals as shown.

step 24: curl the petals back on the three larger flowers by rolling them towards the center with your fingers as shown.

status: here is what you should have with all three flowers curled - plus the two center pieces.

step 25: snip the ends from all three flowers as shown.

step 26: apply glossy accents into the center of the largest flower and adhere next size flower by nesting it inside and hold to allow glue to set. *i prefer to off-set the petals a bit as shown.

step 27: repeat previous steps for next size flower as shown.

step 28: finish flower by adhering smallest petals inside flower with glossy accents.  position center petals as shown until desired look is achieved. *if your rose is too tall, snip some off of the center pieces.

step 29: for the tag, adhere a piece of music paper with a glue stick.

step 30: ink the tag with antique linen and pine needles distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 31: stamp script with fired brick distress ink.

step 32: stamp fab.flourish with walnut stain distress ink and ink the edges with an ink blending tool.

step 33: adhere grunge roses with glossy accents to tag. *here i created a red one too.

step 34: adhere holly leaves with glossy accents.

step 35: finish tag by embellishing with rock candy distress stickles on the tops of the roses,  prima blig on the tag, and an adage ticket with my message for the holidays.

in the details: i love the look these dimensional grungepaper roses give.  the slight nostalgic shimmer of rock candy distress stickles give the rose some added festive fun.  the color possibilities of these roses and the projects to put them on are only limited to your imagination.  practice makes perfect with this technique...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 11}

supplies: craft sheet, distress inks, ink blending tool, rock candy distress stickles, distress embossing ink, black embossing powder, mini mister, heat tool, sticky back canvas (ranger); plain grungeboard basics (idea-ology); itop brad maker, itop brads, itop templates (imaginisce); flowers (prima); rub-ons (hamby); scissors, craft pick (tonic); fabulous flourish, reindeer flight stamps (stampers anonymous); ephemera (twistedpapers.com); #8 tag, ribbon, foam tape

step 1: to create your own custom brad with the itop opens up so many options on what you create.  maybe it's a matching accent for a layout using scraps of paper?  maybe it's from a snippet of vintage books?  or maybe you want to go all our and create custom canvas covered brads?  the itop can do it.  so let's start by printing out a variety of holiday images using twisted papers holiday cd vol4. printed directly on to sticky back canvas.  you simply run this stuff through your ink jet printer just like paper.

step 2: the itop creates 3 sizes of brads from small to large and offer a couple of different "options" to cut out the shape you need for the brad.  they have punches available in all 3 sizes, but i work mostly with either the standard small or medium brads/punches.

step 3: they also sell templates where you simply trace the design and hand cut it.  since we're working on canvas which cannot be punched, using the template to trace the shape is the perfect option.

step 4: place the select size template over your canvas image.  you'll notice a variety of notches around the outside, these will be pleats that fold into the brad.  make sure the design you want for the top of your brad is in the center.  trace around the template with a pen.

step 5: cut around the circle shape first with your non-stick scissors.

step 6: cut out the notches you've drawn with your template. *this really doesn't have to be exact.

step 7: next get your brad top and brad post ready. *remember this is all based on the size of template we've used.  for this project, i'm working with the medium size brad.

step 8: remove the backing of the sticky back canvas as shown.

step 9: place the round part of the brad top on to the sticky side of the canvas in the center.

step 10: following the manufacturers directions (which you'll get with your itop) place the brad top on the metal base of the itop tool as shown.

step 11: squeeze the handles of the itop together which will force the brad top up into the rubber tip.

step 12: the ends of the tool swivel out, so turn the rubber tip out.

step 13: fold in all of the tabs with your finger.  the sticky back canvas sticks to the inside of the brad top.

step 14: place the brad bottom into the metal end of the tool.

step 15: there is a hole in this top so the post of the brad slips right into it.

step 16: turn the rubber tip of the tool back so it is above the metal base as shown.

step 17: squeeze the handle of the itop tool once more to finish the brad.

step 18: swivel the rubber tip back out and remove the brad.  because this is rubber, you can peel it back to expose the brad.

step 19: check out your custom made canvas brad!  so cool... make several for this tag!  *these also make GREAT gift toppers!

step 20: stamp the reindeer on to a piece of plain grungeboard with distress embossing ink.

step 21: apply black embossing powder over the image and replace excess powder into jar.

step 22: heat emboss image.

step 23: cut out image with scissors.  *remember because it's grungeboard it's easy to cut all of the detail without ruining your image.

step 24: ink over the entire deer with distress ink using an ink blending tool.  because the image was embossed, the black resists the distress ink.

step 25: apply various colors of distress ink on to your craft sheet.  i used pine needles and peeled paint.

step 26: mist the sheet with water from your mini mister to create droplets.

step 27: press the tag face down into the ink.

step 28: turn the tag over and dry the ink with a heat tool.

step 29: repeat the previous steps until you're happy with the results.

step 30: stamp the flourish with aged mahogany distress ink.

step 31: stamp the snowflakes with pine needles distress ink.

step 32: ink several prima flowers with various colors of distress ink.

step 33: apply rock candy distress stickles to the flowers.

step 34: spread out the distress stickles with your finger creating a thin layer.

step 35: heat the distress stickles to dry.

step 36: stack flowers on to tag and pierce through center with craft pick.

step 37: insert the custom itop brad through the hole and secure.

step 38: repeat with various itop brads and flowers. *how cool are these?

step 39: attach foam tape to the back of the grungeboard reindeer.

step 40: remove the tape backing and secure on to the tag.

step 41: embellish tag with rub-ons and ribbon.

in the details: the vibrant green colors mixed with the distressed flowers and custom canvas itop brads are classic christmas at it's best.  just think of all of the possibilities this tool has...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 10}

supplies: craft sheet, adirondack alcohol inks, adirondack fillable pens, pitch black paint dabbers, glossy accents, mini mister (ranger); grungeboard minis, tiny attacher (idea-ology); metal tape sheets, burnishing block, paper stump (ten seconds studio); #8 tag, ribbon, metal snowflake embellishment

step 1: choose the words and shapes you want for your tag from the grungeboard mini set and remove them from the sheet.

step 2: arrange them on the tag first to get positioning.  make sure you have some space in between each letter and shape.

step 3: adhere all of the grungeboard pieces to the tag with glossy accents.

step 4: once you're finished, allow the tag to dry for a minute or two.

step 5: cut a piece of metal tape a little larger than your tag. *metal tape is adhesive backed thin metal sheets that can be embossed on, used with embossing folders, etc.  because it's thinner than their regular metal, it's perfect to work with on this type of project (tags, cards, etc.)

step 6: remove the backing of the metal tape sheet being sure to hold on to the metal so it doesn't curl.

step 7: place the tag face down on to the sticky side of the metal tape.

step 8: turn the tag over, make sure you're working on your craft sheet and press the tag and tape down.  start rubbing your fingers over the metal tape to reveal the grungeboard design underneath.

step 9: using a paper stump, begin rubbing the stump at an angle as shown across the tag to emboss more of the design into the metal tape.

step 10: next, begin refining the design using the tip of the paper stump.  this will allow you to go around the inside and outside of each letter.

step 11: repeat the previous steps until each design element is refined.

step 12: cut the corners of the metal tape off at an angle as shown.

step 13: fold all of the tape tabs around the back of the tag.

step 14: repeat for all of the sides.

step 15: pierce the hole back through the tape using a craft pick or hole punch.

step 16: next we are working with the adirondack fillable pen.  check out this video to see how to fill the pens and additional ideas on how to use them.

step 17: begin coloring the design with the fillable pen.

step 18: continue coloring the entire section around that design including the recessed area.

step 19: continue coloring various sections.  make sure the colors touch each other leaving no silver showing.

step 20: repeat the previous steps until the entire tag is colored as shown. *the fillable pen allows you total control on where your alcohol ink color goes.

step 21: using a burnishing block, sand off the ink color working the block in a circular motion over the raised design of the tag to reveal the silver metallic finish of the metal tape.

step 22: continue this for the entire tag as shown.

step 23: using the tiny attacher, create faux stitching in between the color blocks.  try straight stitching as well as x's or zig-zags.

step 24: at this point you can be finished with the tag if you're happy with the vibrant ink colors.  otherwise, paint a section of the metal with black paint dabber.

step 25: immediately rub a THIN layer of paint around the metal with your finger working the paint into the areas.

step 26: burnish the raised areas with a burnishing block to reveal the silver metallic finish again only this time it's antiqued from the paint.

step 27: once you're finished, wipe over the entire tag to remove the paint dust and reveal the vintage metallic tag.

in the details: i like the combination of vibrant colors, toned down with paint, on the embossed metal background.  metal has such texture and interest, this metal tape is so easy to work with too...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 9}

supplies: craft sheet, distress inks, ink blending tool, glossy accents, archival ink, paint dabbers (ranger); film strip ribbon, tiny attacher, hinge clip, foliage, long fasteners, numerals, mini pins, type charms, texture hammer, design ruler (idea-ology); scissors, craft pick, distresser (tonic); fabulous flourishes, captured moments/photo studio (stampers anonymous); #8 tag, dymo, ribbon, photo corners, photos, pliers

step 1: determine how long of a piece of film strip ribbon you'll need for the size tag you're working on.  the #8 tag uses 9 window frames on the film strip ribbon.

step 2: since the photos really make this tag, i'm posting the photos i used.  feel free to right click and (save image as) and save them so you can print them out, or use your own vintage holiday photos. *the image size needed to fit behind each film strip window is 1/2" wide x 5/8" tall.

step 3: cut the images out using your scissors or a paper trimmer. *tip: i hold them behind my design ruler since it's easy to see the measurement with ease and i just trim along the ruler edge.

step 4: place one of the photos behind the film strip to make sure it fits properly.

step 5: cut out all of the photos needed.

step 6: apply a small line of glossy accents on the BACK of the film strip ribbon along the black divider lines of each window.

step 7: place the first photo face down.  *it's also important to figure out whether your film strip ribbon will go horizontal or vertical, that will determine your photo style.

step 8: continue gluing the rest of the photos one frame at a time.

step 9: once you're finished, turn the film strip ribbon over to make sure all of your photos are facing the direction you want.

step 10: choose your main photo for your tag and cut it wallet size-ish (about 2x3 is good).

*again, i love this photo so here it is if you want to (save image as) and use it... funny!

step 11: adhere photo corners to the corners of the photo - i think this give it a nice vintage look.

step 12: ink the tag with distress ink using an ink blending tool. *i used weathered wood for this step.

step 13: ink over various areas with a darker color distress ink to create a mottled background. *i used faded jeans for this step.

step 14: drag a paper distresser along the edge of the tag to create a tattered edge.

step 15: ink the edges of the tag with brown distress ink using an ink blending tool.  by distressing the edges first with the paper distresser, the edges get darker and look burnt.

step 16: stamp the flourish with weathered wood distress ink - this will give the image a watermark look/tone on tone.  if you want to see more of it, stamp in a darker shade.

step 17: stamp the photo image with archival ink several times on the tag going in various directions.  *this stamp is so cool on the back of ATC's too!

step 18: attach one end of the film strip ribbon to the top of the tag with a tiny attacher.

step 19: pull the ribbon taunt and attach the other end with the tiny attacher.

step 20: attach a hinge clip to the top of a photo by simply clipping it on.

step 21: place the photo and hinge clip on the tag and place it on piercing mat, pierce a hole through the tag through the back hole of the hinge clip using a craft pick as shown.

step 22: attach the hinge clip with a long fastener through the tag.

step 23: place the numerals on the bottom of the tag and pierce holes through the tag using a craft pick.

step 24: attach them with long fasteners.

step 25: create text "for goodness sake" using a dymo or print text yourself. *i love my dymo

step 26: cut the pieces apart and attach them to the tag with a tiny attacher.

step 27: adhere the included "s" sticker inside the type charm as shown.

step 28: apply the included epoxy sticker directly over the top to create a finished type charm.

step 29: create "s" and "c" type charms. *you can also create your own custom charms using any 1/2" punch.

step 30: attach ribbon to the top of the tag and pin the type charms on with mini pins as shown.

step 31: apply red pepper paint dabber to a daisy foliage piece to create a poinsettia.

step 32: while the paint is wet, dab it off with a paper towel to create a shabby effect.

step 33: repeat the previous steps using bottle green on the leaves.

step 34: with pliers, bend the petals of the smallest flower to create the flower center.

step 35: stack up the foliage pieces on the tag below the photo and pierce through the tag with a craft pick.

step 36: attach all of the pieces with a long fastener.

step 37: this is another cool trick i had to share... want to create a faux eyelet?  simply place a nail in the center of the brad head and give it a few taps with the texture hammer to hammer the nail into the center of the brad and presto!

in the details: the combination of vintage images, simple holiday reminders, and the nostalgia of a label maker give this tag a personality all it's own.  if you have personal photos to use, all the bette...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 8}

supplies: craft sheet, distress inks, distress embossing ink, black embossing powder, ink blending tool, archival ink/jet black, heat tool, mini mister, glossy accents (ranger); grungeboard basics/plain, hitch fastener, word keys, jump rings , metal corners (idea-ology); scissors, craft pick, craft scratcher, paper distresser (tonic); festive sounds/lamp/music, fabulous flourishes santa's wish/holly (stampers anonymous); #8 tag, vellum, glue stick, bells, ribbon, foam tape

step 1: stamp music on a piece of vellum with archival ink.

step 2: dry the ink with a heat tool.

step 3: generously ink the vellum with old paper distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 4: this is the step that changes the pliability of vellum into the crunchy feel of vintage parchment paper. - i use this technique all of the time - just be sure to do this in a well ventilated area, not for any fumes, just smoke...heat the inked vellum with your heat tool.  the paper will start to smoke which is the distress ink basically being baked into the paper - don’t worry.  once the ink is dry, let the vellum cool.

step 5: tear around the stamped image - you’ll notice the paper is pretty rigid at this point.

step 6: ink the edges with a dark brown distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 7: ink tag with antique linen distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 8: ink random areas of the tag with frayed burlap distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 9: spray water in your hand with a mini mister.

step 10: flick the water droplets on to the inked tag.

step 11: dry the water droplets with a heat tool.  you'll notice that the water droplets will react with the distress ink and create a faux bleach look.

step 12: drag a paper distresser along the edge of the tag to tatter it.

step 13: drag the scratcher tool across the front of the tag to make random scratches and wear out some of the background paper.

step 14: ink the edges and front of tag with dark brown distress ink using an ink blending tool.  check out the scratched effect!

step 15: stamp portions of the fab.flourish on the tag.

step 16: stamp the lamp post on plain grungeboard with clear distress embossing ink.

step 17: apply black embossing powder over the image. replace excess back in jar.

step 18: heat emboss the image with a heat tool until the image becomes shiny.  *grunge will curl slightly and that’s okay.

step 19: cut out the design with sharp scissors.

step 20: ink the edges with distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 21: stamp holly image on grungeboard with distress ink. heat ink to dry.

step 22: cut out image with sharp scissors.  *i cut the holly apart to use 2 pieces.

step 23: ink the edges of the holly with distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 24: shape the music paper by curling the bottom end by rolling it towards the back.  repeat this for the top going in the opposite direction.

step 25: apply a light application of glue stick to the tag.

step 26: press the middle section of the vellum to the tag leaving the curled edges free.  *i use a glue stick since it’s a drier adhesive and won’t show much through the vellum.

step 27: apply foam tape to the back of the lamp.

step 28: remove the backing and press it on to the tag and adhere the holly pieces to the lamp with a small amount of glossy accents. *embellish the holly with ribbon and bells if desired.

step 29: place a word key next to the lamp to determine placement.  place a hitch fastener above the key for placement as well.

step 30: using a craft pick, pierce a hole through the tag where you want to attach the hitch fastener.

step 31: create a larger opening with the craft pick for the screw of the hitch fastener as shown.

step 32: insert the screw post of the hitch fastener through the bag of the tag through the hole.

step 33: screw on the top hitch of the fastener.

step 34: attach a small jump ring though the word key.

step 35: attach another small jump ring through the first jump ring as shown.

step 36: holding both sides of the top jump ring, press it over the top of the hitch fastener.

step 39: with pliers, squeeze the open jump ring closed.  * embellish the tag with ribbon and metal corner.

in the details: i really like the look and feel this faux parchment paper creates on the festive sounds tag.  accented by a word key that can actually hang off of the tag from a hitch fastener really sets off the entire look.  the grungeboard lamp ties everything together...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 7}

supplies: craft sheet, distress inks, distress embossing ink, distress stickles, ink blending tool, paint dabber/snow cap, mini mister, gold embossing powder, heat tool (ranger); mask sheets, mini pin, philosophy tag (idea-ology); staz-on (tsukineko); retro holiday/santa/merry christmas, fabulous flourishes, festive sounds/music, mini holidays/snowflakes (stampers anonymous); scissors (tonic);  #8 tag, ribbon

step 1: to create your custom mask of an image, read the package of the mask sheet to make sure you’re working the the sheet that is labeled “mask”.  stamp your image with staz-on ink and let it dry - do not heat it or the mask will melt.  *i’ve tried just about every ink, and this is the only ink that will dry on the mask sheets.  another cool thing is that you can die cut these masks or punch out designs.


step 2: once your stamped image is dry cut it out with non-stick scissors.

step 3: remove the mask backing and discard it.  now you have exposed the re-positionable adhesive of the mask.

step 4: place the mask on the included clear storage sheet until we’re ready to use the mask.

step 5: stamp the santa image with archival ink on a tag and dry it with a heat tool.

step 6: position your custom mask directly over the stamped image. *you might be thinking that a good ol’ post-it note would do the trick for this, but the mask sheet will not only last longer, but allows you to line it up perfectly and event more important, to see what you’re doing ink-wise.

step 7: working on a craft sheet, apply snow cap paint dabber to the fab/flourish stamp.

step 8: stamp the entire fab.flourish on the tag as shown.

step 9: gently peel the mask back and remove it from the tag.

step 10: place the mask on your craft sheet and wipe it clean with water.  the stamped image will be fine.

step 11: dry the paint stamped image on the tag with a heat tool. *make sure you've removed the mask first!

step 12: begin inking the tag with a light color of distress ink to put a base of color down using an ink blending tool.  *i work with antique linen and as i ink i make sure i am not inking directly in the center of the santa, it creates a highlight effect later.

step 13: ink around the tag with the brighter tones of distress using an ink blending tool.  * i used fired brick and peeled paint around the santa face. let the inks dry completely.

step 14: re-apply the mask over the santa, you’ll see how we now have a little bit of blended color under the mask which is great so the image doesn’t look so “cookie-cutter”.

step 15: ink over the tag with darker shades of distress ink using an ink blending tool. * i i used aged mahogany and pine needles

step 16: stamp music notes with black soot distress ink over the tag.  *be sure to use distress and not archival for this step.

step 17: stamp snowflakes with black soot distress ink.

step 18: wipe off the excess distress ink from the santa mask on the tag to see how how much contrast your background has.  if you’re happy with it, let’s move on.

step 19: mist paper towel with water from a mini mister.

step 20: blot - do not wipe - over the stamped flourish image with the damp paper towel to remove all of the distress ink color you’ve applied to the tag including the stamped images and reveal the white paint dabber.  *distress ink and paint dabbers are not compatible so the paint works as a resist.

step 21: gently peel off the mask from your tag.  wow!

step 22: make sure your tag is dry first.  stamp merry christmas with distress embossing ink.

step 23: apply gold embossing powder over the image and remove excess powder.

step 24: heat emboss until the metallic gold melts into liquid beauty!

step 25: apply peeled paint distress stickles to the holly on santa’s hat.  make sure you spread the stickles around with the tip of the bottle.

step 26: apply small dots of fired brick distress stickles for berries.  dry everything with a heat tool and embellish tag with ribbon, mini pin, and a philosophy tag.

in the details - the shimmer of the distress stickles against the contrast of the white paint dabber flourish is such a dramatic effect on this tag.  very simple, yet cool effect...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 6}

supplies: craft sheet, distress inks, distress embossing ink, clear embossing powder, black embossing powder, ink blending tool, glossy accents, heat tool, matte multi-medium (ranger); grunegboard/plain basics, mini pin, philosophy tag (idea-ology); scissors, paper distresser (tonic); fabulous flourishes/flourish, retro holiday/seasons greetings, just believe/tree, old car (stampers anonymous); sparkly fluff/sugar (our craft lounge); #8 tag, dictionary paper, jute or twine, foam tape, ribbon, crop-a-dile, masking tape

step 1: stamp tree stamp on to plain grungeboard with peeled paint distress ink.

step 2: while ink is still wet, apply clear embossing powder over the image and remove excess powder.

step 3: heat emboss with a heat tool until powder becomes shiny and translucent showing the stamped green ink. *yes, distress ink is an embossing ink - every color of it!

step 4: stamp the car with distress embossing ink.

step 5: apply black embossing powder over image and remove excess powder.

step 6: heat emboss with a heat tool until image become shiny black. *i want to mention something here, yes you could have technically stamped in black soot distress ink and embossed with clear embossing powder like we did with the tree, but black embossing powder is much darker and more detailed.

step 7: cut out both images using sharp scissors. *do not worry about the inside gray areas of the tree, we'll fix that later i promise!

step 8: using a crop-a-dile, punch holes in the windows of the car as shown - this is just like what we did on tag #1 with the snowman.

step 9: cut out the windows using your scissors.

step 10: ink the edges of the embossed tree with distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 11: ink the car with distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 12: now bring on the sparkly fluff!  this stuff comes in little jars like embossing powders.  there is tons of this stuff in the jar - seriously.  they have lots, and lots of colors.  this is basically flocking with a cool glitter sticks in it.  what's nice about this stuff is that the glitter doesn't settle at the bottom, it's throughout the fluff!  let's go!

step 13: apply a small amount of glossy accents around the tress where you want to "flock" it.  in addition to the top edges, apply glossy accents in any of the gray grunge area of the tree, these are the perfect "flock" locations.

step 14: start grabbing pinches of sparkly fluff and cover the entire tree as shown.  okay i admit, this stuff is a bit of a mess, but you put all of the excess back in the jar anyway so get your fluff on!

step 15: gently pat over the sparkly fluff.  this will make sure it sticks to the glossy accents.  *now if you went crazy with the glossy accents and thought you were icing a cake, your accents will smoosh out and you would lose your detail.

step 16: tilt the tree on an angle and tap it on the craft sheet to remove the excess sparkly fluff.  replace the excess back in the jar.  The jar looks like you didn't use a bit - weird!?

status: check that out!  a sparkly fluffed tree - so much better in person, the texture is so unique.

step 17: apply glossy accents to the top of the car as shown.

step 18: adhere the tree to the car and use a piece of scrap paper to press down on the tree.  *this will keep more fluff on your tree if you don't handle it as much.

step 19: take about 12" of jute and begin wrapping the tree.  start going through a window of the car as shown.

step 20: continue wrapping around the tree and going through various windows.

step 21: when you're happy with the way it looks, tie a knot in the jute and trim the ends.  love this!

step 22: apply a generous layer of matte multi-medium to a tag.  you can use a piece of foam or brush to do this - you can also use glossy multi-medium for this.

step 23: while the multi-medium is wet, press a piece of dictionary paper over the top of it. *it doesn't matter what words you have, honest!

step 24: dry the paper and multi-medium with your heat tool until the tag no longer feels damp.

step 25: tear off all of the excess paper from around the tag - or you can use scissors if you must!

step 26: press a piece of masking tape on to the paper and rub it well with your hand to adhere to the paper.

step 27: slowly, and i mean SLOWLY peel back the tape and this will start to lift off some of the dictionary print revealing random text on the back of the dictionary.  this will make for a great inking surface later.

step 28: repeat going various directions.  remember SLOWLY!  we don't want to rip the paper and expose the tag which is why we've removed the paper from around the edge first so it's doesn't tear through the tag. *this technique is how you get rid of any weird words on the dictionary paper you might have - i told you it wasn't going to be a problem.

step 29: ink the tag with distress ink using an ink blending tool.  i used weathered wood on mine.

step 30: drag a paper distresser along the edges of the tag to tatter them.

step 31: ink the edges with brown distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 32: stamp seasons greetings with distress ink.  i like to mix both shades of red, fired brick, and aged mahogany on the stamp for a blended image.

step 33: stamp the fab.flourish with distress ink. *i'm telling you, this is always a good "fill in the blank stamp".

step 34: tie a ribbon through the tag and attach a philosophy tag with a mini pin.

step 35: apply double stick foam tape to the back of the car as shown.

step 36: press the car on to the tag and embellish with a game piece if desired.

in the details: honestly, how cool is sparkly fluff?  so many possibilities for the holidays: flocked holly, santa, snowman, the list goes on.  how about using double stick tape or adhesive rub-ons on a glass ornament and sparkly fluff them for custom ornaments?  how about die cutting double stick tape and making sparkly fluffed monograms on a journal or scrapbook for a gift?  and check out the quick idea below: snowballs using a glue dot and sparkly fluff...one word - cute.  remember, you just need any adhesive and you can apply sparkly fluff over it.  okay, but now this had me thinking about a bunny tail for easter, then i moved on to sparkly fluffed heart for valentines, shamrocks, spring flowers, summer beach projects...okay make it stop!  just wait until you try this fluff stuff - you'll see...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 5}

supplies: craft sheet, distress inks/assorted colors, distress embossing ink, distress embossing powders/assorted colors, gold paint dabber, jet black archival ink, glossy accents, ink blending tool, memory foil tape, stickles/christmas red/green/diamond, heat tool, bone folder (ranger); fragment charms, sanding grip (idea-ology); scissors, craft pick (tonic); holiday collections/collages, retro holiday/pine, fabulous flourishes, letter to santa/script stamps (stampers anonymous); holiday rub-on (hambly); #8 tag, 24g wire, ribbon, german scrap, white cardstock

step 1: stamp a couple of holiday images on to white cardstock using jet black archival ink.  i used the holiday collections set today.  these collages have lots of mini images (smaller than the mini i used on yesterday's tag) so they are perfect for these fragment ornaments.

step 2: color various parts of your stamped images (the ones you want to use) with distress inks and an ink blending tool.

step 3: apply colors of stickles to your image. *i use regular stickles for this since the glitter is smaller sized and more "glittery".  i like to use christmas red and green for the holly.

step 4: allow these stickles to dry completely.  it's very important before you move on.

step 5: apply glossy accents to one side of a fragment charm and spread the adhesive around with the tip of the bottle. *fragment charms come in a variety of shapes and sizes in one package and they already have a hole in the top of them.

step 6: press the fragment on to your image and move it around in a slight circular motion to spread out the glossy accents.  press and hold the fragment down for at least 60 seconds for the accents to dry - that's all it takes.  *this is why you needed the stickles dry or they would have smooshed out everywhere.

step 7: continue adhering various fragment charms to your stamped, inked, and stickled images.

step 8: cut around your fragments using non-stick scissors.  there may be extra glossy accents around the edges so non-stick scissors work the best for this.

step 9: trim off all of the excess paper around the edges of your fragment charms.

step 10: around the top tab of the charms is a bit tricky to cut so i prefer to sand off the excess paper with a sanding grip.

step 11: remove the backing from a piece of memory foil tape.

step 12: press the tape over the front of the fragment charm tab covering the hole.

step 13: trim the tape leaving enough to wrap around the back of the fragment charm.

step 14: using a bone folder or something OTHER than your finger, smooth out the memory foil tape along the front and sides of the charm.

step 15: repeat the previous steps for all of your fragment charm ornaments.

step 16: pierce the hole though the fragment charm using a craft pick.  although you may not be able to see where the hole was initially, if you just go for it, chances are it's right where you think it is...  you'll see.

step 17: for the tag, stamp pine spray with distress embossing ink.

step 18: shake various "pine" colors of distress embossing powder.  *i used pine needles, vintage photo, and walnut stain.  take a pinch of pine needles distress powder and twist your fingers together to disperse the powder over the pine area.

step 19: repeat the previous step using vintage photo and walnut stain distress powders on the branch portion of the image.

step 20: once the image is covered with powders as show, hold the tag level and gently tap the bottom of the tag with you fingers doing a "tap-tap" finger dance under the tag.

step 21: this will remove all of the excess powder coloring your stamped image with distress powder - neat huh?  *you can save your "party mix" of excess distress powders in another jar.

step 22: heat emboss the distress powders until they turn darker in color.  allow the powders to cool, then rub your hand over the image to remove the release crystals. *this is the same technique as tag#2

step 23: apply gold paint dabber to the fab/flourish stamp.

step 24: stamp the image a couple of times on the tag with the paint and clean your stamp.  heat the paint to dry.

step 25: ink over your tag with distress inks using an ink blending tool.  * i used various shades of brown/antique linen, frayed burlap, vintage photo, and aged mahogany as a red.

step 26: lightly swipe the jet black archival pad over the script stamp - do not tap the ink on - and stamp the script over the background of the tag.  be sure to swipe the ink on the stamp for each stamping.

step 27: insert and piece of 24g. wire through the holes in the fragment.

step 28: twist the wire together like a twist tie and cut the excess from one side only leaving the longest piece attached as shown.

step 29: place the wired "ornament" on the tag to determine placement and pierce a hole through the tag with a craft pick.

step 30: fold the wire down in the back and repeat this for the other ornaments.

step 31: once your finished, stick a piece of tape over the wires on the back of the tag and trim the excess.

step 32: embellish the tag with rub-ons, german scrap trim, and ribbons.

in the details: i love the way the stickles glitter sparkles under the fragment charms.  the metal memory foil tape wrapped around the top really give these "ornaments" a finished look.  using wire allows the charms to move around on the tag.  this is a fun tag...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 4}

supplies: craft sheet, distress reinkers/assorted colors, distress ink pads/assorted colors, archival ink/jet black, cut n'dry felt pad, adirondack paint dabber/pearl, distress stickles/rock candy, glossy accents, ink blending tool, memory glass/1x1/1x3, memory frames/1x1/1x3, memory capsules 1x1/1x3 (ranger); metal corners, trinket pins, jump rings, swivel clasp (idea-ology); scissors, craft pick (tonic); mini holidays (stampers anonymous); #8 tag; clear glass shards (art glitter); ribbon, thin wire, bells, charm (available from your local craft store)

step 1: determine the stamp you want to use to create your own custom stamp pad with.  i chose the mini collage from the holiday mini set.

step 2: stamp the image with archival ink on to the felt side of the cut n'dry felt pad and clean your stamp. *a few things to mention that are very important!  you need to use cut n'dry FELT and not foam, you need to make sure you stamp in a permanent ink for this image, and yes you do need to actually clean your stamp - shocking i know!

step 3: cut out the stamped image with sharp scissors.  *when creating a custom stamp pad with a cling mounted stamp is easy to line up later (you'll see), but if you were creating this with a wood mount stamp you would need to outline the block of the stamp while it's on the felt and cut the foam to the size of the wood block and not the image itself.

step 4: begin inking the stamped (black part) image using a waterbased dye reinker by applying the ink directly to the felt pad over the design.  i like using distress reinkers for this technique because of their color palette and eye dropper applicators, plus they re-ink my distress pads.

step 5: continue inking with your reinkers using various colors.  the inks will immediately start to wick throughout the fabric, but don't worry.  just work one section at a time.

step 6: continue inking until the entire pad is covered.  *some things to know: when 2 colors of ink touch, they will not cross contaminate so when you're inking, just ink from section to section and don't worry about the inks mixing.  if you want anything black when you stamp it, you need to ink that portion of your pad with black ink.  and lastly, don't ink any white space.  there is no stamped image there, the inks will bleed into that area and that's okay.

step 7: get ready to stamp your image by lining up your stamp to the pad.

step 8: press the stamp on to the pad - you've created a custom ink pad, so you need to press into it to ink up your stamp.

step 9: stamp your image on to cardstock by pressing with firm pressure and lifting straight off.  check that out!  your image is already custom colored wherever you applied the color of ink.  now you have a custom stamp pad for that stamp.  it can be stored in an airtight container or zip bag and used again and again!  cool huh?

step 10: let's stamp that again, and again, and again... continue stamping as many images as you want on to the paper being sure to re-ink your stamp each time using your custom stamp pad.  you should get anywhere from 30-50 stamped designs from each "inking" of your stamp pad.  woo-hoo!  no more coloring the stamp with markers each time you want to stamp!

okay this technique is so cool you should see it in action.  check out this video tutorial i did showing the larger version of this same stamp used to make holiday cards!

...now on to create our festive pin!

step 1: place a piece of memory glass over the area of your stamped image that you want for your project.  *you can use frosted or clear glass for this project.

step 2: cut around the glass with your scissors.

status: here's what you should have - make sure your background is the same size as your glass - no exceptions!

step 3: print, stamp, or write a small word for your project - here i printed wish in a 14pt. font, and cut out the word.

step 4: ink the edges of the word with distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 5: adhere the word to the background with a small amount of glossy accents.

step 6: select a memory capsule the same size as the glass you're using.  add a scoop of clear glass shards into the capsule as shown.  *these shards are random glass glitter pieces - so cool!

step 7: apply a small amount of glossy accents around the outside edge of the capsule.  don't over-do it!

step 8: place your background face down on to the capsule and let the glue dry.  don't turn it over, you'll be tempted do, but you need to wait for the glossy accents to dry or you'll have a mess - trust me!

step 9: adhere a piece of scrap paper to the back with glossy accents to cover the white paper.  i used some music paper.

step 10: place the piece of memory glass over the back - do not glue the glass.

step 11: now it's time to put everything together into the memory frame.  select the coordinating sized memory frame and open it by gently bending out the side tab as shown. *these frames come in a variety of finishes too.

step 12: gently pull the frame apart until you create a tear drop shape as shown.

step 13: insert the glass, background, and capsule sandwich into the track of the memory frame making sure the rings of the 1x1 frame are at the top and bottom of your background.

step 14: continue wrapping the frame around and reinsert the tab of the frame through the slot you pulled it out of and bend the tab back down to secure the frame closed - it's that simple!

step 15: attach a trinket pin to the top ring of the memory frame with a jump ring.  add a bow to the bottom ring and 2 bells using a jump ring as shown.

step 16: for the roof, gently bend the 2 inside tabs of a metal corner out as shown.

step 17: apply pearl paint dabber with a small brush or nib to create icicles.

step 18: accent with wet paint with rock candy distress stickles and let dry.  *these are good to prepare in advance when making several pins.

step 19: cut 2 small pieces of double stick tape with non-stick scissors and adhere to the inside areas of the corner as shown.

step 20: remove the backing of the tape using a craft pick.

step 21: press the corner on to the top front of the memory frame flush against the memory capsule as shown.  *pull the trinket pin up between the opening in the corner and your pin is finished.

...but we need a tag to put it on so let's continue!

step 1: stamp several mini holiday images in a collage fashion on a tag using jet black archival ink and let dry. *i love the versatility of this stamp set and the minis are only available in this set.

step 2: ink the tag with various colors of distress ink using an ink blending tool to colorize your collage.

step 3: tie ribbon through the top of the tag and thread a swivel clasp through the ribbon as shown.

step 4: pin the trinket pin through the chain of the swivel clasp and add a charm to the end of the chain.  *sure you can just pin the trinket pin to the ribbon, but i like the way the swivel clasp lets the pin dangle more and when you remove the pin, the tag still has a little embellishment.

in the details: i love the look of the icy roof the metal corner creates.  the touch of rock candy once again proves to be the perfect amount of nostalgic shimmer.  the glass glitter floating around inside the memory capsule is such a cool effect.  keep in mind this idea can be used on the 1x3 longer memory glass and memory frame sizes.  makes a neat whimsical house don't you think?...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 3}

supplies: craft sheet, adirondack alcohol inks/assorted colors, adirondack blending solution, ink applicator tool, replacement felts, archival ink/jet black, paint dabber/snow cap, distress ink/black soot, ink blending foam, glossy cardstock (ranger); trinket pins, long fasteners, washers, philosophy tags, word sticks, jump rings, texture hammer (idea-ology); craft pick, paper distresser (tonic); glue glider pro (glue arts); reindeer flight/trees, letter to santa/santa, fabulous flourishes/flourish, urban tapestry/speckles (stampers anonymous); #8 tag, jute, ribbon

step 1: my best advice is to open up all of your alcohol inks first.  this bottle is designed to be left open, so it's fine to leave them open for a while why you're creating - the inks won't evaporate from the bottle.

step 2: apply a piece of felt to an ink applicator tool.  *this is the same handle as the blending tool, but we're using felt instead of blending foam when working with alcohol inks.

step 3: apply a squeeze of your first color of alcohol ink.  *we will be adding several colors of ink to this tool and it's important for this technique that you apply the inks from end to end.

step 4: continue applying as many colors of ink as you wish to a single row.  *if you want a wider strip of color, be sure to add a wider dot of alcohol ink to the tool.  i use a variety of tones - lights, brights, and earthtones of a color.  it provides more depth.

*important tip: i use only one little drip of pitch black alcohol ink in every plaid i do.  it breaks up the color and creates better lines in my opinion.

step 5: place a piece of glossy cardstock on your craft sheet. place your ink tool off the top edge on one side of the cardstock.  *it's important to work on a craft sheet for this of your work surface will get stained with ink, and be SURE you're using glossy cardstock and not glossy photopaper.  photopaper will become very sticky if you try to put alcohol inks on it.

step 6: on one steady motion press the tool on to the paper and swipe it down the cardstock.  cool huh? *you may be tempted to go back over your inked strip because you didn't swipe straight or whatever your excuse might be but DON'T DO IT!  it will be fine in the end trust me.

step 7: turn the tool facing the opposite direction, and swipe next to the previous strip of ink also in the opposite direction.  *notice the logo of the tool between the last 2 photos?  the reason you flip the tool around is to create a more random pattern - see how wide the green ink area is?

step 8: continue flipping the tool between swipes until the entire glossy cardstock is covered in one direction.

step 9: re-ink your ink applicator tool with the same colors of alcohol ink on the same piece of felt.  you can see what colors go where on the felt - take your best guess it doesn't have to be perfect.

step 10: begin swiping the tool following the previous steps only this time swipe in the opposite direction.

step 11: continue flipping the tool around as before and swipe until the entire surface has been inked in the opposite direction - you have now created a plaid!  check out how the alcohol ink color blend on the glossy cardstock!

step 12: basically at this point you are finished, but i told you not to worry about what you think might be a mistake, it isn't.  if you want to ink over the background again you can, just use the same inked tool (don't add anymore ink) and follow your swiped marks and go over them, this will help blend out your colors more.

step 13: BUT WHAT IF? you want a plaid with a white stripe?  starting with a clean piece of felt, ink your ink applicator tool with whatever colors of ink you want, but where you want white, apply blending solution to the spot.  *it's very important that you apply blending solution because if you just left that part of the felt blank, the inks would bleed into it and you wouldn't have a white stripe.

step 14: following the previous steps, begin swiping the tool across the glossy cardstock.

step 15: continue swiping in the opposite direction - make sure you reinked your tool before you changed directions, even the blending solution. *make sure for a white striped plaid, you don't do back over it a second time or you will muddy the white areas.

step 16: BUT WHAT IF? you don't like the white?  yes, you can blend it and here's how.  apply a clean piece of felt to the ink tool and apply blending solution to the felt.

step 17: swipe the tool over the background following the same swiping motion and the colors will start to blend and lighten every time you swipe it.

check these out:  see i told you it was addicting.  try various color combos with reds, blues, greens, browns, even brighter colors for spring and summer plaids.  *this is the best part of having lights & bright alcohol inks along with the earthtones.  combining these tones makes for a much better plaid - unlimited possibilities.

step 18: clean your craft sheet by apply some blending solution to it and wipe it up with a paper towel.  this is a pretty messy technique so this craft sheet is very important.

step 19: stamp your trees with jet black archival ink.  *the reason i always stamp on alcohol ink background with archival is because this ink is not solvent based and won't react with the alcohol ink background.  IF you stamp with a solvent ink, your image will usually start to fade or bleed because it's reacting with the alcohol inks.

step 20: for a great speckled look to the plaid, stamp the speckle stamp with archival ink.  dry the images with a heat tool and trim your background to fit your tag if needed.  (wait is that a fab.flourish i see in the corner?  i think it is...)

step 21: ink a tag with black soot distress ink using an ink blending tool.  you only need to ink around the outside of the tag as we are trimming the background to adhere to the center of the tag.

step 22: drag a paper distresser along the edges of the tag to tatter the edges.

step 23: apply your favorite adhesive to the back of your background - i love this glue glider pro with high tac.  i think it's the most convenient craft adhesive and the high tac is the only tape gun i've found to adhere grunge.  love this thing.

step 24: press your background to your tag.

step 25: place your tag on a piercing pad (i use a cork) and place a washer in the corner of the background.  pierce a hole through the washer using a craft pick.  repeat this step for all 4 corners of your background.

step 26: insert a long fastener through the slot of the washer.

step 27: place the long fastener in the hole your pierced and secure it in the back of the tag to create a faux rivet.  neat huh?  repeat this step for all 4 holes.

step 28: place your tag on a hammer mat and tap the tops of all of the fasteners with the bump tip of a texture hammer to dent the fasteners - this gives them a cool distressed look.

step 29: take a piece of jute or string and begin wrapping around the bottom of the tag.

step 30: continue wrapping it several times and tie a knot.

step 31: gather a philosophy tag, trinket pin, and jump ring.

step 32: attach the tag to the pin with the ring.

step 33: pin the trinket pin through the jute.

step 34: BUT WAIT - WHAT IF? you make a plaid you like but it's just too busy for the stamp you want to use like this santa stamp on this red background?

step 35: apply 3-5 drops of blending solution directly on to the background where you want to stamp the image.

step 36: immediately heat the blending solution with a heat tool.  this will begin to actually evaporate the background color like magic in a bottle! (you'll see it on your craft sheet when you pick up your background).

step 37: make sure your background is dry - don't worry about the shape of the spot.  right now it looks like the background is ruined... trust me it's not.

step 38: stamp the santa with jet black archival - check that out!  dry the image with a heat tool.

step 39: for this one, i wanted the speckles to look like snow flurries, so i stamped it with snow cap paint dabber several times.  have i mentioned i love this stamp?

step 40: embellish the same way only this time i used a word stick and painted snow cap inside the word.

in the details: i like the wrapped look of the jute, the texture of the metal accents, and of course the variation of using alcohol inks to create a plaid.  these inks blend beautifully...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 2}

supplies: craft sheet, distress inks/antique linen/fired brick/aged mahogany/pine needles/vintage photo, distress embossing ink, distress embossing powder/antique linen, archival ink/jet black, mini mister, perfect pearls/heirloom gold, heat tool (ranger); metal corners, foliage, texture hammer, sanding grip (idea-ology); paper distresser, craft pick, tim holtz scissors (tonic); tattered elements, retro holiday, fabulous flourishes (stampers anonymous); #8 tag, ribbon, needlenose pliers

step 1: stamp the ornate frame with distress embossing ink on tag

step 2: shake antique linen distress embossing powder and pour over the image.  remove the excess powder and replace in the jar.

step 3: heat emboss with a heat tool until powder lightens.  distress powders are matte finish powders that won't become shiny so you need to watch for the color change to know when they are embossed.

step 4: LET THE POWDERS COOL!  this is the most important thing to remember when using distress powders.  they need to cool completely in order to stick to the surface.  once cool, rub your entire hand across them to remove the "release crystals" in the powders.  these crystals never melt which create a pitted effect when parts of the image wear away.

step 5: begin inking the tag with antique linen distress ink using an ink blending tool.  we will cover most of this color up eventually, but it gives us a great base to blend the other colors together.  be sure to start the tool on the craft sheet and apply the ink in a circular motion.

step 6: ink various areas of the tag with fired brick and aged mahogany distress inks using an ink blending tool.

step 7: continue inking with pine needles distress ink using an ink blending tool filling in the un-inked areas.

step 8: continue inking with all three colors until you're happy with the color combination of your tag.  notice i left the inside area of the frame a little lighter.

step 9: mist a paper towel with water from a mini mister.

step 10: wipe over the embossed image only to remove the excess ink and reveal the antique line color.  the texture of these powders are incredible.  the image is raised and feels like stucco.

step 11: stamp the season greetings with jet black archival ink in the center of the frame.

*did you know this ornate frame stamp was designed in one of my earliest collections and 90% of the verses i've designed (i couldn't show them ALL here) were made to fit inside the frame either horizontal or vertical?  check it out.

step 12: stamp the fab.flourish with jet black archival ink as an accent. (did i mention i'll be using this stamp on every tag one way or another?  i love this stamp)

step 13: apply a brush load of heirloom gold perfect pearls on to your craft sheet.  this is from my favorite kit of perfect pearls "aged patina"  it has the best colors!

step 14: mist the pearls with water from a mini mister.

step 15: mix the pearls with a paint brush to create a metallic paint.  this should have the consistency of thick ink.

step 16: load the brush with this liquid goodness and tap it on your index finger to create rather large droplets of liquid gold pearl on your tag.  a couple of things to mention: cover anything you don't want splatter with pearl (including yourself) and this is why we stamped out images in waterproof archival ink.  let the droplet dry or dry them with a heat tool.

step 17: drag a paper distresser back and forth across the edge to create a tattered effect.

step 18: ink the tattered edges with vintage photo distress ink using an ink blending tool to give the look of burned paper.

step 19: hold a metal corner in one hand and a sanding grip in the other.

step 20: drag the sanding grip over the raised metal design on the corner to remove the antique finish and highlight the design - dramatic huh? repeat this of one more corner.

step 21: place the corner on the corner of your tag.

step 22: turn the tag over and fold the tabs in.  repeat this for the other corner of the tag.

step 23: place your tag on a hammer mat and tap the back with the bump tip of the texture hammer.  this will create create crisp folds in the metal and small dents in the metal and secure it to the tag without the need for any adhesive.

step 24: next we're going to create a metal rose from 2 large foliage flowers.  begin with 2 large 5 petal foliage flowers. 

step 25: using your tim holtz scissors, cut two petals out of one of the flowers only.  yes these scissors will cut the metal without damaging them - i'm serious!

status: this is what you should have at this point -  be sure to keep all 3 pieces.

step 26: using a pair of needlenose pliers, bend the petals of the full flower up to the center.

status: this is what you should have at this point.

step 27: using the pliers, grab the end of each petal and curl it under as shown.

status: this is what you should have at this point.

step 28: using your pliers, bend the 3 petal flower into a cone as shown.

step 29: using your pliers, grab the each petal and curl it under as shown.

step 30: for the final 2 petal flower, fold it in half and curl both petals under as shown.

step 31: place a long fastener on your hammer mat and flatten the top with the metal tip of your texture hammer.  we need to use this fastener so don't pulverize it.

step 32: using your pliers, create a small fold in the head of the fastener as shown.  we're ready to put this rose together.

step 33: slide the long fastener in between the 2 petal piece and pull the end of the fastener out of the bottom with your pliers.

step 34: nest that piece inside the 3 petal flower sliding the post of the fastener in the hole created by the cone shape.

step 35: nest that piece inside the 5 petal flower sliding the post of the fastener in the hole.

step 36: slide one of the foliage leaves over the fastener and open to secure everything together to create a foliage rose.  you also want to gather 2 of the smallest foliage flowers and 2 more fasteners.

step 37: place the tag on to a piercing surface (i use a cork mat) and determine where you want the 3 flowers to go and pierce holes through the tag with a craft pick.

step 38: secure the flowers with the long fasteners.  on the rose, simply open back up the fastener, insert it through the tag and open it again. accent your tag with ribbon and you're all finished!

in the details: i love the accent of the gold perfect pearl splatter against the bold colors of distress ink.  the stucco finish of the distress powders on that ornate frame provide great texture and contrast, and let's not forget about that metal rose.  pretty cool huh?  i've been saving that little trick for a while now for the 12 Tags.  i'm sure you'll be seeing more of these in other projects down the road...t!m

12 Tags of Christmas...{day 1}

supplies: craft sheet, distress inks/faded jeans/broken china/weathered wood/dusty concord, distress crackle paint/rock candy, distress stickles/rock candy/picket fence, distress embossing ink, adirondack paint dabber/snow cap, black embossing powder, heat-it craft tool, archival ink/jet black, mini mister, glossy accents, ink blending tool (ranger); grungeboard/basics plain/elements, tiny attacher (idea-ology); tim holtz scissors (tonic); fabulous flourishes, retro holiday , reindeer flight (stampers anonymous); #8 tag, dymo label maker, ribbon, 24g. wire, double stick tape, foam tape

step 1: apply various colors of distress ink to your craft sheet by rubbing them directly on the sheet.

step 2: mist the inks with water from a mini mister.  be sure to create droplets of water on the ink.

step 3: press the tag into the ink making sure to cover the entire surface with your first layer of color.

step 4: dry the tag with a heat tool.  it will curl when it's wet, but flatten again when dry.

step 5: tap the tag back into the ink and stand it on end to let the inks drip and move around.  repeat this as many times as you wish and then heat the tag to dry it again.

step 6: stamp the snowflakes with jet black archival ink.  we want to use a waterproof ink for this image.

step 7: stamp the fab.flourish with faded jeans distress ink.  we want to use distress ink for this image.

step 8: begin applying rock candy distress crackle paint to the tag.  you'll notice that the flourish stamped in distress starts to bleed a little (this is intentional), that's why we stamped the snowflakes in archival to they stay detailed.

step 9: cover the entire tag with a generous layer of crackle.  think frosting on a cake - i love frosting! set the tag aside to dry. (this is going to take a while to start cracking so let's work on other components of the tag)

step 10: stamp snowman on a piece of plain grungeboard with distress embossing ink.

step 11: pour on black embossing powder over the image and remove excess and place back into jar.

step 12: heat emboss with a heat tool until the powder melts and becomes shiny. *note: grungeboard will curl when you heat it, but it's okay - it's flexible and unlike chipboard, the embossing powder won't soak into the surface and disappear.

step 13: once the image is embossed, let it cool for a minute and apply snow cap paint dabber over the entire image.

step 14: while the paint is still wet, wipe over it with a paper towel to remove the excess paint.  this will color the snowflakes white, and give the embossed image a cool white-wash look perfect for the holidays!

step 15: cut out the snowman from the grungeboard sheet.  i find it easier to chunk it out first.

step 16: begin cutting around the image - a sharp pair of scissors help.  it's okay to leave a bit of a border around it if you want.

step 17: once you've cut around the outside it should look like this.  the next few steps are the reason why i like to work on grungeboard - see for yourself.

step 18: using a hole punch (a crop-a-dile works best to go through grungeboard), punch a hole inside each arm area.

step 19: using the tip of your scissors, begin snipping out the inside areas.  i make small snips at a time and because grungeboard is flexible, you don't have to worry about anything breaking off or tearing.

step 20: finish cutting around all of the openings - yes you could use a craft knife for this part too, but i'm knife challenged.

step 21: apply a generous squirt of rock candy distress stickles over the snowman.

step 22: spread out the distress stickles to make a thin layer over the entire image.

step 23: my favorite part of using distress stickles - you can dry them with a heat tool immediately!  so go for it, dry them.  just be sure to keep the heat tool moving - remember we're drying not embossing.

step 24: remove a flourish from the grungeboard elements pack and paint it with snow cap paint dabber.

step 25: once the paint is dry, apply some rock candy distress stickles and dry them with a heat tool.

step 26: ink the edges of the flourish with distress ink using an ink blending tool.

step 27: cut the flourish in two.

step 28: check the tag to see if it's crackled.  if it's not quite finished at this point you can speed up the process with your heat tool and watch it finish crackling right before your eyes.

step 29: ink over the crackled tag with distress ink using an ink blending tool.  one of the cool things about rock candy distress crackle paint is that it's completely clear so you can add any color into the cracks to accent your background design.

step 30: create a piece of thin wired ribbon by starting with a 2 thin pieces of ribbon, a piece of 24g. wire, and a piece of double stick tape.

step 31: apply a piece of tape to one of the ribbons.

step 32: remove the backing of the tape and press the wire on to the tape.

step 33: line the the second piece of ribbon directly on top of the wire sandwiching it in between the two ribbon.  there you have it, custom wire ribbon! (this is also cool to do with any scrapbook paper or fabric scraps)

step 34: to make a scarf for our snowman, thread the ribbon inside the opening on the right as shown.

step 35: fold the ribbon around crossing the left end over the right.

step 36: slip the left end up underneath the right as shown.

step 37: fold the left down and crumple the ends to create a blustery wind blown look.

step 38: apply a few pieces of foam double stick tape (this can be any color).

step 39: remove the backing of the tape with a craft pick.  neat trick huh?

step 40: apply a small amount of glossy accents to the back of the flourish and adhere to the right and left edges of the tag.

step 41: press the snowman over the grunge flourishes.

step 42: create some words for your tag.  this can be a stamp, scraps of paper, something you print on the computer, or a label from a dymo label maker - i love my dymo!

step 43: attach them to the tag using the tiny attacher.

step 44: apply picket fence distress stickles across the top of the tag and pulling down tapered lines.

step 45: this created your own "distress stickles sickles".  pretty cool.  these are going to take a while to dry, even if you use a heat tool so do these last.  attach a ribbon to the tag and you're done!  whew!

(in the details:) i always like to show a detailed shot of each tag and what i think is the best part of each one.  here i wanted to show you the cool textures the rock candy products create.  the rock candy crackle looks like cracked ice on the background and the rock candy distress stickles look like the snowman has been sprinkled with sparkly snow.  and how cool is that wired ribbon scarf blowing in the wind?  it's in the details...t!m