Tim Holtz

happy new year...

wishing you a creative and inspiring 2011...thanks for sharing such a wonderful journey with me.  i am truly blessed to live the life i've imagined, and it's simply because each of you...t!m

and snow it did...

well bloggers it's the last day of 2010 and we've been dealing with a bit of weather here for the final days of the year.  it continued to snow throughout last night and we've gotten over a foot of snow here which for arizona is a big thing - it even snowed in phoenix!  so it's been a great time to stay warm in the studio working on projects and being creative.  speaking of creative, i had to share these photos of mario.

if you know him, you know he wears shorts everyday - rain or shine....or snow!  so yesterday he decided he was going out to feed the birds, but with no winter gear (remember we're in arizona) he got creative with his snow attire - priceless...

i couldn't stop laughing as he slid out into the snow since garbage bags don't have much traction obviously.


however mission accomplished and the birds were very happy.  hope you're enjoying your final day of 2010.  i'll be back tomorrow with some exciting things to share...t!m

let it snow...

hi bloggers!  i know for those of you on the east coast, seeing snow is not something that may be on your "happy to see" list right now with all of your recent weather - but for me, it is...  this is what i woke up to this morning and it made me happy.  we don't get much snow here in northern arizona (we often refer to it as decorative snow anyways), but when we do, i love to see it.  so enjoy your day with whatever makes you happy...t!m

design mode...

hey bloggers!  hope you all had a wonderful christmas holiday...  spent christmas eve watching "it's a wonderful life" and enjoyed the holiday with family and friends.  now things around the studio are all about getting ready for the CHA (craft and hobby association) trade show next month.  i have deadlines to meet, samples to create, and i'm finishing up my stamp designs today!  this is what my studio desk looks like right now filled with stamp sizing matrix sheets, my  tablet for photoshop, and the glow of my mac screen staring at me in the face.  i have to say that CHA-2011 is going to be my biggest show yet!  so many exciting new things coming in the new year.  i do hope you take the time to be creative if even for a moment - remember those moments can add up to inspiring creations...t!m

merry christmas to all...

wishing you a very merry christmas and a holiday filled with magical memories... t!m

a few ideas to share...

hey bloggers!  with christmas just a couple days away i told you i had a few more ideas to share with you.  this is one of those "good to know" kind of things that you can do with your dies.  this may seem like a math word problem, but trust me the creative possibilities with this one will really have you thinking...

so let's start with the basics you'll need: steel rule dies (i used my gingerbread and winter wonder dies), vagabond machine (or other die cutting machine), seasonal paper stash, design ruler, paper scoring board

this is what we're going to create - a gingerbread garland!

1. begin by measuring the height of the die, and then widest width point INSIDE the blades on both sides. (*for the gingerbread, it was 5" x 3 1/2").

2. since i am using 12"x12" paper, i cut the paper 6" x 10 1/2" (giving myself a little more than the height of the die, and the width measurement multiplied as many times as possible up to 12" which was 3 times giving me 10 1/2").

3. place the paper on a scoring board (this one from martha stewart is by far the best scoring tool out there now) and score every 3 1/2" which is my width measurement.

4. accordion fold the paper which creates 3 sections (remember we did 3 1/2" scores on a 10 1/2" strip of paper).

5. place folded paper on to gingerbread die making sure the folds on both sides of the gingerbread are INSIDE the blades.

6. die cut the stack of paper and...

*check it out - a gingerbread garland! (by keeping the folds INSIDE the blades it doesn't cut them apart so you can link as many shapes together depending on their size.  if you had a 2" shape you would have cut 6 connected shapes, etc.)

so how about this snowman garland!

1. all i did different on this one is cut the paper 6" x 11" since the snowman measured 5" high, and 2 3/4" wide INSIDE the blades on both sides.  after scoring at 2 3/4" this gave me 4 connected pieces from my 11" strip.

alright, but what about just making a card instead of a garland?  simple!

1. for a card you only need a fold INSIDE ONE side of the blade - wherever you want the fold of the card to be.  for example, i want the fold for this card to be at the top.  the gingerbread measured 5" high by 3 3/4" wide so i simply cut my paper 12" x 4" and folded in half to 6" x 4".

2. place the fold INSIDE the blade of where you want the fold of card to be, here the fold is placed just below the top of the gingerbread head.

3. die cut it and there you have a gingerbread card!

so just imagine all of the things you can create with your dies?  fun garlands (if you used wrapping paper since it's so thin you could probably layer 10-12 folds of paper for a longer garland).  i also like cutting custom shaped cards with the larger dies.  i told you this had possibilities...

finally i wanted to share with you a way to create a custom size paper rosette.  i know many people have made smaller rosettes with the paper rosette die, but as you'll see in this video i have a tough time making that work.  what i will show you is how to make a larger rosette going from the standard 2 1/2" rosette up to 3 1/4" rosette.  i love the layered look of this one too.  enjoy trying out a few of these ideas i've shared with you over the holidays...t!m

 

hey tim holtz...

...you just finished your 12 tags of christmas - what's next???  i'm going to disneyland!

that's right bloggers, i've been enjoying a much needed vacation and headed to disneyland this past week with friends.  it was such a great trip!  disneyland is even more magical at christmas with all of the lights and festive decorations.  plus this trip we also took a very dear friend for her first trip to disneyland!  fun doesn't even begin to describe what we had...it was amazing.  the holiday lights on the castle sparkle like ice every night, we saw my favorite world of color show, watched a couple of  parades, and enjoyed sweet treats disney style.  so now i'm back in the studio, creatively recharged - so stay tuned on the blog as i'm sure i'll have a few more ideas to share with all of you before christmas.  here are some photos of our trip - enjoy...t!m

holiday message re-play...

happy holidays everyone!...just wanted to post this again since it brings a smile to my face and hopefully yours...t!m
 

12 tags of christmas...2010

well bloggers, we made it!  another year of 12 tags of christmas.  i hope you've enjoyed sharing in the holiday creativity with me.  have a wonderful and festive season...t!m

12 tags of christmas...day 12

supplies: (ranger) craft sheet, distress ink/fired brick/walnut stain/frayed burlap/vintage photo, distress crackle paint/rock candy, ink blending tool, archival ink/jet black, glossy accents, #8 tag; (idea-ology) grungeboard, corners, trimmings, seasonal paper stash, sanding grip, texture hammer, tiny attacher; (stampers anonymous) calendar stamps; (sizzix alterations) base tray, carved ornaments, joy movers and shapers, gingerbread, winter wonder; (tonic) scissors, paper distresser; (misc) wire, adhesive, pine, paint brush

(step 1): ink a piece of grungeboard with fired brick distress ink by rubbing direct to paper.

(step 2): pour a puddle of rock candy distress crackle paint on craft sheet.

(step 3): load paint brush with crackle paint.

(step 4): brush a thick layer over the inked grunge.  *the crackle will begin to mix with the distress ink and since distress inks are reactive with water, the crackle actually becomes that color. 

*set aside to dry - make sure you have a thick layer.  you can see how the distress inks move around inside the crackle paint creating darker more conentrated color areas.

*this is why it's important to pour the crackle on your craft sheet and use a separate brush.  the color would have contaminated your entire bottle of rock candy.

*once crackle has dried and cracked - check it out! by mixing the rock candy crackle with the inks this creates a much more intense glazing effect.

now we're ready for a little die cutting action - video style...
 

(step 5): once ornament is cut, ink the edges with walnut stain distress ink using ink blending tool. *isn't that joy word so cool inside there?

(step 6): tie a bow around the top of the ornament.

(step 7): twist a piece of silver wire together.

(step 8): bend into a hook and slide behind ribbon on to ornament.

(step 9): place a tag over the area of background paper to add to your tag and trace around tag. *i used my seasonal paper stash.

(step 10): cut paper to size of tag.  *you could die cut this tag shape also if you have the tag & bookplates die.

(step 11): adhere paper to tag.

(step 12): place tag on scrap paper and sand edges with sanding grip to distress the edges.

(step 13): stamp december stamp on scrap tag with archival ink and let dry.

(step 14): cut out calendar.

(step 15): tatter the edges with a paper distresser.

(step 16): ink the calendar with frayed burlap distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 17): ink edges of calendar with vintage photo distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 18): apply glossy accents to back of ornament.

(step 19): adhere to tag - hold in place to dry.

(step 20): sand metal corners with sanding grip to expose the metal and give it a little shine.

*sanding removes some of the antiquing and reveals the base metal color.

(step 21): secure corners to tag with texture hammer. (*see how to steps for this on tag #8)

(step 22): attach calendar to tag with tiny attacher.

*in the details: the look of vintage crackled glass for this ornament using the rock candy distress crackle paint creates a holiday shine like no other.  the addition of a scrap of pine and some pine cones accent the december calendar perfectly.  i love the simplicity of this tag too...

of course since it's the last tag i thought why stop now??? so check out this other video...

 

(gingerbread): ink the edges of the cork/grungeboard gingerbread with vintage photo distress ink using ink blending tool. perfect!

(gingerbread): remove backing from sticky back canvas and attach canvas "frosting" to the gingerbread.

*attach gift card to gingerbread and adhere gingerbread to tag to embellish.  what a great way to give a gift card don't you think? gotta love that base tray...

(snowman): brush on multi-medium all over grunge snowman.

(snowman): pour glass glitter over snowman and let dry.

*attach to tag and add some baubles for a little wintery sparkle.  i love the idea of being able to put a word inside the snowman body - all about the base tray...

 

 

12 tags of christmas...day 11

supplies: (ranger): craft sheet, ink blending tool, distress ink/broken china/dusty concord/stormy sky/walnut stain/peeled paint/pine needles, distress embossing ink, clear embossing powder, wonder tape, distress embossing powder/peeled paint, adirondack paint dabber/snow cap, glossy accents, heat tool, archival ink/jet black, white opaque pen, #8 tag; (idea-ology) ornate plates, adornments, philosophy tags, jump rings, grungeboard, trimmings, texture hammer, mini fasteners; (stampers anonymous) odds & ends stamp set; (sizzix alterations) snow flurries on the edge die, pine tree die, tag & bookplates die; (tonic) scissors, craft pick; (misc) sparkly fluff, dictionary paper, adhesive, jute

(step 1): we're going to start by making our own foam stamp for this tag so gather a sheet of wondertape and a sheet of fun foam.  *you can try different thicknesses and of course colors of foam available at the craft store.

(step 2): remove paper backing from wonder tape sheet.

(step 3): adhere wonder tape to one side of the fun foam sheet.

(step 4): if foam is larger than tape sheet, cut excess with sharp scissors.

(step 5): measure the die shape you would like to cut.  for this snow flurries edge it measures 5 3/4"x2 1/2".

(step 6): turn foam sheet over to black side and draw die measurements on foam with white opaque pen.

(step 7): cut out adhesive backed foam with sharp scissors.

(step 8): place adhesive backed foam on to die with pink liner facing up.

(step 9): sandwich between 2 clear cutting pads and run through die cut machine.  *note: i'm using the standard cutting pads for this instead of the on the edge ones as you need some extra cutting pad for the machine to engage the die.  the fun foam will compress once in the machine so even though it may seem too thick, once it flattens, it should be fine.

(step 10): remove foam from the machine and as you can see, it cut all the way through.

(step 11): if you've used an on the edge die it may be necessary to snip each end from the foam to the design.

(step 12): begin separating the design from the rest of the foam - be careful since it's still just fun foam.

(step 13): if your design has lots of inside cuts and detail, you should remove them using a craft pick.

(step 14): next we need to create a mount for this stamp.  i've used leftover packaging again, but you can also use acrylic book covers or any other type of heavy acetate.

(step 15): cut packaging to initial size of die measured before and round the corners if you wish. *plastic can be sharp on the corners so i always round them.

(step 16): remove the red liner from the wonder tape.

(step 17): leave foam adhesive side up on craft sheet and press clear packaging mount on to foam.

*there you go - a custom foam stamp!

*keep your leftover scrap to create smaller stamps like borders.

*of course this is just the beginning - i have created stamps from just about every die.

(step 18): for the tag, apply adhesive to the entire tag.  this can be a glue stick or whatever your adhesive preference is.

(step 19): place tag adhesive side down on to dictionary paper.

(step 20): tear off excess paper.  *if using thicker scrapbook paper to cover the tag, you will need to trim the excess.

(step 21): this is what you should have.  punch a hole through the top of the tag with hole punch.

(step 22): apply distress embossing ink to foam stamp.

(step 23): stamp snowflakes along edge of tag with clear embossing ink.  *you can decide how much of a border you want on your tag.  you may need to stamp your border more than once on the edge of the tag.

(step 24): apply regular clear embossing powder over stamped image.

(step 25): emboss tag with heat tool using image turns clear and shiny.

(step 26): begin inking tag with various colors of distress ink using an ink blending tool - the clear embossed design resists the distress ink!

(step 27): ink the edges and over the stamped image to create contrast with blending tool.

(step 28): die cut 2 pine trees from grungeboard.

(step 29): ink one tree with various green distress inks using an ink blending tool.

(step 30): immediately apply peeled paint distress embossing powder over inked tree.

(step 31): emboss with heat tool until powders melt and darken slightly.

(step 32): allow grunge to cool and then swipe hand over embossed tree to remove release crystals from the distress powders.

(step 33): ink the trunk and edges of tree with brown distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 34): on second grunge tree paint a heavy layer of paint with snow cap dabber.

(step 35): while paint is still wet, apply sugar sparkly fluff.

(step 36): press sparkly fluff down into paint.  remove excess by lightly tapping and let dry.

*i prefer using paint to adhere my sparkly fluff vs. glue as i think it gives it more texture.

(step 37): using scissors, cut various tips from the white tree to look like snow covered branches.

*this is what i cut.

(step 38): apply glossy accents to back of each snow cap and adhere to green distressed tree lining up the shapes.

*this is what i created.

(step 39): tie some jute around trunk of tree and secure with a knot.

(step 40): next stamp or write text on a small piece of paper - here's what i want to share with you.  one of those "did you know" kind of things:

did you know? when you die cut the tag there are 2 bookplates and 2 reinforcers on the die.

did you know? that in addition to the shapes that are obvious, the inner oval and rectangle from the bookplates are useful.

did you know? that both of these "leftover" shapes fit into my ornate plates from idea-ology.  coincidence?  nope.

did you know? that my stamp set #100 odds & ends has a variety of ticket stamps that fit the ticket strip die.

did you know? that the words that fit the tickets are also sized to fit either shape for the ornate plates.  oh yes.

(step 41): ink the edges of the stamped rectangle shape with distress ink using ink blending tool

(step 42): apply a small amount of glossy accents inside the ornate plate and adhere stamped text.

(step 43): place ornate plate on tag and pierce 2 holes with craft pick, and attach ornate plate with long fasteners.

(step 44): tap tops of fasteners with texture hammer to dent.

(step 45): apply glossy accents to back "trunk" of tree - do not cover back entirely,  just down the center.

(step 46): press on tag and hold in place to dry. *see how the tree overlaps the ornate plate - looks neat i think.

(step 47): apply paint dabber to front of philosophy tag.

(step 48): immediately rub paint into recessed letters to create highlight effect and secure to trimmings on top of tag.

(step 49): place star adornment above tree and pierce hole with craft pick and secure to tag with mini fastener.

*in the details:  i think this foam stamp embossed resist technique is so cool.  you can create various looks simply by  using different background papers.  the glossy enamel finish and bold shape of the stamp is what really gives this such a great effect.  of course that distress embossed and sparkly fluffed tree is pretty amazing too...

so there you have it...just one more tag to go tomorrow!  i hope you give this technique a try and make some custom foam stamps of your own.  you can use them with inks, paints, and of course embossing.  remember you can only create these using your steel rule bigz and on the edge dies.  the thinner dies are only for paper.  so i've got lots to get ready for the last tag with so many ideas flying around my head.  until tomorrow...t!m

ok...one more thing: 

as i was cleaning up i noticed what's left of the sparkly fluff tree i cut apart to create the snow caps for the other tree and it got me thinking...

in the 4 years of 12 tags i have NEVER done this!!!i actually decided to change one of the previously finished tags...seriously???

i ripped off the twig tree and replaced it with this snowy pine, and i have to say i LOVE the way this snowy pine looks on here.  completely changes the look of this tag and i'm keeping it this way...

12 tags of christmas...day 10

supplies: (ranger) craft sheet, distress ink/broken china/faded jeans/stormy sky/pumice stone/vintage photo/peeled paint/fired brick, paint dabbers/snow cap/pitch black/sunset orange, glossy accents, distress embossing ink, heat tool, super fine detail black embossing powder, ink blending tool, #8 tag; (idea-ology) grungeboard, mini pin, jump ring, muse token, long fasteners, washers, sanding grip, trimmings, grungepaper; (stampers anonymous) winter sketchbook stamp set; (sizzix alterations) tag & bookplates die, winter wonder die, snowflurries texture fade; (tonic) scissors, craft pick; (misc) tulle, holly punch

(step 1): cut 2 snowman from grungeboard using winter wonder die.

(step 2): working on craft sheet, paint one snowman with snow cap white paint dabber.  let dry.

(step 3): cut the second snowman into parts shown: arms, hat, nose

(step 4): paint the hat and nose with paint dabbers.

(step 5): punch 2 holly leaves from grungepaper. *there's a cool martha holly punch here.

(step 6): ink the holly, arms, and edges of the hat and nose with distress inks using ink blending tool.

(step 7): sand the edges of the snowman with sanding grip to expose grunge around the edges.

(step 8): ink "merry christmas" stamp with distress embossing ink and stamp on bottom of snowman.

(step 9): apply super fine detail black embossing powder over stamped text.

(step 10): emboss with heat tool until image is shiny.

(step 11): ink the edges of the snowman with pumice stone distress ink using an ink blending tool.  *pumice stone is my favorite color since i like to shade everything with it.

(step 12): "build" snowman by adhering the pieces with glossy accents over snowman base.

(step 13): color trimmings and tie around neck.

(step 14): apply snow cap dabber to the edge of the tag creating a dry brush effect.  let dry.

(step 15): ink tag with broken china distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 16): shade background with stormy sky and faded jeans distress ink using ink tool.

*this is what you should end up with - the paint dabber resists the distress ink giving a snowy effect to the edge.  simple...

(step 17): next gather up all of your old plastic packaging.  yep!  the stuff from your grungeboard or other idea-ology stuff, or from those headphones you got at costco, etc.  anything with plastic packaging - we're recycling this stuff!

(step 18): with sharp scissors, cut off any raised edges of your packaging so you just have a flat piece.

(step 19): die cut a #8 tag using tag & bookplate die from plastic.

(step 20): place the clear tag into the snowflurries texture fade and emboss it.

*oh yeah - that is so cool looking!  the deep embossed designs of the texture fades creates a deep impression in the plastic packaging giving you an amazing designed overlay.  some plastics will even frost a little when you do this.  try it will all kinds of plastic packaging - oh the possibilities...

(step 21): apply glossy accents to back of grunge snowman and adhere to tag.  hold to dry.

(step 22): place embossed clear tag over snowman tag and pierce hole through corner with craft pick.

(step 23): insert a long fastener through a washer. *these things are so great to use for so many things.

(step 24): insert the washer and fastener through both tags securing them together.

(step 25): repeat for all corners  and attach a muse token to tulle on tag with a jump ring and mini pin.

*in the details: i love the effect of our layered snowman under a layer of "ice".  the texture and reflections of this tag just can't be captured by camera to show how cool this really looks...

so start saving that packaging and put it to good use.  this technique can be used with all of your embossing folders and my alterations dies to cut and design just about anything.  you can even cut it into pages for a mini book, texture it, and even color it with alcohol inks!  i hope you explore the creative possibilities of this one and have fun doing it - i did...which means of course i couldn't stop creating tonight!  here's another idea i had for packaging by creating a little trinket collage...enjoy...t!m

- i gathered some supplies: packaging from muse tokens, a cheap ikea frame, some tiny trinkets, a 1" circle punch, some seasonal paper stash sheets (since they have mini images), scissors, black paint, and some glossy accents.

- i cut off the front of the muse tokens packaging from today's tag (there is also an inside sheet).  i punched 12 circles from my paper stash and glued them to a sheet of white cardstock and adhered my trinkets with glossy accents.

- i taped the two side edges of the plastic and cardstock together, painted the frame black, and put it into the frame.  i filled the top and bottom space with some vintage tinsel to finish it off.  another cool idea for packaging i think!

- here's an up close look to shown the packaging is not smashed down over the trinkets.  the frame holds everything together.

12 tags of christmas...day 9

supplies: (ranger): craft sheet, distress ink/wild honey/brushed corduroy/walnut stain, archival ink/jet black, perfect pearls mist/heirloom gold, ink blending tool, glossy accents, matte multi-medium, heat tool, #8 tag; (idea-ology) adornments, accoutrements/fanciful, long fasteners, design ruler, texture hammer, baubles, trimmings, sanding grip, seasonal paper stash; (stampers anonymous) christmas carols; (sizzix alterations) paper rosette decorative strip, upon a time decorative strip; (tonic) scissors, craft pick, paper distresser; (misc) glue gun, tinsel garland, tulle, coredinations paper

(step 1): stamp christmas carols stamp on to tag with archival ink - it's very important the ink you stamp with is waterproof.  let dry.

(step 2): apply wild honey and brushed corduroy distress inks to craft sheet by pressing the pad down on to the sheet.

(step 3): shake the heirloom gold perfect pearls mists well and mist the inked sheet until large droplets of pearl appear. *i used more perfect pearls mist than i usually use water because i want a very shimmery background.

(step 4): swipe tag through the inked sheet - do not press down.

(step 5): dry tag with heat tool.

*once the tag is dry you will see the luminous perfect pearls mixed with the warm distress ink colors.  you can re-swipe tag on your craft sheet if desired.

(step 6): drag paper distresser along edges of tag.

(step 7): ink edges of tag with walnut stain distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 8): place tag on cork or foam pad and place design ruler along the bottom edge of tag.  with craft pick, pierce holes evenly spaced about 1/4" from edge and 3/8" apart - if you're using the design ruler this is a snap since the holes are through the ruler already!  check out this video to learn more about the design ruler.

(step 9): insert long fasteners through each hole.

(step 10): place tag on hammer mat and tap the tops with bump tip of texture hammer to dent brads.

*my absolute favorite thing about the texture hammer is using it on brads and staples to give a distressed look.  just a few taps and presto - vintage nailheads!

(step 11): sand coredinations paper with sanding grip. *if you don't have coredinations, distress whatever paper you're going to use for the letters.  i prefer to do all of my distressing to these small letters before cutting - saves load of time.

(step 12): die cut the upon a time strip 3 times for letters. (if you want to cut the paper to size and cut each letter individually you can, but i don't mind have extra letters for other projects so i always cut the entire alphabet each time i need to)

(step 13): adhere each letter to tag with glossy accents and let dry.

(step 14): apply glossy accents to the top of each letter.  let dry.

*if you've never used glossy accents before, this is what makes it perfect - it doesn't drip off of the letters or spread out after you apply it.  it dries with amazing glossy shine and dimension in one application.

(step 15): create paper rosette from the seasonal paper stash following these video steps:

   

(step 16): ink finished rosette with brushed corduroy distress ink using ink blending tool. *this will shade the perforations and edges of the rosette nicely.

(step 17): lightly mist the inked rosette with heirloom gold perfect pearls mist.

(step 18): immediately dry with heat tool.

(step 19): turn rosette over and apply small droplets of hot glue around outside edge.

(step 20): immediately apply tinsel garland to back edge.

(step 21): adhere rosette to tag with glue gun.

(step 22): apply matte multi-medium to back of adornments.

(step 23): adhere heart and crown to center of rosette and let dry.  *i prefer matte multi-medium when gluing metal to any surface.  it takes a while to dry, but is very permanent once it does and because it's matte you don't have to be neat when you're gluing.  i use this stuff for all of my dimensional art projects and jewelry pieces.

(step 24): cut off shanks of accoutrements with tonic scissors (yes my scissors cut button shanks, wire, metal, and so much more!)

(step 25): tie a knot in a piece of tulle.

(step 26): tear off one end of the tulle using your fingers to create a tattered look and cut the other end off right to the knot.

(step 27): adhere tulle and accoutrement buttons to tag with glue gun.

(step 28): create custom trimmings by wetting white trimming with water and swiping distress ink pads over them.  *we've done this for the previous tags.

(step 29): mist the trimmings with heirloom gold perfect pearls mist to add a pearlescent finish and let dry or dry with heat tool.

(step 30): tie trimmings to tag and attach baubles with jump ring.  beautiful...

*in the details:  the elegant simplicity of this tag is so amazing.  the shine of the glossy accented letters, the vintage font from the upon a time die, the custom paper rosette with tinsel garland, and what can be better than those accoutrement buttons?  the rich warm tones and shimmer of the perfect pearls mists tie everything together on this tag...

12 tags of christmas...day 8

supplies: (ranger) craft sheet, distress ink/fired brick/tumbled glass/chipped sapphire/walnut stain, archival ink/jet black, paint dabbers/bottle/snow cap, distress stickles/picket fence, glossy accents, ink blending tool, heat tool, craft scraper, #8 tag; (idea-ology) seasonal mask, tissue tape, timepieces, game spinners, metal corners, locket keys, jump rings, trimmings, texture hammer, sanding grip, grungeboard, tiny attacher; (sizzix alterations) townscape on the edge die; (stampers anonymous) mini holidays stamp set, mini holidays 2 stamp set, fabulous flourish; (tonic) scissors; (misc) dymo, 26g wire, hot glue

(step 1): remove seasonal mask from package. you'll notice in the package there is a printed sheet (for storage), and the clear mask set.  *this seasonal mask set has icons for a variety of holidays all year round.

(step 2): with scissors, cut off the bottom santa and sleigh from clear sheet.  be careful not to cut the other masks.

(step 3): remove the outside silhouette of the mask - yes the OUTSIDE part.  *this is the part we normally throw away, but not anymore!

(step 4): apply the outside silhouette to your tag.  rub with your hand to make sure it's secure.

(step 5): cover any exposed areas of tag with masking tape on craft sheet.  *i use tissue tape for this since it's easy to remove and i had it sitting around - i'm just that way...

(step 6): begin inking the tag with fired brick distress ink using an ink blending tool.  the outline of the mask will create a solid color shape.

(step 7): continue inking until desired color is achieved.

(step 8): ink stamps with archival ink and stamp images over masked tag.  be sure to apply pressure to stamp to get into exposed areas of tag.

(step 9): repeat with additional stamp images over entire tag.

(step 10): with cloth, wipe away excess archival ink from mask while wet. *this will darken your masked image color slightly.

(step 11): carefully remove the tissue/masking tape.

(step 12): carefully remove the mask silhouette from the tag slowly to aviod tearing the tag and set aside. *pretty cool huh?...guess you won'e be throwing away the outlines of the masks anymore.

(step 13): heat set distress inks on tag with heat tool for about 30-45 seconds.  *even though distress inks are dry to the touch, the resins in the ink are still wet so we need those dry before the next step.

(step 14): remove the positive portion of the santa sleigh mask and prep on piece of scrap paper following instructions on packaging to remove the excess mini inside pieces.

(step 15): place mask directly over previously inked and stamped image. *if you did not dry the distress inks enough the mask will not stick to the tag at this point.

(step 16): begin inking the tag with tumbled glass distress ink using an ink blending tool.

(step 17): lightly apply chipped sapphire distress ink with ink tool to tag to create shading.

(step 18): ink the edges of the tag with walnut stain distress ink using ink tool.

(step 19): lightly stamp flourish border with archival ink over areas of tag.

(step 20): wipe off mask with cloth.

(step 21): carefully remove the mask from the tag.  *magic once again don't you think?  you may have a slight outline between the masked image - leave it since it adds the look of dimension.

(step 22): store mask on printed mask storage sheet.  *masks can be cleaned with soap and water and air dry.

(step 23): cut townscape edge from grungeboard.

(step 24): cut out 4 houses from strip leaving a thin border on the bottom with sharp scissors.

(step 25): paint the grungeboard with bottle paint dabber and let dry.

(step 26): lightly scuff with sanding grip to give a whitewash shabby look - do not ink.

(step 27): apply picket fence distress stickles to the rooftops to create a snowy effect.

(step 28): dry distress stickles with heat tool or set aside to dry.

(step 29): cut a few pieces of 26g. wire about 5" each.

(step 30): bend, curl, and twist wire with your fingers to create "smoke".

(step 31): repeat for all wire pieces.

(step 32): adhere wire pieces to back of grunge houses with hot glue.

*i think the little wire pieces gives our holiday townscape serious character.

(step 33): gather up the following metal pieces: 2 corners, 1 small timepiece, 1 small game spinner, 1 long fastener, 1 locket key.  apply snow cap paint dabber directly to metal.

(step 34): immediately wipe paint off with your fingers to create a shabby effect.

(step 35): place metal corner on corner of tag.

(step 36): with craft scraper, fold over tabs of corner around back of tag.

(step 37): place tag on hammer mat and tap the tabs of the metal corner with bump tip of texture hammer to dent the tabs securing it to the tag.

(step 38): repeat for other corner.

(step 39): apply a small amount of glossy accents to the back of the timepiece.

(step 40): adhere to upper corner of the tag.  *this will keep the timepiece from spinning around.  pierce hole through timepiece and tag with craft pick and secure mini game spinner with long fastener.

(step 41): adhere houses to bottom of tag with glossy accents.

(step 42): create words with label maker.  *i love my dymo with interchangeable font wheels (which is vintage) but now you can buy a new one with 3 font wheels including this cool script font - it's called the dymo caption.

(step 43): snip one end of the text with scissors to create banners.

(step 44): attach dymo strips to tag with tiny attacher.  *i did not remove the backing from the dymo so they stay dimensional like ribbons. and embellish tag with trimmings and a locket key.

*in the details: this extreme masking technique is so amazing.  the layers of images and inks create such an illusion of dimension - the possibilities for using masks are endless.  you can also create your own masks using your favorite die cuts, punches, or even digital cutters using my blank mask sheets.

just couldn't stop... once again i just had to share a little something extra using the townscape edge die with little wire chimney smoke again - priceless...

(step a): cut townscape from grungeboard and cut off the last house on either end, but only cut off one.  cut the bottom edge to 1/2" wide.

(step b): paint, sand, glitter, and create wire smoke just like previous steps on today's tag.

(step c): adhere mica scraps to back of windows with glossy accents.  *remember you can use scraps of clear packaging for this step too.

(step d): apply a piece of 1/2" wondertape to the bottom edge of grunge.

(step e): remove red-line backing from tape and adhere to the bottom edge of a battery operated tea-light...oh yes!

(step f): wrap townscape all the way around tea-light until ends meet - trim any excess if necessary. *remember it's grungeboard so you can bend away!

*now enjoy a little bit of twinkling holiday magic with a "townscape tealight" - such a great gift!

12 tags of christmas...day 7

supplies: (ranger) craft sheet, color wash/cranberry/red pepper/meadow/lettuce, distress ink/aged mahogany/forest moss/walnut stain/vintage photo/crushed olive/frayed burlap, distress stickles/rock candy, paint dabber/snow cap, archival ink/jet black, glossy accents, heat tool, claudine hellmuth studio sticky back canvas/natural, mini mister, ink blending tool, perfect pearls mist/forever red/forever green, #8 tag; (idea-ology) grungeboard, grungepaper, type charms, trinket pins, adornments, accoutrements/fanciful, grunge alphabet soup, trimmings, lost & found paper stash, sanding grip; (sizzix alterations) woodgrain texture fade, tattered florals die, tattered leaves die, elegant flourishes die, vagabond machine; (tonic) scissors, scratcher; (stamp) love; (misc) glue gun

(step 1): cut an 8 1/2"x11" piece of natural sticky back canvas in half to 8 1/2"x5 1/2".

(step 2): cut that piece to 6"x5 1/2" leaving a 2 1/2"x5 1/2" piece leftover.

(step 3): remove backing from sticky back canvas exposing the sticky side.

(step 4): press the canvas on to non-stick craft sheet. *this is a perfect use for the craft sheet.

(step 5): mist canvas with water from mini mister until canvas is damp.

*the reason i adhere the canvas to the craft sheet first is the canvas will curl when wet if you don't - nice discovery huh?

(step 6): next, mist the canvas with cranberry color wash. *this is a concentrated textile dye.  yes you can use distress reinkers or other dyes to color this canvas, but with color wash, a few sprays and you're done since a little goes a long way.

(step 7): mist the canvas with red pepper color wash.

(step 8): shake perfect pearls mists and mist canvas with forever red.  *this will make the color wash spread throughout the canvas and give it a pearlized finish when it dries.

(step 9): dry the canvas with a heat tool. *the cool thing about sticky back canvas is that it's designed to take wet mediums and when you dry it, the canvas is still sticky!

(step 10): with a towel, wipe up the excess over-spray of color wash and perfect pearls mist.

(step 11): repeat the above steps on the remaining 2 1/2"x5 1/2" strip of sticky back canvas using lettuce and meadow color wash, and finished with forever green perfect pearls mist.  dry with heat tool.

(step 12): remove the dry canvas pieces from the craft sheet and adhere to a piece of grungepaper.

(step 13): cut excess grungepaper off creating 2 pieces.

(step 14): die cut the red canvas/grunge with the tattered florals die.  cut the green canvas/grunge strip in half and cut 2 rose leaves with the tattered leaves die (you can stack both canvas/grunge pieces and cut 2 at once).

(step 15): draw a small dot on to the grunge side of 3 of the tattered florals (we are not using the daisy for this tag).

(step 16): with a sharp pair of scissors, make a snip between each petal on the largest flower to the center dot.

*you should now have 6 individual petals.

(step 17): repeat for the remaining flowers.

(step 18): ink the edges of each petal with aged mahogany distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 19): ink the edges of both leaves with forest moss distress ink using ink tool.

(step 20): place each petal on to a piece of scrap paper and tatter the canvas edge tips with a scratch tool.

(step 21): repeat for all petals and leaves.  *the scratch tool makes these canvas petals even more textured - so cool.

(step 22): create your woodgrain tag following yesterday's video steps.

(step 23): begin applying colors of distress ink using ink blending tool.  i started with a lighter color like frayed burlap.

(step 24): continue inking adding additional accent colors like crushed olive. yum!

(step 25): drag a paper distresser along the edges of the tag.

(step 26): finish inking edges with a darker shade of brown like vintage photo to create shadows - this is really starting to look like a piece of wood.

(step 27): apply a generous scribble of rock candy distress stickles to the tag.

(step 28): immediately spread it out into a thin layer on the tag.  this will react with the distress inks and start to create a cool stained look.

(step 29): dry the distress stickles with a heat tool until the rock candy begins to have the nostalgic look of glass glitter or sprinkled sugar.  *i suggest drying immediately to avoid your tag curling too much.  also remember you cannot heat regular stickles like this or they will burn and smoke!

(step 30): apply a very small amount of rock candy distress stickles to one edge of the petal only.

(step 31): pat the stickles down on the one edge only.

(step 32): dry the distress stickles with a heat tool. *you can apply the distress stickles to the edge of all petals and leaves and dry all of them at once.

(step 33): fold each petal at the base with your fingers by pinching them together.

(step 34): repeat for all petals - this will give them a cool shape which is why we adhered the sticky back canvas to the grungepaper.  grungepaper will always keep it's shape!

(step 35): create texture in both leaves as well. *it's pretty neat how grungepaper does that huh?

(step 36): remove grunge letter from alphabet soup - my favorite grunge letter set. *of course you can use whatever alphabets you have for this tag.

(step 37): ink the letters with fired brick distress ink using an ink tool.

(step 38): stamp the "love" definition across all of the letters at once with archival ink.  *i use this stamp so much for the perfect dictionary background.

(step 39): adhere the letters to the bottom of the tag with glossy accents.

(step 40): apply a drop of hot glue to the back of a large petal.

(step 41): press on to the tag and repeat for all large petals creating a ring of petals.

(step 42): repeat with the next size petals tucking them in between and on top of the larger ones.  each petal is adhered with a drop of hot glue.  be careful on those small ones!

(step 43): repeat for all 3 sizes of petals leaving the center of the flower open.

*now if you're like me a hate the hot glue strings doing a project like this, not to worry simply wave your heat tool over them and poof - they're gone!

(step 44): snip the ends of the leaves with scissors.

(step 45): adhere the leaves to the flower with hot glue by tucking them under the petals - almost there...

*gather your favorite accoutrement buttons and choose just one - definitely hard to do!

(step 46): adhere the button to the center with hot glue and check that out - a poinsettia using the tattered florals die.  now who would have thought?  ummm...me!  :)

(step 47): die cut a flourish from grungeboard using the elegant flourish die. *this is also the flourish in the grungeboard elements pack.

(step 48): paint the flourish snow cap white.  let dry.

(step 49): scuff the edges of the flourish with sanding grip.

(step 50): ink the flourish with walnut stain distress ink using ink tool.

(step 51): using your fingers, simply rub over the flourish to remove some of the excess distress ink and reveal the white in places.

(step 52): snip the flourish in half with scissors.

(step 53): adhere flourish behind the flower with glossy accents.

(step 54): to create a custom type charm, punch anything out with a 1/2" punch. *here i used my lost & found paper stash.

(step 55): adhere that to the center of a type charm with glossy accents.

(step 56): press on the epoxy sticker that comes with the type charms to finish.

(step 57): attach bird adornment and type charm to trinket pin with jump ring and secure to trimmings on tag.

*in the details: this tag is pure dimensional goodness!  starting with the woodgrain background of the tag, the shaped canvas and grungepaper flowers, and the sparkle of the rock candy distress stickles makes it look like ice - love it i tell you...

12 tags of christmas...day 6

supplies: (ranger) craft sheet, distress ink/weathered wood/tumbled glass/forest moss/vintage photo/walnut stain/fired brick/frayed burlap, paint dabbers/gold/aqua, super fine detail clear powder, heat tool, mini mister, glossy accents, #8 tags; (idea-ology) word sticks, adornments, tissue tape/symphony, mini fasteners, grungeboard, trimmings, journaling tickets, jump rings, sanding grip; (sizzix alterations) texture fades/tall pines/snow flurries, reindeer flight/branch tree bigz dies, vagabond; (stampers anonymous) fabulous flourish stamps, mini holidays 2 stamps, speckle stamp; (tonic) scissors, paper distresser, craft knife; pine, ribbon, foam tape

let's get going: lights, camera, action...

(step 1): working on craft sheet, paint grungeboard reindeer with paint dabber and let dry.

(step 2): sand over raised embossed design with sanding grip to expose grunge.  scuff around edges with sanding grip as well. *the sanding grip will allow you to sand just the raised areas becasue of it's design.  sanding with just a piece of sandpaper and your fingers will sand off the color areound the design as well and we don't that for this technique.

(step 3): ink over reindeer with frayed burlap distress ink using ink blending tool to stain exposed grunge.

(step 4): mist cloth with water from mini mister.

(step 5): lightly wipe over grunge exposing paint color and blending stained grunge.

(step 6): next you're going to die cut the branch tree from grungeboard.

(step 7): ink a portion of the tree with distress ink and snip off a couple of branches....wait for it....

(step 8): oh yes...i designed the branch tree to work as antlers for the reindeer flight die - i honestly did.  makes the perfect antlers wouldn't you agree?

*and if you snip the branches from the other side of the tree, they fit the second deer on the die.  if you don't have this die yet, i'm just sayin' wait until you see what i'm going to show you with it next month...and you thought the rickety house was cool?

now it's time for another video step - i love this next one!

(step 9): how cool was that texture fade stamping technique???  ink the embossed tag with distress ink using using blending tool.  i started with a light blue like tumbled glass.

(step 10): add some shadows with a deeper tone of distress ink.  i used weathered wood.  *it's okay that the trees are now blue...

(step 11): ink the raised areas of the trees with forest moss distress ink using an ink blending tool to highlight the trees.  isn't it cool that the flourishes appear to be behind the trees?

(step 12): ink the trunks of the trees with vintage photo distress ink using an ink blending tool.

(step 13): drag a paper distresser along the edges of the tag to tatter.

(step 14): ink the edges with walnut stain distress ink using an ink blending tool.

(step 15): apply gold paint dabber to speckle stamp.  *i told you i love this stamp!

(step 16):stamp the speckles on to the background of the tag.

*this creates flecks of gold on the tag!  create nostalgic effect...

(step 17): remove the red/green striped journaling ticket.  *i'm using a journaling ticket because i like the colored lines for this holiday tag.  you can use whatever paper you want for this next step.

(step 18): stamp the mini seasons greetings with fired brick distress ink on to ticket.

(step 19): apply super fine detail clear embossing powder over stamped text.  *remember from tag #2 that distress ink is an embossing ink so no need for red embossing ink!

(step 20): heat emboss with a heat tool until powder melts and you have a glossy red text.

(step 21): cut ticket to size.

(step 22): ink the edges with distress ink and ink tool.

(step 23): fold the end of the tissue tape back on to itself sticky side to sticky side about 1/2".

(step 24): press the tissue tape on to the bottom edge of the tag leaving the folded/non-sticky part hanging off the edge of the tag.

(step 25): begin pleating and gathering the tissue tape across the bottom of the tag - it does this with ease.

(step 26): fold over the opposite end of the tape about 1/2".

(step 27): snip the ends of the tape with your scissors with create a "v" tail.

(step 28): pinch various areas of the tissue tape to give it dimension.

*now you have a vintage tissue tape music banner on the tag - another great use for tissue tape!

(step 29): cut about 2" of mini pine garland (this stuff is like chenille stems/pipe cleaners only it looks like pine).

(step 30): wrap into a small wreath about the size of a quarter.

(step 31): slip it over the head of the reindeer and slide down around the neck.

(step 32): flip the deer over and tack the back of the wreath with a glue gun.

(step 33): tie a tiny bow with ribbon and adhere to wreath with glue gun.

(step 34): apply glossy accents to the back of the deer - be sure to get the legs.

(step 35): adhere the deer to the tag and hold in place to dry.

(step 36): apply glossy accents to back of grunge antlers.

(step 37) adhere in place.

(step 38): attach seasons greetings to tag with foam tape.  *i attached mini fasteners to the corners of the text, but this was very tedious so attempt if you dare!  tie trimmings to top of tag and attach word stick and adornment star with jump rings.  we're done...

*in the details: where do i begin on this one?  there are so many cool details about this tag, like that tricky stamped texture fade background...  then the embossed grunge reindeer with those antlers...  then that mini pine wreath that really sets it off... adding the tissue tape banner, the embossed ticket sign, and the metal trinkets to the top just makes it...

now i just had to share this one i did for a card:  this one uses the holly stamped with forest moss distress ink and merry christmas texture fade on white cardstock.  then i inked with antique linen distress ink, and accented with fired brick distress stickles.

12 tags of christmas...day 5

supplies: (ranger) craft sheet, distress inks/aged mahogany/fired brick/barn door/vintage photo, archival ink/jet black, distress crackle paint/peeled paint, paint dabber/snow cap white/pitch black, distress stickles/peeled paint/fired brick, glossy accent, ink blending tool, heat tool, white UTEE/ultra thick embossing enamel, white opaque pen, distress embossing powder/fired brick/peeled paint/mustard seed, distress embossing ink, mini mister, #8 tag; (idea-ology) grungepaper, numerals, foliage, trimmings, seasonal paper stash, jump rings, sanding grip; (tonic) scissors, craft pick; (sizzix alterations) styled labels; (stampers anonymous) winter sketchbook stamp set, holiday wishes stamp set; (misc) sparkly fluff/sugar, bells, zig glue pen

(step 1): working on your craft sheet - apply snow cap paint dabber to edge of tag creating a dry brush effect around all edges.  let dry.

(step 2): apply lightest shade of red distress ink to the tags using an ink blending tool leaving an area in the upper left for our image later.  *i started with barn door.

(step 3): apply additional shades of reds for shadow.  *i used fired brick and aged mahogany.

(step 4): mist towel with water from mini mister.

(step 5): swipe the edges of the tag with a damp cloth to remove the distress ink and reveal the white dabber (the paint works as a resist).

(step 6): stamp santa with archival ink in the center of the tag.

(step 7): stamp holly on the edges of the tag with archival ink.

(step 8): apply peeled paint distress stickles to the holly leaves and fired brick to the berries.

(step 9): dry with a heat tool. *one of the great things about distress stickles is that you can dry with a heat tool.

(step 10): apply snow cap paint dabber to the craft sheet.

(step 11): rub finger in the paint.

(step 12): rub paint over the stamped image to highlight the beard and the top of the hat.

(step 13): dry with a heat tool.

(step 14): stamp merry christmas to bottom of tag with archival ink.

(step 15): highlight stamped image with a white opaque pen.

(step 16): die cut a piece of grungepaper using styled labels die.

(step 17): apply a thin layer of distress crackle paint to grunge.

(step 18): dry with a heat tool - this will only crackle a little since we've applied a thin layer.

(step 19): sand the edges with a sanding grip to expose the grungepaper.

*just be sure to sand the edges and not the entire surface.

(step 20): ink over the grunge with forest moss and vintage photo distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 21): tear a strip of music paper from paper stash.

(step 22): ink edges of the paper with vintage photo distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 23): adhere paper to the grunge with glossy accents.

(step 24): apply glossy accents to the back of the grunge.

(step 25): adhere the grunge to the center of the tag.

(step 26): cut the excess ends with your scissors.

(step 27): ink the edges with distress ink with ink blending tool.

(step 28): open the pack of numerals and take out the 2 and 5.

(step 29): to create a faux enameled numeral, paint the numeral with snow cap white paint dabber.

(step 30): IMMEDIATELY apply white UTEE over the wet paint. *it's important the paint is still wet for the powder to stick.

(step 31): press the UTEE down into the paint.

(step 32): heat emboss the numeral with a heat tool by holding it up high to begin with.

(step 33): as powder begins to melt on the numeral it will become bubbly, move heat tool closer.

(step 34): continue heating until the powder is completely smooth. *do not touch - the metal is very hot.

(step 35): once the numeral is completely cool, gently scrape excess powder from the edge with your finger.

(step 36): apply a small amount of black paint dabber around the edges and immediately rub the paint off of the numeral.

(step 37): once desired look is achieved, set aside to dry.  *how cool is this?  looks like vintage porcelain numbers!!!

(step 38): place numerals on center of grunge and pierce through holes with craft pick and secure with long fasteners.

(step 39): to create textured enamel metal flowers, begin by pressing the foliage piece on to a distress embossing ink pad.

(step 40): shake distress powder and apply powder over metal.  remove excess powder and replace into jar.

(step 41): heat emboss with a heat tool until the powder melts and darkens.  *do not touch - the metal is very hot.

(step 42): allow to cool and rub excess powder off metal foliage with your fingers.

(step 43): stack foliage pieces on to the tag and pierce in the center with a craft pick.

(step 44): secure to tag with a long fastener.

(step 45): ink trimmings with distress ink (*follow steps in the previous tags to do this).  attach bells to trimmings with a jump ring.

(step 46): apply zig glue pen to top of santa hat.

(step 47): while glue is wet, apply sparkly fluff and press to adhere.

(step 48): replace excess fluff and place back into the jar - now santa's hat is perfect!

*in the details: the texture on this tag provide such a nostalgic look with the crackle paint, sparkly fluff, UTEE and distress powders.  i like the vintage enamel numerals, and vintage colored metal foliage simply by using embossing powders.

12 tags of christmas...day 4

supplies: (ranger) craft sheet, adirondack alcohol inks/denim/sailboat blue/pool, archival ink/jet black, glossy accents, stickles/silver, ink applicator tool, distress ink/faded jeans, ink blending tool; (idea-ology) facets, swivel clasp, jump rings, baubles, trimmings, mini pins, mini clips, adage tickets, seasonal paper stash; (stampers anonymous) mini holidays stamp set, mini holidays 2 stamp set; (tonic) scissors; (misc) bling on a roll, pearls on a roll

(step 1): we're working with facets and the cool thing about these is they are flat on one side and faceted on the other so we have lots of options to be creative with - they also come with small jump rings so they're ready to be attached.

(step 2): apply felt to the ink applicator tool.

(step 3): apply random colors of adirondack alcohol ink to felt by squeezing the ink into the felt.

(step 4): working on the FLAT side of the facet, tap inked tool over facet to colorize.

(step 5): allow inks to dry for about 5 seconds and repeat with additional layers until desired look is achieved.  let dry.

*here i wanted to show you the variation in color intensity you can achieve by stopping at one layer of ink vs. adding additional layers. *for more info on using alcohol inks click here.

(step 6): apply jet black archival ink to stamp and leave stamp rubber side up.

(step 7): press facet flat side down on to the stamp creating an INK to INK contact (alcohol ink to archival ink) and lift off.

*okay so at this point you have an image stamped in black on the back of the facet - looks nice!  you could leave it this way and dry it with a heat tool if you wish - BUT....we're not!

(step 8): what we're going to do instead is immediately blot the archival ink off (while it's wet) with a soft dry cloth.  blotting is going to lift the wet archival directly off of the facet.  DO NOT wipe for this step, just blot off as much ink as you can.  *it's important to work quickly becasue if the archival ink dries it will be permanent.

(step 9): once you've blotted off the majority of the archival ink with the cloth, lightly wipe the remaining archival ink off with a soft cloth....and check it out!

*that's right - the jet black archival ink removed the alcohol ink leaving the image completely clear!  now if this step didn't work out quite right, don't worry you can simply go back and reink the facet covering everything up and try it again...another thing to keep in mind is that the image is now reverse so you shouldn't really do this technique with words...

(step 10): apply a small amount of glossy accents to the outside edges only of the facet on the inked side.

(step 11): place the facet on to white cardstock and hold in place to dry.

(step 12): cut around the outside of the facet with a sharp pair of non-stick scissors.

(step 13): pierce the hole through top of the facet.

*there you have it - an alcohol ink resist facet....cool technique isn't it?

(step 14): i wanted a festive background so i placed a tag over a piece of seasonal paper and traced around it.

(step 15): cut out paper and adhere to tag.

(step 16): punch hole in top of tag.

(step 17): ink the edges of the tag with distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 18): i've found these really cool embellishments...bling on a roll...at michaels.

(step 19): they are self adhesive so i adhered them to the bottom of the tag.

(step 20): next i cut up some prima bling flourishes and adhered to the tag.

(step 21): attach facet to a mini pin with a small jump ring that are included with the facets.

(step 22): color trimmings with distress ink (*see steps in previous tags) and tie on to tag.  attach baubles to mini pin with jump rings and pin to trimmings.

(step 23): select an adage ticket.

(step 24): ink edges of ticket with distress ink using an ink blending tool and secure to tag with mini clip.

*in the details: i love the way the inked facet pops off of this tag.  this could also make a cool ornament, wearable piece of jewelry or accent on a holiday journal.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

so now...more ideas (sorry i simply couldn't help myself again).  sometimes i like to use a stamped image behind a facet instead of stamping on them, but i wanted to create a subtle tint around the image and still add a little sparkle - here's how i did it...

(sparkly snowman) apply alcohol ink to the edges of the flat side of the facet with ink applicator tool - it's important to leave the center clear for this one.

(sparkly snowman) stamp the mini snowman on to a piece of white cardstock with archival ink and let dry.

(sparkly snowman) apply silver stickles around the clear center on the back of the facet. *distress stickles don't work real well for this effect.

(sparkly snowman) apply glossy accents across the entire back of the facet.

(sparkly snowman) press facet on to stamped image and hold to dry - this one can get pretty messy but don't worry since we're cutting it out anyways.

(sparkly snowman) cut around excess paper with non-stick scissors and marvel at your sparkly creation!

*here i attached the facet to a swivel clasp with a word stick and a few baubles...perfect for an ornament or gift tag!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

okay so i also wanted to show you a very simple way to create a custom facet just from using your favorite papers.

(custom facet) select the paper you would like to use - i'm using my seasonal paper stash.  *i love this paper stash becasue it has all of the seasons in one stash: vintage valentines, easter, spring, 4th of july, halloween, thanksgiving, and christmas!

(custom facet) apply glossy accents to the flat side of the facet and spread around the whole surface the tip of the bottle.

(custom facet) press facet on to paper and move in a slight circular motion to spread out the glossy accents.

(custom facet) press facet down and hold to dry.

(custom facet) trim excess paper with non-stick scissors.

*just check out the possibilities of this one....you could even use these over photos (just not ink jet)!

*here i attached the facet to a swivel clasp with a philosophy tag and a few baubles...perfect for an ornament or gift tag too!

12 tags of christmas...day 3

supplies: (ranger) craft sheet, distress ink/bundled sage/forest moss/peeled paint/walnut stain/vintage photo, adirondack paint dabber/snow cap, adirondack alcohol ink/red pepper/watermelon, ink blending/applicator tool, distress stickles/rock candy, glossy accents, mini mister, archival ink/jet black, #8 tag; (idea-ology) grungeboard, tissue tape/symphony, accoutrements/fanciful, salvage stickers/seasonal, trimmings, memo pin, tiny attacher, sanding grip; (tonic) scissors, distresser; (stampers anonymous) winter sketchbook stamp set, letters to santa stamp set, speckle wood mount stamp; (sizzix alterations) caged bird bigz die; (misc)tinsel, circle punch, moss

so on with today's tag which starts with a video!  let's go....

(step 1): apply rock candy distress stickles to inked grunge.

(step 2): spread to a thin layer with your finger and let dry.  *this will create a vintage sparkly, twinkly, sugary looking goodness when it dries!

(step 3): gather up your tag and tree stamp....wait a minute...tree stamp?

(step 4): turn the stamp and stamp the tree sideways on the tag with archival ink - gotcha!  let dry or dry with heat tool.

(step 5): ink tag with bundled sage distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 6): begin adding darker shades of green distress ink using blending tool.

(step 7): ink edges of tag with walnut stain distress ink using blending tool.

(step 8): make a cup with your hand and mist water into it from mini mister.

(step 9): open your fingers and slick water on to the inked tag to create droplets.

(step 10): dry water with heat tool and watch as lighter dots appear.  *you can repeat the previous steps for more dots if desired.

(step 11): drag paper distresser along the edges of the tag to tatter.

(step 12): repeat for all edges leaving some of the lighter core of the tag exposed.

(step 13): stamp script stamp over entire background of tag with bundled sage distress ink.

(step 14): remove mini postcard salvage sticker.

(step 15): apply sticker to scrap of grungeboard.

(step 16): cut out grunge/sticker.

(step 17): sand the edges of the sticker with a sanding grip.

(step 18): ink the edges with vintage photo distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 19): okay now i must confess...i said yesterday that the "life is the art" stamp was one of my favorites, and it's one of them, but THIS stamp is by far my most favorite stamp.  i know some people would think it's the large flourish that i'm always sporting around when i demo (i do love that one too), but honestly this stamp gets used all the time.  i'm sure you'll know when you see it but it's the speckled stamp.  apply snow cap dabber to the stamp.

(step 20): stamp the edge of the tag with painted stamp to create a snow flurry look.  *this stamp makes snow, stars, speckles, sand, confetti...so many uses!

(step 21): repeat around the edges of the entire tag.  some areas i stamped more than once.

(step 22): once rock candy distress stickles is dry, ink edges of grunge bird with walnut stain distress ink to create a vintage shadow on the glitter.  i lone how distress stickles are inkable.

(step 23): adhere grunge wing to bird with glossy accents.

(step 24): cut off the branch from the grunge bird with scissors.

(step 25): adhere grunge bird to tag with glossy accents.

(step 26): cut trimmings and color with distress ink. (*check out the previous 2 tags for instructions on this step)

(step 27): cut elastic trimmings to width of tag.

(step 28): secure the trimmings to the bottom of the tag on each end with the tiny attacher.

(step 29): cut a piece of mini tinsel garland the width of the tag as well.

(step 30): attach the tinsel over the trimmings with the tiny attacher securing it through the tinsel, elastic trimmings, and tag. *yes the tiny attacher is that good!  it is designed to go through several layers - love it!

(step 31): adhere some moss, twine, weeds, etc. to the base of the bird's feet on the branch to give it a more natural look.

now how about another video???  oh yes!

(step 32): attach mini postcard sticker to memo pin.

(step 33): adhere tissue tape flower to tag with adhesive of choice (i use my glue gun) and secure memo pin under flower.

(step 34): tie trimmings and tulle through tag and you're done!

*in the details: i really like the ruffled texture and vintage look these tissue tape flowers and accoutrments create.  they are so simple to make, and you can design any size for any project!

12 tags of christmas...day 2

supplies: (ranger) craft sheet, cut n' dry felt, distress reinkers/forest moss/peeled paint/vintage photo/walnut stain, distress ink/stormy sky/weathered wood/walnut stain/fired brick/aged mahogany/pumice stone/frayed burlap, archival ink/jet black, heat tool, ink blending tool, enamel accents, mini mister, matte multi-medium, clear embossing powder, #8 manila tag; (idea-ology) adornments, baubles, jump rings, trimmings; (tonic) scissors; (stamps) winter sketchbook stamp set, holiday wishes stamp set, fabulous flourishes stamp set, urban tapestry stamp set

(step 1): select the stamp you want to make a "custom" stamp pad for as well as a sheet of cut n' dry felt. *it's very important to use cut n' dry felt and not foam for this.

(step 2): ink image with jet black archival ink.  *if you don't have archival, any permanent/waterproof ink will work, but it has to be permanent.

(step 3): stamp image on to the fabric side of the cut n' dry squaring up the block of your stamp with the edges of the cut n' dry.  be sure to press firmly as you're stamping on a squishy surface. DO NOT LIFT YOUR STAMP OFF YET!

(step 4): while stamp is still in place, draw around the outline of the wood block with a pen.

(step 5): remove stamp revealing your image.

(step 6): clean you stamp off in whatever stamp cleaning "ritual" you practice.  it's just a dry towel for me, maybe a mist of water every now and then but not a drop of stamp cleaner...sorry, don't get me started.  i simply don't want to waste time scrubbing a stamp only to use it again, and besides i don't like the residue stamp cleaners leave on my stamps.  okay, enough said...moving on...

*if you're using a cling mounted stamp, there is no need to use so much cut n' dry.  just make sure your image fits.

(step 7): cut on the marked likes using a sharp pair of scissors - this stuff is pretty thick.

(step 8): gather up the colors of distress reinkers of your choice.  *normally you can use any type of dye reinker, but for this technique - distress reinkers are needed.

(step 9): begin coloring directly over your stamped image with various colors of reinkers.  i prefer to work from light to dark colors by gently squeezing the dropper of the reinker to apply ink to the image.  it's important to color ON the lines for this!

(step 10): continue inking with various colors of reinkers.  *tip: i like to always use 2 tones of a color when i'm doing this.

(step 11): continue inking the entire image until colored.  you'll notice the inks will start to wick out in the fabric of the cut n' dry - don't worry.  the coolest thing of this product is when colors meet up against each other they won't cross contaminate.  cut n' dry felt is the most amazing product!

(step 12): now it's time to stamp and since we've cut our cut n' dry to the same size of the wood block, it's simply a matter of stacking them up.

(step 13): tap the stamp several times to make sure it's inked up - it should look shiny.

(step 14): stamp the image on to your surface.

(step 15): lift stamp and check it out - everything is colored and shaded - amazing!

*you can simply reink your stamp and stamp it over and over again and each time it's colored perfectly.  you can actually get about 40+ stampings from this pad before you need to reink it.

*to store your custom stamp pad, simply put it into a zip-loc bag and it will last for months.  be sure to attach a stamped image to the outside so you know what image it is later.

(step 16): now this is the coolest part...you can apply clear embossing powder over the image after you've stamped it.  yes - distress ink is an embossable dye, always has been.  that's why we needed to use distress reinkers for this one.

(step 17): remove the excess embossing powder from the image.

(step 18): heat emboss the image with heat tool.  *tip: if you hold the paper off of the table when you're heating it, this will allow the heat to pass through the paper and emboss your image in half the time.  try it!

(step 19): once your image is completely embossed it will look as if every detail is covered with glossy accents, but even better because it's already dry and ready to go. (looks wet doesn't it?)

(step 20): ink the tag with distress ink using an ink blending tool.  here i used stormy sky and weathered wood for a wintery sky look.  since your image is embossed it will resist any color you apply over it.  see it just gets better and better!  finish off the edges with walnut stain.

(step 21): step the sheet music with pumice stone to create a background image.

(step 22): ink happy holidays stamp with fired brick distress ink.

(step 23): apply aged mahogany distress ink to various areas of the image to add some shadow.  *by working light to dark you don't have to worry about contaminating your distress pads.

(step 24): stamp on to tag.  i really like the different shades of red to give this depth.

(step 25): stamp the large flourish with frayed burlap over the tag to create another shadow image.

(step 26): stamp the splatter stamp with walnut stain to create a speckled edge.

(step 27): apply matte multi-medium to back of the bird adornment charm. *i love matte multi-medium as an adhesive for my embellishments since it holds everything, and i mean everything, and it doesn't leave any shine if you're a sloppy gluer like i tend to be...

(step 28): adhere to the tag and let dry.

(step 29): stain custom trimmings by misting with water and then swipe distress pad over to tint.  let dry.

(step 30): attach trimmings to tag.

(step 31): attach baubles to large jump ring and attach to ribbon.

(step 32): prime enamel accents on craft sheet to establish flow.

(step 33): apply dots to centers of letters and let dry.  that's it!

*in the details:  i love the textures this tag has with the enameled pinecone image, the metal bird charm, and the dimensional shine of the enamel accents - it all comes together on this one!

remember the ticket i used on yesterday's tag?  well it was created following the same technique:

first i cut some tickets from 12"x12" manila cardstock using my ticket strip die. *yes, they make manila cardstock just like the tags in 8 1/2"x11" and 12"x12" so you can cut it any shape or size.

then i inked my christmas ticket stamp on my custom cut n' dry felt stamp pad i created for that particular stamp, and to line it up with the ticket strip, i placed the stamp image side up on my table and pressed the ticket on to the stamp.

i embossed all of the tickets at once since the distress ink will stay wet for 5-10 minutes allowing you plenty of time to stamp them all and then emboss them all.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

like i said, i really do think this technique is so cool...so cool that i couldn't stop creating after the tag was done.  i just had to share more inspiration and ideas with you.  i know, i know, but when the voices in my head start shouting the "how'bout's" i tend to listen (you know...how about this?  how about that?).  check out these other ways to use a cut n' dry felt custom stamp pad that will have you stamping everything in sight...

(water misting): ink stamp on custom stamp pad and mist stamp with water from mini mister.

(water misting): stamp image on to watercolor paper - the image will look very wet, no worries.

(water misting): dry image with heat tool and as you dry the inks will wick into the paper.

(water misting): this is the effect you get, the image looks watercolored and it's so very simple!

(watercolor): for a different watercolor effect, ink stamp on custom stamp pad and stamp on watercolor paper.  brush over image with a water brush to move and blend the color.

(watercolor): distress is reactive with water so it blends beautifully.  add a few flicks of the wet brush for droplets of ink in the background and dry with heat tool.

*how about making a plain stationary set using store bought cardstock and envelopes turing the ordinary...

*into custom stationary extraordinary!

now if you're thinking that this cool technique is just for the holidays - guess again.  check out this custom pad i did for one of my favorite stamp images...

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12 tags of christmas...day 1

supplies: (ranger) craft sheet, heat tool, ink blending tool, mini mister, distress inks/stormy sky/tumbled glass/faded jeans/vintage photo/walnut stain, distress crackle paint/picket fence, glossy accents, wonder tape, paint dabbers/snow cap, perfect pearl mists/pearl, #8 manila tag; (idea-ology) mini pins, mini clips, adornments, jump ring, grungeboard, grungepaper, trimmings, sanding grip; (sizzix alterations) rickety house bigz, pine tree bigz, on the fence on the edge, notebook texture fade; (tonic) scissors; (stampers anonymous) winter sketchbook stamp set, odds & ends stamp set; (misc.) sparkly fluff, holly garland, mica, q-tip, hot glue

about the tags: before we get started i wanted to address the most asked question i get..."why tags?".  i guess the first reason is i like them.  i like the shape of them, the versatility of them, and the ability to create something finished in a short period of time.  they're fun to decorate with, fun to trade, and fun to use on gifts or even send in the mail.  i prefer to work on #8 13pt. manila tags.  for the most part, the manila coating on the tags have nothing to do with any technique i do, but they do tend to hold up better when wet than regular cardstock does.  i know for many people getting this large size tag is difficult, but now you have options!


ranger has these #8 tags in packs of 20 as part of their inkssentials surfaces:

or, you can always die cut your own with my alterations tag die which also cut the reinforcers and 2 decorative bookplates (but more on that later).  i simply cut up file folders, and now i have the same manila tags to use!  you get about 6 tags per folder.

(step 1): cut a piece of grungeboard, grungepaper, and wonder tape to 4 1/2"x 6 1/2" each.  *if you don't have wonder tape no worries you can use your favorite adhesive later.

(step 2): place the grungeboard into the notebook texture fade it doesn't matter which side of the grunge is where. * i love this folder to create a cool lined pattern.

(step 3): emboss the grungeboard with your machine of choice...and we all know what mine is!

(step 4): working on your craft sheet with the textured side facing up (where the thinner lines are recessed) paint with white paint dabber .

(step 5): continue painting until the entire piece of grunge is covered with paint especially in the thin recessed areas. let dry.

(step 6): place grungeboard on a scrap piece of paper or chipboard and sand the raised texture with a sanding grip .  continue sanding until the raw grunge is exposed (the white paint should remain in the recessed areas).

(step 7): cut into random strips staying parallel with the embossed lines.

(step 8): ink over the painted/sanded side with vintage photo distress ink using an ink blending tool.

(step 9): repeat inking one side of all grungeboard strips.

(step 10): mist towel with water from mini mister.

(step 11): wipe over inked strips to remove excess distress ink and reveal white paint. *the paint works as a resist so the paint not sanded reappears white!

(step 12): repeat for all strips.

(step 13): remove one side of the backing from wonder tape sheet and adhere to grungepaper sheet.

(step 14): remove other backing of wonder tape exposing adhesive and begin adhering grunge strips to sheet. *if you don't have wondertape you can simply glue the strips to the grungepaper with your favorite adhesive.

(step 15): continue with strips until entire surface is covered.

(step 16): place grunge sheet face down (strips down) on to rickety house die and run through die cut machine.

(step 17): carefully remove house from die.

(step 18): okay here is where you need to take a deep breath.  there's no doubt that when you try to remove these thick layers from this detailed die, that some little pieces will get stuck and tear away from the grungepaper.  don't worry!

(step 19): using a craft pick, remove stuck pieces from the die and stick back on to grungepaper.

*die maintenance: whenever you cut thicker materials with detailed dies, it's important to always remove the "stuck" pieces left in the die with a craft pick before using the die again.  over time, your die may look like a pin cushion, but not to worry, it will still cut just fine!

(step 20): ink edges of the house with walnut stain distress ink using an ink blending tool.

(step 21): flip house over and tear scraps of mica to the back for the windows.  i like to tear the scraps to create more reflection.  *if you don't have mica, get creative and recycle some of that clear packaging - it works great too.

(step 22): adhere mica to back of house with glossy accents.

(step 23): using a paint brush, paint a thick layer of picket fence distress crackle paint on top edges of the house for dimensional snow.  use the brush to drag some of the paint down to create icicles.  let dry and crackle completely.

(step 24): cut a piece of grungeboard 2"x6" and die cut the on the fence on the edge die.

(step 25): paint one side of the grunge with a medium layer of picket fence distress.  let dry and crackle.

(step 26): for tag background, apply distress ink directly to craft sheet by pressing down hard on the ink pad to transfer ink to the sheet.

(step 27): repeat with various tones of color.

(step 28): shake the perfect pearls mist VERY WELL and mist ink to create droplets of color. *you can also use a mini mister filled with water and perfect pearls for this step if you wish.

(step 29): press tag down on to inked sheet covering the entire tag with ink.

(step 30): flip tag over and dry with heat tool.  repeat previous steps creating as many layers of color as you want until the desired look is achieved.

(step 31): stamp snowflakes on tag with darkest shade of blue distress ink (i used faded jeans).

(step 32): ink edges of tag with walnut stain distress ink using ink blending tool.

(step 33): cut a couple of pieces of trimmings "crinkle ribbon" and mist with water from mini mister.

(step 34): swipe distress ink pad directly over ribbon.

(step 35): crumple into a ball and let dry.

(step 36): once crackle paint is dry on the house you'll notice the crackle absorbed some of the brown distress ink, that's okay we used crackle just for added texture.  apply glossy accents over crackle painted areas.

(step 37): cover areas with sparkly fluff (i used sugar color).

(step 38): remove excess sparkly fluff and set aside to dry.

(step 39): you'll notice the crackle paint has stuck in between the fence areas of the grunge - leave it there, it looks like snow drifts don't you think? (i applied a little glossy accents and sparkly fluff to the bottom edge of this too).

(step 40): die cut a piece of grungeboard using pine tree die and apply a heavy layer of paint with snow cap dabber.

(step 41): while paint is still wet, apply sugar sparkly fluff.

(step 42): using scissors, cut various tips from the white tree to look thin out the snow covered branches.

(step 43): apply glossy accents to the back of the grunge house.

(step 44): adhere to the tag and hold in place to dry.

(step 45): trim grunge fence to desired size for tag.  i trimmed some of the bottom off, and some of the side but kept it a little longer than my tag so i can create some dimension with it.

(step 46): apply hot glue to the back of each end picket.

(step 47): adhere each end picket to tag creating a slight bend in the fence.

(step 48): create a wreath but cutting a 6" piece of mini garland and wrap garland in a circle.  make a tiny bow to adhere to the top.

(step 49): remove cotton from a q-tip.

(step 50): embellish tag by adhering the tree, wreath, and cotton "smoke" with hot glue.  attach trimming ribbon to top of tag and sure a star adornment to ribbon with a mini pin.  finally add a stamped ticket to the side of the tag with a mini clip.  (i'll share the trick to how that ticket was made on tomorrow's tag!).

 
whew!  not bad for our first tag right?  like i said, sometimes there are just more steps on certain tags than others.  it just depends on the details - and i love details!  one more thing i wanted to share about details are some other cool things that go with the rickety house die - trees...