I started to laugh out loud when I saw that today was a monochromatic, elegant look Tim created. I simply thought, "Well shoot Tim, your killin' me here - I just did that yesterday, so now what?!?" So I put on my thinking cap --- Steampunk anyone? Yes, I went totally out of my element and decided to see what happened. Remember that discussion yesterday about the whole can't get out of the elegant box - well... is it still elegant? LOL!
I love the old Christmas tune, "It's the most wonderful time of the year," and felt that this sentiment would be perfect with the Steampunk look I created today. I was excited that Tim had selected to use the Rosette die today as I had set one aside for blog candy - yes, one lucky person can win that die today! It is such a versatile little shape that can be used in many ways!
I had brought in an old pattern in hopes that I could use it at some point during this tag series. Using the rosette die cut one out of the pattern directions and ink using the ink blending tool and Antique Linen Distress ink. Using the Weathered Wood pad ink directly to paper, or in this case pattern.
Next use the Perfect Medium pad to also direct-to-paper randomly rub the scalloped edge of the rosette to the pad and then brush on Pewter Perfect Pearls.
To create the flower center I used some gorgeous gold fabric that Julia had brought to work that was left over from her Halloween costume. Use Be Creative (Sookwang) tape to attach the fabric to cardstock.
Place a piece of pattern, then the cardstock (fabric side faced towards die as shown above) atop the rosette pinked die center and run it through the Big Shot.
As you can see I did use my little snips to make certain that it separated perfectly.
Attach the two ends of the rosette together to form a circle. (Tim has done a video for you so be certain to watch it if you are having trouble with the rosette die.) I wanted to share how the size of the rosette can vary when you are working with a lighter weight paper.
It all depends on how you hold the rosette as you adhere the pinked circle. See how tight it can be vs. the look shown in the photo above this one.
After with exchanging emails with Tim regarding how to hold the rosette together I am totally convinced that the old hot glue gun is definitely the best tool and glue to keep the rosette from popping open. I apply the glue generously to the pinked circle...
and then position it atop the rosette. Repeat for the opposite side and your rosette will be solid.
Since my glue gun was out I thought I would do a VERY old technique that many of you may have forgotten about. Ink your red rubber stamp generously with embossing ink (this is to make the removal of the stamp from the glue extremely easy.) Then squeeze a circle of glue on to your non-stick craft mat. Wait for the glue to cool down slightly...
and then place your stamp directly into the puddle of glue as shown above. Allow to sit until the glue cools and remove.
You can leave this embellishment in a button-like form, or use scissors (preferably non-stick) to cut out the image.
Remove excess embossing ink with a soft cloth. Ink with Perfect Medium Ink and brush on Pewter Perfect Pearls. Add rhinestones attaching with mini Glossy Accents to firmly affix and add that little extra bling.
Ink the music background with Coffee Archival ink and dry. Brush a coat of Matte Multi-Medium over entire tag. Crumple pattern and then straighten out and attach to tag. Brush another coat of Matte Multi-Medium over the top of the pattern paper like you would when you Mod Podge. Allow to dry and then using an ink blending tool and Vintage Photo Distress ink add character to the edges.
To create some funky leaves punch Mega Gian Dahlia Petals from the pattern directions. Ink in the same manner as the rosette, using Distress Antique Linen and Weathered Wood, and the Perfect Medium Ink pad. Apply Pewter Perfect Pearls.
I LOVE flattening wire and it was perfect for this application. Attach the flattened ends to your paper leaves using the mini Matte Multi-Medium as your adhesive. It is so very easy to control when using this little applicator. Curl some additional wire as shown below.
Print the sentiment on a piece of typing paper, then affix a small piece of the pattern directions directly atop the sentiment using Temporary or Repositionable adhesive.
I love the Glue Arts repostionable adhesive and keep one in my "gun" at all times. I do use repositionable adhesive quite frequently and so it comes in so very handy.
Gather some gold crochet trim by pulling one of the threads and attach to fabric piece cut to size using Be Creative (Sookwang) tape.
Create another strip from pattern paper using the rosette die. Run a piece of Be Creative tape along the bottom and apply Silver Embossing Powder. Be Creative/Sookwang tape can be heated - simply use your Heat It tool to melt the embossing powder. Attach to trim piece using more tape and attach entire embellishment to your tag using another strip of tape.
Add a few more rhinestones, some dangles and your sentiment as shown. So today you've been "Steampunked" - hope you enjoy this funky alternative and that it inspires you to try something different this holiday season!
stamps: Stampers Anonymous Festive Sounds and Winter Sketchbook
ink: Distress Embossing Ink, Perfect Medium, Distress Antique Linen, Weathered Wood and Vintage Photo
paper: Inkssentials Manila Tag #8, McCall's, Simplicity or Butterick Pattern
accessories: Tim Holtz Rosette Die, Tiny Attacher, Silver Embossing Powder, 7 Gypsies Time Flies Hardware, Copper Rhinestone Borders, Clear Chandelier Crystals, Punch Bunch Mega Giant Dahlia Petals, 18-gauge Bronze Wire, Chasing Hammer, Steel Bench Block, Rubber Block
Here we go - this die is a must have! It is so fun in SO many ways.
So yesterday I asked you what style you thought you created in - today I am going to challenge you. What have you NOT tried yet that you think just might be fun to give a try? Step out of your comfort zone and tell me what you are going to try this coming year! Leave your answer in the comments section below to be included in this random drawing. You have until Saturday morning - and trust me when I tell you that you are going to want to be here on Saturday morning - just sayin' ;-D
You can post a comment each day on the current post (one comment only please) for a chance to win today's goodies. We have 3 more tags and prizes to go AND we have Hero Arts stamps going live sometime tomorrow morning. The question is can I keep this exhausted body of mine up until midnight, will I wake up in the middle of the night or will it be when I crawl out of bed tomorrow morning - I wish I knew, but I'm just plain tired so I just can't promise. We also have some fun announcements coming tomorrow morning!
Headed out here momentarily to listen to some festive holiday music that my sweet Trina is singing tonight with the choir :-D
Thank you once again for the excitement you have shared in your comments. I know there is a prize attached, but I am REALLY enjoying having you here! THANK YOU!
