the CLASSroom

Love is in the Air #4 - Shabby Dabbers and See Through Transfers

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!! Today is the last day of my little Love is in the Air Tag Technique mini-series. My hope is that once again you are simply inspired to just create and try new things - tags are such an easy format in which to do this!

With this thought I am going to challenge you - using any technique from this series or our 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist (just click on the following links to see your choices and find directions for the different technique options) you have one week to create a tag using one of these techniques and share it in the Gallery. Please be certain to contact us at customerservice@ellenhutson.com if you have any questions or are having trouble uploading your project!

ETA: As noted in the Gallery you have until Midnight Pacific Time on Sunday, February 21st 2011 to join in our challenge.

Following are a list of techniques to select from:

1. Shabby Dabbers - directions included in this post
2. See Through Transfers - directions included in this post
3. Copic Stained Glitter
4. Nostalgic Blended Batik
5. Shimmer Sheetz Texture
6. Colorwashed Craft-a-Board
7. Studio Paints and Transparencies
8. Studio Line "Decoupage"
9. Shabby Grungeboard
10. Studio Line Stamped Texture
11. Copic Airbrushed Graffiti
12. Alcohol Ink Holograms
13. Bigz and or Movers and Shapers Die Foam Stamps (create your own stamp)
14. Transparency Accents
15. Hot Glue Embellishments
16. Pattern Play (use a tissue paper pattern or pattern directions in your creation)
17. Magnetic Masks or Stencils
18. Sticky Back Canvas Flowers
19. Inky Texture Folders
20. Enameled Metal Embellishments
21. Dabber Resist
22. Metallic Dabber and Alcohol Ink Magic
23. Glossy Accents and Stickle Glue for Clear Embellishments
24. Clear Embossed Resist
25. Tissue Tape and Alcohol Ink
26. Create your own Custom Felt Stamp Pad

We will be selecting a random winner from all those who participate - that winner will receive a $50 certificate to shop in our store!

Tag #4... how does time pass so quickly?!? I have wanted to play with the Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime collection since it arrived and even though it is filled with flowers and fairies I felt that it was so very Valentiney (is that even a word?) in feel and knew that one of my tags was going to incorporate it. 

To begin I cut a grungeboard heart using the Heart Wingz die. I love how this heart is lopsided! Now if you don't like an assymetrical look you can cut out the coordinating "scrollwork" heart and flip it, layering it to make a symetrical heart! I should have taken a picture to share this concept and if I get time I'll come back in and show you, but because I am working from home on a Sunday evening I don't have all my tools - bummer. 

 

Place your grungeboard element in a texture folder and run it through your machine. I am loving my new Vagabond - all I have to do is push a button! SO easy! It really is a very strong machine - Erica and Julia here at work have their own little story. They actually embedded a die in the cutting plate due to an incorrect sandwich --- now that's power! bwahaha!

Paint the entire surface of the embellishment with a light colored paint dabber and allow to fully dry.

Once completely dry, sand the surface - this will remove most of the paint from that top raised layer. Then use an ink blending tool and Distress ink to add color to the sanded surface. Result... instant shabby delight!

 

This next technique was a bit of an experiment. I have created transfers now on numerous occasions by using my Multi-medium to affix inkjet prints or patterned paper to transparencies, but I have never tried mixing it with color before.

I place a very small amount of Studio Line paint on my non-stick craft sheet and mixed it together with a generous amount of Glossy Multi-medium.
 

Paint this mixture onto your plastic or acetate sheet. As you can see I started with clear glossy multi-medium at one end and the special mix with paint on the other end. Yes, the scientist in me had to experiment - ha! ha!

Place a piece of decorative paper on top of this mixture and brayer or rub in place. This next step is critical - you MUST allow it to dry completely! Don't be tempted to start the next step until it is completely dry.

 

Once it is completely dry you will then soak the patterned paper and peel off the top layer.

 

Then gently use the flat portion of your finger to rub the remaining fibers from the surface. Work slowly and carefully so that the transferred image remains in place. If you rub too hard you will remove the transfer.

You may need to wet your surface from time to time with a mini mister to keep the fibers moist and workable. Continue working until you feel the fibers are gone.

To get rid of the last little fuzzy bits, simply apply additional multi-medium to the surface.
 

For the next step I attached the decorative paper, text side up to a Craft-a-board tag and allowed it to dry.

I then used glossy multi-medium to affix my transparency to my tag. As you can see the text shows through the transparency completely in the areas where I used only multi-medium. In the areas where I had mixed Studio Paint and Gloss Multi-medium the transparency has a slight opacity to it, but you can still see through it. I love this combination - it makes for a very interesting final look.

 

Fussy cut out a fairy and add Rock Candy stickles to her wings.
 

Add embellishments and ribbon - keys, pearls, whimsy flowers - such pretty little pieces! I have to admit that I have found a new glue that I am REALLY like for attaching my ribbon. It is Beacon's Fabritac. It is a little stringy, but it dries so quickly and I am able to use it easily each time without having to unclog my bottle tip - HUGE yeah for that :-D
 

ink: Distress Ink - Tea Dye and Walnut Stain

paper: Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime Frames and Primrose Cottage, Craft-a-Board

accessories: Shell Pink Dabber, Grungeboard, Rock Candy Stickles, Baubles, Prima Flower, Printable Transparency, Studio Line Gloss Multi-Medium and Painterly Pink Paint, Antique Brass Key, Antique Brass Reinforcer, Silk Ribbon - Mauve and Olive

Love is in the Air #3 - Copic Stained Glitter Hero Heart

Today's tag takes yet another totally different twist! What is more perfect than a VERY glittery heart for Valentine's day? I have been wanting to try this for some time now and I can hardly wait to share this idea with you, so here goes...

 

You all know how much I love my Copic markers - LOL! This particular technique has been brewing in my head, but hadn't been realized on paper and so I am excited to share it with you today.

This is a perfectly girly project --- I hope you enjoy it :-D

Begin by applying Be Creative (Sookwang) tape to Neenah Solar White cardstock. Remove the lining from the tape and cover the entire sticky surface with warm highlights glitter. Use your finger to burnish the glitter into the surface of the adhesive. As you burnish, the glitter becomes firmly embedded, and it will not come off onto your marker when you color --- so be certain to firmly burnish the entire surface!

 

Because I wanted my stamped image to have a slightly raised, glossy embossed surface I removed the stickiness and static from my surface with the Puff Static Away before proceeding.

This next step is one that I had to try several different inks before determining the best way to stamp my image on to the glittery surface. I tried a wide range of ink pads with lack-lustre success before deciding to try the Studio Line of paints. I placed a small dollop of black paint on my non-stick craft sheet and then used my ink blending tool as an applicator. Simply dab the foam surface on the ink blending tool into your paint until the foam is completely covered. Transfer the paint to your stamp by simply dabbing on the stamp image surface.

While the paint is still wet immediately cover the image with clear embossing powder. Heat until the powder melts and becomes shiny and clear. The awesome thing about the Be Creative tape is that heat does NOT affect it - yeah!!!

 

Begin by coloring with your lightest Copic colors - the result is almost ethereal. When coloring on the glitter I used a VERY light touch, working carefully so that I would not damage the tip of my marker on this slightly rough surface. When burnished well the surface does become incredibly smooth and velvety, so be certain to burnish well before starting.

 

Add deeper colors and come back in over top with your lighter colors to blend. The gemstones add that final special, sparkly touch!

 

Copic colors used: RV00, RV17, BG11, BG15, BV02, BV04, YG00, YG23, 100

 

The next step is to develop the accent strip. Once again I am using a Burnished Velvet masking technique. Begin by punching a design in the Be Creative (Sookwang) tape backing as shown above. Apply a strip of 1/2" tape and remove the backing. Place the mask over the exposed surface and using another piece of backing affix mask as shown below.

 

Apply Warm Highlights glitter and remove excess. Burnish glitter before removing mask.

 

Apply a second mask as shown above - this mask was added to define the letters shown above. I could have cut out each letter and applied them with tweezers, but by doing this in two steps it was SO much easier. Apply Warm Highlights glitter on exposed edge and burnish in place.

 

Remove mask and apply glitter to exposed sticky surface (this will highlight the "x & o"). Remove excess glitter and burnish.

 

Color one pin with Copic marker RV17 - I just love how easy it is to make coordinating embellishments with my Copic markers!

 

So there you have it - one VERY sparkley love tag. This technique almost has the appearance of stained glass, therefore the title "stained glitter."

Tomorrow is the last tag in our mini-series... I can tell you that you WILL want to join us on Valentine's for the last of our Love is in the Air series and you may just want to share your thoughts between now and then ;-D

 
stamps: Hero Arts Cling Hearts and Flowers

ink: Copic Markers - RV00, RV17, BG11, BG15, BV02, BV04, YG00, YG23, 100

paper: Memory Box Taffy CS and Pixie 6x6 Paper Pack, Neenah Solar White CS

accessories: Tim Holtz Tag and Bookplate Die, Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape Sheets and 1/2" (12mm), Warm Highlights and Ice Blue Microfine Glitter Ritz, EK Success Arrow Border Edger Punches, Martha Stewart Hugs and Kisses Edger Punch, Studio Charcoal Black Paint, Ink Blending Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, Adelaide Seam Binding, Heart Trinket Pin

Love is in the Air #2 - Lille goes to Paris with a Nostalgic Blended Batik Technique

Today's tag takes a completely different twist from yesterday. I love this about this art form - yesterday was more glam and glitz, whereas today it's more about the vintagey goodness you can create!

I don't know if you remember when I posted my excitement over the new Lille line from 7 Gypsies and how I felt that it would be an awesome fit with Valentine's Day. If you don't have the time to create for Valentine's Day you could always just make a romantic card or tag for your special someone for an anniversary or just because as well.

 

Wouldn't it be SO much fun to head off to Paris for a romantic adventure?!? If not for real than perhaps it would be just the "ticket" to find a French Restaurant to rendezvous at OR you could create your own special dinner event in the coziness of your own home!

 

The technique I am sharing today is called Distress Ink Nostalgic Blended Batik. To begin I stamped Tim's Valentines ticket from Odds and Ends using Distress Embossing Ink multiple times on Manila cardstock. Apply clear embossing powder and heat set. Be certain to heat until the powders melt and become shiny and clear.

 

Then using an ink blending tools, ink over the entire set of images including the embossed design with Distress Ink using a circular motion. Apply the colors individually and in a random pattern as shown above.

 

Place a piece of newsprint or porous paper over your stamped images and iron over it on high heat. This causes the embossing powder to melt once again and be absorbed by the newsprint. Continue ironing and slowly remove the newsprint while it's still hot. If it cools the newsprint will be firmly attached to your project - LOL! SO be certain to remove it while the embossing powder is still hot and melted. Keep ironing it over again until it lifts off easily and when you view it there is no sheen on your project. Be certain to keep moving your newsprint to a "clean spot" as you work so that you do not reapply the embossing powder back to your project.

 

I love the diversity of these tags!

 

I punched a small circle from the Lille paper and colored in one of the flowers, punched it out and inserted it into a typewriter charm. Adding these fun little embellishments to your projects makes them come alive!

 

Stamp the Eiffel Tower on Manilla Cardstock and cut out. The center of the Eiffel Tower was cut out using my little Fiskars fingertip knife. This knife is the perfect way of cutting out those tiny, awkward spots. Affix a heart to the tower for added romance.

The background for my tag was created by randomly applying Matte Multi-Medium to my #8 Tag. The odd outline of attached paper makes the project more vintage in feel. By attaching my printed designer paper to the tag, allowing the adhesive to dry and then tearing away the excess paper I was left with this awesome vintage feel. Next apply Distress Ink using an ink blending tool. Stamp the flourish using Barn Door Distress Ink and then apply Rock Candy Distress Stickles with your finger randomly over the image and edges. Allow it all to dry before attaching your embellishments, twill and baker's twine.

Thank you for joining in my romantic adventure - LOL! I hope that you can use these techniques to create a vintage wonder of your own!

 
stamps: Memory Box Eiffel Tower, Tim Holtz Odds and Ends and Fancy Flourish 

ink: Distress Embossing Ink, Distress Ink - Barn Red, Tumbled Glass and Stormy Sky

paper: 7 Gypsies Lille 6x6 Paper Pack, Inkssentials #8 Manila Tag

accessories: Hero Arts Heart Accent Pearl, Tim Holtz Typewriter Charm, Tiny Attacher and Rock Candy Distress Stickles; 1/2" Circle Punch, Studio Matte Multi-Medium,  7 Gypsies Princesca Crystals

Love is in the Air #1 - Shimmer Sheetz Texture

Today starts the first of our 4 Tags of Love series for 2011! We would like to welcome you once again to our little tag mini series where we focus on some fun techniques and share them in a love-filled tag format. I can tell you that each tag will be VERY different from the next, so I hope you will continue to join me for the full series.

 

Today's tag is inspired by a technique that I learned while at CHA from Judy Kauffman, the creator of Shimmer Sheetz. I cannot begin to tell you how amazing this background looks in real life! The combination of the Shimmer Sheetz and the Glitter Ritz is incredible! I wish that I would have the ability to better capture this in photos, so you are just going to have to trust me that it just makes you say... WOW!

 

To begin attach Be Creative Sookwang tape to a piece of Neenah Classic Crest Solar White cardstock. Using a teflon bone folder or a brayer go over the entire surface to adhere the adhesive well. Then cut out your tag.

Cut a piece of Shimmer Sheetz to fit slightly larger than the size of the tag. Run the Shimmer Sheetz through an embossing folder, I used Tim's Damask Texture Fades.

 

Next remove the tape backing and affix the Shimmer Sheetz to the sticky surface. Place on your work surface and brayer over the entire surface to adhere the raised surface of the Shimmer Sheetz to your cardstock tag.
 

Carefully remove the Shimmer Sheetz from the tag surface doing your best not to finger print the sticky surface of the tag. I like to use my teflon bone folder as I work to help hold the tag as I remove the Shimmer Sheetz. As you remove the "sheetz" you will note that the surface of the mylar sheet is attached to the tape only in the portions that were raised.

Now for a little magic!

 

For a high contrast look use Black Glitter Ritz and dump it over the entire surface of the tag. Tap to remove excess.

 

Then use your finger to embed the glitter into the adhesive --- remember, this is the burnished velvet technique (you can read more about burnished velvet here.)

As you can see I made two tags - note the subtle difference. By flipping the Shimmer Sheetz and using the opposite side you get the reverse image.

Can you imagine the possibilities?!? Tone on tone, high contrast, Perfect Pearls rather than glitter... I can hardly wait to hear what you think and when you try it I would LOVE to see your projects - so be certain to share them in the Gallery!

 

Are you tired of me sharing the wonders of Craft-a-Board yet? LOL! I wanted to keep my focal point simple so that the background would not get lost.

I stamped this gorgeous Iron Orchard Designs image from Unity Stamps using a Pearl Paint Dabber and allowed it to dry.

 

My first attempt I misted the Craft-a-Board with Cranberry Color Wash. I felt it was just a hair too dark and so decided to experiment with the Color Wash. By mixing 1/2 Color Wash and 1/2 water the intensity of the color was reduced to perfection!

Hmmm - can you imagine the beautiful range of monochromatic colors you can create!

 
I then cut around the image and inked the edges using an ink blending tool and Concord Grape distress ink, stitched some silk ribbon to the tag and affixed some gemstones and this darling Whimsy Heart (LOVE these!)

The last step was to punch a butterfly from the remaining Shimmer Sheetz. Yes, Shimmer Sheetz can be die cut and punched! Imagine the possibilities!

I would love to hear from you! Have you ever worked with Shimmer Sheetz before and if so what did you create with them? Thank you for joining me here for my first of four tags!
 
stamps: Unity Stamps Iron Orchird Designs - Be Still Beloved Collection

ink: Dusty Concord Distress Ink

paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Essentials by Ellen Craft-a-Board

accessories: Iridescent Pink Shimmer Sheetz, Black Glitter Ritz, Be Creative (Sookwang) 4 1/2" Tape or Tape Sheet, Webster's Pages Pink Heart Whimsy, Black and Pink Gemstone Crystals, Martha Stewart Classic Butterfly Punch, Damask Texture Fades Embossing Folder

Valentines Tag #4 - Sugary Love Tag by Lisa Strahl

What fun this little Love Themed Tag feature has been!  It's a joy to work with my friend Bek and to see how we can use the same supplies and come up with completely different projects.  Very cool methinks.

My tag today features the Valentines line by Basic Grey called Sugar Rush (the 6x6 inch paper pad), a stamp set that Becky designed when her and I worked for CHF called Domestic Love and LOTS of other extra goodies.  :)

I decided to work with the Clear Paintables, Frames 2 sheet from Prima.  The artwork for these paintable transparencies is absolutely gorgeous.

I trimmed the paintable to the size of my tag. 

Once again the red that I needed did not quite match the paint I had, so I mixed Dash of Red and Painterly Pink Studio Paint by Claudine Hellmuth.  I have said it before and need to say it again, this paint is a joy to work with.  It makes me look like I know what I am doing!  Next, turn the transparency over and paint the rose.

 

Paint the leaves with Landscape Green.

Fill in the frame with Pastel Raspberry Liquid Pearls and allow all of the these to dry and set. 

Stamp the man and woman with Jet Black Archival Ink on the back side of the paper called Pulled Taffy.  It stands as a one sided sheet in the Sugar Rush 6x6 paper pack.

Trim the image and secure it behind the transparency with 1/8 inch Scor-Tape.  

Trim the paper called Cinnamon Bear to match the tag, make sure that you adhere from the top of the tag toward the bottom as the tag is longer than 6 inches.  We will cover that open portion later. 

 

Apply more double-sided tape to the bottom edge of the tag to secure the transparency.

Apply the 1/2 inch double sided tape to the bottom edge of the tag over the transparency. 

Apply the green crochet trim from the Webster's Pages Classic Trim Collection. 

...and then the pink trim from the same package. 

I couldn't help but add one of these heart shaped pearls as an earring. 

Punch a crown from the reverse side of the paper called Fireball (again, this is a single sided sheet in the 6x6 Sugar Rush paper pad.)

 

Add single jewels to each of the spikes on the crown.

 

And a row of jewels to the pink trim.

Cut the word "amour" from the Fireball paper and adhere with double sided tape as shown.

I created my own jewel flourishes to suit my project from a regular package of jewels where the lines are straight.  I also added a Sugar Rush Stitched Brad in the center of the rose. 

I hope you get to do something romantic with that special someone in your life this Valentines Day.  I must tell you that my hubby purposely does NOT give me anything on the 14th.  Wait, wait!  Don't get upset just yet...he always surprises me at least a week early.  The card usually says something like, "I don't need a special holiday to tell you how much you mean to me".   Awwww.  And every year I am surprised!

I am so excited that I get to see Bek and Ellen on Saturday, as we all meet in Anaheim at CHA Winter.  Can't wait!  Thanks for sharing these few days with us CLASSroomies!

Valentine Tag #3 You Can't Beat True Love by Becky Olsen

Wow that tag Lisa created is stunning! It looks like she and I were thinking along the same love lines, I used some fun Graphic 45 in my project as well!

This is what the finished version looks like, and I wish you could see all of the fun depth and color dimension this tag has! And I love this stamp set, although I did design it so I might be a little biased  ;o)

To get started on creating this project you will need a piece of "Haute Couture" paper from the Graphic 45 Fashionista line, Perfect Gold Perfect Pearls, Matte Multi-Medium, and Painterly Pink Studio Acrylic paint

Rip the paper into different sized pieces.

Put dollops of the Multi-Medium, the pink paint and the perfect pearls onto a Non-
Stick Craft Sheet with a little water and a large Studio Brush.

Blend it all together until it has a nice loose consistency.

Brush a little of the mixture onto a #8 Manila tag (you could use the white for this as well) then place a piece of the paper on and then brush the mixture over the top and repeat for all the pieces until the tag is covered and no tag is peeking through.

Spread the remaining glaze mixture evenly over the top of the entire tag. Set the tag aside to dry, we are going to work on other things so no worries. If you want to hurry it along, use the Heat It tool.

Get another smaller dollop of the Matte Multi-Medium, Charcoal Black paint and Pewter Perfect pearls and blend to create another lovely glaze.

Brush onto both sides of Vintage Collage Art Flowers.

Set aside to dry, or accelerate with Heat It tool.

Use different sizes of the Champagne colored Opaline for the centers of the flowers. Set them aside until we are ready to embellish our finished tag.

For the next piece you will need to trim a piece of Crystal Clear Plastic to the same size as the tag.

Get out your Black Archival Ink and images from the Domestic Love set and stamp them onto the clear plastic. You can set that aside to dry or accelerate with the Heat It tool.

While that is drying, lets get the tag back onto the deck. Check and make sure that it has finished drying. Trim the edges with Non-Stick Scissors.

Put the "beater" image from Domestic Love onto a clear block and ink with Coffee Archival Ink.

Randomly stamp all over the tag. Use the Heat It tool to make sure the ink is set.

Get a small dollop of Blank Canvas, Painterly Pink and Sable Brown Studio Paint onto your Non-Stick Craft Sheet.

Flip the clear plastic over so you can paint on the back. Carefully blend the colors until you have a combination that you like. Start with a little white and add small amounts of the pink and brown until it is a where you want the color to be. Brush onto the back of where you have stamped.

While the paint is wet, place the clear plastic on top of the tag. The paint will behave like an adhesive to hold the plastic in place.

Place some weight on top of the tag and let the paint dry.

 
When the paint is dry the plastic is stuck nice and tight!!!
I could just leave it, but you know I love the look of stitching, so I then straight stitched around the edge to give a little more finish.

Using your tiniest Studio Brush, outline the top of the painted area. When I had painted I made sure to create a thought bubble feel.

The last thing we need to do is add our beautiful flowers to the top of the tag. Use some dimensional foam adhesive to adhere them and then hold it up and admire your hard work!

Thanks so much for stopping by to play with us!
B-

Valentine Tag #2 Communique Love by Lisa Strahl

Hello dear friends of Ellen Hutson, LLC!  Ellen was so thrilled at your response to our 12 Tags of Christmas with Feminine Twist that I could not resist but join Becky for a "love" themed series leading up to Valentine's day.  Bek gave you some sugary sweetness with the first installment so I focused on a vintage theme with my first tag...

This is a very BIG tag - it measures 8.25 x 4 inches!  I wanted to cover this entire tag with the Graphic 45 Communique Collection tartan paper called Typography.  Lay the tag on the backside of the paper to trace it.  Cut it out and adhere to the tag.

 

Next I needed some red paint and didn't have quite the right shade so I mixed the two Studio colors called Dash of Red and Modern Red which worked perfectly!

 

Paint the largest chipboard heart from the Wings and Hearts Mini Chipboard set.

 

Next paint letters from the Grungeboard Mixed Minis set as well as the Wings with Traditional Tan Studio Paint on a Non-Stick Craft sheet with the Studio Line Paint Brush set.

 

Sand the wings and heart as desired once the paint is dry with the Tim Holtz Sander. 

Press the Ranger Ink Blending Tool firmly to the Tea Dye Distress Ink Pad.

Ink the heart and wings with the tool.  You will get a lovely aged look on these pieces that will coordinate with the project much better.

 

Cut out this lovely lady from the Communique Collection paper.  It's actually from a sheet called "Communique".

 

I like to use my Tonic Guillotine Trimmer to create a nice square border of black around the image.  This trimmer is so handy for all of my precision cutting - it will shave off the tiniest sliver of paper.

 

Paint the reverse side of a Black and White Clock Sheer embellishment with Traditional Tan Studio Paint.

 

Cut a 1x4 inch border of "Buttons A La Mode" from the Graphic 45 Fashionista Collection.  I need to share with you that Graphic 45 has several collections that work well together.  I had seven pieces of paper pulled for this tag from 3 different collections.  Great paper.  Hand tear the top side of the border and adhere to the tag.

Collage the elements together as shown and adhere to the tag.  I used some foam tape under the heart and wings.

Pick up some red (R59 Cardinal) Copic Marker with the Colorless Blender...

...and paint her lips.  Why did I not just use the red marker you ask?  Too dark!

Tuck some Prima Flowers in under the wings.  I also inked this flowers with Tea Dye Distress Ink to tone down the white and tie them better with the project.

Adhere some Filmstrip Ribbon over filmstrip on the paper as shown.

I skipped ahead a few steps - oops!  I got so carried away with my creating that I forgot to stop and take pictures.  *smacks herself in on the forehead*

Here are a few more details - I added some hands to the clock which are also included in the set, placed a "Say It In Pearls" embellishment in the center of the clock, typewriter key letters from the Die Cut Alphabet sheet and last but not least, some black Prima lace.

Thank you so much for joining us in the CLASSroom, this tag was an absolute joy to create for you.  I hope in inspired you to create something very special for someone in your life this Valentines Day.

Cheers, Lisa

Valentine Tag #1 Who Loves You? by Becky Olsen

The Christmas tags were so much fun that we thought we would bring you some more inspiration for Valentine's Day!

We will be starting with a #8 White tag, your Non-Stick Craft Sheet, Sky Blue and Blank Canvas Studio Acrylic Paint. Use your large Studio Brush to scoop out a small dollop of blue, rinse in a clean cup of water and then scoop out the same size dollop of the white and loosely mix them.

Use the brush to cover the tag with the paint, work quickly to cover the whole thing and to keep the paint moist.

Stamp Swirling Snowflakes into the moist paint and then lift to remove the paint where the stamp touched the tag. Clean the stamp immediately, and don't forget to rinse your brush too.

This is what the technique looks like when you are done.

Paint a piece of Sticky Back Canvas with Painterly Pink Studio Acrylic Paint and your large brush. Let dry or use Heat It Tool to facilitate drying process.

Stamp the heart from the Kim Hughes Heart Warmers set using Espresso Adirondack Pigment Ink.

Stamp the bare tree from Winter Trees using the Espresso ink again.

Trim out and place in the middle of the dry tag.

Stamp the little owl from the Kim Hughes U R A Hoot set, paint using Traditional Tan, Sable Brown and Charcoal Black. 

Paint the beak and toes with Altered Orange and Dab of Yellow.

Stamp the sentiment "Who Loves You?" from the same set using the Espresso Adirondack Pigment Ink. Fill in the hearts using a Quickie Glue Pen.

Sprinkle a little Martha Stewart Glitter in Garnet onto the sentiment where the glue is.

Adhere the sentiment to the top of the tag. Fussy cut the hearts and owl out and arrange on the tag.

When all the pieces are arranged the way you like them, start to peel the protective backing off the canvas and adhere them to the tag.

Of course we don't have to stitch the hearts into place, but I just couldn't help giving each of these darling little hearts a little kiss of love using the Martha Stewart Baker's Twine. Just thread your embroidery needle and make a little "x".

To make the "X" just poke four holes in the shape of a square and come up through with one corner and down into the one diagonally from it and repeat for the other side.

Machine stitch around the sentiment with red thread.

Now tie with a big Red Silk Bow and call it done! Can you feel the love?

I had a wonderful time creating this project, the cool of the blue and the way the pink played off of it gave it such a fun visual pop. The paint technique is really fun and so versatile, I hope that you take a few minutes to try it in a couple of different ways. You will be surprised how different it turns out each time even with the same products. And don't be afraid to experiment, you never know what new technique you might create!

B-