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:
- Shabby Dabbers - directions included in this post
- See Through Transfers - directions included in this post
- Copic Stained Glitter
- Nostalgic Blended Batik
- Shimmer Sheetz Texture
- Colorwashed Craft-a-Board
- Studio Paints and Transparencies
- Studio Line "Decoupage"
- Shabby Grungeboard
- Studio Line Stamped Texture
- Copic Airbrushed Graffiti
- Alcohol Ink Holograms
- Bigz and or Movers and Shapers Die Foam Stamps (create your own stamp)
- Transparency Accents
- Hot Glue Embellishments
- Pattern Play (use a tissue paper pattern or pattern directions in your creation)
- Magnetic Masks or Stencils
- Sticky Back Canvas Flowers
- Inky Texture Folders
- Enameled Metal Embellishments
- Dabber Resist
- Metallic Dabber and Alcohol Ink Magic
- Glossy Accents and Stickle Glue for Clear Embellishments
- Clear Embossed Resist
- Tissue Tape and Alcohol Ink
- 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
