Welcome to Day 1 of our 12 Tags journey! I have to admit I almost felt panic in my stomach this morning - LOL! What if I couldn't create something worthy to share with all of you - it has been far too long since I have allowed myself the gift of creating and I'm feeling RUSTY! Life has been SO busy - moving my MIL, helping my daughters with all their school projects, trying to keep things running smoothly here at work, starting new adventures and trying to wrap up the old - I just haven't found the time to allow myself this luxury. Yes, today was a gift - once I started to create the ideas just began to flow and I am so thrilled with the final tag - I hope you like it. Be certain to read the end of this post, because we have a special surprise for you!
(you can double click on all the photos to make them bigger)
When I saw Tim's tag this morning my mind reverted to a page I had seen in the Crate and Barrel holiday catalog. There was a wreath - it was all white and it had white painted pine cones in it. There were also pages showing a combination of white, silver and either gold or cream --- and the thoughts started to flow as I worked.
I did exactly what Tim suggested. Neenah cardstock is quite stiff, so before diecutting I broke down the fibers by rubbing it back and forth on both sides, and in different directions, over the edge of my work table. Next I cut out the tattered pine cone and folded over the edges and creased each scale with my fingernail.
Using hot glue attach the first scale to the end of a toothpick.
Begin to roll the toothpick, wrapping the scales around the toothpick as shown. Now this isn't quite as easy as I am making it sound. I will be completely honest with you and tell you that I believe that Tim has had a little more practice than I have - he may just be the master tattered pinecone maker ;-D
I did cheat and once I had it wrapped around and fitted I unwrapped it and put a couple little spots of glue on the toothpick along the way. My dexterity is lacking in comparison I guess - LOL!
I didn't worry about the excess hot glue on the toothpick stem because I knew I was going to be clipping it off at the base and wanted to be certain it was secure. Hopefully this sideview will help you see the spacing as you work.
When working with white on white it is extremely important to provide a lot of texture. Using the Distress Embossing Ink Pad I brushed the tips of the scales, then dipped the pine cone in white embossing powder and melted it with my heat tool.
Use a pair of self-locking tweezers to hold it while you work so you don't burn your fingertips!
Clip the toothpick to make it easy to affix the finished pinecone to your project.
As I created the pinecones I thought about how I could create a wreath. Maya Road creates the loveliest trims! I have been so looking forward to playing with it and this tulle screamed wreath.
Using about an 8" piece of 20-gauge stainless wire I began "sewing" with the wire along the natural seam in the trim.
Work the tip of the wire in and out of the tulle, just like you are using a needle.
Approximately every 1 1/2" of gathered tulle I would add a lightbulb. Lightbulbs are SO Christmas and it was after I was almost finished with the tulle that the "lightbulb" went off and I pulled all the tulle off to add these cute little embellishments. I can totally see using alcohol ink to color them and create a more modern, contemporary wreath! Someone please try it for me :-D
As I stated earlier when working with white on white texture is critical. I love the fact that Tim has a couple of stamps that coordinate with the embossing folders. I wasn't certain if this was going to work, but figured nothing like a good experiment.
Stamp and emboss the image with white embossing powder.
I needed to be in good light to be able to align the text with the message in the folder and then used a piece of tissue tape to attach my tag to the folder interior so that it wouldn't move.
Run it through your machine and magic happens. Beautiful texture on texture, beautfiul white on white!
To create balance with the silver in the light bulbs I adhered some metal foil to Neenah cardstock and then sanded it with the sanding tool. As you can see in the photo above the variation in the texture is stunning - it has a much more satin-like appearance after you sand it, allowing it to coordinate beautifully with the satiny finish on the lightbulb bases.
Using more burnished foil attached to cardstock I cut out the foliage for the pinecones.
Now not only do you have a beautiful tag, BUT you have created the sweetest ornament for your tree. Gift it to someone on a package - that someone will feel special as they hang their tag on the tree!
stamps: Seasons Silhouettes
ink: Distress Embossing Ink Pad
paper: Neenah Solar White Cardstock
accessories: Sizzix Dies - Tag & Bookplates, Vintage Lace and Tattered Pine Cone, Christmas Background Texture Fades Embossing Folder, Tim Holtz Light Bulbs, Lavish Trimmings, Sanding Block, Metal Foil Tape Sheet, Maya Road Ribbon Tulle Pleat Trim, White Opaque Embossing Powder, 20-Gauge Silver Beading Wire, 7 Gyspies Antique Silver Reinforcer, Hot Glue Gun
Join in the fun and leave us a comment telling us where you find inspiration for creating your holiday cards? Your comment will automatically enter you in a random drawing for the Tattered Pine Cones die - you have until Saturday noon Pacific Time (one comment only per person please.)
Thank you for joining in the festivities here in the CLASSroom!
