Tim's Tag Techniques

It's time for another Stamp Man Challenge. This is a brilliant choice for a theme from Brenda. We had to chose a technique or techniques from a Tim Holtz Christmas Tag. 

I opted to try the technique used to create the background for the tag for Day 3 2009. This involves using alcohol inks on glossy card stock to create plaid backgrounds. It is a super technique that I had not tried before. I will not explain how to do it as Tim does that for you. Just click on the link above to go straight there.

It took me a little while to get the colour combination right. I wanted blues and purples. Eventually I ended up with a piece that has an uncanny resemblance to a pair of my Marks and Spencer pyjama bottoms...!!!

I then over stamped with the pine branch and snowflakes using Archival Black ink. I used the texture stamp from Stampers Anonymous Urban Tapestry set with a pearl dabber to soften the background and make it look like snow.

The deer die-cut was stamped and coloured with distress ink then triple embossed with clear powder. Then as a finishing touch for the top I added a shimmery ribbon bow and a reindeer button.

All the supplies used for this tag are available from the Stamp Man (apart from the button). Be sure to visit the Stamp Man Challenge blog for lots of inspiration from the team and also details on how to enter the challenge. Remember there is a £10 voucher for the winner. I am also going to enter this into the Grungy Monday challenge at Studio L3.

The Stamp Man Challenge - Collage/Collage Background

I can't believe it's time for another Stamp Man Challenge. This time the lovely Angela has chosen for us the theme of "Collage/Collage Background" . To me collage means layers of paper, ink, stamping and adding things!!

As Christmas is fast approaching I thought I would have a go at a Tim Holtzesque tag.

This is how I built up my layers:

• Cut a Tim Holtz Big Tag from mount board and text paper from an old book. Stick together.
• Apply a thin layer of gesso to the text paper. Allow to dry.
• Stamp several snowflakes with Versamark and emboss with white powder, making sure to avoid the area where the overhanging pine bough is to be stamped.
• Apply and blend blue distress inks over the top.
• Stamp the pine bough in the top left. Stamp the small pine tree several times in bottom left with Pine Needles distress ink. 

• Sponge a little versamark along the bottom of the tag and emboss with white powder to create drifting snow.
• Die cut deer from mount board and stamp with music background then colour with Brushed Corduroy distress.
• The ornate plate was partially inked with silver ink and embossed with Stardust powder. I also inked the edges of the tag with silver ink and embossed with the Stardust powder. The photos don't really show up the sparkle, but it really is pretty and catches the light.
• To finish I added ribbon and a snowflake brad, some gemstones and a shrink plastic snowflake dangling off the end of the ornate plate.

 I had fun making this. I like making tags but haven't made one in ages so this has got me in the mood again. Be sure to check out what the rest of the team have created and perhaps join us at The Stamp Man Challenge. Be sure to check out The Stamp Man online shop. They are offering free postage over £20 at the moment.
I thought I would also enter this at The Artistic Stamper challenge which for November is Backgrounds. I just discovered this site tonight and was very inpressed by their DT.

The Old Jalopy

I am talking about the car here and not my husband Graham!! It's his 50th birthday next week so I thought I better get a card done as we are going to Ireland on Friday to see my Dad and sister.
I bought this lovely Sizzix Tim Holtz die at The Stamp Man in Skipton, when we went down to the retreat. I have been dying to have a play with it. I love it!!

The Old Jalopy

I used some of the gorgeous papers from Tim Holtz's Kraft Resist Paper Stash for the car and the background. I wasn't sure where all the bits of wheels and fenders went but I think they look OK. I even put acetate behind the windows with a bit of silver alcohol ink to look like sunlight reflecting off the glass.

The silver numbers were altered with alcohol inks. The sentiment came from a new Indigo Blur set (as did the compass dial) "Grand Tour III".

And as a finishing touch I added a steam punk charm. My friend Linda and I bought a heap of great charms at Embsay crafts also when we were down for the retreat.

I think my hubby will like this. He never looks at my blog so I can share it now before his big day!!

The Stamp Man Challenge - Show us Some Stitching

The new challenge at The Stamp Man this fortnight is "Show us Some Stitching". One of these days I will get my sewing machine set up so I can actually use it!!

So it's either hand stitching or faux stitching I do at the moment.

I bought the Tim Holtz Alterations Sewing Room die from the Stamp Man when I was in Skipton a few months ago. Therefore the perfect choice to go with the stitching theme. And I went all pink and girly for a change - what is happening to me, I ask myself!!

A Stitch in Time

I stitched the zig-zag borders down both edges with very fine shimmery metallic thread. At the top I added little clusters of beads. I know you can't see it but I also stitched along the top of the lace so that it could be gathered to form the skirt around the mannequin.

I think I know someone who would like this!! 
My daughter Catriona was home for a couple of days. When I went to import this picture from my camera I found a couple of photos she had taken of our dog Rory. He looks so cute, I thought I would share it with you!

Rory asleep in the garden!!