Assemblage Clock for CC3C

Here is my Assemblage clock for Compendium Of Curiosities 3 Challenge at Linda Ledbetter's Studio L3. If you want to see some really gorgeous Assemblage Clocks check out the challenge here and see what the Curiosity Crew created. They are amazing and once I saw them I knew I had to try my hand at one. The sponsor for this challenge is the fabulous Funkie Junkie Boutique, they have an amazing selection of crafting supplies for vintage projects including a great selection of Tim Holtz products. Amd of course there is always another fabulous prize from Tim Holtz and Mario Rossi.You can find instructions for altering the Assemblage clock on page 33 of Tim Holtz "A Compendium of Curiosities III" which you need to participate in the challenge. You can buy an authographed copy directly from Tim Holtz here.

Shake it up, Baby!

ETA? Just added to the "Clicking Cameras" Challenge

Recently I've seen some really cute shaker cards on some of the blogs I visit. Shaker cards are all the rage right now, so when I opened my mail Friday I decided I should make one. What's so special about opening mail on Friday and how does that relate to shaker cards? Friday I received my first set of Winnie and Walter stamp sets in the mail. Jennifer McGuire had a guest post at Winnie and Walter and was giving away a gift certificate for Winnie and Walter to 3 lucky people who left a comment on her blog. I loved the card she made and what she had to say about Winnie and Walter so I checked out their blog. I loved them too! So I left a comment on Jennifer's blog and I was one of the winners!

I was actually able to order 2 stamp sets with my gift certificate, so I chose "V is for cheVron" from their new July release and a set called "The Write Stuff - Picture Perfect." I loved all of the cards made with the "V is for cheVron" stamp set on the Winnie and Walter blog so my first choice was easy. My second choice was a little harder because I loved the vellum card Jennifer McGuire made with "The Big, the Bold and Extras", but my daughter has recently purchased a Fuji instax mini 8 camera so when I saw the "The Write Stuff - Picture Perfect" stamp set with its adorable little camera and all the cute little sayings and icons, I had to have it.

fun surprise in my package

When my stamps arrived, they were tied up with a pretty little baker's twine bow along with a sweet little hand stamped tag thanking me for my order and a cute little glassine envelope sealed with washi tape and filled with little mini sequins. I had so much fun shaking it up I decided I must make a shaker card.

Winnie and Walter also have cut files to coordinate with their stamp sets. They include both svg and png files, so I had to have those too.  I was able to import the svg file to my Sizzix Eclips Sure Cuts A Lot software and cut out the pieces for my shaker camera.

mini sequins and micro beads

I recently purchased some Faber-Castell Gelatos while taking "Watercolor for Card Makers" by Online Card Classes. I'm still experimenting with the Gelatos and decided to use them for this card. They are not as easy for me to work with when stamping as the Distress Inks and Markers that I love, but every now and then I need to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new. I stamped the camera on the camera cut out with Archival Jet Black ink and then used the gelatos to water colored it.

I arranged all of  the little icon stamp images on my Fiskars Easy Stamp Press to stamp a background. It was easy to use the grid on the Stamp Press to evenly space the icons to make a pattern. I then colored the stamps with the gelatos and misted them, then stamped. I  colored the stamps and misted a second time to fill my 5" x 4 3/4" panel. Then once it was dry I added some swatches of color by scribbling the gelatos on a acrylic block and using a water brush to pick up some color and add it to the background.

you + me text fit perfectly inside V for chevron

I used 2 of the V's from "V is for cheVron" to create the banner behind the camera and cut it out by hand. I love the way the little saying from The Write Stuff  set (you + me) fit inside the V outline. The twine was from my packaging.

I wanted to share two links to some really cute shaker cards.  The first one is from the Simon Says Stamp blog that has a cute little lunch box note shaker card made by Laura Bassen and even has a quick little video. The second link is to a really cute little bubblegum machine shaker card by Jennifer McGuire which also includes a fun video. Make that 3... I just saw another shaker card at Yes, Virginia and had to add it, check her cute little shaker house card too. And now it is 4. I was revisiting my pins and found this post from a while back...another Winnie and Walter picture perfect camera shaker card. too cute! It is the second card on the post so be sure to scroll down.

ETA - 

I was catching up on my blog reading and Virginia Lu had a post where I just read that over at Moxie Fab World they were having a "Clicking Cameras" Challenge. The challenge closes at midnight tonight but you can enter a project you have created within 4 weeks of their original post for the challenge. And guess what? This card and post qualifies so I decided to enter it. You can read all the details here (Clicking Camera Challenge at Moxie Fab World). So now this post is ETA which stands for edited to add. Cool Huh? This will be my first entry into a Moxie Fab World Challenge. Wish me luck!

If you have made your own shaker card or seen any you'd like to share just leave me the info the comments and I'll check them out. As always comments are always appreciated. Thanks for stopping by.

A Little Paint, A Little Glitter, A Little Book

"Finish Me!"

Although I was excited when I saw Linda Ledbetter was sponsoring The Compendium of Curiosity 3 Challenge back in May, I missed the first few challenges. I started the first one. I used a Ranger Inkssentials #12 Craft tag to create a cover using Tim's Paint Marbling technique along with about 4 pages for a little mini album. I went out of town and never got back to my project. When I missed the deadline, I put it aside. I missed the second challenge too. It was Distressed Glitter. I love Distress Glitter but only have 2 colors, Rock Candy and Pumice Stone.

This cover has just been sitting on my desk ever since I returned from my trip saying "Finish Me!". Well I finally have. This weekend I decided to combine both of the first two challenges I missed, get out my "An Altered Journey" DVD and create a mini art journal.

My Signatures!

 I've had "An Altered Journey" for some time. It is 127+ minutes of techniques and instruction with Tim creating some beautiful projects. One of the projects is a Domino Diary. He uses Alcohol Inks on the Domino to create the front and back of the diary. For the inside pages he shows how to bind the pages by hand stitching to create signatures, including how to make a "Kettle Stitch" to hold the binding together. I love the old book feeling binding the pages this way gives. I wanted to give it a try. As usual, Tim's instructions made it easy.

Mirrored!

Once my binding was complete and my cover attached,  I started to decorate it. I die cut an oval out of a piece of  Idea-ology Mirrored with Tim's Alterations Tag & Bookplates die. It fits perfectly into an Idea-ology Ornate Bookplate. Alcohol ink gives the outer edges of the mirror an antique look. I stamped the butterfly with Stayon Opaque Baby Blue. I also made a little pocket for the inside front cover and tucked some Apha Cards inside it.

Inside Front Cover Pocket

The closure is made from some ruffled elastic and a medium size pearl from the Idea-ology line.By punching a small circle in Grungepaper and centering it in a little bit larger circle punch I was able to make 2 reinforced holes that were a little larger than the one that comes on the tag. I painted it with Brass Distress Paint and gently stretch it until the pearl would slip through and hold the cover shut.  I love that the pearls already have the findings. I just had to twist the wire on the drop pearl open to attach it to the bottom of the Ornate Plate.

Painted Marble and Distress Glitter Tag Journal with Ornate Mirror and Pearls

Here is my finished Art Journal. In the spirit of the challenge I haven't given instruction for the Painted Marble or Distress Glitter. You'll have to check out Tim's book for that. Even though the  CC3C #1 & #2 challenges are closed I'm glad I finished my art journal. If you'd like more inspiration for these techniques you can check out Linda's Blog. To make it easy the link for Challenge #1 is here and Challenge #2 is here.

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you.

Painted Industrial CC3C Challenge

CC3C #7 using Tim's Painted Industrial Technique!

Time is running out for Challenge #7 at Compedium of Curiosities III Challenge. The idea is to use your own copy of "A Compendium of Curiosities III" go to page 46 and Tim walks you step by step through the process, showing you how to create the painted industrial technique. Then you create a project and link it to the challenge page. The complete rules are here.

Here's mine. I finished it today. If you want to see some more projects using Tim Holtz's Painted Industrial Technique  you can find some gorgeous pieces at Linda's blog by clicking here. The sponsor for Challenge #7 is Inspiration Emporium and they will be giving away a $50 gift certificate to one lucky person. The Curiosity Crew also selects one lucky person to receive a wonderful package of goodies from Tim and Mario. Woo! Hoo! The Crew's choice also get a blinkie for their blog that says "I'm A Curiosity Crews Choice!"

I decided to make a box to display/store my tags. So I constructed a box from corrugated cardboard covered it with paper from the Wallflower Paper Stash, made my Painted Industrial pieces and put it all together. I wanted the box to compliment my tags but not compete. The Painted Industrial pieces are perfect. I have a tall Painted Industrial panel in back to support the tags. The die cut on the front of the box is also created using the Painted Industrial technique, but I have decorated it.

Pleats made using Tim's rosette die.

I wanted a slanted bottom to the box so that the tags would be higher in back but I didn't want them to slide. Using Tim's rosette die I cut 4 strips and used 2 to make pleated strips on each side of the bottom. The dashed lines made it easy to fold the pleats in a way that will keep my tags from sliding.

ARTIST heat embossed with Distress Embossing Powder on Vellum

I used Distress Paint to tint some of Tim's elastic ruffles, wrapped it around the box and attached it only at the corners and front. Now I can use it to hold small pieces if I want.

With the exception of vellum, a little kraft paper, corrugated cardboard and of course adhesive, everything used to create my box is from one of Tim Holtz product lines.
 
Of course I love getting comments. If you have any questions just leave a comment. I'll get an email and will get back to you quickly.. Thanks for stopping by.

P.S.

I know I said time is running out but you still have time if you want to join in the fun. Challenge #7 is open until Friday, August 1, 11:55 pm MST, so you have until next Friday! If you don't have a copy of CC3 you can purchase on directly from Tim and he will autograph it for you. There are still more challenges to come!

Altered Canvas Panel ~ First Time for Everything

If you have ever picked up one of Tim Holtz's Canvas Panels and thought "What would I do with this?" this challenge is for you. I don't know how many times I have thought about buying one and making it my own but this is the first time I actually bought one and brought it home. "Why now?" you may ask, well Linda Ledbetter's Compendium of Curiosity 3 Challenge 6 is to go to page 37 of Tim's book "A Compendium of Curiosities III" and play along. If you want more inspiration and ideas for your own panel, check out the Curiosity Crew's fantastic panels here. They have created 9 totally different and amazing canvases including a mini Christmas album.

The sponsor for Challenge 6 is the Funkie Junkie Boutique. There is also a prize from Tim and Mario. Check out the details and rules here.

3 Dimensional Butterfly

While I can't share the technique from the book on my blog (You need to work from your
own copy to participate in the challenge) I can tell you a little bit about how I created my 3D butterfly. I started by heat embossing Scattered Straw and Tea Dye Distress Embossing Powder onto a brass butterfly that was in a little gift goodie bag I got in a recent order from the Funkie Junkie Boutique. Tim's Melange Tissue Wrap has a large butterfly. I wanted to make it the focal point of my piece so I glued it to a piece of Wendy Vecchi's Clearly For Art Modeling Film and cut it out. After heating it with a heat tool, this film can be shaped any way you want, so I molded it to fit the shape of the brass butterfly. I used Distress Paint then a Distress Marker with the Marker Spritzer to tint the tissue butterfly and glued the pieces together with Sepia Accents by Ranger, giving it a stained glass look.

If you are looking for a copy of Tim's book, you can order one directly from him and he will Autograph it for you. Here's the link.

WOW!

P.S. I recently won a $25 gift certificate from Linda at The Funkie Junkie Boutique. I was surprised how much I was able to purchase and was so excited when my order arrived. It was my first time ordering from her. She has excellent prices plus fantastic and speedy service. The brass butterfly I used here was part of a little goodie bag she included with my order. Thanks Linda!

Challenges in July

Hope everyone has had a wonderful July 4th Holiday. I was blessed to be able to spend time with my family and see my Grandson watch his first fireworks.

Compendium of Curiosities 3- Challenge 5 ends tonight and I'm working right up to the wire. The challenge is hosted by Linda Ledbetter. The sponsor for challenge 5 is Inspiration Emporium.

I've stamped Lady Liberty from Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection Americana Silhouettes CMS122 using the Watercolor technique shown on page 39 of Tim Holtz's "Compendium of Curiosities 3".

The background is created using a sheet of blue from the Distress Collection of Core'dinations over a tag then dry embossing with Tim's layering stencil. After embossing I did a little sanding and inking.

I used alcohol ink on some of Tim's tinsel (it reminds me of fireworks) and also alchohol inked the Alpha Parts. I added some of his Remnant rubs on an enamel tag. Then added a few idea-ology elements to my tag. I like the way it turned out. The Watercolor and alcohol inks on the word Liberty are more vibrant in real life. I really need to work on a better way to photograph my tags.

If you want to play along be sure to get a copy of Tim's "Compendium of Curiosities 3" and check Linda's blog tomorrow challenge 6. She and the Curiosity Crew always create some amazing pieces to inspire us, and you have 2 weeks to complete the challenge.

PS:  I got up this morning and went outside to try for a better picture. It's a bit overcast this morning, so still not the best shot but Lady Liberty's colors are a little better and the Sparklers really shine. Loving the sunset look of the hint of Victorian Velvet Distress Color.

While I was at it this morning, I decided to checked out Linda's CC3 Challenge 6. All of you who love mixed media will be excited. The new challenge is Tim's Altered Burlap Panel Technique. The Curiosity Crew really went all out. So clicked the link here and check them out. I'm going back to take a closer look.

Curious?

Inspired by Compendium of Curiosities 3 Challenge # 4

Are you curious?

I have to admit I can be. However, I can also be a procrastinator. That's why the Compendium of Curiosities 3 challenge #4 was perfect for me.

This challenge is hosted by Linda Ledbetter. Every other week there is a new challenge inspired by a technique Linda selects from Tim Holtz's "A Compendium of Curiosities III". She and her Curiosity Crew create and post amazing projects. Then they invite everyone to play along.

The sponsor for the even challenges, which includes this one, is The Funkie Junkie Boutique. The prize is a $25 Funkie Junkie Boutique gift certificate. You can visit their online store at www.thefunkiejunkie.com. Participants also have a chance to win another great prize too (from Tim and Mario!) so check out the rules for the CC3 here.

Are you curious as to why challenge #4 was perfect for me? It features page 49 of "A Compendium of Curiosities III". Layering Stencils-Texture Paste. Here is where the procrastinator part comes in. Ages ago I bought some Dreamweaver Stencils Embossing Paste and never really used it. When I saw Challenge #4 used texture paste, I found my jar, checked it out and it was still good. I already had some of Tim's layering stencils so I was ready to go.

So far I have 5 of Tim's layering stencils and I used every one on my tag. Not only with embossing paste, but also inking, misting, paint and even Distress Embossing Powders. Once I got started I just couldn't stop. His stencils are fun to work with and his book is full of techniques.

Add A Bevel Edge

After making the background tag using the Layering Stencil-Texture Paste technique from page 49 in Tim's book (Can't post instructions for that part here, you really need the book), I die cut the hanging tag with Tim Holtz Alterations Styled Labels die from Sizzix out of the 3x4 prints from the Wallflower Paper Stash. With the brush tip of my Distress Markers I added the bevel look. I lightly sketched a line around the tag about 1/8" from the edge and inked around the side edge with Gathered Twigs, then used Frayed Burlap to blend it in. The colors in the Wallflowers papers didn't quite coordinate with the background tag. It needed a little of the blue so I used the Broken China Distress Marker to outline the flowers and a waterbrush to wash the color out into the background. I like the way it makes the flowers stand out. I also used a little Broken China on the right side of the tag along the inside of the bevel and to add a little color the leaves blending it out with the waterbrush.

One of my favorite quotes, "Life isn't about finding yourself Life is about creating yourself.", is from the Mini Classics CMS062 from Stampers Anonymous. After cutting apart the tiny words, I ran them through my Xyron (X) create-a-sticher, making it easier to ink them up. I used Distress Markers and a water brush. It also made it easir to place them on the tag where I wanted them.

When posting his May tag Tim mentioned that we all have "that stash of things we collect just to admire and cherish the fact that we simply have them". At least for me he's correct.  To finish off my tag I dipped into my stash of Idea-ology and played. After tying his paper string to the top of the tag I inked it a little with Frayed Burlap and a blending tool, then unraveled it and used a few of the strands to add the pearls. I decided on the "Inspire" Philosophy tag but the brass finish didn't quite go with my tag.  Distress Paints work great on the metal tags so I was able to pick up some of the colors from the tag. I even mixed in a little Brushed Pewter Distress Stain with the paint layers. Dab, wipe, heat, dab some more, even used a fine tip paint brush to add specs of color here and there and touch up Inspire.

So are you curious? Challenge #4 is open until Friday June 20th MST so you still have time to create something and enter or you can just hop on over and see what the Curiosity Crew made that inspired me. Let me know if you decide to join in the fun!

P.S. Just in case you're wondering the hinge really does work. The hanging tag lifts up to reveal another layer created using Tim's tissue wrap. Curious? I think I'll save that for another post.

UPDATE Sun Aug 10, 2014 - When I originally created and posted my tag Ranger didn't make a texture paste. Now they do! The Dreamweavers Embossing Paste I used here is resistant to ink once it is dry so unless  you want subtle color you have to mix the color in before you apply it. Ranger has just released their new Texture Paste and it is really easy to ink or color, even after it dries.

June's 12 Tags of 2014

If you follow my blog, you know I am a big fan of Tim Holtz, love to visit his blog and check out his 12 Tags of 2014 challenges. Every month he has a new tag, step by step tutorial and has a challenge. I missed March and April. I just barely made the deadline for May. When I saw how beautiful it was and how easy it would be I decided to get busy having fun. Here it is.

If you have some distress inks, any of Tim's stencils and some paper towels you are all set. The magic is in the Distress Inks and using the paper towels with the stencils to print your background. I had fun playing with my stencils, made several backgrounds and plan on playing some more. Really guys, quick and simple. Tim shows you step by step how to make a gorgeous watercolor background here. Tim even shows you how to make the Paula bow, also quick and simple. His tutorials are great with step by step photos, so no need in me repeating them, but if you have any questions about my tag leave a comment and I'll get back to you.

The watercolor stencil technique is also in his amazing book Compendium of Curiosities 3.

I hope you decide to check out Tim's blog and try this technique, if you do let me know, I'd love to see what you do.

May

Here's my tag for Tim Holtz's May 12 Tags of 2014. Hopefully I'll finish this post in time to link it. I'm running right up to the deadline so I'm keeping it short tonight.

Tim encouraged us to use our stash. Something I'll admit I have a hard time doing so this was a great challenge for me. I had recently purchased the Wallflower Paper Stash, the enamel tags were a surprise I received with my copy of Compendium of Curiosities III (Thanks Tim and Mario) but everything else I've had for a while. I even went through some tag backgrounds I had made when trying out different techniques and found this one. Not only did the colors go well with the Wallflower paper but I had used Perfect Pearl Mist when creating it so it has touches of pretty gold shimmer.

While working on my tag I decided to search Tim's blog for instructions for a flower he made with the idea-ology Foliage flowers. He has a search box so it is really easy to find his past projects. He created his for one of the 2009 12 Tags of Christimas. His instructions for the large flower are here.

I hope you like the tag, if you do you should see Tim's tag, check it out here.He always has step by step instructions. Now I can't wait to see what Tim has in store for us for the June tag.

My first 10K

OK, It's not what you think. Or if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, maybe it is. Saturday was a fun mother/daughter day for me as Valerie and I spent it scrapbooking. Since it was National Scrapbook Day we made plans to scrapbook at our dining room table just like I use to when I first got started years ago. We joined in the NSD10K sponsored by Big Picture Classes, I added a badge to my blog and we started scrapping. I completed 4 pages. Yes, completely finished 4 pages. That is a lot at one time for me. I enjoy taking my time building my scrapbook page. Lots of pictures and layers of pattern paper, die cuts and embellishments. I have quite a few pages that are still waiting for those final finishing touches. Valerie worked on her Chickamauga Scrapbook and completed 5. Valerie always completes her pages. I'm so proud of her.

I decide it was time to start scrapping my pictures of Jasper, my new grandson. He's 9 months old now and it's about time I got started. Of course, since he's my first grandson,  I have tons of pictures to choose from. I used "Baby Steps" by Simple Stories. This 12x12 collection includes double sided pattern paper, card stock stickers and 30 double side cut apart element pieces, and even 6 photo overlays, perfect to make my first pocket page album.

Valerie and I also made sure to check out the inspirational videos Big Picture Classes posted every hour. They were short and sweet. Lots of inspiration. They also had some great giveaways, even some from my favorite designer, Tim Holtz. Tim also created and posted a page. It was gorgeous. Every page posted to Instagram with #NSD10K @bigpictureclasses was counted. We didn't quite make the goal of 10K but Big Picture Classes is still accepting pages toward the 10K goal. It was a fun, free event and I'll probably check to see if they host it again next year.

Valerie and I enrolled in Online Card Classes' Watercolor for Card Makers so I'll be posting some more projects soon. I'm also working on a project for CC3C, which is Linda Ledbetter's Compendium of Curiosities 3 Challenge and  and if that's not enough after being away from crafting for so long I also plan on getting caught up on Tim Holtz's monthly tag challenge. His May tag, as usual, is gorgeous. You can check it out here. Wish me luck!

#12tagsof2014 - My Tim inspired February Tag!

Another winter storm just hit Georgia and the southeast. Since I was iced in AGAIN I took advantage of the time to work on my tag for Tim Holtz's  12 tags of 2014. Tim's February tag is a real beauty. It features a beautiful stamp using Tim's blackboard chalk technique. Unlike any other chalk board techniques I've seen so far, Tim uses real chalk along with Ranger's Frosted Crystal Antiquities Embossing Powder. If you love the chalk board look you really should give this a try. You can see Tim's step by step instructions and look at his amazing technique by clicking here.

I have been wanting to try this technique every since I first saw it in Tim's Creative Chemistry 102 online class. I'm happy with my tag but I still need to work on my technique. I think the problem that I am having is my chalk is just too hard. I am using "dustless" chalk. That's what Office Depot had. The Frosted Crystal has a tooth to it that grabs the chalk dust so I will be on the look-out for a softer chalk. In the meantime I used a little sandpaper to soften mine up some. It seemed to help.

The W is from the Swirls Alphas grungeboard set and inked with pumice stone distress ink. Pumice stone distress glitter is added using glossy accents, and the edges inked with a touch of vintage photo.

Tim's tag uses the Hearts stencil but I used the Cargo THS001 stencil, being inspired by the way my 6 month old Grandson loves it when I sing "My ABC's" and tries to sing along. I don't have any of the industrious stickers yet so I used Ranger's Inkssentials Foil tape sheets on cardstock and then die cut it with Tim's Vintage Lace Alterations 657481 die. Love this die! I used my trusty alcohol ink palette and my Alcohol refillable pen (filled with blending solution) to color the foil. As you can see I have hand sewn the foil lace on with distress twine.

I wanted to use a piece of the chalk as an embellishment but it was just too white.  So to tone it down, I distressed the piece of chalk by sanding it all over and spritzing it with some Heirloom Gold Perfect Pearls mist. Just enough distress to make it look like it belongs on my tag. I used the distress twine to tie it using glue dots so it appears to be sitting on the top of the blackboard.

One last thing before I go. If you have a die that has fold lines, you may discover tearing along the fold marks after die cutting. I wanted to show you the difference between using the Big Shot Premium Crease Pad and just the standard Clear pads with your Big Shot. The picture shows the easel back die cut from chipboard, first with just the standard pads and then again with the Crease Pad. Replace the top (clear) pad of your die cut sandwich (the side you cut into) with the Crease Pad and still use the second clear pad for the bottom of your sandwich. The Crease Pad is designed to create fold lines when used with these dies. You still get the beautiful cuts along the lines that are suppose to cut through, but the Crease Pad has just enough give to make those fold lines fold-able instead of tearing when you fold them.

Winter Freeze?

Winter weather in Georgia is usually mild. However occasionally we have weather that makes the news 24/7. The weather has been the breaking news in Georgia yesterday, today and probably will be tomorrow too. 1 to 3 inches hit the metro area at mid day. Not that it wasn't expected, but the impact it made caught many by surprise. Expressways were quickly jammed, with some people unable to make it home at all. School closings varied by county. Where some were closed all day or closed early, some did not close at all. Some parents flooded the schools when they found out their school was staying open. In some areas, school buses could not complete their routes, becoming stranded or returning to the schools. Some parents had trouble finding out where their children were and some children did not make it home until today, staying in schools overnight. Governor Dale declared a State Emergency and everyone is urged to stay off the roads. Me and my family were fortunate enough to make it home before things got bad.

What that really means to me now, is I've watched the news much more than I usually do and I finally spent some time in my studio with my Distress Inks, Grungeboard, Big Shot and Tim's blog post for the January 12 tags of 2014. This is a really good thing because I decided this is going to be the year I was going to finally create a tag for each month and I was quickly running out of time. Once I got started I had a wonderful time.

Tim used his Pocket Watch die with a Circle movers and shapers to create a really amazing multi-medium focal point for his tag along with several other great techniques that I did not include in my tag. He does a fantastic job with step by step photos so generally I just post a picture of my tag and tell what I did different. You should check out his tag here. Like everyone else, I usually don't have the everything Tim has, so a few things had to be substituted.

You may wonder why my January tag has big red, white and blue letters that say DAR. My tag is a gift to my daughter Valerie. She is in the process of being accepted as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her lineage is through her Dad's side of the family. Her 6x great-grandfather, Private John Cash of the Virginia Militia. (Yes, the same 3-x great grandfather of my hero, Johnny Cash.)

The DAR letters are from a Grungeboard alphabet pack, the tag at the bottom is die-cut from the larger of Tim's mover and shaper tags but I folded it in half to give Valerie a hidden journaling spot. I used the larger hole punch on the crop-a-dile to punch the holes on the cover of the tag where the brads are. They are the same diameter of the Tim's small brads and work like fasteners. "Journal Explore Life" and the small words are from the same Remnant Rubs, WORDS. For the background I used the STARS stencil blending with Shaded Lilac. I had used Brush Pewter Distress Stain for the background color, loved the shimmer.

Thanks for stopping by, and stay warm!