Sunday, March 30, 2014

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014 - March

Well I'm cutting it pretty close again in getting my March tag done. It's not quite April yet though, whew! Once again I created a companion card to the tag, in this case actually using the "second generation" tag you create using the smudge stamping technique.


All the directions for creating this tag you can find on Tim's tutorial post. The smudge stamping is a fun technique and one I hadn't tried before (because I still haven't finished all the lessons from Creative Chemistry 102, oops!) I really like the new Spritzer too. It was easy to use with the Distress Markers. I found that if I positioned the marker so just the very tip was in front of the nozzle, I got a finer, lighter spray pattern. If I moved the marker down so the nozzle was blowing on the thicker part of the nib, I got a darker, coarser spray pattern. I thought that was nice - you can vary it depending on the look you're going for. It worked really well with the stencils too. I think I will be reaching for this tool often!

Most of the supplies I used for these can be found at Inspiration Emporium. Follow the links below and use my code JUICE to save 10% if you go shopping!



Friday, March 28, 2014

Garden Mini Configuration Book

Happy Spring! More of you are experiencing it now, sorry that some of you are still stuck where winter is holding out. I was excited when Tim Holtz debuted the Mini Configurations Book, the configurations products are so much fun and this little book is a perfect size. I knew I wanted to do a spring-themed project, especially with the new Wallflower paper. I think this paper stash is my favorite that Tim has done to date.


I covered the front and back with paper from the Wallflower stack and used Sticky-back Canvas for the spine (after coloring and spritzing with Distress Stains, and stamping with archival ink). The cover embellishment is a Cabinet Card frame with a piece of paper I marbled slid into it. I distressed the metal Ornate Plate and corners using Distress Paint (Picket Fence and Iced Spruce). Distress Paint works really well on metal. You just have to dab it on with the applicator and let it partly dry, then wipe off the extra with a rag. The paint stays in the nooks and crannies. The key is an old vintage one from my stash.


Of course filling the compartments of the configurations is the most fun. I rummaged around and found all sorts of goodies to use. Most of the metal findings I worked over with Distress Paints. The old photos are from scanned family pictures. The little boy in the green frame is my Dad! I even had a mini etching that worked perfectly as a background in the biggest compartment. Here's a better look:


I just loved the Stampendous Daffodil Girl stamp and knew I had to use it in this project. First I stamped it with archival ink onto smooth watercolor paper. Then I "watercolored" it using Distress inks. A super easy way to do this is to swipe your Distress ink pad onto a craft sheet and then pick up the color with a wet brush (or you can use a water brush) and paint onto the image, blending colors as needed.

I hope you are inspired by the colors and views of spring! You still have a few days to enter the Splash of Color challenge at Inspiration Journal. You could have a chance to win $50 to spend at Inspiration Emporium by linking up your project there.

Most of the supplies I used for this can be found at Inspiration Emporium. Follow the links below and use my code JUICE to save 10% if you go shopping.