Saturday, December 6, 2008

Tims's Tag - Day 6

Well, how's this for a reversal? Today's tag is my least favorite of Tim's (I know, heresy) and my most favorite of mine! Today's tutorial was something that I've been wanting to try and just have never gotten around to it. It is so fun!

Of course, I didn't have the Prima Paintables. I've thought about getting them before and again, just have never picked one up. So......I thinks to myself, what is really fun to stamp on acetate? Photo stamps! Immediately I knew my whole color scheme, the stamps I would use, everything.

I pulled out my favorite little girl from Lost Coast Designs. She is just the cutest! First time I stamped her she came out perfectly. Here's a tip if you're not used to stamping on acetate - it can be tricky. Ok, that's not the tip. Here's the tip: instead of stamping onto the acetate, lay your stamp face up and lay the acetate onto it. Rub lightly to make sure the stamp transfers the ink and you don't have any blank spaces. Also make sure you use Stazon and it is on the dry side. That helps a lot with the slipping/sliding. After I stamped the girl I stamped flowers from Prima's clear stamp line onto the acetate. Then I remembered you're not supposed to use Stazon and clear stamps. Ooop! I wiped it off really good tho.....

Ok, more heresy. Tim says you can't do the alcohol ink painting unless you have the blending solution. Well, I don't have it! But I do have a bottle of alcohol and a pointy Q-tip. It worked just fine. I'm sure the blending solution would be better somehow, but don't let not having it prevent you from trying this tech because it's really fun!

Green tip #1! My friend Cyndi and I had the same idea. We don't have metal snowflakes like he used - but we have empty soda cans and snowflake punches. I also tried the foil tape from RockCandy Studios. It's shinier, but my punch is so delicate it ends up a bit flimsy. If I was sticking it directly down it would be perfect. Try both! I highlighted my snowflake with a little gem.

Green tip#2! Recently I taught a class where we used tons of Tim's Idea-ology metal pieces. After I'd taken everything out of the packaging I had a MOUNTAIN of plastic. Ugh, I was queasy! I have been following this blog and consequently have been trying hard to be aware of how much plastic I use, throw away, etc. Packaging like this is one of the worst offenders. Ok, the tip. The recessed plastic makes a perfect palette! I used the one from the Tokens for my alcohol inks and a large piece from the same package for my paint. I know it's not much, but it did make me feel a bit better. Let me know if you'd like a picture to see exactly what I'm talking about and I'll post one.

Speaking of trash - I have been toying with the idea of starting a 'Green' challenge blog. Is anyone interested? I was thinking of something like Trashy Tuesday. You could combine it with lots of other challenges....I know there are lots out there, but I thought this would be something fun and also raise awareness. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

12 comments:

  1. I just adore this (yes, more than tim's) it's so beautiful, and I love all your improvisations. I stamp onto acetate alot, but strangely haven't considered using photo stamps on it. I will do know, thanks for all the tips. the challenge blog sounds like a good idea, although I think we may have reached saturation point. still I'd probably join in, I'm such a challenge tramp!

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  2. I like your tag better than TIm's tag of the day. His was a bit much for me, but I did like the technique with the alcohol ink. There is something extra sweet about your tag. I love the little sweetie you stamped. Who woudda thunk you CAN punch through aluminum... oh yea, you of course!

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  3. Gorgeous tag, Shelly!!! and I like your challenge site idea.

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  4. Just found your blog and am enjoying your
    take on Tim's tags, really interesting.
    Thanks for the tip about using punches
    on aluminum, thus far I have only used
    scissors, another way to utilize some
    of the things we already have in our
    stash.

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  5. Shelly - Wow did you have fun with this technique today! Love your little girl and the effect you achieved. I also enjoyed reading about your green adventures - I've been saving the flat part of the packaging to use in my Cuttlebug or to stamp on - the rest I recycle. I would be interested in a Green Tuesday blog! Can't wait to see what you come up with tomorrow!

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  6. Shelly, your tag is AMAZING! Love the little girl, love the snow flakes, love the softness of it all. Kudos!

    Cyndi

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  7. Gorgeous tag -love that stamp she is cute.Brilliant idea re the snowflakes and the alcohol ink palette.

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  8. Shelly, before Tim's blending solution came out, there was only alcohol, and it worked just fine. And his blending stuff smells like alcohol. Go figure!!

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  9. Shelly, I LOVE your tag. I see now that I checked your blog where you got the girl. I love her. I am going to be "using" your ideas from the tags you did.
    This is not my first trip to your blog but it is my first comment. You rock.
    Love, Liz
    Liz Walters
    Prescott, AZ

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  10. I've just caught up with you Shelly and I love all your tags - they are FABULOUS!!! I've been trying to do them as well...from now on I think I'll come to you for inspiration!
    Love
    Linda x

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  11. No heresy, Shelly! Love this darling little girl and the way you've featured her this time!

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  12. Well, to start with, it's a gorgeous tag. Love the tips you've given -- including how you punched the snowflakes.
    Also love the idea of a green challenge blog. I've used lots of packaging in my projects, some of it it too, too nice to just toss. Got a pile of TH packaging waiting to be used.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate your comments so much!