12 Tags of 2012 - February

When Tim Holtz announced that he wasn't going to continue with the 12 Tags of Christmas anymore, my heart broke just a bit. Even though I know it had to be so much work for him and I know that it was difficult for people to follow along at such a busy time of year, I loved that tradition and will truly miss it. However, I am very excited to be starting a new tradition! I am thrilled that we'll get a little 12 Tags fix each month - why not spread it around a bit?? So, I dried my tears and got to work....

I think the honeycomb paper that Tim used is incredible, but I didn't have any. In addition to that, I have used that cupid set so much, I thought you all might be just a little sick of seeing it on my blog! PLUS, I had just received a lovely package from Inspiration Emporium with the new Remnants stamps from Stampers Anonymous. What's a girl to do? I decided to try not just making my own honeycomb, but making it out of the balloon portion of the stamp. And it worked!! The basket portion of the image was stamped on a piece of packaging with Staz-on.

Here is another angle where you can see how much the balloon pops out from the tag. So cool! I took a couple pics while I was making it, so if anyone wants a little tute, please let me know in the comments. :-)

My background was also an experiment. I have the Valentine's embossing folder, but I don't have the matching stamp. To get the same look, I cut my tag from an old file folder using the Tag and Bookplates die from Sizzix, and embossed it. Then, I took a Snow Cap Paint Dabber and swiped across the raised portion. I wanted a more muted color so the balloon would stand out, so I inked it with Weathered Wood, Frayed Burlap, and a little Black Soot Distress Ink. Next, I wiped off the raised portion with a baby wipe - perfect resist! I love the weathered look of this!

Finally, I added a little sparkle by stamping the air mail label and covering the edges with Fired Brick Distress Stickles (trust me, it's really sparkly - I hate photographing glitter!). The label is attached to the tag with an Idea-ology Mini Paper Clip. Ever since Tim showed us how to use metal foil with the Vintage Lace die, I have been addicted to it. After I cut my lace and punched out the bits, I covered it with Pitch Black Dabber Paint, let it dry, and then buffed it off with a tissue. Oh...it looks so dang cool!!

Everything I used to create my tag can be found at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. Make sure you use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your entire order!

UPDATE! You can find the full tutorial here.

Supplies:

Sizzix Tag and Bookplates Die
Sizzix Vintage Lace Die
Sizzix Valentine Background Texture Fade
Stampers Anonymous Remnants Stamp Set
Adirondack Paint Dabbers - Snow Cap, Pitch Black
Ranger Distress Ink - Weathered Wood, Frayed Burlap, Black Soot
Fired Brick Distress Stickles
Idea-ology Mini Paper Clip

I'm also linking to this week's Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes challenge. Who can resist such an easy theme? ;-) Thanks so much for stopping by!!