Sunday, December 5, 2010

Tim's Tag - Day 5

Today's tag from Tim is absolutely my most favorite - ever! The faux enameled numbers are worth the price of admission alone. Did I have any of the stuff he used? Almost nothing. Did I let that stop me? Hellz to the no!

The biggest challenge was the metal numbers he used - they are totally the star of this tag and I really wanted this look, but didn't have any. Thankfully, I have great friends who share their stuff! My friend, Ronnie, brought a bunch of metal sheets to stamp club a few months ago. They'd been used in printing presses (?) or something like that. Anyway, I have a bunch and figured I could use them to make my own numbers. I found a similar font, printed it out, and adhered it to the metal. Using sharp scissors, I cut out the numbers, trying hard to keep a nice edge. A little burnishing on the back side and I had something that looked pretty darn close to the original, for free! Thanks, Ronnie - you rock!

I didn't have white UTEE, but I had clear and regular white ep, so I combined them and embossed. I had to add quite a few layers of white to get the final look, but I am totally thrilled with how it came out. My flower was made with the same metal as the numbers. I had to stomp on the punch a little, but it worked!

The other thing I didn't have was green Distress Stickles. I ended up doing a multi-step method to get the final look. First, I tried using some of Martha's glitter, tinting it with Distress ink after it was dry. It was ok, but not really green enough. Next, I added some Adirondack green ep. Definitely made it a bit greener, but it still didn't pop. Finally, I added some Linen Distress Stickles. Perfect!

Oh, one more tip. I'm not sure if this was a tip from Tim or where I heard it, but, if you have the Picket Fence crackle paint, you can ink it with any color. So, if you don't have green crackle paint, don't despair! I painted my Grungeboard with white and, when it was dry, inked the heck out of it with various green distress inks.

Finally, I have to mention the awesome stamps I used. Is that not the BEST Santa stamp ever??? It's from Artistic Outpost's Snowy Woods collection. The holly and sentiment are both from AO's Sleigh Ride collection. Go buy them!

We're almost halfway through the 12 Tags of Christmas....my house is a mess, my studio looks like a bomb went off, and I'm not sure if I've changed my clothes or showered lately. But, I'm having SO MUCH FUN!! :-)

21 comments:

  1. Love, love, LOVE how you did this one Shelley!!!! Just wish I had time to play too but it's the crazy busy end of the school year for me... holidays soon :)

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  2. Love it! But then I haven't seen one you've made that I DIDN'T love *smiles*

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  3. Shelly, I'm kind of sad I read your blog before I started MY tag, because I think I'm going to just copy yours - LOL. That is a wonderful Santa, and I really appreciate all the practical tips. I was wondering how I was going to make the numbers.

    You are an awesome inspiration.

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  4. Hey Shelly~ remember on Day 1 you were hoping the 12 Tags of Christmas were the inspiration you needed to "get back in the saddle"? Well, Girlfriend, you are ridin' HIGH! All your chunky tags are beautiful and inspiring. The way you have substituted for Tim's stuff you don't have is fabulous! ~Erin Glee

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  5. Fabulous, Shelly!!! Great job with the numbers!!! You are sooo resourceful!!!!

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  6. Love your tag!! The Santa is wonderful, your numbers are great!! Were they old metal plates for presses that your friend had? Great idea! They're nearly defunct!

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  7. I love how you did your tag! It turned out beautiful.

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  8. You rocked this one, Shelly. Perfect Santa. I really like the bells at top, too.
    (And I am seriously envious of those wood blocks you place your tags on:)

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  9. I can't believe you cut those numerals out by hand. You have some seriously good motor skills, LOL.
    Your faux porcelain came out smashing, and I just LOVE the way you're displaying the tags on the blocks. Looks great.
    (clean houses are overrated, especially during the first 12 days of December!)
    Eileen

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  10. In a word or less; fabulous! I can't believe you were thinking of never stamping again! Girl, you are so talented.

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  11. You hand-cut those numbers???? My gosh, girl....they are fabulous! And I LOVE your tag....love the AO Santa...just everything you've done.

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  12. Wow, Shelly! You just continue to blow me away with your creativity. Incredible AND gorgeous.....

    I love that 'Snowy Woods' plate and need to use mine more often. Great job and thanks for the inspiration!

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  13. Shelly, your tags are simply amazing! I`m in awe of your creative mind!

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  14. in my best Oprah impression..."That is GOOOOORRRRRGGGGEEOOOUUUUSSSS!"

    Love it love it...gotta try those numbers too...

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  15. Shelly those letters look exactly like the real thing - fabulous job!

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  16. Fabulous and such clever numerals too.
    x

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  17. Wow how clever are you to create the numbers yourself!!!
    Fabby tag and love your santa :D
    Julie xx

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  18. I love that Santa- love how you did those numbers- love this tag too!

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  19. Absolutely gorgeous in every detail, your santa is fabulous xxx

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  20. Really love this one, the whole thing has come together brilliantly.

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