Grungy Monday, Simon Says Stamp, PLUS a New Tutorial!

For this week's Grungy Monday challenge, we are getting our inspiration from one of Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas, which can be found here. I decided to use stamps from Artistic Outpost's Apothecary collection (don't forget - you get 10% off your Artistic Outpost order when you use my coupon code: stamptramp) to create a tag, which I'm also submitting for the Simon Says Stamp and Show a tag challenge.

My tag is topped with a flower that was made using Tim Holtz's Tattered Florals die and several different materials - French book pages that were coated with Rock Candy Crackle Paint, burlap, and Idea-ology Kraft Glassine.

The tag background was created using the Cuttlebug Stamps technique (my creation!) from the Apr/May '09 issue of the Technique Junkie newsletter. By combining it with a crackle stamp from I Brake for Stamps, I ended up with the It Takes Two technique from the latest issue of the TJ newsletter!

I just had to find a way to include my new Faux Crazed Porcelain technique! This time I punched a circle from some light chipboard and made a little tag for the neck of the bottle. Speaking of which...below is the tutorial I promised! You can also check it out on the Inspiration Emporium blog.

Faux Crazed Porcelain

Supplies: Ranger Distress Crackle Paint - Picket Fence; Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber - Pitch Black; Ranger Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel - Clear; Sizzix Mini Labels Die; Versamark Ink - Clear; Tim Holtz Rubber Stamps - Stuff to Say

1. Begin by cutting a label from chipboard or mat board using the Mini Labels die. Cover it with a thin, but even, coat of Picket Fence Crackle Paint. Allow to dry.

2. When completely dry, 'ink' up your word stamp using the Dabber. Test your coverage several times on paper to make sure you have an even application before stamping onto your crackled piece.

3. Once you are happy with the coverage, stamp onto your label and let dry.

4. Next, completely cover label with Versamark, or other clear embossing ink.

5. Coat label with UTEE and heat emboss. Repeat at least two times, or until you are happy with the look of it.

How gorgeous is that? (Please make sure you click on the images to enlarge them - you can really see the detail!) There are unlimited possibilities with this technique. Try coloring the edges with a black Dabber for a vintage look, like I did on my easel card. You can also try different shapes and different materials - check out the clock face on this card! I would love to see what you create!

One note about my tutorials - I am always thrilled to share my ideas as I come up with them. I love using my blog as a way to share what I love and highlight the companies whose products I use. However, I have come across more than a few bloggers who have used my ideas without giving me any credit for the original idea. In at least one case there is someone who is teaching one of my techniques - even went so far as copying my tag! - and did not give me any credit or ask for my permission.

As an artist, this is incredibly hurtful. It takes a lot of time to come up with an idea, photograph the steps, and create a post. To have someone basically 'steal' and/or take credit for what I've worked so hard to create makes me think twice about being so generous. Fortunately, that lasts about 10 seconds and I'm back to thinking of new stuff to show you all! However, I DO ask that you link back to me if you're using one of my techniques. Thanks so much for your understanding! :-)

Supply List:

Artistic Outpost Rubber Stamps - Apothecary
Inkssentials Manila Craft Tags
Sizzix Texture Fades - Collage
Idea-ology Kraft Glassine
Grungeboard
Idea-ology Corners
Idea-ology Kraft Resist Paper
Ranger Rock Candy Crackle Paint