Monday, December 5, 2011

Tim's Tag, Day 5 - Never Give Up!

I have never had great success with Adirondack alcohol inks. For some reason, I could just never get the same results as others got. When I saw Tim's tag for today, I almost opted to do the second one, just so I wouldn't have to deal with failure again. But, I figured, what does it hurt to try? This might be my breakthrough moment. I'm so glad I did!! Since the only Reflections stamps I have are the original set, I tried to come up with something that would work with them.

My friend Cyndi did a really great tag on Day 1, using Tim's Gadget Gears die. I had remarked to her that it would be fun to do the whole series in a Steampunk theme (she thinks Dieselpunk is the next big thing - Cyndi is very ahead of her time). When I first read Tim's post, I thought he said something about turning any kind of die into a wreath (I actually thought he made his leaves out of reindeer ears - I'm a bit wonky today)! So, I thought, why not a gear wreath? Why not a whole Steampunk Christmas tag?

I cut my tag from clear packaging using Tim's Tag die. The back was inked with Bottle and Espresso inks. I wanted a more rustic look, so I inked my Reflections number stamp with Archival Sepia ink, instead of black. I really love how it came out! To keep it feeling grungy, I mounted my tag on kraft paper instead of white cardstock. My 'wreath' was cut from Grungeboard using the Gadget Gears die. I did Tim's Faux Rust technique (from his book, Compendium of Curiosities) on both the gear and the snowflake. For my bow, I dyed seam binding with Forest Moss and Faded Jeans Distress Stains.

I loved the simplicity of today's tag, but felt like mine looked a little plain, so I added a strip of Idea-ology Tissue Tape to the bottom. On top of that, I adhered letters that I cut from light chipboard using the Sizzix Chip Block die. They were also given the rust treatment. Everything started blending in a little too much, so I covered them with Glossy Accents to help them stand out a little more.

Everything I used is listed below and can be found at Inspiration Emporium. Don't forget to use my coupon code - stamptramp - to score 10% off your order! You also need to check out the Inspiration Journal blog; we are having a 12 Tags challenge and you could win a gift certificate!

Supplies used:

Sizzix Gadget Gears Die
Sizzix Tag and Bookplates Die
Sizzix Chip Block Die
Stampers Anonymous Reflections Rubber Stamps
Idea-ology Tissue Tape, Charm Clips, Sprocket Gears, Mini Fastener, Light Bulb, Grungeboard
Ranger Distress Stain - Faded Jeans, Forest Moss
Ranger Distress Embossing Powder - Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain
Ranger Glossy Accents
Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Bottle, Espresso
Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch

44 comments:

  1. This is just so creative Shelley. I love the idea of steampunk Christmas and this reflects it beautifully.
    luv and hugs {brenda} xoxox

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  2. Love this steampunk approach to a Holiday Tag! Quite clever you are! Fab take on the wreath! I added a little bling at the bottom for the same reason, but moved my wreath up, so not I have an empty center!! Ha!

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  3. What a clever idea, yet again. I love how you come up with your own ideas and I love this one. The background is stunning and I love your cog wreath. Inspired. Tracy x

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  4. What a great interprataion!! I love the colors and the gear wreath!!

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  5. love ur tag! so creative and wonderful!

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  6. Love it! Very masculine steampunk tag!

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  7. Very cool steampunk tag! I like this better than Tim's. And thanks for making me famous.

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  8. shelly this is fab i love the idea of your steampunk wreath it is wonderful ....love it x

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  9. Fab take on Tim's tag Shelly! Your steampunk Christmas idea rocks! x

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  10. What a fantastic tag!!

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  11. This tag is so cool Shelly!
    Love the steampunk/Christmas theme.
    So clever and creative :)

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  12. Wow - this is fabulous. I've been waiting until after Christmas to get into my Steampunk stuff, but love your idea of a whole line of steampunk stamps. I truly enjoy visiting your blog.

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  13. ohhh what a great take on this technique!! I'm so glad you gave it another try!
    When I get alcohol inks, I can't wait to try this. And thanks for the inspiration to use a gear! It totally completed my tag!

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  14. This is so beautiful! Love the way you turned it to fit what you lke, and have in stock!

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  15. That number background looks great!

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  16. A-MAZ-ING Shelley, love the steampunk elements to this tag. Inspirational.

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  17. Wow! That came out awesome! Love the little bulb you added!

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  18. I think this tag is over the top cool!!! I keep saying that! It is very masculine and the colors deep and striking! So glad you tried alcohol ink again...you mastered it!

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  19. This tag is amazing! I think your background is perfect and I love the steampunkish center! Very inspiring!
    Kate

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  20. Oh my goodness, I just love love your clever ideas. A Steampunk Christmas will definitely be on my wish list. Yours is so awesome. I love how you dyed your pearl. I hope you go see my blog where I cried over not having any acorn caps until I found some in "the woods"....our nearest and "brand spanking new" Hobby Lobby is over 20 miles away, so I haven't been there (yet!)

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  21. Oh Shelley! This is super stunning. I am not a great steam punk fan but this is brilliant! Do you guess I like it yet!! LOL!!

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  22. Wicked awesome, is what that is.

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  23. Your tag looks great. Seeing this technique made me cringe, LOL

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  24. I love your steampunk tag! What a great idea.

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  25. Wow, Shelly, this is fantastic! Love the colors and the #s reflections stamp is gorgeous with your steampunk tag. The gear as wreath = inspirational! Love it.

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  26. Leave it to you to make this super-cool steampunk Christmas tag - it's absolutely fantastic!

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  27. This is wonderful; shhh…I know this is blasphemy…but I do like it better than Tim’s tag 5.

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  28. Shelly, I am having so much fun watching what you come up with as you put your personal touch on it. This one is pretty clever!!
    Thanks, Betty Mae

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  29. Oh I soooo love your steampunk Christmas tag!! What a fabulous idea!!

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  30. It's okay with me if you do the next 7 tags in steampunk fashion. Great idea and fantastic results!

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  31. Great idea - love this in steampunk style...

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  32. Amazing as usual Shelly. I love the Steampunk theme and you adapted beautifully. I know what you mean about working with the alcohol inks. This technique was a bit tricky for me too. But you did a fabulous job.

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  33. What a great background for this lovely tag!

    greetings, Alie :-)

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  34. Oh, Shelly!!! This tag is da bomb!!! I love it!!!!

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  35. You are definitely the Queen of Steampunk! I love the color palette you worked with and the reflections stamp is awesome for your theme. And your gear wreath is inspired. Thanks for showing us a totally different, amazingly cool, way to work tag #5!

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  36. brilliant.. totally brilliant!!!

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  37. Anyone with the name "stamptramp" HAS to be good. Your tag is wonderful am enjoying following your blog!
    Sandy

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  38. Love the steampunk look! The whole tag came out great! =)

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  39. Absolutely Fabulous. Thank you for sharing.

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  40. Great details and the colors worked out well, for a stunning tag!

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