To Die For

I had the best intentions to blog while I was at CHA, but that went out the window after the first day! I had an amazing time though, and am rested and ready to share some of the samples I did using the new Idea-ology findings. This tag is a total 180 from my last project, but I love it just as much. I had a blast combining all my favorite Sizzix dies, and even came up with a new technique!

You know the saying, 'necessity is the mother of invention'? This technique came about because I really wanted to use glitter on the little heart, but knew that Tim was not a big fan of glitter. To keep the mess contained, I knew I had to encase the glitter somehow. UTEE to the rescue! Here is a quick tute - hope you like it!

Supplies: Ranger Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE), Inkssentials Glue n Seal, Ranger Adirondack Dabber - Silver, Ranger Distress Embossing Ink, Sizzix Heart Die (Love Struck Movers and Shapers), Chipboard, Tim Holtz Idea-ology Word Stickers, Silver Glitter, Heat Gun

Step 1: Cut heart from chipboard using Sizzix die and paint with Adirondack Dabber.

Step 2: Choose a word sticker and adhere it to heart.

Step 3: Coat heart with Glue n Seal, making sure to avoid the sticker.

Step 4: Cover heart with glitter, pressing down to make sure it adheres. Let dry completely. If your glue is a little damp, it will cause bubbling during the next step.

Step 5: Sponge heart with embossing ink (using a sponge will keep your pad from getting contaminated with glitter).

Step 6: Coat heart with Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE).

Step 7: Using heat gun, heat UTEE until it melts. When it cools, sponge with more embossing ink and add another layer of UTEE. Heat that layer until it melts and smooths out.

Ta da! No glitter mess here. I love the look of the sticker under the UTEE too. Very cool!

The base of my tag was created with Idea-ology Kraft Resist Paper that I cut using the Sizzix Tag and Bookplates die and then coated lightly with a Snow Cap Dabber. The panel underneath the cupid was cut with the Mini Baroque die and embossed with the Valentine Texture Fade. My little cupid was cut from black Kraft Core'dinations paper and lightly sanded. The doily was cut using the Sizzix Doily die. Both it and the ribbon were dyed using a homebrew dye of Adirondack Cranberry Colorwash and Worn Lipstick reinker. I love the new Idea-ology Word Bands - my favorite thing to do is add ink to the depression where the words are. You can totally change the feel of them, match your card, etc. by doing this. Fun!

This closeup is a little blurry, but sometimes you can only see the sparkly-ness of the glitter when it's a little out of focus! My little heart makes my tag perfect for this week's Sunday Stampers challenge. Make sure you check out Hels' inspiring blog and have a peek at all the wonderful submissions.

There is also another fantastic challenge going on right now - over at the Inspiration Journal blog, we're challenging you to 'Put a Heart on It'. Check out the post here to get all the deets.

All the supplies I used are listed in the tutorial and below, and can be found at Inspiration Emporium. Don't forget to use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your total!

Supply List:

Sizzix Mini Love Struck Movers and Shapers Dies

Sizzix Tag and Bookplates Die
Sizzix Mini Baroque Die
Sizzix Distressed Doily Die
Sizzix Valentine Background Texture Fade
Idea-ology Tissue Tape - Commute
Idea-ology Word Bands
Idea-ology Word Stickers
Idea-ology Kraft Resist Paper
Snow Cap Dabber
Kraft Core'dinations Paper