12 Tags of 2014 – March

This month’s tag got me back to my inks after a couple of uncreative weeks. It always surprises me how getting inky, even for a couple of hours, can put me in a really great mood.

It took me a few attempts to get back into my creative stride and I had several epic fails. Admittedly, some of my distress inks were in desperate need of re-inking so there wasn’t much to smudge the first time around. The technique doubles as an excellent way to check if your most used ink pads need a top up.

I love having yet another way to use my distress markers. The air brushed effect the distress marker spritzer gives is awesome! I used distress ink through the layering stencil with a blending tool and darker coloured distress markers spritzed over the top. I love the mottled effect you get using both techniques together.

I was certain that I had to break open my new frameworks honeycomb die and incorporate it somehow. I can only describe it as “SCHLURP!” <3
I want to cover my apartment walls with this stuff. I ordered the trellis framework die, which due this week. I am stalking my postbox!

I LOVE SMUDGE STAMPING! I decided to mix the “full strength” and “second generation” stamped images on one tag to give the background extra depth. I used Nature Walk and Merchantile stamp sets which I got last week. I am in love with the double layered egg stamp. The effect is so cool and very shabby chic.

Hope “spring has sprung” wherever you are and take time to hop over to Tim’s Blog and see his tag and techniques.

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supplies: tim holtz; manila tag/framework die (honeycomb)/distress paint (evergreen bough)/distress inks (tumbled glass, stormy sky, faded jeans, frayed burlap, vintage photo, walnut stain)/distress re-inkers (frayed burlap, vintage photo, walnut stain)/distress markers (antique linen, scattered straw, stormy sky, peeled paint/walnut stain)/distress marker spritzer tool/layering stencils (honeycomb)/tiny attacher/idea-ology (crinkle ribbon, word band, jute)/cling stamps (nature walk, merchantile)