2014 Fall Tags

Of all the years I've created and taught tags, I had not created a Fall tag I truly loved....until now!
These tags have three distinct and different techniques. The first is using Golden Light Molding paste, and acrylic paint to create a tree bark feel. Using the wood stencil from Tim Holtz over an inked tag (pumice stone, gathered twigs) I then spread the paste over the stencil, thickly. When I peeled up the tag I was pleased with the results.

I then created a corn stalk from natural raffia, tied it together, and glue dotted it to the tag. The quote is from Graphic 45 November paper. The leaves are made of green cardstock and stained vellum cut out on the Fall gatherings strip die from Tim Holtz. At the bottom of the tag, tucked under the pumpkins you'll find parts of an apple bag from the grocery store. I cut the bag into strips. Then I stretched it and frayed it. It really added some texture and color.

The next tag is very colorful. The photo doesn't do it justice. I used a set of leaves stamps from Tim Holtz and several different Distress Ink colors. I started by inking the tag with brushed sage, with a blending tool. Then ink the stamp with the lightest color ink, then added other colors of ink by using the corner of the inkpad in a brushing motion onto the stamp. Since distress inks stay wetter longer there is no need to huff onto the stamp before applying it to the tag. Use a heat gun to thoroughly dry the tag. Then we inked the edges of the tag with Vintage Photo and applied clear embossing powder to the edges and heated it till it melted clear. Add a burlap rectangle, ribbon, and a card from the Seasonal paper pad of Tim Holtz edged in a leafing marker.

The third tag has a little wow factor! My husband watched me do the background, and his comment was "Cool"! The technique is straight out of Tim's "Composium of Curiosities III". Even the colors are the same. You need to try this technique! Paint a tag any color, then dry it with a heat gun. Use a Distress Paint in the metallic colors, and cover the tag with it. Mist with water lightly, then partially dry the tag with your heat gun. You can add more water to help delay areas from drying too fast. Before the tag is dry apply a paper towel to the top of tag and rub your hands over it. Remove paper towel. Mist with water to remove any paper towel pattern. At this point you can rub more of the metallic paint off if needed. Dry completely with heat gun. The effect is unique. I can't wait to try this in a different color.

All my students really liked the effects of this technique. I added an embossed leaf from Tim's new die/embossing folder set in chipboard covered in bookprint. I inked the leaf with walnut stain along the edges, then inked the top with a "Brilliance" Copper inkpad. The larger charm is actually a postage stamp from one of the graphic 45 papers I adhered to chipboard then crackle painted.

This is my favorite set of Fall Tags I've ever made. I hope you enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving

Kim