Writing Boards for Vintage/Junk Journals ~ Creative Embellishments

Hi There Crafty Friends! Today I'm sharing a fun and functional projectwith you! I've been creating Vintage Style Junk Journals lately and wanted to include a writing board in them -- a hard surface for those who like to journal on the go -- and the Creative Embellishments Large Tags are the perfect size to tuck into a journal for this purpose! For the "writing surface" side, I wanted to make sure that it remained flat, without any bumps or embellishments that would interfere with writing, so I started off by brushing a rough coat of white gesso on one side of the tag - leaving some places where the kraft colour of the tag base could peek through. Next, I stamped the tag with the Creative Embellishments Distressed Script Stamp and some black Archival Ink. I then decoupaged torn sections from a Paris-themed Napkin onto the tag. Finally, on the writing side, I heavily inked the edges of the tag with Distress Ink in Vintage Photo.

For the reverse side of the tags, I created some "Franken-Paper" using bits of paper left over from creating the journals these tags were created for (check out Nik the Booksmith's YouTube for the inspiration for the Franken-Paper technique). I collaged the papers together and then cut the tag shapes from the collaged paper. Next, I stitched around the outside of each tag shape and along each seam of the papers; then, I added some lace that coordinates with some used in the journals. Before gluing the sewn/collaged papers to the Large Tags, I added a Pen Loop to each of the tags using wide black elastic. Finally, I glued the collaged papers to the back of each tag and inked the edges with Distress Ink. I finished off the tags with some lace, sari silk and eyelash trim and an antique-style pocket watch charm.

Vintage French Tags ~ Creative Embellishments

Hi There! Today I'm sharing a pair of Vintage French Tags created using two of the small Fancy Oval Frames from Creative Embellishments and papers/embellishments from Canvas Corp Brands. All the papers are inked with Distress Ink in Vintage Photo.

I used the Tim Holtz Baroque Die to cut the base of the tags from a sheet of Canvas Corp Black and Kraft Fleur de Lis paper.   I printed the vintage Cancan dancer images and used the Creative Embellishments Frames on them. I painted the frames with Black Acrylic Paint and added a very fine crackle texture on them. I used a 7 Gypsies Junque Pack to create the paper layers and small tags. I added some 7 Gypsies Rub-ons and Miniature Keys to embellish the tags, as well as some paper flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and some raffia, lace and twine from my stash. Finally, I punched some leaves from some scraps of Canvas Corp Embossed Burnished Floral paper that I had left in my stash and added them to the flowers. Here is a close-up of each tag:

"Adorable" - Large Mixed Media Photo Tag ~ Creative Embellishments

Today I'm sharing another project made with one of the fantastic Creative Embellishments Large Tags! I have created this "Adorable" Mixed Media Photo Tag featuring a picture of our new kitten, Anna!

I layered lace on the Large Tag an then some CE chipboard elements including: a piece from the Door Knockers, the Flourish Circle Frame, and one of the pieces from the Filigree Corner Set 1. I painted the entire piece with Prima Art Basics Heavy Black Gesso and Heavy White Gesso and then misted it with Lindy's Stamp Gang Starbursts in Opal Sea Oats and Red Hot Poker Orange and Lindy's Stamp Gang Flat Fabio in Tears on My Pillow Tangerine. I used Prima Art Alchemy Metallique Waxes in Rich Copper and White Gold to highlight the textures. I used the "Adorable" title from the Boy Word Set, which I inked with Ranger Jet Black Archival Ink and then rubbed with the Metallique Waxes. Finally, I added some cheesecloth as a 'bed' for the fussy-cut kitten picture and some white flowers that I highlighted with some of the Metallique Waxes. Here are some angles and a close-up so you can see all the details!

French Country Pocket Journal ~ Creative Embellishments

Hi there! Today I'm sharing a new project using one the AWESOME new Creative Embellishments Large Chipboard Tags! I've used the tag as a base for this pocket journal featuring Graphic 45's French Country collection! 

I painted around the edge of the tag with acrylic paint in Antique White and then covered the front and back of the tag with patterned paper. I 'inked' the edges of all the papers for this project with Prima Art Alchemy Metallique Wax in Vintage Gold.

I added a deep pocket and an angled pocket to the front of the tag, as well as a little border pocket at the bottom. I added a simple pocket to the back of the tag using one of the 4x6 cut-outs from the patterned paper.

I used one of the pieces from Filigree Set 3 to embellish the bottom corner on the front of the tag- this piece also helps hold the two tags in place! I embossed the filigree piece with Stampendous embossing powder in Antique Black and then added some addition Ranger Black embossing powder as well.

I added some chain and metal key and fleur-de-lis charms, a G45 chipboard piece and a handmade mini-book to the ribbon on the tag.

On the front of the Pocket Journal, there is a large booklet in the deep pocket, three 4x6 cut-outs from the patterned paper and two tags made with black cardstock and cut-outs from the patterned paper.

On the back of the pocket journal is a large tag made with black cardstock and some of the French Country patterned paper.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today! Happy Crafting!

Teacher Gift - An ABC Primer Wine Bottle Tag & Gift Card Holder

Hi There! I have a quick share today - a little project I made for my son's teacher! I made this wine bottle tag (because if I taught primary school, I'd want a glass of wine at the end of the day) and incorporated a pocket to hold a gift card! I cut the tag base from Kraft Cardstock using my Silhouette Cameo and used the Graphic 45 An ABC Primer collection to decorate it! I also embellished it with a little Wood Veneer Ruler by Creative Embellishments and a bit of twine. Here are some shots of the front and back and some angles of the finished tag! I hope his teacher enjoys the homemade wine after a long year!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Vintage Tags ~ Creative Embellishments

Today, I'm sharing two Vintage Tags with you, which I created using fantastic stencils and chipboard from Creative Embellishments! I wanted to challenge myself to create some mixed media tags on a black background - and these are the result! I used the Tim Holtz Alterations Tag Collection Die to cut the tags out of heavy black cardstock and black drawing paper. I glued the drawing paper tags on top of the cardstock ones, leaving the edges loose so I could curl/fold them up for a more distressed/vintage look. I dug into my stash and used papers from Graphic 45's gorgeous Renaissance Faire collection for the layering/images on the tags. Scroll down for more details about each tag!

On the first tag, I've used: the Paris Postmark Stencil, a crown from Crown Set 2, an Arched Window, and a Square Mini Frame. I started by stenciling the Paris Postmark using Prima Art Basics Modeling Paste. I used cut-outs and a fussy cut image from the Graphic 45 Renaissance Faire collection to create the layers on the tag - inking all the paper edges with Distress Ink in Ground Espresso. I added pieces of cheesecloth that I dyed black using Dylusions Ink in Black Marble. I cut the arch off of the Arched Window - using the rectangular section over the fussy-cut image and saving the arch to tuck into the layers. Then, I cut apart one of the Square Mini Frames - adhering the ornate corners to the back of the rectangular window's corners to create an ornately framed window! Next, I primed all the chipboard pieces using Prima Art Basics Heavy Black Gesso. I added Prima Art Extravagance Limestone Stone Effect Paste to the Arched Window and Frame pieces. Once the Stone Effect Paste was dry, I sponged on some more Black Gesso. Then, I used three Prima Art Alchemy Waxes to add colour to the chipboard pieces - White Gold Metallique Wax, Vintage Gold Metallique Wax, and Red Amber Antique Brilliance Wax. Finally, I finished off the first tag by rubbing some of the Vintage Gold wax onto the tag background, splattering the tag with watered-down Black Gesso, and adding some black ribbon and a metal charm to the tag's top.

On the second tag, I've used: the Metal Stencil, a Door Knocker, a Square Mini Frame, and a Mini Frame. I started off using the Metal Stencil along with some Shimmerz Texturez in Gritty Graphite. Then, I layered cut outs and an image from the Graphic 45 Renaissance Faire collection, along with some of the black-dyed cheesecloth. I cut the Square Mini Frame in half - adding each piece under either side of the central image. Then, I used the oval Mini Frame on top of the central image. I primed all the chipboard pieces using Prima Art Basics Heavy Black Gesso. I added Prima Art Extravagance Limestone Stone Effect Paste to the Mini Frames. Once the Stone Effect Paste was dry, I sponged on some more Black Gesso. Then, I used three Prima Art Alchemy Waxes to add colour to the chipboard pieces - Old Silver Metallique Wax, Lucky Emerald Antique Brilliance Wax, and Fire Ruby Antique Brilliance Wax. Finally, I finished off the first tag by rubbing some of the Old Silver wax onto the tag background, splattering the tag with watered-down Black Gesso, and adding some black ribbon and a cameo charm to the tag's top.

Midnight Masquerade Large Mixed Media Tag ~ Creative Embellishments

Hi There! Today, I'm sharing a fun, extra large, Mixed Media Tag! I've used one of the new Creative Embellishments chipboard Large Tags as the base for this project; these tags are fantastic and perfect for Mixed Media - I love them!

I started the front of the tag by stencilling on a pattern in two corners using Prima Art Basics White Modeling Paste. Next, I glued on some CE chipboard pieces, including some Door Knockers, pieces from the Filigree Corner Set 2, and a Flourish 4. Once I had all the chipboard in place, I painted everything with Prima Art Basics Heavy Black Gesso and then rubbed it with three colours of Prima Art Alchemy Antique Brilliance Waxes - Amethyst Magic, Mystic Turquoise and Red Amber. Then, I used Prima Art Alchemy Metallique Wax in White Gold to bring out some of the texture from the stencilling and to highlight the chipboard pieces. Once I was happy with the background, I used fussy-cuts from Graphic 45's Midnight Masquerade collection to create the scene on the tag (all paper edges were inked with Distress Ink in Black Soot).

On the reverse side, I started by trimming a sheet of paper from the Midnight Masquerade 12x12 Patterns and Solids to cover the tag. I created another scene using fussy cuts from the Midnight Masquerade Patterned Papers. I added another chipboard piece from the Filigree Corner Set 2 (treated the same as the front side of the tag) and some of the CE Wood Veneer Stars, which I rubbed with the White Gold wax. Here are some close-ups of the two sides of the Large Tag.

Finally, to finish off the tag, I tied a collection of ribbons, lace and seam binding to the top and added the three masks from the CE chipboard Masquerade Masks as embellishments dangling from some of the ribbon. I treated one side of the masks the same as the front of the tag and glued/trimmed patterned paper to the other side of the masks and inked the edges with Distress Ink in Black Soot.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today! Happy Crafting!
Sarah

Voyage Beneath the Sea Mermaid Valentine Tag ~ Creative Embellishments February Challenge

I was inspired by this month's Creative Embellishments challenge photo to create a colourful Voyage Beneath the Sea Mermaid Valentine Tag. The twist on this month's challenge was to use paint - so I had some fun with Watercolours!

I stamped the mermaid and painted her with Watercolours and added some Graphic 45 Voyage Beneath the Sea paper to her tail. I created the scene using some Prima White Sand Texture Medium, Bronze Glitter and Prima Art Stones (regular and mini). I used Creative Embellishments Seashells and Seaweed 2, which I embossed with Lindy's Stamp Gang Embossing Powders. Then I lightly dry-brushed the seashells with white gesso to give them a weathered/under-the-sea look. I added two Creative Embellishments Tropical Fish to the scene as well. I covered the fish with paper from the Graphic 45 6x6 paper pad. Inked/Distressed them with Distress Ink and white gesso and then painted on the eyes. I painted them with some Prima 3D Gloss Gel Medium for some shine and added a dot of Glossy Accents for the fish eyes! 

Here are some different angles/close-ups so you can see all the details and dimension!

Hope you like my interpretation of this month's challenge - I can't wait to see what you create! Remember to follow the Rules for the Challenge so that you're eligible to win!

Challenge Rules:

• Create a NEW project (i.e., layout, mini album, tag, card, canvas, etc…) as of February 1st 2017.
• Please no back linking (meaning projects from previous months that may fit the challenge requirements). Please link only NEW projects.
• Combining the CE Challenge with other challenges is permitted.
• Please add your entry to the InLinkz box on the Challenge Post on the Creative Embellishments Blog to be eligible for the prize. You have until the last day of each month 11:55 pm eastern time to enter.
• It is required that you mention in your blog post that you are playing along at Creative Embellishments together with a link back to our blog. Please make sure to reference our challenge. 
• We would love to see you USE AT LEAST 1 OF CE products on your projects but it isn’t required to play along; however, everyone who does use CE product will get and extra chance at winning.
• WINNERS will have 2 weeks to claim their prize. The winner will be announced on the CE blog post the day after the challenge ends.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! 

Grungy, Mixed Media Tags ~ Creative Embellishments January Challenge

Happy New Year! What?! How did that happen? As it is the first of the month, a new challenge is up on the Creative Embellishments blog! Here is this the January 2017 challenge's inspiration picture - and the twist for this month's challenge is to use numbers on your project!

For this month's challenge, I've created a pair of Grungy, Mixed Media Tags - with Inspirational Quotes for the New Year!

I started off with two #8 Size Kraft Tags. For this challenge's twist to use numbers - I've embossed the tags using (1) a December Calendar Embossing Folder (by Tim Holtz/Sizzix) and (2) a Number Collage Embossing Folder (by Cuttlebug). I painted the embossed tags with Prima Art Basics Heavy Black Gesso and then added colour to the background using Inka Gold Metallic Rubs in Cobalt Blue, Emerald Green, Steel Blue, and Champagne. Finally, I used the Creative Embellishments Distressed Text Stamp along with some Brilliance Moonlight White Ink to do some random stamping on the background of the base tag.

I used a Tim Holtz/Sizzix Die to cut the smaller tags from some Core'dinations Graphic 45 Timeless collection paper - I lightly sanded the smaller tags to reveal the embossed design and inked them with Distress Ink in Black Soot and rubbed some of the Champagne Inka Gold Rub on them.  To play up the numbers element even more - the small tags are embellished with Tim Holtz Reinforcers in calendar and number collage patterns! The quotes are cut from the Graphic 45 Kraft Reflections collection paper - the two quotes are also inked with Distress Ink in Black Soot and rubbed with Inka Gold Metallic Rub in Champagne.

I save all my 'remnants' of chipboard from my projects - so for this challenge, I've used bits and pieces of chipboard leftover from previous projects! I used part of a Mini Brick Panel, part of a Large Clock Face, and a couple of Gears and a Clock Hand. All the chipboard pieces were altered using Finnabair's Rust Paste collection by Prima, along with a splatter of Lindy's Stamp Gang Time Travel Teal Starburst mist, a splattering of watered-down white gesso and some of the Champagne Inka Gold Rub.

I added a Prima Finnabair Metal Brad to the hole of the first tag and a Tim Holtz Hitch Fastener to the hole of the second tag. I also added a couple of metal embellishments from my stash that I stained with the Lindy's Stamp Gang Time Travel Teal mist.

Once the tags were completely assembled, I splattered everything with the Lindy's Stamp Gang Time Travel Teal mist and with some watered-down Liquitex Ink in Carbon Black. Here are some close-ups!

I hope these tags have inspired you to play along with this month's Creative Embellishments Challenge!

Challenge Rules:

• Create a NEW project (i.e., layout, mini album, tag, card, canvas, etc…) as of Jan 1st 2017.
• Please no back linking (meaning projects from previous months that may fit the challenge requirements). Please link only NEW projects.
• Combining the CE Challenge with other challenges is permitted.
• Please add your entry to the InLinkz box on the Challenge Post on the Creative Embellishments Blog to be eligible for the prize. You have until the last day of each month 11:55 pm eastern time to enter.
• It is required that you mention in your blog post that you are playing along at Creative Embellishments together with a link back to our blog. Please make sure to reference our challenge. 
• We would love to see you USE AT LEAST 1 OF CE products on your projects but it isn’t required to play along; however, everyone who does use CE product will get and extra chance at winning.
• WINNERS will have 2 weeks to claim their prize. The winner will be announced on the CE blog post the day after the challenge ends.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! 

Happy New Year!

Wintry Mixed Media Tag ~ Creative Embellishments December Challenge

It is December already!!! How did that happen?!?! The first of the month means a new challenge is up at the Creative Embellishments blog! I just love this month's Inspiration Photo - isn't it gorgeous? And the twist for this month's challenge is to add something that dangles to your project.

I was inspired by all the silver and 'glittery' nature of the inspiration photo and created this Wintry Mixed-Media Tag.

I used one of the Creative Embellishments Chipboard Lamp Posts and a few snowflakes from the Large Snowflake Set to decorate the tag. I glued the chipboard pieces in place and then painted everything with a coat of white gesso. Next, I added another coat of white gesso but mixed in some Prima Mini Art Stones with the gesso to get a 'snowy' look to the tag. I misted everything with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists in Marshmallow and Denim Blue. Once I was happy with the misting, I added some colour using Prima Art Alchemy Acrylic Paints. I used Pure Sunshine paint to add the 'light' and glow to the tag; I used Silver Spoon to paint the Lamp Post and I used Light Patina on the snowflakes. I finished off the chipboard snowflakes with some Prima Glass Glitter in Sterling and some Fairy Dust glitter (added using Soft Matte Gel). For the challenge's twist, I added a silver snowflake charm dangling from the tag's ribbon - I used plain white Seam Binding and also coloured some seam binding with the Denim Blue mist to create the bow for this tag. The quote is from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Here are some more angles/close-ups!

I hope this project inspires you to play along with the Creative Embellishments challenge this month! Be sure to follow the Challenge Rules so that you're eligible to win the $50 Gift Certificate to the Creative Embellishments store!

Challenge Rules:

• Create a NEW project layout, mini album, tag, card, canvas, etc….as of December 1st, 2016.
• Please add your entry to our InLinkz box on the Creative Embellishments blog to be eligible for the prize. You have until the last day of each month 11:55 pm eastern time to enter.
• It is required that you mention in your blog post that you are playing along at Creative Embellishments together with a link back to our blog. Please make sure to reference our challenge. Please no back linking.
• Combining with other challenges is permitted.
• We would love to see you USE AT LEAST 1 CE product on your project but it isn’t required to play along. However everyone that does will get and extra chance at winning.
• WINNERS will have 2 weeks to claim their prize. The winner will be announced on this post the day after the challenge ends. Keep an eye out to see if you are a winner.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Happy Holidays!