Happy International Scrapbook Day!

I have to start out by saying I have missed blogging but sometimes life just gets interrupted!  Among other things my computer's hard drive went kaput so just getting that up and running again.  I think there is no better day to get back at things that International Scrapbooking day.  I truly hope everyone of you are getting your creative juices going today whether it is on your own or out with friends. 

This creative outlet has really made my life better.  I have seen some amazing places, made art and most importantly met some truly amazing and unforgettable people.  I have made some true and genuine friends for life while doing what I love to do and that I am forever grateful!!! We all have things happen in our lives that test our beliefs and sanity but knowing we have something we can lose myselves in and and have true soul friends that are just 'there' (whether they are next door or countries away) is everything! I am humbled by this thing we call scrapbooking! I have to say I probably can count on one hand how many scrapbook pages I have made in my life but I love to make art and love the process of making 'memory homes', be it mini albums or art pieces.  Each time I look at them it takes me back...

 So, today I wanted to share this tag and this sentiment with you...

I first want to apologize for the few pictures that were taken of the process because I guess I just got lost in the creating.

 

I started out by taping my tag and stencil to my craft mat and with my craft scraper applied white embossing paste to create an allover pattern.  I removed the stencil while the paste was still wet to be washed.  While the tag was still wet I pounced a piece of crumpled up paper towel over the paste which added a bit of texture and took away any sharp looking edges.  I did this step first so it could be set it aside to dry. When inked this process resembles that of using embossing folders.  This is a great way to get that look when you don't have just the right embossing folder.

I then used my Tattered Pinecone die cut and cut various colours of cordinations cardstock of the pinecone and brown cordinations for the foliage.  Leaving the excess cardstock, I sanded the pinecone piece to give it the distressed look I was going for and giving it some contrast.  Remember, always sand on something other than your craft mat so you do not destroy it. 

Here is where my process lacks pictures but what is better than pictures...videos! Tim Holtz has a great video showing just how we can use this tattered pinecone die to make dimensional pinecones as well as flowers.  Find it HERE along with many other great informative videos.

Next step, I selected just the perfect letters to attach to my tag.  These adhesive backed plastic letters from Tim Holtz and Ideology just scream alter me so I painted mine with distress paints.  I can't say enough how much I LOVE these paints! Before attaching them to my tag I added some colour to it with distess inks and ink blending tools once the paste was completely dry.

To pull it all together the roses and foliage were attached with glue and seal after being inked, ribbon dyed with distress stains and embellishments were added. As always, mention ink&flour when visiting Inspiration Emporium to get 10% off your purchase. 

So, THANK YOU! Thank you for being a part of this adventure and for visiting my little creative home here.It feels good to be back at it!  h