Monday, December 12, 2011

The 12 Tags of Christmas -- Day 12

So, it's the 12th and final tag of Christmas for 2011.  Kinda sad, but I think Tim and Mario need those 6+ hours back each day, not to mention running all over Prescott looking for a signal when their internet goes down.  Thanks for the fun, guys.  Your generosity is beyond measure.

Today's tag features one of Tim's little faux frozen Charlottas.  You know, those bizarre porcelain dolls with missing limbs.  I don't have any of his version, but I knew I had a bag full of some I'd gotten on the internet, but when I looked......no bodies, just heads.  Even more bizarre.  So, that caused me to change up my design quite a bit.  One head would have looked a bit lost sitting on top of the artful dwelling that Tim used.  So I did a rosette instead.  Which would lead to another change, and another......well, before I go into all that, here is my tag:

First, I should mention that I did use the background technique with Tim's tissue paper.  What I added after the stickles was some weathered wood distress stain.  And under the tissue paper I used the background stamp from the Papillon set.  Much of this is covered with the tag's embellishments, but it is a really lovely background.

I don't have the decorative strip die that Tim used to make the faux German scrap, so I thought I'd try one of my border punches.  Varied success.  The first one I tried, a Martha Steward punch, didn't cut through the metal tape all the way.  My second choice, also one of Martha's, worked perfectly.  Go figure.   If you don't have any decorative punches, maybe you still have one of these oldies but goodies lying around:


That's right, decorative scissors work like a charm.  And if you want more detail, you can pair them with a decorative hole punch.  Here are some examples.  The first is the border punch I wound up using; all the edges of the ones that follow were done with scissors.  The one in the middle also has my tiny flower shaped hole punch.


A closer view of my faux German scrap (the metal tape I used was glaringly bright so I toned it down just a bit with some black archival ink):


For the letters, I did use Tim's tip of cutting them twice; once from the cardstock covered with metal tape, and once from black cardstock.  They really do pop.   And I discovered that if you attach your metal to textured cardstock, when you run it through your die cut machine the letters take on that texture.  How cool is that!  Good way to use up those pieces of paper with nice texture but hideous color.  You know, like that neon paper pack that was such a big bargain.  :))






I made a tissue paper flower, following Tim's easy directions, and it is so sweet:


Too bad I couldn't find a use for it on this tag.  Remember, I opted for the rosette, and it and the flower were just too close in size and shape, and looked terrible together.  So, I adapted another of Tim's tissue paper techniques, and using my trusty fringe scissors (yes, I really do have a pair), I followed the pom pom directions, but stopped just shy of  making the pom pom and popped the fringe behind the rosette.


I haven't figured out yet what will occupy my early mornings now.  Sleep, maybe?????





13 comments:

goodling4 said...

Sleep is over rated, Eileen, but not your tags! They deserve a 10 gun salute! Thanks for always keeping the humor in your posts

Lori said...

Well, an awesome version of day 12, I must say! Love all the "adaptations", it looks fantastic! And now, for sleep...lol..

Sandra said...

Your tags were great,...I only clicked on the tag pictures that looked the best and yours were always one of the ones I picked!
You're very talented!

Helen said...

You are a genius! I have a load of those scissors (not the fringe ones) but it hadn't occurred to me. You have created some fabulous tags over the last 12 days - now enjoy your uninterrupted nights!

Kirsten Alicia said...

That is a stunning tag, I LOVE the fringe under the rosette, ( MUST get myself fringe scissors). Really, you did an amazing job.

Sue Young said...

Eileen , you rock!!!!! Really , girlfriend... So much time and effort you put in! With fab results!!! I LOVE this tag!
gotta get me some fringe scissors!!!!! Who knew!
Thanks for all your funny and informative posts!!!
Xo

craftyM said...

Yes, get some fringe scissors! I came by a pair accidently as someone gave my husband some but they were advertised for his HERBS!!! Same thing!!!!

Anyway... Lovely tag to end on, but then if I remember correctly weren't you the one that was not going to carry on with Wendy tags now... I'll be willing to follow if you do!!!! OK????

Love ya,
Marita

Patzee said...

What a great tag!! Your fringe and rosette combo is exquisite with the floating head!

Anonymous said...

I asbsolutely LOVE THIS TAG!!!!

Anonymous said...

Your adaptations are wonderful! Thanks for the great tips!

Bearcrazyman said...

Great Interpretation,
Have a great Holiday!

Tammy D said...

Very pretty.

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