Tuesday, February 14, 2012

My Funny Valentine

Big announcement from Tim yesterday.....no more 12 Tags of Christmas (sigh....), but instead, the launch of the 12 Tags of 2012.  A new tag, chock full of techniques and step by step directions each month.  Starting with February, a Valentine's tag.

Not that I'm cynical about love, but whether I've been in or out of a relationship come February 14, it has just never been one of my favorite holidays.  But I couldn't resist the challenge, not to mention I had an idea to put a less than serious spin on things.

Tim's main technique involved the use of a specialty paper that results in a honeycomb (and very dimensional) image.  You have to click on the 12 Tags link above to see it.  Now, as much as I own in the way of supplies, this paper is not in my stash.  Somewhere in the back of my mind, however, was a vague memory of making homemade honeycomb paper with my kids way back when I was an elementary school teacher.  I did a quick google search and found this totally easy tutorial which is just the way I remember doing it.  Does it result in the exact same perfect honeycomb effect as the Inky Antics paper?  Of course not, but if you want to give it a try and are too impatient to wait until you can find the real thing, I don't think you'll be disappointed.  I'm not trying to take business away from Inky Antics, but not everyone has the means to buy every cool product, and besides, it's always nice to know your alternatives.


Before I go into details, this tag will be my entry for two challenges besides Tim's.
Grungy Monday #36 :  V-Day, Tim Holtz style.
Simon Says Stamp and Show :  anything goes

And by the way, both of the above challenges will have prizes sponsored by Simon Says Stamp.

I used Tim's paint resist technique with his Rock Star stamp, then used just about every shade of red distress ink over the entire tag.  The embossing you see on the top and right side was done with one of those skinny embossing folders from Sizzix.  Instead of the lace die for the bottom (which I don't have....and why is that?  Something else for the wish list), I used two Martha Steward border punches on Core'dinations whitewash paper.  I followed Tim's directions to make the heart with the tissue tape ruffled edge, and made the honeycomb heart following the tutorial directions I mentioned above.

When I saw cupid on Tim's blog, believe it or not, I was instantly reminded of the running man from Wendy Vecchi's Gentleman's Art stamp set (similar pose, no?), so I had him holding onto the heart,  and instead of covering him with red stickles, I used black diamond.

I used a plain old office date stamp for the one-day-too-late-for Valentine's-Day date, and right below it, the "oops" is from Wendy's Destination Art set.  The "I'm Late! I'm Late!" is from a Stamping Ground Alice in Wonderland set.

And I'm thinking this tag will go out in the mail to a friend who I know is also no great fan of V-Day, and won't mind a bit it's being late.


21 comments:

Marjie Kemper said...

What a great idea! Love the date stamped on there with him offering up his belated heart.

SusanK said...

Too funny!

Kathy Eddy said...

Turned out great Eileen. And as always, love your sense of humor.

lilyandthelotus.blogspot.com said...

awesome Eileen..and funny

susan s.

Belinda Basson said...

Love the fact that you used Wendy's man! Great tag.

Cher said...

luv it !

teri said...

I love the way you put that tag together. Looks really great. I also agree with you about V-Day. So much pressure to be in a relationship and to do something special -- not fun at all!

Bethan said...

just love your sense of humour Eileen! tags' pretty good too!!!

Candy C said...

Eileen...I just LOVE your sense of humor. It comes through in so many of your pieces. I have not gotten around to making a Valentine tag so I congratulate you in making one...even if it is "late". haha It looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing your art with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy

Tammy D said...

What fun Eileen. It looks great.

Vic said...

Perfect! You always have the best ideas.

Bearcrazyman said...

I love it!

Kathy Ethington said...

Love it Eileen, totally you!!

Unknown said...

I always love to see your spin on Tim's tags, and you never disappoint! Thanks for the link!

Gillian .... said...

Love your way of thinking Eileen, this is such a cool tag.

Alicia B said...

Too Funny! I am not a Valentine's Person either and am glad it has come and gone, LOL I AM going to try your honeycomb paper though! *Hugs*

El rincon de vanessa said...

Te a quedado muy original!!!

Lori said...

I can always count on your clever substitutions, and this is no exception...Love the tag!

ellen vargo designs said...

Hey EYEleen! Love your Timmy tag - I can't believe you made your OWN honeycomb paper - WOW! Thanks for sharing your tag with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show! Ellen :)

Kristen said...

Thanks for sharing the honeycomb paper link, i think your tag is wonderful!

Shelly Hickox said...

Love your tag, Eileen! Very fun and original take on Tim's.