Easy as 1,2,3! (Part 1)

Just got back from the Frankfurt Creativeworld Trade Fair. it was lovely to be working for Rayher again and to bump into a few familiar faces along the way. I spent four days demonstrating Sizzix alongside Ranger ink  products which is easy because they compliment each other so well. 

With that in mind I thought I'd create a few tags using a fabulous new set of embossing folders designed by Tim Holtz. They are sized specifically to work with ATC's but they fit perfectly onto a medium sized tag too.

I have created three different tags which you can see above and I'll show you the steps to make each in the coming weeks but we will start at the beginning with Number one...

I used a variety of Distress inks, mainly yellows and browns, I know people have their own favourites so feel free too use whatever you prefer. The Sizzix products used are:

• Movers & Shapers Base Die - Tag & Tie by Tim Holtz (657859)
• Sizzix 'Texture Trades' Embossing folders - Numbers Set by Tim Holtz (658573)

Die cut a tag from smooth heavy weight white card and choose a stamp about the same size as your tag, I'm using a nice floral garland, coat the stamp using an embossing ink pad and stamp directly onto the '1' embossing folder (negative/reverse side). The ink will remain wet so when you emboss the image will transfer onto your tag. remove the tag and sprinkle clear embossing powder over the surface before shaking off any excess, fix with a heat tool and you can now start to apply colour using yellow distress ink and a sponge applicator, the clear embossing powder resists the ink so it remains white.

Start to add more colour, perhaps one of the lovely orange shades before deepening the colour around the edges with a dark brown ink pad like Walnut Stain or Vintage Photo. Spritz some water onto the tag using a Mini Mister and blot the tag with kitchen roll to create an interesting finish. Finally, die cut a strip of lace border and ink the edges prior to attaching to the base of your tag.

I added a stamped clock face to the left of the tag, it just seemed to balance the design better. add some string or twine through the hole and your done, Hope you like it, if you do, tune in next week for part 2!