Tag: Scrapbook.com

LUXURIOUS SONGBIRD – 3D TAG

3D Christmas Tag Tutorial by Linda Fields

NORDIC SONGBIRD STAMP SET FROM ALTENEW

Imagine Bigger

Introducing the latest release in Altenew’s Nordic Stamp Sets – Songbird! I created this dimensional, 3D giant sized Christmas Tag using wonderful Altenew products. You can make this clean and simple tag too! For a limited time, this stamp and die set are absolutely free with purchase!

Nordic Songbird Giant Christmas Tag Handmade by Linda Fields

Have you ever seen something so amazing as these giant sized tags? Whether you want to hang them in the tree or add a bow for that new car Christmas gift, these very special tags are sure to shine for that special someone you love. Choose one of the two designs shown here or change it up a bit with your own creative twist! Use silver instead of gold embossing powder, use colored cardstock with matching ribbon. Whatever you do, make sure to take pictures of everything you create so they can be treasured and shared! Have a very Merry Christmas!

Create – Design #1 in Ten Steps

  1. Cut 2 tags from your paper using the Graphic 45 die.
  2. Mist each tag before putting them into the Daisy Tiles 3D Embossing Folder.
  3. Run the folder through your die cutting machine for each tag.
  4. Glue the backs of both tags together to make one tag.
  5. Set this aside under something heavy to dry.
  6. Use left over paper to stamp the Nordic Songbird.
  7. Color the bird using Altenew’s Alcohol Ink Artist Markers.
  8. Cut the colored songbird out using the Nordic Songbird Die.
  9. Edge your tag with embossing ink then gold embossing powder. Heat to melt.
  10. Attach bird to tag with dimensional foam tape. Add ribbon for that finishing touch!
Nordic Songbird Christmas Tag – Alternate Design Option / Handmade by Linda Fields

Create – Design #2 in Fifteen Steps

  1. Cut 2 tags from your paper using the Graphic 45 die.
  2. Mist one tag before putting it into the Daisy Tiles 3D Embossing Folder.
  3. Run the folder through your die cutting machine.
  4. Ink a generous layer of Tim Holtz Oxide Ink(s) on the front side of the other tag.
  5. Mist with water and dry with craft dryer to create a vintage effect.
  6. Stamp with Tim Holtz Christmas Sentiment using black ink.
  7. Use clear embossing powder and heat gun to finish the sentiment.
  8. Glue the backs of both tags together to make one tag.
  9. Set this aside under something heavy to dry.
  10. Use left over paper to stamp the Nordic Songbird.
  11. Color the bird using Altenew’s Alcohol Ink Artist Markers.
  12. Cut the colored songbird out using the Nordic Songbird Die.
  13. Edge your tag with embossing ink then gold embossing powder. Heat to melt.
  14. Attach finished bird to embossed tag front with dimensional foam tape.
  15. Add ribbons to top and attach to that special gift or hang from the tree!

Materials You Need

Note: While I was not paid to write this blog, if you make a purchase through one of the included, affiliated links, I may be compensated without any cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Inspire

What happens to everything you create when you’re done? Start taking pictures, a kind of digital diary to capture each moment, accomplishment, and creativity! I’d love to see everything you do! Make sure you share your photos and inspire others to leave a beautiful mark.

BRICK IN BLOOM

Tutorial by Linda Fields

Drawing from a childhood memory… I looked out my bedroom window and admired the beautifully thick bed of flowers cascading over the brick planter bed like a waterfall. It was a masterpiece to behold! To this day, that memory reminds me of the joy it brought my mother – God rest her soul.

I dedicate this to you, Mom

AECP Level 3 – All About Layering 5 Build a Flower Course Work

Color Palette

I will never stop talking about the importance of using what inspires you. Like this color palette!

Materials

Stamp, Stencil, Die

The Bougainvillea Set by Altenew is a beautiful, must have treasure for your crafting arsenal. I used Altenew’s Obsidian Ink to stamp the flower cluster on two different pieces of white card stock. It’s important you use the right stamping ink for the job because if you’re water or other liquids, you may not want your stamp to run. The stencil masks included with this set are fairly easy to follow but I don’t like doing the flower stems first so I ended up going out of order.

To create the blended depth of color, I used five dramatic Tim Holtz Oxide Inks and one Distress Ink. I built my color up in thin, light layers. One color on top of the next with the deepest, darkest tones in the center or where there would be shadow. A heavy hand with brush applicators will not give you depth and transitions you want and need.

I misted my flowers with water after and used a paper towel to remove ink to create a stippled effect.

TIP: Make sure your paper is completely dry before using artist tape. The paper is weekend by water and can easily be torn or damaged.

Flat vs. Depth

This was my first time using these kinds of stencils. I was excited to experiment and learn. I thought I knew what I was doing but I didn’t. And that’s ok! You have to crawl before you can walk. So you may want to practice until you get the look you want.

FLAT – If you don’t gradiate your colors then they will be one-note flat liners. Maybe a cartoon like style is what you want? If not, then read on for those realistic techniques that’ll give your flowers the dramatic spotlight they deserve.

DEPTH – All you need is one applicator per color family. I am in love with Altenew’s Brushes. Are they really bristles? They’re so soft! Don’t use a lot of color at one time. Don’t be afraid to mix them and take your time to place the darker shades in the deeper recesses.

FLAT COLORING
DEPTH COLOR BLENDING

Placement

Once your flowers are die cut, you’ll want to dry arrange them according to your backdrop. In this case, I was making a 3.5″x8.5″ slimline card so I had a wonderful long canvas to play with. I decided to hang the flowers drop down. To make the flowers fit just right, I fussy cut smaller sections out.

TIP – If you mess up and don’t keep your margins consistent when fussy cutting, you can always take a black ink pen and cover your mess.

Great, the flowers look perfect so how do I get them over to the backdrop without losing the grouping? Use artist tape or sticky seal plastic wrap over the top of your flowers to temporarily keep them together. Flip over and put your tape vs sticky foam where they need to go. Differing heights creates depth and interest.

DIE & FUSSY CUT PIECES
DRY ARRANGEMENT

Backdrop

Not satisfied with a plain white card behind the flowers, I decided to add more layers of dimension and texture. I used Altenew’s Masonry Wall Embossing Folder and the Tim Holtz Distress Lost Shadow Ink to build a wall. I stamped “I adore you” into the stone but I didn’t like all of them so I covered others up with the extra cut petals. Of course, those little finishing touches are critical so I brought out my Nuvo drops and had fun. Let them dry over night just to be sure you don’t ruin them.

TIP – The Altenew Embossing Folders are 6″x6″ so you get the effect you need and want for my slimline cards unless you are very careful when embossing. Make sure your placement is exact and don’t roll it through your machine all the way. Stop before the end of the folder happens. Rotate your paper to the other end and repeat. Be careful to line it all up and you’ll have a great backdrop! Thicker paper? Spray your paper with a light mist of water to make the embossing deeper. I did a kind of dry brushing over the high points and edges of the wall for full effect.

NOTE – My bouquet design above changed many, many times before I came to a final layout.

In Closing

Find what inspires you then grab it. Use it. Let color guide you to that emotional charge you want to pour into your piece because it will convey its story to others when all is said and done.