Saturday, December 8, 2007

Another Christmas card and another step in the tag book

This is the last step in the painting/coloring of the tags for the tag book. This step was to dry brush the tags to make them softer looking. You dip a dry paint brush in gesso and wipe it off onto a paper towel, or in my case, old newspaper, until there is almost no paint on the brush. Then you paint on the tags in all directions, even swirling. I used very heavy pressure on some spots, which resulted in a lighter look to the gesso, more misty looking. I wanted some heavier paint spots, make it look as accidental as the coffee stains did, and in those areas, I didn't press as hard with the paint brush when smearing the paints around. This is what came of it all. After the holidays, apparently we will be decorating the tags with embellishments and bits. I plan to do more of these. They were fun.

This is another Christmas card. I made 12 of them. They're all done! Much easier than the other set. I still used hand painted paper that was then dry embossed. I stamped on Cryogen White paper with Brilliant Blue. After the ink dried, I Versamarked the whole piece, sprinkled with Iridescent Ice and heat embossed. Very sparkly and pretty. I love those little snowflakes. They're just so cute with the snowflake embossing folder. The stamp set is Flourished Christmas from Flourishes. I can't wait to see their next release. Their images make me smile.

I have another dozen Christmas cards to make and then I'll be done with Christmas cards this year. Whew.

12 comments:

Lesa said...

Hi Michelle,
I am trying to get around to all my Stampin blogging sisters and say hi and I don't think I have been to your blog yet. I have you all on my google reader and when you post I try and come say hi. I am Lesa and I am thrilled to be one of your stamping sisters. I am excited to check out your blog and see what you have been up to. You can find my blog here: http://paperpossibilities.blogspot.com/ It is great to meet you!

Velta said...

Michelle ! I love the tags and the card. The technique on the tags are amazing :)

Lorraine said...

love your projects. i can't wait to see what you do to these tags. love the textured look that they have.thanks for sharing the technique with us.

Fink said...

Love that Christmas card! I hope that you find the spirit of Christmas! I so appreciate you stopping by my blog! Sorry it has been boring lately!

Bonnie said...

Such a pretty sparkly card!! Just checking out your blog - your little sis SBS2

Rosella said...

These tags look amazing too. Just a question, where can I find the gesso?
What a beautiful card! Love the color. So peaceful!

Dawn Wheeler said...

Very clasy card ,love the colour with the stamp ,Dawnx

Donelda said...

Wow, I love those tags!! I am going to have to give them a try!! I love the idea of making them into a book or scrapbook or something like that!! And I also like your second set of cards. Very pretty. I love the ii all over the white area!! Nice and sparkly!!

laos348 said...

Your card is beautiful.

A.Lee said...

I love this Christmas card--esp the blue and sparkles. Anything sparkly is great, no? I love that you hand paint your own paper. One of these days I might try that!

Flourishes said...

Your cards are great...thanks for sharing the comments on Sophie's creations for Flourishes...otherwise I would not have found your site.....which is great!

mel m. m. mccarthy said...

Just when I thought those tags couldn't et any better. I HAVE to get some of those! Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! :-) Mel