Star of Hope

Hello friends,

I'm sharing a project today I created for the Sizzix release of the 3D Holly Berries Impresslit.  The background was easy to create using 8 1/2 x 11" Watercolor cardstock. I decided on using the background stamp "Sparkles"(CMS324) to stamp at random over the paper. Each time I stamped, I added white Embossing Powder and melted it with a heat tool. Each time I waited for the embossing to cool, then moved on to the next section. As you can see, I left wide open spaces for a distressed finish.

To color the watercolor cardstock (and force the white embossing to show up), I created a mix of colors, Barn Door, Festive Berries, with a little Pumice Stone and Walnut Stain, on my craft mat. I spritzed the watercolor paper with a bit of water, then smooshed the paper into the ink, quickly picking it up to dry. Any white spaces were smooshed back in the ink and dried again. Once I was satisfied, I dried the paper completely, then glued it to the Mini Etcetera Tag (8 x 4 1/2") using Collage Medium. All excess paper was cut away using a cutting knife and self healing mat board.

Metallic paper is perfect for the 3D Holly Berries.  Remember to spritz the paper with water before adding it to the Impresslit.  Then make three passes through the machine.  The Impresslit not only makes the impression, it cuts it out too - that is my favorite part.  You can leave as is or give it an aged look.  I used a damp brush and Forest Moss Distress Crayon to add some dimension to the berries.

To create the Cathedral Window:

1. Use the Embossing Dabber to add embossing ink to the surface of the Etcetera Cathedral Window.
2. With the window on disposable paper, pour Silver Embossing Powder over the top.  Tap off excess powder, returning it to the jar.
3. Use an Embossing Gun to melt the powder, then let cool.

To create the background for the window:

1. REMOVE the protective plastic sheet on the piece of Mirrored product.
2. Sprinkle on 3-4 drops of Mushroom Alcohol Ink + a couple drops of gold Alloy.
3. Sprinkle on a few drops of Blending Solution to break up the Alloy. Swirl around till you get the look you want, then dry with heat tool to stop the movement. I think when creating this kind of stained glass look it's alway nice to leave some of the clear Mirrored showing.
4. Cut the window shape using Tim Holtz/Tonic scissors and add to the Cathedral Window.

Once the window is complete, add both the window and Holly Berries (cut to fit) to the Mini Tag with 3D Foam Squares.  Note - the window is offset on purpose to balance the sitting Paper Dolls I chose to use.  I also added some words from the Sticker Book to the upper right corner and a Vintage Clip at the top.

I chose this couple before I even started the tag.  As always, I used Distress Crayons and a Water Brush to color the Paper Dolls.  Broken China for his shirt, Aged Mahogany for his stripe socks and cheeks.  Peeled Paint for her dress.

You might notice it better here, that I used the tip of the Detailer Water Brush to pick up some Broken China crayon and make dots in patches over her dress. This creates an illusion of pattern, rather than just a plain dress.

I cut watercolor cardstock using the Holiday Brushstroke Thinlit then painted them with the Water Brush and Distress Ink.  I added some cheesecloth to fill in behind as I added the diecuts with Collage Medium.

I also added a small ribbon bow and and the chipboard number 56 from the Junk Drawer Baseboard pack. I wish I had taken more photos before this got sent off in the mail so this one will have to do.  

So what started as a simple embossed background on water color paper became the visual texture and basis for this Mini Tag with a Christmas feel.  

Thank you for stopping by today!

now carry on,

paula