All 12 done!!!

Hello again,

Drumroll please ................ ta da!!! Tag number 12 all done and dusted, with time to spare!!

Tag #12

I've spritzed the tag with IndigoBlu's English Cottage Acrylic paints ...... Sleeping Beauty and Snow White shades, from the new metallic collection, both mixed with a little water.
I then scrunched a piece of cling film over the top and left it to dry.
Once the cling film was removed I was left with a fabulous icy look to the card, where the mica had dried in the creases ...... so shimmery in real life, not sure the camera picks it up though .....

I stamped my little forest in the background, using 1st and 2nd generation stamping and a grey Archival ink

You can see I've sprinkled the chunky white embossing powder over the top .... looks like quite the blizzard going on there ....brrrrr!

I stamped the jolly little snowman using the same grey ink, and added a touch of colour, and a few Glossy Accents here and there,

A little more of the chunky stuff, and a sparkly sentiment finish everything off nicely.  The snowflakes have been punched from the same glitter card, and then coloured using a Blue Alcohol ink.

And there you have it ..... my final tag for Loll's 12 Tags of Christmas Event.

It's been great fun playing along ....... there's some stunning tags on there.
Thanks to Loll for hosting the event and to all her friends who have taken part and given us fabulous festive inspiration.  Can't wait to do it all again next year!!

How's your Saturday been then?

I managed to get most things done this morning ...... 2 trips into town, but still no party frock! I knew that wouldn't be an easy task  ........ I think last years may have to have another outing and just dress it up with something new and very sparkly!  

We had a drive up to the north of the island to my favourite shop.  The Christmas shopping has begun ...... a bag full of stocking fillers, oh! ..... and 1 new tree decoration (I couldn't resist her!)

  And I just love their festive carrier bags!!

We had fish and chips for lunch on the way home too ...... nom!! nom!

And oh yes, look what my lovely postie brought me this morning ......

24 brand new colours of the fabulous Distress Stain Sprays.  So all in all, it's been a good day.  Didn't get to the wine place though ..... never mind,  luckily there's still plenty in the wine rack here!

Thanks for popping by .... and thanks to everyone that's left such lovely comments on my Christmas tags, I appreciate each and every one.   And I hope you've enjoyed the tags as much as I have.

Enjoy the rest of  the weekend

Cheerio until next time

Linda

xx

Another week over .....

Good morning ..... Happy weekend!

I can't believe we're half way through November already ...... how did that happen!!  This last week has really flown by, probably because I've been busy trying to keep up with Loll's 12 Tags of Christmas event ...... it's been so much fun!

Day 12 was yesterday ..... but the event is staying open until the 16th (tomorrow), so I've still got time to link up my last 2 tags ....... I did say I was going to do all 12!

Here's my penultimate tag ........ (this was going to be the last one but ........ I couldn't get any decent pictures last night of the one that was going to be number 11 so I've swapped them round ..... does that make sense?!)   Pop back later to see Tag number 12.

Tag #11

'Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!' ..... the last line from the poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore.  It's something that sticks in my mind from when I was a child.  I had it in a book, and we would always read it on Christmas Eve, and I remember it being such a BIG book, in the shape of Santa.  I'm not sure what happened to it though, which is a shame ..... it probably wouldn't seem so big now!
Anyhow ..... I did buy another one the year that Chris was born (1990) ...... it comes out every year with the Christmas decorations and we read it on Christmas Eve ....... to our Grandson now! Christmas just wouldn't be the same without it!

Back to the tag ....... the top half of the tag (the sky) was inked using Distress inks - Tea Dye/Vintage Photo and Aged Mahogany.  I placed a circle mask on there first to create the moon.
I then stamped Santa and his reindeer (IndigoBlu's Here Comes Santa stamp set), using Potting Soil Archival ink, across the moon.

The town silhouette is from Inkylicious and has also been stamped using the brown archival ink.  i then sprinkled the tag with chunky white embossing powder, and added a touch of glitter to the moon.

The sentiment banner across the bottom is a chipboard embellishment I found in my Christmas stash ...... I think it's from an old BoBunny collection, not sure which one though, but it's perfect for this tag.

To finish off I added the festive red bow along with some die cut holly leaves and a couple of shiny sleigh bells

Only one more tag to go!

Oh well must dash ....... busy day today.  Trip into town this morning ..... if I can get everyone out of bed that is! (I think hubby might just have a hangover ...... it was rather later when he got in last night!)  Chris needs to go to the opticians, hubby needs new shoes ..... and I need to look for the all important frock for the Christmas Do ...... something I'm not looking forward to.
Then it's off to the wine store to pick up what we ordered from the wine tasting a few weeks ago. Good job I'm off the antibiotics finally ...... I can actually have a glass or two (HIC!)
Then this afternoon, it's off to the north of the island .... up to Ramsey, and my favourite shop. According to their Facebook page it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in there so ...... it may be time to add to my every growing bauble collection or, even do a spot of Christmas shopping.  They always have gorgeous scarves in there (a weakness of mine) and beautiful handmade jewellery.  Their scented candles are just heaven, and they have fabulous home decor pieces ....... could be an expensive trip!!

Thanks for popping by ..... enjoy your Saturday.  I'll be back later on with that final tag!

Cheerio until then

Linda

xx

10 done ..... only 2 more to go

Hello again!

It's time for Tag number 10 for Loll's 12 Tags of Christmas event.  I've had so much fun playing along this week ..... it's a shame it's all coming to an end (sigh!) What am I going to do next week?!! 

Today's tag is all about the Festive Gent .......

Tag #10

I love this Tim Holtz die!

He's been cut from black cardstock, and then his scarf has been cut again from a piece of red, and layered over the top.  I then sprinkled him with a little chunky white embossing powder, to give the look of falling snow

The background has been done using Distress Inks, and those favourite Clarity trees again, and I added a festive greeting to the bottom.

To add a bit more texture to the background I used a stencil along with some dimensional paste across the top and the bottom of the tag ....... more falling snow!

I attached the gent to the tag using foam pads and then added the cute little wreath.

Two more tags to go ....... they are made (yeah!!) I just need to take some pictures and then I'll share.
I've got until the 16th so no need to panic just yet.

Well that's me done I think.  Today's tag shared - check!  Dinner's out of the way, and the washing up done - check! .... ok dishwasher's loaded and switched on!  The little man is bathed and in bed - check!  not an easy task this evening I might add ........ he put up a bit of a fight!!

It was Super Hero Day at pre-school and I had the job of getting this one clean ....... Spiderman, no problem for SuperGran!!

I think it's time to relax, put my feet up and catch up with some TV.  Hubby's out this evening, wetting his work colleague's baby's head ....... so I won't be seeing him this side of midnight!!

Thanks for popping by ..... I'll be back tomorrow to share my last two tags with you.

Cheerio until then

Linda

xx 

A Tag on a Tag ......

Good evening folks,

Just a quick post this evening with today's tag for Loll's 12 Tags of Christmas event.

Day 9 (for me) ....... a tag, on a tag!

Tag #9

If there's a sparkly gift like this one, under the tree for me ..... I will be pleased!

I took a piece of white card to make the tag, inked it with Distress inks (Tea Dye/Vintage Photo & Aged Mahogany) then spritzed it with water.

I stamped the pine branch (from SU's Ornamental Pine set)  across the top using a green Versafine ink, and the pine cones (from the same stamp set) were stamped onto white card using a brown Archival ink, then fussy cut and attached onto the branches.

The parcel is really simple .... just a piece of gold glitter card with some festive red ribbon attached, finished off with a matching bow, and of course a gift tag!

That's 9 down ..... 3 more to go!

It's actually Day 12 of the event tomorrow (Friday), when the fun comes to an end (sigh!) ........ No wait!!  It might be day 12 but, the event is open until the 16th (yeah!!) ....... so loads of time to get 3 more tags done!

There's already lots of fabulous tags linked to the event.  For those of you that are interested,  Loll' set up a Pinterest Board for them.  Why not pop over and see ....... they look so good all together!

Thanks for popping by ..... enjoy what's left of Thursday.

Cheerio until next time

Linda

xx 

The first Noel .......

Happy Wednesday!

Middle of the week already .... and I must say I'm really enjoying having nothing to do and no-where to go.  The weather's been awful so it's nice to be able to stay at home, cosy and warm!) .... I wish there were more clear weeks in the diary!
All the housework's done, even the ironing pile has disappeared!  Better make the most of it though, as next week is filling up fast ...... so far there's 2 craft sessions (yeah!) ...... Chris has got some friends coming over to stay for a few days from Wednesday, to celebrate his graduation (that's going to be one messy evening!!) ..... I've a friends birthday at the end of the week (still need to make a card for that!) and hubby's got a leaving party for a work colleague.  Plus I have to go party dress hunting (oh joy!) ..... something to look forward to, or not!!

I'm still tag making for Loll's 12 Tags of Christmas Event ..... I'm up to number 8 so only 4 more to go ...... will I get them finished before the end of the weekend, I hope so!

For today's tag I've gone for a vintage look .....

Tag #8

I've used the Tim Holtz Vintage Noel die (it's first outing of this year) ..... cut it from white chipboard, then painted it with Black Gesso. Once that was dry I gave it a coat of Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint and left it to do it's magic.

This was the result .....

I rubbed some White Fire Treasure Gold gilding wax around the edges, using my finger, to cover where the paint was thinner and hadn't cracked.

For the background, the white tag was inked using Peeled Paint and Festive Berries Distress inks, flicked with water to remove some of the ink, then I stamped randomly using an old script stamp

To add a little more interest and some texture to the background, I used Texture Paste through Tim Holtz's Holly stencil, and whilst the paste was still wet, I sprinkled just a touch of gold glitter over the top

Once everything was dry, I attached some die cut foliage to the centre of the tag and then placed the Noel over the top, adding the glittery poinsettia to give a real festive finishing touch.

With only 42 days to go before the BIG day ...... it's time I started thinking about the gifts I need to buy that these tags can go on!  Better make a list.

Thanks for popping by ....... it's time for a coffee and a mince pie I think, mmmm!
Oh yes, the mince pies have found their way into the cake tin already ..... shop bought ones I afraid, My lot go through them too quickly ...... I can't bake them fast enough, believe me I've tried!!

Enjoy the rest of your evening.
Cheerio until next time

Linda

xx

Two for Tuesday .......

Happy Tuesday evening,

Me again ...... with, wait for it .... not one, but two Tags for Loll's 12 Tags of Christmas Event!  you can guess where I've been for most of the day!

First up .... tag #6

Tag #6

I inked up my background using various shades of Distress inks, then I stamped a snowflake design onto the card using Paris Dusk (navy) Memento ink.
To add a bit more interest I over stamped with  more snowflakes, this time using Versamark ink, and then embossed with a white powder

I die cut the ice skates from white pearlescent card, grey card for the heels and the blades were cut from silver mirri,  Once the boots were all layered, I added some narrow black ribbon for the laces and a touch of detail by stamping snowflakes, using Versamark again, and embossed with white powder

I attached the skates to my tag using foam pads and added a festive verse to the bottom.

Tag #7 is all about the big guy ....... Santa!

Tag #7

I've used one of my all time favourite Christmas stamps ....... Santa Collage

He's simply stamped with Black Versafine onto white cardstock, then I've inked around the edges using Tea Dye and Vintage Photo Distress inks, and finished with a touch of Aged Mahogany.
I highlighted his spectacles using a Sakura Stardust Gel Pen, and added just a touch of pink to his cheeks ....... what a jolly looking fellow!

For the background, I stamped the sentiment onto the bottom of a white tag and then using Versamark ink, I stamped a few snowflakes around the words and embossed them with a clear powder.
I then inked the tag using the same colours of Distress as I did on Santa.  Because the clear embossing acts as a resist, my snowflakes  slowly started to appear as I added more ink.

Once I was happy with the colour, I buffed over the embossed snowflakes just to remove any excess ink.
I then spritzed with a little water like I did on last night's tag, and finished off by stamping more snowflakes only this time I embossed them with a sparkly white powder.

To finish off, I added a cute little stocking.

I'm not taking any chances ....... I believe in Santa .... do you?

Thanks for popping by ...... enjoy the rest of your evening.

Cheerio until next time

Linda

xx

Another tag for Loll's event ......

Good evening folks,

Monday again ...... the start of a new week, and guess what ..... the diary is clear (whoo hoo!)  Does that mean I have a whole week to do just what I like (no change there then ....... hubby says!!!)
  
It's not very often that I look at the week ahead and there's nothing going on ..... better make the most of it!!  I'll be bored by Wednesday though ... you watch.  I'll be cleaning the oven and defrosting the freezer just for something to do!!!

Nothing like that today though ...... I've been playing with Tags again for Loll's 12 Tags of Christmas event
It's Day 8 of the event ....... day 5 for me!  You don't have to play along each day, you can enter as many or as few times as your like but .... you know me, I love my tags so I'm trying to do all 12.

Here's number 5 ......

Tag #5

Time for some Vintage Carol Singers I think .........  I started out by inking a piece of white cardstock with various shades of blue Distress inks.  I kept the colour mainly to the edges, leaving the centre quite bright to highlight the silhouettes.

I did my favourite 'flicking water' technique over the ink ..... let the drops sit for a few seconds then mopped up the excess with kitchen roll to give the splattered effect .... I think it gives the look of snow falling in the background

I then stamped some snowflakes across the top of my tag using Versamark ink, and embossed with a white powder.

I stamped the sentiment across the bottom of the tag, and again onto a piece of white card, both in Black Versafine.   I cut the words off the white one leaving just the music banner, and overlayed this onto the tag

The vintage carolers have been sprinkled with Chunky White Embossing powder, and a touch of Treasure Gold has been added around the edges, before they were attached onto the tag using foam pads on the lady, for a bit of dimension

To finish I added some organza ribbon and a couple of festive holly leaves.

It won't be long before the Christmas music is being played, especially in the shops.  The adverts are already starting to appear on TV ..... Coke Cola, M&S, John Lewis (how cute is this year's .... have you seen it yet?)
I must admit I do like a festive tune or two.   They've already been playing here I'm afraid ..... hubby likes to play the piano, and when he's had a few drinks it's either country music or Christmas ..... it's fine as long as he doesn't start singing!

And on that note, I'll say........ thanks for popping by, enjoy the rest of your evening.

Cheerio until next time

Linda

xx

Tag #4 .......

Hi there,

How's your Sunday been?...... as you can see I managed to sneak some time in the old craft room again, inbetween popping into town for a little retail therapy (didn't buy much for me but the little man did quite well out of Grandma and Grandad!) Lunch at McDonald's, again with the little man (Alex said he wanted to go as we hadn't been there in ages!!) - oh joy!! And then I've just finished cooking (and eating!) Sunday dinner ...... lemon, chilli and herb roast chicken, and all the trimmings .... yummeee!

I think it's time to put my feet up and relax for a while ......

Thank you to everyone who's commented so far on my tags for Loll's event, I really appreciate you all taking the time.
If you haven't joined in the fun yet, and would like to give it a go then don't worry,  the event is open until the 16th of November so there's loads of time yet.  I may have just caught up by then!

Here's my tag for Day 4 ...... again I've taken my inspiration from Loll and created a little winter scene for the reindeer

Tag #4

I've inked a piece of white cardstock using Tea Dye Distress ink along with a mask to create the hills and a punched circle for the moon.

With the mask for the hills still in place, I stamped my little forest using my favourite (oh no .... not those again!) Christmas trees from Clarity Stamps.   Anyone that's been following my blog recently will know how much I love these trees ........ in all 4 sizes!!

I added a touch of glitter and a sprinkling of chunky white embossing powder to give the look of falling snow (something else that gets used a lot at this time of year!)

The little deer has been die cut from Kraft card, using the Tim Holtz Mini Reindeer Movers and Shapers die.  I added a touch of Distress ink around the edge, stamped part of him with a flourish design and gave him some sparkly antlers ..... he's even got a red nose!

To finish off I tied some bakers twine around his neck and added a pretty festive bow to the tag.

Day 4 done!  I think Day 7 has just gone live ...... so I've still a way to go!

Thanks for popping by ..... enjoy the rest of your evening.  I think a night in front of the TV is calling .... the ironing can wait!!

Cheerio until next time

Linda

xx  

Tag #3 ....... for Loll's 12 Tags of Christmas

Hello again,

Hope you're having a good weekend.  We decided to have a lazy day today .... well the weather wasn't good, not the sort of day for being outside!  Instead we had a nice family day at home, watching the football ..... my Chelsea boys won again today ..... whooo hoo!! (sorry if you're a Liverpool fan!).  Playing computer games (hubby and the kids .... not me!)  And there's now a rather large Lego train going around the lounge ..... again nothing to do with me, that's all down to the little man and his mum!

So what have I been up to ...... well let's see.  We had a new addition to the family this morning ....... meet Holly Berry ........ a little on the green side, but sooo cute!  She's settling in nicely.

It's Day 6 of Loll's 12 Tags of Christmas event ..... and seeing as I'm only on Day 3, I took the opportunity to spend some time in the old craft room and catch up a little.  Here's the result .....

Tag #3

I took my inspiration for this one from Loll's Tag on Day 3.

I started by colouring my background card using the Faux Mother of Pearl Technique (details of which can be found here on Loll's blog), along with Distress inks.

I stamped my festive greeting on the bottom using IndigoBlu FlitterGlu and Chariot of Fire (gold) Mega Flakes.  I then overstamped, this time using Black Archival ink, and I moved the stamp slightly over to one side to give a sort of shadow effect.

The poinsettia has been die cut using the Spellbinders Layered Poinsettia die, cut from a piece of Studio 490's Clearly for Art modelling film, that's had a layer of Tim Holtz Frosted Film attached to it.
If you've never used Clearly for Art, it's a bit like a cross between thick acetate and shrink plastic ..... except it doesn't shrink!  When you heat it gently with a heat gun you can mould it into shape while it's still warm.  The great thing is, if you don't like the shape you end up with, just heat it up again and give it another go ...... it's fab stuff!

(I must say though, the actual die didn't cut right through the modelling film, and I did put it through  my machine 3 or 4 times.  I had to finish cutting it out with scissors and a craft knife, but the lines were deep enough to follow so it wasn't hard to do).

I added some colour to the bloom using Festive Berries Distress ink, and then spritzed the layers with the Picket Fence Distress Stain Spray.  I love these sprays, and guess what ......... the remaining 24 colours have just been released .... whoo hoo!!  (Don't tell anyone ...... but I may just have placed my order for those this afternoon ..... ooops!)

Anyway, I digress ........  I added a sprinkling of Chunky White Embossing Powder to the background and layered up some festive foliage across the middle of my tag, before adding the poinsettia.

A few sparkly gemstones and a pretty organza bow add the final touches.

Well that's tag number 3 done ...... just need to start thinking about gifts that they can go on now.
That could be a job for tomorrow.

Thanks for popping by ......

Cheerio until next time

Linda

xx