2023 Topic 10: Tags {by Ellie Knol} with Alison Bomber stamps

Hi everyone

Ellie Knol from PAPER-STAMPS-COLOR here with you today. 

Playing with product is always so relaxing to me, and a challenge at the same time.
This topic (TAGS) had me thinking about all the great MDF tags I have in my stash to be teaching one of my workshops on.
They are ready with white watercolor paper (with a torn edge) on it. 
I added a layer of gel medium to it for this project.

I decided to get these MDF tags out and have a play, and I actually had a clear vision of the crafty steps I would take on them.

I wrote the steps down, and followed them, and thought this would prevent me from doing something else altogether along the way. I was wrong!

My actual project gets shown in the section "Twists and Turns" because of that, and I ended up with 4 projects instead of one. Not a bad thing, lol.

The stamps I was going to use are Alison Bomber Fodder School Stamp Set (EABF) and Alison Bomber Stamp Set 35 (EAB35). 

Both stamp sets determined the style of the project for me. Colorful of course, an abundance of berries and as a bonus a tiny taste of autumn to go with it.

Leaves with a touch of a rusty color before they start to fall, filling up the lawns; mixed with golden colors to resemble the softer glow of the autumn sun. 

As TYPOGRAPHY is the overall theme for the 4th quarter of the year, I chose to use two gorgeous stencils : PaperArtsy Stencil (PS311) and (PS312)

Gathering all the supplies and a plan on paper was the way to go for me. Before starting the actual project I decided to play in my art journal first. It always gets me into an arty flow. The journal page only needed a few steps to make me want to start playing on the tag right there and then. I wrote down the steps to keep myself on track.

Follow along: this was a huge plunge I took; certainly it will not go wrong!? 

 

Using the colors and steps used so far on the journal page, I started on a blank tag.  

Using an orange distress ink and heat emboss in clear... 
 

Berries stamped with a black ink and also heat embossed in clear..

Edges sponged with blue.. 

Coloring the background with Twinkling H2O's ... 

First challenge arises as the stamped images disappear into the background visually.... white PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic (Snowflake , FF15) comes to the rescue, but there is another issue.. in the colored areas the sponged numbers are not visible anymore... now what? 

I took a break to think it over... did I think these berries could be the focal point? Or will they be OK in the background? 

Plan B... maybe add a white tag to the mix? 

Back to the drawing board:
I know I made another mistake: in the initial step I changed the color from yellow to orange: it makes it too visible in my opinion; too much! 

I decided to start on a new tag and change the order of the steps a bit. 

New MDF tag, new chance to do it right. You will recognize the steps by now...

Stamped the berries ...

Distressed the tag edges...

Added Twinkling H20 color to the berries

And green to the leaves...

Time to see how it sits with the journal page ...

Some yellow rust is required, but first some stencilling this time in the purple ...

Yes that is better, but I still need the rusty color in the leaves for an autumnal feel.. 

.. and of course a bit of sunshine yellow in the drips.. 

Can I still save the first project? 

An attempt: white gesso to knock back the coloring in the background, embossing paste through a stencil; sponged yellow.

No, for now I will leave this tag the way it is.. when it is finished I will share it in the FB group, the Journal page as well!

Adding finishing touches is the most enjoyable part of any project as far as I am concerned. This is the part where everything comes together.

I added background stamping in different colors ..

Three tiny tags as an embellishment... 

A close-up of the drip of sunshine yellow... 

A bead made from fragile paper, burned with a candle on the edges, stamped and colored and heat embossed three times in clear...

 

Stamped script in black...

A recycled clothing-tag added to the back for another yellow touch and to emphasize the focal point... 

Enjoy the pictures, some close-ups of the coloring too! 

Will this work too? WIP...

You can definitely tell that I struggle with CAS techniques. Details are important, but when to stop?! Should I just've tossed the first one in the trash bin? I am glad I tried, and will not toss it.
Why did I share it anyway? To show you that not every project works out the way we want it to.. and that's OK! Enjoy the process.. keep playing and learn from mistakes; that is called experience! 
I am going to play some more with all these stamps and stencils, make some fodder for my fodder books to play with in the future! 

I'd like to encourage you to share your makes in our FB group! Maybe show your struggles so others can learn too!   

Ellie Knol

Blog: http://elliecreahoekje.blogspot.nl/

Owner of: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DutchArtJournal/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllieKnolCrea/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie.knol/

Pinterest: https://nl.pinterest.com/ellieknol/

NEW PaperArtsy Products: Hot Picks {July 2022}

Hi everyone, the PaperArtsy Team here

We are super excited to share with you our newest release for PaperArtsy, 3 stamps and complementing stencils.

This release is a true collaboration between Mark (Mr PaperArtsy), Leandra (Mrs PaperArtsy) and Dounia (French PaperArtsy Elf). We focused on elements and timeless patterns, and 2 vintage characters that we hope offers you stamps and stencils fit for all occasions yet still bringing the vintage and distressed Hot Picks style. Mark created some wonderful patterns and textures, Dounia focused on the collage stamps and Leandra took care of the quotes and curated the whole collection. We tried to bring you all you need for your projects: focal images, textures, additional elements, background patterns and quotes! 

Don't forget Leandra and Dounia will be along to share with you LIVE these new products and ideas over in our Facebook Group, PaperArtsy People shortly after this post publishes. 

 

For the next few months, these stamps are available EXCLUSIVELY from our approved stockists. Please check the list at the foot of this post to find a retailer online or geographically near you, it makes sense to order within your country where possible.

Price: RRP €21.92 +VAT, Size:5" x 6" (13 x16.5cm)
All stamps are individually trimmed onto cling foam, with a laminated storage/index sheet.
  

Hot Picks 2201 (HP2201/ HP2201EZ)

 

For all your numbers and ruler needs! Numbers are such versatile elements, they can be focals with meaning or be used in the background for patterns. We tried to balance and contrast organic designs and more structured arrangements, with lots of open elements to add pops of colour. Don't be intimidated by the Mistress of Numbers, even if she is dripping maths everywhere! She is easy to piece and layer for a variety of looks.

Leandra created a journal spread with numbers galore everywhere. The numbers stencil is in the background, numbers are stamped bold and light, and of course our wonderful numeric queen focal stamp; the prize of this set. You can just tell she is on top of her number game, they even drip from her shoulders!! The small number cluster is great to build textures and the open font allows you to easily add pops of color.

 

You can see the layers and detail from stencils, stamps and paint were gradually built up.

 

Dounia created a portrait piece showcasing all the stamps in the set! Lots of fun playing with all the textures.

The numbers in diamonds can provide funky patterns when used as a block, like on the cloak. They can also be cut apart to be stamped separately. All the numbers are here so they can be arranged to create dates or other significant numbers. Here they are stamped around in a circular arrangement with a gradient of grey inks to create an impressive head piece.

The same principle is applied with the small number cluster in the background to help focus the eyes on the centre of the piece.

The details on the ruler stamp are gorgeous! Just a little shading make them pop. The criss-crossing is also a great opportunity to layer, made here into a wrap dress.

Hot Picks 2202 (HP2202/HP2202EZ)

 

This stamp set is all about textures and patterns, from the totally abstract to the very representative. We tried to offer you an variety of shapes and sizes to cover as much (back)ground real estate as possible: blocks, borders, organic shapes... While each stamp can certainly stand up on its own, this set is an invitation to play: repeat stamping, mix and match, colour play, layering... lots of fun to be had and textures to discover!

 

You might wonder about the bottom left stamp of the set. Well it creates a quick and easy texture. Grey ink provides a strong mottled, patchy look above while pink paint makes for a softer tonal background below.

The ruler block can be an amazing background and is also intricate enough to be a focal point. If your stamping is not perfect, it just makes it more grungy!

When two sizes of chequerboard were added to this set, the intention was to be able to layer them for a variety of textures. The sides of this sample are a great example of what can be achieved!

Rulers, chequerboard and script are staples in the Hot Pick stamp-camp!

Smushed paint on tags, over-stamp in black, and you have instant backgrounds or tags for any gifting need. We all love every stamp on this background set as examples of classic Hot Picks elements.

Hot Picks 2203 (HP2203/HP2203EZ)

 

Squares, letters and tags, oh my! This set celebrates writing and is geared a bit more toward journaling, with two open stamps ready for customization and a topical quote. We did not forget to pair them with a big collage portrait. Lord Letters is presiding over the alphabet. He has his glasses on to check your grammar! Checks again offer cohesion to the set, letting the stamps work both alone and together with inherent layering possibilities.

 

Leandra did another journal spread, and this time used both the numbers and squares stencils in the background, as well as HP2203 and HP2202 on the page.

To make Lord Letters stand out, hand journaling was applied around his head in white Uniball paint pen.

In the background the quote was stamped in pinky-blue paint to add some interest and texture. The little black flowers are a Scrapcosy stamp, ESC28.

Lots of stencil bumping on this page with both the numbers and the squares stencils. Paints were applied over the top too, to lighten the entire page a little - things were getting kind of dark. Accents around the edges in black came from the rulers stamp. The apothecary stamp is another Scrapcosy design from ESC29.

Dounia did another layered piece, full of small details and celebrating checks.

This set is full of small elements to add interest, dimension and journaling to a spread or card. The smallest tags, cut separately, are perfect for one letter or number. They provide an easy grounding for the main image.

The big corner cluster can hold a few words, for a greeting or, as here, part of a quote. The different elements are stamped on various backgrounds and layered for a subtle dimension. The backing Japanese text also provides subtle patterning on the bigger tags.

The chequerboard stamp is used a bit everywhere to create texture. Depending on the contrast between the colours chosen, the effect can be subtle or striking.

Lord Letters is easy to separate from his background, to have fun with layers. Each little green square was cut and glued one by one, that took some patience!

Regular Size: 6.5" x 7" (16 x 18cm) Price: RRP €5.38 + VAT

  

PaperArtsy Stencil 311 (PS311)

Keeping on with the checks and letters! The somewhat rigid squares are a great contrast to to the curvy letters. We included many different alphabets for variation and versatility. Each square can be used separately as fun elements but this stencil is also very easy to reposition for pattern repeat, rapidly creating an all over look. The open and closed squares are the same size, so you can also add a second layer in between the first with another colour!

 

Leandra tested out all 3 stencils as double spreads in her journal. This one shows how well this chequerboard and letters combo can be extended to cover a larger area with ease. 

 

Bottom left you can see just one layer of Chantilly paint over the blue-green background.

 

When she comes back over the blank square with Squid ink you can see you get another effect too, and yes she put some pink paint over the cream zone too.

Dounia also went for the double layer look but hers is achieved with reverse stenciling and a pink marker, with the help of black and white pens. The sentiment is part of the HPXT03 set.

In this sample, the black lining and white highlights really makes the letters pop. Some hand journaling ties the look together while staying on topic!

PaperArtsy Stencil 312 (PS312)

Can you guess we love numbers? Inspired by the small number cluster on HP2201, here is a much bigger version. The 'numbers inside numbers' trick not only provides you with several sizes of numbers but also allows the pattern to be both bold and intricate at the same time. The number cloud is a nice shape stencilled once but the fun bubbles make also the stencil easy to tile. If you want, the numbers are possible to isolate and they are all the same size.

 

Lots of layers, colours and blending.

 

 

It is interesting to put a dark colour on top of a lighter one, and sand a lot all the time in between and on top of the layers as you work. 

Here you can see the effect where the white under layer becomes a highlight when the green on top has been sanded.

 

The big numbers are all matching sizes and therefore can be aligned, for example to create a birthday card. Here they are paired with the number cluster from HP2201, which inspired the stencil, and a sentiment from HPXT03.

The 'numbers in numbers' are definitively not the same size! They were traced and colored in for a nice overlay.

PaperArtsy Stencil 313 (PS313)

We are finishing with a somewhat abstract stencil. While the whole stencil creates a great overall background effect (with easy repeating!), each horizontal section can also be used on its own and repeated for a variety of patterns: tiling, flowers, cubes, stars, circles, etc... Add a bit of layering and the possibilities are endless. We are sure you will discover your own patterns! Singular elements like the flowers or circles can even be stencilled and arranged separately.

 

This stencil fades out, and you can see that Leandra has done so slightly differently on each side of this spread.

The pattern is pretty how it softens out, and Dounia shows how you can use these patterns in different ways below.

 

 

Dounia made a series of cards showcasing the different patterns found in the stencil. The top circles provide nice open spaces for quotes or other elements. The heads of the two characters from HP2201 and HP2203 fit (snuggly) inside for example!

The middle of the stencil is an arrangement of diamonds. While it immediately invokes flowers, a little bit of shading inside can bring out cubes.

Six diamonds also make a Maltese star.

 

The full pattern at the bottom of the stencil creates a great overall intricate pattern. It is easy to single out some elements to create frames or more patterns.

This sample also shows that the main stamp from HP2201 can easily made into a 'normal' lady. She is easy to separate from head piece and a little bit of careful painting on the face erases the ruler!

We really hope you find something interesting within this release. It really is our pleasure to create and bring products to market for all our creative enjoyment!

If you have missed any of the designer lives over in PaperArtsy People FB group this week (or in previous months), you will find them all pinned to the 'featured' tab at the top of the group home page. Well worth a look to see the variety of style and products that PaperArtsy brings to you from each designer line.

Our stockists leave their product links in the live chat so you can find new releases fast and with ease. Below you will see a list of the stores that tend to order consistently from us, and therefore should have the new products in stock. 

Thanks for taking time to be with us this week!

Leandra, Dounia, Mark and the PaperArtsy team

 PaperArtsy Stockist List

Our stockists are your go-to  source for all PaperArtsy products, and we suggest that you also use the PaperArtsy People Facebook group to source a retailer in your country. Many are members of our FB group and will happily share links to their online stores.

Australia

Bev's Cross Crafts, Spreyton, Tasmania https://www.bevscrosscrafts.com.au/

Crafters Cupboard, Berwick, Victoria www.crafterscupboard.com.au

Memories on the Murray, Murray Bridge, SA  https://www.memoriesonthemurray.net/

Natalie May Scrapbooking, Dover Gardens, SA https://nataliemay.com.au/

Scrapbook Superstore & More, South Penrith, NSW https://www.scrapbooksuperstore.com.au/

The Scrapbooker's Confetti Box, Swansea, NSW https://thescrapbookersconfettibox.com/

The Scrapbook Store, North Perth,WA http://thescrapbookstore.com.au/ 
Time To Create, www.timetocreate.com.au

Belgium

Cart N Scrap Art, Antwerp, www.cartnscrapart.be

Créatelier Caracolle, Liège, www.createliercaracolle.be

Canada

Clipper Street Scrapbook Company, Langley, BC. www.clipperstreet.com

Paper Art Creations Inc, Leduc, Alberta, www.paperartcreations.com/
Scrapbook Centrale, Dollard Des Ormeaux, Quebec www.scrapbookcentrale.ca

Scrap Addicts, Edmonton, Alberta www.scrapaddicts.ca/

Scrap and Bean, Edmonton, Alberta scrapandbean.com/ 

Scrapbooking Fairies, Drayton Valley, Alberta www.scrapbookingfairies.com/

The Paper & ink Boutique, Calgary, Alberta www.paperandinkboutique.com/
The Scrap Yard, Calgary, Alberta, www.thescrapyardcalgary.com/ 

Denmark

Hobbyboden Scrapworld Samso www.hobbyboden.dk

France

Eirl Bancon Cartoscrap, Midi Pyrenees, www.cartoscrap.com

Fée Du Scrap, Saint Sébastien-Sur-Loire, www.feeduscrap.fr/

Horizon Créatif, Ste Jalle www.horizon-creatif.fr

Instant Créatif, La Possession, La Réunion, www.icreatif.re

Katzelkraft, Ingwiller www.katzelkraft.fr/en/

Kerudoc Creation, St Yvi www.kerudoccreation.com

Le Grenier des filles, Pierre Benite

Page de scrap, Saint Pavace, www.pagedescrap.fr/

Scrap Déco Home, Goutrens, www.scrapdecohome.fr/

Toutencolle, Dun sur Avon www.toutencolle.fr

Finland

Heidin Korttipaja, Istunmaki, www.korttipaja.fi/fi

Piia Paper, Kittilä, www.piiapaper.com/fi

Germany

Stempelbar, Berlin, www.stempelbar.de

Stempeloase Munich, Munich www.stempeloase.de

Stempelfee Shop, Hilden www.stempelfee-shop.de

Stempellaedle, Stuttgart, www.stempellaedle.de/shop

Greece

Scraps N Pieces, Kallithea www.scrapsnpieces.gr

Italy

Immagine SAS di Rapaccini, Rome, www.immaginelab.com

Il Negozio Della Mamma Di Cle, Torino, www.ilnegoziodellamammadicle.com

Marte Savona, Savona, www.martesavona.it

Pezze E Colori, Lissone, www.pezzeecolori.it/ 
Piccole Passioni, Siena, www.piccolepassioni.it

Japan

La Wadao, Odawara, Kanagawa, www.lawadao.com

Tiny Dots, Funabashi-shi, Chiba www.tinydots.shop-pro.jp

Netherlands

De Hobbystudio, Genemuiden, www.dehobbystudio.nl/

Doe@ding,Spijkenisse doeading.nl/

Hobbycompleet de Duif, Leeuwarden www.hobbycompleet.nl

Stampingcorner, Capelle Aan Den Ijssel www.stampingcorner.nl

Norway

Hobbygarasjen, Kopervik, www.Hobbygarasjen.no

Spain

Cien por Cien Manualidades, Barcelona,  www.100x100manualidades.es

Ideas 10 Manualidades Y Scrapbook, Bilbao ideas10manualidades.com/

Marakiscrap, Tarragona, www.marakiscrap.com

Scrap & Papers Experiences, Barcelona, www.scrappapersexperiences.com

The Paradise Corner, Barcelona, www.theparadisecorner.com

Sweden

Butik Elva, Staffanstorp, www.butikelva.se

Taiwan

Mandy's Cards, Taipei www.facebook.com/mandy.card.77

United Kingdom

Amelia's Creative Crafts, Studley, Warwickshire  www.ameliascreativecrafts.co.uk

Art from the Heart, Harrogate, Yorkshire www.afth.co.uk

Crafts at The Malthouse, Herstmonceux,  East Sussex, www.themalthouse.co.uk/

Fave Rave, Stourbridge, West Midlands www.shabbychicstencils.co.uk

Loobi Crafts, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, www.loobicrafts.co.uk

Papermaze, Ipswich, Suffolk www.papermaze.co.uk/ 

Stampers Grove, Springbank, Lilliesleaf, Melrose,Scotland www.stampersgrove.co.uk

The Artistic Stamper Craft Store, Faversham, Kent www.theartisticstamper.com

The Forget me not Kraft Kabin, Rochford, Essex, www.TheForgetMeNotKraftKabin.co.uk

USA

Artistic Artifacts, Alexandria, VA www.artisticartifacts.com/

Artistic Studio Creations, Fayetteville, Georgia www.facebook.com/ASCbyCrystal

Craftiness, Chatsworth, CA, www.craftinessonline.com/

Ephemera Paducah, Paducah, Kentucky www.ephemerapaducah.com

Everything Scrapbook & Stamps, Lake Worth, Florida https://everythingmixedmedia.com/

Frantic Stamper, Oregon www.franticstamper.com

Free Heart LLC, Denver, Colarado, www.freeheartllc.com/

Joggles, West Warwick, Rhode Island, www.joggles.com

PaperCraft Clubhouse, Westbrook, Connecticut, papercraftclubhouse.com/

Qingquing's Stamp Shop, Portland, Oregon

Runaway, Art & Craft Studio, NE Salem, Oregon www.runawayart.com/

Simon Says Stamp, Columbus, Ohio www. simonsaysstamp.com

Topflight Stamps, Irmo, South Carolina topflightstamps.com/

Our brand is only available from established stockists who are VAT/ GST/ sales tax registered and for whom product education is a core principle. We would rather supply a few hand selected stockists, than the greater masses. If you would like to apply to be a stockist, you can find our more about our supply criteria here.

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