Brick Wall At Technique Time Tuesday. . . . .

I was looking around for some inspiration the other day and I thought I'd have a quick look at Technique Time Tuesday. I love learning techniques and I've often had a peek at this blog but never entered a piece there.

Their theme this month is 'Brick Wall' and it grabbed me as soon as I saw it. I wasn't so sure halfway through making my piece when my 'bricks' got nudged onto the floor - you'll see why that might not be a good idea when you look at my piece. Luckily, there was a warning about this on the blog so, like a good girly swot, I labelled each piece on the back so I would be able to put them back together just in case I was stupid enough to muddle them up . . . . . .enough said on that!

To enter the challenge you must follow the instructions given but colours and subject are choice (just as I like it!). You can also improvise if you don't have the correct items.

I've used another of my new Andy Skinner stencils on my tag - I fear you may get bored with these soon!

Here's my tag:

I used the large tag size because I didn't want to cut my 'bricks' too small. 

Part of the lower tag was removed using a Tim On The Edge die - much neater than I could tear it!
I don't know why I'm making so many springs lately. I just can't get enough of them! These particular springs were made from rusty wire - another favourite item.

Initially, you stamp your chosen image (in black ink) either on patterned card or plain cardstock. I opted to make an inky background using dylusion sprays and distress inks. A little water spritzing took place to add interest. After the first image, your stamp is inked with versamark, moved slightly out of position on the first image and applied, followed by embossing with black EP. I chose to use distress EP because I like the textured, more matt results it gives.

The tag was inked with dylusions sprays and distress ink. Layers of stamping and stencil work were then applied using distress inks. 

Using appropriate measurements, the brick shapes were drawn onto the 'wall' card using pencil and ruler. Before cutting them up, I labelled each with a row indicator and another for position in the row. They give you instructions on the blog. The bricks were cut up and ds tape was put on the back of each. I arranged and attached the bricks then shaded around the edges with a dark pencil. You can see how the two stamped images have been placed just slightly apart quite clearly on the bricks in this image.

Three of the tag edges were machined. The 'sentiment' was stamped onto a piece of inked stampboard, which is a lovely surface to stamp/paint/create on. Another piece of rusty wire was added and of course, I coiled the ends into springs!

Background detail.

The instructions over at Technique Time Tuesday are much better than my ramblings, so why not go and have a look then create something yourself? I thoroughly enjoyed making this tag and thanks so much for getting this far in a rather lengthy post!