Thursday 8 March 2012

Birds

I found a lovely blog called Tag Tuesday. Although I'm not a member I loved the theme and the work shown is gorgeously creative - such inspiration for me! Tags are one of my favourite projects to make as you can do so much in a small space and it doesn't take forever.  I'm going to ask if I can play along just as a visitor.

The theme for the tag is BIRDS. I love watching the birds in my garden, particularly the little robins. I have a lilac tree where tiny little wrens hide, flitting in and out. These were the inspiration for my tag. My bird stamp looks more like a magpie but I've used coffee archival to at least get the colour right - with lots of imagination I hear you say! I'm surprised I get any birds in my garden due to the magnificent Frankie who patrols all borders with great diligence - he's not as quick as he used to be and fingers crossed, hasn't caught a little feathered friend for quite some time!

The main elements made ready for assembly - blank die cut shows the decorative 'frame' I used at the top and bottom of the tag. I coloured the tag background - after scrunching it up - using Distress Inks, my only Distress Ink stain (Picket Fence), mesh design stamped in platinum Brilliance and greenery stamped using Versafine. I then ironed it as flat as I could but perhaps I should have used more pressure!


The finished piece - really need to improve my photograpy skills I think!
Detail of the lower frame made by stamping with Versafine, inking with Distress Inks and then two layers of Utee to make a smooth, glossy contrast to the texture on the main body of the tag. The frame at the top of the tag has been made in the same way.



The tree was made using an embossing folder piece which I cut out , inked and embossed using true white and gold to give light and sparkle. I've tried to place the little birds hiding in amongst the branches. They too were stamped, cut out and given two coats of Utee. (my apologies for a somewhat 'fuzzy' picture - reflects how I've felt in the last week!).
The top of the tag has a matching frame to the lower end, a kitchen towel leaf and for good measure, I inked the punched hole reinforcer, gave it a coat of Glossy Accents and finally tied some green ribbon through as a finishing touch.

11 comments:

  1. I really should use my die cutters more often. This is absolutely exquisite Julia!!! So pleased that you are feeling better my lovely xxx

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  2. This is one gorgeous tag Julia. xx

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  3. Fantastic! I went on tag tuesday for a look ( cos i coud'nt gat to sleep in the night ) and this one tops them all. As for your photos I think you are better than me, I cant stand without wobberling!

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  4. Love it Julia, shame you aren't in our UKPC SWAP this month as the theme is birds too. I think we need to find a way to make tags into cards as I love tags too - LOL. BJ

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  5. I wondered where you were, the tag is FAb julia :) lainey x

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  6. Hi Julia, a twinchie is two inches square (as opposed to an inchie, which is one inch square). :o)

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  7. Thanks so much for playing along with TAG TUESDAY. I've added your name to the long waiting list for a space to post on the blog directly. In the meantime, I am delighted you want to play along on your blog. I have put your name on the list of artists playing along with the weekly themes. It's a lovely friendly blog don't you think? I shall put your birdie tag on the blog soon. Have a lovely weekend and spread the word about TAG TUESDAY ... lotsa love Carolyn ♥

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  8. It is beautiful! Althought the colours are Autumnal, it also has a Spring like feeling to it-a morning sunrise when the birds are just taking to the wing after their chorus. Amazing! Love Dod x x x

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  9. This is really beautiful. I love what you did at the bottom and top with the frame pieces. Wonderful colors too! :)

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  10. Oh That's gorgeous!! Absolutley love that! :)

    Thanks for your concern over me going AWOL, been busy on one of those work placeents schemes with the jobcentre, 30 hours a week for four weeks in a charity shop for nothing but dole money! I did enjoy it despite the fact that it was very heavy and hard going!
    I plan on keeping a couple of shifts going if I can. I have an interview for a place on an Art course at the local college next monday so looking forward to that, just finishing off my art portfolio at the moment.

    I have an appointment with a divorce lawyer next Tuesday and then I can find out what to do about finding somewhere else to live!! So everything is a bit manic at the moment.

    Hope to be making an appearance on the WOYWW this week !! Can't wait to get back to some crafting!!

    Thanks again and take care

    Jackie xx

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  11. I love tags but not very good at them but your is superb! x

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Juliax