Texture And Anything Goes. . . . . . . . . .

When I saw that the challenge at Simon Says Stamp And Show was 'Texture', I knew I had to have a go at the challenge! I really enjoy building texture into my work and sometimes have to stop myself from going bananas and adding everything bar the kitchen sink to my work!

The challenge at 'Try It On A Tuesday' is 'Anything Goes' and I always appreciate a lovely open theme to work to!

I have returned to making a tag for these two challenges. I don't know what it is about them but I do love making them! I've concentrated on the theme rather than making it for a particular person or occasion. The design is such that I can add an appropriate sentiment when I decide to part with the tag.

Unfortunately, the photo I took of the individual elements used  was so blurred that you would have wondered what it was showing so I can only start with the completed piece:

The completed tag with natural hemp string at the top and used as flower centres. The background was coloured with various Dylusion inks and Distress inks. A small flower image was stamped on in a toning colour to add depth and detail after the tag had been dry embossed and de-bossed using the same folder - read on for further details.

The flowers have (again!) been die cut from card covered with metal tape. They were coloured lightly with alcohol inks and stamped with Stazon using a floral image. When dry they were embossed in a 'dotty' folder. Next, a coating of Crystal embossing powder was applied all over each flower. Once teased into shape some random gold detail powder was added to some of the flowers. Tufts of hemp fibres were threaded through for the flower centres.

The embossed image was powder embossed with Crystal powder to give it shine. The centre of the flowers were constructed using seed beads and Glossy Accents. When dry, some gold detail powder was randomly applied and embossed. I left the de-bossed image quite plain so that it created a more detailed backdrop for the more showy images.

Another close up showing the background and the 'metal' flowers. I really like the softness the tufts of fibres give to the flowers.

The different embossing methods can be clearly seen in this image, along with the stamping on the background.

For the top of the tag, part of a die cut was used to add interest. It was coloured and embossed in the same way as the main tag. Extra walnut Distress Ink was added to this section and to a lesser extent to the remainder of the tag. I like the shadow effect it gives where it has been applied.