Monday 23 July 2018

Christmas In July Blog Hop...

Hi everyone and welcome to a brand new Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge, where you are joining the team for a very special week because this week we are getting ready for Christmas with a blog hop! The DT are showcasing some fabulous Tim Holtz Products within their projects, which you don't have to use but I think most, if not all, of us have at least one of his products in your supplies and it would be lovely if you did use some!
Did you know that there are only 21 weeks left to Christmas! I know, scary huh? But with this year going so fast, it's time to make a start on your preparations and what better way to start than to play along with us! The lovely folks over at Simon Says Stamp have been busily packing 4 surprise Christmas gift boxes for 4 lucky entrants and all you have to do is hop around all the stops along the way, leave a comment and find where the hidden gifts are AND you must enter the challenge to be eligible to win.

ORDER OF HOP:
Emma (you are here)
All winners will be chosen randomly from the comments on the blogs with the hidden gifts.

Good Luck to everyone! The Design Team is looking forward to seeing your Christmas makes and will pop around to visit you ASAP!

So let's begin and you should have arrived here from the lovely and very talented Cheiron, if not then you may need to start at the beginning on the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog.

For my project, I chose to create a vintage style tag, full of festive cheer and hope you'll read along to see how I made this project using kraft card as a base...
...and told the story of two children with happy smiles and twinkling eyes!
I started with my base and cut a piece of kraft card to the same size as a medium Etcetera tag. I then applied some torn pieces of Symphony Tissue Tape onto the central section of the kraft card before applying some gesso over the top of the tape, always focussing on that central section, allowing the kraft card to still be the star of the show.

Once the gesso was dry, I then added some texture and applied Crackle Texture Paste through the Starry Layering Stencil. 
Set this aside for the crackles to appear and for the paste to set and harden and whilst the magic is happening, I moved onto making my poinsettias!
For these I used the Tattered Poinsettia die, die cutting the small and medium sized flowers from white lightweight card ~ I cut two layers for each bloom and then, I cut an extra layer of kraft card, which will sit underneath the finished flower. I then painted the white poinsettia die cuts using Festive Berries Distress Paint, applying the paint on the back and front of the die cut. Spritz the painted blooms and the kraft card layers with some Mica Spray for a little shimmer and then layer the flowers, slightly offsetting each petal layer to create one bloom. For the centres I added a dome of Glossy Accents, then sprinkled with glass glitter and then using the Tim Holtz Splatter Brush, I added some flicks of Picket Fence Distress Paint across the surface to give a snowy effect.
Moving back to the background which should now have some wonderful crackled texture, I wanted to add just a hint of colour which will eventually shine through the aperture of the baseboard frame. For this I just applied a wash of metallic paint using the blue and gold paints from the Metallic Accents palette by Prima and when applying the paints, I once again concentrated on that central area but allowed the paint to run slightly to give a few drips.

When the paint is thoroughly dry, I machine stitched a border around the edge and then attached my background onto the tag, using Matte Collage Medium to secure it into place before adding few splatters of Picket Fence Paint over the entire surface.

Now that I have my tag base, I can start adding my layers and building up all those lovely layers and dimension and as the starting point, I attached a baseboard frame over the top of some Ephemera pieces and some stamped imagery from the Holiday Postmarks set and the Correspondence stamp set. 
I added foam to the back of my frame to add some dimension to the project and also placed a scalloped border just beneath the frame which is again cut from kraft card using the 3D Impresslits Scallop die. If you look hard enough you can just see a hint of this die peeking out from behind the layers.
I also added a ticket to the arrangement ~ the North Pole stamp actually comes from the Holiday Postmarks stamp set which I then stamped onto a Ticket Booth Die Cut, cut from kraft card and crinkled for a more aged look and then inked around the edges ~ the Ticket Booth dies are essentially for the matching stamp set but I found the images in the Holiday Postmark set work well with them.
Once all my layers were attached, I added my poinsettias over a bed of die cut foliage, cut from Classic Kraft Card, using the Holiday Greens set. To add a little hint of snowy sparkle to the foliage, I brushed some Collage Medium over the tips of the die cuts and then dipped them into some Dry Rock Candy Glitter. I also added some Caramel Cream Crystal Nuvo Drops to some of the pieces to create the look of berries.
 
Now for the Paper Doll and adding these two adorable little children ~ the image is taken from Tim's Christmas Paper Doll set but if you don't have this set, then you can use any image you want ~ maybe even one of your own to personalise the piece! I coloured the paper dolls using Distress Marker Pens and then splattered with a little more Picket Fence Distress Paint before being added to the centre of my baseboard frame, using foam pads on the back. I also added a story stick, 'wish' to the left hand side of the frame.
 
To complete my tag, I added some Christmas Clippings Stickers to tell the story and added some hand dyed crinkled ribbon through the hole reinforcer.
So, that completes this week's project, which I hope you love as much as I loved creating it. It was fun to work on kraft card and I love the contrast of the white and red against the neutral background of the card.
Thanks so much for stopping by today and from here, you need to go to Kath's blog for some more fabulous Christmas Inspiration.
Gift Box
So now it's YOUR turn to get out your inks, paints and all things arty and start Christmas creating! We are looking forward to seeing what you make!
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Do you use Instagram ?  If so please add  #sssmchallenge so we can see your entries there too!
There are fabulous give aways and inspiration from fabulous designers on a daily basis over on the Simon Says Stamp Blog, if you haven't subscribed by email you may want to so you don't miss out

You have until Monday  8am Ohio time. 1pm UK time, 2 pm CET to join in

Heat Gun
Sisal Fibres, glass glitter, lightweight card and Paper Doll from my own stash

97 comments:

  1. Wohoo, another present box, that I found here!
    I have to say it is a bit funny to look at the lovely winter scenes with people in coats, sitting here in a room with 30 °C. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful project.
    Kind regards from stempelfrida
    http://stempelfrida.blogspot.de

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  2. Very pretty! i wish i would be able to make something like this! Thanks for the explanation. Greets, Marieke

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  3. This is a real treat for the eye....so beautiful!
    xxx Margreet

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  4. Oh my this is so wonderful. Definitely eye candy!

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  5. Love your beautiful and sweet 3D tag with all of the fabulous TH pieces!! The sweet and adorable children steal the show though!!! Gorgeous!

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  6. STUNNING LOVE the beautiful poinsettia and the fabulous touches of mixed media...xx

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  7. Beautiful tag Emma :-) the layers and whole design of this is stunning!! <3

    Merry Christmas!
    luv
    Lols x x x

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  8. I wish I was better at mixed media or layering things on cards, but the white space of CAS always wins ;-)love your entry, just jealous hha

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  9. This tag is so gorgeous!
    I love all of the detailing
    and the poinsettias! Very
    elegant.

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  10. Fabulous festive creativity, Emma. As always so many wonderful touches and fantastic use of Tims products. Another one to LOVE LOTS !
    Big hugs x

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  11. I love all the detail you added to the tag! Beautiful poinsettias! The paper dolls are so sweet! I found a present!!

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  12. Found the gift! That crackle through the stencil is so COOL

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  13. As always, a stunning entry with so many layers it is difficult to see everything with only one viewing! Love all the festive die cuts. Thanks for the inspiration. (found another present)

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  14. Like the wonderful snowy creation with Poinsettia and variety of textures. I have the Mini & Lg Poinsettia dies. Need to get them ready for Christmas making.
    Saw the gift box even though it did not mention it being a gift box.
    Melissa
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"

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  15. Looks fabulous! Found the hidden gift box...

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  16. Love the layers and colors! Found the box as well!

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  17. Wow! The kraft + white is always an amazing idea and can not look bad. So beautiful and full of tiny details. Perfect cozy mood.

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  18. Wonderful snowy look on this tag.

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  19. Your projects are awesome! And thanks for the chance to win!

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  20. Such a beautiful tag...I love it. Makes me want to take out my xmas stamps!!

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  21. OMG, OMG, OMG Tim Holtz goodness for days; I love every detail. I can so appreciate the snow scene it is a HOT 94 right now! Love the texture techniques and the layers just beautiful !!

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  22. The little kids holding hands on the baseboard frame is adorable. I especially like how to placed off the center and then balanced everything with the flowers. Very pretty.

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  23. So fun seeing the close up of all the details in your beautiful project.

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  24. Wow!! Such a stunning tag :) i loved seeing all the hidden details, there are so many gorgeous layers & it works beautifully together! thanks for the detailed description. xoxo
    Preeti

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  25. Beautiful and amazing. Your work with flowers is just magic!

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  26. Gosh but I love all the layers of magic you build into a project. This is really beautiful and so festive for the holidays!

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  27. I love the parcel post pieces. The cancellation from the North Pole is lovely!!! Thank you.

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  28. The stitching on your card is beautiful! Reminds me to bust out my sewing machine. Thanks for sharing!

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  29. A hidden gift and an amazing card... all the layers and little details are just incredible!

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  30. Oh my goodness this tag is plump full of T!m !!!! Loving every morsal... Thank you for the inspiration... and I saw the hidden gift !

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  31. Love those crackle stars! This is stunning in every little detail.

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  32. Wow!! I love your tag, it has so many beautiful elements to draw the eye. I spent ages looking. Love the colour pallet, and I found your gift box. x

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  33. Awesome tag! I really love the detail and dimension of the poinsettias. :) P.S. I found the gift box!

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  34. Emma, I'm awed at your talent! I love this tag and will be making it! I love everything about it! Thank you for the lovely tutorial and see the gift box at the end of it!

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  35. Amazing. Love this tag so much.

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  36. Without words, as always for your projects!I love every detail!

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  37. My sweet Emma...every time I am lost for words...Every detail, every layer is absolutely perfect, all combined in harmony to build this Christmas masterpiece! Brava!!! ❤❤❤

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  38. And also found the gift!!! Lol! 😂

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  39. Oh, my word! I am totally in LOVE with this Christmas scene you've created on the Etc. Tag! From the kraft card stitched perfectly to the textured color within the frame, every detail is absolutely stunning! Your poinsettias are so pretty, and the greenery looks like it's just be plucked from the garden on a frosty day! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your amazing creativity, and we are so blessed you share with us!

    PS I spotted your gift, but really the gift is your inspiration!

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  40. So pretty and leaving the kraft showing is really nice!

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  41. Wow! Absolutely stunning! Love the flowers and greenery.

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  42. I would spend hours observing every single detail of this tag, it is impossible not to love it, it is a masterpiece!
    And I also found a gift box full!

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  43. Amazing tag - beautiful.
    Toni xx

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  44. Yay another gift box. Beautiful work, thanks for sharing.

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  45. All your techniques sure made it worthwhile for such an amazing tag.
    I picked up some new tips and see another surprise gift box as well.

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  46. WOW, I love dropping by to see your amazing makes, love this one. The wee girls look so pretty in their winter coats, Love Hazelxx

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  47. Woo Hoo.. A gift! Such a lovely tag. I love all the elements that spell holiday cheer and speak of winter (but I am not ready for winter).

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  48. This is stunning.....but then again I expect nothing less from you. Thank you for the inspiration and you are getting me itching to get a head start on my ATC exchange this year...it would make a lovely ornament.

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  49. So gorgeous Emma! Love each and every detail! Amazing layers and textures and those adorable Paper Doll kids were the perfect addition along with your gorgeous poinsettias. Thanks so much for sharing it, Deb xo

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  50. OMG!!! Gorgeous!! Love all details. XX

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  51. What a fun tag! Love the vintage images and the beautiful poinsettias. Your attention to detail is amazing!

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  52. What an awesome vintage tag! Thanks for sharing!

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  53. Beautiful, crackly stars, cute bundled up kids, sparkle and magic just perfect for Christmas, love this.

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  54. Great tag, it's simply art ...

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  55. Dear Emma, you know just how much I love each piece that you create, you have such a wonderful gift for adding all of the fine details. Everywhere I look, there is a magical touch. The poinsettias and greenery are fabulous, and the vintage coloring of those adorable children ready for a romp in the snow, even the North Pole ticket, you haven't missed a thing! So thankful that you share this beautiful art you create. TY xx

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  56. WOW what a stunning tag!! I love all of the textures and the sweet vintage image, your poinsettias are amazing!

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  57. super creative tag and yay for the hidden box:)

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  58. This is so very pretty! I love all the angles you showed with the details. And I saw the gift!

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  59. very pretty tag. i really like the color that gives the poinsettia.

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  60. This is beautiful, very vintage.the red really pops out.

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  61. This looks amazing! I love all the detail, as well as the frosty effect you've given it.

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  62. Wow is this beautiful! I love the dimension of the poinsettia and the vintage design. Found the gift!

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  63. Such a lovely project. I love all the texture and how the poinsettia pops.

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  64. Love the vintage winter feel of your project, the colors are wonderful!

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  65. This tag has exquisite textures and dimension. Love the splattering of white. Thanks for all the pictures, or I might have missed that little bit of zig zag stitching.
    Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Debi

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  66. What a lovely tag Emma. Wonderful textures and layers... there's so much to see... the poinsettias are gorgeous!

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  67. Your vintage tag is stunning! This looks like a gift in itself! Beautiful detailing and I love that poinsettia and greenery!

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  68. Found the gift! Love the layers and colors! These are great!

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  69. wow what a beautiful tag....so pretty!!! found the present box, thanks

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  70. I got all excited when I saw the present !! Your tag is fabulous I love it. I like the photo of the kids I think i have one of my sister wearing a coat like that. Thanks for the fun hop

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  71. What a sweet tag! Great attention to detail.

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  72. Honestly Emma ... how do you do it? You are so gifted at layers. It takes me days to put together layers and your's look effortless ... as if these layers were born to be together. I adore your tag background with its crackled stars, gesso, stamps and tape. Then you have the lovely poinsettias and foliage. The Caramel Cream Crystal Nuvo Drop berries are stunning. And that addition of the blue and gold behind the paper dolls ... brilliant. So much to love here. Thanks for the inspiration :). Hugs -- Mary Elizabeth

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  73. This is simply stunning, so many great details and amazing colors! Thank you so much for the inspiration and a chance to win!

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  74. I always love how you create such gorgeous scenes, Emma! The children look great in the frame, and the huge poinsettia and snow are beautiful. hugs, Maura

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  75. Ok...finally at last stop, saw where it says it won't display name, but everybody else's does...so confusing...in case... Preferred e-mail is TrudysARK.1@yahoo.com

    ABSOLUTELY LOVE this tag. LOVE MIXED MEDIA... THIS IS OMG...AWESOME!

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  76. Stunning tag with the gorgeous poinsettias! Just beautiful!

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  77. As always, your work is top notch and very inspiring.

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  78. I never knew a tag can look so good. Thanks for sharing.

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  79. I never knew a tag can look so good. Thanks for sharing.

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  80. Beautiful tag - love the dimension on those flowers!
    Helen x

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  81. OMG how many small wonderful details! I love this tag...Thanks for sharing!

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  82. oh wow wow wow Emma, I just love this mixed media tag... so much detail and yummyness, I agree the kraft card looks amazing with the white and red just pops right at you... wonderful

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  83. Your tag is so beautiful - so many fabulous details to feast the eyes on!

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  84. Awesome tag! Really festive, and lots to look at too!

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  85. Emma .... you have the skill to make me forget the time! When I admire your works I lose myself in observing the details and I do not realize how much time is spent! This is a masterpiece too!

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  86. beautiful holiday scene Emma, love the starry background, those adorable paper dolls and how you decorated the poinsettia, hugs kath xxx

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  87. Gorgeous piece, Emma! Love the crackled stars and the cute paper dolls are fabulous. The poinsettias are amazing! Hugs, Sandra

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  88. Absolutely Gorgeous!! I am a poinsettias girl so I LOVE this! Stunning job!
    Have a wonderful day,
    Migdalia
    Crafting With Creative M

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  89. Everytime I hop on your blog I always find hard to say the right words without being repetetive! Fact is that your project are always so great and inspiring!

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Thank you for all your comments and messages, they are all appreciated and I hope you'll come back and visit again soon...
Emma ~xx

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