12 Tags of 2014 - February

I had loads of fun while I was making my February Tag/Card!  In fact, I made two of them at the same time, but with different themes.  They both made use of the same techniques but they turned out very different.  I can't decide which one gets my vote.  Is it just the same when a mom is asked who is her favorite child?  J/K.

But for the faux patina shown in the metal charm, it is dull and monochromatic - the background was accomplished with the Harlequin stencil while the tag with the Stars stencil.  The top had Squeezed Lemonade, then Mustard Seed in the middle and Spiced Marmalade at the bottom.  I think the Harlequin stencil was released right before Christmas last year and was supposed to be Christmas but I can't stop using it on masculine projects.  It has officially become my go-to masculine stencil!

I finally got to try the Chalkboard technique.  It looks pretty cool in real person, and the touch of chalk is amazingly realistic.  It's not just a stamped image that resembles chalkboard image, but a real image with chalk involved! 

I also tried a variation in using Distress Glitter.  I have never been a big glitter fan but I couldn't resist trying it out.  My variation makes me happy as the glitter seems to settle pretty well.  Nothing bothers me more than stray glitter on my fingers after a gentle swipe on the card.

The entire card is rather vintage, so I must distress the Paper String.  This thing is fun!  It's a string made of paper - not as flexible as baker's twine but distress friendly.  Most important of all, does it remind you of old packaging?  Fun string indeed.

To turn my tag into a card, I just stuck it on a 5"x7" card without alteration.  I'll probably put it on my desk for a while as it serves a good reminder for me to step outside the comfort zone when it comes to crafting. 

A closer look:

I like that the glitter stays flat on the star.  When I first did it, my glossy accent applicator (my index finger) casually swiped an uneven layer of glue on the star, leading to bumpy glitter which was very ugly.  What makes that worse was that the glitter did not stay put.  I admit that I have overlooked this seemingly easy task.  To tell you the truth, that was the part that took me the most amount of time.

I am glad that I've finished my 12 Tags of 2014 - February.  Be sure to check out Tim Holtz's blog.  Tim Holtz shows us how to achieve the chalkboard technique and apply glitter.  Take a look at other participants' projects too. It is a plethora of inspiration.

My card is also linking up to
Craft Little Fairies - One for the Boys 
Creative Fingers - Anything Goes
Polka Doodles - Anything Goes
Craftitude - Anything Goes

I will be sharing my other card later this week.  Until then, happy crafting!