Sunday, January 24, 2016

Printer's Trays

Of my favorite things to make are Printer's trays.  Start with a Letter block printer's tray made by 7 Gypsies, pick out your favorite stack of coordinating designer paper, and let your creativity run wild.  I measure and cut the papers and dry fit for each opening.  Then I brush a light amount of matte finish Modge Podge in the section, lay on my paper, and use my brush to smooth out any bubbles.  When all sections are dry, I brush on another light coat of MP.   I buy my supplies at www.thecraftshack.biz.  Here are a few that I've done recently...


January 2016 tag; Tim Holtz inspired

Here's my version of the January Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2016.  I'm new to blogging so I will have to catch up with some other posts to share what I've been up to but wanted to get this up before the end of the month.

For my #10 tag, I used the Sizzix Texture Fades Retro Circles embossing folder on adhesive foil sheets by Ranger.  I then dabbed the surface with Black Soot Distress Paint allowing it to dry slightly then wiping off with a paper towel leaving a grungy, metal look.  **note: since the #10 tag is longer than the embossing folder, I used a sheet of foil the same size as the folder then adhered it to a scrap tag (cutting off excess) and ran through the Big Shot.  I then cut it into two pieces and adhered to my main tag using Red Tape double sided adhesive.  I covered the blank area with the black CS.

For the chalk area, I stamped images from Tim Holtz Travel Ways stamp set using embossing ink on to basic black card stock.  I covered the area with Ranger's Frosted Crystals Antiquities embossing powder and heated it just until set.  You don't want to over-heat or there won't be enough "tooth" for the chalk to stick to.  Rub a piece of white chalk on a scrap of paper to get a smooth edge, then lightly go over the raised areas of the embossed images.  You'll want to get some on the base paper in areas as well.  Then go over lightly with your finger to remove the extra particles and blend.  I cut an extra railroad crossing image and popped it up for added dimension.  Tearing the edges gives an interesting look and is fun to do!

The real fun for me is putting it all together and finding assorted embellies.  All of the products I used can be purchased at my favorite craft store, The Craft Shack.  Check it out :www.thecraftshack.biz.

This year's monthly tags should be a lot of fun as Tim combines two different techniques from the past.

Thanks for stopping by!