Everyday Expressions

Hi Everyone! I’m back sooner rather than later with another post from Tim Holtz’ Creative Chemistry Class. This homework is from 103, and I am having so much fun! We worked with distress crayons over an ephemera collage for a very cool vintage effect.

I began by stamping Ledger Script with Archival Ink on plain Tissue Wrap. Then I spread a light coat of matte Collage Medium over a Manila tag, place the stamped tissue, and spread another layer of collage medium over the entire tag. Next I selected the Expedition Ephemera I liked and took a picture of my planned layout so that I would remember what needed to be glued first to create my layers. After everything was glued into place, I coated everything with a final layer of collage medium and allowed it to air dry.

After the collage medium dried, I used several Distress Crayons to color around each of the collage pieces. (Hint: Work in small areas! Add a little crayon, and then rub with your finger to blend. The crayons glide over the sealed elements so easily, and it fills the grooves created by the medium for an old, vintage effect.) I used browns, hickory smoke, black soot, pickett fence, chipped sapphire, and festive berries crayons. Finally, I finished the coloring by sprinkling water, then gently wiped away the water for an aged effect. Love this! It completely changed the entire look!

Okay, I have to admit that I love how the Idea-ology metal elements turned out! Can you see the “rust” and “copper”? I began by gently tapping peacock feathers and pickett fence Distress Paints onto the token and brads. Next I used a felt dabber to blot copper and mushroom alcohol inks onto the pieces. The final step was to dab the pieces onto a VersaMark pad and cover with vintage photo Distress Embossing powder. I held each piece with tweezers to melt the powder, and rubbed the extra powder off when cooled.

I am so in love with these metal elements! What do you think? I might even try to create my first video demonstrating this…Maybe?

Finally I added the linen ribbon to attach the token, and there you have it! I’m sorry that the pictures aren’t fancy today. I was so excited to share this tag and what I’m learning in class, that I had to get it posted ASAP. Are you registered for class yet? There’s still time!

Thanks for joining me today! Love and artsy hugs!

Erin