Hand-Stamped Christmas Tags

So, I make the stamps (everyday), but I have very few art-stamping techniques.  Yeah, I've done some stitching on my cards, or  played around with the fabric stuff, but as far as all the fancy markers, gesso, and other  "real-artist" type stuff I am clueless. I just haven't really done enough experimenting.  My normal equation is: STAMP+INK PAD = A STAMPED PROJECT.  Well, awhile back I got a sample of gesso.  Let's just say I started gessoing everything on my craft table and quickly ran out.  It was fun, then I think it kind of turned it into a challenge of just how dirty can I get my hands.  The gesso made a perfect background to stamp snowflakes on.  I was a gessoing-snowflake stamping fool!  

STAMP + GESSO+INK PAD = A STAMPED PROJECT

It gave the manila tags a bit a texture and just an extra hint of - "Hey, I'm a stamp artist - look at me use gesso."  Then I cut up sayings from some fabric along with a doily of sorts that I think my great-grandma tatted or whatevered and sewed them layered along the bottom.  Making these tags actually inspired me to hold a little contest for 100 Proof Press.  I've even decided to send out three blank tags with the hopes customers will share their tags.  We'll see how it goes.

"for the love of art"

And check out this brand new Danita image.  I just love this stamp, and I think I'll actually make some tags for Christmas gifts this year.

Working On New Images for 100 Proof Press

So, I've been trying to catch up after the holidays.  And I must admit blogging if one of the first things  I ignore on my to-do list - a long with cleaning up the craft room.  But, at least I've been a bit productive for the stamp company.  I have been playing around with some new images, trying them out, seeing if they are good enough to include in the catalog.  I have fallen in love with this little owl girl.

I tried to make a Valentine with her.  I just think she's so cute and unique.  Soon I'm going to have to help my little ones make 50 or so Valentines for their classes.  Wonder what images they will choose.  . .

Echo Park Paper

For awhile, I moved off of fun papers to fabric, now I'm back into the paper.  And (this is how long it was since I bought fancy paper) NOW papers are useable on BOTH, yes, BOTH sides!  Crazy - I got bats on one side, and coordinating stars on the other.  Needless to say, I am excited about this paper and I had fun making cards.  Here is one of them.  My son is in love with bats (more on that later) and here's a cool bat card...  And yes, always with the owls.  Hoot hoot.

fun card, 100 Proof Press stamps and Echo Park Paper

But wait, there's more!  This paper kept me going...

Look at me, using brads and pleating paper!  Ha!