Mixed Media Tissue Wrap

I really fancied a bit of messy art this week.  You know when you just get that urge, it has to be satisfied.  

I began by stamping my plain tag with a music score stamp across the most of it, and a swirl stamp, just off the edges using a black dye based ink.  After building up other layers, it can be seen subtly in the background.  I then decided to add some 3D relief.  Using a scrap of  Dutch grey board, I cut out a heart and glued it towards the bottom of the tag.  Then to give it more texture, I covered the whole of the tag in a thin layer of PVA glue, screwed up some tissue paper and added it to the tag.  I made sure I firmly pressed around the heart to define the shape, and pushed creases as I went along, with my finger tips.  This is soooooo satisfying.  Leave it to dry thoroughly.

When the tissue had dried, I removed any excess tissue by trimming around the edge of the tag.  I then chose 3  acrylic paints (light and shocking pink, pale blue), and using a wet wipe to apply, I randomly rubbed in small amounts of the paint, starting with the lightest colour first, until I was happy with the finish.  This really highlights the wrinkles in the tissue wrap, creating a wonderful texture.  Again, this needs to be left to dry.  If you use a heat tool, it could dry out the glue too much and the tissue might fall away....so be patient.

I then over stamped, a few random words, using a black dye ink.  An image or a verse would work equally as well, as you are only adding interest to catch the eye.  I then added a few accents to finish it off - gemstones, flower eyelets and a die cut of a treble clef, simply because I had started with a music score stamp, but again, this could be anything.  You are simply creating layers, textures, accents, and therefore interest.  You could try glitter, brads, cogs or other metal embellishments, or simply collage other cut outs.  I used Frayed Burlap Distress ink to 'age' the edges, but this is optional.  A little chiffon ribbon threaded through the top completed the tag, ready to mount on a card.  

Well that was therapeutic.....so as always, relax and have some fun !!!!

Christine