I have been having a wonderful time teaching a paper crafting class at my local senior center for the last many months. Three weeks out of each month we get together to learn about the art of paper crafting.  Only one of my students, Ann, had any experience in this area so I have been giving basic instruction about different types of inks, cutting equipment, dies, paper, embossing, etc.  Up to now, we have made a card during each session and my ladies have really enjoyed the classes.

It seemed like a good time to introduce some new elements.  I had seen a wonderful set of tags and the accompanying tutorial from Vivien Keh (contadinak.com) on the Sizzix Blog and decided this would be a great way to introduce the concept of mixed media to my class. This tag is the result of my personal efforts during that class.  Click on any individual photo to enlarge and see more detail.

We all used the same colors of ink, the same die cut flowers and the same stamps yet each persons work was so delightfully individual.  We had a ball making our own paper with the various mixed media techniques; almost like finger painting when we were kids!

I used Distress Reinkers in Peeled Paint, Broken Glass, Fired Brick and Rusty Hinge along with the Black Soot Distress Ink Pad and Ranger’s Perfect Pearls powder in Perfect Bronze. Paper was Canson Mix Media 98#.  Die cuts were made with Tim Holtz Alterations dies from Sizzix; #656938 Tag & Bookplate, #656640 Tattered Florals.  Stamps, fibers and flower centers were elements from my stash.  Water was a key element in giving the under water and/or watercolor effect you see here.

How is your summer going? Let me hear from you!!  It is always a delight.

Blessings and Hugs, ya’ll…