Sunday, January 01, 2012

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year everyone! It has been an absolutely fabulous day for me since the moment I was woken up at 9 am! Yes, I stayed up way to late last night, so sleeping in from my usual 6:30 am was wonderful in itself! I was being read to by my 11 year old, who is enthralled by The Hunger Games, when I heard the chime on my cell phone, cluing me in that there was a new twitter message. I checked it and saw that Tim posted something on his blog. When I clicked on over, I read that 12 bloggers out of hundreds, had been drawn to receive gift certificates because we  finished all 12 tags, and I was one of them. You would have thought that I was either in massive pain or had gotten the worst news, because I screamed out and proceeded to cry like a baby for about 30 minutes...no joke! My husband and children were deeply concerned until I passed the phone over for them to read the news...they were relieved and joined in the joy!  Since then, it's been a nonstop emailing of thank you's between trying to finish up the following tag and getting those black-eyed peas finished for tonight's special dinner. My new friend Anna from across the pond, gave me an idea though, so before I continue on with my tag I have to give a shout out to somebody special.
You totally never seize to amaze me! Not only are you awe inspiring but your generosity is beyond belief! Happy New Year Tim! May it be the best one yet!
This gaudy little tag gave me some fits today, but I'm love with it. The pictures really do it no justice as there is too much detail that just can't be photographed with my currant camera. I used a new product I have, called Sophisticated Finishes in Patina Green,  to see just what it can do when you don't use it correctly in the first place!
First, I sprayed Perfect Pearls Mist in Blue Patina and let it dry. Then brushed on a coat of Sophisticated Finishes. When it dried I noticed that some of the streaks were darker and the paper underneath looked sanded. I don't know if it sort of eats the paper some, but it looked so cool. I inked over it with Iced Spruce and Broken China, then splattered on some water droplets.
I love the look of this background. I really hated covered it up.
I heat embossed Tim's clock stamp image with CTMH  white embossing powder.
I printed the music for Auld Lang Syne on transparency and adhered it to the tag with the tiny attacher. I used metal sheet and die cut lace using my new Vintage Lace die (loving that) and adhered that as well. I added some tulle and ribbon at the top and now my tag was ready for some gaudiness!
I die cut foliage and flourishes from Tim's Festive Greenery die and adhered a Rock Candy crackled and UTEE heat embossed sentiment from Pink Paislee House of Three Daily Junque, with 2 brads.
Here's where things get tricky. I die cut the birdcage and bird using grunge paper. I crackled and heat embossed the cage after adding a few extra pieces of grunge to make a door. It's difficult to see the open door but it's there. I added some more Sophisticated Finishes to the cage but it didn't do much here, so I inked it with Gathered Twigs. I stained the bird with White Picket Stain, inked with Broken China, and highlighted a few key parts with a sharpie. Rock Candy Stickles was added for extra shine. I made a banner with number stickers and twine and tied it to the cage. A mini clock, hands, and brad where added to indicate that this is the cage of yearly time. I had this great Prima bedazzled bird cage outline and added it to the tag, glued the bird on, and doubled up on the foam tape to adhere the cage. A chain and charms attached the cage to the ribbons above.
Last, I added a heat embossed Dresden bird, who is flying away with the old year, giving way to the new and fresh year.
I send out heart felt thanks to all my followers, subscribers, and commentors! I really have no words to express how wonderful it makes me feel and how I am inspired everyday from all of you. I have met new friends cyberly that I would never have had the chance to otherwise, and I so love that. Blogging has opened my eyes to a whole new world. I wish you all, as well as those who drop by, a wonderful and immensely blessed new year!!!
 


19 comments:

  1. Gorgeous tag, Anita, and CONGRATS on the amazing Tim prize!!! Wooo hoo!! Hope you have a great 2012 filled with lots of fun and creativity!!

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  2. Anita, your tag is not gaudy - it's beautifully embellished and I think it's absolutely gorgeous. Love the vintage lace die. Oh, now I'll have to find out more Sophisticated Finishes - you must have a local stamp store.
    -Martha

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  3. I'm so happy to share your joy today... I was thrilled to see both of our names on Tim's blog!!! Your thank-you on the craft mat is so creative, and the gorgeous tag above is spectacular... so many layers of goodness! Happy New Year, Anita!

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  4. Girl, that Tag is STUNNING!! I just love all of your work, keep it coming! Congratulations on your Win, you deserve it!!

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  5. Your tag is beautiful! Congrats on the win & Happy New Year!

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  6. Wow! That is Gorgeous! Congrats on your win!
    I still can't believe it we both won!
    Happy New Year!

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  7. Congratulations! Love this tag!!!

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  8. This is possibly the most amazing tag I have ever seen! It's just gorgeous!! The little details make a huge huge difference, it's awesome! Congrats on your win!

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  9. I love your new year's tag!
    I would love to see all 12 of your Christmas tags. Would you mind putting a link on the right side of your blog?? I'm sure others would appreciate it as well.

    Congratulations!

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  10. Congratulations!! And brilliant tag and thank yous :D

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  11. Congrats on your win, Anita! Can't wait to see what we've got coming in our goodie boxes.

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  12. Congratulations on your WELL DESERVED prize! You do amazing work.
    Have a blessed 2012

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  13. Congratulations on your WELL DESERVED prize! You do amazing work.
    Have a blessed 2012

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  14. Wow!! Incredible tag, and I appreciate SO MUCH that you take the time and effort to post the tutorial of the steps. For a beginner like me, it is wonderfully helpful!

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  15. Congrats with your prizes!! The prize of tim, but also from the Inspiration Journal! How great is that! I'm so happy for you.
    And this tag is amazing!

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  16. Gorgeous tag Anita, congrats on a wonderful surprise from Tim. He is so very generous and your tag is so deserving. Happy New Year.
    Marcie

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  17. Love your 2012 tag....you rock!!I can't wait to see what all you do in 2012...congrats on your win!

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  18. Your tag is awesome! Congrats on winning!

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  19. Again a gorgeous artwork...Love it :-)

    greetings, Alie

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