Saturday, December 21, 2013

Buon Natale!

Yes...I STILL have Italy on the brain! I just can't help it, as it was a FANTASTIC place, and it had a big impact on me. So much so, that when I first tasted Limoncello, I knew I had to try and make some, and the first time I saw a wall with crumbled and deteriorated stucco revealing blackened old bricks, I knew I wanted to try and make the same look on a tag. So, here are my attempts at both, which happen to be my Christmas presents this year to close friends and family. Cin cin!!!
Lots of lemon peel and vodka, mixed with vanilla beans to lighten the taste a bit, were combined and put away in my dark pantry for about 25 days. Then, I added a simple syrup after it cooled along with a little more lemon juice, and put the mixture back in it's dark place to sit for 10 more days. This normally takes a lot longer, but I was running out of time.
I strained away all the solids from the mixture several times, but I still never got a completely clear liquid...oh well. I funneled the pungent liquor into Italian glass bottles, and added a label I made on the computer.
I purchased a wax seal emblem and all the goods to go with it while in Italy, but I've never done it before. After a few internet inquiries, I gave it a go. I was hooked! I want to put a wax seal on everything now! Sadly, I discovered that I sort of like playing with fire, and I never even pee'd the bed afterward!;0)
I had not used my Rome images that Tim sketched out and had produced for us through Stamper's Anonymous, so I thought they would be great for this project. I love the images so much! He really did an uber fantastic job with both sets of the limited edition Italy stamps.
Broken China and Antique Linen Distress Stain were used for the sky and images, followed by a good splattering of misted water. I also inked the edges of the tag with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.
I love the new Christmas stamps Tim put out this year, and there are many different scripts for holiday sayings, and this mini one is my favorite. I embossed it with Ranger's Gold Embossing Powder.  Then, the tag received a light coat of Perfect Pearls Mist!
I embossed manila tags with Tim's Sizzix Bricked Texture Fade, and then lightly spray them with Espresso Color Wash. I removed the excess color to vary up the shades, dried them, and rubbed Vermillion Archival Ink over the top to highlight the raised portions. I loved the look. I wanted the tag to be tough and a little shiny, so I gave it a coating of Glue N Seal, and to my surprise, a little of the color wash blended in and made even better shadowing!
I mixed up some Vintage Photo ReInker with Wendy's White Embossing Paste, and smeared it on portions of the tags to try to look like Stucco. It sort of looks like snow, but it's not supposed to.
I gave the raised areas a rubbing of Snow Cap Pigment Ink and Walnut Stain too. I am telling you, I felt like I was there again! I was even singing all the Italian songs I knew! This tag made me happy!
I heat embossed Santa, and colored him up with Distress Markers and Stickles.
 
 
 
Supplies:

I hope your hands get creatively dirty soon!


36 comments:

  1. Wow!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful project!!!!!!!!!! I love your " Buon Natale" in my language!!! Buon Natale anche a te e a tutta la tua famiglia!!!!!!!!! BArbarayaya

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  2. Oh my Anita! You have been busy. I LOVE Limoncella (just broken open a bottle for Christmas) and your recipe sounds divine. The bottles are so impressive, especially with those wax and the tags are full of your trademark inventiveness. Your friends are going to be blown away by all the care and love you've poured into these gifts. Hats off to you. Wishing you and the family a wonderful Christmas and a 2014 to remember (for all the right reasons). Jenny xxx

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  3. I bet your Limoncello tastes wonderful and what a fabulous present to receive and your tag is gorgeous with those great stamps and techniques. You did a magnificent job on these Anita.
    Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful 2014.
    hugs {brenda} x0x

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  4. Limoncello, yum, yum! If you've got a spare bottle, feel free to throw it over the pond in my direction, thanks very much. ;-) Your tag is wonderful. I love the background & Santa looks amazing.

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  5. Probably one of the coolest and most inventive and personalized gifts I've ever seen!!!! This is just wonderful Anita. My gosh, talk about a super cheerful holiday!!! Cheers to you and Merry Christmas :) BOTH of your creations are beyond groovy.

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  6. Dear Anita,
    Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas and an amazing new year to come.

    Hugs
    Gaby

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  7. Oooo Anita I can smell the gorgeousness!! Love that drink, your labels and tags are gorgeous too!! Merry Christmas to you xxx

    Kaz x

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  8. Wow, wow and thrice wow Anita! Congratulations for making the drink, I love the look of the bottle so much with the wax seal that I would not want to open it. As for the tag, you have done a brilliant job on them, that brickwork is just stunning and Santa is just delightful. I think you captured the essence of Italy in more ways than one! Big festive hugs, Anne x

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  9. Beautiful card Anita. I made some Limoncello two years ago and it was lovely. Have a Wonderful Christmas and Happy Crafty New Year. Hugs Rita xxx

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  10. You've hit another one out of the ballpark there, Missy! Absotively fabulous. I've never had Lemoncello, but I think I might be trying out your recipe after the new year. Merry Christmas to you and your family my friend!

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  11. The limoncello sounds delicious and your tag is fabulous. I love the brick effect you came up with. May your Christmas be filled with love, joy and peace!

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  12. Oh, my goodness! I'm in love with that bottle...and the wax seal. How classy! And I'm glad you didn't pee the bed! LOL The tag is simply amazing...all the texture and detail. I love your Italian Santa. Your attention to details...like the glitter on Santa's cap and the watch/tassel combination just blow me away. What a beautiful, beautiful and love filled gift. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, my friend!

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  13. Oh my dear you have done some incredible brick work! Oh I love that and your Santa tag is gorgeous! Also that is one great bottle and I am sure the contents will make Christmas even more festive! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Hugs!

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  14. Well done! Fabulous gift inspired by your Italy trip. Isn't it wonderful how one thing like a trip can shift your creativity and even your life in a slightly different direction? Thank You for your inspiration and friendship. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and 2014,

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  15. That Limoncella sounds amazing and well done you for giving it a shot. The bottles with the wax seal look fantastic, can well imagine how addictive that would become.... As to the tag, wow, simply amazing with all that texture and those stamps look fantastic. I am trying very hard not to feel jealous lol.

    Have the most wonderful holiday season and may your Christmas be filled with peace and joy!!

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  16. WOW, Anita!! Super gifts! I fell in love with Limoncello, too, but haven't had the courage to try and make some. Your tag ROCKS!! I love how you used the Rome stamps and added the wonderful stucco and brick portion to the tag.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours. I wish for you all you wish for.

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  17. oh love seeing this and have a Merry Christmas my dear. Can't wait to see what else you create in 2014. xoxoxo

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  18. All I can say is AMAZING!!!! This post is a keeper - will forever reside in my bookmarks! I love all the little details that make you soooo good at this, and the drink and bottles are fabulous. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!

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  19. Anita...your two Italian inspired projects look amazing The Limoncella...never heard of it but it's looking good! :) The presentation you've prepared for it looks wonderful. The tag...absolutely gorgeous. Love those special stamps Tim had made for you guys and the peeling stucco brick wall strip on your tag looks really good...very realistic! Merry Christmas my friend. <3 Candy

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  20. WOW is right! I love the tags! Bricks are just about my favorite thing to do. I am so impressed with the bottle and you making your own Limoncella. Kudos!!!

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  21. Wow, your own bottled drinks Anita...it looks stunning.
    And together with the impressive tags...great gifts!
    Have a nice Sunday, Alie

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  22. Hello Anita,
    Love all the techniques you have used on the Tag, they juxtapose beautifully, the stamps are so complementary to your textured Bg. All your recipients are going to be thrilled with this art work, but I would hazard a guess that it will be the home made Limonchello that will have them jumping up and down and arousing their senses in anticipation...I hope you tell them to keep it in the freezer!
    Have a wonderful Christmas my friend, I will catch up with you in 2014.
    Smiles:)
    Sue

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  23. Wow - get you with your Limoncello distillery!! Magnificent tags, and the little bottles look so cool!

    Wishing you a fabulous festive season - hope it brings you joy and peace, and that 2014 will be full of adventures as wonderful as your Italian one!!
    Alison xx

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  24. Fab tag! The limoncella sounds interesting. I do love the bottles and your wax seal. Happy Holidays!

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  25. Wow well done you, they look amazing with their wax seals! I am sure they will be loved x huge hugs x trace. X

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  26. Fabulous Anita. The drink sounds quite yummy and the bottle is gorgeous. I love the brick wall on the tag/card. It's lovely. I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and a safe healthy New Year

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  27. The insiration from your trip goes on and on! What fabulous gifts the recipients will be over the moon. Your tags are just gorgeous ! Real treasures . Have a happy and hearty Christmas and very best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful 2014
    With love
    Toni xxx

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  28. What a unique Christmas gift - handmade gifts are simply the best. Your Limoncello sounds divine and I adore that bottle and seal! And your brick wall - wow, totally amazing. What a delightful project - thanks so much for sharing the process with us. Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas season.

    Hugs,
    Linda

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  29. WOW...Fabulous gifts I bet it tastes so good....your tags are fantastic... Love the tutorial so inspirational.... Merry Christmas & A blessed 2014 to you & your lovely family.... Hugs May x x x

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  30. Wow! I did not know you had made it!! So cool!
    Merry Christmas Anita!

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  31. Thanx so much for sharing your recipes! The tag is adorable, have to give that look a try! I also love the exposed brick look and have done it with pain and stencils on my craft table/workbench an never thought to do it on a tag. Love the look!

    Thanx for the inspiration! :)

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  32. You're amazing! I love that stuff on ice in the summer, yum. Adorable idea!!

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  33. You've taken creativity into another zone Anita, how lucky are those limoncello recipients. Verrry cool gift! The whole gift package knocks quite a punch !! Wishing you and yours a joyous and peaceful Christmas and may 2014 bring you your heart's desires. Nicola x

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  34. Your attempts are soooo successful--what wonderful projects with some great products! Wishing you a wonderful holiday! Helene

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  35. I love that tag and the Limoncello looks delicious. It's wonderful how the inspiration from your Italy trip just keeps sparking your creative (and real!) fires. xoxo

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  36. Just coming around to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a blessed year 2014.

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