“Oodles of Doodles” – A Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge

Y’all, today’s prompt for the Simon Says Stamp Monday challenge was “Oodles of Doodles”. In this case, not so much. Haha. I don’t doodle and the only thing I have that even resembles doodles was the Stampers Anonymous set Stitches (CMS365) by Tim Holtz. So, it’s in there. But since I don’t doodle and didn’t really have alot to add, I just went with a small project today and made a tag.

The tag that I used was a mixed media tag from the Tim Holtz Distress line from Ranger. It is great for mixed media projects. I actually tried a DIY custom blend today. I got the “recipe” from @kathinwesthill on Instagram. If you follow the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge, then you know her as Kath Stewart. I LOVE this blend, and I thank her for sharing it on FB. Here are the colors if you would like to make your own as well: Antique Lined (DI), Speckled Egg (DO), Old Paper (DI) and Frayed Burlap (DO). The blend is AMAZING. You just add a little to your non-stick mat and spritz with water. Then you dab your paper, or tag in this case, in the mix. You may have to do this a few times until you are happy with the coverage. I think I did maybe three? Four??

When I was happy with the coverage on my tag, I distressed the edges with some Vintage Photo Distress Oxide with my blending tool. Then, I used my white Gesso and my Distress Splatter brush to splatter some white droplets onto the tag. I am really getting the hang of this splatter brush thing. Haha. Practice, practice.

Next is where the “doodles” comes in. Haha. I used my Distress Archival Vintage Photo and Stampers Anonymous Faded Type (CMS397) to add some “scripty” text. Handwriting, it’s doodling right?? I know, it’s a stretch. But!! Then, I used the Stampers Anonymous set Stitches (CMS365) to add a little border on the sides. The Stitches do actually look a little “doodly” to me. Some of my stamping wasn’t exactly straight, but thank goodness there are embellishments.

I have found a new love in Finnabair Icing Paste. I just love the shimmer. I used a limited edition stencil that has the word found on it, so I used that and my Icing paste to give it a little shine. Icing paste is a little thinner than normal texture paste, but same concept and you’re left with a great metallic effect on your project.

If you follow my blog, then you’ll remember I had a Vagabond party a while back. When I say Vagabond party, what I mean is this: I took almost a whole weekend, inking water color paper and mixed media paper. I then took several of my die sets and cut out tons of items with my Sizzix Vagabond. One of the sets that I used was the Sizzix Wildflower Stems #1 (664163). I have used these on several projects. If fact, it may be time for another Vagabond party. Once I decided where I wanted them to go, I used my Distress Collage Medium to adhere them to the tag.

Next, I found a really cute Photobooth picture of these two friends laughing and having a good time. I distressed the edges with my Vintage Photo, and pop dotted it to the tag. I then picked my sentiment out of the Snarky Big Talk sticker book. I think I found the perfect pic and sentiment to go together. “Friendship must be built on a solid foundation of sarcasm and shenanigans.” I LOVE it. I think there is no truer saying than that. And, If you know me at all, I do have a tiny bit of sarcasm running through my veins as well.

The sentiment comes in either black or white. I chose the white one and colored it with a little bit of Antique Linen Distress Oxide, and distressed the edges with Vintage Photo. This was also pop dotted to the tag.

And, last but not least, the ribbon in the tag. I used white Hug Snug seam binding as my ribbon. I like keeping plenty of the white on hand because I can use whatever color of spray I am using and make a matching ribbon. Today’s spray was Vintage Photo. I simply cut my ribbon that I was going to be working with, and spritzed it with some water. Then, I sprayed it with the Vintage Photo and used my Heat It tool to make sure it was good and dry.

I am really loving how this tag turned out. I was a little worried about how I was going to do getting back into the swing of things after taking a few weeks off. I’ve had a few events the past few weeks and my dining room table just wasn’t available. I’ve been spending time with friends. And yes, there was lots of sarcasm and shenanigans.

The thing I think I love most about these challenges, is the motivation. I get to go in my room and just make. A little “prompting” here and there isn’t too bad either. Haha

Until next time,

Jennifer