12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist

I almost skipped making a tag for Day 9 of the 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist … Paula Cheney's tag is absolutely stunning … but just not my style.  As Ellen noted in the post, Paula captured all of the amazing technique savvy and exquisite detail of Tim Holtz' design style … but I find it a bit visually overwhelming for me (which I think is likely why I have avoided making the tags in the past).  

But instead of walking away, I decided to focus on a few elements of the design that I did find inspirational and go with that … because for me inspiration is when I see something that causes me to make something I wouldn't have done otherwise … and that certainly describes my tag.

The first thing I found so intriguing was the background she created using Distress Stains & water mist.  I used Evergreen Bough and Wild Honey with a heavy watercolor paper using the same effect.  Then, rather than painting on the raised areas, I inked my embossing folder with Evergreen Bough Distress ink & then rubbed a bit more ink on the raised areas after embossing for contrast … love the inky effect.

I also loved the glitter in her design and the central round element on the tag.  Instead of a wreath, I used a glittery snow globe dimensional sticker (mirror is glass … snow globe is glass).  I also loved the word *JOY* in her design, so I used that sentiment as well with some white foam thickers.  

Lastly, rather than a big seam binding bow, I pulled some vintage lace from my stash that I attached to the bottom of the tag.   Lastly I added some glittery ribbon (I trimmed the edge of another piece of the wired ribbon to go along the seam between the lace & the tag) and some blue gems to adorn my lace.

Lesson learned … inspiration comes in many forms if you just give it a chance.

Here's Paula's amazing tag that inspired my design:

I'm joining the Seasonal Holiday Challenge at Anything But a Card and the Frosty The Snowman Challenge at Red Carpet Studio (my Frosty is never going to melt in that snow globe) … couldn't stop singing that song while I was creating.