12 Tags of Christmas Recap and Food Bank Update - Thank you again everyone!

We wanted to give you an update and again extend our thanks to you for a record breaking Food Bank benefit, 12 Tags of Christmas 2016! We collected $305 in cash (wow!), (which includes the card-making event that Pam hosted); and which is more than 3 times the amount we collected last year. You all really came through and showed your generosity and support for the Food Bank. With matching staff donations, we are taking $735.00 to the Food Bank this year, and over 3 full barrels of food as well. Thank you more than we can say!

Here are all of the tags in order, with links to each post that has a description and list of materials. (To link to the post, click on the title).

Day 1 - Pam Nelson - Blessings Tree

by Pam Nelson

Day 2 - Dianne Johnson - Zen Peace Dove

by Dianne Johnson

Day 3 - Dianne Johnson - Stained Glass Merry Christmas

by Dianne Johnson

Day 4 - Pam Nelson - Sending Love Nativity

by Pam Nelson

Day 5 - Marj Marion - Snowy Evergreens

by Marj Marion

Day 6 - Carolyn Gough - Sparkly Snowflakes

by Carolyn Gouch

Day 7 - Susie Mahoney - Joy

by Susie Mahoney

Day 8 - Pam Nelson - Evergreen Joy

by Pam Nelson

Day 9 - Dianne Johnson - Aurora Borealis

by Dianne Johnson

by Dianne Johnson

Day 10 - Dianne Johnson - Poinsettias

by Dianne Johnson

by Dianne Johnson

Day 11 - Pam Nelson - Elegant Noel

by Pam Nelson

Day 12 - Carolyn Gough - Peace

by Carolyn Gough

We hope that you enjoyed making these beautiful tags as much as we did! If you are not local and/or were unable to make it in for the make and takes, we hope you can draw some inspiration from our creations and make some beautiful tags from whatever materials you may have.

STOCK UPDATES:

The MISTIs are in!! We have both the Standard size MISTI and the mini MISTI in stock - just in time for Christmas! Seriously, this is a perfect Holiday gift, so let everyone know where these are available to pick up. Everyone needs one of these under their tree. If you would like a demonstration of how the MISTI works, just ask us!

Our Ranger order is scheduled to be in on Monday, so please come in for Yupo paper, watercolor paper, and the newest alcohol inks!

Today's special for Twelve Days of Christmas is:

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17:  On the seventh day of Christmas my Art ‘n Soul gave to me, 20% OFF DYAN REAVELEY ACRYLIC PAINT (LIMIT 2). For the post with the full Twelve Days specials, click here. Check out Marj's amazing technique for gift bags, and scroll down for the 12 Days specials.

EVERY DAY YOU COME IN DURING THE 12 DAYS, YOU CAN FILL OUT AN ENTRY FORM FOR OUR DRAWING!!  FOR EVERY $10 PRE TAX THAT YOU SPEND, YOU CAN FILL OUT ANOTHER FORM.  YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN A FABULOUS PRIZE PACKAGE FROM ART ‘N SOUL

Art 'n Soul will be closed from December 23rd through January 2nd. We will re-open on Tuesday, January 3rd; so please come in and see us as much as possible in the coming week! Have a safe and happy Holiday!

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Friday, December 16th - Day 12

Sadly, Friday is the last day in the Twelve Tags of Christmas event.  Carolyn designed this elegant tag and she’ll be in the store on Friday, December 16^th to show you how to make it. 

While you are at the store to make this tag be sure to take advantage of our Twelve Days of Christmas daily promotion.  On Friday when you purchase any two pieces of cardstock you will get to select a free piece of cardstock from a selection of beautiful paper.  This promotion is limited to stock on hand.  Also for every $10 pretax you spend, you get one entry for the big grand prize drawing.  The Twelve Days of Christmas runs through Thursday, December 22nd.  Follow our blog or Facebook to see the daily promotion. 

To create Carolyn’s tag, cut out a 3.4”x 4.4” rectangle from watercolor paper using Stitched Rectangle Layers #30009 Memory Box.  Score so it’ll fold to 3.4”x 2.2”.  Place washi tape or mask on the score line to protect half of the tag.  With Peeled Paint Distress Crayon lightly color around the edge of exposed watercolor paper. Dampen your finger and blend the crayon line to create a border.  Stamp Impression Obsession "Berries", (F8766), with Shabby Shutters Distress Ink several times.

Cut a 1.75”x 3”border with Stitched Rectangle Trimmings (#30082) from Red Lacquer Stardream cardstock.  Cut the Impression Obsession "Peace" die (DIE226-A) from the inside small cardstock rectangle.  Glue the border and word Peace over the stamped berries.  Fill in the berries with Glossy Accents or a glitter pen.

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make each day’s tag.  The cost to you is a donation of non-perishable food or $1 (or more if you would like) for each tag you make.  All donations go directly to the Thurston County Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person.

Note: We got our Imagine Crafts order in and we now have the empty pico bottles that are so good for glue. We also have Pico embellishers in white, black, gold, silver and red.

We are getting in a case of standard MISTIs, and a case of mini MISTIs on Friday the 16th. This is a perfect Christmas present! Reserve one with a paid order today! These are often mostly sold when the orders arrive, so don't miss out!

Ranger is coming in on Monday the 19th, and we are getting in Yupo paper and the newer alcohol inks. Reserve yours today! 

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Thursday, December 15th - Day 11

We only have two days left in the Twelve Tags of Christmas event.  We have two more tags for you, Thursday, December 15^th and Friday, December 16^th.  Pam designed this tag for Thursday and it uses a technique that was previously shown on our blog.

While you are at the store to make this tag be sure to take advantage of our Twelve Days of Christmas daily promotion.  On Thursday wear blue or green (or your Seahawks shirt) and you will receive 30% off the price of any blue or green item in the store.  This promotion is limited to stock on hand.  Also for every $10 pretax you spend, you get one entry for the big grand prize drawing.  The Twelve Days of Christmas runs through Thursday, December 22nd.  Follow our blog or Facebook to see the daily promotion.

Today’s tag features Distress Crayons, the Penny Black “Elaborate” stamp (#40-489) and Tim Holtz Vintage Tidings Die set (#661605.

The tag has been cut from watercolor paper using the largest die from the Poppy Stamps Main Street Stitched Tag set (#1268.)  Use the powder tool over the entire tag, then stamp using VersaMark and the “Elaborate” stamp.  Cover the tag with Detail Gold Embossing Powder.  Heat with a heat gun.

Select two coordinating colors of Distress Crayons. The sample uses Salty Ocean and Wilted Violet.  Make several small dots of each color on the tag.  Use a baby wipe to blend the dots of crayon – do all of one color and then move to a different spot on the baby wipe and blend the other color.  Gently wipe the entire surface of the tag to remove any bits of color from the gold embossing.

The word “Noel” has been die cut from two colors of So Silk Black Style and Fashion Purple paper.  Glue the two pieces together, black on the bottom, and then glue to the front of the tag.  Punch a hole in the tag and add ribbon.

If you want to see this technique used on a card, click here to see the whole technique from our November 4^th 2016 blog post.

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make each day’s tag.  The cost to you is a donation of non-perishable food or $1 (or more if you would like) for each tag you make.  All donations go directly to the Thurston County Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person.

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Wednesday, December 14th - Day 10

Art ‘n Soul’s annual Twelve Tags of Christmas event to support the Thurston County Food Bank began Monday, December 5th.

Dianne created this tag for Wednesday, December 14^th, the tenth day, and she’ll be at the store all day to show you how to make it.   We’ll have a new tag for you every day through Friday, December 16th.

While you are at the store, be sure to take advantage of our Twelve Days of Christmas daily special.  On Wednesday you can get 50% off a tool or product from a select basket, with a minimum $30 purchase. Don't forget, just for coming in, you can fill out a ticket for our drawing! For each $10 pre-tax that you spend, you can fill out another ticket. The Twelve Days of Christmas runs through Thursday, December 22nd.  Follow our blog or Facebook to see the daily special.

Like yesterday, I have two versions of today's tag. For the first tag, I die cut two tags using the Sizzix Super Scallop Tag die (sorry this tag die is no longer available from Sizzix, but you could cut a piece of paper to at least 3.25" x 4.5", round the corners, and punch a hole in the top for a similar size tag). One was cut from Neenah Solar White cardstock, and the second from green cardstock. I also die cut a Merry Christmas sentiment from Curious Metallics Super Gold cardstock, using a Penny Black die 51-248. The poinsettia pattern was cut from the green tag, using a Sizzix Tim Holtz die 661602, Mixed Media Christmas, that came out this year. 

After cutting the poinsettias from the green tag, it was adhered to the white one. The gold Merry Christmas sentiment was adhered underneath, and a red ribbon was added. A little bit of Diamond Stickles was added at the center of each poinsettia.

For the second card, I chose a red cardstock, and cut the poinsettias out at a slightly different angle so there would be room for a stamped sentiment.

I added my favorite sentiment of this year, the John Lennon Peace quote from Magenta, 07.956.F. The sentiment was stamped onto the cardstock with Versamark ink, and embossed using JudiKins White Diamond embossing powder. The red tag was adhered to the white, and a ribbon was added. A little bit of Diamond Stickles was added at the center of each poinsettia

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make each day’s tag.  The cost to you is a donation of non-perishable food or $1 (or more if you would like) for each tag you make.  All donations go directly to the Thurston County Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person.

Our MISTI order is scheduled to be delivered on Friday, December 16th, and we will get a case of the standard size and a case of the minis. If you have a paid order, you will get a call when they arrive. If you have an unpaid order, or you want one for Christmas (or just want one) please call or come in and pre-pay for one. These are often sold out before they arrive! 

We have also received a shipment notice from Ranger, and that shipment is scheduled to arrive on Monday, December 19. We will get Yupo paper, alcohol inks, the small packs of watercolor paper, and more!

We have sent in a Hero Arts order that will be shipped very soon!

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Tuesday, December 13th - Day 9

Art ‘n Soul’s annual Twelve Tags of Christmas event to support the Thurston County Food Bank began Monday, December 5th.

Dianne created this tag for Tuesday, December 13^th, the ninth day, and she’ll be at the store all day to show you how to make it.   We’ll have a new tag for you every day through Friday, December 16th.

While you are at the store, be sure to take advantage of our Twelve Days of Christmas daily special.  On Tuesday you can get one free Magenta cat stamp with a minimum $30 purchase. Don't forget, just for coming in, you can fill out a ticket for our drawing! For each $10 pre-tax that you spend, you can fill out another ticket. The Twelve Days of Christmas runs through Thursday, December 22nd.  Follow our blog or Facebook to see the daily special.

Today’s tag showcases one of our favorite techniques: alcohol ink on Yupo paper! To begin creating the background, drop some drops of alcohol ink onto a piece of Yupo paper (I used a piece 2.5" x 3"), and watch the ink "bloom". Then choose a color of ink to apply to the felt of a felt blending tool. Pounce the tool all over the drops of ink on your Yupo paper to create the beautiful mottled effect. Yupo paper works best if you do not handle it or touch it much with your fingers, since the oils on your hands will affect how the ink moves on the paper. To create a similar colored background, you can use alcohol inks in Turquoise and/or Pool, Raspberry, Amethyst or Purple Twilight, Mermaid and Botanical. I pounced with the green ink at the end, so that it would look like the Aurora Borealis.

To complete the tag, I die cut two tags using the Sizzix Super Scallop Tag die (sorry this tag die is no longer available from Sizzix, but you could cut a piece of paper to at least 3.25" x 4.5", round the corners, and punch a hole in the top for a similar size tag). Next I used a Memory Box die 99579, Countryside Circle to cut out the center of one of the tags.

Once the Yupo paper was inked and had dried (the alcohol ink dries pretty quickly) I adhered the Yupo piece to the back of the open area of the Countryside Circle cut-out. I stamped under the cut-out using Versafine Onyx Black ink. I actually have two versions of this tag, since I couldn't decide which stamp I liked better.

The stamps I used are Memory Box B1385 Heaven Sings; and Hero Arts F3605 Peace Border. A piece of ribbon was added at the top. The second tag was adhered to the back.

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make each day’s tag.  The cost to you is a donation of non-perishable food or $1 (or more if you would like) for each tag you make.  All donations go directly to the Thurston County Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person.

Additional News:
We have received a shipping notice that our MISTIs are on the way. We don't have an arrival date yet, but if you want one, we encourage you to call or come in and pre-pay to ensure you get one. We are getting a case of the standard, and a case of the minis.

We have also received a shipping notification from Ranger, and that will arrive on Monday the 19th. There will be Yupo paper, alcohol ink, the small packs of watercolor paper and more!

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Sunday, December 11th, Day 7

Art ‘n Soul’s annual Twelve Tags of Christmas event to support the Thurston County Food Bank began Monday, December 5th.  Susie Mahoney created this stunning tag for the seventh day and she’ll be at the store all day Sunday, December 11th to show you how to make it.  I LOVE how the mirricard paper adds so much shine to this tag!    We’ll have a new tag for you every day through Friday, December 16th.

 

As an added bonus, our annual Twelve Days of Christmas begins on Sunday, December 11th and runs through Thursday, December 22nd.  Follow our blog or Facebook to see the daily special. 

 

Sunday’s special is double marks on your loyalty card.  (If you spend $10 pretax you will get two punches, spend $20 pre-tax, you will get four punches, etc.)  In addition, for every $10 pretax you spend, you get to fill out an entry form for a fabulous prize.

 

To make this tag Susie has precut everything for you.  She cut tags from Mirricard paper using a die from the Poppy Stamps Main Street Stitched Tag set (#1268.)  She used the Poppy Stamps Joy Tag (#1676) to cut tags from white metallic paper.  To finish the tag just adhere the two tags together and add ribbon – simple and beautiful!

 

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make each day’s tag.  The cost to you is a donation of non-perishable food or $1 (or more if you would like) for each tag you make.  All donations go directly to the Thurston County Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person.

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Saturday, December 10th - Day 6

Art ‘n Soul’s annual Twelve Tags of Christmas event to support the Thurston County Food Bank began Monday, December 5th.  Carolyn created this beautiful tag for the sixth day and she’ll be at the store all day Saturday to show you how to make it.  This tag has lots of beautiful sparkle!  We’ll have a new tag for you every day (including the weekend) through Friday, December 16th.

To make this tag, use the second to the largest die from the Poppy Stitched Main Street Tags set (#1268) to cut a tag out of Lavender Stardream cardstock.  On the back stamp “Merry & Bright” and “To/From” using the Hero Arts Merry & Bright set (#DC166) and Vibrant Violet Stazon ink.   Stamp the front of the tag with I.O. Cover-a-Card Snowflakes (#CC066) and white pigment ink.  Heat emboss using JudiKins Diamond Sparkle embossing powder.

Use the Poppy Snowflake Tag (#1661) to cut another tag out of White Linen Stardream cardstock.  Glue this onto the prepared snowflake background.  Add iridescent sequins and clear Stickles to finish the white frame.  Punch a hole through the lavender tag and add a white and silver narrow ribbon.

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make each day’s tag.  The cost to you is a donation of non-perishable food or $1 (or more if you would like) for each tag you make.  All donations go directly to the Thurston County Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person.

What's New
Great news! We are expecting a Magenta order on Monday if the weather permits. If you have ordered something, expect a call, and there are also a few extra stamps and stencils included with the order, so please come in and check it out!

We have also sent in orders to Ranger, Imagine Crafts, Hero Arts, and MISTI! We ordered the standard and mini MISTIs, if you have ordered one, you will be called. If you have ordered one and not yet paid for it, please call in or come in and pay to ensure that you will receive one. Hope to see you soon!

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Friday December 9th - Day 5

Art ‘n Soul’s annual Twelve Tags of Christmas event to support the Thurston County Food Bank began Monday, December 5^th.  The lovely tag for the fifth day of this event was created by Marj and will be available on Friday, December 9^th.   Susie Mahoney will be in the store on Friday to walk you through the steps to create this lovely tag.  We’ll have a new tag for you every day (including the weekend) through Friday, December 16^th.

To make this tag, begin by using the Powder Tool over the blue panel of card stock.  Stamp and emboss Magenta Snowy Evergreens (#0609.L) using VersaMark Ink and Silver Embossing Powder.

Use the smaller of the two Memory Box Stitched Circle Layers dies (#30036) and cut out the embossed trees.  Center the die top and bottom as you wish.  Turn the white pre-cut larger stitched circle over to the back and use a small piece of scotch tape to anchor the ends of the Baker’s Twine.

Using Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive, glue down the “To/From” over the ends of the twine.  Press firmly to adhere.  Use the Scotch glue again to adhere the blue, tree embossed circle to the white tag, centering the trees.  Add small dots of Wedding Dress Irresistible Pico Embellisher scattered around the trees.  Heat gently to dry the dots before leaving the store.

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make each day’s tag.  The cost to you is a donation of non-perishable food or $1 (or more if you would like) for each tag you make.  All donations go directly to the Thurston County Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person.

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Thursday December 8th - Day 4

Art ‘n Soul’s annual Twelve Tags of Christmas event to support the Thurston County Food Bank began Monday, December 5^th.  The fourth tag in this series will be available on Thursday, December 8^th.  It was created by Pam and she’ll be in the store to help you create this lovely tag.  We’ll have a new tag for you every day (including the weekend) through Friday, December 16^th.

This tag features the Poppy Stamps Main Street Stitched Tag set (#1268), the new Magenta “Stars” stencil (TM180), the Penny Black “Manger” die  (#51-254) and a sentiment from Impression Obsession (B13487.

The largest die of the Main Street Tag set was used to cut the tag from Neenah Solar White, 110# cardstock.  Use the powder tool on the bottom section of the tag, then stamp the sentiment using VersaMark ink.  (We’ll be using the MISTI in the store but an acrylic block also works for this step.)  Remove the tag from the MISTI and pour Judikins Gold Detail embossing powder over the sentiment; tap off the excess powder and heat emboss with a heat gun.

Cut a small mask from a stick-it pad the size of the sentiment and place it on the tag, covering the stamped sentiment.  Place the Magenta Stars stencil over the tag and use a large dauber to apply VersaMark ink through the stars, onto the tag.  Move the stencil around to get the coverage of stars that you want.  Next, apply dry Perfect Pearls (Pearl or Confetti White) over the stars with a soft brush.

The Manger image was cut twice – once from Neenah 110# card stock and once from gold Mirricard paper.  Layer the gold diecut over the white one and adhere together.  Adhere this piece to the tag.  Punch a hole in the tag and add gold twine.

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make each day’s tag.  The cost to you is a donation of non-perishable food or $1 (or more if you would like) for each tag you make.  All donations go directly to the Thurston County Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person.

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Wednesday, December 7th - Day 3

Art 'n Soul's annual Twelve Tags of Christmas event to support the Thurston County Food Bank began Monday, December 5th. The third tag, available Wednesday, December 7th, was created by Dianne, and she will be in the store on Wednesday to walk you through the steps of creating this tag. We'll have a new tag for you every day (including the weekend) through Friday, December 16th.

To create Wednesday's tag, the Merry Christmas Tag die (1645) from Poppy Stamps was cut twice from Curious Metallics Super Gold cardstock. For one of the die cuts, the sentiment "Merry Christmas" was carefully cut out using a craft knife and a ruler. 

A vellum tag was also cut from 40# translucent vellum, using the Stitched Main Street Tags die (1268) from Poppy Stamps. Distress ink in Festive Berries and Mowed Lawn was rubbed onto the vellum and the excess wiped off with a rag.

The tag was assembled by gluing the 3 pieces together, first the Merry Christmas tag, then the vellum tag, and last in the stack, the Merry Christmas tag with the sentiment cut out. Sequins were added, and a red ribbon at the top. The effect that this tag gives when held up is that of stained glass, since the vellum is translucent.

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make each day's tag.  The cost to you is a donation of non-perishable food or $1 (or more if you wish) which will go to the Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person! 

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Tuesday, December 6th - Day 2

Art 'n Soul's annual Twelve Tags of Christmas event to support the Thurston County Food Bank began Monday, December 5th. The second tag, available Tuesday, December 6th, was created by Dianne, and she will be in the store on Tuesday to walk you through the steps of creating this tag. We'll have a new tag for you every day (including the weekend) through Friday, December 16th.

Tuesday's tag was created by die-cutting watercolor paper with Sizzix 38-0946 Super Scallop tag die. After using a powder tool on the tag, two Magenta images were stamped with Versamark ink: Zen Peace Dove 44.023.M, and the John Lennon Peace Quote 07.956.F. The images were embossed with JudiKins White Diamond embossing powder. The tag was then covered with Nuance powder in Royal Blue, Cerulean Blue, Turquoise, Jade Green, and Raspberry and sprayed with pearly water (water mixed with Perfect Pearls powder). A piece of white sparkly ribbon was added at the top. The shine and sparkle in this tag is really pretty in real life.

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make each day's tag.  The cost to you is a donation of non-perishable food or $1 (or more if you wish) which will go to the Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person!

Twelve Tags of Christmas - Monday December 5th

Art ‘n Soul’s annual Twelve Tags of Christmas event to support the Thurston County Food Bank begins Monday, December 5th at 10:00 a.m.  The first tag was created by Pam and she’ll be in the store on Monday to walk you through the steps of creating this fun tag.  We'll have a new tag for you every day (including the weekend) through Friday, December 16th.

This tag was created with Poppy Stamps Mainstreet Stitched Tags (#1268).  I love this set because it contains eight dies in graduated sizes.  I used the second and third largest dies for this tag - the smaller tag was cut from watercolor paper and the larger tag was cut from white metallic paper.

I used the MISTI to stamp this tag but you can easily use an acrylic block, too.  Since the image is embossed on the paper, use the powder tool on the watercolor tag first, then stamp the Magenta ”Blessings Tree”, 07.961.L, with VersaMark ink.  Cover the image with Judikins White Diamond embossing powder and heat set with the heat gun.

Sprinkle Magenta Nuance Berry (MNU023) on the watercolor tag.  Spritz with water mixed with Perfect Pearls.  Blot gently with a paper towel around the embossed image to remove any color from the white embossing.  Gently dry with a heat gun.  Adhere to the white metallic tag, punch a hole in the top and add ribbon.

The Art ‘n Soul staff will provide all the materials you need to make the tags.  The cost to you is a donation of food or $1 which will go to the Food Bank.  We really appreciate your support to this great community program.  We look forward to seeing you in the store this month to thank you in person!