Good morning Deskers and welcome to another Wednesday at Moonshine Manor. (Confused head over to The Stamping Ground for the WOYWW low down)
What's on my desk today? A BLOOMIN' NIGHTMARE that's what!
I am trying to do my Tim Tag for September and I have had three attempts so far - all of which have gone disastrously wrong and are going in the bin. You know the saying "there are no mistakes in art"? Pah!
I can't figure out why it is going so wrong! And I'm falling at what you'd think would be the easiest hurdle - Distress Staining my tag for goodness sake - I've tried it DS straight to misted tag as per Tim's instructions - don't think my tag was damp enough so my colours haven't blended. Tried it again with a damper tag - still hideous and then I've tried the old wrinkle free smoosh the craft mat technique and ended up with mud. So today I am not a happy bunny!
For what it's worth here is what's on my desk (Grump!)
Hope your day is going better than mine!
Hmm Miss Moonshine..I'm wondering what picture you have in your head that you're trying to get onto the tag...none of these look to me as if they are for for the bin...remember that you maybe using the same inks and water is probably a universal medium, but I bet the card stock of your tags is different to TH's and that means a different result for sure in terms of amount of water...and that's the point isn't it - the same, but totally different? Press on...all 3 could surprise you!
ReplyDeleteWe always have trouble with our distress stains, although we must say yours look great, maybe it's just what we think they should look like but to others they look just right?
ReplyDeleteThe bears @#82
See, when I was reading your words describing the tags, I knew exactly what you meant, cos I always end up with mud and then I looked at the tags and thought... nope, she is demented, they look nothing like mud and definitely shouldn't be binned! Happy WOYWW Annette #2
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same as Julie....the card stock may be different....as tim says paer has no memory.....just flatten them out with the iron....or a heavy book....they look lovely by the way.....keep on arting......ZEFFY#71
ReplyDeleteI wish I could help but I know nothing of stamping and tags. But hey, they look good to me, maybe put them away for now and you may be surprised when you get them out again.
ReplyDeleteSending you hugs
Famfa 14
OK Maisie. Don't stress. With these three just blend distress ink over the top on the un-inked parts or any bits you want to alter. A dash of brown around the edges and you'll be loving them. Next, take another plain tag (it's true, cardstock is different - I'm still on the hunt for my perfect choice!) rub your stains onto you craft mat and then drag your tag through them and spritz them with A LITTLE water to blend them, and dry. Then blot into the remaining stain, dry, blot, dry, etc. It should work (crossing fingers now!) and remember,I would love to see the results pretty please. Hugs, Jenny x
ReplyDeleteHi! You are ahead of me, haven't tried mine. I am not sure if you are using the ranger tags? I find they take the stain nicely compared to other ones. I love using them on WC paper. I just love they appear more vibrant and don't warp. I have 2 cards for Thurs that I will show you. I also think sometimes the color make brown so easily and muddy the look. I think the second tag looks good, I would add distress inks,with color, and it will be fine. I know others use the Dylusions and have luck with those but for me they work with gesso or else I make a mess. I know you will rock your tag as always! Winnie#79
ReplyDeleteOH NO!! Don't be like that!! They don't look bad at all!! There are a million things you can do to save those tags!!
ReplyDeleteHope your day gets better!!
xxDaniella#15
I love the look of those tags on your desk--all distressed and artsy. I say go with that! Sometimes the art has a mind of its own. Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #23
ReplyDeleteOh - I have tried it once and mine looked like mud !!! I feel for you, but reading all the inspirational comments here I agree,- press on and see what happens :-D
ReplyDeleteHAPPY WOYWW 223
Ike in Greece #91 xx
I was thinking you were showing the good ones, not the ones you intended for bin, as there is nothing wrong with these at all. Yes agree with above, press on, you might be pleasantly surprised. Happy woyww Gill x #96
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's the paper..... Inks react very different on various surfaces!..... Jackie 39
ReplyDeleteScrapbangwallop
Hi Maisie..I agree with Julia, nothing looks fit for the bin yet..keep going I am sure the end result will be lovely. Also I posted photos of the pincushion I mentioned last week on my WOYWW post this week, just for you :) that should make you smile right? Cx #41
ReplyDeleteBless you - sometimes there are mistakes... as Picasso said, it's knowing which to keep ,that's the key :)
ReplyDeleteLook at them again tomorrow with fresh eyes...
Thanks for stopping by already x
Happy WOYWW and have a wonderful week!
no. 33
Oh Maisie, we ALL go through these trials, but they are not ready for the bin!! I agree with Claire, set them aside and come back to them later, they still may not be what your looking for right now, but may come in very handy for a different project. Remember we ALL have our OWN style, even Mr. T. Think of his tag as an inspiration for your style.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the earlier visit
Krisha #18
Happy WOYWW! Love the Starts of your Tags!!
ReplyDelete-Tera #3
Oh yes, I have had desk days like this . . . not the exact same problem, so no advice for you, but definitely some understanding and commiserating with that feeling!!!
ReplyDeleteBut for what it's worth, these don't look bad to me . . .
:)trisha
#31 this week with
ATCs Around The World
Some times you just have to walk away...maybe then things will improve. Just randomly snooping...how do you choose where to snoop? Be well Carole #110
ReplyDeletedon't stress.. I cant get those blenders to work either. but your tags are fine.. when you add things to them they will come to life. And thanks for letting me peak in to your room. Roberta 6
ReplyDeleteNo, not the bin. Please send them to me instead of throwing them away ... I don't know what went 'wrong'. The surface has to be wet enough and you should spritz some more water onto it when you have applied the stains. Hm. I really don't know what you have in mind :-) Breat colors, too. Thanks so much for your visit earlier, have a good day, Suzanne x
ReplyDeleteIsn't it weird how sometimes things just fall together easily and at other times, it's like having your teeth pulled.... On those days, when I've sewn things the wrong way round or whatever, I give up and go and do something completely different otherwise I end up ranting like Basil Fawlty!! It's easier in the long run...the house is a more pleasant place, lol :-)
ReplyDeleteHope your disastrous tags get resurrected somehow!
Hugs, LLJ 54 xx
I have attempted it yet, you don't fill me with hope, lol! I am sure tomorrow it will work perfectly.... Thanks for stopping by and 'admiring' my piles of books... Helen 19
ReplyDeleteI've looked at all the comments and do you know at first I was flummoxed then I thought a bit and I reckon Jackie's right! It might just be the kind of paper or card you used! Anyway, I would keep them too! I'm not called Magpie for nothing! I have more bags of 'rejects' than I'll ever be able to resurrect, but never mind! Thanks for stopping by earlier. Don't worry about the acorns! I'm scanning the pics and using them on different projects. The first one does use the acorns but it won't be permanent, it's more like a flower arrangement and then I'll do a more permanent arrangement without acorns, but the real pics will be stashed away and I'll always use scans! Hope your grumps over the Tim Tag dissolve and you have a lovely WOYWW! Julie Ann xx #42
ReplyDeleteHave to agree with Julia on this one, keep going. I usually don't like Tim tags with the first application of color either. Thanks for popping by earlier. just getting around. 109
ReplyDeleteThey look fine to me - but know what you you mean when you have something in mind! Agree with other comments about the card used but I'd say use them anyway even if it's just for another project. Chris 77
ReplyDeleteHi Cutie! Looks like we are both working on tags (tim style). I have just finished his day 1 and used the Distress pads. They blended really well, however, when I did the water color technique, I was using my heat tool I have had for years and years....I always had problems with it "blowing" my stuff around. Now I know why! I need a heat tool that diffuses. So have added his heat tool to my wish list. I think your tags look great! All I would do to them is use a blending tool with an ink over the top to pull them together. LOL, Like I know.........just in class one!
ReplyDeleteSimilar to Julia I was going to say that it could be the cardstock of your tag causing the issue, I have had similar nightmares with other waterbased mediums. But all in all I don't think your tags look that bad and would hate to see you bin them. Hope you get it sorted and have a great week! Danie #48
ReplyDeleteOh, Maisie, I'm sorry you had a poopy day with the Timmy tags! You've gotten some good encouragement in the other comments so I'll just say that I hope tomorrow is a happier day for you! Happy WOYWW and thanks for coming to visit me earlier! Have a wonderful week! Darnell #24
ReplyDeleteOh Maisie HUGS in the Tag department. For what it is worth I didn't even have the right coloured stains so used ink pads on craft mat and water and had varying results. (not blogged yet as awaiting crinkle ribbon in post and one of the 3 I did is for a SWAP which I'll need to post first). Anyway I couldn't obtain the same effect as Timmy either. Don't give up and "embrace the imperfection" Definitely don't bin the ones you have done the stencilling covers loads (I had a splodge on one of mine!)
ReplyDeleteOh and to the flower tutorial, yes I'll sort you a tutorial, here is the craft club link in the meantime http://ashteadcardmaking.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks for the visit BJ#94
Hi there Maisie,
ReplyDeleteHaving an OOOps day then???
Well as you know I'm not a 'paper person' but have read the comments and WOW do you have help and support with your other 'Taggers' (if there is such a thing)!!. Personally I'd do the old Robert the Bruce thing and 'Try, try again.'
XXX Flo.
Hi Maisie! I see what you are frustrated with, but I honestly think they will be great once you are finished with all of the layers. I especially like the first one with the rich color and the white standing out. I see a chart on your desk with the Distress Stain colors - is this something you made yourself? That would be very handy to have.
ReplyDeleteAs to bad days, I had one myself this week. I've been trying for months to grow out all of the layers in my hair, having the bottom trimmed up a bit at a time to meet the top. Things were finally getting manageable. I went for a trim on Tuesday and the hairdresser got to telling a long drawn out story, somehow forgot what she was doing and layered the whole thing back to where I started. By the time I realized what was happening it was too late. I had a good scream in the car on the way home (I live in the country so no one had me locked up). And a glass of wine - or two - then I stuck a hat on it so I would quit looking at it. Couldn't walk away from that one. :)
Oh well, here's to better days ahead! Lots of hugs, Cathy
Hi Maisie
ReplyDeleteWould Mr H give up like that no he would so step back and then give it another go. embrace the wrinkles, don't forget it's not finished until it's finished!
janet #28
Hi, well you did more attempts than I di, this one was not that easy but at the end magic happened, thanks for stopping by my blog :D
ReplyDeleteI'm commiserating with you. I bought a box of manila folders to cut into tags....they've changed the quality of the paper! The folders aren't heavy duty as used to be...so my tags came out looking like mud. So I'll bet it's the cardstock/paper of the tags. Wishing you crafty goodness. Happy WOYWW! Nan G #92
ReplyDeleteThe tags look great to me but I know how frustrating it can be when something isn't turning out how you have planned in your head! I get days like that too but it never lasts more than one day ... thank goodness. Thanks so much for visiting and happy woyww Liz
ReplyDelete