Mixed Media Tag “Nature Does Not Hurry”
Today I will be sharing how to create this easy mixed media tag using patterned paper, stencils, and inks. Tags are a great way to try out techniques. They are small, quick to create on and can be added into other projects. I often use my tags in my creative journal, as bookmarks or use them in greeting cards. As these tags can be completed quickly, usually under 20 minutes, this makes them an important part of a creative self-care routine.
The Intention
For this week’s mixed media tag, the inspiration came from this quote:
Nature does not hurry and yet everything is accomplished.
We often rush through our daily lives. There are always more things to do than we have time for. It can be challenging to create intention and find purpose in our everyday activities. Taking time for self-care can be challenging, especially with so many things competing for our time.
So, what is the solution to this? How do we find self-care in our daily life? I believe that by cultivating awareness and taking moments of quiet and reflection in our day can make a difference. It may mean taking 15 minutes out of your day that is just for you. Give yourself permission to slow down and find creative self-care. It can be amazing what a difference a few quiet moments in our day can make towards creating a self-care habit.
I chose this quote for the mixed media tag because it is a reminder not to hurry, but to take things one step at a time. Eventually things will get done, and if they do not, perhaps they were not that important. We get a choice everyday how we will be seen in our days. This is a reminder to me to choose wisely and to not rush through these precious moments of our lives.
The Mixed Media Tag Tutorial
This mixed media tag is created to be completed within 15 to 20 minutes. For those who may not have a lot of time, but want to create a creative self-care habit, I hope that this video will be inspiring. This tag tutorial is primarily using Wild Whisper Designs Play in the Dirt Collection along with Tim Holtz Distress Inks and Stains.
Step 1: Cutting Paper to Fit the Tag
Start by cutting the lime green paper to 3 1/8 by 6 ¼” to match the size of the tag. Adhere the paper to the tag using clear glue or a glue stick. Trim the corners of the paper to match the shape of the tag. Using a hole punch or other piercing tool, re-punch the hole at the top of the tag.
Step 2: Adding Ink Through a Stencil
To add color to this mixed media tag, apply Tim Holtz Distress Inks Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint through a stencil. Use a blending tool to apply the ink, blending out past the stencil. Make sure to leave some of the original paper showing through. If you would like to see more about ink blending, click here.
Step 3: Add Patterned Paper to Mixed Media Tag
Cut the paper to be added to the tag. The brown wood paper is cut to 1 1/2” by 5 5/8” and the butterfly paper is 2 ½” by 4 ¼”. Overlap the patterned paper to create layers and adhere with your favorite adhesive. Add the floral image and the quote.
Step 4: Staining Ribbon & Adding Charms
To finish off this mixed media tag, add Tim Holtz Distress Stains to crinkle ribbon. Once dry, add the ribbon to the tag. To add a final touch to this project, attach add charms to a jump ring and attach to a safety pin. Pin the charms to the ribbon to complete this tag.
Questions?
Do you have any questions about the techniques that I used on this mixed media tag? I would love to hear what you think or have learned from this post. Feel free to comment below or to contact me directly.
Project Supply List
If you are interested in purchasing any of the Wild Whisper Designs Products, use DTNADINE at checkout to get a 10% discount off of your order.
- Size #8 Manilla Tags
- Wild Whisper Designs Play in the Dirt Collection– Paper Pack, Garden Ephemera, and Sequins.
- Nicole Wright Fanciful Blossoms Stencil
- Tim Holtz Distress Inks: Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint
- Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool and Foams
- Tim Holtz Ideology Crinkle Ribbon
- Tim Holtz Distress Stains: Mustard Seed, Bundled Sage and Peeled Paint
- Adhesives: USArtQuest PPA Matte Glue, Scotch Advanced Tape Glider
- Other Materials: Ruler, Paper Cutter, Scissors, Crop-A-Dile, Jewelers Pliers, and Silver Charm
