A friend once mentioned she responds to “CRAFTS” the way dogs respond to “SQUIRREL” – it still makes me laugh! Maybe because I love the dog “Dug” in Disney’s movie “Up” or maybe it’s because I respond the same way! Ears perked, looking intently, ready to pounce (on an idea)!

If you would’ve told me ten years ago that I would be a scrapbooker or crafter, I would’ve said “you’re out of your mind! I’m way to cool to do that homemade stuff!” Boy, would I have been totally wrong! Not only have I fallen in love with all things crafty, but my daughters, particularly my 6-year old, loves it too. Many times after we tuck our girls into bed, say prayers and sing lullabies, I head into my craft space and get to work. Guess what I found my 6 yo doing after bedtime this week? Yes, she was at her desk, crafting as well. Imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery!

This month, over at Scrap Happy, we had a Green Tag swap. We could create anything, as long as “green” was part of the creation. And you can make all three tags the same, or each one different, or minor variations, whatever your heart desires. At first I was thinking leprechauns and clovers, but really? That’s just not my bag, baby! So then I started thinking green, as in recycling. Hmmm, getting closer, but what would I create? Then it hit me! Create using products I already have – my way of being green!

Truth be told, I love to shop. And if I have a particular project in mind, I usually head to my favorite local scrapbooking store to buy some new goodies to use on the project. Inks, mists, papers, stamps, glitter. There is always something new that I want. My husband calls me a marketers dream. Funny, considering we were both marketing majors in college : )

So I stuck to my plan and only used products I had on hand. Of course I would use lots of green inks from my favorite collection, Tim Holtz Distress Inks. I also had a wood grain stamp I wanted to use with heat embossing in order to make the background appear like the tag was cut from real wood. Which is kinda funny considering paper is made from wood, but methodically worked to NOT look like wood : )

So I started with this tag, what I’ve named “Treasure Life”. Just as I knew I wanted to use the wood grain stamp, I also knew I wanted to make a “wood sign” using the Close to my Heart “Treasure Life” stamp I had won from Joy at Studiowow {thanks Joy!}. I loved using up some of the bling and pearls I’ve had in my stash! And I used a scrap of velum, rolling it on both ends, writing what I treasure most in life: family, friends and faith. Loved the way it came out!

Next I started working on my “Hello Sunshine” tag. I wanted to use leaves in the background, as I was inspired by my darling and creative friend Danni (check out her new blog {Made in} Apt 14 – she’s super talented!) She recently made a mini-book where she dry embossed and inked these amazing leaves on her tags for her book. This is normally where I would’ve gone out and bought stamps or stencils or other goodies to get a look much closer to hers, but I needed to use what I had on hand, so the cute Bo Bunny leaf stamp would have to do.

The ink colors I used on this one were so bright and cheerful, it made me think of spring, so I added the bird, cut with my Slice out of thick craft cardstock. He looked a little to blah, so I decided to make a quilted look out of washi tape. Fun and easy! And then I reached for my favorite Ali Edwards stamp set (ok, only set, although I hope to get lots more in time!) The sentiment was perfect to welcome spring!

I was trying to figure out what to do on my final tag, when I received the sweetest comment here on my blog from Danni. She has a great style, and she loves all things vintage and antiques. And then this tag totally came together in my mind! I’m naming it “Vintage Danni” : )

It really came out exactly the way I envisioned it. I love KaiserCraft stamps. They are great quality and super affordable. The vintage script is a stamp I use lots and the lightpost / decorative lamp feels very Parisian to me, very inspiring for my upcoming journey!

I dropped these at the post office on Monday, and I hope all the recipients enjoy their one-of-a-kind tags! Have you made any “green” tags recently? I’d love to see your creations, so leave a comment below!

Thanks for stopping by and have a joyful, creative, blessing filled day!
Live creatively!
xoxo,
/c

P R O D U C T S   U S E D  (Affiliate Links)

Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Peeled Paint
Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Forest Moss
Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Shabby Shutters
Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Mowed Lawn
Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Gathered Twigs
Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo
Slice Elite Digital Cutting Machine
Under the Sea Design Card (treasure chest)
Parties Design Card (bird on branch)
Wood Grain Stamp (similar to one I used)
Technique Tuesday Bring on the Sun clear stamps
Bo Bunny Apple Cider Stamps
Inkadinkado Lamp Stamp (similar to KaiserCraft I used)
7 Gypsies Vintage stamp set
KaiserCraft Script (Texture) Clear Stamp
Ranger #8 Manilla Tags