Hampton Art Stamps Mixed Media Tags Tutorial

I decided to create a stack of mixed media tags for you this month for my Hampton Art Blog spot. I wanted to play with some inks and stamps, but I could not decide WHICH inks and stamps! This technique allows for using many of each!

To create the tags we will be using an "emboss resist" technique to build layers of color and shape.

Step 1: Pull out a selection of archival or distress inks and some ink applicators.

Step 2: Find some of your favorite stamps .Make sure you have a selection of background and border stamps, as well as some solid stamps. (See the supply list for which Hampton Art stamps I used.)

Step 3: Cut some tags or cardstock pieces from cream paper to approximately 6 x 3 inches. You can also use pre-made manila tags.

Step 4: Using archival ink, randomly stamp some background images, such as text or collage images. Allow the ink to dry completely, or use a heat tool to speed things up.

Step 5: Using watermark ink to stamp some solid stamps over the background images.

Step 6: Heat emboss with clear embossing powder.

Step 7: Using ink applicator tools, rub various ink colors over the entire tag. The embossed areas will resist the ink and "pop" off the tag. Use a paper towel to buff the ink off the embossing.

Use any combinations that you like! The fun of this technique is watching the embossed areas pop when you start to rub on the ink!

For this tag I used a "scratched background" stamp and a few clocks stamped over the text background. The embossed areas are more subtle but just as interesting.

I hope you have fun trying this technique!

Once you have made some tags with the emboss resist technique, you can use them on your projects! I created an altered gift bag with one of my tags.

I created a fun, Steampunk bag, perfect for holding a birthday gift.

This time I used green archival ink and a numbers border stamp for the background. I stamped some steampunk images with watermark ink, and heat embossed them with clear powder. I rubbed the tag with several blue inks.

Thanks for joining me today! Have fun getting inky!

Supplies needed for the tags:
Hampton Art stamps:
Art Warehouse: grunge background (PS0715)
Diffusion: alpha background (PS0651), Eiffel Tower collage, IC0513
7 Gypsies: Harlequin (PS0698), Paris Ad (PS0752), Postage, Clock, Bird
Graphic 45: Steampunk, Steampunk Spells, A Ladies' Diary
Studio G: Paris postage

Hampton Art supplies:
Embossing powder: clear

Clearsnap ink:
Top Boss: Watermark
Various Archival

Other supplies:
Other ink: Various Ranger Distress
Cardstock: Neenah Natural White
Die cuts: Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Tag

Supplies needed for the gift bag:
Hampton Art stamps:
Numbers
Diffusion: alpha background (PS0651)
7 Gypsies: Clock
Graphic 45: Steampunk, Steampunk Spells,
Ki Memories: Celebrate Life
Studio G Ditto: Dreams May Come

Hampton Art supplies:
Embossing powder: clear

Clearsnap ink:
Top Boss: Watermark
Archival: Gold Course, Tree Frog, Glacier Lake, Poolside, Grasshopper
Chalk: Gray Whale

Other supplies:
Other ink: Various Ranger Distress
Cardstock: Neenah Natural White
Designer paper: Graphic 45 Steampunk Spells
Embossing folder: Cuttlebug Clockworks
Die cuts: Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Tag; My Favorite Tings Fishtail Flag
Ribbon: Really Reasonable Ribbon
Bag: craft store
Adhesive: tape runner, foam tape