Tag Exchange 2018

I just HAD to take a picture of all my tags before I shuffled them into the bags. 
I LOVED pumping these out. 
This Magenta stamp is still one of my all time favourites.

Happy New Year!  It is time for my annual post where we reveal the incredible talent in our Paper Pickle community. The women have once again blown me away.  I am like a kid when the tags start getting dropped off.  Christmas tags are awesome to work on because the possibilities are endless:  classic reds and greens, bright colours, elegant, rustic, santas, snowmen, snowflakes, angels, trees and more.  This year's swap was delightful.  Feast your eyes on these tags!  

Please note that tags are posted in alphabetical order by first name (honestly, I couldn't pick a favourite if my life depended on it!).  Ha.  Also, all of the tags are now on display at the store.  Please come by and see them in person to see their true beauty.  I try to capture it here with my pics but in person is always MUCH better!

Barb's original creation

Barb created not one but TWO stunning tags for the exchange this year (see below for the gold version).  This tag is over the top elegant.  There is everything from mirrored paper, glittered paper, shimmered cardstock, sequins, and vellum.  The background is also incredible.  Barb used distress oxide inks (my fav!) to create a stunning evening sky look.  The subtle pearl shimmer ink splatters were a beautiful touch.  Bravo.

Barb's second entry

This is Barb's second version.  It is equally as beautiful in the whites, creams and golds.  Awesome.

Bonnie is another one who likes to submit two tags.  Ok.  So check out how whimsical this tag/ornament is!  Snowmen have always had a special place in my heart and especially this guy with his cardinal friend.  Subtle touches of glitter and rhinestones really dress this creation.  Bonnie has even finished the tag with felt on the back and a gorgeous jingle bell.  This will be going on my tree next year!

So there is no doubt about it....this tag IS an ornament!  You HAVE to see this one in person.  I am in LOVE with the vintage angel paper (there are four different angels on each side).  Now I have a suspicion that Bonnie is also a jewelry maker because of her beautiful use of beads etc.  I must ask her next time she is in!  Brilliant, Bonnie!

Our youngest paper crafter did SO well this year.  Brianna used one of my favourite stamps by Lawn Fawn to create a magical winter scene.  Again....there's that cardinal!  I love the soft pastel palette that Bri used.  Awesome job!!

Carol always creates a tag that is clean and elegant and I wish I could do that!  I adore the warm plaid colour tones and jingle bell at the top.  And Carol is a smart crafter too....She punched the snowflakes out of the mitten and then added those punch outs to the tag.....smart....smart....smart!

Debbie's tag is so warm and cozy.  She used my favourite oxide inks and Tim's stencil to create the entire background design.  The pairing of this kraft/red combo with the black touches is perfect.  Love that stamp too.  Very nice!

Oh wow "Aunt" Debbie!  Your design was such a treat.  The peach tone you chose was such a pleasant surprise and I don't think anyone has used this combination in our tag swap in the past.  This tag SHINES!  I love the tree in the brown bling card stock, the beautiful sequins and the inka gold wash....that really sets off the tag.  Gorgeous!

Oh Donna!  I love this little guy.  All of your papers were perfectly chosen to make this tag a show stopper.  And when you are in, check out how deep the embossing is on this background!  The little touches on the holly berries and snowflakes did not go unnoticed.  Beautiful!

Elizabeth is another one who likes to submit two tags.  I adore this heart angel design.  Elizabeth used cheesecloth, lace, and various crocheted doilies to create the intricate background.  Each tag she made was just a little different but had the same romantic feel.  Wow.....

This is Elizabeth's second entry and it is adorable.  This stocking has such an Old World charm.  I love the distressed ticket on the outside and the inside has a beautifully stamped tag with a heart warming Christmas wish.  Lovely....

 Helen's tag had me wanting to get working on a mixed media project like immediately after looking at this.  Is this not awesome?!  I love the various papers she chose for the holly and leaves.  And the washi tape really dressed the design.  Those seed beads were amazing!

 The resident Queen of Technique did it again.  She worked with her embossing folders and inks to create a wonderful background design.  You will also see a stunning script stamp in brown and distressed edges to match her glossy brown wreath.  Nicely done, Hilary!

Holly also pulled double duty.  This is her first entry which has a nice earthy feel.  The trees were die cut and then Holly applied Prima's Art Alchemy Metallique wax in bronze to create a gorgeous shine.  The red polka dot washi at the bottom added a beautiful pop of colour that really set off this tag.  Love it!

 Merry Christmas, eh?!?  Oh this stamp and die by PhotoPlay is adorable!  This is a simple tag but it's all about the placement and little details that make this tag stand out.  The red and black colour combo is perfection.  The wooden snowflake and baker's twine is awesome.  And I love how Holly put Santa and the washi tape on angles.  This made the tag very interesting and whimsical. 

 Jody has created the most perfectly, beautiful, feminine tag.  I adore the banner style shape of the tag.  I love the soft frosty mistletoe greens paired with the cameo shimmer cardstock.  AND....if you look closely, you will see that Jody hand stitched/crocheted around the oval layer.  Oh my!  I want to learn how to do that!

 Oh Julia H.....you are growing up!  Like any good crafter, she did her research and was inspired by a similar tag she found on Pinterest.  The large white snowflake was heat embossed in white.  Julia then added various shades of blue oxide inks to flood her tag.  The darker blue snowflakes were then stamped in oxide inks.  The glittery "noel" and ribbon really dressed the tag.  Very nice, Jules!

 Karrie, I just LOVE this mason jar tag/ornament you created.  It is perfectly antiqued.  It is so rustic and elegant at the same time.  The dimensional poinsettia and snow are such a treat.  This is a wow!  It too will be going on my tree next year....

 Kathy has created the perfect vintage winter scene.  Can't you imagine this person riding home through the forest on Christmas Eve?  I love Kathy's use of dies, inks to have me dreaming of days gone by.  Lovely....

 Oh Kell!  This Polaroid of a snowman family is perfection!  I love the bright colour choices (the teal snowflakes are on the front of this double sided paper and the hot pink on the back).  The heart washi tape is awesome and I adore the classy snowflake ornament.  I'm SO glad you joined our swap this year!

Yep this is mine.  I really struggled with my design (you should have seen my failed attempts!) but I landed on a tag that was somewhat inspired by this 12x12 layout I created (see below).  There were similar elements including the rustic dimensional star and burlap.  I worked with this beautiful Magenta stamp and added the perfect touch....the word "believe".  I love how it turned out.  How does paper make me so happy?!

My 12x12 layout was my inspiration

This is another tag you have to see in person.  It is a very elegant shaker tag with stunning blue, gold and silver shimmer papers....even the sequins sparkle.  I love the little "Noel" in the center of the tag.  Very nice, Lou!

Pat has created a very striking tag.  The brilliant reds and golds really catch your eye.  But it is when you look closely that you will see the fine detail.  Pat has been showing me her pergamano creations over the years and they are incredible.  Pergamano is a paper art where the artist works with vellum to create magnificent backgrounds by piercing, stippling, embossing, etc.  Zoom in on the white lattice background and you will appreciate this art.  Gorgeous, Pat.

Sandi has created a gorgeous tag using shades of silver, pinks and burgandy.  What a beautiful colour combo!  She too has created a stunning winter scene using various dies.  I love the embossing folder she used to dress the top of her tag.  Awesome!

So what do you think?  We have some incredible talented people in our community!  Keep shining and keep playing!  Happy 2019....all the best always!

Oh yes....the winner of the $50 Paper Pickle prize pack is BONNIE N.!  You can thank my son for drawing your name from the bag.  Stop in during store hours to pick up your winnings.  Congratulations, Bonnie!!  And thank you all again for participating in this Paper Pickle tradition.  You make my heart smile....

♥Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-3pm