Sunday, January 7, 2024

Tag Exchange 2023 - Check out these Beautiful Designs


It is incredible to think this tag exchange is now in its 11th year, especially given the fact that the store closed February 2019.  This means that we have had 5 years where we have chosen to stay connected.  We have chosen to keep our beautiful Paper Pickle Community alive through this Christmas tradition.  This makes my heart happy.  We created something pretty special at The Paper Pickle.  This tag exchange is a testament to this fact.  Let's continue to find ways to stay connected in 2024.  I'm all ears for any ideas you may have.


Without further ado, please enjoy these stunning tags.  I normally post in alphabetical order but the program decided to add the photos in reverse order.   I was going to change this but then I thought maybe it was time for Nancy to be first for once!  No matter the order, you will find yourself pausing at each tag and picking up little tips and tricks for your next creation.  Happy viewing and happy crafting!
  
Nancy has created a stunning nature inspired tag on a real wooden disk!  Everything works so beautifully together with the sparkly snow-tipped evergreens to the red glittered star.  It looks like the evergreens are all hand painted/sketched but maybe it is a stamp?  I can see both black and green shading so my thought is that it is hand sketched.  Either way, they are just fabulous.  I love this, Nancy!
I HAD to show Michelle's tag from both the front view and the back view because they were both equally as cool and deserved to be put in the spotlight.  I can envision this tag hanging from a Christmas tree and  spinning near the fireplace showing off both versions of Kris Kringle. I am still torn whether I like bachelor #1 or bachelor #2 better.  ;)  But in all seriousness, the wooden bead and pairing of twine, ribbon and thread are perfection.  Very lovely, Michelle.

My favourite part of the tag exchange is hearing the creator describe their tag to me and point out all the little details.  As you know, there are so many possibilities!  Lou and I had a great chat about her design and I agree with her that all the regal red rhinestones and glitter paper really make this tag stand out.  You will see the tag is scored at the top to allow this tag to open to a huge area to write a special message to the recipient.  Great tag, Lou!  That stamp is awesome and I may have to borrow it someday.

I guess I'm up next.  I was really happy with my playful tag this year.  The image I used was from Crate Paper.  One year they designed a wrapping paper booklet and this was from one of their sheet designs.  I just loved these little kids building their snowman.  I used a little tab sticker from Simple Stories to build what looks like a snow globe.  This was a happy accident which really made me happy.  And you know me....I am a more is more girl.  There are lots of other details to build up my tag.  Do you agree that more is more or should I start taking it a little more lightly?  Please be honest.

This is my sister, Kell's design and I love the dimension she added to her tag...we are twinning with my dimensional star and her dimensional snowflake.  Funny how we often think alike when designing, even after all these years.  It is hard to see here, but she added a puffy glittery snowflake and two more snowflakes on top.  The white of the snowflake is striking against the red and black patterned paper.  Very cool design and layout, Kell.

Jody's country Christmas window tag is adorable and has me imaging a traditional Christmas scene taking place on the other side of this window pane.  A roaring fire with everyone caroling around the piano.  Sigh.  A simple traditional Christmas is where it is at.  And this tag is too.....I love the wooden decorative  paper used for the window and the sheet music background paper.  The white star and ribbon really set off the design.  Beautiful, Jody!

Leave it to Jasmine to create an over-the-top, Tim Holtz, mixed media inspired ornament tag.  Seriously, I love the mix of bells and wire that tie perfectly to her sentiment - "the bells were ringing out for Christmas Day".  If you look closely, you can see a great platinum paint/paste and chunky glitter.  The combo of deep navy and gold is so regal.  Awesome, Jasmine!  

Hilary has created a gorgeous tag featuring a beautiful flourish stencil and a poinsettia die.  If you zoom in, you will see great hints of shimmer on the poinsettia and she used clear embossing powder on the multi-coloured stencil for an added pop.  We can always count on Hilary to remind us of great techniques each and every year.  What do you think she will share next year?  I guess we will just have to wait and see.  Well done, Hilary.

Evan's retro grunge snowflake ornament tag is ultra cool.  This is one of the highest compliments I can give.  It's funny when I first used this compliment, I was using it to describe Hall and Oates.  Mike at the record store laughed at me but honestly Hall and Oates is ultra cool and Evan's tag is ultra cool too.  Great colour.  Great dimension.  Love the use of a real Christmas bulb.  Cool.  Ultra cool.

Debbie's tag is so feminine and delicate and really speaks to me.  From her soft colour palette to the layers and layers of incredible die choices.  The embossed snowflake background is the perfect backdrop for this beautifully crafted winter wreath.  The pretty pink winter berries are inked and glazed to perfection to really add a nice pop.  Stunning, Debbie.

Darlene's tag is spectacular.  I actually dissected mine to see exactly what she did to achieve this awesome creation.  So the navy part of the tag is a shaker card with a great silver stamped snowflake set as the background of the shaker.  She then added a bunch of different sized snowflake confetti, regular sequins and soft snow fluff.  This layer of the tag is topped with a beautiful snowflake, wires and ribbon.  She also made a great envelope pocket to house this sweet treat of a tag.  It was such a nice surprise pulling the shaker out from the envelope.  Thank you for your great tag, Darlene.  

Barb's tag is adorable.  This gnome Santa is the best, isn't he?  And check out Barb's colouring.  I love all the colour choices and the shading.  The layers of snowflake dies and rhinestones add interest and dimension and they are set off perfectly against the rich evening sky.  You created such a fun and whimsical tag, Barb.  Awesome job.


And so we have it.  Another tag exchange in the books.  And just so you know, this tag exchange WILL take place each and every year.  No questions asked.  If you are interested in joining in 2024, please shoot me a note below or email me at thepaperpickle@gmail.com.  Details will be posted early November on the blog.

Wishing you only the best in 2024.  May crafting fill your heart, mind and life with joy.

Kim xo

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Tag Swap 2023 - Oh it's On!

 


The Paper Pickle Tag Exchange is a tradition that I promise to keep going FOREVER.  This is how much I love it and I know you do too.  I often joke that at times in my life I am too busy with the planning and preparation that I often forget the most important thing like inviting the guests!  So sorry I have been MIA and I did not get this information to you sooner.  It has been quite the year.  My Paper Pickle Instagram was hijacked and then they took over my Facebook page.  I was so sad to have lost this contact with you... Maybe it is time to bring back the blog! 

Anyways, I am happy to share the details of the tag exchange 2023...

Here are the rules:

  • Make 12 tags of the same design to trade with the other participants.
  • You can use any product you like and the design can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
  • Please email me (thepaperpickle@gmail.com) to register by DECEMBER 1st
  • Drop off your 12 tags to me at my hubby's office (Hinnegan Law at 75 Thames Street, Chatham) between 9am-5pm DECEMBER 11-15.
  • Pick up your tags at the office (75 Thames Street, Chatham) any day between DECEMBER 18-22 (9am-5pm).
  • There is no cost to register or participate other than the cost of your product that you use.

A Look Back - Tag Exchange Years 1-10
Ten years of awesomeness!  Have a look to see the magic that is created each year.  I wonder what themes and colour schemes will be in for 2023?


I can't wait to see your designs this year.  I have missed you and I think of my Paper Pickle community often.

Kim xo

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Zonta Card Making Day - Saturday, November 18!

 


There is a reason we have been participating in this event since it's inception....it is FUN and so very well run.  It is a time for the community of paper crafters to come together to catch up and learn a new technique or two.  I look forward to this event EVERY year. Tickets are still available for NEXT Saturday's event.  Don't miss out!


Kim

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Tag Exchange 2022 - A Decade of ONE BEAUTIFUL Tradition

 

Another Christmas season has come to a close.  Incredible.  As I think of the past month of preparation, in the moment, I felt like I was never going to make it.  I thought I was going to fall flat on my face but somehow it all got done and guess what?  It was wonderful.  I am so glad to make time for traditions like our tag swap.  This is something I will ALWAYS make time for no matter how busy the season seems.  So sit back and reflect on your holidays and make note of the traditions you just cannot do without while you have a look at these beautiful tags created by very special friends.

Nancy, Santa would be thrilled to see your festive tag under the tree!  There is no shortage of details on this beautiful tag.  The glitter on the candy cane, the little ribbon and bell and the pom pom trim?!?  Perfection.  I just love your rich colour choices. Thank you for always bringing your laughter, smiles and your love of paper to our swap over all these years.

Oh Christmas Tree!  I feel like this is the most beautiful little crafty scene ever set inside my favourite crafty element of all time....an embroidery hoop!  How gorgeous is Michelle's Christmas tree set in front of her ivory eyelet material?  I also absolutely love the paper tag complete with delicate embroidery floss and gold thread.  Very well done, Michelle.  Thank you for finding our swap and going out of your way to be apart of this!

Oh Lou!  I do not know who this little elf is but he is absolutely adorable!  Look at him balancing those ornaments so carefully and with such pride.  I love the beautiful night sky you created with oxide inks and soft iridescent snowflakes created with embossing paste.  What a great tag!  Lou, I love hearing about your so carefully thought out details.  You create with such joy and love.

I will admit that I had a very hard time committing to my tag this year.  I am not sure why I was so indecisive.  But somehow it all come together....I think.  I am so happy with my rustic little tag.  It is actually a small bag and I clipped a whole bunch of gorgeous elements to a wooden clothes pin including those incredible dried bunny tails that I found at Purple Pansy.  They all went beautifully with that sweet little owl stamp from Impression Obsession.  Have a told you how much I love the creative process?!?  

Jody has created a simply elegant tag.  What I enjoy most about this tag is the refreshing colour combination.  Sage green, fuchsia and gold.  Stunning.  And what about that leaf die?  Jody, anyone would be thrilled to receive your beautiful creation.  Your care and pride in your creations always come through.  You are a constant in our exchanges and I am very happy for that!

On Facebook, Jasmine entitled her tag 'Forlorn Christmas'.  Ok.  Forlorn Girl.  You've got to snap out of it.  You are a trendsetter.  You are rocking THE most beautiful gown sewn with an eclectic mix of incredible papers and everyone at your party is going to love it.  Nothing to worry about.  Why do I have this feeling that the moment I look away, she will be beaming with pride knowing that she was create with such love and attention to detail.  All joking aside, Jasmine, you have created a masterpiece.  You always do and I look forward to seeing your ideas year after year.

There is a reason Hilary wears that crown called "Queen of Technique".  Hilary loves to play and you can see this in her design once again this year.  I love all the beautiful heat embossing used on the background.  It looks like she has used an iridescent embossing paste on the snowflakes and awesome pink rhinestones.  Great job, Hilary.  I am so glad you are apart of our tag swap community.

Well Evan.  You are a wonderful addition to our little community.  Thank you for joining!  Your mini envelope tag is awesome.  There is such great dimension including a wooden snowflake, flannel, bells and paper.  And the little tag inside the envelope is wonderful.  Well done, Evan!  Hope to see you next year!  ;)

When I examine Erin's tag, I am transported back to my youth.  At Christmastime, we would be busy making Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses.  We worked on special crafts for loved ones.  We made friendship bracelets.  I just love that Erin's creation has brought me back to those wonderful times.  Thank you, Erin.  What a beautiful, whimsical tag!  

Donna!  Look at this adorable little gnome.  He is so perfect.  Your colour choices are spot on and I love the stitched border.  What you can't see here in this photo is that his little feet swing back and forth.  What a cutie.  Donna, thank you for sharing with us once again.  You bring your love of dies and clean elegance year after year.  Thank you!

As you know, I have known Debbie my whole life (yes, I am her niece!).  Debbie is incredibly talented  and is always so full of surprises.  She paints.  She sews.  She literally does it all.  That's why when I saw her tag this year, I just had to shake my head.  I mean, what CAN'T she do?  Her Santa gnome is so super sweet.  I just love him.  He will be on my tree every single year from now on. Debbie, thank you for always sharing your love of crafting with me!


I have such appreciation for the amount of work that went into Barb's tag.  I am SO tempted to count the number of pieces that she had to cut out and then carefully put together.  Actually, I counted 11 on just his head alone....Barb!  This soldier may be one of my favourite dies of all time.  Barb, I am very happy to have found you through our love of paper.  Your work is always so full of care and love.

Well that's a wrap.  Looking forward to the next 10 years of community and love of paper.  Have a great year everyone!  Can't wait to see your next creation.

Kim xo

Monday, November 14, 2022

Tag Exchange 2022 - Participate in our Community!


It is that time of the year again...tag exchange time!  Did you think this was the year I would give it up?  Not.  A. Chance.  I'm going to be doing this until I am even MORE old and MORE grey!  I know those of you out there who are smiling and thinking....heck ya...I'm with you girl!

This is my most favourite tradition that was born at The Pickle.  And we have reached a milestone....this is the TENTH year so you've GOT to join in on the fun.


Here are the rules:

  • Make 12 tags of the same design to trade with the other participants.
  • You can use any product you like and the design can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
  • Please email me (thepaperpickle@gmail.com) to register by NOVEMBER 25th
  • Drop off your 12 tags to me at my hubby's office (Hinnegan Law at 75 Thames Street, Chatham) between 9am-5pm DECEMBER 5-9.
  • Pick up your tags at the office (75 Thames Street, Chatham) any day between DECEMBER 12-16 (9am-5pm).
  • There is no cost to register or participate other than the cost of your product that you use.

A Look Back - Tag Exchange Years 1-9
I love looking at the tags designed from years past.  There is SO much creativity and inspiration.  Be prepared to be amazed! 



So what do you think?  Will this be the year?  Will this be the year you celebrate the community we created through our love of paper?  I would absolutely LOVE that.

Kim xo