Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Evolution of a Tag

Anyone who has ever had to make more than one of the same thing knows that the hardest part of the project is creating that "first one". It begins with an idea and then proceeds to making several prototypes before deciding on a pleasing final design.
When you are creating a tag for a tag swap of Elizabeth's (of Creative Breathing) group of high caliber paper artists, it's important to get it just right! With that said, I thought I would take you through the steps I took to create my tag for Elizabeth's Retro Kitchen Tag Swap....a project that I had lots of fun with. This is heavy on photos so if you want to go throw a load of laundry in or make yourself a sandwich first, I'll understand. Here we go...

My choice of subject for my tag was the refrigerator..... I had to design my tag and include a recipe on the back. Sounds simple enough, right?
My first model...
I decided to mount the frig on a backing to make it sturdier and allow me to punch a hole on the top.


It was OK but not great....too, too plain! I needed a different background...

Love the October Afternoon flowered paper....

Much better choice...but the front is still a little too plain. I know, a funny phrase...

OK -that's it!
 (The glue stick is my favorite brand..it smells like almond and holds really good!)
Now on to the assembly...



all ready for the trimmings....first the fringed towels...

then the stitching....well, my kind of stitching with a pen...


then the handles, cut out of shiny silver cardstock
and the grill...

then on to the inside of the frig...the housewife is printed on the cardstock
and the food is all hand cut....

and then I redid the recipe in a different font (Enviro) to be easier to read...


Ready to mail....Elizabeth, you should receive them by Friday!

If you would like to see the rest of the tags made by the other artists,
Elizabeth has been posting photos on her blog as she receives them
and I will post them all when I receive them in the mail.
This was a really fun challenge and I look forward to whatever Elizabeth is
 "cooking up" for the summer swap!
Joyce
XOXO


12 comments:

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Wow, Joyce! So much detailed beauty! You have the eye for it, kiddo and the patience. I have neither, but I think that makes me enjoy what you do even more than I would have!

marie said...

Joyce these are SO CUTE!!! You have such a special touch with these paper creations.

I wish I was in this swap!! : )

Can't wait to see all the great recipe tags that you receive.

Unknown said...

Holy Betty Davis! Joyce you have outdone yourself!!! I am smiling from ear to ear at how cute these tags are. I can't wait for them to arrive! I'm getting so close to having everyone's I can't wait to mail them out. I am going to post yours along with Paula Clare's. You will see why! Too funny! My next tag swap will be of a NORMAL size that can fit in an envelope! Oh my am I having issues! Thank you so much for participating, you are the Tag Queen! E

Jill said...

I've been seeing this swap all over blogland lately, and I have to say your tag is my most favorite!! I LOVE the retro fridge!
Hugs,
Jill

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

Okay, you've outdone yourself here with this adorable fridge. I love how you showed the steps to make it turn out just the way you wanted. Even the recipe card is wonderful. Kudos, Joyce. It's just so charming.
Speaking of charming...I clicked on your Easter pic from 1953 with you and Barb!!! Completely adorable! You looked a little chilly??? But so so cute! Barb, too!
And then there's Charlie. Can he get any cuter? : )
Happy Thursday,
M.L.

Unknown said...

Oh WOW Joyce. I can't believe your tags! They are fabulous. I want to be your student. I mean I really adore these. I'm so sorry I wasn't apart of this swap but after seeing all the wonderful tags I couldn't have done ya'll justice.

I want one. Waaaaaa.

Have a lovely day. Hugs...Tracy :)

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth is so funny! (Holy Betty davis!) Ha! Well, I think your tags are adorable, Joyce! I love to make tags but I've only made one of a kinds. ♥

mimi said...

Joyce,
These tags are just ADORABLE!!!! I love all of the wonderful creative detail you put into these. I also love how you have shown them in this step by step post. It shows just how much love was put into making them. I can't wait to see all of the tags together. What an awesome swap.
xoxoxo
Mimi~

Unknown said...

Joyce,
How fun!!!!! I loved reading this post and seeing the photos....you are truly an artist kiddo! And I agree with everyone else, you outdid yourself, but I knew you would! You and Barb look sod arn cute int hat Easter photo...I have a bunch of those too! The recipe sounds great!!!!! I love anything on top of cream cheese for crackers!!!! LOL

Heidi said...

Wow, Joyce...you sure top the cake! (Is there a slice of cake in that frig???) I always love your artwork, every detail is delightful!

Have a wonderful Easter! Love, Heidi

Nan said...

Joyce I love love what you did with your tag. The way it opens up like a real door and all the cute things on the inside, very clever of you.

Unknown said...

Hi Joyce, Your tags arrived today! You can't tell from your post that your images and words are actually printed on the cardstock! Wow! What a lot of work! They are so very beautiful. I just adore the Easter tags you included. Of course it goes without saying that I love the ME notebook and fabric. Joyce, a package from you is such a special gift. That you though of me on your outing is very special. I don't know how to repay your kindness, but I'll think of something! E

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