3D APPROACH TO TAGS WITH ARCHITEXTURES

The life-like qualities of the Architextures mixed media embellishments almost demand a new kind of art tag.  Crew member Betsy Skagen of Paper Calliope answered that call with her unique approach to altered art tags.

In addition to the rich layers that mixed media artists regularly bring to altered tags, Betsy has taken her tag to another dimension – literally – by transforming her tag into a three-dimensional project.

Betsy shares how she made this tag by putting together an easy-to-follow tutorial.

How to Make a Three Dimensional Mixed Media Altered Tag

What you’re going to need:

Architextures 8 x 8 Paper Pad
Architextures Junque Cabin
Architextures Found Glass Bottles
Ribbon
Thick rope ribbon
Manilla tags
White paint
Brown distress ink
Beacon 3-in-1 Adhesive

PROCESS

Step 1 Begin with by separating the top and bottom of a small matchbox. Cut a rectangular hole in the top of the matchbox. Don’t worry about making it perfect because it will be covered up.

Also, I was probably over-cautious, but I removed the strikeplate from the matchbox. No matter how much we might like looking at firefighters, we don’t want any spontaneously combusting art now, do we?

After you are done being Smokey the Bear, adhere the two pieces to a manilla tag.

Step 2 Paint the boxes with brown acrylic paint. As you can see, you don’t need to worry about being messy. I did not have a paintbrush on hand and ended up using a paper towel and my finger to apply the paint.

While the paint is still wet, perfectly line up a second tag with the first. Press the tag down over the first so that you get a paint impression on the second tag. This will show you where to cut the holes.

Step 3 Go ahead and cut the holes in the second tag. After the paint is dry, adhere background images inside the boxes. Want to know an awesome secret about Architextures? Every altered art/ mixed media artist worth her/his salt has always repurposed whatever packaging  possible. Architextures packaging is designed with just that in mind. How brilliant is that?

Step 4 Now, attach your Junque Cabin  and  Found Glass Bottles elements inside the boxes. To help them stand up straight, cut tiny strips of thick transparent plastic that has been discarded from some packaging. (I usually save Sizzix packaging for this purpose), bend in half and glue to the back of the element and glue the other half to the bottom of the box.

Step 4 Adhere wallpaper from the Architextures 8 x 8 Paper Pad to the second (top) tag. Cut out the holes.

Step 5 Mix white acrylic paint with water to a light consistency. Use a paint brush to splatter white paint onto the top tag. When dry, ink all the edges with brown distress ink.

Step 6 Cut out and adhere more images from the packaging.

Step 7 Cut apart a second matchbox and adhere to the bottom tag in various areas to add structural support. Those who might be a little more safety conscious, might want to remove the strikeplate, again.

Glue the top tag in place, lining up the holes.

Step 8 Run a ribbon through both top holes.Step 9 Press and glue a long thick rope ribbon around all the edges to hide the interior of the card.

That is all there is to it! I hope you try your own three dimensional card.

-Betsy

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