tag – Page 3 – Try It – Like It

Embossing White Core Cardstock

Add texture and sparkle to your paper crafts with this week’s tag tutorial using white core cardstock, embossing, and a touch of glitter glue for a beautifully dimensional finish.

This week’s tag tutorial explores a fun way to add texture and visual interest by using white core cardstock combined with an embossing technique. When the cardstock is embossed and lightly sanded, the white core begins to show through, creating a beautiful contrast and highlighting the raised design. This simple process adds depth and a slightly distressed look that works wonderfully for tags, cards, and mixed-media projects.

For the next step, I used an embossing folder from my stash and ran the cardstock through my Gemini machine. To get the best effect with white core cardstock, it’s important to apply a little extra pressure when embossing. This helps the surface of the cardstock slightly crack along the raised areas, allowing the white core to show through and really highlight the texture of the embossed design.

To finish off the tag, I added a die-cut sentiment mounted on a slightly raised layer of cardstock to give the design a bit more dimension. As a final touch, I applied a small amount of glitter glue to some of the embossed areas. The subtle sparkle catches the light and adds just a hint of shimmer while still allowing the beautiful texture of the embossed background to shine through.

Here is a close-up image showing how the sparkle catches on the raised embossed areas. The glitter glue adds just the right amount of shine, highlighting the texture and making those details really stand out. It’s such a pretty finishing touch!

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Corner Rounder Shop at: AZ	Cricut Portable Trimmer Shop at: AZ \| C	Foam Tape Shop at: AZ	Gemini Die Cut Machine Shop at: AZ
Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	HP Paper Shop at: AZ	Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ

It’s Tag it Tuesday – Stamp – Emboss – Embellish

This week’s tag is packed with texture and shimmer!

This week’s Tag Tutorial is all about layering texture and combining materials to create a richly detailed design. I pulled together a variety of supplies and techniques to build dimension, depth, and visual interest—proving that a simple tag can become a mini mixed-media canvas. From subtle background effects to tactile embellishments, every layer adds character and makes the finished piece feel truly special.

The first layer begins with stamping and heat embossing using Hollywood Glamour embossing powder from Emerald Creek. This beautiful powder adds instant shine and a touch of sparkle, creating a bold foundation for the rest of the design. The raised embossed areas not only catch the light but also introduce that first bit of texture that sets the tone for the layered look that follows.

After ink blending over the surface to soften and deepen the background, the next layer of texture comes from adding flat back Jewelz and touches of shimmer with a Wink of Stella pen. The Jewelz bring subtle dimension and a bit of sparkle, while the Wink of Stella enhances select areas with a delicate glimmer. Together, they add interest, giving the tag even more depth and personality.

Here is a close-up look at the beautiful interference ink, which shifts from blue to purple depending on how the light hits the surface. You can also see the water droplet effects that subtly lift and move the ink, creating organic variation and added texture in the background. These small details bring the tag to life, adding movement, depth, and that extra bit of visual magic.

Youtube Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

American Crafts Shop at: O	Buttons Galore and More use Janet10 for a discount Shop at: AZ	Cricut Portable Trimmer Shop at: AZ \| C	Emerald Creek Shop at: O
Finger Daubers Shop at: AZ	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	HP Paper Shop at: AZ	Interference Ink Shop at: AZ
Misti Shop at: AZ	Ranger Heat Tool Shop at: AZ	Sizzix Intricate Craft Tool Shop at: AZ	Spray Bottles Shop at: AZ
wink of Stella Shop at: AZ

Paper Tearing Tag

Simple tearing technique and arrangement process for this week’s tag.

This week’s tag features a simple but fun technique using double-sided cardstock and paper tearing. In the tutorial, I walk you through my arrangement process and share how I use a bit of plastic to hold everything in place while designing. Sometimes the simplest techniques create the best results!

Here are the parts being used and the cardstock that was torn.

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Buttons Galore and More use Janet10 for a discount Shop at: AZ	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	Glue Bottles Shop at: AZ	Mini Maker Shop at: O
Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ	Paper Trimmer Shop at: AZ	Reptile Glue Shop at: AZ	Sizzix Intricate Craft Tool Shop at: AZ

Controlled Ink Smooshing

Controlled ink smooshing and foiling create the perfect layered background.

This week’s tag features a controlled ink smooshing technique paired with foiling to create a beautifully layered and dynamic background. The controlled application of ink allows the colors to blend organically while still maintaining balance and intention. Adding foil over the textured surface brings in just the right amount of shine and contrast, giving the tag extra visual interest. To finish the design, I layered a few coordinating die-cut elements that complement the background without overpowering it, creating a cohesive and eye-catching final piece.

I used a media mat for a controlled and unique ink smooshing technique.

The tag after the ink smooshing technique.

Video Tutorial:

A close-up image to show detail.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Cricut Portable Trimmer Shop at: AZ \| C	Distress Ink Bundle Shop at: AZ \| SB	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	Ranger Heat Tool Shop at: AZ
Spray Bottles Shop at: AZ	Zig Adhesive Shop at: AZ

Transparent Magazine Lifting

Use this magazine lifting technique to create transparent images. The process was so satisfying and the results were amazing!

The technique used for this week’s tag is a magazine lifting technique that creates beautifully transparent images. The process was very pleasing and produced great results—definitely a technique I’ll be using again.

Examples of the lifted images

I chose a dictionary page for the background of the tag, then layered the transparent images, and finished off with an aged ephemera piece.

Interested in the aged ephemera technique, you can find that tutorial here: [aged ephemera]

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Cricut Portable Trimmer Shop at: AZ \| C	Distress Ink Bundle Shop at: AZ \| SB	Finger Daubers Shop at: AZ	Foam Tape Shop at: AZ
Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	HP Paper Shop at: AZ	Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ	Zig Adhesive Shop at: AZ

In the close up image above you can get a good look at the transparency of the lifted images.

Alcohol Ink Dip

A simple alcohol dip experiment created beautiful background activity. Check out the process here.

This tag began as a simple experiment—dipping into alcohol ink using a marbling-style technique—and quickly turned into a fun, creative exploration. Watching the inks move, blend, and create unexpected patterns is part of the magic, and no two results are ever the same. What I love most about this process is how many different avenues it opens up, from subtle color play to bold, layered effects, making it a technique you can revisit again and again with fresh results each time.

After experimenting with white tags, I chose to try a colored cardstock with opal alcohol ink. The visual activity didn’t appear until the tag was dry.

Since I was stamping with brand-new, never-before-used stamps, I knew I wanted to use a stamping platform in case I needed to stamp more than once. Given that the tag was pink and Valentine’s Day was just around the corner, I chose a heart along with the word love to finish the design.

Adding a bit more color and activity to the tag, I used a Pentel Dual Metallic Brush marker in red, and a white and pink Sharpie acrylic marker.

The image above is showing the sparkle caught in the light created by the alcohol dipping method.

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Cricut Portable Trimmer Shop at: AZ \| C	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	Intense Black Ink Pad Shop at: SSS	Misti Shop at: AZ
Pentel Metallic Brush Pens Shop at: AZ	Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink 3 pack Shop at: AZ \| SSS	Ranger Heat Tool Shop at: AZ	Sharpie Acrylic Markers Shop at: AZ
Tweezers Shop at: AZ

Lucky Numbers Collage

From torn calendar pages to sparkling sequins, this lucky number collage tag is all about texture and creative layering!

This week’s tag began with a printable calendar that was repurposed to create a layered collage background. The numbers quickly became a fun design theme, inspiring the addition of coordinating die-cut elements for extra visual interest. A few randomly placed sequins were the final touch, adding just the right amount of sparkle to complete the playful and textured design.

The printable calendar was found in my paper stash, and it sparked the idea to use torn pieces for a layered collage effect.

With the collage background finished, it was time to add the final details. Die-cut elements, sequins, and tissue were secured in place using clear gesso, glue, and a pickup tool for easy placement.

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Clear Gesso Shop at: AZ	Cricut Portable Trimmer Shop at: AZ \| C	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	HP Paper Shop at: AZ
Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ	Ranger Heat Tool Shop at: AZ	Sizzix Intricate Craft Tool Shop at: AZ	Word Dies Shop at: AZ
Zig Adhesive Shop at: AZ

Watercolor Stenciling

This week’s tag features a dreamy watercolor background and layered details for added depth.

This week’s tag features a fun stenciling technique using watercolor paints that gently lifts the pattern from the surface rather than layering color on top. The result is a beautifully soft, almost dreamy background that has a look all its own. Unlike traditional stenciling methods that add bold texture or color, this technique creates subtle movement and visual interest while still keeping the design light and airy. It’s a wonderful way to add depth without overpowering your project, making it perfect for tags, cards, and mixed-media creations.

Video Tutorial:

Here is the finished tag with the ephemera pieces layered over the watercolor background. The watercolor technique creates a visually active base that beautifully echoes the imagery in the sentiment panel. The white border around the sentiment helps ground the design and gives the focal point a clean, finished look while allowing the background to remain soft and expressive.

To see how the button flower was made: https://youtu.be/Yo8CQwxA6pU

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

1″ Circle Punch Shop at: AZ	American Crafts Shop at: O	Carta Bella Shop at: AZ	Dynasty Brushes Shop at: AZ
Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	Glue Bottles Shop at: AZ	Gwen Studios at Walmart Shop at: O	Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ
Ranger Heat Tool Shop at: AZ	Reptile Glue Shop at: AZ

Creative Paint Markers

Colorful circles and Sharpie paint marker layers give this week’s tag a millefiori glass–inspired look.

This week’s tag features playful, colorful circles and layered decorations drawn with Sharpie paint markers. The finished design has a look reminiscent of millefiori glass. I added bakers twine from the Dollar Tree to the top of the tag.

While metallic details can be difficult to capture in photos; they do show better in the video below, this close-up shows some of the hand-drawn details.

Video Tutorial:

There’s something calming about this drawing technique—simply sitting down and creating shapes without a plan or expectation can be wonderfully therapeutic.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Chrome Markers Shop at: AZ	Dollar Tree Shop at: O	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	HP Paper Shop at: AZ
Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ	Sharpie Acrylic Markers Shop at: AZ

Hello There Tag

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how coordinating colors and gel stick techniques come together to create a beautifully textured, welcoming tag.

This week’s tag features Gel Sticks from KingArt used in two fun and creative ways: blending and stenciling. By first smoothing the gel color into a soft blended base and then layering additional pigment through a stencil, you can build a vibrant, multi-dimensional background with very little effort. These techniques work beautifully together to create a rich, colorful foundation for any tag or mixed-media project.

All of these elements work in harmony to create a warm, inviting tag. The sentiment piece set the tone, and I pulled coordinating colors to build a visually textured background that complements the design.

Video Tutorial:

In the close up image above you can see the depth added with the foam tape as well as a better look at the background colors blending together.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

American Crafts Shop at: O	Cricut Portable Trimmer Shop at: AZ \| C	Dollar Tree Shop at: O	Foam Tape Shop at: AZ
Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	Kingart Gel Sticks Shop at: AZ	Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ