Graphic 45 Imagine Steampunk Tag Folio Tutorial for Letter Perfect Challenge at Frilly & Funkie

Hello, Friends!  Welcome to the Frilly and Funkie Letter Perfect Challenge!  I’ve created a really fun Graphic 45 Imagine Steampunk Tag Folio to share with you today.  There’s even a little tutorial and a video tour thrown in for your viewing pleasure.  We’ll take a look at everything in just a second, but first, let’s see what Sara Emily, our lovely challenge hostess, has to say about this challenge.

Challenge Theme: Letter Perfect
According to Merriam Webster, ‘letter perfect’ is defined as “correct to the smallest detail”. We’re not asking you to be immaculate or flawless; we just want to see letters or words on your vintage or shabby chic project. They don’t have to be the focus, but be sure we can see them!

Graphic 45 Imagine Steampunk Tag Folio on YouTube

It makes sense to start this post with the video tour of this Tag Folio before we look at the details.  So here you go…it’s  just a short, 11 minute video tour loaded with tips and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  Enjoy!

Graphic 45 Imagine Steampunk Tag Folio:  The base-ics

This is an 8″ x 10″ folio with a lightweight chipboard base.  Because I knew that I would be adding a tag box to the front, the folio itself had to have some heft to it so it wouldn’t tip over. I simply scored the sheet of chipboard in half, creased along the fold and voila!  Instant folio base!

You probably notice that this folio is not thick.  That’s because most of the components are found in this dimensional tag box on the cover.  (There’s fun inside, too….trust me!)  Today’s tutorial will show you how to construct the tag box using a Graphic 45 Large Ivory Tag as the base.   The tag box, filled with fun tags is a great project all on its own.  But it’s even more fun when added to the cover of a folio, dontcha think?

Graphic 45 Imagine Steampunk Tag Folio: Details and Flowers

My imagination ran away with me as I created this romantic Steampunk folio.  I just kept thinking of more things I could add.  Here you see the flowers I made using the G45 Large Tag and Flowers Dies.  These are soooo much fun to make.  Here are a few helpful flower making tips:

• First,  die cut your flowers from patterned paper.  This gives each flower instant depth and dimension.  I used 8″ x 8″ patterns from the “B” side of the papers for this purpose.
• Secondly, lightly mist your die cut petals with water before shaping.  I’m talking a very light misting…not Niagara Falls!  This does two things: first, it softens the paper making it easier to shape the petals.  Secondly, it releases the starch from the paper so that when your flowers dry, they will hold that shape.
• Thirdly: Use a foam mat and ball stylus to shape the petals.  I roll my stylus from the tip of the petals toward the center of the flower to create a realistic shape.  Then I place the tip of my stylus in the center of each flower and “stir” it to cup the flowers.  You can cup them a little, or a lot…it’s up to you.
• Fourth: if you want to add stamens, punch a hold in the center of each petal layer using and awl.  A standard craft pick does not make a big enough hole.
• Finally: to add depth and dimension, sponge the petal edges with Distress Ink.  I used Vintage Photo on these flowers, but most any dye or chalk ink will work.  Then to add sparkle, spritz with mica spray or Glimmer Mist.

Graphic 45 Imagine Steampunk Tag Folio: Ribbon and Tags

The pinks in this collection can be a little hard to color match.  But no worries! You can custom dye your own ribbon with Distress Ink and Seam Binding Ribbon.  Here’s how:

• First, cut a nice long piece of white or ivory seam binding ribbon…at least a yard.  But more is better, so why not do 2 or 3?  You can use the extra on your next project!
• Now add color.  I like to use Distress Ink Refills for really vibrant color.  Simply place a drop or two on your craft mat or non-porous surface and then spritz with water.  It’s best to add one layer of color at a time, drying in between so you don’t end up with mud.  For this ribbon, I used Tattered Rose, Fossilized Amber and Tumbled Glass.
• Dry the ribbon gently with a heat tool, scrunching and crumpling it as you dry it.
• To add some shadow and contrast, i tapped my Worn Lipstick Distress ink pad very lightly in a random kind of way over the top of my dried ribbon.  I love the way it turned out!

Graphic 45 Imagine Steampunk Tag Folio: A Peek Inside

The inside is fairly simple.  It was fun and easy to cover the Staples Ivory Tags thanks to the die.  Then I just scored a line on the bottom to make a flap and added them to the folio.

 

How to Turn a Graphic 45 Large Ivory Tag into a Tag Box

Here’s the promised tutorial.

To create the top border, I backed a border strip with waste chipboard.  Then I adhered Venise Lace along the bottom edge.

Letter Perfect: Now it’s YOUR turn!

I hope you’re feeling inspired to play along in this Letter Perfect Challenge.   To do so,  Just create a shabby chic or vintage project  that features Letters or Words.   Then link up on the Frilly and Funkie Blog before 11:59PM EDT on Tuesday, June 26th.

The team will pick four favorite project entries for this challenge.  The top winner will be invited to join us in a Guest Designer spot on the Frilly and Funkie Blog.  The next three will receive badges to display proudly on their blogs.  And everyone who enters and follows the challenge rules will be eligible to win a $25 shopping spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique.

You can find all the challenge rules and details HERE.

I can’t wait to see what you make!

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Graphic 45 Imagine Steampunk Tag Folio Product Links