Christmas Arch

Simon Says Stamp and Show challenges us to TAPE IT UP this week, lots of possibilities here from masking tape, washi tape, tissue tape, a fabulous way to add interest and texture to your creations.

I was inspired by a 7 Gypsies Tryptich Arch this week to create my seasonal textural piece.

I always begin a creative process thinking how can I add texture and dimension to my pieces and this time around texture came in the form of Gesso applied through a stencil. I love my pieces to be tactile and offer lots of interest to the recipient which in this case will be a family member. Further texture is achieved adding UTEE to a Kaiser Wooden Reindeer; stamping into the hot enamel with the background stamp from the Season's Silhouettes. Lots of dimension always makes me happy!

I began my creation by covering the background piece with Tim's Tidings Tissue Tape, I used the snowflake tape, however, I wanted it to appear in a more subtle way in the background so I painted over the tape with a watered down layer of Gesso and Claudine Hellmuth's sky blue acrylic paint. To add a little more interest to the back piece I applied aged teal embossing enamel to the edges, giving great texture and a little sparkle to my creation.

I added texture to my next layer applying Gesso through a snowflake stencil and once dry I applied sky blue acrylic paint and a wash of Gesso over the top; applying a little silver Paint Dabber to the raised areas with my finger. I added the pine tree to the centre cut from white card using the Pine Tree die and stamping with the background stamp from the Season's Silhouettes set, inking my stamp with manganese and coffee archival ink. I applied a little broken china Distress Ink to my tree to coordinate with the background of my arch. For added dimension I also included a snowflake from Tim's Christmas Adornments, colouring a little with silver Paint Dabber, adding touches of stonewashed Alcohol Ink. A small wooden bird has been added to the top of my snowflake for a little more interest. I also added a Christmas ticket stamped with archival ink using Tim's Odds and Ends set.

I love the wooden reindeer I have added in the bottom corner to which I added clear UTEE, adding a little Perfect Pearls and aged teal embossing enamel to the clear so that the colour blends with my background.  I added touches of silver Paint Dabber to the raised areas. 25 has been added to the bottom corner using Numerals, again coloured with Alcohol Ink adding a small wooden bird to the bottom edge for even more dimension and interest.

For more great ideas please pop over to the Simon Says Stamp and Show blog and take a look at my fellow team members they have created some inspirational projects. Remember there is also the chance to win a $50 prize from Simon Says Stamp.  I always look forward to seeing your creations each week.

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, much appreciated.  Enjoy your week. Tracy x x 

Products Used:

- Gesso
- 7 Gypsies Tryptich Arch
- Clear Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel
- Kaiser Wooden Reindeer
- Stamps - Season's Silhouettes, Odds and Ends
- Tidings Tissue Tape
- Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sky Blue Acrylic Paint
- Aged Teal Embossing Enamel
- Silver Paint Dabber
- Pine Tree Die
- Archival Ink - Manganese Blue and Coffee
- Distress Ink - Broken China
- Alcohol Ink - Stonewashed
- Perfect Pearls
- Idea-ology Numerals & Christmas Adornments