Christmas Tag & Candy Cane Background Tutorial

Hello Everyone!

Today I would like to share a very festive Christmas tag and a tutorial on how I did the candy cane background. I'm sure this technique has been done a million times. There are probably tutorials and videos out there somewhere, but I want to assure you that I did not copy this from someone else. I did a quick Google search and didn't find anything, so for now, I am calling this my candy cane technique.

I'm combining two really amazing challenges today into one really festive tag!

The first is over at Anything But a Card Challenges. I've been anxious to get in there, but I usually make...well, cards! They have some really talented designers on their team and I'm psyched to get to play along! I made the tag quite small because their challenge right now is In the Spotlight Mini Challenge - It's a Small World. They also ask that you include lots of details...hence the tutorial!

The inspiration for the design came from the second challenge I've been anxious to get at...over at ColourQ. Every week they give you a photograph with a set of colours to work with and an image for inspiration. It's a lot of fun and I'm glad to finally throw my hat in the ring! I recommend you hop over and check it out!

This week was ColourQ Challenge #252 and I pulled my inspiration from the candy cane, of course. I actually used Kraft paper to make the cinnamon sticks, but I put on so much distress ink that it looks really dark and my green ribbon is much brighter in real life. I hope you enjoy!

Here's what your gonna need...

- a stamp for the background

- ink pad of your choice

- your tag or paper that you want to use

- double sided tape (I used 1/2")

- coloured glitter

- clear glitter

 You could also use patterned paper instead of stamping a design.

And here's how I did it...

The stamp I'm using is by Impression Obsession and my clear glitter is Tim Holtz Distress Stickles dry glitter - Rock Candy. I have also used DecoArt Glamour Dust, which is an iridescent glitter and had great results with that as well.

Step 1. Using your chosen stamp and ink choices, stamp your image onto your tag.

Step 2. Rip off a piece of your double sided tape and place it diagonally across your tag in the spot that suits you best.

Step 3. Cut off a bunch more pieces of your tape and place them tightly together, side by side, until your entire surface is covered.

Step 4. Punch out your ribbon hole and trim off all of the excess tape.

Step 5. Remove the plastic coating from alternating strips of your tape.

Step 6. Using the dark colour first, cover your exposed tape sections with glitter and gently rub with your finger to make sure it really sticks on. (if you use the dark colour first, then any missed spots won't show up when you add the other colour...learned this the hard way! lol)

Step 7. Lightly brush away all the little bits of coloured glitter.

Step 8. Pull off the plastic from the remaining strips and using the same technique as before, add your clear glitter.

Presto, magico, candy cane tag-o!!!

I really hope you enjoyed the tutorial and I would love to see any creations that I may inspire you to do! I also made the cinnamon sticks, but perhaps we'll save that tutorial for another day. :)

Here is the finished tag again for you to have a last looksie at.

I am also entering my Christmas tag into the following challenges:

Southern Girls Challenge - Christmas is a-coming

Crafting for all Seasons - Challenge #82 - Christmas in July
That's Crafty Challenge Blog - The C Word AKA Christmas in July
Hiding in my Craft Room - #159 - Christmas in July

Thank you for stopping in and for all the amazing comments. I read and appreciate every single one!
If you have any questions, please let me know.