A bit of this and that...

...a bit metal, a bit of Gent-like stuff and a bit of brown! It's time for the new challenge theme at Simon Says Stamp & Show where we say "Show a bit of brown...!" Whether you're into a shabby chic, Steampunk, romantic or Grungy vintage style, there's always a bit of brown to be found. Where would we be without a bit of Vintage Photo Distress ink??? We also, sadly, have to say goodbye to our DT captain Linda Elbourne who is sailing off into the sunset of adventure... Sniff..sniff. Thanks for everything Linda - you are top stuff! Stay tuned this Wednesday for lots of fantastic news from Simon Says Stamp & Show!

l have a nice new pack of Ranger Glossy cardstock in the house and thought I'd have a have a go at one of the techniques in my Mr. Tim book. I went for stamping onto metal foil tape and created a tag which is always a nice 'doable' sized base to work on! Big enough to play around and small enough to get finished before birdsong... (don't ask...)

I first die-cut a tag with my Big Shot. My background was created using Pool and Butterscotch Alcohol inks which I love together. I pounded them onto the tag, softened with Blending Solution and let a few drops fall onto the tag to add lighter spots.

Then I added detail using more images from the great the Mr. T Steampunk stamp set, working with Ranger Jet Black, Coffee and Sepia Archival inks. I coloured my glass fragment with more Alcohol Ink and then stamped my gent onto the sticky side of the metal tape. Apply to the back of your fragment, trim and voilà! A metal man! He does have a few wrinkles, especially in the sunlight - but don't we all?

l wrapped a bit of wire around the tag and added some old washers with a bit of Idea-ology for that touch of brown! I even stamped on them if you look very closely... like with a microscope.

I stuck a piece of Copper Tape to card and ran it through my Dymo label maker to create my 'Eccentric Gent" strip, added a bit of Alcohol ink and sanded it back. Just an inky tie and two nuts (me and him) and I was done! It's a great technique and I hope to try it out again soon...

Or maybe you can give it a go and enter your piece into this week's challenge. Just 'a bit of brown', a really easy and fun theme. Hop over to the Design Team Blog to see all the great makes from my Teamies and I'll look forward to seeing all your creations too..! Thanks for calling by,
Sarah.

P.S. Update...bump is still bumpy! Thanks so much for all your thoughts....watch this space!