Unity’s Last SMAK kit, New Year New Chapter

Created another tag using the 12/20 SMAK, New Year New Chapter. This heart stamp is so big, I can’t even get it on a giant tag. I used an 8 1/2” x 4 1/8” manila tag. 

I started by using a brayer and red acrylic paint to unevenly coat the tag. Then I used a stencil and an alcohol wipe to clear off some of the color. I then reused the stencil to add white marks. I used another stencil to add black marks. I then black embossed the heart image and used the alcohol wipe, white stenciling and a layer of white acrylic paint to lighten the inside of the heart image. I also used Posca pens to accentuate the image.

Wanting to play more, and given some recent news, I decided to add white paint drips and then replaced the white with black paint drips from the top and the bottom, signaling a few tears. Because of arm pain and a herniated disk in my neck, I had a nerve conduction test last week. I’ve also been diagnosed with severe carpel tunnel in both wrists. Clearly, not a major issue, thank goodness, but given my strong need to craft, I was very bummed. Seeing a doctor this week, but it’s clear I will need the procedures to fix both wrists and I’m sure recovery will take a bit. Good news is, hopefully, my hand will stop going numb while painting!

So, going back to the tag today after resting from the blog hop, I decided to add dots from a stencil using modeling paste and just random dots all over with the Posca pen. Wanted to brighten the whole piece. I had originally adhered a black stamped on white card stock sentiment. I decided to change that up by embossing with red and pink powders the sentiment on black card stock.

To complete the tag, I added ribbons and twine. I’m much happier the darker tag was lightened with white. There is so much that can be done with this kit. Unfortunately, I will have to pace myself going forward until I’ve recovered from surgery. I don’t want to incur any more muscle damage.

Word of warning to fellow crafters: read your body and take heed of signals. I know my IT career is probably a big reason for my problems, but crafting too is an issue. Ever since I broke my wrist 2 years ago, I’ve been in pain. I first thought it was arthritis in my fingers, then the break, then my shoulder, then my neck. In reality, it’s all of those plus carpel tunnel. Don’t give up identifying issues. And address them as soon as you can! 

Thanks for stopping by and till next time, happy crafting.