*A guest post by Nichole Rae.
This year has been filled with many creative adventures and projects that January just flew by. On the first of the year to celebrate I set an idea for a project into motion. It was a brave leap of faith and the unfolding was a collection of my hearts “intentions” for the year. This is a new art journaling practice I have started in a journal as well. I have found this project and journaling and has been a guide for me to believe in my journey and to carry my hearts intentions. “I Carry” was the prompt that guided me through the process of asking and listening to my heart. Here is the step by step guide to create your own intention tags that you can hang on twine, have in random places in your house or workspace or use as book marks as you journey into 2015. If you want to create your intention list in a journal before you begin to have time to inspire your creative spirit feel free to explore the journaling portion of the project first before the creative steps. If you want to create and write your intentions as you go this is
Materials:
Old Dictionary or books {the pages we will use to create our tag from
1 paper tag to use as a template or I will guide you how to make a
template from a piece of paper. You can choose your size of pre-cut tag
or we will cut a tag template.
black ink pad
small – medium alphabet rubber stamp set
black ink pen + colored pens
oil pastels / crayons / markers etc.
Twine, ribbon, bakers twine, string to use to hang
scissors
hole punch
Optional: Circle page protector stickers to use around hole punch
Gather Your Supplies:
Here are the supplies you will need. To the left, the completed paper tags are shown. You can see the rubber stamps, pens and oil pastels that I have chosen. {Not shown is the paper tag to use as a template.} To the right you will see some books, options for string and additional supplies.
Begin with an old book or dictionary, the size of the page will not matter unless the book is very small but note that the tag shown is 2” x 3” in size. Tear out the pages, you may know how many you need or you can create them as you go or tear more if you need them. Then use your pre-cut tag as a template and cut out your pages into this shape.
How to Create a Tag Step-by-Step:
If you need to create a tag – use a cardstock or heavier piece of paper if available. Cut out a vertical rectangle. I embrace the art of imperfection so just free cut the shape, if you would like to use a ruler feel free. Once you cut your rectangle {the size is your choice} then cut each top corner at a diagonal to create the “tag” template.
If you would like you can stack a few pages and cut 2-3 at once.
The next step will be to add a hole at the top of the tag for your string. I will use the template and punch through. If you made tags punch about a 1/2 down, this will prevent tearing. At this step if you have circular page protector (they are usually white in color) you can add that around the hole. see below image as as example
Once you have your tags hole punched we will then add the string, twine or ribbon of your choice.
The length of your string is up to you. I choose to cut about 4 – 5 inch piece. You will then fold in half.
You will then thread the string through and loop it. Be gentle if using older book pages and no page protector so the paper does not tear.
Once you have your tags created it is time to embrace your creative spirit and write your intentions and add color to your tags. I chose to box in words using a black ink pen and then highlighting the word using oil pastel.
I used the writing prompt “I Carry” to inspire the intention writing process.
You can color the entire tag etc. This is your time to explore your supplies. I created all my tags in a similar style though each tag can be different. Have fun. Allow yourself to create wildly.
I would love to connect with you, find me at artistnicholerae.com and connect with me via facebook or instagram under artist Nichole Rae. Share your projects, say “hello” – I would love to see them!
Nichole Rae is a mixed media artist who has a passion for documenting her life through art journaling, books arts, photography, honest writing and typography design. She resides in Minnesota and is the author of the book Art Journal Art Journey: Collage and Storytelling for Honoring Your Creative Process.
Visit her website artistnicholerae.com.
