Perhaps it was the amazing steampunk Maleficent dragon I saw in Disney World last week, but my mind has been fulls of gears and rust recently. This steampunk tag was such a quick and fun project to work on, and I found some fun new techniques to try, too!

I think my favorite new technique was applying modeling paste to the surface through a chunk of tulle. It added a perfect layer of texture, a look of aged leather that looks spectacular on this steampunk tag. I love adding new techniques to my arsenal. :)

I used black crackle paste under the gears on the top and bottom, but the layer I used was too thin for the crackle to really show up. I maybe should have put some clear crackle paste over the top in a thicker layer- then I’d have the crackle look without having to overload it with the black paste. Of course, if it’s too thick, it would warp the paper… so many things to consider!

And of course I have to mention the faux rust on my chipboard gears. I love layering various brown colors to achieve that old, vintage look, and how the layers of chipboard really pop off the surface.

I’d like to make more tags in the future. I see a lot of artists creating collections of tags, and I love the idea of doing that- perhaps even putting each one into a mini book or using them for gifts and cards… so many possibilities! How do you use the tags you create? And is anyone else as enamored of steampunk tags and art as I am?