12 Tags of 2014 - January edition

Ever since the first day of January, I have been racking my brain to figure out what to create.  Then, this morning, it all fell into place.  Here's my creation, followed by some explanations:

Everything used in the creation of this tag is something that is in my stash.  (I'm also entering this tag in Our Creative Corner's No More Shopping Sins! challenge.  However, I don't think anything is a "sin" that I have ... I certainly don't regret buying any of it. Probably the hitch fasteners are the purchase that was the most "must have" in the bunch ... I purchased it via eBay to use on another project, but it didn't work out.)

I hope that the recipient of this "grungy" Valentine feels some warmth, especially since we've been having some cold (in SW Florida terms!) weather.  I'm entering this into Frilly and Funkie's The Warmth of Winter challenge as well.

I used many of Tim's techniques from the January 2014 tag post, but I changed it up quite a bit.  I was determined that I would only use what I have in my stash to complete it.  Wow!  Did I have to become creative (LOL!).  I made my own stencil (for the background) by laminating some cardstock and then cutting out a gajillion circles on my E2. The key and heart are grungeboard elements that I covered in duct tape, embossed and painted.  The ticket is from my school supply stash, painted and stamped with individual letter stamps.  I love the mesh ribbon (?) that I used with some twine.  The tag is cut on my Cricut Expression 2 from some leftover cover material from a tablet that I use in my classroom.  As you can see ... this is a recyled, stash-using project!

Notice how I covered the back as well?  I did it for two reasons:  1.) to use it as a Valentine and 2.) to cover the printing.