I'm happy...a Santa puzzle

I don't usually make two-fers but this week it worked out that the challenges went hand-in-hand.  First, Hels' Sunday challenge was to feature Santa Claus.  Over on the Simon Says Stamp & Show blog the theme was to create a piece that made us happy and tell why it made us happy.

I'm happiest when making art for someone who appreciates my work and never expects to get any of my work but is always thrilled when they do.  Loving shabby/chic/rusty stuff helps!  LOL  This sums up my neighbor, Becky, so this one's for you!  She also loves puzzles so I couldn't resist working up this small gift for her. 

Altoid tin - front

Santa puzzle

Altoid tin - back

The cinnamon Altoid tin (dark red) was coated with Claudine Hellmuth's gesso then several coats of blue and brown paint and brown distress inks to coordinate with the colors in the Santa ATC I found in Tim's seasonal stash of papers.  The puzzle is the 1/4 size sheet of the same image, adhered to lightweight cardboard then run through the Sizzix puzzle maker die. 

Once the image was adhered to the tin, I covered it with USArtQuest Perfect Paper Adhesive (matte finish).  After that dried, I smeared Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint over the top, then wiped brown distress inks over the cracks for a more vintage look.  I added a small snowflake at the top and the faux postage stamp at the bottom is from Tin Can Mail and stamped in black archival ink.

The final color is really a dark slate blue with brown edges.  I carefully took the hinged lid off to facilitate the painting.  I know Becky is going to love this...sure wish I didn't have to wait for Christmas to give it to her!