Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - December

WOO HOO! I completed  all 12 of Tim's Challenges this year!

I was a little worried this one wasn't going to get finished in time because of the Holiday and the never ending list of to dos that goes with it, but I was able to complete it this morning.  I'm very pleased with how this tag turned out. Even though I didn't have any of the materials Tim used with some digging through my stash I was able to easily substitute the items.

Thank you for a fun year Tim. I looking forward to the challenges of 2016!

Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - November

I love the background technique Tim used for this month's tag.  I'll be using this again in the future. It was so easy and something  that can be used on so many other projects.

Since I didn't have a pumpkin stamp I used Tim's hot air balloon from Stampers Anonymous. I stamped the background with White Picket Fence Distress Paint, then sprayed the tag with Blueprint Sketch and Mermaid Lagoon. I edged the tag with Mustard Seed Distress Ink. The balloon was embossed using the same technique Tim used for his pumpkin, and I attached it to the tag using foam tape. The embossing looks much better in person. A photographer I am not, but I'm glad I made the time to do this month's tag.

Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - October

This months tag is not one of my favorites. I was just not inspired by any of the Halloween dies and stamps in my stash. 

Taking Tim's advice I did make the time to be creative and that was my challenge this week.  I also did some online shopping for new Halloween stamps and dies, and that made me happy.

Here's hoping I'm more inspired in November. 

Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - September

This month really was a challenge for me.  Tim created the tag background with alcohol inks.

Since I don't use alcohol ink I decided to use distress inks.  For whatever reason I could not get a look I was satisfied with. After 3 attempts I decided to use my Sparkling H2O's. I've never used them before and they have been sitting on a shelf in my craft room for longer than I want to admit. Finally, a background I liked!

This was also the first time I used Tim's Frosted sheets. I love this product, and will be using it a lot more from now on.

Once it was done I must say I like the way it turned.  Thank you Tim! Bring on October!

Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - August

This months tag was all about the background. I don't have the word dies that Tim used, but I do have his Sizzix Mixed Media die set. This is the first time I've used them, but it will not be the last. These dies are fabulous.

I followed Tim's technique for creating the background, but I did leave more color on the tag than he did. What can I say I love color! I love the way it turned out, and will definitely be using this technique again. Hmm maybe a canvas....

Here's a close up.

Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - July

This month's Tim tag had a patriotic theme.  Well, not much of that in my stash so I used the Crazy Birds stamps, because I just love these guys.  I don't know why, but every time I see them I think of the Abbott & Costello doing "Who's On First".

After stamping and coloring the birds with Distress Markers I applied Distress Micro-Glaze over the birds and painted the whole tag using Hickory Smoke.  It's the first time I used these new products. The micro-glaze made the birds resist the ink, and I love the new ink color.   I can see these new products getting often.

Thanks Tim for another fun tag!

Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - June

I must admit when I saw this months tag I was not immediately inspired. I didn't have the die or stencil Tim used, and I'm not the person who will make custom ink pads. Taking Tim's advice to just take the time to create I sat down at my craft table and just let it happen one layer at a time. I started by pulling out Distress Inks, Markers, and Spray Stain in the colors I wanted to use.

Since I really loved Tim's background I used the burlap layering stencil to get my plaid effect. At this point, with my hands covered in various ink colors, I had to admit that having an ink pad with multiple colors would have been much neater. Note to self: There's a reason for what Tim does.

I decided to use my Butterfly Duo and Honeycomb dies. I colored the butterflies with Distress Markers then sprayed them with water to blend the colors. The honeycomb is painted with Picket Fence. Now it was time to start layering.

I started with a piece of burlap I found in my stash and built from there.  The final piece I added was the key. I needed something for the space, but didn't know what I wanted to put there, so off to embellishment box I went. I have no clue where this key came from, but there it was just sitting on top of the box. I knew I had to use it.

Perfect! I just love the way this tag turned out.  It's probably my favorite tag creation since starting this challenge.

You can see more about the techniques Tim used for this months tag on his blog. Maybe you'll decide to join in the fun.

Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - May

In my spare time I am a volunteer with the Arc Circle of Family and Friends.  Our group provides activities for special needs adults. Some of the activities we provide throughout the year are bowling and softball leagues, monthly  dances, and various day trips.  One of the adults I have come to know is Penny.

Penny lives independently in an apartment, has had a part time job at the local Shop Rite for the past 20 years, and has a social live most of us would envy. She sees everyday as an adventure and lives her life to the fullest. We could all learn from her.

When Tim used his photo booth pictures for this months tag I chose to use a  picture of Penny.  I used the word brave because Penny is one of the bravest people I know.

Twice the Fun

April first was a good day. Not only was it Tim Holtz tag day, but it was also Inspiration Wednesday with Donna Downey. After watching Donna's video and reading Tim's tutorial I was inspired to combine the two into one journal layout.

This journal page had modeling paste, gesso, glazing,  stamping, and distress markers. Lots of drying time in between layers, but so worth it.

Thank you Tim and Donna for making this a double challenge.

Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - March

It's official March is here.

I am notorious for never knowing the date, but I know when it's the first of the month because there's a new Tim Holtz tag on his blog.

As always Tim includes a technique I've never tried.  This month it was covering modeling paste with embossing powder. I've used both of these products, but never together. I must say I will be using this technique again.  Thank you Tim for a fun tag

Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - February

Month two of Tim's challenge was a collage and if you read my last post you'll know that I have issues with this.  The good news is I'm getting over the covering up of something I like with something else I like, and I'm liking it. Bring on the March tag!

Tim Holtz Tags of 2015 - January

Happy New Year! And, with the new year comes new monthly tag challenge with Tim Holtz. This is the second year I'll be participating in the challenge, and am looking forward to the inspiration and chance to move out of my comfort zone.

This month Tim's tag was perfect to start the New Year.  I didn't have everything Tim used, but that's the fun part.  I get to use his technique, and go through my stash to find other ways to use what I have on hand. For this tag I didn't have the Chit Chat stickers, but what I found was 3 tins with magnetic word stamps and the stamping block to use them with.  I purchased these years ago, and couldn't even tell you where, but they were perfect for this project.

Thanks Tim for another fun tag!