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.

Inspiration Wednesday - Week 11

I love the final results from this weeks project, and it was so easy.

I finally got to use the Gelatos that have been in my stash for months. They are great to work with.  After blending them with white paint I added more color and used my finger to blend the extra color into the existing colors.

The disadvantage of being able to get done in one afternoon is that it's going to be long 2 weeks until the next Inspiration Wednesday

Inspiration Wednesday - Week 10

I must admit I was not looking forward to this project.  It was collaging, and I am not a collage kind of person.  I admire them, but when it comes to making one I'm never happy with the results.

This time I did like the results.  I think it's because it reminded me of the chaotic week I had just been through. Hence the words, "My art reflects my journey."

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.

Inspiration Wednesday - Week 9

This week was my first attempt at using watercolors. Since it was the first layer of the project anything I wasn't happy with could be covered up, so that took the pressure off.  Surprise! I was actually happy with how it turned out. Good thing because this weeks layers allowed the background to show through.

Here's to another brown hole page. Can't wait till week 10!

Inspiration Wednesday - Week 8

Layer, dry, layer, dry layer, dry.  This is the love hate relationship I have with mixed media art. Watching paint dry while waiting to add the next layer is NOT something I good at. So when I needed a word for this week's Inspiration Wednesday that word had to be patience.

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.