Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2016 - January

Hi Everyone! I have a few creative goals this year and joining Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2016 is one of those goals. I love his style and I can't wait to learn new techniques for my cards and other mixed media creations. The minute I saw his sample, I knew exactly what I was going to do. I had most of the supplies already but had to order a couple items to take my vision where I wanted it to go. I watched some videos over Christmas break and learned from other crafters not to over think a project. So that's what I did. I plunked those supplies down on my table and got to work and didn't go fishing for anything else when an idea would pop in my head. I have to say this was a game changer for me. Not only did I enjoy myself, but the stress of trying to be perfect (in my mind) wasn't there and I had so much more fun! I'm planning on continuing this approach to crafting the entire year.

Here is my tag for January, Enjoy!

I started by gathering the supplies I wanted to use and cut out my tag using the Tim Holtz Alterations Bigz - Tag & Bookplate die.

Next, I covered the tag with a Foil Tape Sheet by Ranger.

I chose Sizzix Texture Fades Dotted Bullseye by Tim Holtz to emboss the top and bottom of the tag.

After the embossing was complete, it was time to go over the foil with Black Soot Distress Ink. I dabbed it on and let it sit for just a few seconds, then rubbed it off gently with a paper towel.

Using a Stampers Anonymous Robots Blueprint Stamp, I stamped the image on black card stock four times. The reason I stamped them out four times, is so that I could cut out parts of the Robot to do some layering. After stamping and embossing the images with Distress Embossing Ink and  Ranger Frosted Crystal Antiquities Embossing Powder, I went over the images gently with standard chalk and brushed off the excess with a soft bristle paint brush.

Here is a side view so you can see the layering I did with the cut out parts with Ranger Adhesive Black Foam 3D Tape. I also layered the entire image to give the tag more dimension.

 I used metal parts from Tim Holtz idea-ology Mini Gears and Game Spinners to give the Robot a "salvaged" look.

To finish the tag I used Tim Holtz idea-ology Observation Words Bands and chose "Salvaged" as my word choice. I went over the band with Picket Fence Distress Paint to give it a worn out or "vintage" look and adhered it to the tag using Ranger Multi Medium Matte Glue.

I hope you enjoyed my first Tim Holtz tag of 2016 and that you will join in the fun too. Have a great weekend everyone!

    

    

    

    

I'm Back....New Year, New Goals

Hi Everyone! It's good to be back after a little vacation. Christmas break around here is not only an exciting time but a much needed break from driving kids to and from school, helping with homework and traveling to their sporting events. One of my children attends a year round school so his break is three weeks long! I know a lot of parents would be very unhappy about that, but not me. I love when my kids are home. Not only because they are great kids, but they keep me young. Their sense of humor always keeps me laughing and their sense of adventure keeps me going but while I was taking a rest, I still made time to craft. A few cards, some lettering, doodling and a little mixed media fun kept me in the craft room throughout my three week break. I did post them to my Instagram but below are a few of the projects I worked on. The last photo, lettering and doodles, is one that is something that is new for me and something I'm going to practice more of in the new year.

My new goal for this year is to complete Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2016. I'm a huge fan of his style and products and I think it's going to be an exciting goal to join in the fun. What are your creative goals for the year? Whatever they are, I hope you stick with them and have a beautiful, fun-filled time creating.

My Favorite Things - Upsy Daisy Birthday Card

Hi Everyone! This month is one of those months where I have quite a few birthday cards to make. I like to take the recipients personality into account when creating them a card, so I knew this card would have to be bright and full of sparkle. I used MFT's Upsy Daisy die set to create the flowers and petals and SSS Wishing Die and Sending and Wishing Stamp set for the sentiment. There's quite a bit of Wink of Stella on the card as well and I couldn't forget the sequins to give it that extra special sparkle. A bright and cheery birthday card is sure to make anyone smile and feel special on their birthday. Enjoy!

    

    

    

    

  

Tim Holtz - Birthday Blueprint

Hi Everyone! I created this birthday card for my brother using a ton of supplies from Tim Holtz. I thought the blueprint balloon was something I could easily use to create a masculine card. I first started out with a stencil and texture paste to create the background.  When that dried, I added distress inks and used my spritzer to create the water drops on the card. I stamped out the blueprint balloon on watercolor paper and used distress markers to color the image. I added some burlap to the card and distressed the edges with distress inks and added the Happy Birthday sentiment to the center. I really enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone once in a while. I think maybe I should do it more often. Enjoy!

    

    

    

    

MFT Stamps - Harvest Mouse with An Entirely Different Theme

Hi Everyone! As promised, in yesterday's post, I told you I would create another card using MFT's Harvest Mouse stamp set with an entirely different theme. Again, I did some masking to create a scene where one mouse is giving a bouquet of flowers to another mouse. Who wouldn't be willing to forgive someone after receiving a card with these two cuties on the front. It's so adorable and just makes you smile. Enjoy!

    

     

Copics Used:

Mice:  E31, E33, E35, D37

Blue Sweater:  B02, B23, B24, B28

Purple Sweater:  BV00, BV02, BV04, BV08

Ears: R81, R85

Grass:  YG17, E33, G09

MFT - Harvest Mouse

Hi Everyone! Today I created a cute scene with MFT's Harvest Mouse stamp set. I don't think there's anything cuter than these mice. One thing I love about this stamp set is that there are so many individual stamps that enable you to create a scene. The fall leaves, pumpkins, apples and so much more make the possibilities endless. These cuties aren't just for fall, see my post tomorrow for a cute card made with this same stamp set but an entirely different theme. Enjoy!

   

Copic Markers Used:

Mice:  E31, E33, E35, E37

Sweaters:  G00, G02, G05, G07

Vest:  Y21, Y23, Y26, Y28

Leaves: E77, YR23, YR07, Y17 also YG63, YR23, Y28

Pumpkins:  YR02, YR05, E25

Grass: G24, G28