Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014 - January - Leave Ordinary Behind

My husband loves his pocket watches.  He has three:  one his parents gave him when he graduated college, one he bought himself and the one I gave him when we got married. So, tonight I had an extra good time creating my monthly Tim Holtz Tag as it featured such a watch.  Tim used his large die, but I had his mini die and so I decided to give it a go using that one.  For this tag, I used only Tim Holtz and/or Ranger products.  That is not always the case, but this time I was able to find all I needed in my stash.

Lots of stains, inks and embossing were used on this tag.  I got to use a sentiment from a new stamp set by Tim on this tag.  I don't know many people who strive to be ordinary, why not try to be unique!

If you haven't tried making a tag of your own, I would suggest you visit  Tim's blog and he will show you how to make one, and give it your own spin!  Looking forward to seeing what the February tag will be and what new things I can learn and share.

A Three C Weekend (Cooking, Comedy and Crafting)

Hi, guys! Hope all is well!  This weekend was a very busy one for me.  We attended a local fair, and a comedy show where my hubby's high school friend, Rob Bartlett, was performing.  It was a lot of fun.  I also did a lot of cooking which is great because I am hoping it will free me up to spend more time in my craft room!

I thought I would share two of the dishes I made. Since I have a large cookbook collection I just browsed until I settled on these two dishes.

 I made Paula Deen's baked spaghetti:

Boy, is this delicious!  I love that you can cut squares just like lasagna.

I then took out my David Venable cookbook and made his turkey shepherd's pie.

I love shepherd's pie, but normally I like the beef one, but David's uses turkey which I thought would be a good change.  

How about a card?   I am sharing a tag I made for a friend.  This is my take on the February tag for the 12 Tags of 2013.  I had made one, but was waiting to make this one when I got the stamp set he used for his. I just love this Queen of Hearts image.

I used Distress Stains for the background and Distress Markers for the watercoloring of the image.  You will see I used Core-dinations card stock that I sanded after embossing.  The ribbon was made with tissue tape.  My friend was very happy to receive it (finally!).

Until next time!

September 2013 Tim Holtz Tag (Layered Stencils)

Hi, guys! Hope all is well!  Today was a very INKY and fun day as it was the day I worked on my monthly Tim Holtz of 2013 tag.  For September Tim worked with layering his stencils with various Distress Inks, Distress Stains and other mediums.

You will see that I applied some Wendy Vecchi Embossing Paste on my tag using Tim's Splatter Stencil.  I just love the texture and raised look it gave the tag.

Applying more inks and stains to various stencils by Tim.  It was a very fun process.

I decided to turn my tag into a Halloween tag, and added one of Tim's rub-ons onto one of his enamel tags as an accent.  The ribbon was stained and stenciled as Tim demonstrated as well. That was very fun!

Can't wait to see what Tim will come up with for his October tag!  I really enjoy making them and putting my own spin on it.   If you want to learn some fun techniques, or just have fun creating something, why not join in next month?

Until next time!

Distress Stain Cards (Sympathy & Thank You)

Hi, guys! Hope all is well!  Today I thought I would share a pair of cards I made using my Distress Stains.  I made two similar backgrounds and used the same stamp set by Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous.  The paper I used is watercolor paper as I find it works great with stains as they are a wet medium.

After they dried, I used the lighter (softer) background to turn into a sympathy card for a friend who lost his mom.  I think nature themes work very well for sympathy cards.

I then used the second panel to make a thank you card for a friend who hosted us for this Labor Day weekend.  Barbara is someone who ALWAYS makes me laugh and smile.  I used the brighter background and went with a more whimsical way to display the sentiment. The sentiment I used is from Paper Smooches.

Isn't it great that you can create two cards easily using the same backgrounds and stamps but change them a bit for two special people in your life?  I know when I take out my stains, or paints, it is very rare that I only make one card.  It saves me time and cleanup and I enjoy stretching my imagination.

Until next time!

WOYWW#220 / August 2013 Tim Holtz Tag - Harry Potter Inspired

Hi, guys! Hope all is well! Today is Wednesday, so that means I am sharing what is on my work desk with you! Thank you to Julia for this fun desk hopping (snooping) fun! Last week you may recall I was sorting through my Tim Holtz stamps and supplies to prepare to make my August 2013 Tag.  You will see I used a lot of distress products on this tag.  Distress Stains, Distress Inks, and even my Distress Markers. 

When I was looking at Tim's travel set and spotted the train, my mind went directly to Harry Potter!  It reminded me of the Hogwarts Express.  I am a big Harry Potter fan, so I decided to make a tag with that theme. Hedwig the owl is even represented in his cage.  In the story, the train arrives/departs from a magical track #9 3/4.  The large alpha stickers by Tim were fun to use to add that to the tag. The ribbon was stained in the colors of Gryffindor (one of the 4 houses of Hogwarts).  The tag this month is the GIANT size #12.

Lots of inky fun, and now the clean-up begins!  I hope to visit with as many of you as I can today.  Thanks so much for visiting me (and my desk!) today!  Until next week!

WOYWW #215 - Patriotic Tag Fun

Hi, guys! Hope all is well! Today is Wednesday, so you know what that means by now.  I am sharing what is on my work desk!  Thank you to Julia of Stamping-Ground for this desk-hopping fun!

Today I am in the process of making my July Tag for the 12 Tags of 2013 challenge by Tim Holtz.  You will see that these tags are technique and supply heavy so I have lots of inks, stains, crackle paint etc. going on at the same time.

I have lots of the components done, just a matter of drying and assembling all of them.

As you can see, Winnie's fingers are definitely INKY now! I am a cross between a Smurf and Barney the Purple Dinosaur!  The Ranger scrubbie will definitely be needed to restore my hands to their original look!

Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to visiting with you today to see what you are up to!!

Enjoy the day! Hope you find some time in the day to do something YOU love!

Birthday Cards for a Daddy and a Grandfather

Hi, guys!  Today I am sharing two cards that I made for a little girl named Victoria to give to her daddy and her grandfather for their birthdays in a few weeks.

The first card up is for her father, Seth.  I decided to use an old Stampin' Up set featuring one of my favorite stamps:  a fun loving crab!  I figured since his horoscope is Cancer (just like mine!) that this set would be a fun one to use.   I wanted to keep the card fun and happy since it was coming from his very young daughter.

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampin' Up
Paper: Gina K Designs, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Distress Stains, Archival Black, Inktense Pencils
Misc.: White Felt, Googlie Eyes, Twine, Corner Rounder

I thought adding the felt and the googlie eyes made it fun and whimsical and something Victoria would love.  Who can resist not shaking a card with those eyes?

For the next card, I decided to use a set of stamps and a matching set of dies by Lawn Fawn.  They feature paper airplanes.  I figured they would be perfect for a grandfather.  Do you remember making them back when you were a kid?  I sure do!

Supplies:
Stamps: Lawn Fawn, Studio G
Paper: Gina K Designs, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Distress Stains, Distress Ink, Archival Black
Misc.: Lawn Fawn Dies, Hero Arts Gems

I did the background using Distress Stains in various blues and white and plenty of water.  I was inspired by a wonderful blogger and artist, Sandee. She is so kind and shares her knowledge with you.

I hope Seth and his father have a Happy Birthday!

Until next time!

WOYWW #208 Some Very Inky Tags

Hi, guys! Hope all is well!  It is Wednesday, so you know what that means!  I will be sharing what is on my work desk!  Thank you, Julia, for this great fun!  I was away last week and didn't get to participate the last few weeks and missed seeing what everyone was working on!

Today you will see I am doing my monthly Tim Holtz Tag of 2013. This month focuses on rub-on resist.  This was new for me, and had fun with it.  How do you like my collection of Alcohol Inks?

I have to call it a night, as these tags always take me awhile and I am so exhausted after returning to work today after being away for a week.  I need a vacation from my vacation!

I look forward to sharing the tags with you when they are completed and am looking forward to visiting with you and seeing what you are up to!  If you haven't joined in, I would highly recommend you visit Julia at  Stamping-Ground! It is a fun group! I always feel so inspired.

Enjoy the day!

Shabby Chic Tea Cup Birthday Card

Hi, guys! Today I am sharing a birthday card that was commissioned by a friend for her to give to her husband's aunt.  After thinking about it a bit, I decided to use one of my favorite teacup stamps by Unity Stamps.  It is a large stamp, so I made a large card.  I heat embossed the teacup with white embossing powder on watercolor paper.  I used various antique color Distress Inks to apply color to the image.

Supplies:
Stamps: Unity Stamps
Paper: Gina K Designs, Watercolor paper, Paper Doily
Inks: Distress Inks, Versamark Ink, Distress Stains
Misc.:  Pearls, Seam Binding, Oval Punches, Computer Generated Name

I was going for a shabby chic/antique look for this card.  I added a doily that I applied Distress Inks to, and added pearls as well.  The ribbon is seam binding that is colored with Distress Stains and crumpled and dried to give it that aged look.

I am submitting this card for the Chic to be Shabby challenge over at:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2013/03/challenge-chic-to-be-shabby.html
Do you have a creation that is Chic to be Shabby?  If so, why not submit yours too and join in the fun!

Hope you have a great day!  Until next time!

Timeless Tag

Hi, guys! It is tag time again!  I am participating in the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2013.  I had such a blast participating last year and even was a winner in December.  My friend Ruth loves my tags.  She has asked that I make them for her, so when I can, I will be making two each month and will be giving one to her.

I am very happy with how they turned out.  Distress inks and Distress stains (even the metallics) were used.  I didn't have the cute finger stamp Tim used, so I decided to use various arrows on mine.  Being the klutzy person I am, I was hesitant to cut my embossing folder as instructed. Now, I know X-Acto knives and myself do not play nice together.  My late hubby used to hide them from me.  I didn't cut myself, but I did cut my folder completely in half instead of just enough to insert the tag.  I was able to do this to another of my folders with no incident, but not this time.  Packing tape came in handy to mend it.

If you would like to learn some cool techniques and have a lot of fun, I would highly recommend you take part.  I can't wait to see what Tim comes up with for February!

Until next time!

Tag a-long with Tim

Hi, guys!  As many of you know, I have been taking part in the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012.  Today I will be sharing the last two tags I completed for the December challenge.  All the products I used on these tags are Ranger and Tim Holtz products.

These were so fun to make.  When I work on any of Tim's tags, I end up using a lot of different products and techniques.  While working on these, I used Distress Inks, Distress Stains, Distress Markers (notice a pattern?).  I really enjoyed using the mirror sheets in the first one, as they are so pretty in person and so reflective and die cut very easily.  The poinsettia die was a fun one to use and I enjoyed using acrylic paint and the tissue tape.

Sad that the 12 tags are now complete, but feel so happy that I was able to complete them ALL!  I am hoping Tim continues this tradition in 2013!

Off to see the Nutcracker with my hubby and niece.  I cannot wait!  My niece has been doing ballet since she is 3 and now is 8 and so it is the perfect age for her to experience her first ballet.  Lincoln Center is just so beautiful and I can't wait to share the experience with her.

Have a great weekend!  Until next time!

Made With Love And Memories

Hi, guys!  Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the holiday season.  For today, I thought I would share two tags I completed on Friday.  I made this tags for my sister in-law as a gift.  As you probably recall, I have been taking part in the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012.  I had made a set of tags for myself a few months back when we learned to tint photos using distress inks.  My sister in-law liked the ones I did of my late husband and his mother and she requested a pair.  I decided to make them on Friday as it was the 6th anniversary of my husband's passing and thought it would be a fitting tribute to him.  I varied the tags from the ones I did for myself by using stamps that were more specific for a brother and daughter.

This project was very special to me.  I am not sure if I can relay the joy and memories that I was able to recall while creating these tags.  Charlie loved to sail, loved his garden, loved the stars and I was able to incorporate the verse my sister in-law read for us at our wedding.   For my mother in-law's tag, I used a Tim Holtz bingo chip to reflect the year of her marriage and it reminded me of her love of playing bingo and her "big" winnings of a couple dollars and her excitement.  I was able to use a page of an old book (avid reader and teacher) and scripture to reflect her strong faith.

When I was finished with these and put them in the mail, I felt very happy.  If you would have told me I would have felt those feelings Friday, I would have said you were wrong.  Crafting can bring me joy and contentment even when I am feeling at my lowest.  I am sure Tim Holtz probably never realized that such a project could have such a profound effect on someone.

If you are looking to make a special gift for someone (or just for yourself), I would highly recommend you visit Tim Holtz to learn how these are done. I am sure you will enjoy the experience and want to share your memories with those special in your life.

Thanks to Tim Holtz for always inspiring me (and countless others), and for sharing his knowledge. Teachers are truly special people.

Have a great day, my friends!   Until next time!

Totally Nuts For You

Hi, guys!  The card I am sharing with you today is for my husband for Thanksgiving.  For this card I used my Distress Markers by Tim Holtz to apply color to the focal image as well as the background. I also used Distress Stains around the edges. Since these markers are reactive with water, they blend so nicely.  I am not sure you will be able to see the shine I got on it by using various Perfect Pearl Mists.  I used gold, bronze, and sunflower mists to get the look.

Supplies:
Ink: Archival Black Ink
Stamps: Stampers Anonymous, Studio G
Paper: Watercolor, Gina K Designs
Misc.: Distress Markers, Perfect Pearl Mists, Distress Stains, Tag Punches, Twine, Water

I am in love with this blueprint stamp set designed by Mario Rossi III.  I had to have all 3 sets (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas)! I think they are different than anything I had in my collection.

Hope your day is a good one!  Until next time!

October Tag Tim Holtz Tag 2012 - Help Me From the Grave

Just a note of thanks for all those who have been writing, emailing or commenting wishing me well during Hurricane Sandy.  We were without power for 5 days, but I am happy to report that it has been restored.  Never has a hot shower felt better! We were so fortunate.  I am keeping those who are suffering in my thoughts and prayers and would ask that you continue to do so as the devastation is so widespread.

For today I thought I would share the tag that I made for the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012. This is my October submission. This was a lot of fun to make.  I think my fingers were more inky today than ever while making this tag.  I got to use various inks, paints, glues and lots of glitter!

The stamps I used for the focal image were from Stampers Anonymous.  I was excited to get to use my new stamp set designed by Mario Rossi III!  It is a cool one.  I used the words "help me" coming from the grave.  I thought it would be a fun and creepy touch.  I used a  Studio G stamp and stamped it on a Tim Holtz journal ticket.   The bats were all painted and glittered as shown by Tim.

I hope you like this piece.  If you want directions on how to do it, head to his blog and he gives you step-by-step directions.  You then take it in any direction you want.

Be well, my friends!

Drac is Back!

Hi, guys!  Yes, you read right!  Drac is back!  I decided to do a Halloween tag last night.  I am participating in the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012.  In July, Tim demonstrated the alcohol ink splatter technique using a can of air.  I made a tag in the beginning of the month for the Fourth of July.  It dawned on me that this splatter technique would be fun to use for blood splatter.  Yes, I know, I am a bit gross.  I guess it is from years of mystery reading. 

Supplies:
Stamp: Craft Smart, Stampers Anonymous
Ink: Archival Black, Adirondack Alcohol Ink, Distress Stain, Distress Inks
Misc.: Tissue Tape (Tim Holtz), Tim Holtz Ribbon 


I had a blast doing this card.  My workspace ended up looking a bit like a crime scene when I was done, and my hands resembled those of Lady Macbeth.

Hope you have a great day, and hope you find a few moments in the day to do something you love.  Maybe get inky?

June 2012 Tim Holtz Tag - Remembrance

Hi, guys!  Hope you had a great weekend - I did.  Started it off with a great ladies night out to celebrate my friend Asia's birthday.  Nothing better than spending a night out with great friends to start the weekend off on a fun note.  Today my husband and I spent some time in IKEA again to pick up more stuff for my stamp room.  I think they will know us by sight soon at this rate!

Tonight I took some time to complete my two tags for the Tim Holtz Tags of 2012.  These are done monthly and, of course, it is the last day of the month and I was under the wire by 40 minutes! Tim taught us how to tint photos to give them a vintage look.   I was not sure what photo I wanted to use, so I decided to do two tags.  I started by using an old childhood photo of my late husband Charlie.  I thought it was an adorable picture that captured his personality.  I used distress inks to tint the photo.  I only colored his coat (Fired Brick) and bow tie (Salty Ocean).  I used Antique Linen to age the photo and Vintage Photo along the edge.   While doing this tag, I decided to incorporate his love of bicycle riding by using tissue tape.  For the embellishment, I went with the metal angel wings by Tim Holtz.   Charlie is now my guardian angel and I thought they would be a great touch.

For the next tag I decided to use a photo of my late mother-in-law Elsie on her wedding day.  I used distress inks to tint her bouquet and the same Antique Linen and Vintage Distress inks to age the photo. She was married in 1942, so I used the Tim Holtz Alphanumeric stickers for the year.  I stained a portion of a rose ribbon to make the flower and incorporated an old vintage stick pin as an embellishment.   I used the alphabet paper for this tag as Elsie was a teacher her entire life.  Even after she stopped teaching school, she continued to teach those around her every day.

I enjoyed making these tags.  I found them extra special to do since I made them in remembrance of two people who I was lucky enough to love and share my life with.

Hope you have a great day and find some time to do something you love.

Masculine Birthday Card Using Metal

Hi, guys!  Hope all is well.  I thought I would share a card I made for a friend whose son is turning 19. Austin is a great guy and I have had the privilege of watching him grow from a sweet boy to a fine young man.   I decided to use metal in this card and to emboss it with letter print, as I understand he is enjoying writing now.  I then sanded the metal to age it and really show the embossing.  The edges were distressed with a distress tool, and Picket Fence Distress stain was used around the edges.  If you haven't worked with this Ten Seconds Studio metal before, I would recommend it.  It comes in great colors and is so fun to use.

Supplies:
Paper: Gina K Designs, Ten Seconds Studio Metal Sheet
Ink: Black Shoot Distress Ink, Picket Fence Distress Stain
Misc: Spellbinders Label, Twine, Tim Holtz Safety Pins, Black Gems, Distress Tool, Cuttlebug Embossing Plate

I hope Austin had a fun-filled birthday!

Have a great day!  I hope you find a few moments in your day to do something you love!

May Design Team Submissions - Birds of a Feather

Hi, guys!  Hope all is well.  Yesterday I shared two cards I made for the May submissions of The Ink Pad design team.  I thought I would share two more today. The first one I am sharing I used a wide ribbon that they gave me with a great image of a bird on it.  I decided to die cut a bird from it using my Vagabond machine.  The stamps are from Hero Arts and I white heat embossed the sentiment.  The fun paper is Bazzill and I was given Victorian Velvet Distress Stain so I thought it would be fun to color the paper with it.

The next card I am sharing also used a bird!  The stamp is from Inkadinkado and the fun paper is Bazzill again.  I decided to break out my new distress ink color Peacock Feathers.  I am really loving these new Spring colors.  The sentiment is from Hero Arts.   This month we were given great ribbons to work with and I thought it would be fun to make a bit of a ruffle out of it for this card.

I will be back tomorrow with the last two cards for May.  They are both French inspired.

Have a great day!

Tag Time with Tim

Hi, guys!  Hope you are all having a great weekend.  I thought I would share some tags that I have made for days 3, 4, and 5 of the Creative Chemistry 101 Class with Tim Holtz.

Day 3
Alcohol Ink Agates Technique

Archival Resist Technique

Stamping with Reflections Technique

Day 4
Custom Stamp Pad Technique  (I made my husband a bookmark!)

Layered Misting Technique

Day 5

Marbled Stains Technique

Stamping with Stains Technique

Stained Kraft Resist Technique

These online card classes are just great.  I love that I can work at my own pace, and around my schedule.  I also love that Tim gives you so much information, with obvious planning on his part.   I can't believe a week has flown by.  One more to go!  I know I will be sad to see it end.  But, with all this newly acquired knowledge, I know I will be enjoying myself in my stamp room!  If you haven't tried one of these online card classes, I would highly recommend you give one a try.  You will have the information at your fingertips for life!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!  I plan to find some stamping time tomorrow to.....GET INKY!