march technique challenge...

"march technique challenge" - tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies needed: craft sheet, distress reinker: walnut stain, spiced marmalade, fired brick, perfect pearls: heirloom gold, perfect copper, forever red, adirondack paint dabber: white, archival ink: jet black, mini misters, heat tool (ranger); the block (soc's blocks); stamps (stampers anonymous); #8 tag (american tag); embellishments

step 1: we are going to make our "pearlized-distress" mist solution first.  here's how: add 1 DROPPER full (not drop) of distress re-inker into an empty mini mister. (*tip: i use distress re-inkers for this because they are a concentrated dye, color stable, so you don't have to use much ink to get vibrant colors.)

step 2: add a small scoop of perfect pearls to the ink in the mister. (*tip: i like to use the end of a craft stick for this - it fits the mouth of the mister perfectly!)

step 3: fill the mini mister about 3/4 of the way with water, replace the sprayer, and shake the solution up to mix it very well.  it's important the the ink and perfect pearls emulsify. (*tip: you need to leave room in the mini mister to help everything mix together.  by emulsifying everything/like salad dressing, it keeps the perfect pearls from separating and NO, it won't clog these misters - amazing huh?)

step 4: mix all of your colors: i used walnut stain/heirloom gold, spiced marmalade/perfect copper, fired brick/forever red. (*tip: you can mix up so many of these - the color possibilities are endless)

step 5: okay so before we start spraying i just had to show you this COOL holder my friend kim made for the mini misters.  it holds 30 misters (that's all 24 distress colors plus a few extra spaces for water or pearlized mixtures!).  it's also designed so they are on levels like stadium seating so they are easy to get in and out.  i've labeled mine by stamping the matching color of distress ink and punching it out and gluing it to the top of the mister.  so if you plan on making more than one of the these mixtures (and i have a funny feeling you will), get yourself one of these so you can start building your collection.  here's the information to buy one for yourself - it's called "the block".

step 6: apply white paint dabber to accent stamp by dabbing paint to to stamp covering it completely (*tip: be sure to dab enough paint on the the stamp)

step 7: lightly swipe dabber across stamp to knock down the "peaks" of paint creating from dabbing it on (*tip: always remember to lightly blend the paint on a stamp before you stamp it to avoid blurry stamped images)

step 8: press stamp onto tag and lift off.  let dry or dry with heat tool and clean paint off of stamp (*tip: by stamping with paint, the images will appear matte and opaque which provide a great contrast to the background and the paint also works as a subtle resist against distress inks)

step 9: begin by spraying the pearlized distress mixtures on to the tag.  i work with all 3 colors at once to allow them to blend. (*tip: be sure to shake the mini mister each time before you use it to mix everything up)

step 10: dry the tag using a heat tool - this will allow you to move the ink around to create very cool drips and effects, or just let it air dry - see your stamped images reappear???

step 11: stamp accent image using jet black archival ink for contrast.  let dry. (*tip: by stamping with ink, the image will take on a pearlized finish from the background)

step 12: embellish the tag.

i hope you enjoy this month's challenge.  the photos on this one really doesn't do it justice.  you'll see for yourself when you try it out (hint-hint).  enjoy your weekend...t!m

Comments

[Chrys.]

It is splendid, I am completely fan. Thank you very much of all your techniques. Kisses, Chrys.

[Erin Glee]

Beautiful! I don't know if I have Halloween on the brain because my 6 yr. old had that for his Birthday Party theme last weekend, but the colors and bare, brambly tree branches made me think "I love Fall!".
Another great way to play with my supplies, as soon as I order some Mini-Misters...they are not at any local stores-I've been looking since Dec., so I'll order them!

Welcome Home!...Erin

[LaurenH]

Oh. My. Goodness. This is what I have been waiting for... maybe I will join that tag swap after alll... and impress 'em with your AWESOME techniquies. Now I just need to find me some mini misters.

[Jo]

wow this tag is stunning! What an effect!

[Marion]

Great technique and tag - I´ll definitely have to try this!

[Renee Shlachter]

LOVE the new tag! The colors are awesome. OK - now I have to go and play!
Renee

[Julie Howard]

WOW!

Awesome technique!

[Cindy T]

Your prettiest tag ever!

[Barbara Pandos]

OMG. This is incredible. I love that you used multiple colored misters. The effect is stunning. Thank you. And thanks for sharing your Amsterdam photos and this inspiration. It's been a long time since I've been there and brought back some great memories - think I'll incorporate them into my art this weekend. Thanks.

[Bobbi in KY]

Cool-I've been trying to figure out what to do with all of this ink

[Beatrice from France]

This one is really.... wow ! If we didn't know it's a tag we could think it's a canvas. I love it !!!!!

[Traci]

Wow baby I am loving that tag and the mixes well they are right up my alley! I have been itching to try out many different varieties but have to wait until I have some time! same old same old, glad to hear you had a good time in holland too though

Traci x

[Sue Wisniewski]

What a great tag! I will definately have to try this technique. thanks!

[Michelle Granger]

Great tag. When I first looked at it, I didn't realize those were birds across the top....Just awesome. Looking forward to trying it out.

[pen]

Brilliant tag Tim, I love it - when are you coming back to UK? Couldn't get to Stitches as it was half term.....

[Kay]

WOW!! That's all, just WOW (oh, and maybe the phrase "we are not worthy")

[Shannon Coad]

Oooohh... now that one just *speaks* to me. Love it! Can't wait to go fill those mini misters up.. and get some more... and a block. *Off to find my credit card*

[Nancy P]

This tag is awesome!! I have been working with mixing different inks with different color powders and it is very addictive. I love the Block - will have to check that out. Thanks for the great instructions once again and I know I will be doing more of this technique!! Welcome home and the pictures from Holland are beautiful!!

[Nancy P]

This tag is awesome!! I have been working with mixing different inks with different color powders and it is very addictive. I love the Block - will have to check that out. Thanks for the great instructions once again and I know I will be doing more of this technique!! Welcome home and the pictures from Holland are beautiful!!

[Liz Walters--Prescott, AZ]

Another GREAT tag. Thanks so much. I have "the block" from Soc and Kim (a real "must have") and I'm almost done decorating it with Tim's technique using shrink plastic and UTEE. The filled mini misters look great in it.
Thanks Tim for another month of inspiration. Time to play.
Love, Liz

[Dolly (scrapthat)]

Fabulous!! Thank you for the fresh inspiration Tim!! Good excuse to pull out my mini misters again ;0)
Love the lock and key as well.
:0) Thanks for inspiring my weekend!
Dolly

[hb]

Oh my WORD! Tim this is gorgeous!!!!!!!

[Maureen F.]

That is the coolest - That look is AWESOME !!!!! I can do that technique !!!

[Jeanette Brooks]

You have an amazing talent, this is beautiful!

[pegg]

What a great technique! I will definitely try this out!

[Andi Sexton (rrlscrapgal)]

Lovely!!!!!

[DeniseLynn]

Oh man - this rocks. I may sound silly but I am thrilled with the tag you've made and am going to buy perfect pearls as soon as I can get to a store that carries them. thanks so much for sharing this great technique.

[sarah]

I have just got home from a busy shift at work and found this months techinque..wow Just love this one.....I have two sets of perfect pearls so will definately be trying this one..its stunning I love the effects on the tags.i will be creating and realxing later with this one.
Thanks Tim!!!

[Linda van Vliet]

Ooww you evil man! Now I have to get the re-inkers, perfect pearls and mini misters. I don't have any of those things but I really want to try them out. Guess it's time for another buying expedition with my creative friends, LOL!
Thanks for this wonderful tag and technique. Linda.

[elle]

nice tag and i love the colors! it never hurts to revisit a previous technique cause there can always be a tweek of some kind. can't wait to make this one. oh , i love that little holder :)

peace,
elle

[Patricia Hayrynen]

Tim, Great tag! I'm going to try a variation with my favorite colors--blue and silver. For once I have most of the supplies and only have the misters to look for. Pat

[Catherine]

Tim, soooo happy to have you back home and blogging again. I have become addicted to you!lol

What a nice surprise to have a new tag today, and it is beautiful. Love the technique and now want to try it. I do not have any reinkers yet...hmmmm.

Beautiful tag thanks a bunch for doing this for us, Catherine

[Lynn Barwald]

Fabulous, Tim! You've outdone yourself again! Now we all need all of the mini-misters, all of the re-inkers (which I have thankfully!) and that new Block to hold them all! This is a great tag & technique. Thanks! XOXO, Lynn

[Catherine Matthews-SCanlon]

Tim, this is absolutely breathtaking. I love love love the way this looks like a photo of a beautiful sunset!! THANK you for sharing your AMAZING talent with us.

[Amanda D.]

This is so awesome!!!!

[Kim]

Wow!
Again, thanks for the inspiration. Just love everything you do.

[poupetteval]

wouahhhhhhhhhhhhhh wonderful

[tammy bierwagen]

the BLOCK is fantastic! theatre seating for misters, love it!

[Theresa Dalzell-Wells]

I so Love this Technique. It has become my favorite since I first saw it in December.
I now have 8 misters with mixes in them. And 7 empty ones. LOL.
Thank you Tim.
Theresa in Seattle

[Jane Ellen Kimball]

I just finished making Christmas tag #4 and loved the mix so this is perfect timing. The colors are wonderful as always. Thanks Jane

[Anita Van Hal]

OMG, Tim! Fabulous technique as always! You always get my creative mojo going! I love the "stadium seating" for the misters!

[Tona]

Fantastic! Once again I'm hooked on another one of your techniques. I so enjoy these "classes" that you're offering us. You are such a generous man. Thank you! ...Now I need to go write up my shopping list. Bye

[Debby]

I'll be trying this out very soon.

[Starla (star)]

I failed miserably trying to figure out how to use pearl ex.....but this!! WOWZERS!! I think I can get this!!
Thanks for the inspiration....
Starla

[Christina Pitts - Memory Manor]

This one is really awesome! I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the reinkers to the store. Aaarrgh! The waiting is killing me! Oh, you are such a sweetheart, thanks for the sig at CHA. I ordered all the new stamps, my customers and I... well we're hooked! Thanks for adding so much to the crafting community! You could never begin to understand the impact you have! THANKS!

[Sherry Goodloe]

I can only IMAGINE what you are going to demo at the convention next week in Carson! I've got my "standing shoes" ready! LOL

[Sherry Goodloe]

Hey wait a minute, I just thought I read where you will be on the Game of Art Cruise!!! who will be (trying to) taking your place at the show next weekend? If you're not going to be there, then I'm not going for 2 days! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Stacey]

Gorgeous tag! That block is nifty! I'm definitely bookmarking that baby for when my mister collection starts to get out of control.

[Rachel]

Another great project, as always!!! Just one question T!m, why does your "Block" look so plain? Please don't tell me you are starting to go for that "minimalist" look. Robin did a great job altering hers, she used "Fragments" and her awesome "Bandana" technique. I hope the next time you share a photo of your "Block" it will be another great technique for us to try!!

[kelsey]

Oh my, this tag is just superb!!! I just love that tree stamp and it's a definite must-have as far as I'm concerned. I've made a few of the perfect pearls/re-inkers combo's and they are, in a word, perfect!