Tim Holtz

happy 2009...

wishing you all a very happy new year!  here's to a creative, inspiring, and artistic 2009 - full of embracing imperfection, and more importantly, living the life you've imagined...t!m

ten seconds...

okay, so this is something i HAD to share with you.  my friends cheryl & megan from ten seconds studio are so creative, clever, innovative.....oh yeah and did i mention - absolutely HYSTERICAL!  you know one of my new favorites is metal embossing, with the ease of learning it, to the amazing results from it, metal embossing is one of those things that opens the doors to unlimited creative possibilities.  i shared the metal embossed book we did at my holiday retreat earlier this month and trust me when i say you can expect to see more metal embossed projects from me (especially when you see what i have coming out with ranger at CHA next month...shhhhh!).
okay so back to ten seconds, did you know that every tuesday - wait a minute, did i say EVERY TUESDAY?, the crazy girls at ten seconds studio share a technique video they call "taco tuesday".  the archives for these clever clips of creative genius are still on their website so once you watch today's video, you can go back and watch all of the previous ones.  trust me when i say this is one of those things you want to mark on your favorties, and check back weekly on their site if you're interested in learning some great techniques on metal embossing, inks and more.
so the reason for this post, is that the video they have posted for today's taco tuesday is by far my most favorite.  i have seriously been laughing out loud and i can barely type this post with tears of laughter flooding my eyes (please excuse any typos...).  okay so go and check it out.  let me know what you think of them - even better, let THEM know what you think of them by posting a comment on their site.  i'll be posting info later in the year about what i have planned with the girls at ten seconds studio.  until then - be creative, be inspired, and more importantly, enjoy the movie...t!m

first workshops of 2009...

hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend!  i wanted to share some exciting news - i will be making my first teaching stop in 2009 next month (even before CHA)!  i will be teaching in scottsdale, az. at the frenzy stamper on saturday, january 10th to celebrate their 6 year store anniversary!  i will be teaching one day only, 2 workshops, and seating is limited to 24 students per workshop.

"WORDS OF MUSE" - Capture your artistic and inspiring words in this chronicle of creativity.  Surround yourself with clever verbiage that will ignite your creative soul.  Learn techniques on distress crackle, double distress, shabby chic, and industrial grunge all on grungeboard.  Gather your thoughts and assemble them on to a 12x12 collaged canvas to display and discover your own words of muse...

for more information on prices and times for these workshops (and even debbie's sample photos), please check out the frenzy stamper's blog.  hope to see some of you there, lots of fun to be had for sure.  i'll be working on posting the rest of my 2009 schedule on my website under calendar by the end of this year.  i have lots of great events i will be teaching at in 2009, with some store visits that i will be adding as time permits throughout the year - so be sure to check back at my blog for more store workshop announcements like this one.  here's to a new year of creative adventures...t!m

a cooper christmas...

happy holidays once again bloggers!  just wanted to share this year's christmas card photo of my dog cooper.  he's getting up there in age, but still a good sport about it all.  this year's "believe" theme has cooper snuggled in his bed wearing his christmas pj's, just waiting for santa to stop by.  i posted all about this last year when i started my blog, but every year cooper get's dressed up for our annual christmas card.  it's just amazing what he let's me do.  here are cooper's other holiday photo moments from the past 6 years.  he truly enjoys getting dressed in his holiday best - weird i know, but that's cooper.  hope these bring a smile to your face and you're taking time to enjoy the season - just a few more day until christmas and i've been enjoying the wintry weather around here, no snow yet, but one can dream right?  merry christmas to all....t!m

the projects...

well bloggers, just wanted to share with you a few photos of the projects i taught this past weekend at my holiday hideaway.  this was such a great time to get together with my friends and be creative for a weekend!  here's what we did:

tin pocket book: on this project we collaged on a tin with vintage music and then created a mini book to go inside.  we used grungeboard, canvas, my favorite cosmo cricket paper, and the binditall to assemble this little project.

word canvas: so i have this thing for letters and numbers and i like to use them on my projects.  this one was all about the many things we can do with grungeboard including emboss, collage, crackle, dabbers, and distress ink.  everyone used whatever words inspired them and they were all quite different and so unique.

metal book: okay so my newest addiction has to be metal embossing.  seriously this is so simple with amazing results.  my friends at ten seconds studio provided everyone with the tools we needed to custom emboss metal sheets to use for our book covers.  we hand-stitched this 90 page book and then assembled these works of art.  can't wait to teach this one in 2009.

holiday hangers: this was a make & take i did during my east coast holiday festival this year and i liked it so much we did our own mini project with them.  we used vintage ephemera, rub-ons, and distress ink to create these fun hangers with vintage holiday photos.  we stuck them behind the large 3 3/4" fragments for an interchangeable and personal memento. (isn't that screaming kid photo hysterical?)

festive doorways: one of the best things about this event is that it was a chance for me to do some projects that inspire me.  i have always had a fascination with doorways, they can lead to such possibilities.  in this workshop we played with beeswax and paints to create doorways from canvas, we used grungeboard panels, and then accented with with festive decor and cool hardware.  the finishing touch was the UTEE snow i shared with all of you on the 12 tags of christmas.  to top it off, this whole thing lights up with mini lights surrounding the canvases.  holiday fun at it's best!

so that was a project recap from the holiday hideaway event.  hopefully you'll get some creative inspiration and play.  have a great weekend everyone!  see you monday...t!m

12 tags of christmas 2008...

happy holidays bloggers!  hope you're enjoying your holiday season and taking some time to be creative...t!m

12 tags of christmas - day 12...

"day 12" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, distress ink/fired brick, peeled paint, antique linen, vintage photo, walnut stain, distress stickles/ fired brick, peeled paint, jet black archival ink, ink blending tool (ranger); sprocket gears, game spinners, sanding grip (tim holtz idea-ology); chipboard clocks, ghost clocks (heidi swapp); craft pick, scratcher, paper distresser, scissors (tonic); stamps/original santa U2-1106, christmas carols P2-1337 (stampers anonymous); rub-ons (hambly); ribbon, tag, bells, scrap paper

step 1: apply jet black archival ink to santa stamp. (*for this tag i am not using the entire image.  do not ink the upper right area of the stamp.)

step 2: notice the areas you have applied archival link to are shiny so you can make sure you didn't ink were we shouldn't. (*i prefer using jet black archival ink in all of my techniques what require a permanent ink.  it's easier to use, more opaque, and crisper detail than any other permanent ink in my opinion.)

step 3: stamp on to tag.

step 4: stamp entire image on to a piece of scrap paper with archival ink.

step 5: cut out the area of image to match what you have stamped. (*in other words, i am cutting out the santa and music, but not the holly and stuff in the upper right where we didn't ink previously.)

step 6: place cut "mask" over the stamped image on the tag lining everything up.

step 7: ink christmas carol stamp with jet black archival and stamp on right edge of tag overlapping the santa.

step 8: lift off your "mask" to reveal your layered design. (*this is so cool and i think it allows you to get more use out of your stamps.  we started by not inking the entire santa stamp keeping in mind that you don't always have to use all of an image.  then we stamped over the masked santa allowing us to use the christmas carol stamp which would have otherwise been too big for the tag.)

step 9: ink tag with antique linen distress ink using ink blending tool. (*ink everything but the face of the santa as this will create a highlight effect.)

step 10: ink areas of the tag with fired brick distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 11: ink areas of the tag with peeled paint distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 12: ink edges of the tag with vintage photo distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 13: drag paper distresser along the edges of the tag to create a tattered edge.

step 14: ink distressed edges with walnut stain distress ink using ink blending tool.  (*by pre-distressing the edges of the tag with the paper distresser, the walnut stain is absorbed into the paper and gives it a burnt edge look.)

step 15: using scratcher tool, drag in a linear direction across tag to scratch through ink layers and reveal paper core.  (*what?  you haven't tried this tool before?  seriously?  okay you're clearly missing out.  use this to scratch inked paper as well as your scrapbook papers, and yes even photos to create a nostalgic old photo look without using sandpaper that can often peel away the photo emulsion.  the scratch tool is a must have!)

step 16: remove chipboard clock from package to fit tag.

step 17: sand over the edges with sanding grip.

step 18: ink over entire clock with antique linen distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 19: heat set distress ink. (*because the chipboard clocks are glossy, we need to dry the distress ink with a heat tool or it will wipe off.)

step 20: remove backing of chipboard.

step 21: place on to tag and press down. (*wait - did you notice those extra brown scratches on the clock?  i couldn't resist using my scratch tool on the chipboard clock too.  see...i told you!)

step 22: flip tag over and trim off any excess chipboard with non-stick scissors.

step 23: sand the cut edge with sanding grip to smooth out.

step 24: ink the sanded edge with distress ink.

step 25: remove ghost clock from package - be sure to select the clock that matches the chipboard one. (*how cool is it that the chipboard and ghost clocks match each other???)

step 26: place over clock on tag - do not glue - just hold it in place.

step 27: cut to size of tag with scissors.

step 28: using craft pick, pierce hole in center of clocks going through ghost, chipboard, and tag.

step 29: using craft pick, pierce hole in center of "second" dial of clocks as well.

step 30: remove 1 large, medium, and smallest spinner, and 2 long fasteners from game spinner pack - fasteners are included with game spinner package.

step 31: remove 2 sprocket gears from package.

step 32: place large game spinner over hole in center of chipboard clock.  place smallest sprocket gear over hole in center of "second" dial on chipboard.

step 33: place ghost clock over the top and place medium spinner in center of ghost clock.  place other sprocket gear and smallest spinner over hole in center of "second" dial on ghost.

step 34: insert long fasteners through center of clock and "second" dial going through ghost, chipboard, and tag.

step 35: secure long fasteners in back of tag. (*this is why i LOVE long fasteners.  they can go through so many layers of things.  look, we just went through 3 layers of metal, 1 ghost, 1 chipboard, and the tag with a single fastener and still had enough to open it up in the back.  a must have too.)

step 36: cut out rub-on with scissors.

step 37: apply to bottom of tag. (*have you noticed my love for rub-ons on these tags?  it's because i like the contract they provide and their design style.)

step 38: embellish with ribbon and bells and secure to tag using glue dots.

step 39: accent holly on santa stamp with peeled paint distress stickles.

step 40: add dots of red on holly with fired brick distress stickles. (*i prefer to apply it over the wet peeled paint stickles so it fuses together when dry.)

*in the details: okay, how cool is this clock?  i love gears and spinners anyway so i just had to find a way to incorporate it into a holiday tag - mission accomplished!

12 tags of christmas - day 11...

"day 11" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, distress ink/broken china, faded jeans, mini inky roller, distress embossing ink, clear embossing powder, jet black archival ink, adirondack metallic mixative/silver, heat tool, mini mister, white opaque pen (ranger); fragment charms, long fasteners, sanding grip (tim holtz idea-ology); stamps/flurries K3-1372, in dreams G2-1281, scrollwork P5-1374, (stampers anonymous); craft pick (tonic); tag, ribbon

step 1: remove 3 of the largest fragment charms from the package.  (*it is important to use fragments with holes in them for this technique and the fragment charms all have pre-drilled holes.  you'll see why...)

step 2: with sanding grip, place it flat down on to one side of the fragment (it doesn't matter which side) and sand the surface in a parallel motion. (*i prefer the sanding grip since it lays completely flat and sands more evenly.  i also like medium-grit sandpaper for this technique which is what comes with the grip.)

step 3: move charm and sand again this time in the opposite parallel direction creating a cross-hatch sanded pattern on the fragment.

step 4: in circular motion (like the action shot?) sand off the cross-hatch areas to smooth out the lines.  (*basically we have now created a frosted side of the fragment using the sanding grip.)

step 5: remove dust from fragment and place on dark surface to make sure you didn't miss any spots. (*notice the difference between a sanded and un-sanded fragment?)

step 6: repeat the above steps for the other 2 large fragments.

step 7: ink flurries stamp with distress embossing ink.  (*okay, i know i use this embossing ink for every kind of embossing, but it's really important for this technique that you don't use an ink that's too gooey or sticky - and besides, distress embossing ink smells good!  seriously...it's cinnamon!)

step 8: press the SANDED side of the fragment on to the stamp.  (*i prefer to do it this way so i can see what part of the image i want.)

step 9: cover the stamped image with clear embossing powder.  (*be sure to use regular clear powder and not fine detail or ultra thick!)

step 10: heat emboss the image with a heat tool until melted. (*OKAY THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!  fragments are technically not a heat proof surface - after all, they're plastic.  but as you can see, they are embossable, you just have to take your time.  this may take some practice to get the hang of it, but i just apply a little heat, and then let it cool for a few seconds, then reapply heat, let it cool, and so on.  the fragment stays warm enough that the powders will start melting faster and faster when you reapply heat.  just don't keep your heat tool in one place or you will melt the fragments and trust me, that's a whole other look!)

step 11: allow fragment to cool.  after all we just embossed on it.  (*so check it out!  the image we just embossed turned the fragment clear!!!  love this!)

step 12: next, apply broken china distress ink directly to craft sheet.

step 13: repeat with faded jeans distress ink directly under the other.

step 14: mist both ink areas with water from mini mister.

step 15: take a rubber brayer (i'm using our mini inky roller) and lightly roll across one color of the wet ink.  (*it's important that you don't press down too hard on the brayer or it won't pick up any of the ink.  just lightly roll through it.)

step 16: roll the brayer across the tag.  cool huh?

step 17: re-ink the brayer and reapply on to the tag rolling in a different area.

step 18: dry first color with heat tool.

step 19: roll brayer through next color of ink and repeat steps.

step 20: continue this until the entire tag is covered with various tones of ink and you like the look.  (*this technique provides a cool dripped looking background.)

step 21: place fragments embossed side down on the tag.  notice the images get lost in the background.

step 22: to provide more contrast for your embossed fragments, ink the areas you want to put them with the darkest color of distress ink from your background.  here i've used faded jeans distress ink using my ink blending tool.

step 23: repeat for all three areas on the tag.

step 24: ink the edges of the tag with faded jeans distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 25: apply silver metallic mixative to craft sheet.  (*i got a few emails about the mixative not pouring out on to the craft sheet.  that's because there is a mixing ball when you shake it and if you tip the bottle upside down, the ball will go into the nib and restrict a continuous flow.  to get more out, simply tip the bottle back and add more.)

step 26:  oh there's that speckle brush again!  dip it into the mixative on the craft sheet.

step 27: twist the brush to apply speckles of silver ink on to the background.  let dry.

step 28: stamp quote with jet black archival ink.  let dry.

step 29: stamp scrollwork on background with jet black archival.  let dry.  (*notice i am only using parts of this stamp - it's fun that way!)

step 30: place fragments embossed side down over inked areas on tag and pierce hole with craft pick.  repeat for other fragments.

step 31: secure the fragment to the tag with long fasteners.  (*do not use any type of adhesive for this technique or it will show through on the sanded fragment.  tape, glues, mediums, will fill in the sanded areas and your image will disappear.  that's why we're using fragment with holes in them...)

step 32: open the back of the fastener on back of tag. (*the reason i prefer to use long fasteners is that they are designed to secure thicker things and still have enough post in the back to split open.)

step 33: accent stamped area of tag with white opaque pen.  (*i think this just accents the image perfectly!)

*in the details: i love this unique icy looking background with hand-frosted accents.  adding a splash of silver metallic and some white accent pen is just the right touch to create this winter wonderland.

12 tags of christmas - day 10...

"day 10" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, perfect pearls/heirloom gold, green patina, scissors (tonic),distress re-inker/vintage photo, distress ink/fired brick, aged mahogany, antique linen, walnut stain, glossy accents, ink blending tool, mini misters, jet black archival ink, heat tool, distress embossing ink, black embossing powder (ranger); plain grungeboard basics, flourish mask, snaps, trinket pins (tim holtz idea-ology); stamps/reindeer U2-1375, grunge alpha V3-1221, (stampers anonymous); holiday flowers (prima); cropadile (wermemory); tag, foam tape, paint brush, ribbon, sheet music, charms

step 1: prepare your own pearlized mist by starting with a mini mister.  add 1 DROPPER FULL of distress reinker. (*so here are some things to know: i prefer to use distress reinker for this because these inks are reactive with water and will maintain their color integrity when mixed with water.  in other words, one DROPPER full will give you the same intensity of color even though we are adding 3/4 water.  using regular dye reinkers will require lots more ink since they will just water down.)

step 2: add one stick scoop of perfect pearls to mini mister.  (*perfect pearls is a pigment powder with a built in binder.  unlike "others" it does not have to be sealed after use.  the binder in perfect pearls is activated with any type of moisture like water, perfect medium, etc.)

step 3: fill the rest of the mister with water and replace cap.  shake very well to emulsify the contents - this is very important! (*the coolest thing about creating your own pearlized mists is that you can store them in the mini misters too.  this mixture will not clog the mister ever.  how cool is this?)

step 4: remove mask from package and place on to tag - be sure to rub the mask on to tag with your hand. don't forget to work on your non-stick craft sheet so the mask doesn't stick to anything else. (*for more info on prepping your masks and other uses, check out my video below.)

step 5: shake mister and mist contents over masked tag.

step 6: repeat until entire tag is covered with ink.  (*notice how the inks bead up over the mask.)

step 7: while ink is wet, lightly blot the mask with a paper towel to remove excess ink from around the mask.  (*since paper is porous, the longer the ink sits on the paper, the more it will absorb into the paper and under your mask.  whatever you do - DO NOT heat the masks - they will melt!)

step 8: once ink is blotted off of mask carefully remove the mask by gently peeling it off of the tag. (*if you're trying this technique on other surfaces besides a tag, be careful with the surface you choose.  handmade papers and papers with a coating like glossy cardstock do not work as well with masks since the mask will sometimes stick to those coatings and surfaces.)

step 9: with mask removed, dry inked tag with heat tool.

step 10: i like to colorize my masked area.  ink entire tag with aged mahogany distress ink using ink blending tool.  (*this will not lift off the perfect pearls at all!)

step 11: repeat with fired brick distress ink using ink blending tool. (*i like to use multiple tones often.)

step 12: make a cup with your fingers and spritz water from mini mister into your hand.

step 13: flick water droplets on to tag and let set for at least 10 seconds. blot off with paper towel. (*the distress ink is reactive with water and will create a faux bleach look. remember this technique from tag #7?)

step 14: dry tag with heat tool.

step 15: stamp a plain sheet of grungeboard with reindeer stamp using distress embossing ink.

step 16: cover stamped image with black embossing powder and remove excess powder.

step 17: heat black embossing powder with heat tool.  (*notice that the grungeboard will curl when heated, do not worry as this is flexible and will flatten out again.)

step 18: cut out embossed image with sharp scissors.

step 19: continue to cut  with scissors around detailed areas. (*remember this is grungeboard and totally flexible so even the detailed areas are easy to cut.)

step 20: mist water on to craft sheet with mini mister.

step 21: dip a dry brush into green patina perfect pearls and scoop up some powder.

step 22: work brush into water on craft sheet mixing the perfect pearls with water - we want the consistency of paint. (*again, these perfect pearls are activated with moisture so by mixing them with water we are creating our own metallic paints!  cool or what?)

step 23: brush paint mixture over embossed stamped grungeboard reindeer.

step 24: blot off excess perfect pearls paint with a cloth - the embossing will resist the perfect pearls.

step 25: allow grungeboard to dry.

step 26: ink edges of grungeboard with walnut stain distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 27: tear strip of music paper and ink with antique linen distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 28: adhere to tag with glossy accents.

step 29: apply glossy accents to back of grungeboard reindeer and adhere to tag over music.

step 30: attach crown charm to reindeer with glossy accents. (*again this was just something i picked up in my travels.  just check your local craft or bead shop for charms.)

step 31: stamp grunge alpha on to tag with archival ink. (*i just stamped the letter rows i needed to use on a scrap tag.)

step 32: cut out the letters you need.  i cut out "WISH".

step 33: round the corners slightly with your scissors. (*this is another one of my favorite stamps because i can use it as a cool background, or stamp and cut out to create my own letter tiles!)

step 34: ink edges of letter tiles with antique linen distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 35: cut foam tape with scissors and adhere to back of letters to create dimensional letter tiles.

step 36: stack up prima flowers.

step 37: place the stack on the tag and punch a hole through them with a cropadile.

step 38: insert the back of the snap through the hole in the back of the tag.

step 39: place flower stack over nub that sticks out and press top piece of snap to "snap" together!  (*yes, these are snaps - use them to snap ribbon, photos, papers, etc. fun!)

step 40: attach star charm to trinket pin and secure through ribbon.

*in the details: i just like the look of the snap in the center of the flower - different, timeless, and unexpected.  i also love the shimmer the perfect pearls add to this tag with the pearl mist as well as the painted pearls.

12 tags of christmas - day 9...

"day 9" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, distress inks/fired brick, pine needles, antique linen, brushed corduroy, walnut stain, adirondack paint dabber/snow cap, jet black archival ink, ink blending tool, mini mister, distress embossing ink, distress embossing powder/fired brick, heat tool (ranger); texture hammer, keyholes, word keys, ball chain (tim holtz idea-ology); craft pick, paper distresser (tonic), stamps/santa U2-1379, script P3-1378, juniper K5-1377, post card K4-1376, (stampers anonymous); tag, ribbon

step 1: stamp santa image on tag with jet black archival ink.  let dry.

step 2: using snow cap adirondack paint dabber, flick dabber from top and bottom edges to the center of the tag to create a distressed/icicle paint look. (*check out the finished tag to see what i mean - were going from a skipped paint look.)

step 3: drag dabber along edges of tag.

step 4: dry paint with heat tool if needed.

step 5: ink entire tag with antique linen distress ink using ink blending tool.  work in circular motion. (*i prefer to lightly ink the santa face, but don't over do it.)

step 6: ink background area of tag with brushed corduroy distress ink using ink blending tool.  (*i like brushed corduroy for a warm brown color.)

step 7: stamp script over background with walnut stain distress ink.  let dry.

step 8: stamp juniper twice in upper corner with pine needles distress ink.  let dry.

step 9: noticed how we've inked and stamped over the painted tag?  well not to worry...

step 10: mist cloth with water from mini mister.

step 11: lightly wipe over painted areas with damp cloth.  this will remove the distress ink and reveal the white paint dabber.  (*how cool!  the paint dabbers resist the distress ink, and even though we've inked and stamped over white - it still resists!)

step 12: ink bottom area with fired brick distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 13: mist cloth with water from mini mister and wipe over inked area.

step 14: drag paper distresser along edges of the tag to tatter the tag.

step 15: ink tattered edges with walnut stain distress ink using the ink blending tool.  the ink will be absorbed in the edges. dry tag completely.

step 16: stamp post card stamp with distress embossing ink.

step 17: shake distress embossing powder. (*distress embossing powder contains release crystals and must be shaken each time before use.)

step 18: pour a generous amount of distress embossing powder over image and remove excess and place back into jar.

step 19: heat emboss with heat tool.  (*when heating distress embossing powders there are a few things to know - the powders do not become shiny like regular embossing powders, they are matte.  the powders will darken in color when embossed.)

step 20: once distress embossing powders are heated until you think they are done, allow the powders to cool completely before touching.  (*this is by far the most important thing to remember about the distress powders.  they will only adhere to the surface when cool - if you touch them while they are still hot, the entire image will wipe away.)

step 21: once cool, lay your hand flat on the tag and wipe it back and forth to remove the release crystals.  these are particles that never melt.  this will give your embossed image a pitted, distressed look.  (*note: do not put release crystals back in with distress powders.  simply throw them away.)

step 22: place keyhole on tag and pierce holes with craft pick.

step 23: attach keyhole to tag with included long fasteners.

step 24: to give our brads a more distressed look like old nail heads, place tag on hammer mat and tap brads with bump tip of the texture hammer.  such a cool tool!  if you want to learn more about the texture hammer check out the video below.)

step 25: attach word key to top hole in tag with ball chain. (*cut ball chain to desired length.)

*in the details: i have to say how neat is that paint resist technique - look at the stark contrast.  it actually looks like a snow drift.  the texture of the distress embossing powders is so unique and just the right touch for this tag.

12 tags of christmas - day 8...

"day 8" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, distress inks/aged mahogany, pine needles, walnut stain, distress metallic crackle paint/brushed pewter, adirondack alcohol inks/red pepper, cranberry, lettuce, meadow, ink applicator tool, distress embossing ink, queen's gold embossing powder, jet black archival ink, heat tool, glossy accents, adirondack metallic paint dabber/gold (ranger); seasonal grungeboard (tim holtz idea-ology); stamps/holiday memories V4-1191, merry christmas K3-1188 (stampers anonymous); metallic rub-ons (glitz design); dot n go (glue dots); ribbon, tag

step 1: remove 2 ornaments from seasonal grungeboard sheet.

step 2: attach glue dots to back of grungeboard pieces.

step 3: press down on to non-stick craft sheet. (*this will hold the pieces in pace allowing us to paint them without moving all over the place. - remember this trick from yesterday?)

step 4: shake distress metallic crackle paint - very well.

step 5: unscrew brush cap and begin painting a medium coat of paint on to grungeboard.

step 6: continue until both pieces are painted with distress metallic crackle paint.  let dry and crackle. (*this will take between 30 minutes to an hour.  metallic crackle paint takes a little longer to crackle than the regular crackle paint and this paint CANNOT be heated to speed up the drying time.)

step 7: once the pieces are completely crackled, remove from craft sheet and trim off any excess paint from grungeboard.  you can most often just peel the excess paint away with your fingers.  check it out!  the distress metallic crackle paint, crackles differently than regular crackle too - it creates more of a "crazing effect" to resemble vintage mercury glass.  i love this stuff and now we've created a metallic surface!

step 8: and you know what we can do to a metallic surface right?  alcohol inks of course!  attach a piece of felt to your ink applicator tool. (this can be the same handle as your ink blending tool, but we're using felt instead of blending foam.) press nib of cranberry alcohol ink bottle directly into felt and squeeze bottle for about 2 seconds to dispense ink into the felt.  repeat with red pepper alcohol ink directly next to cranberry ink. (*i prefer to use to tones of color for more depth.)

step 9: stamp inked tool on to metallic crackled grungeboard be sure to work on the non-stick craft sheet. (*the slick metallic surface allows the alcohol inks to blend.)

step 10: repeat until entire grungeboard piece is inked.  notice how the color just pops on the metallic surface and how the ink accents the cracks!

step 11: remove felt and attach a clean piece.  ink with lettuce and meadow alcohol inks and ink the smaller grungeboard piece. (*the alcohol inks will dry within seconds.  to lighten the color you can use blending solution if needed.)

step 12: stamp holiday memories stamp on to tag with jet black archival ink. stamp until entire tag is covered with images. let dry. (*i like to break up my larger stamps and not always start them directly in the center - it's just more random that way.  also, it's important to stamp in a permanent ink for this step.)

step 13: stamp merry christmas stamp with distress embossing ink.

step 14: apply queens gold embossing powder over image and remove excess powder.

step 15: heat emboss the image until powder melts and creates a raised metallic image.

step 16: ink areas of tag with aged mahogany distress ink using ink blending tool. (*notice how the embossed image with resist the distress inks so you can ink as much as you want over the top.)

step 17: ink remaining areas of the tag with pine needles distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 18: ink edges of tag with walnut stain distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 19: drag gold metallic paint dabber along edges of the tag to accent.

step 20: adhere both grungeboard ornaments to tag with glossy accents. let dry.

step 21: with scissors, cut out metallic rub-ons. (*these rub-ons are a shimmery metallic that go on with ease!  i love the design of glitz and the fact that you get gold and silver on the same sheet.  pretty cool!)

step 22: apply rub-ons with craft stick around ornaments. (*i prefer to add my rub-ons after i adhere the ornaments so i know the areas i want to fill in.)

step 23: tie bows from ribbon and adhere to tops of grungeboard ornaments with glossy accents.  let dry.

*in the details: look at how nostalgic and vintage this grungeboard looks!  it went from plain grungeboard, to metallic pewter, and then to colorful "faux mercury glass ornaments".  also, take a look at those metallic rub-ons - love it!

12 tags of christmas - day 7...

"day 7" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, distress crackle paint/picket fence, distress stickles/fired brick, distress inks/weathered wood, faded jeans, broken china, peeled paint, spiced marmalade, vintage photo, walnut stain, black soot, dusty concord, ink blending tool, adirondack paint dabber/cloudy blue, UTEE ultra thick embossing enamel/clear, white, perfect pearls, glossy accents, mini mister, heat tool (ranger); seasonal grungeboard, sanding grip (tim holtz idea-ology); glue dots dot n go (glue dots); stamp/snow flurries K3-1372 (stampers anonymous), glass glitter, bowl, stick, gloves, ornament strand, ribbon

step 1:  remove snowman from grungeboard seasonal pack.

step 2: attach glue dots to back of grungeboard with dot n go.

step 3: place grungeboard on to craft sheet. (*this will keep the grungeboard in place while painting it so i don't have to hold it with my finger or stab it with anything.  a great tip when you're painting smaller things too.)

step 4: shake picket fence distress crackle paint.

step 5: unscrew brush cap and paint a medium layer of paint over grungeboard. let dry and crackle. (*i love this new white crackle paint perfect for wintry things.  distress crackle paint is self leveling so you can paint in any direction. allow paint to dry and crackle on it's own - usually takes about 30 minutes.)

step 6: remove snowman "pieces" from seasonal grungeboard sheet.

step 7: ink carrot nose with spiced marmalade distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 8: ink twig arms with vintage photo distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 9: ink top hat and coal eyes with black soot distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 10: ink holly with peeled paint distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 11: remove snowflake grungeboard and ink with broken china distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 12: remove grungeboard letters "SNOW" and paint with cloudy blue paint dabber.  let dry.

step 13: sand edges using sanding grip to expose areas of grunge.

step 14: ink with walnut stain distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 15: mist cloth with water from mini mister.

step 16: wipe inked letter with damp cloth to remove distress ink. (*paint dabbers resist distress ink so the ink only stays where we've sanded.)

step 17: tap ink blending tool into weathered wood distress ink and ink tag by working in a circular motion starting on your craft sheet.  (*this is important to avoid harsh ink lines - always place tool on your craft sheet and without lifting it off, work in a circular motion pulling the ink from the sheet on to your tag.)

step 18: repeat above step using broken china distress ink.

step 19: repeat above step using faded jeans distress ink.

step 20: repeat above step using dusty concord distress ink. (*notice how distress inks allow you to blend numerous colors on one background.)

step 21: make a cup with your fingers and spritz water into your hand from mini mister.

step 22: flick the water on to your inked tag creating water droplets.

step 23: let water set on tag from at least 10 seconds and then blot with paper towel. (*distress inks are reactive with water.)

step 24: dry tag with heat tool.  (*this technique creates the look of "faux bleach".  cool huh?)

step 25: stamp snow flurries stamp on tag with black soot distress ink.

step 26: once grungeboard snowman has dried and crackled, remove from craft sheet and ink edges with weathered wood distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 27: apply glossy accents to back of grungeboard.

step 28: adhere to tag and slide a piece of ribbon behind head around neck of snowman.

step 29: tie ribbon to create scarf and secure knot with small amount of glossy accents.

step 30: cut holly grungeboard pieces apart.

step 31: adhere all grungeboard elements to snowman with glossy accents.

step 32: gather the following supplies before proceeding: clear UTEE, white UTEE, glass glitter, perfect pearls, glossy accents, bowl, craft stick, gloves.

step 33: combine dry ingredients into bowl. (*to be honest there really isn't a specific recipe since it depends on the amount of "snow" you want to create.)
here's a simple guide to follow:
1 part white UTEE
2 parts clear UTEE
1 part glass glitter
1 scoop perfect pearls (use craft stick)

step 34: add glossy accents to dry ingredients. (*again this doesn't have a specific amount, you just add liquid and stir.  start with about a quarter size amount.)

step 35: stir mixture with craft stick.

step 36: continue to add more glossy accents stirring the mixture constantly until you get a cookie-dough-like consistency. (*glossy accents is a glue so be sure to work on craft sheet.  also, do not let this sit - you must mix it and use it right away.)

step 37: wearing gloves, scoop mixture with your hands and press it on to the bottom of the tag creating a snow mound.  you can build this up as high as you want.  the mixture won't feel like it's going to stick but TRUST ME - it sticks to everything it touches.  (*be sure to wear gloves...you've been warned!)

step 38: scoop up more snow mixture and rub it across grungeboard accents, the snow will stick into any recessed areas creating a snow drift look.  let dry.  this should only take about 15 minutes. (*and yes...it will stick!)

step 39: accent holly on hat with fired brick distress stickles to create berries.

step 40: attach a strand of ornaments or bead garland to twig hands with glossy accents and let the rest of the strand hang freely.

*in the details: the textures of this tag are incredible.  the dimension of the snow, the crackled grungeboard snowman, and the smooth glass garland adds just the right touch.

12 tags of christmas - day 6...

"day 6" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, adirondack alcohol inks/cranberry, red pepper, ginger, lettuce, meadow, stream, wild plum, adirondack blending solution, adirondack paint dabber/snow cap, glossy accents, distress inks/peeled paint, black soot, weathered wood, faded jeans, broken china,, mini mister, heat tool (ranger); koi waterbrush (sakura); stamps/sheet music V1-1339, pine branch G2-1186, splatter U1-1261 (stampers anonymous); clear paintables (prima); shimmer stickers (making memories); bling (heidi swapp); glue dots dot n go (glue dots); tag, ribbon, metal snowflakes, paint palette

step 1: working on your non-stick craft sheet, create an alcohol ink palette by dripping approx. 10 drops of alcohol ink into a plastic paint palette.  use one reservoir per color. (*it's important to work on your craft sheet when using alcohol inks to protect your work surface as alcohol inks will stain.)

step 2: allow ink palette to air dry completely. (*do not force dry with a heat tool.  the alcohol inks must be DRY to do this technique...crazy huh?)

step 3: you'll need a waterbrush and blending solution for this next step. (*i get asked if you can use rubbing alcohol for this technique and the answer is no - it just won't work the same.)

step 4: remove brush top from waterbrush and fill with adirondack blending solution. (*blending solution is a solvent that contains a resin that will reactivate the alcohol inks and allow them to blend and adhere to non-porous surfaces.  as far as the waterbrush, i prefer it over a paint brush for better control, but if that's all you have a paint brush will work fine. i am using a koi waterbrush from sakura.  this is the BEST waterbrush for this technique since you can unscrew the cap and the barrel is completely open for easy filling.  -NOTE: once you fill your waterbrush with blending solution, you can no longer use it with any other type of liquid including water.)

step 5: choose a design from a clear paintable.  these are pre-printed transparencies that can be colored. (*you can also stamp a piece of acetate with a permanent ink, but you need to color on the opposite side you stamped.)

step 6: place paintable over tag to determine which are you will use since these are sold only in 12x12 sheets. (*if you are not using this on a tag, cut it to whatever size you wish.)

step 7: place tag over paintable and outline it with a sharpie.

step 8: cut paintable to size of tag.

step 9: prime your waterbrush by pressing down on your craft sheet with the brush.  this will start the flow of the blending solution.  next simply swipe the waterbrush into the dry palette of alcohol ink to reactivate the ink with the blending solution and load the brush with color. (*how cool is this?  the alcohol inks will never "not" work, this palette can be re-filled indefinitely!)

step 10: begin painting with alcohol ink on either side of the paintable.  this inks will flow from the brush tip.  for more concentrated color do not press down on the brush which will not add as much blending solution.  keep in mind the more blending solution in the brush, the lighter the color will be.  you can simply re-swipe the brush back on to the palette to reload your color.

step 11: to clean your brush simply wipe it on your craft sheet - the blending solution will clean off the color.  (*do not wipe brush on a towel as this will dry out the bristles of the brush.)

step 12: to lighten an area you have already painted, simply brush over it with a "clean" waterbrush since the blending solution will reactivate the inks on the paintable just like they did on the palette.  (*in other words, you can NEVER make a mistake since the inks will always reactivate with the blending solution.)

step 13: continue painting the areas of your paintable with various colors from your palette.

step 14: clean your brush by wiping it on your craft sheet.

step 15: you can also mix colors to create your own custom colors.  just swipe the brush in a color, paint it in the center of your palette or your craft sheet and swipe into another color and do the same.  then just brush over both colors mixing them to your liking.  (*remember it doesn't matter if these inks dry- they will always reactivate with the blending solution.)

step 16: paint a wash of color on background areas by simply brushing over a color to lighten it out to create a wash. let dry.

step 17: remove your shimmer stickers from the packaging. (*laugh all you want - this is an important step that many overlooked in class!)

step 18: load your waterbrush with color from your palette.

step 19: paint over the shimmer stickers. (*okay...BREATHE!  yes, this is so cool isn't it?  but seriously - i LOVE this font set of shimmer stickers.  i will be using it year round!  oh the possibilities of all of the things you can color with alcohol inks.  stickers, glass beads, charms, bling, wire, eyelets, brads, and even staples.  nothing is safe anymore... it can all be painted with alcohol inks!)

step 20: paint whatever letters you're going to use on your tag, but while your at it, play around with different colors on different latter's. (*if you don't like a color, simply brush over it with a "clean" waterbrush to remove the ink.  remember you can't make a mistake here...). let dry.

step 21: for tag background, swipe various colors of distress ink on to non-stick craft sheet.

step 22: repeat for additional colors - just be sure not to swipe one color directly over the other to avoid contamination.

step 23: mist inked craft sheet with water from mini mister.

step 24: be sure to mist enough water to create "droplets" of color - this is very important!  (*the main reason we need to do this technique on a craft sheet is notice how the inks do not migrate together even though we've added all this water to them.)

step 25: press tag on to inked sheet and lift off.

step 26: dry tag with heat tool. (*the tag will curl but not to worry as it will flatten out too.)

step 27: repeat previous step by tapping tag on to remaining ink on craft sheet.

step 28: dry additional layers of ink each time.

step 29: stamp pine branch stamp a few times with peeled paint distress ink on corner of the tag.

step 30: ink sheet music stamp by SWIPING the black soot distress pad across stamp. DO NOT tap the ink pad on to the stamp. (*by swiping instead of tapping the ink on to a stamp, you will achieve a second generation or lighter stamped image.  this is great when you want your background images to be more subtle. cool action shot isn't it!)

step 31: stamp the sheet music at random on the tag trying to avoid the pine branch.

step 32: ink pine branch stamp with black soot distress ink and stamp over the previous stamped areas off setting the images so it provides a shadow.

step 33: apply snow cap paint dabber over the INKED side of the paintable.  the alcohol inks should be dry by now as drying time is under 1 minute for alcohol inks.  (*i like to paint white over my painted images so when i flip it over the color will pop over my background.)

step 34: continue painting over all areas you want to highlight. (*be sure you're painting over the alcohol inked side.)

step 35: paint around the edges of the paintable with the dabber.  let dry.

step 36: apply glossy accents over painted edges of paintable to adhere to the tag.

step 37: press on to tag and let dry. (*glossy accents dries completely clear so it will not show any adhesive.)

step 38: apply snow cap dabber over splatter stamp.

step 39: stamp on to top edges of the tag to create a snowy effect.  reapply paint to stamp a repeat around the entire tag. (*this is one of my most favorite stamps when you want to create a splattered look without flinging paint or ink all over the place!)

step 40: remove inked shimmer stickers from sheet and apply them to your tag.

step 41: apply bling strip to tag - this is such an easy way to add some sparkle. (*remember if you want the bling to be a color - just paint it with the alcohol inks too!)

step 42: apply glue dots to metal snowflakes or other metal embellishments. (*glue dots can adhere just about anything and the best part is the embellishment stays flexible.  this is very important especially when you're sticking something to a slick surface.) *read the end of the post for more info on the snowflakes...

step 43: attach embellishment to tag.

step 44: bend metal accents to create dimension.  (*you can also use ghost snowflakes for these embellishments and ink them with silver metallic mixatives which are alcohol inks too.)

*in the details: check out how the colored glitter stickers sparkle against the painted paintable.  the twinkle of bling and metal snowflakes add to the dimension.  the idea of painting a slick surface give an effect like no other!

12 tags of christmas - day 5...

"day 5" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, adirondack paint dabbers/pitch black, juniper, red pepper, lettuce, gold, distress ink/walnut stain, ink blending tool, mini mister, glossy accents, distress stickles/antique linen, clear embossing powder, distress embossing ink, cut n' dry foam, heat tool, metallic mixative/gold (ranger); grungeboard/seasonal, elements swirls, sanding grip (tim holtz idea-ology); glue dots dot n go (glue dots); scissors (tonic); stamps/script P3-1378, scrollwork P5-1374 (stampers anonymous); rub ons (hambly); metal corners, home pro setter (american tag); snowflake embossing folder (provo craft); big shot express (sizzix); beaded trim, ribbon, tiny bells, tag

step 1: shake pitch black paint dabber and paint tag with dabber.

step 2: blend paint with a piece of cut n' dry foam to paint and cover tag.  let dry.

step 3: stamp scrollwork stamp with distress embossing ink twice.

step 4: stamp script with distress embossing ink filling in the space on the tag. (*i prefer to use distress embossing ink for all of my embossing since it provides the best detail - and it smells so GOOD - seriously!)

step 5: cover images with clear embossing powder.  remove excess - put back into jar.

step 6: heat emboss with heat tool until powder melts and becomes shiny.  let cool.

step 7: paint over entire embossed tag with juniper paint dabber.

step 8: blend paint with cut n' dry foam making sure to cover the images.

step 9: repeat until entire tag is covered with paint.  let dry to the touch until it's tacky. (*do not let paint dry completely before moving on to next step!)

step 10: spray a cloth with water from a mini mister.

step 11: wipe over painted tag with damp cloth to remove paint from the top of embossed designs. (*paints will not stick to the embossing completely and creates a shabby chic effect revealing our black base color. how cool is that?)

step 12: continue to wipe the tag with cloth - the harder you wipe the more of the background you will reveal.

*BONUS VIDEO STEP: learn how to emboss grungeboard using cuttlebug embossing folders and the new bigshot express! for another video using grungeboard click here!

step 13: paint embossed grungeboard deer with red pepper paint dabber.  let dry.

step 14: using sanding grip, sand over the embossed/raised areas of the grungeboard. (*grungeboard is designed to be sanded and the importance of using a sanding grip for this step is that the grip will remain FLAT allowing you to sand only the raised areas.  using a piece of sandpaper with your finger will sand off too much of the paint in the recessed areas.)

step 15: ink sanded grungeboard piece with walnut stain distress ink using ink blending tool.  be sure to ink entire piece.

step 16: mist a cloth with water again from mini mister.

step 17: wipe over inked grungeboard to remove the distress ink from the painted area. (*the paint dabbers will resist distress inks - yet another cool resist technique!)

step 18: paint grungeboard snowflakes with gold metallic paint dabber.  let dry.

step 19: cover painted pieces with antique linen distress stickles.

step 20: spread out distress stickles using your finger.  let dry.

step 21: apply craft glue dots from dot n go on to your non-stick craft sheet.

step 22: using your finger, roll the glue dots into little glue strips.

step 23: apply these to the thin detailed areas on the back of the grungeboard reindeer. (*this will allow you to create dimension and not have to cut little pieces of foam tape or thicker glue dots - pretty tricky huh?)

step 24: repeat for all areas of grungeboard that require adhesive.  for larger areas, simply add a few more for dimension - apply to tag to create a raised effect. (*remember the grungeboard is totally flexible and pliable so it can hang off the edges of the tag without any problem!)

step 25: shake gold metallic mixative and apply to craft sheet.

step 26: here's the cool little brush again!  dip speckle brush into mixative.

step 27: twist brush to create gold metallic speckles on to your tag.  (*love this step!)

step 28: remove small holly from grungeboard sheet and paint with lettuce paint dabber.  let dry.

step 29: scuff edges with sanding grip exposing areas of grungeboard.

step 30: ink sanded piece with walnut stain distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 31: with damp cloth, wipe off inked grungeboard. (*remember the paint resist the distress ink!!!)

step 32: cut grungeboard pieces apart with scissors.

step 33: adhere to neck of reindeer with glossy accents. (*i like using glossy accents for detailed accents.)

step 34: adhere tiny jingle bells with glossy accents.  let dry.

step 35: position metal corner on to bottom corners of tag.

step 36: position corner into home-pro and crimp corner down. (*this tool is so great for punching holes, setting eyelets, nailheads and crimping metal corners.)

step 37: apply glossy accents to the bottom edge on the back of the tag.

step 38: adhere beaded trim to tag and trim off excess trim with scissors. (*i apply a small amount of glossy accents to the edges of the trim to keep it from fraying.)

step 39: cut out rub-on word.

step 40: apply to grungeboard reindeer with craft stick. (*i like the contrast of the white rub-on.)

step 41: remove detailed flourish from grungeboard elements pack and paint with gold metallic paint dabber.  let dry.

step 42: apply glossy accents to back of grungeboard.

step 43: adhere to tag over the reindeer. (*we want this to lay flat across the tag.)

step 44: once distress stickles are dry, ink snowflakes with walnut stain distress ink using ink blending tool. (*distress stickles are actually "inkable" so you can create an instant tarnished look since distress stickles look like vintage glass glitter.)

step 45: repeat glue dots technique by rolling glue dots to create dimensional snowflakes and adhere to tag.

*in the details: look at how the variety of golds add to this tag using metallic mixatives, gold paint dabber, and distress stickles.  the unique color palette of this tag captures a shabby holiday look.

12 tags of christmas - day 4...

"day 4" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies:  craft sheet, sticky back canvas, matte multi-medium, paint brush, distress ink/black soot, old paper, frayed burlap, fired brick, ink blending tool, mini mister (ranger); numerals, stencil type, long fasteners, washers, texture hammer, sanding grip (tim holtz idea-ology); scissors, paper distresser (tonic); stamps/december J1-1244, definitions K4-1251 (stampers anonymous); prima flowers, dymo, tags, ribbon, film strip, star, stapler, music paper

step 1: determine size of tag or layout you're working on and size photo on your computer to fit project.  print photo on sticky back canvas - YES you can run sticky back canvas through most printers: laser, toner, ink jet (that's right! even ink jet works great with this and the inks will not bleed at all on the canvas).  you can print your photo in black and white, sepia of color for this technique.

step 2: cut printed image out using non-stick scissors.

step 3: peel off backing of sticky back.

step 4: place canvas face down (adhesive side up) on craft sheet and place tag in center.

step 5: trim off excess canvas using non-stick scissors.

step 6: punch hole back through tag with hole punch.

step 7: ink the edges of your "canvas" tag with black soot distress ink using ink blending tool. (*i love this look of a photo on canvas.  sticky back is great since it allows you to have a canvas surface on things like tags, cards, scrapbook pages, boxes, and other home decor item - endless possibilities!)

step 8: using dymo label maker, create words for your tag. this can be names, dates, whatever...

step 9: cut words apart with scissors, remove backing and adhere directly to the canvas tag.

step 10: position a piece of film strip (from those old 8mm movies) and secure to tag with staples.

step 11: brush a small amount of multi-medium on to back of star.

step 12: press down to adhere to tag. (*multi-medium can be used as an adhesive for all types of objects - this is a fast drying medium with excellent adhesive qualities.)

step 13: stamp december stamp on to another tag or piece of cardstock.

step 14: cut out image.

step 15: ink image with old paper distress ink using ink blending tool. (*you can also use darker colors of distress ink on the edges.)

step 16: drag paper distresser along the edges to create a tattered look.

step 17: for added dimension, bend and curl up corners.

step 18: secure to tag using stapler.

step 19: gather the following supplies for this next step since working quickly is key: numerals "2" and "5", multi-medium, paint brush, music paper torn into strips. (*as much as i like using the numerals as-is, this techinque achieves cool results!)

step 20: working on your craft sheet, brush a layer of multi-medium on to one of the numerals.

step 21: while medium is wet, press pieces of vintage papers over the multi-medium forming paper around curved edges with your finger.

step 22: apply more multi-medium and continue to add more papers until entire numeral is covered.  brush a light layer over the top of the entire piece. (*working on a non-stick craft sheet is key for this step!)

step 23: repeat above steps for the other numeral.

step 24: allow pieces to dry or dry with heat tool.

step 25: trim off excess paper with scissors or craft knife around numeral.

step 26: use your fingers to get into any tight areas and form paper around the back of the numeral.

step 27: using sanding grip, sand and scuff over the numerals to remove some of the paper and expose the metal for grungy distressed look. (*i use the sanding grip because it allows me to sand just the top surface and not rip off all of the paper.)

step 28: ink over the numerals with frayed burlap distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 29: ink over numerals again with fired brick distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 30: mist over numerals with water form mini mister and blot with cloth. (*notice how the inks only adhere to the edges where you sanded since the metal and multi-medium resists the distress ink - cool effect!)

step 31: secure to tag with long fasteners.

step 32: stamp prima flowers with black soot distress ink using definitions stamp.

step 33: place long fastener through washer. (*this will keep the brad from going through the center of the flowers.)

step 34: insert fastener through flowers and holly and secure to tag.

step 35: using bump tip of texture hammer, place tag on hammer mat and tap the head of the brad with the hammer to create dents in the brad and give it a time worn look - love the hammer here's a video on how to use it - so cool!)

step 36: adhere stencil type to tag with multi-medium and let dry.

*in the details - look how great the tattered numerals with the torn papers, and the stamped flowers with the texture hammered brad add to this tag!

12 tags of christmas - day 3...

"day 3" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, distress ink/fired brick, aged mahogany, peeled paint, pine needles, antique linen, frayed burlap, vintage photo, archival ink/jet black, glossy accents, adirondack paint dabber/snow cap, ink blending tool (ranger); fragments/circles & ovals, philosophy tags, trinket pins, jump rings (tim holtz idea-ology); scissors, paper distresser (tonic); stamps/santa U2-1379, script P3-1378, scroll P5-1374, frame V1-1161 (stampers anonymous); tags, ribbon

step 1: working on craft sheet stamp santa image on to 2 different tag using archival ink. let dry. (*ink must be a waterproof ink.)

step 2: begin inking one of the tags only using antique linen distress ink with ink blending tool. (*this tool is key to applying a smooth and blended application of ink.)

step 3: tint areas of stamped image using fired brick distress ink with ink blending tool in a tapping motion.

step 4: tint the holly of the stamped image using peeled paint distress ink with ink blending tool in a tapping motion.

step 5: apply glossy accents to one side of largest oval fragment and spread around adhesive with tip of bottle or your finger. (*it is important that the entire fragment has glossy accents on it.)

step 6: place fragment on to inked images and press down forcing out any excess accents and air bubbles.  hold in place for about 30 seconds. (*i use glossy accents for this vs. "others" since it has such a fast drying time and will not bleed the distress inks.  also if working on photos for this technique be sure DO NOT use this with ink jet photos.)

step 7: cut around fragment using non-stick scissors trimming as close to the edge as possible.

step 8: on the second tag, begin inking with antique linen distress ink using ink blending tool around the edges of the tag slightly blending ink into center. *(do not ink the santa image too much.)

step 9: ink edges with vintage photo distress ink with ink blending tool.

step 10: stamp script over background with frayed burlap distress ink. stamp several times around, but not over, the santa image. *(frayed burlap is a light brown ink to the background text is subtle.)

step 11: stamp scroll with aged mahogany distress ink in corners of tag.

step 12: stamp edge of frame along side of tag with pine needles distress ink.

step 13: drag paper distresser along edge of tag to create a tattered look on the edges.

step 14: apply glossy accents to the back (paper side) of the fragment and spread out with the tip of the bottle. (*do not use too much for this step or it will make a mess on your tag.)

step 15: place fragment over stamped santa on tag lining up the image.

step 16: press and hold in place for about 30 seconds until dry. (*what a cool effect!  a spotlight of color on a black and white image.)

step 17: apply snow cap paint dabber over philosophy tag to color word and number.

step 18: lightly wipe wet paint off of tag with cloth - paint will remain in recessed areas.

step 19: apply snow cap paint dabber over trinket pin to color ward and number.

step 20: lightly wipe wet paint off of pin with cloth - paint will remain in recessed areas. (*love these!)

step 21: attach philosophy tag to trinket pin with jump ring securing it to the bottom ring of pin.

step 22: attach a ribbon through top of tag and secure pin through ribbon.

step 23: notice how the bold word on the metal tag compliments the subtle text background. (*remember it's all in the details.)

*in the details: just a close up view of the spotlight image fragment. (*try this with various size fragments over photos.  you will need to print 2 photos (1 color/1 black and white) and adhere your fragment to the color one with glossy accents, cut out, and adhere over same area of black and white photo - too cool!)

12 tags of christmas - day 2...

"say 2" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, adirondack alcohol inks/denim, stream, stonewash, slate, eggplant, adirondack metallic mixatives/silver, adirondack blending solution, archival ink/jet black, distress embossing ink, embossing powder/black, distress inks/weathered wood, frayed burlap, faded jeans, ink blending tool, heat tool, glossy cardstock (ranger); grungeboard/elements swirls, long fasteners, washers (tim holtz idea-ology); rub-ons (hambly); ghost snowflakes (heidi swapp); stamps/skinny tree P3-1373, snow flurries K3-1372 (stampers anonymous); stamp/holiday text (hero arts); craft pick (tonic); dot n go craft (glue dots); bird charm, ribbon, tag, black cardstock, speckling brush

step 1: shake metallic mixative and apply a squiggle of ink to center of non-stick craft sheet. (*when working with alcohol inks it is IMPORTANT to work on a protective surface that the inks will not permeate and the craft sheet is teflon fused in glass - my favorite working surface.)

step 2: apply various drips, drops, and squiggles or several colors of alcohol inks over the mixative - it's okay that the inks blend. (*alcohol inks are designed for non-porous surfaces like glossy cardstock, glass, metal, plastic, etc.)

step 3: shake on blending solution over ink mixture. (*the more blending solution you add the lighter your background will be.)

step 4: place glossy cardstock face down and twist paper into ink. (*glossy cardstock is not the same as glossy photo paper.  glossy cardstock is clay coated and designed to absorb inks. photo paper is emulsion based and will cause a chemical reaction and get very sticky)

step 5: slide paper up off of craft sheet.

step 6: place background back into same ink and twist again for a second layer.

step 7: slide paper up off craft sheet to reveal background. (*i usually only do 2 layers - anymore than that sometimes get a bit muddy.)

step 8: *this is an optional step if you have ink left over from your first background.  add more blending solution and repeat above steps using another piece of glossy cardstock.

step 9: here are the other backgrounds i created simply by adding more and more blending solution to my ink mixture until i was out of ink.

step 10: stamp tree stamp with distress embossing ink on to background. (*make sure alcohol ink is completely dry before this step. - i prefer distress embossing ink when stamping on glossy cardstock since it is a bit lighter ink and the stamp won't slide on the slick surface as much.)

step 11: pour black embossing powder over stamped image working over a piece of scrap paper.

step 12: remove excess powder and put back into the jar and heat emboss using a heat tool until powder melts and becomes shiny.

step 13: ink snow flurries stamp with archival ink by rubbing vs. tapping the ink pad on the stamp.  this will provide a lighter application of ink and give the image a more subtle look. let dry.

step 14: shake metallic mixative again and apply a puddle of ink to craft sheet.

step 15: press speckling brush into ink. (*if you don't have a speckling brush you can use a toothbrush.)

step 16: slide needle into brush and turn the brush to speckle the ink.

step 17: create tiny speckles of silver ink on your background to create a snow flurry effect.  let dry. (*i use mixatives for this step since they are alcohol based and dry very quickly.)

step 18: cut out rub-ons and apply over background (*i like to use white rub-ons to create contrast.)

step 19: remove bookplate from grungeboard elements swirl pack.

step 20: ink grungeboard with distress ink using ink blending tool. (*the embossed swirls really stand out when inked.)

step 21: ink text stamp with archival ink and stamp on to grungeboard.

step 22: place grungeboard on to background and pierce holes with craft pick.

step 23: insert a long fastener through slot in washer. (*washers are designed to work with long fasteners to create the look of a rivet and also to secure things with larger holes than the head of your brad - cool effect!)

step 24: insert fastener through background to secure grungeboard.

step 25: ink tag with distress ink using ink blending tool around edges.

step 26: apply slate alcohol ink directly to silver charm by dripping it on. (*i use slate alcohol ink to create an antiqued tarnished look to shiny charms.)

step 27: adhere background to tag with glue dots using dot n go. (*i matted my background with a little black cardstock to frame it.)

*in the details: attach ghost snowflake to top of tag with long fastener and adhere bird charm to tag also using glue dots. (*remember, glue dots can attach dimensional objects with no problem, and the adhesive stays flexible - love them!)

12 tags of christmas - day 1...

"day 1" -tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, distress inks/fired brick, aged mahogany, peeled paint, vintage photo, distress stickles/fired brick, ink blending tool, mini mister, archival ink/jet black, glossy accents, heat tool (ranger); grungeboard/basics plain, seasonal, mask/concerto (tim holtz idea-ology); stamps/lamp post P3-1338, music V1-1339, set CMS-048 (stampers anonymous); scissors, paper distresser (tonic); dot n go (glue dots); tag, ribbon

step 1: place mask on to tag burnishing it lightly with your hand.

step 2: ink over mask with distress ink using an ink blending tool working in a twisting and tapping motion vs. a swiping motion to avoid lifting the mask off.

step 3: repeat until entire tag is inked - be sure to ink the tag with intense color.

step 4: ink stamp with archival ink and stamp over masked tag. (*be sure to use a waterproof ink for this step.)

step 5: when finished inking, wipe excess ink off mask.  carefully remove mask by peeling it away from tag and return to storage sheet.

step 6: mist tag with water from mini mister to allow inks to start blending and bleeding into masked area. (*we used distress inks for the background because they are reactive with water and will spread out when wet and create various tones of color.)

step 7: dry inks with heat tool.

step 8: stamp lamp post grungeboard sheet with archival ink. let dry.

step 9: cut image out with scissors.

step 10: ink edges with distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 11: remove "joy" and "mini holly" from seasonal grungeboard pack.

step 12: ink pieces with distress ink using ink blending tool.

step 13: adhere grungeboard lamp post and joy to tag with glossy accents.

step 14: cut holly pieces apart and adhere them to the lamp post with glossy accents.

step 15: drag paper distresser along the edges of the tag to create a tattered effect.

step 16: apply distress stickles over "joy" spreading it around with the tip of the bottle. let dry.

step 17: apply glue dots to lamp post with craft dot n go.

*in the details: tie ribbon on bells and adhere to tag with glue dots. (*i like to use glue dots for any dimensional object since they hold on to just about everything and still allow it to stay flexible.)