just one more day...

tick-tock bloggers... in just one more day the "12 Tags of Christmas" will be kicking off!  i can't wait to share the creative fun of the season with all of you.  as you can imagine, i've been getting lots of emails this week asking what products i'll be using, what techniques i'll be sharing, etc.  the purpose of the tags are just to jump start your creativity so don't feel pressured you have to "keep up" - the instructions stay on the blog.  in fact the past 3 years tags are on the blog on the bottom left column marked 12 tags 2007, 2008, 2009.  hard to believe we're in our fourth year!  of course not every technique you see on the 12 tags will be a new one for you.  they're simply a way to inspire you this holiday season - amidst the hustle and bustle - to take time for yourself be creative.  in fact, i received an email one of my distributors asking for a supply list and below was my reply to them about how i truly feel:

well here i sit trying to type out a supply list for the 12 tags and you know what?  i can't...

here's the deal - i use so many different products on the tags, that it's hard to suggest a specific product or color.  for example, if i said i was using crackle paint, then the questions would be what colors, how many tags will it be used on, etc?  if the stores order up on crackle and i only end up using a bit of it on a grungeboard snowflake - then what?  stores will be overstocked on products and i don't think anyone wants that.  i also don't want anyone to feel that the 12 tags are marketing motivated because they've never been.   the 12 tags started out as a way to give back to the people who have supported me all year and more importantly, a way for me to share my love for the holidays.  i know this has turned into a frenzy all it's own and i'm blessed for that - we all are, but it's still important that i don't lose sight of why i'm doing them in the first place.  i enjoy challenging myself creatively by doing the tags each night before i post them (which i've done the past 3 years since they started).   i love the excitement i feel when i have to finish each tag by midnight as eager people from all over the world wait to see it the moment it goes live. half of the fun is getting people inspired and challenge themselves to use what supplies they have.  it's also wonderful that stores are just as excited each day trying to gather up products in their stores and plan workshops and make & takes to share with their customers.  i understand that every once in a while there is that odd product that nobody expects me to use - even me, but it is what it is.  i feel that by committing to products now, i'm not only limiting myself creatively on what i would actually want to use and design, but it takes the magic out of this and i don't want to give that magic up.  honestly, i have no idea what i'm going to create this year, and i don't know exactly what products i'll be using, but i do know this - that in the end everyone will have enjoyed the 12 tags of christmas again - including me...
i hope you understand...tim

so now for some details:  the tags will be posted each night/morning at 12:01am PST on my blog - hey i need every last minute to get the tag ready (yes, i really am creating the tag each night).  another exciting thing during the 12 Tags are 12 DAYS of GIVEAWAYS from my favorite companies.  for your chance to win, simply post a comment on each days blog post by clicking the word "comments" on the bottom.  we'll randomly select winners and post the names on the following day's blog post.  remember to post a comment each day as you can win more than once (and yes, it has happened in the past).  the more comments we get leading up to the 12th day, the more prizes we'll have on the final day!  i look forward to sharing this with all of you, and i hope you remember to make time for a little holiday magic - that's what this is all about.  until tomorrow...t!m

Comments

[Carla Cavellucci Landi]

Just loved your email to your distributor!
Freedom to create - this is not what art is about?
Fabulous.

[Tracy]

Whoop whoop feeling festive and full of good cheer..snowing here in Scotland....oh wow looking forward to tomorrow Tim!!!
Happy crafting!!!

[Verbena]

Love the element of surprise and NOT going out to buy product - just being creative and using what I've got!! Can't wait!

[Linda]

You are not only a talented artist, but an eloquent writer! Thanks for not losing sight as to why you started making the tags in the first place...I know I appreciate it!

Looking forward to all of them!

Linda

[Lindy]

So very excited....can't wait until tomorrow!

[Cheryl T.]

I can't wait...your tags are always too cool for words!

[Crystal]

Good for you being able to stay focused on the "magic" of what you do and to still be able to get excited about the "12 Tags". most people would start looking at it as a "have to project" rather than a "I get to" project. Thank you for the magic you bring us throughout the year.

[Clare H]

so excited!! cant wait to see what you come up with this year

[Addie-Addie]

I can't wait!! I just love the challenge to see what I can use in my own stash that I have already purchased to create the tags. I am so looking forward to the creative jump start. Here's wishing you lots of caffeine(I hope Starbucks sends you gift cards), and wonderful creative inspirations. Looking forward to tomorrow!

[Kelly S.]

Awesome!!!! I can't wait to see all your creations this year!