CCC Week 25

No excuses, just totally lost track of time and missed week 24. I have about 3 different weeks to get caught up on. I loved this week's technique, and decided it was time to stray from Holiday stamping since I've madly been getting my Tim Holtz 12 tags of Christmas completed and loaded (Take a look on my blog). I used victorian velvet and concord grape, with burlap dribbled. Can't say the pink survived all the other colors. The technique is fun, and I love the way the tags pick up the color. No more using the excuse of not having the right paper to make a project! I am loving the tag alterations die, and what about all those fun ideology embellishments! Anyone else had to go in search of just the right storage bin? I think I found the best one out there - I am using the bead organizers they sell for $1.99 at Michaels. They are clear so you can see everything at a glance. Well, it's good to be back in the swing of stamping and creating - finally using up some of the 'collection'! Happy New Year Everyone!

Tim Holtz - Tag 11

So - how cool is it that you can create a stamp from any of the dies you have! Kind of like getting 2 things for the price of one! I didn't have any foam, and wanted to get these tags done, so I cheated a little and stamped a few snowflakes from other stamps I had in the 'stash'. I think I am finally getting the hang of the ink blending - you be the judge. It seems more 'blended' on the last few projects than it did at first. I have been using the tools so much, I finally broke down a bought a few of the blending handles so I could have one for each basic color. My holiday treat to myself. Well, just one more tag to go. I am waiting for the crackle paint to dry so I can cut out the image.

Tim Holtz - Tag 10

I didn't have that darling snowman, but did have the beautiful ornaments. The snowflake texture folder is from Sizzix a few years ago. I was glad I had saved some of the old packaging from some purchases. I took some extra time and cut out a few clear tags for later projects. I was looking back over Tim's last few years of tags, and thinking to myself, He sure outdid himself with techniques this year!

Tim Holtz - Tag 9

Wow, How beautiful is this! The shimmering gold, which didn't photo well, really set this apart. And, I finally broke the hammer out of the packaging - it's been in my drawer forever! AND - I have the packaging for one of the next tags. What a fun week this has been. I should probably send work a thank-you note for giving me the week off to play!

Tim Holtz - Tag 7

I really had fun with this one, although it took me what seemed like most of an afternoon. I got to enjoy Julie and Julia all the way through. I had to improvise on the sprays - but had some from Radiant pearls that seemed to do quite a good job. The wood sure photo'd yellow, but it is a much more earthy tone in person. I can see alot of uses for the sticky back canvas/grungeboard combination. I 'm glad it comes in a 5 pack!

Tim Holtz - Tag 6

Okay, so how fun was this one! Are you like me and wondered why Tim would make a texture plate with so much open space? And, do you really wonder if he had this technique in mind - or came up with after the fact. Either way - how cool. I have become kind of texture plate crazy and seem to be using them on each and every project somehow these days.

Tim Holtz - Tag 5

This was one of my favorites. It is chocked full of new ideas and techniques with items I already had in the drawer! Since we can't get very many Tim supplies locally, ordering them and getting them in time was out of the question. Probably saved my checking account a serious hit anyways...

Tim Holtz Tag 4

Well, Better late than never. I have been making the tags, slow but sure. I like most, have had to substitute a few things along the way. I really liked the facet and how it turned out. The rest of the tag - not so much. Learning the new techniques has been a blast and I can't wait to do my first card challenge for my stamp club later this week.

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 3

Wow, Already day 3. I have had a blast with these new tags, techniques, old and new. It is so fun to use up the 'stash' of Tim products. Join in all the fun with Tim's 12 tags of Christmas. This is a very fun time - I can't always do one a day - in fact today I did 2, plus my cards for an upcoming swap - using Tim's techniques of course.... Happy Holidays everyone. Thank you for looking.

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 2

Here is my 2nd tag in the Tim Holtz 12 tags of Christmas. This is the greatest challenge. 12 days of tags, all with a Christmas theme, new techniques, products, etc. This one did NOT photo well. So sorry... But - if you have not used the Cut and Dry foam stamping technique before - do yourself a favor had check it out. Amazing is all I have to say....

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas - 1st tag

OMG - It's that time of year again. Tim Holtz is doing his 12 Tags of Christmas 2010. His art, innovation, imagination, and techniques are of course amazing as always. Check out Tim's Blog for all the pics and details. If you are Tim fan - this is a MUST. Enjoy

CCC week 23 - Double the fun...Distressing

Week 23 took me to one of my favorite techniques. To check it out - go to page 40 in Tim Holtz's book, Compendium of Curiosities. I can't give you the details here - that would spoil all the fun. I used a Cuttlebug music embossing folder, all the blue distress inks I had in my drawer, Symphony tissue tape, and one of my favorite all-purpose saying stamps. The art going up on Linda's Studio L3 is simply amazing - do yourself a real favor and zip on over for a look-see. You will NOT be disappointed. Then, if you are up to it - join the challenge and starting having fun with the rest of us.

Happy Thanksgiving to all

CCC Week 22 - Alcohol Ink Splatter

It is week 22, over at the incredible Linda's Studio L3. Hop on over to check out the scoop on all the fun we are having. This week was a blast. I have to tell you - splatter, shimmer, AND fun. This has got to be my favorite technique of Tim Holtz, Compendium of Curiosities, so far. I used every color of green Alcohol Ink I could find to help with my 'forest'. At first I thought I really blew it with the metallic AI, but when I got my forest stamped, I realized the silver looks a bit like a planned full moon - don't ya think? Hope you are enjoying the challenges as much as I, and Thank you for checking out my blog this week. Enjoy everyone.

CCC Week 21 - Perfect Distress

Week 21, Thanksgiving on the horizon, and Christmas will be here before you know it. However - here in the desert we are still having beautiful weather and I thought I'd stamp some flowers as a reminder of why I love living here! Perfect Distress was the theme this week. Kind of an odd name for something so messy, hard to photograph, and what I found to be anything but perfect! I did love the technique and used Peeled Paint distress ink as well as green and blue patina powders. To get the real details on the technique - Buy Tim's book. To learn all about the amazing Linda and her challenge, hop on over to Studio L3 to see what the buzz is all about. What are you waiting for? Join in all the fun.

CCC week 19 - Extreme Masking

Have you ever heard of Tim Holtz? Ever heard of Linda at Studio L3? Click on the link and get all the deets. This is the most fun and inspiring challenge I have ever had the privilege of participating in. You have GOT to check it out. This week was Extreme Masking. I used Fired Brick, Stormy Sky, and Peeled Paint Distress Inks and Tim's masks. Fun technique.

CCC Week 17 - Fragment Charms

Week 17 of the amazing Compendium of Curiosities Challenge over on the amazing blog of Linda at Studio L3. If you have not hopped over there - you are really missing out. We are all quite obsessed with anything Tim Holtz - I've finally found 'my peeps' - those who love this art as much as I do. This weeks challenge was 'fragmented charms'. All the details are on page 64 of Tim's fabulous book. I backed the charms with the Lost and Found papers, used many of Tim's stamps, and of course Distress Inks (aged mahogany, stormy sky, and pumice stone). This was a new technique to me, so took a while to get the hang of it. It was fun to dig through the 'stash' to find just the right images for the tiny charms. Have a wonderful week creating new art....

CCC Week 16 - Wrinkle Free Distress

Life certainly has its twists and turns. I was temporarily distracted from the CCC Challenge. I'll post some make-up tags in the coming weeks. I am amazed at the world-wide talent participating. I couldn't resist joining in the Halloween Theme that others have started using. Although with a record high of 104 this week, it's hardly fall weather. If you are wondering what this challenge is all about - all the details are over at Studio L3 with the wonderful Linda in charge. We are sworn to secrecy on the technique instructions - please please do yourselves a favor and buy Tim Holtz book, Compendium of Curiosities and see what all the buzz is about. This weeks challenge is 'Wrinkle Free Distress'. I used Dusty Concord and Peeled paint distress inks. - two of my faces, and a few of Tim's halloween stamps. Enjoy....

CCC Week 12 - Chipped Enamel

Wow - Week 12 of the Compendium of Curiosity Challenge over at Linda's Studio L3 . If you've been living under a rock, or absolutely LOVE Tim Holtz, and are just stumbling upon my blog - check it out. This week, the challenge is ????. Guess you've got to check out Linda's blog to get the details. I decided since it is fall in other areas of the world, (Still over 100 degrees here in the desert) I would get into the Halloween Spirit. I used a texture fade (Damask) on the tag. Covered with Dusty Concord DI. The stamps are all from Art Impressions (BTW - if anyone knows where to find this amazing haunted house stamp - let me know. I've searched high and low). The metal embellishments were from my ancient collection tags, eyelets, etc.... I edged the stamped images with tea dye DI, and smeared dusty concord distress stickles. These are SO fun - no mess like embossing powder, but add a little shimmer. So - it was another very fun afternoon creating....

CCC Week 11 - Blended Batik

Can you believe we are on week 11? Each technique is more and more fun. I can't tell you the technique - per Linda's rules over Studio L3, but I can tell you that I used Tumbled Glass Distress Ink and a new stamp I just got from Outlines Rubber Stamps. I am really enjoying this. What is amazing to me is that there are stampers from all over the world participating. I have never been a part of something like this before. I am thankful for all the beautiful art we get to share each week. Have a great week everyone!

CCC Week 10 - Distress Stickles

What happened to week 9? OBE - Overcome by events - and my attempts failed miserably. But - this week - I just love the stickles. All my friends will tell you - I HATE embossing powder - it goes everywhere, glitter drives me nuts - but...Stickles stay put - they shimmer, and I love them I used Pewter and Rock Candy. As I've noticed everyone else stating - gee - they just don't show up well on the photos. Enjoy - and I'll see you next week.

Week 8 CCC Challenge - Inking Grunge

I rushed home today to finally log on and see what Linda has in store for us in the Tim Holtz Compendium of Curiosities Challenge. This week was Page 39, Inking Grunge. Flowers are my weakness - I just love them, any time of the year. Today I used some of the grunge flowers in the TIm Holtz Nature Grunge Collection. I used Peeled Paint on the tag. Enjoy...

CCC Week 7 - Tinted Fragments

Oh, This was such fun. I didn't have any vintage photos, but found a great stash of collage sheets from Paula at Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers. Since I live in the 'wild wild west' I used that for my theme this week. This week's challenge was to use Tim Holtz Tinted Fragments technique. You know the drill by now - we can encourage you to buy the book and learn the techniques...but we aren't allowed to share any details..So what are you waiting for -

CCC Week 6 Multi-Medium Collage

This is week 6 of Linda's Studio L3 challenge. The technique this week is Multi-medium collage. I was so glad I had some very old books in my collection that I found at a garage sale years ago. I started by covering a butterfly from the Tim Holtz Grungeboard Nature set. I colored it with Spiced Marmalade DI. The tag was colored with Faded Jeans Distress Ink. I really enjoyed this weeks challenge. Once I got started, it was hard to stop making the embellishments. I think they will start popping up in later challenges... Check out the challenge here: Linda at Studio L3

CCC Week 5 - Distress Embossing

Week 5 of the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge put on by Linda at Studio 3. This week was Page 43 from Tim Holtz's Book. All my friends will tell you - I hate embossing powder. Never use it, never buy it.... until Tim Holtz made this amazing powder. I have to admit - the crystals don't 'release' like I had hoped, but I tried and tried. Loved it loved it, and did not mind cleaning up the mess a bit - (for you Shelann).

Pears: Innovative Stamp creations - DaVinci Pears. Distress Inks - Peeled Paint and Mustard Seed. Vintage Photo Embossing Powder.

If you haven't joined the challenge - please please check it out - it is such fun and gets the creative juices flowing!

Week 4 - CC Challenge Monoprint

Ughhhh. Here it is, Sunday afternoon, and I'd much rather be watching the World Cup than finishing this challenge. Truth be told - I'd rather be doing yard work in 106 degrees today than doing this challenge. After a million tries - this is the best one :-( Not my best, but not the worst one I did either). I used peeled paint over black. Stamp was one of my favorite from Outlines Rubber Stamps. Flowers - Tim Holtz new dies. The blob in the middle is supposed to say...'Thinking of you'. Enough whining - I worked on the technique and will have to keep working. Oh, and the snaps at the bottom were a fun surprise that I won from the All Things Tim Yahoo site (thanks to Gloria). have a great week everyone.

Week3 - CC Challenge - Monoprint

This was such fun project. I have all sorts of backgrounds now. What you can't see in this image is how beautiful the pearl metallic alcohol inks look in the center. I used Butterscotch, Wild Plum, Lettuce, and Pearl inks. I have gained such inspiration from all the other contributors. Keep up the great job with your projects. They are amazing.

Fragment Basics Challenge

This is week 2 of the Compendium of Curiosities challenge being hosted by Linda at Studio L3. Our challenge this week was to use Tim Holtz Fragments. I've got to tell you. It is such fun getting to use the 'collection'. If you're anything like me, you love everything Tim Holtz, have most of it, and use almost none of it. Okay - Maybe you're not like me... :-) I never really knew what to do with fragments. So I did a combination of techniques. I used Mustard Seed and walnut stain to color the background paper. For the main fragment - I used a technique where I put clear packing tape over a piece of Tim Holtz Disressables measuring tape paper. You soak the tape in water for about 5 minutes and it makes the tape into a transparency of the paper after you rub the excess paper off the back. Then I glued that to a stamped image, and then glued the fragment on top of that. For Dream, I simply glued letters to the back of different sized fragments.

Linda, of StudioL3, is hosting a weekly challenge using the techniques from Tim Holtz'sCompendium of Curiosities book. You can check out her blog for all the details. Prizes will be awarded throughout the challenge - all chosen by a random number generator. A new challenge will be posted each Monday. Sounds like fun? You can join in any time - please do!

This week was from page 35 - Water Stamping. I used Spiced Marmalade, Peeled Paint, and Dusty Concord. I stamped the SU Script stamp as the background. Very fun technique.

I have committed to the Studio L3 Tim Holtz Compendium of Composites Challenge. This week is the water stamping technique. Tonight is stamping night. Check out my finished product tomorrow.