Cupid

Hi everyone!  Today I have a Valentine card I would like to share with you. Please put on some sunglasses and try not to cringe!  I was sowing some wild oats today, OK?

The challenges at Linda Ledbetter's Studio L3 challenge us to use Tim's techniques from his book Compendium of Curiosities Vol. 3.  Each fortnight Linda chooses one of Tim's techniques from his book and challenges us to come up with an original creation using that technique.  You have to work from your own book, though, so order your autographed book from Tim's website. You'll be happy you did!

Linda has chosen The Distress Watercolor Technique Part 2 on page 40 of CCV3, and the Curiosity Crew has Curiously Watercolored some special treats for your eyes.  Be sure to visit Studio L3 CC3 and then each of the Crew's blogs to see what awesome projects they have been working on!  You will be so inspired to make something of your own and link up.  And if your project is chosen as the Curiosity Crew's favorite, you will be awarded with an awesome assortment of Tim's products generously contributed by Tim and Mario.  And on top of that Linda Coughlin, owner of the well- appointed Funkie Junkie Boutique, has generously contributed a $25 shopping spree to her store for another lucky winner!  Her store has everything a crafter could want!

I've used Tim's Mini Blueprints 2 stamp set for my watercolored candy heart and Cupid layers. I followed Tim's instructions and used all products as outline on page 40.  I stamped an extra candy heart, colored it and fussy cut.  I did the same with the Cupid word and image and adhered them with foam tape to give even more of a shadow.

For the bottom most layer, I painted cardstock with gesso, allowed this to dry and applied alcohol inks to the felt applicator and splotched them over the card.  I spritzed with plain rubbing alcohol to blend.  When almost dry, I spritzed again with water. This is a new technique for me and am pleasantly surprised with the outcome.  This make the most amazing background, and the colors will react with first the alcohol and then the water in completely different ways.  Try it and you will be amazed! I almost did not want to cover it up, so I took a photo which of course never looks as good as in person.  When completely dry, I embossed with Tim's Valentine Texture Fade and swiped with Vintage Photo Distress ink, distressed the edges and more ink.

The candy heart layer was swiped through a puddle of Distress stains spritzed with water on my craft mat and after that I completed Part 2 according to the book.  The black layer under is paper stenciled with Tim's Gothic Stencil (I really do have other stencils!) and silver texture paste.  I was rushing, so I tried drying it with a heat gun and got really neat bubbles, but again, covered up!

I've used Tim's Paint Marbling technique on the "Bingo" layer  and a spritz with my hand poured Distress stain in Brushed Pewter, then embossed with another Tim Texture Fade.  I swiped on some Pumice Stone Distress ink to tone the colors down a bit and highlighted the number 14 with Picket Fence Distress Marker.  I've included a little twine for Frilly and Funkie's challenge "Be My Valen-twine" hosted by the uber- talented and creative Pamellia.

"Love is in the Air" at A Vintage Journey, and Astrid is the hostess this fortnight. She says

For this challenge please share what moves your heart with us, be it a Valentine's card for a loved one, a heart themed project, or something else that expresses what true love means to you. Just make sure that Tim's style is evident in what you make.

So, I am entering her most inspirational challenge with my Valentine card, inspired not only by the Creative Guides but by Tim Holtz through his techniques and his products which are so versatile that even a bingo card can fill in for a Valentine!

UPDATE:  I have great news to share with you!  first please see these updated photos.  I absolutely hated this as a card, and pulled the thing apart today and added a black embossed background (Darice EF) which I swiped with silver metallic rub to highlight the raised areas.  The CS I embossed is actually the packaging from the embossing folder--this is one of those new products, by the way. Then I found a nice old frame in my huge stash--it was greenish, and gave it a good wipe down with Distress Paints and stain on the trim.  I happen to think this is a world of difference for the better.

Still bright, but I think that has something to do with my lighting, which is horrible

 The Good News (for me, anyway) is I can  FINALLY upload photos from my phone.  You have no idea what a breakthrough this is for me, because I used to have to send them to my daughter, and she would have to upload from her phone.  This was NOT good for our relationship! (TeeHee!), especially at 12:30 am!  SO to celebrate, and to celebrate my win over at Tim's blog, I am giving away some goodies.  I'm not sure exactly what yet, but I know I have at least a duplicate new - in -package--old release Tim Holtz stamp set, and a new doily stencil (Prima, I believe) purchased after I already had one--no ones ever done THAT before, have they?  Buy a duplicate of something you already have?  I also would like to include some vintage ephemera I've copied (not copyrighted) and whatever else I can find.  I will enter your name in the hat for each comment you have made on my blog since the first post in January through February 14. Draw will be on February 15th and winner announced on Feb. 16. So if you happened to comment twice on one post, as a few have your name goes in twice for that post.  I really appreciate the love you leave me, so I would like to give back in some small way.

                                                      **********************

I have to apologize for the less than desirable photos;  I was kind of short of time to create, photograph (and go through those hoops I had to go through to upload my photos) and post this in order to meet the deadline for CC3C which I'm kicking myself for missing last time. Thank you so much for taking your time to stop by and have a look.  Please know your comments always make me smile, and I'm happy to read and respond to every one of them!  Hugs and Blessings!

Sara Emily

I would like to enter my card into the following inspiring challenges:

Studio L3 Compendium of Curiosities 3 Challenge 20 Distress Watercoloring Part 2

Frilly and Funkie "Be My Valen-Twine"

A Vintage Journey Challenge 24 "Love Is In the Air"

The Artistic Stamper January Challenge "New Beginnings" New Mini Blueprints stamps used and new technique playing with gesso and alcohol inks and some reactives. A little bit of a new color palette for me!

Country View Challenges "Use Something New to You" Tried a new technique using gesso and alcohol inks and some reactives.  New stamps and a new color palette to try!

Inspiration Journal "Fresh Start" Fresh new color palette, new technique and new stamps used.


Sweet Stamps "Stencils and Paste"

Fashionable Stamping Challenge #90 "Numbers"

Hopeful

Hello everybody!  I'm so happy you took some time to visit.  Today I have a book cover I've altered to share with you.

Since I LOVE birds, I thought this fit right in with the challenge over at  A Vintage Journey with Astrid's challenge "Love is in the Air". Be sure to stop over there to check out all the awesome inspiration from the Creative Guides.  I think many of you know that my artwork is greatly influenced by not only Tim, but by nature, so since Astrid writes this, I thought I would share what moves my heart (and my bird's heart) in my entry this time.

For this challenge please share what moves your heart with us, be it a Valentine's card for a loved one, a heart themed project, or something else that expresses what true love means to you. Just make sure that Tim's style is evident in what you make.

The 20th installment at Linda Ledbetter's Studio L3 Compendium of Curiosities 3 is called Curiously Watercolored.  If you are not yet familiar with these challenges, they are based on Tim's book Compendium of Curiosities Vol. 3.  Each fortnight, Linda chooses one of Tim's fabulous techniques from his book and challenges us to come up with something original using that technique.  You must work from your own book, so be sure to order your autographed copy here.

The Curiosity Crew has outdone themselves whipping up some awesome art using  the Distress Watercolor Part 2 technique found on page 40 in Tim's book.  Be sure to drop in at each of their blogs to see their amazing work up close and leave them a comment.  If you enter your own work and the Crew picks you as their favorite, you will win a heapful of Tim's products compliments of Tim and Mario.  How awesome is that?  And, if that's not enough to motivate you to link up, they are also offering one lucky winner a generous $25 SHOPPING SPREE at The Funkie Junkie Boutique compliments of the store's lovely owner, Linda Coughlin.


Anyway, onto my book cover.  I used all materials as noted in Tim's instructions and followed them completely to achieve my watercolor scene.  I even used part of the technique on my three watercolored eggs at the top, although it is hard to see since it is somewhat hidden by the nest/bird panel and the stenciling I did.  I stamped the speckle part of the egg set first on 2 of the eggs, then watercolored them in using Tumbled Glass and Antique Linen for the background colors.  The third egg was stamped using the solid part first using Tumbled Glass Distress ink  and then the speckle.  The speckles were done in Archival ink- black and sepia (wish I had Potting Soil--it's on my list). I did the "part 2" of the watercolor technique (1/2 of it), then masked off the eggs trying to maintain the shadow somewhat.  I inked over and around the masks with Distress ink, and inked again using a darker DI through Tim's Gothic stencil.

The panel with the bird and nest was stamped using Sepia Archival ink and images from Tim's Urban Grunge and Bird Feather stamp sets.  I used the coloring technique as described on page 40, using all the indicated products. I also watercolored my background. Once dried, I embossed with Tim's Floral Frame Texture Fade which I stamped with Tim's Reflections script stamp in Archival ink on the recessed side before inserting the panel. After embossing, I inked up the raised areas as well as the edges with Distress ink after distressing. I added one tiny heart stenciled with Crackle texture paste and dabbed it with a little Distress stain.  My little bird holds her heart in her beak, waiting for that one love. I chose some words from Chit Chat which seemed fitting for my wistful, heartbroken bird with an empty nest--she is full of love, she is beautiful, she is determined and mostly, she is hopeful her nest will be filled. I shadowed the word stickers with Walnut Distress marker and swiped the shadows with a waterbrush to blend .

I made the tag with an Idea-ology Fragment and Wallflower paper stash, and tied it on the panel with some old string.  I chose another scrap from the Wallflower paper and  glued and  hand stitched with string.  I backed the nest/bird panel with burlap and adhered it to the book.  I tucked in a little "Nests and Eggs" publication from the stash.

I'm not certain what turns my book will take, but as it is, it is a lovely read--"The Works of Browning"--brimful of his poetical works, and published in 1917!!  I'm thinking I may just start that altered art journal, after all!

I hope you can see my tie in to the challenge of "Love is in the Air".  I work outdoors in a very heavily bird- populated area; the birds are all a-twitter looking for their mates at this time of year, and love is certainly "in the air"! The trees are thick with bird chatter, and it's all about love!

So in this sense, this is my take on a Valentine--a token of love, so I'm also entering this in Frilly and Funkie's Challenge "Be My Valen-Twine" hosted by the lovely and talented Pamellia. Stop by Frilly and Funkie for even more fabulous Valentine inspiration by the talented design team.

Thank you for visiting!  I appreciate all your wonderful comments here, and read and respond to each and every one! Hugs and Blessings!

Sara Emily

I would like to enter this into the following inspiring challenges:

Frilly and Funkie "Be My Valen-Twine"

Studio L3 Compendium of Curiosities 3 Challenge 20 "Curiously Watercolor-ized" or Distress Watercoloring Part 2

A Vintage Journey Challenge 24 "Love is in the Air"

The Artistic Stamper Creative Team January's Challenge "New Beginnings" I've used a new product for the very first time--watercolor paper from Tim Holtz!  I've also used my nest stamp image for the very first time, although I've had the set for a while. Thank you for this inspiring challenge!

Country View Challenges "Use Something New to You" 2 items I've never used before:  Tim Holtz watercolor paper and the nest image from the Bird/Feather set. Thank you for your inspiring and fun challenge!

Inspiration Journal "Fresh Start" I've got a fresh start with some new products:  Tim Holtz watercolor paper and a brand new stamp--the nest from Bird Feather Tim Holtz set. Thank you for this fun challenge!

Try It on Tuesday "Add Some Fabric" I've added burlap to frame my water color panel.

Tim's 12 Tags of 2015--January

Good afternoon!  Today, I'm linking my "tag" to Tim's 12 Tags of 2015--January just under the wire!  As usual, I couldn't just do what Tim did, but I included the elements that made his tag what it is, and I've got to say he is one creative genius!  I'm so happy he shares that with us, and so freely gives of his talent. Here is my completed project! Please visit Tim's blog for full instructions and lots of inspiration!

Anyway, I thought I would make a Valentine tag, and  for me that meant  traditional pinks, which I thought would look more feminine with the Melange Tissue wrap.  I have the Postale (for once!), but I liked this better for this project.  After making my background and painting it up (on a piece of manila folder which I planned later to die cut using Tim's tag Bigz die) according to Tim's instructions, I wasn't at all pleased with it, and started to send it to the recycle pile.  Enter my daughter, giving me lot's of encouragement, saying how much SHE liked it.  Lightbulb moment! I will make this into something  just for her!  So as things usually happen with me, the ideas just started flowing.  I liked how it was all coming together, but a tag wouldn't fit the layout I planned (wow, did the "P" word just come out of my mouth?), so I adhered my background to the inside of a cigar box lid which I stained with Distress Stain. I have given a fresh beginning to this lonely cigar box lid (I wonder what happened to the box?) using Tim's stains in a whole new way to me (I've never used  his stains to color unfinished wood before)! They do a good job, don't you think?

Here's the front of the cigar box lid; I forgot to take a "before" shot of the other side, but it was plain unfinished wood.

I pretty much followed Tim's instructions (makes it look simple, doesn't he???), but added a few of my own twists.  Most obvious is that I chose my to use Tim's Ransom Alpha Parts instead of the "twenty one" from my new Numeric set, although I did use the numeral from it.  I also chose to use Pumice Stone Distress glitter on the numeral and Brushed Pewter DP on the text. I used Chit Chat stickers to make my "title"--So Many Reasons 2 Love & Adore You. I used  some letter stamps (unknown manufacturer)  for "Reasons" in Archival ink. I also used a brand new basting brush (I have 2 of these--WHATTTT?) from the kitchen in place of a splatter brush--need to get one of those because I had paint ALL over!

I stained Tim's floral ribbon using various Distress stains and added his Idea-ology pen nib "thoughts" wiped with Spun Sugar DP, and wiped off to leave color in the recesses. I did the same with the metal heart charm from my stash.

I used Distress paints spritzed with water on my craft mat and  and dragged a piece of card stock through the puddle for a marbled  effect. Then I die cut hearts (Sizzix) from it, edged them with Brushed Pewter DP  and backed them with additional hearts die cut from burlap and swiped with Distress Paints. I finished it off with Tim's Distress bulb spritzer, but used silver Krylon pen instead of Tim's choice of gold. I used it to make little poofs  and specks of silver--you can get the two different looks simply by moving the marker in the chamber.

I love how it came together, and I can't wait to give it to my daughter on Valentine's Day!  The words from Chit Chat fit her just perfectly, and I want her to know just how special she is!

Thank you for stopping by and leaving all your encouraging comments!  When I read them, I am inspired to stretch my creative limits! Hugs and blessings!

Sara Emily

I would like to enter this into these inspiring challenges:

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2015-January

A Vintage Journey Challenge 24 "Love is in the Air" My influence by Tim is by his 12 Tags of 2015!!!

The Mixed Media Challenge #8 "Something New For the New Year" My new craft and kitchen items are in bold text. I used a kitchen basting brush in a new way--to make splatters of paint, and gave new life to an old cigar box lid, using it in a new way as a frame.

Inspiration Journal "Fresh Start" I've listed my new products in bold text, and I'm giving them a fresh start in my Closet.  I'm giving the basting brush a fresh start as a craft item!  I'm giving the cigar box lid a fresh start as a frame,  and I'm getting off to a fresh start by hopefully participating in all of Tim's 12 Tags of 2015! (We'll see!)

Country View Challenges "Use Something New to You" My new products (craft and kitchen) are in bold text.  I've tried something new:  using a basting brush to create paint splatters! I've given a few things a new use in life: the cigar box lid as a frame and the basting brush as a splatter brush. And splatter, it did!

Paper Artsy Topic 2 "Shiny Stuff" I was inspired by Leandra's dangly beads and used a dangling heart on my framed piece.

The Artistic Stamper January's Challenge "New Beginnings" A background paper heading to the recycle bin was seen in a whole new light, and was given this "new beginning" as a Valentine framed art piece for my daughter.  I also used some products new to me--listed in bold text.  Another new beginning is the start of a new year of tag challenges I hope to participate in.

Getting a "Jump" on Easter!

When I was asked to be Guest Designer on Country View Challenges for the "Use Something New to You" challenge this month, I had to "jump" for joy, because I knew egg-actly what I wanted to do!  Well not EXACTLY, but as any good crafter knows you have twists and turns as you create.  I did know I wanted to try an art doll, since it was something I've never done.  I was inspired by a rabbit figure I have which is made of clay and felt. I made the bunny head, but the felt body never came together, so I quickly changed course. The head was shaped from paper clay over a styrofoam ball, dried, sanded and colored.  I used acrylic paints and Sharpie marker followed by  Vintage Photo Distress ink to age him a little.

I had purchased some paper mache' eggs on clearance last year, and there they sat, still new in their package.  Browsing my signed copy (see below) of  2014's Somerset Holidays and Celebrations Vol. 8, I was further inspired to use my egg with the bunny head I'd made for the felt rabbit.  The artists (Lianne and Paul Stoddard)  had used a wooden egg and an egg cup with a cute bunny on top.  I don't much go for cute, so I ran with the idea of using the egg for my rabbit's body, but I would use my more sophisticated rabbit head. A search for wooden egg cups in my stash came up empty (I know I have a few SOMEWHERE!).  So off to my neighborhood craft store, where I found these wood candle stands.  Perfect! The candle stand was given a coat of gesso, then inked with my new Shaded Lilac Distress ink. I added some pin striping with my Distress markers and alcohol ink ( very bottom ring not visible in photos).  I rubbed the entire piece  randomly with metallic rubs and Vintage Photo ink to give it a vintage feel.
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I purchased the new Paper Studio rosette embellishments with my gift card I received from my generous family.  I added some alcohol and Distress inks and glued them to the candle stand.

Now back to the egg.  I added a few coats of Gesso, then Picket Fence Distress paint, and inked with my new Squeezed Lemonade Distress ink, Spun Sugar and Old Paper Distress inks. I tore an Easter and Easter egg definition from my vintage dictionary, distressed the edges and adhered them to the egg. I gave the egg a good thick coat of Rock Candy Crackle Paint and when dry, rubbed some Old Paper DI into the cracks. Get it? Cracked egg?!

In the meantime, on my worktop, another new clearance item I've been wanting to use...Ivy Leaf Embossing Cutters by Lisa Pavelka.  The paper clay works beautifully in these cutters, and the leaves were so fun to make! I punched the leaves out, shaped them to fit around my bunny head,  stuck the ends of floral wire curled around a paint brush into 4 of  them, and allowed them to dry. Once dry, I painted all the leaves with Distress Paints and inks. I used the ones with wire for arms and legs.  The idea to use the wire came from my good, crafty, geographically desirable (lives here) friend  Sharon Marie Lawson, who was published  in  2014's Somerset Holidays and Celebrations vol. 8, with her article "The Good, The Bad and the Pumpkin".  Thank you Sharon for autographing my copy of SH & C as well as for your inspiration and support!

And then, a sweet, talented blogger, Kathy Clement, who I am honored to count as one of my friends sent me five sets (!!!!) of her Spellbinders dies as a most welcome gift to me.  I knew I had to incorporate my new dies into my project!  So, here you go Kathy!  I used the Daisy Heads  to die cut some scrap paper, inked the shapes with Distress inks and stains and added some gesso and shaped them for the collar and basket the bunny is sitting on.

I poked holes in the egg with a needle, and inserted the glued ends of the wire for the arms and legs.  The buttons are half pearl embellishments given the same alcohol and Distress ink treatment as the rosettes. The other leaves were glued into place, and a piece of fiber from a new unopened pack of fibers (marked only with made in China)  from my drawer full of fibers (how did THAT get in there?) was glued into the basket.  I thought the fiber looked just like Easter grass and was surprised to glance back and  see the Stoddards used tinsel in a similar fashion. I hadn't caught that detail the first time I looked at their bunny.

Not only is making an art doll completely new to me, but getting a project done well before the actual holiday is new to me as well! I aspire to make the felted bunny in the future, but in the meanwhile I'm quite pleased with this little guy. I hope this little project of mine inspires you to give a new technique or new products a try and link up to Country View Crafts "Use Something New to You" challenge.

Thank you for stopping by and if you choose to leave one of your lovely comments, I thank you for your kind words, too! Hugs and Blessings!

Sara Emily


I would like to enter this into the following inspiring challenges:

Craft Hoarders Anonymous January Challenge "Choose Your Challenge" Paint, markers ink-color medium. Yarn-fiber. Die cutting and mixed media- technique. Wood, wire, dry embossing (daisy heads) and sandpaper-texture.  Bling, flowers, and ephemera-embellish.

Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #8 "Something New For the New Year" New technique--art doll, New timeline--done way before the holiday!, New products used in bold text.

Rhedd's Creative Spirit January Challenge Altered Art/ Mixed Media Only

Inspiration Journal "Fresh Start" My fresh new products used are in bold text.  I'm getting a fresh start with trying something totally new to me.

Sisters Forever, No Matter

I just finished up my second grungy portrait piece, and I'm thrilled you are here to share it with me!

 As usual, nothing according to plan, but a happy result never-the-less!  I started with this slim cigar box from my huge pile (s).  When I was looking through my box of ephemera, I came across these two old (1938-39) original report cards.  I have no idea where they came from, and I hope I don't hurt anyone's feelings by using them.  Bless their hearts, these two sisters from Craven County were not the greatest academic achievers. Sadly, "Beluah" (although I think her teacher spelled her name wrong on her report card) didn't have it in the Phys. Ed or Drawing department either.  But they each had gifts all their own, as we all do!

Inside of cigar box.

Beluah is embracing imperfection by leaving a dirty thumbprint.

The background paper is a page torn out of my 1920's arithmetic primer; photocopied and distressed.

I photocopied my little treasures and found one of my own found relatives (given to me by a crafting buddy) and one from Tim's paper stash (not sure which one--they are all cut up at this point).  Beluah and Carrie must have been sisters, and they were in the 6th (and will be again, judging from her report) and 8th grades, respectively.  Beluah seems to have a devil-may-care, daring streak, but is willing to embrace her imperfection. In fact, she even leaves a thumbprint on her scrapbook journaling.  Carrie on the other hand, is sweet and tries hard at her studies...she is determined. And she cares deeply for her sister.

 I have to admit I gave the wrong cabinet card to the wrong sister.  Beluah doesn't take as much care of herself or her belongings--her report card is torn up and her best piece of jewelry looks like it's been run over a time or two. (And in real life it has!  I picked it up along side the road!) She was supposed to get the torn and scruffed up photo frame. Oops!  It's time to embrace my own imperfection!

"Sisters" is stamped on a fabric scrap and edges frayed.

Lots of Tim Holtz techniques were used on my collage from his CC Vols. 1,2 and 3.  The kids had exams these past few weeks and I've been spending a LOT of time waiting in the school parking lot, so I've taken along some reading material to inspire this piece.  From Vol. 1:  Altered metal with paint on the Snippets pin. Modified Dimensional Collage using pin setting and Crackle Accents for Stand Boldly embellishment. Altered Metal Alcohol Inks on the label frame and spring clip.. From Vol. 2:  Crumpled Kraft Suede for my Beluah background. Spritz and Flick Distress--duh!  When DON'T I use that! Blended Stains on the mini cabinet cards (modified). Faux patina (modified) on cabinet cards. Re-purposed Packaging  (modified) on frame windows. From Vol. 3:  Cabinet Card Pocket for frames.  Distress Photo Tinting on both girl's photos. Layering Stencils: Monoprint on fabric swatch and under Carrie's frame. Frayed Fabric under Beluah's and Carrie's frame and on Sisters embellishment. Tim Holtz inspiration?  Hmmm...I think so!  This is the best way to list the details of this project without writing my own book, so if you have any questions, please feel free to leave me a comment, and I will try to answer right away.

Crumbled Kraft Suede technique.

Frayed Fabric with Monoprinting. Can you see the stenciled letters in the background?

Beluah--isn't she tough?

Carrie takes time to put some new red paint on the old barn door!

This project was just great fun to make, and once I got my girls lined up the rest just fell into place. This is not meant in any way to poke fun at the real girls behind the report cards, but rather to give them a personality and a face.  This also reinforces my favorite Tim quote:  "Embrace imperfection".

That's one of my old real cabinet cards in the shadow.

And my old Arithmetic book

I hope you've enjoyed my creative journey with this one.  Thank you, as always for stopping by and leaving your treasured comments! Hugs and blessings!

Sara Emily


The Artistic Stamper January's Challenge "New Beginnings"

A Vintage Journey Challenge 23 "Use a Portrait"

Country View Challenge "Use Something New to You" My new products used are Mini Cabinet Cards and New Brilliance Black Lightning ink.  Although several of Tim's techniques are old, they are new to me--Crumpled Kraft Suede (as outlined by Tim, anyway), Frayed Fabric, and Monoprint--first time I've tried them.

Mixed Media Challenge #8 "something New For the New Year" New products and new techniques to me as listed above.

Inspiration Journal "Fresh Start" I'm getting a fresh start with a couple of techniques new to me, a couple of new products--both listed above.  And the girls are hoping to get a fresh start in their academic careers.

Fashionable Stamping Challenges #89 "Something New" I've given some new stash a try:  Mini Cabinet Cards and Brilliance ink Black Lightning.  I've tried a few new Tim Holtz techniques --new to me, anyway!

Rhedd's Creative Spirit Altered Art/ Mixed Media Only

Paper Artsy Topic #2 "Shiny Stuff" My first time linking up!  My shiny stuff are my photos, their frames, the kraft"suede" background paper, and my metal and star embellishments. I was inspired by the Treasured Gold colors and the projects that were made using them.

The Mirror Cracked #5 Stencils  I used Tim Holtz' Cargo stencil for monoprinting on fabric and paper.

Gentlemen's Club

Good Morning!  I'm here today to share with you a vintage photo collage inspired by the one and only Tim Holtz.  I think he may have been snooping around my Closet when he came up with that vintage looking flip photo frame! I think Tim and I were separated at birth, except he is MUCH older than me (TEE HEE)! And honest to Goodness, my plan was to finally use my  vintage flip stand for the latest challenge at A Vintage Journey  before his new Idealogy debuted. I am lucky enough to have a vintage one in the shape of a frame, too, but it is in need of some repair work. Hoarding Saving that for another day.

Any-hoo, here is my take on take on the challenge to use a portrait.  I looked high and low for a beloved photo of my Dad on a pony taken when he was a boy, and guess when I found it? Yup, after most of my work was done.  Maybe that will go in the wooden frame mentioned above.  Instead I am using one of Tim's Found Relatives.  This one spoke to me...a Gentlemen's Club where one can only be admitted by special invitation and if you are of the male persuasion.  These fellas don't look too happy...maybe if they invited some WOMEN they would have far more FUN in their club!

The cards that came on this flip thingy were way too small for me to fit much of what I wanted to put on, so I cut one the right size out of card stock.  Twenty-twenty hindsight teaches me to choose a heavier weight card next time.  I used black texture paste and Tim's Gothic stencil for the background.  When dry I swiped on some Brilliance Lightning Black ink.  So hard to capture on the camera, and photos were taken at night, but there is this exquisite depth and shimmer to the background, making it look like old embossed leather.

Next, I carefully removed the backing from the Found Relatives card and added card stock to both resulting pieces.  I made a puddle of Brushed Pewter and Vintage Photo stains mixed with a spritz of water, and swiped the backing piece through that.  Blasted with the heat gun.  I chose which gentlemen I wanted in my frame, and splotched on alcohol inks (Caramel and Silver Mixative) to the remaining portions to give a look of the old tin-type photos.  (Very effective in real life; not so in the photos) I used Tim's Distress Photo Tinting technique from CC3 for the one particularly fine gentleman.

Please "scuse the glare!

I used of one of my new small cabinet cards for the frame, and after removing the back, I scuffed it with sandpaper, stamped with a few of Tim's images in Archival ink and textured it with my new silver Arto Texture Paste and Tim's Burlap stencil. I used a variety of Distress inks, stains and alcohol inks to achieve the look I was going for.

I backed some of Tim's filmstrip with his rub-ons and distressed the paper with DI's.  I inked up a brass clip thingy from my stash with alcohol inks and clipped a piece of cord in it.

I was so inspired by Brenda's Faux Rust tutorial that I had to give it a go on this project.  Only I had to try it with some different Ranger and Tim's products, as I didn't have the ones she used.  It's an awesome, easy to follow tutorial, so be sure to hop over and check it out if you love rust like I do! Pure inspiration!  I personally have never seen it done the way I made faux rust, and the outcome was purely found by experimentation, not from another source.  I would like to share it with you, but that will have to be in a future post.

I die cut grunge board using my new Hardware Findings die and used my rust technique on the key and lock.  I attached the lock with brads that I also gave a rust treatment. The pieces are to symbolize the exclusivity of the Club. The clip from Recollections and the Idea-ology drawer pull and brads also got "rusted".  I used a Tim rub-on for the tab in the drawer pull, and used Distress markers to color it.  The Idea-ology bingo marker was distressed using DI and adhered to the clip to mark the year of this photo-op.

I have to say it feels good to be back on grungy ground again after several shabby projects!  I know not everyone is into this sort of thing, but I'm quite happy with my reminder that I will never be invited into the Gentlemen's Club!

Thank you for stopping by and for all your lovely, heart-warming comments!  I read and deeply appreciate all your feedback! Blessings and hugs!

Sara Emily



I would like to enter this into the following inspiring challenges:

A Vintage Journey Challenge 23 "Use a Portrait" I think my Tim influence is written all over this!  Thank you for another great challenge!

Inspiration Journal "Fresh Start" My new products are in bold text.  Thank you for another great challenge!

Craft Hoarders Anonymous January Challenge "Choose Your Challenge"  Color medium: Ink, markers.  Fiber: cord.  Techniques: Stamping, die cutting, mixed media.  Texture: Embossing, metal.   Embellishment: Ephemera, brads, found objects (I found my stand at a yard sale!). Thank you for another great challenge!

Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #8 "Something New For the New Year"  My new products are in bold text.  I tried a new rust technique! Thank you for another great challenge!

Country View Challenges "Use Something New to You" My new products used are in bold text.  I tried a new rust technique!  Thank you for another great challenge!

Artist Trading Post Exchange "Fresh Beginnings" New products used in bold text.  I tried a fresh new technique and several other techniques that are new to me, but borrowed.  Thank you for this fun challenge!

The Artistic Stamper January's Challenge "New Beginnings" My new products are in bold text.  I tried a new rust technique! Thank you for another great challenge!

Paper Artsy Topic #2 "Shiny Stuff" My first time joining in!  Lots of shiny and not so shiny stuff on this! I was inspired by Linda Cains' box and the rusted elements on it.

The Mirror Cracked #5 Stencils I used Tim Holtz Burlap and Gothic Stencils on the Cabinet card and background respectively. Thank you for another great challenge!