Tim's 12 Tags of 2015-April

Well, here we are at the end of April, and I'm finally posting my April tag for Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2015 April challenge.  As is usually the case, I don't have the proper dies and stamps, but necessity is the Mother of Invention!

For complete details on how this tag was made please visit Tim's website to see how the master of creativity did it.  I simply followed along with his instructions, making a few changes where I did not have the materials listed.

I was going to sit this one out because aside from paper, Distress markers, and the tools, I had nothing else on the materials list.  But at work the other day, I saw the most amazing determined, yellow butterfly, and I was inspired!

To color my Perspective butterfly, I chose Mustard Seed and Spiced Marmalade Distress markers, reminiscent of the butterfly I saw earlier that day.  I used Shaded Lilac and Dusty Concord the body. I made an extra, fussy cut it, and gave my tag dimension by layering it on the first.

Background colors include Tumbled Glass, Broken China, and Squeezed Lemonade.  I also used these colors on a second piece of Tim's Distress water color paper to cut the word "Life" using his Inside Out die, since I don't have the Adventure Words dies yet. I just used the inside of the letters, and will save the outline letters for another project.

My substitute for the script die is the stamped word "Wonderful" from Tim's Mini Handwritten Holidays.  I simply taped off the parts I didn't need before inking,  and removed the tape before stamping. I fussy cut the word and added Glossy Accents for dimension.

Although I cut my background paper according to Tim's instructions, making necessary changes in measurements for my words, I chose to use Kraft Core from Tim's Collection for contrast. I used Tim's Tag and Bookplates die to cut the tag and reinforcer. I distressed the edges and sanded it, then blended on some Distress Ink in Wild Honey. I used regular kraft paper for the reinforcer and inked it with Vintage Photo.

I colored my ribbon according to Tim's plan, and used Wild Honey and  Spiced Marmalade to coordinate with my butterfly. I love that ombre look.

 One last difference from Tim's tag is the stitching.  That Tim is one smart cookie, and it's no accident there are little holes spaced every 1/8 inch on his ruler.  I poked a needle in each of the holes, making stitch holes for my Distress marker (Black Soot and Picket Fence toned down with some Wild Honey) "stitching".  And since "it's all in the details", Tim, I added some zig-zag stitching using an image from the Seamless Experience set. Sorry I couldn't do the real sewing, but I hurt my back over Easter hunting for eggs, and I didn't dare lift my heavy old machine.

All in all, I think I was able to pull it off with what I had.  I have full intentions of getting the Flower Garden   set, and the Adventure Words are surely on my wish list. I can see so many possibilities for them!

A special thank you to Shari Trumbull of Ain't That Artsy Fartsy for enabling me on this one!  I received a wonderful gift from her recently, and it included some of the Distress Markers I've used here.  I guess I should also include another special thank you to Tim and Mario, too, for the Perspective stamp set I won in a lucky draw earlier this year.  This is my favorite set, gentlemen!

I hope you enjoyed my post today, and thank you for leaving all your wonderful comments!  I read and appreciate every one, and eventually reply to each one. Hugs and blessings!

Sara Emily

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

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2015-April

Inspiration Journal "Everything Goes"

Country View Challenges "Use Kraft Card"

A Sprinkle of Imagination "Anything Goes"

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge "Anything Goes"

Aud Sentiments Challenge #140 "Things with Wings Plus a Sentiment"

Eclectic Ellapu Purple Team "April Showers/Spring"

That's Crafty "Let's Keep It Simple Challenge"

Fantasy Stampers #35 "Distress It" Stamps used Tim Holtz: Perspective, Seamless Experience, and Mini Handwritten Holidays.

Crafty Cats #276 "Things With Wings"

Mixed Media World #2 "Use Bright Colors"