Tim's 12 Tags of 2015-August Grungy Again!

Hello everybody!

I'm in my happy place right now as I'm back to grunge with my August tag for Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2015-August!

  No need for step by step instructions, as Tim has laid them all out for you on his blog.

I have to say I was a little daunted by this month's tag, as I am once again a day late and definitely a dollar short when it comes to the necessary supplies needed to get Tim's incredible background. I can't wait to get back to work so I can do a little shopping!  As Tim puts it "out of limitations comes creativity". Not one to toss in the towel, I improvised with Tim's Labels dies to make my cut outs.  This was certainly not my first try though; I tried various Movers and Shapers and Friendship Words in Script, and they ended up on the cutting room floor. Maybe for another project, but not the look I was going for here.

I chose the young pair from Tim's Found Relatives. Initially, I was going to make one tag depicting a little story (in my mind, of course) about my teenage boy/girl twins. But as they are individuals, I decided to cut them apart and make two separate tags using the same technique and composition, but changing it ever so slightly for a "masculine grunge" and a "feminine vintage". These will make great additions to their graduation gifts this coming spring.

Because I didn't have any of the  Block Word dies, which I love, I decided to redeem myself and use Tim's Inside Out die to cut some block letters. I layered them on top of the tag for that blocky look that looks so cool on his tag. Not too shabby!

 As I picked through my pile of ephemera, a combination of Thrift Shop, Expedition and Emporium, my tags took on their personality. (Those of you who suffered through a recent rant about me dropping the whole darn bunch on the floor will know why I have no idea which specific ephemera pack these came from.) This is why I love Tim's stuff so much; just looking at it conjures up stories in my mind! And some of these stories make it onto tags, cards and what not.

I used the postage stamp background with the Einstein stamp for my son's tag because people often refer to him as this odd genius. The sheet music for my daughter because she is quite musically talented in voice and piano. French images and ephemera for her 5th year of French language in 4 years of high school, and yes, years of perfect attendance! A pen nib for her love of writing.

My son can use lots of encouragement, but he can take on the world if he sets his mind to it!

For my daughter's tag, I used Wild Honey, Evergreen Bough , Walnut Stain and Hickory Smoke Distress inks--and for the edges and to finish the tag--Hickory Smoke Distress marker and paint. I think this is a little softer for the lighter feminine background I was going for. Stamps used are from French Market and Boundless Flight. I added Evergreen Bough to her blouse for a little extra color.

For my son's tag, I chose Chipped Sapphire, Hickory Smoke, Walnut Stain, Rusty Hinge and Peeled Paint Distress inks, and as per Tim's tag, finished with Black Soot marker and paint.Stamp used is from Boundless Flight. A shoelace rescued from one of his old tennis shoes top this tag.

For my Mirrored stars, I used alcohol inks in Sunshine Yellow on my daughter's and Latte on my son's and gave them each a dab of Vintage Photos Distress paint to give them a vintage look, since I don't have Mushroom alcohol ink (it's at the top of my list!).

I used papers from Tim's 8 x 8 Collage paper stash for my backings, Small Talk stickers, and Remnant Rubs from Numbers, Elements, and Life Quotes collections.

While I was off to a rocky start on this month's tag, I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable to make in the end. (And I have tags ready  for my kid's high school graduation gifts in May (I hope!).) Thank you to Tim for his ongoing inspiration and wonderful products!  They bring so much joy to so many people!

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

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2015 August

Mixed Media World MMW #6 Gorgeous Textures

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Anything Goes

Stampotique Designers Challenge SDC210 Anything Goes

Deep Ocean's Challenge # 111 "For the Boys"

Vintage Stamping Challenge #35 Anything Goes

We Love to Create Craft Challenges #17 Anything Mixed Media/Creative/Inky Goes

The Artistic Stamper August Creative Challenge Anything Goes

Thank you for visiting today, and for all your wonderful comments! I read and appreciate each and everyone of them!

Hugs and Blessings!

Sara Emily