1. 14th July, 2021

    Tim Holtz Brickwork

    Hello Friends! I’ve finally got myself organized and have a walk through of the brickwork backgrounds I’ve been using for my makes recently.

    The Tim Holtz Sizzix Brickwork 3D embossing folder is incredibly detailed and does all of the heavy lifting when creating brickwork from paper. It’s the brick pitting detail that makes it look like it should be rough to the touch when it’s not.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Above are a few examples of brickwork used in my makes. For the walk through I haven’t listed specific colours, but if you scroll down there are some different brickwork combinations with colours listed to get you started, but first, let’s get into how to make your own…

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Gather these supplies: distress watercolor cardstock, brickwork 3D embossing folder, jar of water, paper towel, white gesso, distress water sprayer bottle, large and detail paint brushes, distress crayons, distress paint and distress sprays.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Emboss distress watercolor cardstock with the 3D brickwork embossing folder. You only need your base platform and one cutting plate when running 3D embossing folders through your Sizzix machine. Lightly mist your cardstock and then roll your embossing folder through 3 times. Remember 3D – 3 passes.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Make a paint wash with distress paint and water and paint over the embossed brickwork background and set aside to dry.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Give the background a light mist and spray with distress spray and dry with a heat tool.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Give the background a light mist and spray with another distress spray and dry with a heat tool.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Rub distress crayon onto your finger and rub over portions of the brickwork. Dry with a heat tool.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Once the background is dry, really dry. Go ahead and dry it once more just to be sure and gather white gesso, water spray bottle, detail paint brush and paper towel. Put a little gesso onto your glass media mat or non stick craft mat and add a little water and mix.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Paint lines of gesso into the grooves of the brickwork and then gently rub with your finger. Between each line dip your brush in water to clean and dry with the paper towel. You are getting rid of any crayon or ink your brush picks up before dipping it back into your gesso puddle. If you don’t do this, you will end up with orange gesso. Dry the brush between each line so the gesso is not too wet as it will reduce the amount of ink and crayon you pick up. Don’t worry about going over the lines, it works for you here. Have a second pass if you need to, but dry first. A little practice goes a long way.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Once finished, dry dry dry and the use a finger to add distress crayon to random bricks to create the imperfection of real bricks.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Here are some other combinations for different brickwork…

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    COMBINATION #1: frayed burlap distress paint, rusty hinge + brushed corduroy distress spray stains, rusty hinge + walnut stain distress crayon, white gesso

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    COMBINATION #1

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    COMBINATION #2: hickory smoke distress paint, ground espresso + black soot distress spray stains, ground espresso distress crayon, white gesso

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    COMBINATION #2

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    COMBINATION #3: hickory smoke distress paint, rusty hinge + fired brick + vintage photo distress spray stains, rusty hinge + walnut stain distress crayons, white gesso

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    COMBINATION #3

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    COMBINATION #4: frayed burlap + hickory smoke distress paint
    This is the easiest combination and does not require gesso and works great behind flowers as a garden wall.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    COMBINATION #4

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder 664259
    Thanks for stopping by. I’ll be back soon to share a couple of makes using this brickwork. I encourage you to experiment with other combinations. Try embossing small strips of cardstock to make brickwork swatches…

    Zoe


  2. 25th August, 2024

    Boo and Stuff

    Hello friends. I’m back again with a second card I made for the Tim Holtz Halloween 2024 stamp and stencil collection. If you missed the LIVE launch, you can catch the replay and all the incredible inspiration makes over on Tim’s blog.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous halloween
    This card was inspired by the “Boo and Stuff” sentiment from the Spooky Spirits CMS492 stamp set. It reminded me of all the reels I’ve seen on Instagram of people shopping at Target for Halloween goodies and the current search for this years must have ghosts.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous halloween
    With this in mind the bullseye stamp from the Inquisitive CMS432 stamp set was the perfect image to represent Target (please note I am not affiliated with Target and I’m in Europe so I can’t even shop there, insert sobbing). I stamped in fired brick distress archival ink and added some lines from the edge of the black soot distress archival ink pad before stamping.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous halloween
    While I had the Inquisitive CMS432 stamp set out I noticed the top hat was a perfect fit for the large ghost so I stamped and fussy cut one. I love the new Curator CMS493 stamp set and created a background for the card by stamping in a variety of distress archival inks. I mounted the “Boo and Stuff” sentiment from the Spooky Spirits CMS492 stamp set over one of the stamped Curator labels.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous halloween
    I mounted the ghost onto the card with 3D adhesive foam. The card base is distress kraft heavystock with mounts in black and metallic kraft core cardstock from the idea-ology range.

    Happy Halloween shopping my friends and remember, even Ghosts shop at Target!
    Thanks for stopping by.
    Zoe


    affiliate links used at no cost to you


  3. 18th April, 2023

    Tim Holtz Bold Botanicals

    Hello friends. I’m sharing some details of the envelopes I made for the Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous 2023 Collection LIVE launch on Saturday. To see the products showcased, incredible maker inspiration and demo, head over to Tim’s blog.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    When I shared this make on instagram over the weekend, a few people asked if I could provide some instructions and as it was such a quick, simple and fun make, I decided to make a couple more and share the process for those who asked. Let’s get into the details…

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    Gather distress watercolor cardstock, walnut stain distress ink, distress water sprayer, Tiny Prints stamps.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    Ink a stamp from Tiny Prints stamp set with distress ink (I used walnut stain), give a good spritz of water and stamp onto distress watercolor cardstock. Set aside to air dry or dry with a heat tool.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    You need to have your supplies gathered and ready for the next part. Paper plate or copy paper, black soot distress archival ink, clear embossing powder, Bold Botanicals stamps.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    Ink a stamp from Bold Botanicals stamp set with distress archival ink (I used black soot) and stamp onto the Tiny Prints stamped background. Repeat to give a good layer of ink.
    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    Distress archival ink dries fast, so immediately cover the stamped image with clear embossing powder, gently tap off excess powder and heat.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    Using a paper trimmer, trim the stamped image to fit the front of the coin envelope (2.75 x 3.5 inches).

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    Use a paper distresser tool to distress the edges of the stamped image and add distress ink (I used walnut stain) with an ink blending tool.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    Stamp “return and forwarding postage…” from Eccentric stamp set with distress archival ink (I used fired brick) and fussy cut.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    Die cut coin envelopes using the collector thinlits die set from distress kraftt heavystock. Assemble the envelopes using scor-tape and add the stamped images to the front.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    Use idea-ology long fasteners to attach the paper fasteners, die cut from the Tiny Prints stamped background with the collector thinlits die set and wrapped with twine to close.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection bold botanicals tiny prints
    Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
    Zoe


    affiliate links used at no cost to you


  4. 17th April, 2023

    Tim Holtz The Inspector

    Hello friends and happy Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed celebrating the launch of Tim Holtz’s Stampers Anonymous 2023 Collection. If you missed any of it, you can catch up with the replay and see the products showcased, the incredible maker inspiration and some demo time with Tim, all on Tim’s blog.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    It will come as no surprise that my favorite of all the stamp sets is The Inspector. I mean I LOVE him! AND the awesome accompanying stamps on the sheet. I wanted to make something with an “inspector” theme so decided to pair this awesome stamp set with some older sets to create a Postal Inspectors writing case. Let’s get into details…

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Take an idea-ology vignette tray and using the new Tim Holtz rotary media trimmer, cut a piece of paper from the idea-ology backdrops volume 4 papers to size and glue into the back of the tray with distress collage medium.

    The “plain” sheets of the backdrops papers make a perfect “backdrop” to add stamped imagery to. To create the side panels, stamp the background from The Inspector stamp set in vintage photo distress archival ink and stamp the cool grid-lines in black soot distress archival ink over the top. Adding various other stamps from The Inspector and Correspondence stamp sets to the panels.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    To create the cover, lay paper from backdrops volume 4 pack over the vignette tray and mark with a pencil, including the score line. Score, fold and trim to size. Stamp with The Inspector and Correspondence stamp sets in distress archival ink. Trim and score a second layer from chipboard, again using the rotary media trimmer. Circle punch a hole to go over the idea-ology hitch fastener and glue the cover to the chipboard using distress collage medium.

    Add idea-ology hinges to the top and bottom of the front cover.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Using the Tiny Prints stamp set to decorate the inside cover, cut a piece of distress watercolor cardstock to size, add walnut stain distress ink to the stamp, spritz with water and stamp, repeating several times to cover the piece.

    To cover the fastener portions of the idea-ology hinges, die cut decorative trims from distress watercolor cardstock with the decorative trims thinlits dies, emboss with the 3D lumber folder and spray with walnut stain distress spray. Once dry, glue into place along the hinge edge of the inside cover with distress collage medium. You’re going to want to cut a few of these for this project.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Ready to assemble and color and add trims to the front cover.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Using distress watercolor pencils to color The Inspector stamp with no water added to retain the pencil look. The “return and forwarding postage…” stamp from Eccentric stamp set, stamped in fired brick distress archival ink and fussy cut, gave the perfect pop of color to the front cover.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Add Etcetera Scalloped Trims covered with decorative trims die cuts and embossed as before. Die cut alphanumeric tall thinlits dies from idea-ology metallic kraftstock to spell out “Postal Inspector” and add to the trims with distress collage medium.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Using a hole reinforcer die from the framed tags thinlits die set, cut distress kraft heavystock to cover the hole that hooks over the idea-ology hitch fastener. I LOVE this particular hole reinforcer, it’s so vintage looking and it hides any mess you create making the hole.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Now let’s get into what’s inside the writing case…

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    To create the tray dividers, cover Etcetera Scalloped Trims with distress watercolor cardstock die cut into trims using the decorative trims thinlits die set, 3D embossed with the lumber folder and sprayed with walnut stain distress spray. Cut to size and run a line of distress collage medium along the edges of the trim and glue into the tray and set aside to dry.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Using stamps from The Inspector stamp set, stamp numbers onto a label from the idea-ology classic label stickers and add to a bottle from the idea-ology corked vials set. Add idea-ology remnant rubs to another label and glue it to a bottle from the idea-ology tiny vials corked bottles. Add a little twine and glue the bottles into the tray with distress collage medium.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Next turning to the postale thinlits die set to create these tiny adorable envelopes. Stamp with The Inspector and Correspondence stamp sets with distress archival ink. Tie together with string and add a wax seal to the front envelope to hold them together and give a vintage look.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Create some postal labels using the collector thinlits die set to cut labels, stamped with The Inspector stamp set using distress archival ink. Attach them to an idea-ology loop pin ready to add to the writing case.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Add a loop screw from the idea-ology vignette hardware set to hang the labels on the loop pin from. I screwed this loop screw into the Etcetera Trim after I had glued the trim into the tray and it was so fiddly, so I recommend adding things like this before, if you can.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    To add to the writing case theme, create a collection point for fountain pen nibs in need of cleaning and repair. Stamp “Service” using The Inspector stamp set in distress archival ink onto an idea-ology classic labels sticker and add to an idea-ology test tube with idea-ology pen nibs dropped inside. Add a little grunge by adding mushroom alcohol ink to the outside of the test tube glass. Place into the section created for the test tube using the Etcetera Scalloped Trims.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    To create coin envelopes for the final section of this writing case, die cut envelopes using the collector thinlits die set and stamp with distress archival ink using The Inspector and Correspondence stamp sets.

    Create a mask from copy paper to place over The Inspector when stamping the background. It’s easier to work in batches and have a test envelope for correct stamp placement.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Using distress watercolor pencils again to color The Inspector. I LOVE these pencils and LOVE having them in the vintage Distress palette!

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2023 collection the inspector
    Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
    Zoe


    affiliate links used at no cost to you


  5. 16th June, 2022

    Eccentric

    Hello friends. Hope this finds you well. Are you excited for the new distress color launch this weekend? I know I am!! While we wait patiently to find out what The Professor has cooked up for us in his lab, I’m sharing an Etcetera tag I made for the Tim Holtz Stamp LIVE launch. You can watch the replay and see all the maker inspiration over on Tim’s blog.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    The Eccentric stamp set (CMS448) was my favorite from the launch and will be one that doesn’t go back into my stamp cabinet. I loved the idea-ology remnant rubs that Tim launched earlier in the year and to have some of them as stamps is awesome! They make the perfect background and support stamps but to me they can also be the star of the show.

    Here’s some details on how I made the tag…


    Draw around a small etcetera tag and cut out of distress watercolor cardstock. Cover with a light layer of gesso and add a wash of frayed burlap distress ink to the edges.


    Using the PLUS stencil from Mechanical Element Stencil set, spread distress opaque crackle paste with a palette knife and set aside to dry and crack.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    Stamp the background using stamps from Eccentric with distress archival ink. Add distress crayon to the crackled stenciled PLUS and cover with a stamped fussy cut number strip, also from Eccentric.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    Stitch the edge of the cardstock and using distress collage medium, adhere to a small etcetera thickboard tag.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    I only used 1 stamp that wasn’t from Eccentric stamp set and it was this bullseye stamp from Inquisitive stamp set (CMS432). I stamped using fired brick distress archival ink and light tapped with black soot distress archival ink before stamping to create the distressed lines.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    I used a stamp from Eccentric to cover the center of the bullseye. I watecolored the pie sections with distress reinkers, fussy cut and added with distress collage medium.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    I die cut the banner from Bunny Games thinlits die set and coloured with barn door, faded jeans and frayed burlap distress reinkers. I stamped the star trio onto distress watercolor cardstock and used a small single hole punch to punch out the stars, which I added to the frayed burlap sections of the banner.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    I stamped and fussy cut the AWESOME pointy hand and added foam to the back of the hand but not the finger which I wanted to sit above the cardstock so I could add the string. I ran a piece of twine along the top of the banner and secured in place with distress collage medium. The precision tip bottle of collage medium is perfect for this.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    I stamped some more images and added them to the tag, some I stamped directly onto the tag and others I fussy cut and mounted. I added an idea-ology adornments arrow that I added a little fossilized amber distress paint to.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    I stamped this cool “For Skill And Amusement Only” onto distress watercolor cardstock and mounted onto foam. I added distress grit-paste to the edges of the sign and once dry, painted with layer of ground espresso and crackling campfire distress paint to simulate rust. I added idea-ology hardware heads with more faux rust added.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    I stamped “condemned” at the bottom of the tag which was partially resisted by the pastes I had added. I love the eroded decayed look. The lower stamped image is part of the same stamp but I stamped it separately and several times to get a b0ld stamped image. This is where using the stamp platform is essential.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    I added a couple of idea-ology adornment stars which I added fired brick distress paint to and rubbed off in parts to give a chippy paint look.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    Finally I added a piece of ribbon from a very very retired idea-ology ribbon set.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz stampers anonymous 2022 Eccentric
    Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
    Zoe


    affiliate links used at no cost to you


  6. 14th February, 2022

    Lovestruck for Woodgrain

    Happy Valentines Day friends! Are you still swooning over the incredible Tim Holtz Sizzix Chapter 1 launch?! I know I am and excited to see the dies starting to arrive in your hands. If you missed the LIVE launch party, you can catch the replay and all of the inspirational makes over on Tim’s blog.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    I truly am lovestruck for woodgrain colorize and for lovestruck colorize too and was delighted to make some samples for the Launch after party! Let’s get into the details…

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    I gasped when Tim showed us the Woodgrain Colorize die set during our makers call and I know I wasn’t alone. You could see eyes light up from those tiny zoom squares. The new colorize couldn’t be more straightforward and it takes your wood effect to the next level!!

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    Cut the 4 pieces from distress white heavystock and blend in distress ink.

    – Base layer = ground espresso + black soot.
    – Next 2 layers = walnut stain heavy blend / walnut stain light blend.
    – Top layer = ground espresso.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    I trimmed the woodgrain planks to fit the idea-ology mini framed panel. You can see I trimmed one of the planks length ways with my Tim Holtz shears. If you want to use your guillotine for this, I recommend adding one layer of the woodgrain to the base and trimming, then adding the top layers and trimming with your scissors.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    I AM IN AWE OF THIS DIE!! I used distress collage medium to add each layer and it created some resist effect where the glue spilled over. You can see this at the top, I love the effect, albeit accidental.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    I altered an idea-ology mini framed panel. Cover the frame with a layer of white gesso. Next add distress crackle texture paste and set aside to air dry and crack. Once dry, dry brush with vintage photo distress paints. Finally rub walnut stain distress crayon into the cracks and blend with your finger.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    Using distress collage medium and a distress collage brush, add the frame to the panel and set aside to dry while you make the topper. At this stage you could add anything on top and you could skip the frame panel and make this a card.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    I happened to have the Lovestruck Colorize die set hanging around 😉 so I decided to use that. Again, another easy to put together colorize die and mostly large pieces. I die cut the smaller heart from the set from distress watercolor cardstock and blended in aged mahogany, fired brick, candied apple and ground espresso distress inks and assembled.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    I am OBSESSED with this arrow. I cut it in half a removed a section to shorten the arrow to fit my framed panel. I used distress white heavystock for the base piece covered in black soot distress ink and die cut idea-ology metallic kraft stock for the top and added a little mushroom alcohol ink and walnut stain distress crayon to grunge it up.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    I cut XO from alphanumeric shadow upper thinlits die set from distress white heavystock. I used the inside of the die cut, covered with candied apple, fired brick and walnut stain distress inks. I also die cut a couple of letters from fun foam and added underneath for dimension.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    Of course… stamped from distinguished CMS391 stamp set in distress archival ink.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix gladys quilted funky florals
    I used the new Tim Holtz Sizzix Big Shot Foldaway for my die cutting. I love this machine, the pressure is insanely good and 3D embossing folders only require one pass. Cutting detailed dies from distress white heavystock may require a second pass because the cardstock is so thick.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix woodgrain colorize lovestruck colorize alphanumeric shadow upper distinguished
    Thanks for stopping by. Whether you are celebrating today or not, I wish you love and happiness today and all days.

    Zoe


    affiliate links used at no cost to you


  7. 27th October, 2021

    Steampumpkins

    Hello friends! I’m back today with more pumpkins. These I made for the Tim Holtz Sizzix Halloween LIVE Launch.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    The pumpkin patch colorize die was another knock out for me. Tim really spoiled us with pumpkins this year and I’m one happy pumpkin farmer!

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    I started by altering an idea-ology mini clipboard. Covered the background with brickwork (see step out here) and then added distress grit-paste. I used a mixture of crackling campfire, candied apple and ground espresso distress paints over the dried distress grit-paste to create a faux rust effect. I cut alcohol foil tape and embossed with the mini foundry 3D embossing folder and covered with black soot distress paint, wiping away the excess. I cut the foil and added pieces to the clipboard clip until it was covered. I also added a couple of idea-ology hardware heads.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    Using the lumber and mini foundry 3D embossing folders, I embossed the pumpkin patch colorize die cuts. If you haven’t tried colorize before, these are such a great introduction to it. There are only a few pieces and it’s not intricate or fiddly in the least and I think you’ll love the effects you can get with colorize.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    In order to get the tiny lights to show through from under the vellum, I cut a section in the base die cut and mounted foam around the edges to creat a space for the tiny lights to sit inside. I added vellum painted with fossilized amber distress paint, under the top sections to hide, contain and diffuse the tiny lights. Here’s how…

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    For step out purposes I have die cut just the larger pumpkin from white cardstock. You will see there are de-bossed lines which show you where to place each piece. I’ve added numbers, letters and arrows to help. 1 is your base. 2 goes on top of 1. 3 goes on top of 2 etc.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    Using a craft knife, cut a circle in the center of the base of the pumpkin die cut leaving enough around the edge to add adhesive foam. Cut a piece of vellum using the base pumpkin piece, cut off the stalk and paint with distress paint.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    Glue the vellum on top of the base piece.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    Add the next die cut piece over the top.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    I flipped the pumpkin over and ran adhesive foam around the underside edge of the base piece.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    Add idea-ology tiny lights into the back of the pumpkin and secure with glue, if you leave a gap in the adhesive foam you can run the lights behind the smaller pumpkin too, (not pictured).

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    How the pumpkin looks with the lights behind it. On my project, I threaded the lights through the back of the idea-ology mini clipboard first and the switch was attached to the back of the clipboard.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    Tiny lights OFF.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    Tiny lights ON.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    Using some leftover alcohol foil tape I used the alphanumeric tiny upper dies to cut steampumpkins.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix halloween pumpkin patch
    Seriously! How cool is this pumpkin patch die? Tim rocked it!!

    My pumpkin making adventures continue through November, so there’s more pumpkins to come…

    Thanks for stopping by.

    Zoe


    affiliate links used at no cost to you


  8. 5th August, 2021

    The Birds!

    Hello friends. I hope you’re having a good week. I’m so excited for the Tim Holtz seasonal LIVE launches to get underway on Tim’s YouTube channel from Saturday! I thought it was probably a good idea to catch up and post my makes from the Tim Holtz Sizzix Chapter 2 LIVE launch! We’ll just call this Throwback Thursday and say no more about it. If you want to jump in your time machine and go way back, you can watch the Chapter 2 LIVE on Tim’s blog.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    The new retro TV die is seriously cool! It reminds me of a TV we had when I was a kid. There was no TV remote, you had to get up off your butt to change one of the 5 channels! When you turned it off there would be this line across the middle as the tube cooled down. Generation Netflix will have to google it. 😉

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    The moment I saw the retro TV die came with a “pop out” I knew I wanted to smash it out and the rest came together as I went along (I’m not a planner), clearly based on how long it’s taken me to post this!

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    Here are the brickwork panels in their various stages using the AMAZING Tim Holtz brickwork 3D embossing folder. I have a “how to” for this in a previous blog post.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    I covered the base of a vignette tray with the brickwork panels. I took some build photos as I see quite a lot of questions about how to use idea-ology tiny lights with vignette boxes and trays. I use a dremel mirco with the drill bit accessory set and thread the lights through from the back.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    I added a set of idea-ology tiny lights I hoarded from last Halloween. I LOVE the purple set because they look like black lights and was perfect for this project (see final photo). I wound them around the back of the TV die cut, securing in place with hot glue as I went. Being very careful not to touch the actual bulb with hot glue as this can short the lights. I added extra hot glue blobs to create space between the back so it would sit away from the brickwork and allow the light to escape.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    I printed a photo from a famous scene from Hitchcock’s – The Birds movie. I painted a little ground espresso around the edges of the square dome before gluing into place ready to add the top piece.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    Using a craft knife, I cut cracks in the square dome and used pliers to bend back the opening where the birds broke through and escaped. Be careful not to scratch yourself on the sharp edges of the plastic. You could lightly sand if it worries you.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    The panel and feet are separate die cuts and I ran these through my machine with the lumber 3D embossing folder for a faux woodgrain effect. I love being able to emboss different pieces and then assemble after.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    I used alcohol ink foil tape covered with mushroom alcohol ink to create the dials and bars on the TV panel. I used the end of my paper shaping tool to emboss a circle into the smaller dial and added an extra bar I cut to the bigger dial.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    The birds were die cut using retired scarecrow thinlits die set (662382).

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    They were cut from the new idea-ology kraft-stock, which I love. It’s non textured unlike the original kraft-stock. I folded the birds wings up slightly and attached with a dot of distress collage medium added to the body of the bird.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    Cutting Hitchcock twice using the alphanumeric stretch upper thinlits dies. Once from idea-ology kraft-stock and once from distress kraft heavystock. I mounted one over the other, slightly offset to make it pop.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix retro tv alphanumeric stretch upper 3D brickwork
    Doesn’t it look cool lit up in the dark?! I hope there are idea-ology Halloween tiny lights this year! 😉 (photo credit Mario Rossi)…

    Thanks for stopping by.

    Zoe


    affiliate links used at no cost to you


  9. 30th July, 2021

    Varsity Moth

    Hello friends. I’m getting ready for a busy weekend of seasonal making. Before I head off into the inky wilderness, I thought I would stop by and share a tag I made for the Tim Holtz Sizzix Chapter 3 LIVE launch. You can check out all the launch details and inspirational makes over on Tim’s blog.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix perspective moth varsity alphanumeric
    This time I used half of the perspective moth die cut and took the varsity alphanumeric dies out for a test run and wow, it’s an alphanumeric must have set!

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix perspective moth varsity alphanumeric
    I used a #8 etcetera tag as my base. I love these tags because they are made from thickboard and you can really load them up with paints, pastes and inks. Perfect for mixed media makes. I have a how to with tips for applying the paste on a previous blog post. For this one I added some plain collage paper which I had stamped with the ledger script stamp in hickory smoke distress archival ink. I added a piece of design tape to the bottom which eventually got covered up, but it still adds texture to the background. I added vintage collage medium to give tint before layering with gesso and distress grit-paste.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix perspective moth varsity alphanumeric
    I created the moth using the perspective moth thinlits die and rusted the same way as the brickwork moth in a previous blog post. The intricate detail of this wing is incredible. I use a foldaway to cut my intricate dies but if you find you’re having trouble cutting them and you’re not using a foldaway machine, I recommend using a Sizzix Chrome Plate. Details on how to use it and which machines it’s compatible with are on Sizzix website.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix perspective moth varsity alphanumeric
    Let’s talk about the new varsity alphanumeric thinlits dies! WOW! I LOVE THEM! They gently emboss this beautiful stitched detail around the inner die cut. You can’t see it as clearly here as I used felt for the inner piece, but trust me, it is actually there. I used some very stiff adhesive backed felt that Tim kindly sent me. It’s like jacket lettering. So so cool!

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix perspective moth varsity alphanumeric
    I also used a seal outline from the thinlits set that comes with the new matchbox bigz die. I have to admit this die hasn’t been off my desk, love it. I used alphanumeric tiny type lower thinlits dies to spell out perspective.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix perspective moth varsity alphanumeric
    The perspective moth is a large die and still works perfectly on smaller surfaces by simply cutting it down. Thanks for stopping by.

    Zoe


    affiliate links used at no cost to you


  10. 16th July, 2021

    Perspective Moth

    Hello friends! Happy Friday! I’m back today with a sample that I made for the Tim Holtz Sizzix Chapter 3 LIVE launch. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can catch up on all the fun over on Tim’s blog.

    I want to say a big thank you for the amazing response and kind comments on my brickwork post. I hope you’ll try it out and I can’t wait to see all the different combinations you come up with.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    I took a brickwork background and cut it to create this exposed brick effect. I love the industrial look of this. Let’s get into the how to…

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    Cover a small thickboard etcetera tag with gesso and distress crackle texture paste and set aside to dry. Sand the edges and rub walnut stain distress crayon into the cracks. I did a “how to” for this on a previous blog post.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    Once you are happy with your grunged up background, it’s time to add the brickwork pieces. Tutorial below…

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    Follow the brickwork post to create a brickwork background. Cut pieces and strips with scissors and glue them onto your tag.

    This concludes the cut brickwork tutorial. 😉

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    Using the circuit 3D embossing folder I embossed distress watercolor cardstock and covered with a layer of watered down white gesso. I dry brushed ground espresso distress paint over the top and added some distress spray and let it wick through the embossed detail.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    The new switchlits seal is AWESOME! I used it as an anchor point for my moth, to see how the new switchlits work, check out Tim’s LIVE launch.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    The new perspective moth is stunning! When I received the die and cut it for the first time, I couldn’t believe how intricate the wings are. I cut it twice and covered the top layer with distress grit-paste and then painted with ground espresso distress paint and added rusty hinge distress crayon. The bottom layer I did nothing to and offset slightly from the top layer to create a drop shadow.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    Here is a quick run through of how I assembled the tag in case it’s helpful. The ruler didn’t make the final piece.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    I use Tim’s design ruler to find the center of my frame and mark with a tiny piece of tape and then again to find the center of the tag. Not at all necessary, but for me it’s all in the details.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    I find adhesive backed foam really expensive and I like to customise the size so I make my own. I buy sheets of kids fun foam and cover each side in 2 inch scor-tape and then cut to size as I need it.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    Add the foam adhesive backed circuit background to the center of the frame.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    Next add the switchlet seal. I used a little foam backed adhesive again to lift the layer.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    After I had added the seal I wished I’d stamped it but knew if I tried to do it whilst the seal was on my tag it would go wrong, I would try and remove the seal, that would tare the background… house of cards! So I stamped the image onto a piece of plain collage tissue wrap, fussy cut and then glued it on with distress collage medium. The glue makes the collage tissue vanish. I then got a little extra with the paint brush and ripped the bottom piece of the stamp, so added an idea-ology plaquette to cover the mistake. Smoke and mirrors my friends. Nothing I do is ever planned, it’s usually just accidental damage control! LOL

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    I added the perspective moth, attaching the body but leaving the wings free and shaping them slightly with my fingers. I added a strip of idea-ology metallic kraftstock with alphanumeric tiny type letters and idea-ology hardware heads added. I rubbed my NEW FULL SIZE distress archival ink pad over the top. Sorry for the shouting, I’m still so happy that Tim and Ranger released the OG distress archival palette in full size ink pads.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    I added a piece of linen that I dyed with distress spray stain and secured in place with an idea-ology fastener.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal

    igirlzoe: tim holtz sizzix brickwork 3D embossing folder perspective moth switchlit seal
    Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions and set your alarms for tomorrows new distress color reveal. I’m so excited, you’re going to need snacks.

    Zoe