Craft – iGirlZoe, Crafter & Tim Holtz Addict

‘Craft’ Category

12 Tags Of 2014 – April

30th April, 2014 by iGirlZoe

I had such good intentions to get this month’s 12 Tags of 2014 tag in early. I console myself in the knowledge that it’s only 238 days till Christmas and 1 day until Tim’s May Tag!

I know I use the word “love” at least once per post… but I LOVE the new frameworks dies! I am completely obsessed with the honeycomb die and it was my favourite… UNTIL I used the trellis die. We crafters are so fickle!

I used Tim’s new resist paper, which just makes me squeal every time I use it. There is an array of gorgeous background resit patterns in clear varnish printed on white and kraft card, (obviously I chose the honeycomb pattern)! I am looking forward to experimenting further.

While I’m talking dies, I am also obsessed with the new butterfly frenzy decorative strip die. I covered my tag with the smallest butterflies cut from the french industrial paper stash. I folded each wing against my thumb nail, leaving the body between the 2 wing folds to create a 3D butterfly. I used my new mini distress inks to colour, and a dab of glossy accents to attach to the trellis. I got the inspiration for the butterflies from Anna-Karin’s awesome Layers of Ink blog.

I don’t have Tim’s pinecone die (but you can bet it’s on my list), so I used another flower die. I cut the flowers from Core’dinations kraft core, it creates such a lovely worn look with just the swipe of a sanding block. I also swiped some distress paint over the top to highlight the tattered edges of the rose.

Thanks for taking a look at my tag and take time to hop over to Tim’s blog to see this month’s tag and techniques. If you would like to see the post in French, hop over to Scrapdeco’s blog.

~

supplies: tim holtz; manila tag/frameworks die (trellis)/butterfly frenzy decorative strip die/distress paint (picket fence, weathered wood, iced spruce, evergreen bough,)/mini distress inks (scattered straw, victorian velvet, broken china, faded jeans, peeled paint, walnut stain )/distress stain (tumbled glass)/crackle paint (rock candy clear)/glossy accents/core’dinations kraft core/idea-ology (crinkle ribbon, tissue tape, grungeboard, mirrored sheets, resist Motif cardstock paper stash/french industrial paper stash, life quotes remnant rubs)/cling stamps (tiny things)/sanding grip block/mister bottle

Category Craft, Craft Challenges | Tags: | 3 Comments | Views: 1,375
12 Tags of 2014 – March

31st March, 2014 by iGirlZoe

This month’s tag got me back to my inks after a couple of uncreative weeks. It always surprises me how getting inky, even for a couple of hours, can put me in a really great mood.

It took me a few attempts to get back into my creative stride and I had several epic fails. Admittedly, some of my distress inks were in desperate need of re-inking so there wasn’t much to smudge the first time around. The technique doubles as an excellent way to check if your most used ink pads need a top up.

I love having yet another way to use my distress markers. The air brushed effect the distress marker spritzer gives is awesome! I used distress ink through the layering stencil with a blending tool and darker coloured distress markers spritzed over the top. I love the mottled effect you get using both techniques together.

I was certain that I had to break open my new frameworks honeycomb die and incorporate it somehow. I can only describe it as “SCHLURP!” <3
I want to cover my apartment walls with this stuff. I ordered the trellis framework die, which due this week. I am stalking my postbox!

I LOVE SMUDGE STAMPING! I decided to mix the “full strength” and “second generation” stamped images on one tag to give the background extra depth. I used Nature Walk and Merchantile stamp sets which I got last week. I am in love with the double layered egg stamp. The effect is so cool and very shabby chic.

Hope “spring has sprung” wherever you are and take time to hop over to Tim’s Blog and see his tag and techniques.

~

supplies: tim holtz; manila tag/framework die (honeycomb)/distress paint (evergreen bough)/distress inks (tumbled glass, stormy sky, faded jeans, frayed burlap, vintage photo, walnut stain)/distress re-inkers (frayed burlap, vintage photo, walnut stain)/distress markers (antique linen, scattered straw, stormy sky, peeled paint/walnut stain)/distress marker spritzer tool/layering stencils (honeycomb)/tiny attacher/idea-ology (crinkle ribbon, word band, jute)/cling stamps (nature walk, merchantile)

Category Craft, Craft Challenges | Tags: | 3 Comments | Views: 1,610
12 Tags of 2014 – January

31st January, 2014 by iGirlZoe

Tim Holtz 12 Tags is back for 2014. I hesitate to state my intention to complete all 12 tags this year, but I have to at least put it out there! 😉

I absolutely adore this month’s tag and it’s reminded me how much I love metal foil embossing. Here is my take on January’s tag, using the techniques Tim demonstrates.

Probably the less said about my stencil addiction the better!

I hadn’t tried sanding the rub-ons before, but it’s such a great distressed effect and the rub-ons are such a pleasure to use.

I got the ornate frame die for Christmas and have been waiting to use it. This seemed like a perfect substitute for the large pocket watch die, which I don’t have, (yet)!

True to form this is very last minute, but the benefit is I don’t have to wait long for the next one…

~

supplies: tim holtz; metal foil/grungepaper/manilla tag/distress block/gears texture fades embossing folder/ornate frame die/distress paint (black soot)/distress stain (frayed burlap)/distress inks (frayed burlap, black soot)/remnant rubs (numbers, words)/assorted idea-ology/layering stencils (cargo, dot fade); liquitex splatter brush

Category Craft, Craft Challenges, Craft Creations, Craft Techniques | Tags: | 3 Comments | Views: 1,498
New Year Art Journal

21st January, 2014 by iGirlZoe

I had no idea where I was going with this when I started. I knew I wanted to create some texture and had seen a fabulous art journal video posted by Vicky Papaioannou. I used her background technique, cutting scrap paper into random sized squares and then sticking down with Studio Medium.

I was particularly keen to try this background technique as it goes against my need for the ‘laws of straightness’. This year I’m keen to try out new techniques and use the products I have in different ways.

I used the Tim Holtz Remnant Rubs to create some keys phrases to inspire me throughout the year. You will see I mixed up some of the RR’s, I assure you that Tim hasn’t produced an RR saying “life is lists!” 😉

~

supplies: tim holtz; distress paints (frayed burlap, weathered wood, bundled sage, wild honey, black soot, aged mahongany)/distress markers (vintage photo)/remnant rubs (elements, numbers, words)/layering stencils (cargo, dot fade, splatters); claudine hellmuth studio multi-medium (matte)/faber-castell artist pens (black)/uni-ball signo gel pen (white)/liquitex modelling paste.

Category Craft, Craft Creations, Craft Supplies, Craft Techniques | Tags: | 2 Comments | Views: 2,087
Mini Album Tutorial

10th January, 2014 by iGirlZoe

Shortly before Christmas I was given several sets of gorgeous Wendy Vecchi stamps and asked to do a mini album tutorial for the Scrapdeco blog.

I had been desperate to try out the new Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements fabric, but am not a sewer! However, with Phoomph, even stitch-a-phobes can play with this fabric. I used it to cover the front and back of the mini album, the Phoomph gives it a nice cushioned effect.

I chose a recent day out junking as the theme for my mini album. As well as the Wendy Vecchi Stamps, I used some of her fabulous Art Parts and of course, lashings of Tim Holtz products, (I am hopelessly addicted to the new Tim Holtz layering stencils).

Please visit SCRAPDECO to see the rest of my mini album and the tutorial.

Category Craft, Craft Techniques | Tags: | 2 Comments | Views: 1,752
Happy New Year

9th January, 2014 by iGirlZoe

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I was delighted to be included in Tim Holtz’s Holiday Blogworthy Links last month. Actually, delighted is an understatement! I woke my husband up at 6am screaming and jumping up and down… well wouldn’t you?!

Being that it happened so close to Christmas, I haven’t had the opportunity to thank you so much for your kind comments on both mine and the Scrapdeco blog.

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday and that 2014 brings you everything you wish for.

Category Blogging, Craft | Tags: | 1 Comment | Views: 1,117
Christmas Card Tutorial

1st November, 2013 by iGirlZoe

I was delighted to be asked by my friend and owner of Scrapdeco to do a Christmas card tutorial for the blog.

Naturally my card is made almost exclusively with Tim Holtz products. I absolutely love the new Snowman Blueprints Stamp and Framelits Die Set and the new Sizzix Magnetic Platform for Wafer Thin Dies is a total game changer!

Please visit SCRAPDECO to see my tutorial, written in no less than two languages, (thanks to Genevieve for translating into French).

Category Blogging, Craft, Craft Challenges, Craft Creations, Craft Techniques | Tags: | 7 Comments | Views: 7,692
Watercolor with Distress

15th July, 2013 by iGirlZoe

Recently I’ve been experimenting with watercolor techniques using different Distress products. I’d only used my Distress Stains to swipe across a tag or stain ribbon, so was thrilled to discover how incredible they are to watercolor with. They are now part of my staple craft supplies and I hope to add more colours to my collection.

I created this card for my Father-in-law’s birthday using Distress Stains, a water-brush and a stamp from the Tim Holtz Time Travelers set. I followed Brett Weldele’s tutorial on monochromatic coloring.

When I had assembled the card I felt as if it needed a little extra something to make it pop, so I added some idea-ology lace chain and secured using mini fasteners to simulate the pocket watch chain.

I’ve also been experimenting with Distress Markers which I got for my birthday. Initially I was skeptical as I wasn’t convinced a marker could watercolor that well. How wrong was I?! So it’s great news that Tim Holtz has just announced the release of 12 new colours of Distress Markers, in the first of his CHA Summer 2013 Sneak Peeks. I’m especially excited about having a new surface to distress, with the launch of Distress Watercolor Cardstock. AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY! WOO HOO!

This card I created with Distress Markers, a water-brush and a stamp from the Tim Holtz Remnants set. I used Distress Stains for the background and a little Distress ink around the edges to age it.

Category Craft, Craft Creations, Craft Storage, Craft Supplies | Tags: | 2 Comments | Views: 4,676
Birthday Weekend

9th July, 2013 by iGirlZoe

It’s been a couple of weeks since I returned home from a lovely long weekend celebrating my birthday in the Swiss mountains.

My DH is such a romantic and surprised me with red helium balloons, a chocolate mousse cake, champagne and fancy chocolates.

As if that wasn’t enough, I was treated to a trip to my favourite store, Scrapdeco. I picked up some Tim Holtz goodies and talked shop with the owner, Genevieve.

Getting some new products has inspired me to get creative again. I’ve been a bit “papered out” after months of making stationery for my brother’s wedding. I’ll share what I made in a later blog post.

Category Craft, Craft Supplies | Tags: | No Comments | Views: 2,279
Tattered Floral Challenge

22nd March, 2013 by iGirlZoe

When Tim Holtz challenged us to his Tattered Floral Challenge, the Tattered Florals Die was one of my least used, mainly because it was too, well, floral!

After several attempts I hadn’t created anything that I felt worthy of this challenge. Then it occurred to me that what these flowers were missing was some much needed grunge! I grabbed the new Tim Holtz Sizzix Texture Fades Gears Folder and came up with this!

This is how I made it…

I embossed a box lid and base and covered with distress paint. Once dry, I added a layer of broken china distress paint and then quickly removed the excess with a dry cloth. I swiped a blending tool with brushed corduroy distress ink over the raised embossed detail. Finally, I used an empty water brush to hightlight the raised areas with antique bronze distress stain.

Next I die cut Rangers Metal Foil Tape with the Tattered Florals Die and covered with Adirondack alcohol inks and set aside to dry.

Once dry, I embossed with the Tim Holtz Sizzix Texture Fades Gears Folder and then used a sanding block to take the dried alcohol ink off the raised embossed areas.

I attached the flowers with gem brads and curled the leaves to give them a more dimensional look.

Thanks to Tim’s challenge, I have a renewed love for my tattered florals die and look forward to experimenting more with my alcohol inks and metal foil.

Category Craft, Craft Challenges, Craft Creations, Craft Techniques, Miscellaneous | Tags: | 3 Comments | Views: 9,287

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