1. Tim Holtz 2023 Stencils

   19th April, 2023 by iGirlZoe

   

   Hello friends. I’m continuing to celebrate the launch of the Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous 2023 Collection. You can see the collection showcased, along with all the incredible maker inspiration and demo over on Tim’s blog.

   
   Today I’m focusing on the new Brush Hex and Brush Mark stencils from Tim’s 2023 Collection and made a couple of tags. Let’s get into the details…

   
   Take a #8 mixed media heavystock tag and remove the hole reinforcer. Use media grip to hold the tag in place on your glass media mat and lay the Brush Hex stencil over the top and secure with tape. Using distress watercolor pencils, scribble the pencil onto the tag through the stencil.

   
   Next, scribble distress crayon (I used walnut stain) lightly around the outside of the stencil detail and using a waterbrush, blend the pencil and crayon.

   
   Once dry, scribble a darker distress watercolor pencil over the top and blend with a waterbrush.

   
   Transfer your tag and stencil to a stamp platform. It’s really easy to line up the stencil again so don’t freak out. Cover a stamp in distress archival ink (I used black soot) and stamp through the stencil. You may need to repeat this several times applying good pressure on different parts of the stamp to get it to stamp through the stencil. That’s why it’s good to use a stamp platform for this.

   
   Add distress crayon (I used walnut stain) to the edges of the tag, use your finger and a little water to blend the crayon.

   
   Swipe the edges of the tag with distress archival ink (I used ground espresso). Add a hole reinforcer cut from the framed tags thinlits die set.

   
   Add butterflies/moths from the Entomology and Tiny Things stamp sets. Stamp with distress archival ink and watercolor with distress watercolor pencils.

   
   Create a label using the specimen thinlits die set. I found these tiny eyelets which fit the holes from Retro Cafe Art.

   
   This second tag was made using the same steps and different stencils and stamps.
   Brush Mark stencil. Specimens stamp set. Entomology stamp set (background stamp) in hickory smoke distress archival ink.

   
   I really love how much detail you get with these stencils. I’m going to batch make some more stencil backgrounds to keep in my stash. Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
   Zoe

   …
   affiliate links used at no cost to you

   
   

   Category Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 9 Comments | Views: 2,296

   ---

2. Tim Holtz Bold Botanicals

   18th April, 2023 by iGirlZoe

   

   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.

   
   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…

   
   Gather distress watercolor cardstock, walnut stain distress ink, distress water sprayer, Tiny Prints stamps.

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   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.
   
   Distress archival ink dries fast, so immediately cover the stamped image with clear embossing powder, gently tap off excess powder and heat.

   
   Using a paper trimmer, trim the stamped image to fit the front of the coin envelope (2.75 x 3.5 inches).

   
   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.

   
   Stamp “return and forwarding postage…” from Eccentric stamp set with distress archival ink (I used fired brick) and fussy cut.

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   
   Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
   Zoe

   …
   affiliate links used at no cost to you

   
   

   Category Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 14 Comments | Views: 3,906

   ---

3. Tim Holtz The Inspector

   17th April, 2023 by iGirlZoe

   

   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.

   
   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…

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   Ready to assemble and color and add trims to the front cover.

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   Now let’s get into what’s inside the writing case…

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   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.

   
   Using distress watercolor pencils again to color The Inspector. I LOVE these pencils and LOVE having them in the vintage Distress palette!

   
   
   
   Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
   Zoe

   …
   affiliate links used at no cost to you

   
   

   Category Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 13 Comments | Views: 2,474

   ---

4. Hipster Bunny

   4th April, 2023 by iGirlZoe

   

   Hoppy Tuesday friends. I’m busy getting some work deadlines done ready for the long Easter weekend which begins on Thursday in Copenhagen and runs through Monday. I love this long holiday and with most stores and businesses closed for the duration, it’s great to spend some time relaxing with my sweet husband and doing some Easter making.

   
   I took a little time over the weekend to make a tag using the awesome Hipster Bunny stamp set. Simon Says Stamp still has some in stock (linked at the end of this post), and they ship internationally.

   
   He has the sweetest bunny face I have ever seen and I utterly ADORE his oversized glasses. I stamped and fussy cut the Hipster Bunny using Distress Archival Ink.

   
   I stamped his glasses twice with distress archival ink and fussy cut. I cut a Mica Tile layer and sandwiched between the two glasses.

   
   The hat and jacket from the Tailored thinlits die set fits perfectly and I LOVE how his gorgeous ears stick out the top.

   
   I stamped the bow tie and watercolored with fossilized amber distress ink and added it to the suit jacket die cut from the Tailored thinlits die set. I cut the center of the bow tie twice and added it with a 3D foam square. I mentioned these foam squares in a previous post. I’ve just started using them and highly recommend them (linked at the end of the post).

   
   I used up some more of the Brushstroke Flowers Mini thinlits die set. Adding them to a wreath I cut from the Funky Wreath thinlits die set.

   
   I dyed a piece of idea-ology Mummy Cloth with fossilized amber distress spray and added it to the top of tag. The tag was created using the Framed Tags thinlits dies and stamped with a stamp from Newsprint and Type stamp set with Distress Archival Ink.

   
   Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
   Zoe

   …
   affiliate links used at no cost to you

   
   

   Category Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 8 Comments | Views: 1,317

   ---

5. Brushstroke Flowers Mini

   24th March, 2023 by iGirlZoe

   

   Hello friends, hope you’re doing well. I can’t believe it’s already been 3 months since Tim Holtz released his incredible 2023 Sizzix Everyday Collection, the year is flying past. I’m getting into some more Spring and Easter makes and wanted to share a tag I made using dies from the 2023 collection. You can see the Launch and inspiration makes, plus demo over on Tim’s blog.

   
   I’ve seen quite a few questions in the Tim Holtz Addicts group about the Brushtroke Flowers Mini thinlits dies, mostly how to assemble them. As I was starting to make some for upcoming makes, I thought I would do some assembly step outs in the hopes that it will help. They are really fun to make and really easy once you’ve had a run or 2 at them. Details later in the post…

   
   First I wanted to add bunny ears to a hat because Easter wouldn’t be Easter without bunny ears and a top hat! I die cut a bunny from the Bunny Stitch thinlits set and inked with distress and cut down, leaving enough to attach the ears to the hat. I used the Framed Tags thinlits die set to create my tag, stamped with the background from The Professor 2 stamp set, in distress archival ink.

   
   I cut a hat and jacket from the Tailored thinlits die set and inked with distress. I added “x’s” from the Bunny Stitch thinlits die set for a patched up look.

   
   I cut idea-ology black kraftstock with the Alphanumeric Thin thinlits die set and added it to the background using distress collage medium and the squeezers from Tim’s Sizzix Shaping Kit Making Tool set.

   
   I used the shaping tool from this set to shape the flowers and foliage. I LOVE this shaping tool, it’s so incredibly easy to use and the dimensional effect you get is awesome. Tim has a great demo using it on his blog.

   
   I used the Brushstroke Flowers Mini thinlits to create this gorgeous grungy bouquet. I was sent some 3D foam adhesive squares from Simon Says Stamp to use and I am sold! They come in large and small square foams, in 2 different depths and in black, white or a mixed pack. I used the small less deep squares under my hat and jacket and the deeper small squares under some of the flowers so they retained their shape.

   
   Now for the how to put them together part and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! You will see below each die has 3 photos, working from left to right.
   Die Cut (1), Ink (2), Assembled (3).

   
   
   
   
   
   I hope this helps make assembly easy for you and will encourage you to have a go if you haven’t already. And please remember, there are no hard and fast rules, so if you’re left with a piece and don’t care, toss it!

   
   Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
   Zoe

   …
   affiliate links used at no cost to you

   
   

   Category Sizzix, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 22 Comments | Views: 5,157

   ---

6. Tim Holtz Rotary Media Trimmer

   23rd March, 2023 by iGirlZoe

   

   Hello friends, hope you’re well, nearly weekend! I recently received a Tim Holtz Rotary Media Trimmer and I wanted to let you know what I thought. I’m not going to go through all of the features because I think Tim more than covered that during the LIVE, so I highly recommend you watch that as Tim shares a lot of education during his demos.

   
   I have to be honest, I’ve never had much luck with rotary trimmers. They wouldn’t cut straight, but would always cut me when it came time to change the blade, which was expensive and often difficult to find. BUT… this being a Tim Holtz designed Rotary Trimmer, I knew it was going to knock my socks off, and of course it did and here’s why it did…

   
   First and most importantly, it cuts straight, and I can spot a crooked line a mile away without my glasses. I am not a fan of crooked and I hate nothing more than a trimmer that won’t cut a straight line! Now don’t be fooled by the blade carriage wobble. I touched that thing and it wobbled and I wondered how I was going to politely tell Tim it sucked! LOL But you gently press that blade carriage and it engages and you will get the straightest cut even on the thinnest paper strips. Also you don’t have to change the blade but in case you feel compelled to, there is a replacement blade carriage and even comes with the tool you need to change it!

   
   I need to trust that I’m going to get a straight cut because I almost always trim what I make at the end. Having put all the love and time into a make, you need to trust your tools. I didn’t even hold my breath, I cut with total confidence! If you have one, you’ll know. If you get one, you’ll see what I mean.

   
   Look at the tiny paper strands it cut. It cut through 2 sheets of distress mixed media heavystock covered in idea-ology backdrop papers, collage paper, ephemera, glue, texture paste and remnant rubs. It glided through effortlessly.

   
   I also wanted to see how it would trim some of the things I use in my makes that I would want a straight cut for, one of them being the idea-ology filmstrip.

   
   Perfect cuts and easy like a hot knife through buttah! It cuts through idea-ology transparencies and other acetate easily too.

   
   I’m a big fan of the Traveler’s Company, traveler’s notebooks and wanted to create a few inserts to add to my notebook. Creating a cover from the large sheets of distress mixed media heavystock, which easily fit in the generous sized 12.5 inch (31.5cm) trimmer.

   
   I use copy paper for inside the notebook insert and easily trimmed 10 sheets at a time. It made it so quick and simple.

   
   I was so happy adding it into my traveler’s notebook. I can’t wait to make more of these now.

   
   I haven’t used another trimmer since I took this out of the box. It’s lightweight and strong, easy to carry, looks good and doesn’t take up a huge footprint on your desk. It glides when it cuts and makes this really cool swoosh swoosh sound! You can tell I LOVE it right?! I can’t recommend this enough, it ROCKS… but only until you engage the blade! 😉

   I’ve added a few more photos and details of the idea-ology I used on the traveler’s notebook insert below…

   
   I cut distress mixed media cardstock to create the cover of my traveler’s notebook insert. Covering with the new idea-ology photographic collage paper and paper from the backdrops volume 4 and 5 packs. Adding some distress opaque crackle paste through a mini stencil and covering with distress collage medium and walnut stain distress crayon. I added one of the photomatic photos with the border removed. I LOVE these!

   
   I added the idea-ology filmstrip with glossy accents over some palette collage paper.

   
   Remnants rubs for the win! Adding the remnant rubs to my make is my favorite part. It brings it to life! I also added trims design tape and labels from the classic labels stickers, all from idea-ology.

   
   I love this piece from the idea-ology 2023 ephemera pack. I added it to the bottom of my insert cover with distress collage medium and a piece on top from the collage strips pack cut with the trimmer.

   
   Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
   Zoe

   …
   affiliate links used at no cost to you

   
   

   Category Ideaology, Mixed Media, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 2 Comments | Views: 1,570

   ---

7. idea-ology File Cards

   21st March, 2023 by iGirlZoe

   

   Hello friends, hope your week is off to a great start. In my last post I shared my science experiment tray and today I’m sharing the idea-ology file cards that were part of that make. You can see the idea-ology 2023 products, LIVE replay and inspiration makes over on Tim Holtz blog.

   
   I was inspired by all the incredible paper and ephemera that is part of this new idea-ology 2023 line and wanted to add a paper element to my science experiment tray.

   
   I created a compartment at the back of the vignette tray out of etcetera thickboard trims covered with backdrops volumes 4 and 5 papers for the file cards to sit in. You can see all the details of the science experiment tray on my other post.

   
   I love that idea-ology helps you tell a story and this was the perfect way to continue mine. Let’s get into details…

   
   Using idea-ology file cards I created scientist identification cards and experiment notes. I trimmed the index cards slightly to fit inside the pockets. The folded card in this pack perfectly fit onto the back of the pocket and I added some ephemera inside the pocket for visual interest when the index cards are out.

   
   Side view: pocket on top, folded card behind, index card inside the pocket with tab showing (all from idea-ology file cards pack).

   
   This is one of my favorite photos from the idea-ology snapshots volume 2 pack. I had already seen the “The Chemistry Club” sticker from the clippings stickers and this photo just perfectly matched the story. I covered a pocket from the file cards pack with palette collage paper. The photo covers the blocks of color on the collage paper but I love that you can see the numbers and writing peeking out around the edges. I wrapped a label from the ephemera set around the front with some remnant rubs added.

   
   I added a spoon from the idea-ology silverware pack to the front of the file cards. Covered it in foundry wax and once heated and COOLED, I rubbed distress crayon over the top and then dry brushed black soot paint over the top of that. I added a piece of ephemera and a little more distress crayon. I was really pleased with how this turned out.

   
   I absolutely love idea-ology photomatics and they were perfect for my scientist identification cards. I used the index cards from the idea-ology file cards pack, adding ephemera, design tape trims, remnant rubs and clippings stickers to tell the story of scientist Dr Schuyler.

   
   I used one of the cards from the idea-ology file cards pack to create the scientists notes. Gluing paper from the backdrops volume 4 paper pack and scored the center to break the paper so the booklet closed easily. I added pieces from the layers, transparencies and ephemera packs. I also added some more remnant rubs, design tape trims and clippings stickers.

   
   I glued scientists notes card to the back of the pocket and then decorated the back of the card with paper, ephemera and remnant rubs. I used the new distress sanding disks and mini round blending tool to sand the large numbers. I then used the blending tool with blending foam to blend in a little distress ink over the scuffed sections.

   
   I decorated the front of the second pocket. That gorgeous grunge is part of the backdrops volume 4 paper pack that I used to cover the front of the pocket. I love using ephemera to tell a story.

   
   I used the clippings stickers to name my scientists and the remnant rubs to continue the story. The tickets and postal stamps give an element of travel to the cards. Meet Dr Adeline, she is a founding member of The Chemistry Club.

   
   This was my favorite spread from my file cards. I love that pop of orange from the piece from the layers ephemera and that gorgeous transparency. I used distress collage medium underneath the butterfly to attach the transparency without the glue showing. I added remnant rubs, design tape trims and ephemera to build the story.

   
   I love this paper from the backdrops paper pack. I used tape from the trims design tape up the side which perfectly matched and some more ephemera and remnant rubs. I really love those larger number rubs and it’s worth picking up an idea-ology remnant rub tool, and some extra remnant rubs.

   
   On the back of the index cards I added paper from the backdrops volume 4 and 5 paper packs, ephemera, layers, design tape trims and remnant rubs over the top. I love the collage strips because you can trim them into individual strips and they make fantastic ephemera pieces and I love adding he remnant rubs last to bring it all together.

   
   The scientist identification cards, pockets and experiment notes were ready to be pulled together into a collection and that’s when I had an idea to make a strap. This was inspired by the very first ever craft class that I took in Coventry with Tim Holtz. We made an awesome tag booklet and were given these cool buckles and some measurement tape to make a strap and I wanted to recreate the look using ephemera.

   
   I glued on pieces of ephemera from the collage strips pack onto seam ribbon and added a good layer of distress collage medium over the entire strap, setting aside to dry overnight. I then stitched along the center of the strap and added an idea-ology buckle onto the end. These buckles were retired some time ago but are still available from retailers if you look for them.

   
   Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
   Zoe

   …
   affiliate links used at no cost to you

   
   

   Category Ideaology, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 8 Comments | Views: 10,967

   ---

8. Tim Holtz idea-ology 2023

   16th March, 2023 by iGirlZoe

   

   Hello friends I hope you’re doing well and loving the new 2023 idea-ology products. Whether you’re a colorful rainbow lover, or grunge lover (like me), there’s something for you. You can watch the LIVE replay and see the full product range and inspiration makes over on Tim Holtz blog.

   
   I was inspired to make with the new idea-ology Reliquary Dome from the moment Tim showed it to us. I love a good dome and having another, larger and differently shaped dome… well yes please. I decided to make something for me, to put in my apartment that would fit the vintage aesthetic. Let’s get into some of the details…

   
   Taking a small vignette tray and covering the inside base and sides with papers from the idea-ology backdrops Volumes 4 and 5 paper packs. I used the new large fasteners to attach handles from the mini hardware pulls set to the sides of the vignette tray! Thanks to Paula Cheney for her creative “what about” input on the handles and making it into an actual tray!

   
   I love how detailed the idea-ology industrial gears are. I covered with layers of black soot and vintage photo distress paints to create an aged rusty look before adding to the base of the tray with distress collage medium. This is my “go to” glue which I used throughout this make.

   
   Next I added pieces of ephemera from the palette ephemera pack to the inside sides of the vignette tray and added distress crayon over dried distress opaque crackle paste. I added idea-ology trim design tape around the top edge of the vignette tray. I love this trim tape and how narrow it is, making it really easy to add to vignette trays and boxes.

   
   The idea-ology line is perfect for telling a story and this piece of ephemera from the organic layers pack did just that. It’s on the back of the tray but I know it’s there and it makes me smile. If you know you know!

   
   I used the etcetera thickboard trims to create a compartment for my file cards and matching decorative trims thinlits dies to cut backdrops papers to match the outside of the tray. I use my Tim Holtz scissors to cut the thickboard trims to size and love having the dies to match as it makes it so quick and easy to decorate. I glued into place with distress collage medium.

   
   
   Look at that gorgeous backdrop paper! I added a few drops of ink splatter to it, but it’s plenty grunge-alicious with nothing added.

   
   I love love love the new idea-ology quote chip labels designed to match perfectly with the idea-ology label frames. I added a little black soot and vintage photo distress paint to the label frame and sanded the quote chip edges and inked before adding to the front of the vignette tray with distress collage medium.

   
   Next I turned my attention to the pieces going inside the tray… This is where you get to go to town and find things that fit inside the domes, bottles and test tubes. I sometimes find making a larger project overwhelming, so breaking it down into small bite size pieces really suits my maker style and it’s fun tinkering with each piece.

   
   Starting with a stack of gears with a clock key on the top, I used distress collage medium to glue the gear stack together and the clock key was added using the tiny screw in the base, thread through the top gear. Again I used black soot and vintage photo distress paints to create a rust effect.

   
   I wanted to create a bottle that looked like labels had been added on the top of others over the years. To do this I cut strips from the collage strips pack to decorate the side of a bottle from the corked vials set. Using the mini round blending tool with the sanding disk attached, gently sanded the cork and labels and inked.

   
   I love using ephemera to cover the cork in the domes. I added a bug from the entomology adornments set, covered in alcohol pearls. The bug is pushed into the cork and secured with a little drop of distress collage medium and I added a tack nail. Glue the dome into place and then add any outside ephemera using collage medium.

   
   I used more of the bugs from the entomology adornments set inside a small display dome. I covered each in black soot and vintage photo distress paint for a rust effect to match the gears. I used memo pins to stand the bugs into the cork at different heights. Use a pair of pliers (tool box pliers not jewelry pliers) to squish the memo pin top and hot glue into the recess behind the bugs.

   
   I covered a laboratory bottle with distress collage medium using a paintbrush and once dry, dry brushed distress paint over the top, wiping parts to create a more natural worn look. Next added idea-ology bubbles covered in alcohol ink that I hoarded from Halloween, along with some creepy string. I added pieces of ephemera to the bottle and cork that I rubbed with walnut stain distress crayon for a little grunge.

   
   I cut more of the idea-ology collage strips to cover the cork of one of the jars from the idea-ology corked vials set. Adding a little collage medium and mushroom alcohol ink to make it grungy. I put some wadding inside the jar and squeezed in a wishbone that was attached to fishing wire and thread up through the cork so the wishbone is suspended in the jar. Finally adding some ephemera and pieces cut from the collage strips to create a label at the base of the jar so it doesn’t cover the contents. I pushed a tack nail into the top of the cork which had a piece of ephemera from the curator pack on top.

   
   I added one more bottle from the corked vials set. Love how there are so many different pieces in this idea-ology pack enabling you to create lots of individual pieces. I used more palette ephemera from the new idea-ology pack and a small piece from the palette collage paper. Simply add with distress collage medium using a paint brush. I love that it becomes quite translucent against the glass.

   
   Glue each piece onto the tray using distress collage medium and WALK AWAY! LOL Allow time to cure before touching… or shipping! 😉

   
   Look at how much space you get in the new idea-ology reliquary dome!! I trimmed pieces of ephemera from the palette ephemera pack and glued around the cork base. I added quite a few idea-ology toadstools, using my Tim Holtz scissors to cut some of the stems shorter to create the different heights. I used some spare pieces of cork and leftover woodland tree bases to make some of the larger toadstools taller. I used my Dremel tool to make holes in the cork and added a little hot glue and pushed each toadstool in. Adding more hot glue and pushing the moss into and over it. Finally adding a little distress crayon to the toadstool tops.

   I recommend you wear safety glasses when trimming the toadstools and using a Dremel or other power tools.

   
   I trimmed one of the beautiful transparencies from the transparent layers pack to fit inside the dome behind the toadstools.

   
   Slide the transparency into the back of the dome and carefully slide the glass over the toadstools onto the cork base.

   
   I added several of the adorable new idea-ology word tags to twine which was wrapped around the base of the reliquary dome glass. Painted with black soot and vintage photo distress paint. They look way more yellow in the photo than they actually are.

   
   I added distress grit-paste to the handles and once dry, covered with distress paint. Using the AWESOME new texture hammer to give the new large fasteners a good bash. #MacGyverApproved

   
   
   A big thank you to Tim, Mario and Paula for their encouragement, creative support and shipping wizardry and to you for the kind comments left for all the makers during the LIVE and on social media.

   Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
   Zoe

   
   Join me on my blog tomorrow(ish) to see details of the file cards.

   …
   affiliate links used at no cost to you

   
   

   Category Ideaology, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 17 Comments | Views: 4,582

   ---

9. Vintage Lost Shadow

   7th February, 2023 by iGirlZoe

   

   Hello friends. Before getting started on my Galentine and Valentine cards, I’m sharing my final make from the Tim Holtz LIVE launch of the gorgeous new member of the Distress family, Lost Shadow!

   
   Naturally I had to make something with a hat and the new Tailored thinlits die set was perfect. I wanted to create a “sampler” to showcase the different mediums of Lost Shadow Distress. Let’s get into the details…

   
   I love the Lost Shadow Distress Paint as a base for idea-ology metal. I added it to an idea-ology vintage clip. You can see underneath the idea-ology adornments star I added, the metal is not shiny but a nice vintage matte gray, which is the Lost Shadow Distress Paint! I added distress opaque grit-paste, and once dry, crackling campfire and ground espresso distress paints to create a rust effect. I used a little walnut stain distress crayon over the top to create extra grunge. YUM!

   
   Use the same products as on the vintage clip and adornments star to distress the idea-ology hardware heads.

   
   Lost Shadow Oxide Spray over distress cracked leather cardstock is a dream! Look how it wicks into the cracked leather and is perfect for embossing, I used the new dotted multi-level embossing folder, which I love!

   
   Lost Shadow Distress Paint works as a great resist. I dipped the hat and coat die cuts from Tailored die set into the paint and dried before blending in walnut stain distress ink. You can see where the paint resisted the ink for a weathered look. The entomology moth was stamped and cut using the entomology stamp set and matching framelits die set, both available and linked below. I used Lost Shadow Distress Re-inker to watercolor the moth. It’s very subtle and pairs beautifully with walnut stain distress.

   
   The ticket booth stamps were die cut using the matching framelits set and sprayed with Lost Shadow Distress Spray Stain. Edged with a little walnut stain distress ink and stamped with black soot distress archival ink. I love that you don’t need many products to create these cool tickets. The wishbone was weathered with a little Lost Shadow Distress Paint.

   
   Using the eye chart stencil and a mini blending tool, I blended Lost Shadow Distress Paint to stencil numbers down the side of the etcetera tag.

   
   Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
   Zoe

   …
   affiliate links used at no cost to you

   
   

   Category Distress, Ranger Ink, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 4 Comments | Views: 2,155

   ---

10. Lost Shadow Distress

    2nd February, 2023 by iGirlZoe

    

    Welcome to the family Lost Shadow Distress! If you missed the formal introduction, RUN over to Tim’s blog and watch the replay. What a fantastic party with so much inspiration and such a beautiful story about how the name came to be. I love hanging out on a Saturday for the LIVES and the new color reveal always has an extra special buzz about it and for me, this color was one to get really excited about. Here come the NEUTRALS!

    
    Lost Shadow is just my type and definitely one for the “most used box”… Five stars to Tim and the chemists at Ranger Ink for bringing us yet another chameleon distress with truly magical properties! Add frayed burlap spray stain to Lost Shadow oxide spray and see the magic for yourself! That’s where the background for this make began. Let’s get into some of the details…

    
    The mottled magic that happens when Lost Shadow distress oxide spray meets frayed burlap distress spray stain and it turns different colors! I was playing around, adding other browns and loved the end result so I decided to create a larger background and add it to a thickboard etctera tag.

    I’ve had a few questions about Etcetera tags and how to use them so I’m adding an action photo…

    
    Apply a light layer of distress collage medium to the bottom part of the tag. Line up the cardstock over the etcetera tag and press down the glued section. Peel back and begin adding distress collage medium to the tag, pressing down the cardstock as you go.

    
    If you want to stitch the edges, you would do this before gluing the cardstock to the tag. I sanded the edges using the new distress sanding disks on a mini round blending tool. This gets rid of any paper overlap and gives nice worn edges to ink with distress ink (I used walnut stain). You could poke through the hole and add the reinforcer that comes with it, but for this tag I chose not to.

    
    I die cut a piece of distress watercolor cardstock with the mixed media #3 thinlits die set (661186) and sprayed with Lost Shadow distress spray stain. I love the subtle but awesome mottled effect it gives and how it tones down the sharp white. I edged with walnut stain distress ink and added an idea-ology vintage clip to the top of the etcetera tag which was aged by adding Lost Shadow distress paint.

    This die has has been retired but it maybe out there if you search. An alternative would be to use another of Tim’s alphanumeric sets to create a similar background.

    
    I die cut a retro typewriter from the Tim Holtz Bigz die and embossed with the 3D industrious folder. Adding Lost Shadow distress paint as a base coat and then spraying with distress spray stains in various brown tones. Once dry I spritzed Lost Shadow distress oxide spray stain over the top to give some mottled light spots.

    I added a star from the idea-ology stars adornments pack which I covered with Lost Shadow distress paint and once dry, added a little distress opaque grit-paste and ground espresso and crackling campfire distress paints to give a rusty effect. Lost Shadow distress paint as a base for rusting metal idea-ology is AWESOME! I’m going to use this all the time, I ordered another paint so I have a back-up!

    
    I love to use etcetera trims as shelves for my makes. The decorative trims thinlits die set is a game changer and I use it all the time. I used to have to trace around the trim and then sand the trim. The time saved is incredible. I used distress cracked leather cardstock which I dyed with walnut stain distress spray stain and once dry sprayed with Lost Shadow distress oxide spray. I love the way the Lost Shadow oxide wicks into the cracked leather detail of the cardstock. Attach using distress collage medium and trim as required. You can cut through the thickboard with Tim’s scissors.

    
    Assemble your shelves using distress collage medium and add die cut letters, alphanumeric upper case. I used Tim Holtz Squeezers to get the letters lined up and into place without my fingers getting in the way and distress collage medium bottle with the fine tip to add just a tiny amount of glue. You could use adhesive backed sheets or a xyron sticker maker too.

    
    I’m OBSESSED with the new bulletin alphanumeric thinlits dies. When Tim first showed them to the makers I wasn’t sure if I was going to use them much because they’re so big but I couldn’t love them more and can’t stop using them. I die cut from distress watercolor cardstock and tapped the center of the letters into an inky Lost Shadow distress ink wash. For the border of the letters I blended in several layers of the Lost Shadow distress ink and a little walnut stain distress ink to create a darker outline.

    
    I added a piece of flair that is perfect for the typewriter theme and a few idea-ology type chips which I stocked up and have hoarded for years but need to use them, so I went with LOVE because it’s nearly Valentines and because I LOVE Lost Shadow Distress. It really is “just my type”…

    
    Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
    Zoe

    …
    affiliate links used at no cost to you

    
    

    Category Distress, Ranger Ink, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 8 Comments | Views: 2,321

    ---

• Search for:
• About Me

  Hello, I’m Zoe, somewhere between normal and crazy!
  A procrastinator, easily distracted by shiny things.
  Lover of junk, vintage and grunge. Crafter and Tim Holtz Addict.

• Subscribe to my blog
  Name:
  

  Email:*
  

  

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I was there in the afternoon.

• Latest Posts
  • Bah Humbug!
  • Tim Holtz idea-ology Christmas 2024
  • Skullball
  • Peace on Earth
  • Tim Holtz Vault Ice Skates
• Categories
  • 12 Tags 2015 (5)
  • 12 Tags 2016 (7)
  • A Vintage Journey (1)
  • Alcohol Lift-ink (2)
  • Art from the Heart (1)
  • Assemblage (2)
  • Autumn (3)
  • Banner (2)
  • Blog Hop (2)
  • Blogging (3)
  • Card (42)
  • CHA 2016 (6)
  • CHA 2017 (4)
  • CHA 2018 (1)
  • CHA 2019 (2)
  • CHA Show (11)
  • Christmas (66)
  • Craft (82)
  • Craft Challenges (49)
  • Craft Creations (39)
  • Craft Giveaway (3)
  • Craft Storage (4)
  • Craft Supplies (8)
  • Craft Techniques (32)
  • Craft Tutorial (5)
  • Creativation (5)
  • Creativation 2017 (4)
  • Creativation 2018 (1)
  • Creativation 2018 Blog Hop (1)
  • Creativation 2019 (3)
  • Creativation 2019 Blog Hop (1)
  • Creativation 2020 (7)
  • Creativation Show (9)
  • Creative Chemistry 101 (4)
  • Creative Chemistry Live (1)
  • December Daily (1)
  • DieCember (1)
  • Distress (20)
  • DT (61)
  • Emerald Creek (1)
  • Friday Focus (4)
  • Frilly & Funkie (61)
  • Gift Card Holder (3)
  • Halloween (69)
  • Ideaology (85)
  • Miscellaneous (12)
  • Mixed Media (25)
  • Mixed Media Canvas (3)
  • Ranger Ink (96)
  • Saturday Showcase (5)
  • Saturday Step By Step (6)
  • Sidekick (10)
  • Simon Says Stamp (2)
  • Sizzix (119)
  • Stampers Anonymous (113)
  • Tags (14)
  • Texture Fades (6)
  • Tim Holtz (293)
  • Tim Holtz Holiday Inspiration Series (12)
  • Tim Holtz Inspiration Series (17)
  • Tutorial (12)
  • Valentines (3)
  • Wendy Vecchi (4)
  • Workshop (1)
• Utilities
  • Photo resizer
  • Polaroid maker
• Links
  • Follow me on Instagram
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Paula Cheney
  • Tim Holtz
  • Tim Holtz Addicts Facebook

Copyright © 2012 - 2024 iGirlZoe. Web development by Neil Hillman