Tim's Tag, Day 1 - Make it Work!

I feel a little silly admitting that I didn't sleep very well last night. I just couldn't wait for morning to see what Tim Holtz had some up with for the first of his 12 Tags of Christmas! As usual, he didn't disappoint. Every time he posts a new tag, it is my favorite - and of course, this one was incredible and I totally fell in love.

Every year, it's been my tradition to show ways of recreating the tag, even if you don't have the materials. I hate when I hear people saying they won't join in because they don't have the stuff. That's crazy! This year it's hard because, for once, I DO have the stuff. I decided that I was still going to try a few MacGyver antics, just to see if it could be done! Maybe these should be called Tim Gunn 'Make it Work' moments. I love Project Runway and Tim is the best! Anyway.....

The Kraft Core'dinations cardstock sets the tone for the whole tag. What if you don't have any? I stole an idea from my friend, Cyndi (thanks, Cyndi!), and created a similar look with kraft cardstock and Adirondack Paint Dabbers. Here are the deets:

1. Cut a tag from kraft cardstock using the Sizzix Tag and Bookplates die. Cover entire surface with paint using an Aqua Paint Dabber.

Step 2: Dry with heat gun and apply another layer of paint, this time swiping it in the opposite direction (crosshatch). Dry with heat gun.

Step 3: Emboss using desired folder. I have the Sizzix Snow Flurries folder Tim used, but I wanted to show that you can change it up and use what YOU have on hand. I actually got so excited at this point that I totally forgot to ink the folder. Oops! the cardstock was so fragile I didn't want to put it back through, so I inked the folder and pressed down. It didn't do the greatest job, so I tried something else.

Step 4: I spritzed it with water! It held the embossing powder just long enough to melt. I actually got kind of freaked out by the coverage and brushed too much off. I can't believe how good it looks after I sanded it!

Ok, we took care of our background, but this is a huge reason why this tag is so awesome: the Sizzix Tattered Pinecone die. I have it, and it is fantastic! But, what if you ordered it and you don't have it yet? Well...I came up with something that kinda approximates the original. At least if you don't look back at Tim's. ;-) This was inspired by a friend at stamp club who showed us how to make a torn flower.

 Step 1: Tear a circle shape from Kraft Core'dinations cardstock. I think this is about 3" wide.

Step 2: Tear the cardstock in a spiral shape.

Step 3: Proceed as Tim shows in the video. I know...right now you're doubting me, aren't you? Just wait - they get better.

Step 4: See! A little ink, paint, and glitter and they're not too bad. I think they look somewhat pineconey anyway. :-)


So, background done, pine cones made. Rats! You don't have the Tattered Banners die! But, you do have some Idea-ology Tissue Tape, Distress ink, and cardstock. Right? You can make a Tissue Tape Banner!

Step 1: Adhere a strip of Tissue Tape to a piece of tan cardstock. Ink with Brushed Corduroy Distress ink.

Step 2: Trim excess cardstock, clip ends, and shape into banner. Easy!

Ok, this is just a little silly thing I wanted to do. So you don't have any Idea-ology Baubles, you say? Well, if you have an oak tree and some pearls....! I painted the acorn cap with my silver Dabber and glued it onto a large pearl. I stuck a straight pin into it to make a little hook. It's attached to my tag with an Idea-ology Mini Paper Clip. I love it!

So, now you have no excuse not to play along, right? You have all kinds of things at your disposal...you just need to use your imagination and be inspired!! I made a couple more changes to my tag - I used the Reindeer Flight die, just because it's so pretty and I just got it! I also added a little Idea-ology Philosophy Tag under my pine cones. It's been painted with Snow Cap and Lettuce Dabbers. Oh, I also added a little glittered trim to the bottom that I created with Tim Holtz's Vintage Lace die.

Speaking of being inspired, the Inspiration Journal blog has come up with something that you are going to want to check out! For each of the 12 Tag days, we are challenging you to join along. They will be giving away a $20 gift certificate to the store - each day! Plus, if you've entered every day, you are eligible to win a $50 gift certificate! Check it all out here.

Don't forget, if you want to pick up a few supplies, you can use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your purchases from Inspiration Emporium. See you all tomorrow!!