Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014 - January

A close up of my version of the January tag

For many years, Tim Holtz has inspired his readers with monthly tutorials / challenges for creating beautiful tags... not only are they fun to make, it's a great way to try out some different techniques. Since it's a new year, I have decided to step out from the sidelines and finally participate.

When I saw his January tag, I knew I could come up with something similar, as I already had many of the supplies he used... especially when I was thrilled to discover my order from Simon Says Stamp arrived on Friday with Tim's Weathered Clock die and matching Layering Stencil (how the heck did I know I would need these when I ordered them in mid-December???).

So instead of using a pocket watch die cut as he did, I cut out a chipboard clock face and hands -  painting both with Distress Pewter Stain and Black Soot ink. It was very cool using Grungeboard for the first time; layering with some foil tape then running it through my Cuttlebug to emboss with his Sizzix Gears set. I used my Spellbinders die to cut it into a semi-circle and rubbed black paint into it to highlight the design. Gears were attached as Tim had, then I layered it under the Weathered Clock chipboard piece (adhering it with Glossy Accents) after securing the clock hands with a screwhead brad.

The tag itself was cut from Tim's "Tag and Bookplates" die - a new acquisition from The Scrapbook Cottage (using a Christmas gift certificate from hubby!). This will be perfect to have so I can cut tags from any colour cardstock I wish. The background was created just as Tim had shown; using Distress Stains and inks and my new stencil. I also had the rub ons for the numbers; sanding them down and inking the edge of the tag with more Black Soot Distress Ink. A few splatters of black paint and the background was complete.

I also had his "Journaling Tickets" (a gift from daughter!) and stamped it with just a portion of one of his sayings; using a Post-It Note to block off what I didn't want to show.

Some painted gears were added on a chain and the seam binding was crumpled up with my wet inky-black hands for a cool effect. I also added two sayings on small flags that reflect my feelings on this very first tag I have attempted in his series: "it's time" and "time to create".

What a lot of fun - I do hope this will be the first of my trying all 12 tags in his series this year!