Let Your Heart Take Flight...

Last summer I created a window box titled "Follow Your Heart" for my niece.  For my 2nd Tim Holtz CHA project, I decided to create a different version of the "Follow Your Heart" only this time using all Tim Holtz product.  You can check out the original version here.  It is amazing how different the second version looks! 

Since the entire creation was to be housed in a window box, there is tons of layering.  I challenged myself to see how many die-cuts I could incorporate into the overall design.  By the time I had it all laid out, I had used 5 different dies!  Nearing completion, I felt there was something missing.  Asking for a different set of eyes to brainstorm finishing touches, my mom suggested creating clouds in the background.  To her, the design had a steampunk feel...the star in the center reminded her of propellers on an airplane.  What a great idea mom!  Now, my challenge was to create clouds using Tim's product.  Playing around with my tools & scraps, I decided to create the clouds using the Layered Angel Wings Die!  I love finding different uses rather than the obvious sometimes, don't you?  By doing so, it can definitely turn into something magical!  :)

Just like the last TH project, I used tons of different product.  With the exception of some vintage flocked wallpaper for the wings, the cast iron star and the window box, everything is Tim Holtz.  In case you see anything you like, here is a complete listing of everything I used...Bigz Dies:  Layered Angel Wings, Regal Crest; Movers & Shapers Dies:  Mini Hearts Set, NEW Oval, & NEW Postage Stamp; Kraft Core'dinations Nostalgic Cardstock, NEW Paper Stash Collage 8X8, Paper Stash Kraft Resist 12X12, NEW Elements Tissue Tape (the pointed fingers around the inside of frame),  NEW Elements Remnant Rub-Ons, NEW Label Letters, Chit Chat Stickers, Journaling Tickets, Lavish Trimmings, Game Pieces & Ranger's Rich Red Embossing Powder.

Since Valentine's is just around the corner, I think this piece is perfect for this time of year.  Checking out some different challenges around the web, I found a Valentine's Day/Love & Ribbon Challenge over at Really Reasonable Ribbon's Blog.  I decided to enter my "Let Your Heart Take Flight" into the challenge.  Why not?  :)

Have a great evening!

Amy

Tim Holtz Card & Favorites @ Paper Issues!

As promised, I will start sharing the projects I created for Tim Holtz CHA 2013.  This thank you card is the first project I created.  As a designer, I was primarily chosen for my intense layering style and my use of Tim's Sizzix dies.  To start creating, I chose to incorporate all of my "favorite" things.  What are some of my favorite things you ask?  I knew I wanted to use the Regal Crest Die; as I consider that particular die a staple tool for me.  It is so versatile, as you can see from the many past projects I have used it in.  I also wanted to do lots of the layering, and lastly I wanted to create with my favorite color combination:  red & aqua.

As for details on the card itself, there are tons.  Every single element on the card is from Tim Holtz with the exception of the yellow, vintage flocked wallpaper.  The beauty of creating Tim Holtz samples is that you get to incorporate both old and new product.  I used 3 different texture fades, 3 bigz dies, core'dinations kraft, paper stash, a game piece, paper twine & some of the newer findings like the metal tags & coins.

When I create, it is a lengthy process.  I can't just start attaching, painting & cutting. Unfortunately for me, I tend to over scrutinize every. single. detail.  I seriously move things around over and over again.  When I think I finally have it just so, I take a picture and then begin the process of assembly.  The machine sewing, the distressing, the stapling and adding all the dimension are the finishing step for me.  Insane isn't it?  I really admire those of you out there that just dive into your projects with wild abandonment and wind up with a masterpiece.  I really do wish my brain worked that way, it would truly save me lots of time and less stress!  :)

Since there's lots of materials used on the card, here is a comprehensive list of all the Tim Holtz product...Embossing Folders:  Bingo, Bricked & Woodgrain; Bigz Dies:  Regal Crest & Ornamental Movers & Shapers; Kraft Core'dinations Nostalgic Cardstock, NEW Paper Stash Collage 8X8, Lost & Found 12X12, NEW Label Letters, Chit Chat Stickers, NEW Tissue Tape Elements (ruler), Game Pieces, Paper Twine, NEW Compass Coins & NEW Tag Labels.

Because this is the first project I created for Tim Holtz & it exemplifies lots of my favorite things, I thought this would be the perfect "favorite" project for me to share for our newest theme at Paper Issues!  There is a huge blog hop going on, so you want to miss out.  Be sure to share your favorite project from 2012, we would love to see!

I can't wait to share more of my "Tim" projects! 
Stay tuned!  Amy

Designing for Tim Holtz???

Can you believe it???  Yes, you read that right.  Still not even comprehending the magnitude of such an opportunity, I will give you a little history on how all this even came about...

I am sure most of you already follow the blog, One Lucky Day.  Last fall, I was searching the internet for some vintage inspiration, and stumbled across One Lucky Day.  It was love at first sight for me, I seriously spent hours looking through years worth of posts! 

In November, One Lucky Day created and sold the most fabulous "Oh Christmas Tree" kit.  Let me tell you, it has to be the most amazing kit/project I have ever laid eyes on.  As soon as I saw it, I knew my mother and I just had to have it.  After e-mail communication with the ever amazing Paula Cheney, the rest is history.

Paula Cheney is the Creative Coordinator for Tim Holtz.  She found my blog simply from our e-mails back and forth in regards to the kit.   A few weeks later, I received an e-mail from Paula asking me if I would be interested in designing some samples for the upcoming CHA convention, and specifically for Tim Holtz!!!  Hello, that was a no brainer for me, who wouldn't jump at the chance! 

Getting to play with amazing new product and dies, I created 4 samples that made it all the way out to California.  I hope my creations have done Tim & Paula proud.  I can't wait to see the booth displays as they are unveiled tomorrow.  From all this, I have found that opportunities arise when you least expect it.  You never know what amazing experiences await you around the next corner. 

I want to give a special thank you to Paula.  For if it weren't for you, none of this would have been possible for me.  Thank you for appreciating my design style, and for choosing me to be one of Tim's designers.  It has truly been an honor.  :)

To all my readers out there, stay tuned as I start unveiling all my projects using tons of Tim's new products!  Happy Friday everyone!
Amy