Studio L3

Compendium of Curiosities 2, Challenge 8!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Technique 8: Repurposed Packaging

Tim Holtz: A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2, page 62

Hello June, and hello awesome blog friends! This week's CC2C is all about up-cycling: Transforming what might be considered trash into something cool and crafty. Once you've played with Tim's clever techniques for turning old plastic packaging into rad craft embellishments, you'll start hoarding the stuff just to have it on hand for your next project! (Well, that's what I do, anyway...)

Tim show two methods of Repurposed Packaging in the Compendium. Your project can include either, or both!

To participate in CC2C #8, create your own work of art using the Repurposed Packaging technique on page 62 and link it to this blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. You're a rockstar as long as you honor these simple rules:

Follow the technique as it's written in A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2 (adding your own special flair, of course!), and clearly state that the technique comes from Tim's book.

Include a link to this post in your blog post (or photo description if you're linking from an online photo-sharing site).

Out of respect to Tim, please don't post the technique instructions on your blog! Any entries that don't follow this rule will be unlinked.

This challenge closes on Thursday, June 7 at 8 pm MTD.

Please see the CC2C FAQ here for more information.

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If you participated in last week's CC2C #7, you're awesome, and you'll want to keep on eye on the eclectic Paperie blog, as Daisy is going to announce the winner of the challenge very soon. Thanks so much, Daisy!

Have a fantastic beginning to the sweet month of June, everyone!

Hugs,
Linda

P.S. If you don't have them on hand, you'll want to get an Idea-ology Pocket Watch, a bottle of Picket Fence Distress Stain, some of Tim's Core'dinations paper, Kraft Glassine and Ranger Ink Refresher to add to your stash for upcoming challenges (not necessarily in that order). Also, get yourself a new Configurations box-- any size you like. I'll try to let you guys know in plenty of time when a challenge is coming up that requires a specific product beyond the standard Tim Holtz stash items.

Compendium of Curiosities 2, Challenge 7!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Technique 7: Brushless Watercolor

A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol II, page 49

Sponsored by eclectic Paperie

Can I get a TGIF?? Hello, Friday! I hope you've all had a spectacular week, and are ready for a fun new challenge from Tim Holtz's latest awesome book, A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2!

For Challenge 7, we're revisiting what's sure to become a classic technique in the Holtzian Archives: Brushless Watercolor. I love this misty look it creates, and for my own "special flair," I overstamped with black archival for that "offset print" look:

I had a blast with this one! Bet you will, too, and I can't wait to see YOUR special flair!!!

The lovely Daisy at eclectic Paperie is offering a $25 gift certificate to one lucky participant in this week's challenge!

To participate in CC2C #7, simply create your own work of art using the Brushless Watercolor technique on page 49 and link it to this blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. You're a crafty superhero as long as you honor these easy rules:

Follow the technique as it's written in A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2 (adding your own special flair, of course!), and clearly state that the technique comes from Tim's book.

Include a link to this post in your blog post (or photo description if you're linking from an online photo-sharing site).

Also, please include a link to this week's sponsor, eclectic Paperie (www.eclecticpaperie.com)

Out of respect to Tim, please don't post the technique instructions on your blog! Any entries that don't follow this rule will be unlinked.

This challenge closes on Thursday, May 31 at 8 pm MTD.

Please see the CC2C FAQ here for more information.

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I want to extend a huge thank you to last week's sponsor, The Funkie Junkie Boutique! They've chosen their winner and posted the name on their blog. Check it out here! I'm delighted to say that they'll be sponsoring a challenge each month throughout the remainder of the CC2C!

Okay, guys, go forth and grunge! Have a beautiful week, and I'll see you on the interweb!

Hugs,

Linda

P.S. If you don't have them on hand, you'll want to get an Idea-ology Pocket Watch, a bottle of Picket Fence Distress Stain, some Distress Markers, and some of Tim's Core'dinations paper to add to your stash for upcoming challenges (not necessarily in that order). Also, get yourself a new Configurations box-- any size you like. I'll try to let you guys know in plenty of time when a challenge is coming up that requires a specific product beyond the standard Tim Holtz stash items.

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Compendium of Curiosities 2, Challenge 6!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Technique 6: Tissue Wrap Collage

A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol II, page 38

Sponsored by The Funkie Junkie's Boutique

Happy day, everyone, and welcome to the sixth installment of the Tim Holtz Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge! I'm really excited about this technique, as it's one I've never done before and I ended up really loving the effect it creates. I've gotta tell you, about halfway through the project I was thinking there was NO WAY the tag was going to work, but then I started adding color and, lo and behold, it came together. Don't you love it when that happens?

Did you catch my completely unintentional preview of this week's challenge the other night? (Note to self: don't hit "Publish" when you mean to hit "Save.") ;-)

This week, I'm very happy to introduce you guys to a new sponsor: The Funkie Junkie Boutique! This fun, online shop offers a lovely, eclectic mix of mixed media items, including (of course!) quite a few of Tim's signature products.

The Funkie Junkie Boutique is graciously offering a $25 gift certificate to the winner of this week's challenge!

To participate in CC2C #6, simply create your own work of art using the Tissue Wrap Collage technique on page 38 and link it to this blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. You're in the groove as long as you honor these simple rules:

Follow the technique as it's written in A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2 (adding your own special flair, of course!), and clearly state that the technique comes from Tim's book.

Include a link to this post in your blog post (or photo description if you're linking from an online photo-sharing site).

Also, please include a link to this week's sponsor, The Funkie Junkie Boutique (http://www.zibbet.com/TheFunkieJunkie).

Out of respect to Tim, please don't post the technique instructions on your blog! Any entries that don't follow this rule will be unlinked.

This challenge closes on Thursday, May 24 at 8 pm MTD.

Please see the CC2C FAQ here for more information.

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So, after much back and forth, I started a new job this week (same company, totally different position). It's been good but really hectic, and I haven't yet had a chance to admire your work from last week. Please know that if I haven't commented on your piece for CC2C 5 yet, it's only because of the "day job." I've scheduled a big chunk of my weekend for nothing but visiting my friends' wonderful blogs, and I truly can't wait to see what you created!

Also, be sure to keep on eye on the Simon Says Stamp blog, as they'll be announcing their winner for last week's challenge very soon! Thanks to everyone at SSS for their generosity.

And...thanks to YOU for being part of this challenge! You guys are awesome!

Hugs,

Linda

P.S. If you don't have them on hand, you'll want to get an Idea-ology Pocket Watch, a bottle of Picket Fence Distress Stain, and some of Tim's Core'dinations paper to add to your stash for upcoming challenges (not necessarily in that order). Also, get yourself a new Configurations box-- any size you like. I'll try to let you guys know in plenty of time when a challenge is coming up that requires a specific product beyond the standard Tim Holtz stash items.

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Compendium of Curiosities 2, Challenge 5!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Technique 5: Shattered Stains

Tim Holtz's A Compendium of Curiosities, Volume 2, page 48

Sponsored by Simon Says Stamp

Hooray! I got to play with the brand new Spring Seasonal Distress Inks!

Friday!!! Oh, how I love that word. It's a beautiful day in our world-wide neighborhood, and I hope you enjoy it to the fullest. You guys did such an incredible job on the Faded Layers Challenge last week, and now it's time for the next technique from Tim Holz's awesome new book, A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. II. Yay!

If you took Tim's online Creative Chemistry 101 class, you'll remember how much everyone loved the Shattered Stains technique. It's so simple, but the results can be pretty mind-blowing! I'm so excited to see what you all do with this challenge. Turn to page 48 in the CC2 for the lowdown...

It's the second Friday of the month, and that means my sweet friends at Simon Says Stamp will be giving an awesome $25 gift certificate to one lucky, randomly-selected participant in this week's challenge!

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Let's Do This!

To participate in CC2C #5, simply create your own work of art using the Shattered Stains technique on page 48 and link it to this blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. You're a rockstar as long as you honor these simple rules:

Follow the technique as it's written in A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2 (adding your own special flair, of course!), and clearly state that the technique comes from Tim's book.

Include a link to this post in your blog post (or photo description if you're linking from an online photo-sharing site).

Also, please include a link to this week's sponsor, Simon Says Stamp (www.simonsaysstamp.com).

Out of respect to Tim, please don't post the technique instructions on your blog! Any entries that don't follow this rule will be unlinked.

Please see the CC2C FAQ here for more information.

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Ready? Bring on the art, my friends! Have a fantastic week, and I'll look forward to admiring your Shattered Stains masterpieces.

Hugs,
Linda

P.S. If you don't have them on hand, you'll want to get some Tissue Wrap (either pattern), an Idea-ology Pocket Watch and some Core'dinations paper to add to your stash for upcoming challenges (not necessarily in that order). Also, start thinking about getting yourself a shiny, new Configurations box-- any size you like. I'll try to let you guys know in plenty of time when a challenge is coming up that requires a specific product beyond the standard Tim Holtz stash items.

Compendium of Curiosities 2, Challenge 4!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Technique 4: Faded Layers

A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2, Page 43

Hello Friday and hello my grunge-loving friends! Have I mentioned how ridiculously talented you are? I'm blown away by the amazing art you're creating. Everyone's Marbled Stains work was fabulous. It was great to see so many people returning for the challenge, and equally awesome to welcome some new artists. Thanks to everyone for making this so much fun... and so inspiring!

This week, we're on page 43 of A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2, to have fun with Tim Holtz's Faded Layers technique. A little masking, a lot of inking... what's not to love?

Remember to keep an eye on the eclectic Paperie blog; they'll be announcing the winner of Challenge 3 soon! Thanks again to Daisy for her generosity.

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How to Play Along At Home:

To participate in CC2C #4, simply create your own work of art using the Faded Layers technique on page 43 and link it to this blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. You're golden as long as you honor these simple rules:

Follow the technique as it's written in A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2 (adding your own special flair, of course!), and clearly state that the technique comes from Tim's book.

Include a link to this post in your blog post (or photo description if you're linking from an online photo-sharing site).

Out of respect to Tim, please don't post the technique instructions on your blog! Any entries that don't follow this rule will be unlinked.

Please see the CC2C FAQ here for more information.

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Just a heads up: In the coming few weeks, you'll need to have Metal Foil Tape, Tissue Wrap (either pattern) and an Idea-ology Pocket Watch in your stash. I'll try to let you guys know in plenty of time when a challenge is coming up that requires a specific product that you might not keep on hand.

Okay, friends, have yourselves a magnificent day-- and get inky if you possibly can! I can't wait to see your Faded Layers masterpieces.

Hugs,
Linda

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Compendium of Curiosities 2, Challenge 3

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Technique 3: Marbled Stains

A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2, page 46
Sponsored by eclectic Paperie

I love Fridays. Don't you love Fridays? I really do, and I love them even more now that I get to post a new CC2C challenge from Tim Holtz's latest book each week. Everyone did an AMAZING job on the Faux Patina challenge, and as an added bonus, you guys helped support someone as she took the huge step of sharing her art with the world. Angie Lentz, who so kindly offered her autographed Tim Holtz Idea-ology messenger bag as a prize for last week's challenge, has started her own blog! Check it out here: Art Frees the Soul!

Angie, thanks for the incredibly kind words, and I'm so happy you decided to dive in and blog your beautiful art. Thanks, too, for such a fabulous prize. I've announced the winner at the end of this post, so keep reading, everyone!

As for this week's challenge, it's time to bust out those awesome Distress Stains and make a little marbled magic. Please open your Compendium 2 to page 46, and dive right in!

This week's challenge is sponsored by eclectic Paperie, who's generously offering a $25 gift certificate to one lucky participant in the CC2C #3! Lots of new products have just hit the shelves there, and someone is going to have a BLAST shopping!

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How to Play Along At Home:

To participate in CC2C #3 and be eligible to win the eclectic Paperie shopping spree, create your own work of art using the Marbled Stains technique on page 46 and link it to this blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. You're in the running as long as you honor these simple rules:

Follow the technique as it's written in A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2 (adding your own special flair, of course!), and clearly state that the technique comes from Tim's book.

Include a link to this post in your blog post (or photo description if you're linking from an online photo-sharing site).

Also include a link to our sponsor, www.eclecticpaperie.com.

Out of respect to Tim, please don't post the technique instructions on your blog! Any entries that don't follow this rule will be unlinked.

Please see the CC2C FAQ here for more information.

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This is going to be so much fun!

Now, without further ado, the winner of Angie's marvelous Idea-ology bag, autographed by Tim Holtz himself is.... (drumroll please):

Entry #8 by Creatique Candy
Congratulations! I'll be contacting you later to get your shipping address.

Have a wonderful week, everyone!
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E-Team Special Mission: Covering the Art Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Hey there, groovy art friends!

The eclectic Paperie E-Team is launching a new series of challenges based around art journaling, and we're kicking it off with... why, the cover, of course!

Daisy didn't give us any rules for this one, in fact, the only criteria was for each E-Team member to create a cover that makes her want to fill her journal with artiness. Because I'm smitten with Dyan Reavley's images and colors these days, I "Dylusioned" the living daylights out of a Maya Road chipboard binder...

Maya Road 5"x 5" Binder
Dylusions Ink Sprays in Squeezed Orange, Bubblegum Pink, Pure Sunshine, London Blue, Vibrant Turquoise and Crushed Grape
Ranger Ink Picket Fence Distress Stain
Claudine Hellmuth Sticky-Back Canvas
Dylusions Stamps: Bags of Bunting, Write Between the Lines, Pondering Petunia
Sakura Glaze Pens

As with all our challenges, Daisy is offering some fabulous goodies for our blog hopping friends. Simply visit each E-Team members' blog and leave a comment for the chance to win a $25 eclectic Paperie gift certificate. Comments can be left from now until Sunday, April 29th. Winners of $25 gift certificate will be posted on the eclectic Paperie blog on Monday.

The eclectic Paperie E-Team is:

Daisy Sparks, our Fearless Leader

Broni Holcombe

Linda Ledbetter (That's me!)

Micki Harper

Sherry Cheever

Starla Nelson

But wait… there's more: Post your OWN journal cover by Friday, May 4 at the eP blog, and you might be one of two guest artists chosen to join us for next month's challenge. We're so excited to see what you create!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a spectacular day, and don't forget to visit my mega-talented E-Teamates!

Compendium of Curiosities 2, Challenge 2!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Technique 2: Faux Patina

A Compendium of Curiosities, Vol. 2, page 58

I never skip the opportunity to make jewelry out of Idea-ology
goodies, hence my my stylin' new Faux Patina bracelet!

Happy Friday, blog friends, and welcome to "Episode 2" of our CC2C journey! As I write this, it's Thursday evening, Challenge 1 just closed, and I'm sitting here in absolute AWE of the brilliant art every single participant entered. Bravo, you guys! Seriously, just awesome work. Thanks to everyone who joined in, and welcome to all!

The winner of the $25 shopping spree for CC2C #1 has been announced at the Simon Says Stamp Blog; be sure to visit them to see if you won! Thanks to my lovely friends at SSS for their generosity!

This week, I'm delighted to introduce you all to a friend of mine, Angie Lentz, who I met on the Tim Holtz cruise last fall. Angie is a lovely person and awesome artist. She's also incredibly generous, and asked if she could contribute a prize for this week's challenge. Check this out:

It's a beautiful Idea-ology messenger bag, autographed by Tim! WOW!!!

Thank you, Angie! Tim's fans really are the nicest people on Earth. As I said, Angie is a great artist, and I asked her to choose this week's technique and make a sample for this blog post. Here it is, and isn't it awesome? Angie doesn't have a blog of her own yet, but you're welcome to give her a shout-out in the comments here, and maybe we can convince her to start one!

Angie's Faux Patina Mini Canvas

How to Play Along At Home:
To participate in CC2C #2, and be eligible to win Angie's Tim Holtz Messenger Bag, create your own work of art using the Faux Patina technique on page 58, and link it to this blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. You're in the running as long as you honor these simple rules:

Follow the technique as it's written in A Compendium of Curiosities 2 on page 58 (adding your own special flair, of course!), and clearly state that the technique comes from Tim's book.

Include a link to this post in your blog post (or photo description if you're linking from an online photo-sharing site).

Out of respect to Tim, please don't post the technique instructions on your blog! Any entries that don't follow this rule will be unlinked.

Please see the CC2C FAQ here for more information.

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Okay, guys, time to create your own brilliant Faux Patina art! You're welcome to use the technique in either or both of the two ways Tim presents it in the tutorial, so let your creativity loose and have a blast. I can't wait to see your creations!

Hugs,
Linda

A Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge Begins!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Techinique 1: Custom Foam Stamps

A Compendium of Curiosities Volume 2, page 66

Happy Friday everyone, and a huge WELCOME! I've been looking forward to this day for a long time... in fact, since the day we completed the Compendium of Curiosities 1 Challenge, and I'm delighted to share this journey through Tim Holtz's latest book with all of you!

We're starting off with a fun and simple technique, Custom Foam Stamps, which you'll find of page 66 of Compendium, Vol. 2. If you haven't gotten your copy yet, there are plenty available from Tim, who will kindly autograph it for you. Visit his site to place your order.

We have an awesome sponsor to help us kick things off...

Simon Says Stamp, will give a $25 gift certificate to one randomly-chosen participant in this week's challenge! The winner will be announced at their blog soon after the challenge closes.

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How to Play Along At Home:

To participate in CC2C #1, and be eligible to win the Simon Says Stamp shopping spree, create your own work of art using the Custom Foam Stamps technique on page 66, and link it to this blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. You're in the running as long as you honor these simple rules:

Follow the technique as it's written in A Compendium of Curiosities 2 (adding your own special flair, of course!), and clearly state that the technique comes from Tim's book

Include a link to this post in your blog post (or photo description if you're linking from an online photo-sharing site).

Also include a link to our sponsor, www.simonsaysstamp.com

Out of respect to Tim, please don't post the technique instructions on your blog! Any entries that don't follow this rule will be unlinked.

Please see the CC2C FAQ here for more information.

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I am SO excited to see what you create with Custom Foam Stamps. Have a blast getting inky, everyone!

Hugs,

Linda

Twitter hashtag, for those who tweet: #CC2C

Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge Begins This Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:11:00 +0000

It's almost time, guys! The Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge (CC2C) begins this Friday, April 13, at 8 am MDT. I'm so excited to welcome all the participants as we share our experience of Tim Holtz's awesome new book! If you haven't gotten a copy of your own yet, here's the link. You'll need it to play along, and you'll love it because it's absolutely packed with great techniques!

A few things to remember as we embark upon this journey:

We will work our way through all 35 techniques in the book. However, we will NOT be doing the techniques in the order they appear in the book! We can't be that predictable, right?

I'd love it if everyone is able to submit a piece every single week, but I also know that schedules and budgets and life can sometimes get in the way. If you can't play along with all the challenges, that's totally fine! Just join in whenever you're able.

You really must have your own copy of A Compendium of Curiosities, Volume 2, in order to participate in the challenges. I will not be posting the technique instructions on my blog, and participants must not do so, either. We want to encourage people to buy this awesome book; giving away the instructions wouldn't be fair to Tim!

Some of the challenges will be technique-based, others will be product-based. You may use whatever supplies you have on hand for the challenges, but if a technique is centered around a specific product, please use that product. In other words, for a Distress Stain-specific technique, don't use an ink pad.

You are more than welcome to submit your CC2C pieces to any other challenges you wish, as long as you link back to this blog and clearly state that your piece has been submitted to the Tim Holtz Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge at Studio L3.

Though not a requirement, I strongly encourage you to create a brand new piece for the challenges, even if it's a technique you've done before. Why miss another opportunity to get spectacularly inky?!

If you'd like to see the posts from the first Compendium of Curiosities Challenge, please click here.

I think that covers it... at least for now!Once CC2C begins, I'll turn this page into a permanent FAQ for your reference, and will update it as I think of things I should have included but didn't think of at the time.

I hope to see you for CC2C!

Hugs,
Linda

12 Tags of 2012, March Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 04:22:00 +0000

Never let it be said that will do today what could be put off until the last possible moment tomorrow... as is the case with my entry for Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of 2012, March Challenge. Aw, heck, I've got a whole hour and 45 minutes until March is over... on Planet Linda, that actually IS early.

I took lots of liberties with this, but I did follow the mosaic technique to the letter, using one of the little houses from the Alterations Dwellings Die, and Verdigris Antiquities Embossing Powder. I don't have the cool woodgrain stamp yet, so I used Tim's Woodgrain Texture Fade instead. I inked with with Distress in Frayed Burlap, Wild Honey, Vintage Photo and Black Soot. The words are from Cosmo Cricket.

Better post this while there's still time...

--Hugs from Last-Minute Linda

E-Team Special Mission: Faux Postage

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

The eclectic Paperie E-Team has been faux-ing around lately, and this month, we're having a grand time with our "Faux Postage" theme.

The "classic" approach to faux postage involves meticulously cut and arranged masking, the very thought of which causes me to break out in a cold sweat, so I completely faked it, using some little "Moon Post" stamps I've had since dinosaurs roamed the earth (I wish I knew who made them... alas, I do not). Knowing I'd never pull off "clean and pretty" with this technique, I went with my fallback, "grungy and smudgy"...

Background is Tim Holtz/Idea-ology Kraft Resist Paper, colored with Distress Ink in Aged Mahogany, Peeled Paint, Tattered Rose and Faded Jeans. The center panel was cut from Tim's Idea-ology Shabby Chic Paper Stash. The little stamp images were stamped with Jet Black Archival Ink and colored with pencils and Spica Glitter Pens. The little pen nib is from Tim Holtz/ Idea-ology. Please see below for details on creating the (non-masked) faux postage piece.

As with all the E-Team hops, the very generous Daisy of eclectic Paperie has two $25 Gift Vouchers up for grabs, and will randomly choose the winners for this blog hop! To be eligible to win, simply leave a comment on each blog between now and this Sunday, April 1. The winners will be announced Monday, April 2nd on the eclectic Paperie blog.

The eclectic Paperie E-Team is:

Daisy Sparks, our Fearless Leader

Broni Holcombe

Linda Ledbetter (That's me!)

Micki Harper

Sherry Cheever

(Starla Nelson is sitting this one out, but be sure to stop by her blog and see the cool things she's been doing!)

Thanks for visiting, and enjoy the gorgeous art my e-Teamates created!
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I lined up the tiny stamps on Tim Holtz Stamper's Anonymous Grid Blocks-- a tool I can not do without-- and stamped them all at once with Jet Black Ranger Archival Ink. I was so delighted to not have to mask, I can't even tell you!

I used Tim's Idea-ology Design Ruler, with its clever little perfectly-spaced holes, to make the fake perforations. An awl, a cutting mat, and all the day's frustrations made for a satisfying project. ;-)

Creative Chemistry 101: Day 5-7

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 23:26:00 +0000

Did I mention how much I'm loving Tim Holtz's Creative Chemistry 101 at Online Card Classes? (You're like, "Um, yeah, Linda, you've mentioned it like a gazillion times... on your blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, on Pinterest.... ") If you're taking the class, though, you certainly know why I continue to wax rhapsodic about it. And if you're not taking it, guess what? You can still sign up and get all the awesome videos and instructions... with lifetime access! Click here for the lowdown.

Days 5, 6 and 7 continued our exploration of Tim's products and techniques, got inky and had a blast!

Day 5: Spray Inks and Stains

We learned tons about the properties of various liquid colorants, and played with those cool Ranger Ink Distress Stains.

Stained Kraft Resist

Stamping with Stains

Marbled Stains

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Day 6: Distress Markers

Distress Markers are awesome, you guys. While I only have a few colors so far, I'm already in a serious state of addiction, and once my backordered set shows up, LOOK OUT!

Various wet and dry Distress Marker Techniques (right and left photos)

Stamping with Distress Markers (center)

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Day 7: Embossing Basics

No matter how many times, and how many ways I use it, embossing powder always seems a little bit magical to me. Fun stuff! Magical, fun stuff.

Nostalgic Batik

Rusted Enamel

Distress Powder Resist

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Okay, I'm off to work on today's lesson! Woot!

Creative Chemistry 101, Days 1-4

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:54:00 +0000

I love being a student. I really, truly do. This is something I'm reminded of whenever I get the opportunity to take a class, whether live or online, from someone whose work I admire. Tim Holtz's Creative Chemistry 101, currently being offered through Online Card Classes, is filling my head with awesome information and inspiration, as we revisit some classic techniques and learn new ones that are no doubt destined to become classics. Here's a peek at what we've been up to, so far...

Day 1 was introductory -- The story of how Tim became, you know, T!m, along with great info on the differences between various types of ink and the surfaces we use them on. Awesome knowledge for any crafter-- it's so empowering to really understand the mediums we work with every day.

Day 2: Distress Ink Intro

Does it get any better, or more versatile, then Distress Ink? I don't think so.

Blended Spritz and Flick

Brushless Watercolor

Wrinkle-Free Distress

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Day 3: Archival Ink
I fell in love with Archival Ink at Ranger U last year, and my devotion has only grown stronger the more I work with it. The reliability, the permanence, the incredible palette of colors... I'm addicted!

Alcohol Ink Agates Stamped with Archival

Archival Resist

Stamping With Reflections

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Day 4: Reinkers
This was such an eye-opener. I don't think about reinkers much beyond using them with water in Mini Misters (oh, and to actually re-ink stamp pads). I'm going to be hitting my stash of reinkers a lot more often after this lesson.

Watercoloring With Reinkers

Layered Misting

Custom Stamp Pad

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More to come....

(By the way, you can still get in on this class, and you'll have lifetime access to the information!)

Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge-- You're Invited!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 01:35:00 +0000

I'm so, so thrilled to announce this new challenge series! We'll be working our way randomly through each and every technique in Tim Holtz's awesome new book, A Compendium of Curiosities, Volume 2!

Everyone is welcome to join in as we explore all the fantastic tutorials Tim created for his second Compendium. If you haven't already gotten yours, you can order an autographed copy directly from Tim and you'll have it in plenty of time to dive right into Challenge 1!

Click here to purchase A Compendium of Curiosities Volume 2

Thirty-five new techniques. Thirty-five weeks of creative awesomeness. And-- of course!-- there will be some giveaways along the way.

Please mark your calendar, stock up on blank tags, and be ready for the distressing to begin on Friday, April 13!

(By the way, Tim himself chose Friday the 13th as our start date. Clever guy!)

Hope to see you there!

Hugs,
Linda

Grungy Monday 39 WINNER Announced!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:05:00 +0000

Happy Monday, everyone!

Boy, it's weird getting up on Monday and not having a new Grungy Monday Challenge to post! The good news, is, Tim's Creative Chemistry 101 began today (it's awesome, and you can still sign up!), and tonight I'll be announcing details for the upcoming Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge!

Another bit of good news: The lovely folks at Simon Says Stamp have chosen a winner for Grungy Monday 39, and have announced the name on their blog! Is it you??! Click the blinking image above to read their post.

HUGE congrats to the winner! Enjoy that shopping spree.

Have a fab day, and I'll be back later with CCC2 news...

Hugs,
Linda

Grungy Monday 39!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Grungy Monday 38!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Well, every time I think you guys couldn't possibly outdo yourselves... you outdo yourselves. Your wearable, Tim Holtz-style art for GM 37 was absolutely some of the most wonderful stuff I've ever seen. What a creative community we have!!! Bravo-- times a thousand!-- to everyone who participated.

As promised, I have a goodie bag to send to one of the participants, and since there's no possible way I could ever choose a favorite, I'll let the Randomizer do the talking:

Congratulations to entry #52, the ever-brilliant Ali Manning! Yay!!!

This week, let's ride the Wayback Machine to December, 2007, and re-visit...

Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas, 2007, Day 2

Claudine Hellmuth Studio Creative Layers Stamps: Nature and Dwellings sets

Distress Inks in Broken China, Weathered Wood, Seedless Preserves, Tumbled Glass, Black Soot

Adirondack Paint in Salmon and Espresso

Tim Holtz/Ranger Adirondack Core’dinations Papers

Cosmo Cricket Tiny Text Stickers

To rock this challenge:

Create a work of art using Tim’s 12 Tags of Christmas 2007, Day 2 technique, with any colors and imagery you wish.
Post a photo of your creation on your blog or at an online, public photo-hosting site like Flickr or Photobucket. You can enter this challenge anytime before Sunday, March 11 at 8pm MST.
Be sure to include a link to the technique on Tim's website (http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/12/its-day-2-of-12.html).
Finally, please include a link to this Studio L3 challenge post.
Link your art below using the handy InLinks button.
Enjoy your art-y awesomeness!

In addition to wow-ing us over here, remember to upload your art to the Grungy Monday album at the All Things Tim group at Yahoo! It's a great place to meet like-minded artists and share ideas and inspiration.

In other Tim-related news:

On the off chance you missed this (bet you didn't, but just in case...), Tim is offering his first online workshop through Online Card Classes. Creative Chemistry 101 is a two-week course that's open to everyone and is undoubtedly going to be EPIC! Check out the link above to sign up, and I'll see you there!

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I hope you all have a spectacular week, and thanks so much for visiting! Oh, by the way, did you order your copy of A Compendium of Curiosities 2 yet? I'll be making an announcement about the new challenge later this week!!!

Hugs,
Linda

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Tim's 12 Tags of 2012, February Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:49:00 +0000

Every so often, I look at a calendar and made a shocked, squeaky sound. Today was one of those days. I guess it's because it's Wednesday and I've already worked, liked, four thousand hours this week. Or maybe I'm just super dotty and disorganized. In any case, I realized a couple of hours ago that it is, in fact, the last day of February, and that Tim Holtz's inaugural "12 Tags of 2012" is closing tonight.

YIKES!

So, this tag is the result of what I like to refer to as Extreme Under-the-Wire Crafting.

Seeing as how Valentine's Day is but a fading memory, I went with a more timely theme. Okay, so it's snowing here as I type this, but we're only a few short weeks away from the Spring Equinox, so let's just go with it.

Here comes the low-down:

For the background, I dry-brushed the negative space of the Sizzix Alterations Floral Frame Texture Fade with Lake Mist and Cloudy Blue Adirondack Paints, the embossed a standard-size manila tag. Once dry, I carefully smudged Pine Needles Distress Ink over the raised design. I used a little strip of Tissue Tape from the Symphony set along the top edge. Finally, I roughed up the edges and smudged them with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

Umbrella Man was cut with the Sizzix Alterations Die, then embossed with the Pocketwatch Texture Fade. He was colored with Walnut Stain and Wild Honey Distress Inks. I freehand cut the umbrella from rainbow Honeycomb Paper.

"Spring" is from Tim's Seasonal Salvage Stickers set, and it's attached with pop dots.

To finish, I attached an Idea-ology Reinforcer, then colored a strip of Trimmings with Pumice Stone Distress Stain and threaded it through the tag.

And I'd better get this baby posted before time runs out!

Have an awesome day!
Linda

It's Almost Here: A Compendium of Curiosities 2!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hello, blog friends! I've left submissions for Grungy Monday 37: Tim Holtz Wearable Art open through Sunday, March 4. If you haven't had the opportunity to submit a piece yet, please do! If you have, why not submit a second entry? I'll be sending a cool prize to one randomly-selected entrant! A new Grungy Monday challenge will post Monday, March 5, and it's going to be a blast! This week, though, is about getting ready for the NEXT big thing:

Tim Holtz's A Compendium of Curiosities, Volume II

This. Is. HUGE! Trust me, I got to peek through a copy at CHA last month, and Tim has truly outdone himself. Here's the lowdown from his website:

The creativity continues with Volume II of Compendium of Curiosities filled with new ideas, new products, and new techniques. Just like the first volume, this is not your typical "how to make" book, but "how to create" so you can explore and apply these new techniques however you decide. I hope to lead you on another artful journey filled with unexpected inspiration.

Awesome!

A lot of kind people have asked if I'll be hosting a challenge series for this book as I did for Volume 1, and the answer is, "Yes, yes and more yes!" I truly can't wait!

Of course, that will happen after everyone has had the opportunity to get a copy for themselves. For those who wish to purchase their book directly from Tim-- which I highly recommend, as he will autograph it for you-- there's now a link on his site where you can pre-order. Currently, he's estimating a ship date of March 1. Holy moly, that's this week, you guys! And, he ships internationally. Just so you know. ;-)

I'll post an announcement as soon as I have a starting date for CCC2 (or, I might just tell you to keep April 13 open...shhh!). Meanwhile, if you want to play along (and I hope you do!) get yourself a copy of the book, skim through it and make a list of any new products you might need, and stay turned for more information. Grungy Monday will continue until CCC2 begins, so there's tons more Tim technique action coming!

YAY!

Grungy Monday 37: Tim Holtz Wearable Art!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

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Update! Our friends at Simon Says Stamp have chosen a winner for Grungy Monday 36! Click here to see if it's you!!!

Good Monday, everyone! My gosh, those Valentines you guys created for GM36 were AMAZING! Simon Says Stamp will choose the winner soon and post the name on their blog, and I'll edit this post with the link as soon as I have it!

I hope you had a great week and are ready to rock what I think will be a really fun challenge:

Tim Holtz Wearable Art!

Jewelry, clothing, buttons and badges-- you're welcome to submit anything wearable, as long as you've incorporated at least one Tim Holtz product and/or technique. Idea-ology pieces are a natural fit for this challenge, but you could also decorate a T-shirt or scarf, make a hair ornament... there are so many options!

I love, love, love Tim's Idea-ology Pocket Watch, and was delighted that we used it for a project in one of his classes last fall. This is such a simple project, but every one I've seen is so beautiful and unique. You can certainly share your own version for this challenge... or, you can go in a completely different direction!

To play along at home:

Create a piece of wearable art using at least one Tim Holtz product and/or technique.
Post a photo of your creation on your blog or at an online, public photo-hosting site like Flickr or Photobucket. You can enter this super-sized, two-week challenge anytime before Sunday, March 4 at 8pm MST.
Be sure to include a link Tim's website (www.timholtz.com).
Finally, please include a link to this Studio L3 challenge post.
Link your art below using the handy InLinks button.
Bast in your artistic brilliance!

You're also encouraged to upload your art to the Grungy Monday album at All Things Tim, where a worldwide community of Tim fans is just waiting to welcome you!

Go out and have a spectacular week, blog friends! I can't wait to see what you create for this challenge!

Hugs,

Linda

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Grungy Monday 36: Who Loves Ya, Baby?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Sponsored by....

Happy Monday, and happy Valentine's Day Eve, blog friends! Tonight, Cupid loads up his sleigh and hitches up eight tiny reindeer....

Oh, wait.

Actually, he loads up his quiver with heart-shaped arrows and shoots them randomly at unsuspecting mortals.

But enough about that. How 'bout we celebrate the holiday like this:

Valentines Day, Tim Holtz-Style!

Background card is Tim Holtz/Core'dinations Distress paper. Inside panel is from the Idea-ology Seasonal Paper Stash; it's stamped randomly with Fired Brick Distress Ink using Tim's large Harlequin Stamp from the Creative Textures set by Stampers Anonymous. Sentiment is from the Love Struck set. It's stamped with Aged Mahogany Distress Ink, embossed with clear powder, then edged with Bronze UTEE.

Rose was made with the Sizzix Tattered Pinecone and Mini Leaf dies. The hearts were cut from Grungeboard using Tim's Alterations Mini Heart Set. They were inked with Fired Brick Distress Ink, then coated with clear UTEE. During the melting process, I sprinkled some Bronze UTEE onto the hearts to give them a mottled look. The ribbon was colored with Evergreen Bough Distress Ink.

Just to make our Valentine challenge even more fun, our friends at Simon Says Stamp will be giving one of this week's participants a $25 shopping spree in their amazing online shop! With all those new products rolling in, someone is going to have a great time with that extra treat!

To be eligible to win:

Create a Valentine-themed piece using at least one Tim Holtz product and/or technique.
Post a photo of your creation on your blog or at an online, public photo-hosting site like Flickr or Photobucket. You can enter anytime before Sunday, February 19 at 8pm MST.
Be sure to include a link Tim's website (www.timholtz.com).
Also include a link to our sponsor's site, www.SimonSaysStamp.com.
Finally, please include a link to this Studio L3 challenge post.
Link your art below using the handy InLinks button.
Revel in your awesomeness!

Remember to upload a photo of your Grungy Monday art in the designated folder at the All Things Tim group, too. It's a great place to meet other Tim fans and share your creations!

Thanks so much for being part of Grungy Monday! Have a spectacular week, and watch out for random, heart-shaped arrows!

Hugs,
Linda

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Inspiration 366

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:08:00 +0000

Once upon a time, on January 1, 2012 to be exact, I did something very, very out of character: I made a New Year's Resolution. Amazingly, hell did not freeze over. My resolution was a pretty simple one, really: Take a couple of minutes each day in 2012 (all 366 of 'em, this being Leap Year) to acknowledge something that inspired me. And, just to keep myself honest, I decided to post these daily inspirations online.

I figure there's a 30-day limited warranty on New Year's Resolutions, and if you want to return them for a full refund before the end of January, that's cool. Now that it's nearly mid-February, though, my self-imposed statute of limitations has come and gone, and I feel confident enough in my commitment to this project to actually tell you guys about it. So, I humbly invite you to check out my 366 Day Journal:

Inspired By...

You'll note that it's sometimes goofy, sometimes heartfelt, but always genuine in its appreciation for whatever my weird little creative spirit has latched onto for that particular day. I truly hope you enjoy it if you decide to visit, and that it might even inspire you to keep your own daily appreciation list in some form. I'm learning that it's a pretty powerful, gratitude-filled exercise.

Thanks...and big hugs!
Linda

Grungy Monday 35: Holtz-ian ATCs!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Good Monday, everyone! I'm back from CHA, all fired up and SO excited to have spent a few days in the company of a whole bunch of brilliant craft artists-- chief among them, Mr. Holtz himself. Tim has so many amazing new Ranger (the Distress Markers are GENIUS!), Sizzix, Core'dinations, Stampers Anonymous and Idea-ology products hitting the market, including the fabulous and much-anticipated Compendium of Curiosities, Volume 2. We've got a lot to look forward to, guys!

Meanwhile, I realized we'd never done an ATC challenge here, and that's just not right! So, grab yourself a 2.5 x 3.5" piece of card stock, your favorite Tim Holtz products, and let's got rockin'!

Challenge 35: A Holtzian ATC

(Product list is at the end of this post!)

Create an ATC using at least one Tim Holtz product and/or technique.
Post a photo of your creation on your blog or at an online, public photo-hosting site like Flickr or Photobucket. You can enter anytime before Sunday, February 12 at 8pm MST.
Be sure to include a link to the post to Tim's website (www.timholtz.com)
Finally, please include a link to this Studio L3 challenge post
Link your art below using the handy InLinks button
Know you're a rockstar!

New things are happening over at the All Things Tim group at Yahoo, and Stephen, Laurel and Deb want you all to know that they're still offering a photo album for your fabulous Grungy Monday creations! Head on over and say "hello!" to this dynamic group of Tim fans!

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Okay, my brilliant friends, have a blast making your Holtz-ian ATCs! I'm looking forward to admiring your art, and hope you have a fantastic week!

Hugs,
Linda

Products I Used for my ATC:

Background: Claudine Hellmuth Sticky-Back Canvas, colored with Worn Lipstick Distress Ink (Ranger Ink).
Black Panel: Black cardstock stamped with Snow Cap Adirondack Paint Dabber (Ranger Ink) using the text stamp from Stampers Anonymous/Tim Holtz "Attic Treasures" set, then rubbed with Worn Lipstick Distress Ink and set with heat tool.
Dress Form: Manila tag stamped with Worn Lipstick and Aged Mahogany Distress Inks using the mini dress from stamp from the same Attic Treasures stamp set.
Wings: Core'dinations/Tim Holtz Kraft Core paper embossed with Sizzix Tim Holtz Dot Matrix Texture Fade, then cut with Sixxix Alterations Tim Holtz Movers and Shapers Mini Butterfly. Sparkle added with Ranger Ink's Rock Candy Distress Stickles.
Sash is Tim Holtz Idea-ology Crinkle Ribbon, tinted with Iced Spruce Distress Ink.
Tiny hanger is from Tim Holtz Idea-ology.

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Grungy Monday 34: We're Cracking Up Over Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Ledbetter) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Happy Monday, blog friends! It's a rainy day here in Boise, but I'm not going to let it get me down-- there's too much awesome going on! Have you been watching Tim's blog, where he's previewing all the new products debuting at CHA next week (that's the Craft and Hobby Association trade show)? Holy cats, the man has outdone himself... and then some!

Meanwhile, how 'bout we revisit an "oldie but goodies" using of of Mr. H's classic product lines?

Tim Holtz Crackle Resist!

For this challenge, use the technique Tim demos in the video linked above to create a tag, card, scrapbook page-- anything you wish.

I've been using Distress Crackle for years, but I still learned a couple of important tips from this video. Plus, it's always fun to watch Tim create.

Background: Peeled Paint Distress Crackle and Worn Lipstick Distress Ink.

Grungeblocks: Fired Brick Distress Crackle on the numbers; Milled Lavender on the blocks. Inked with Black Soot Distress.

Stamps: Heart from the Love Struck set; Lace from the Purely Random set (both by Stampers Anonymous).

Grungy Monday 34 is a SUPER-SIZED challenge-- you have two weeks to submit your entry! Here's the lowdown:

Create a work of art utilizing Tim's Crackle Resist technique from the link above.
Post a photo of your creation on your blog or at an online, public photo-hosting site like Flickr or Photobucket. You can enter anytime before Sunday, February 5 at 8pm MST.
Be sure to include a link to the post on Tim's blog where you found your technique.
Finally, please include a link to this Studio L3 challenge post
Link your art below using the handy InLinks button
Bask in your awesomeness!

Thanks so much, as always, for being part of Grungy Monday! I hope you all have a spectacular day, and remember to keep an eye on Tim's blog-- rumor has it, he'll be introducing something fabulous later today...

Hugs,

Linda

P.S. I'll be at CHA next week and will be Tweeting live from the trade show. If you'd like to follow along, my Twitter feed can be found at https://twitter.com/LindaLedbetter.
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