Time to Play…New Ways to Use Tim Holtz Dies

Hi friends!

I know it has been quite awhile. I have been doing alot of traveling this year but it looks like that is over for now. With the CHA Paper Arts show completed, I will be able to (hopefully) focus on more of my blog. The next few weeks I hope to show you some simple ways to make cards using Tim Holtz dies, stamps and mixed media products. I have had many friends tell me that they just aren’t into Tim’s style. I happen to love it, however, no die has to be made to look a certain way. I compare it to a pattern in the fabric store. Just because the pattern has a specific fabric selected for the dress, doesn’t mean it can only be used that way. I am hoping to break that mind set and show you easy ways to use the dies, etc. At the end, I will show you ways to create more layered cards as well, so that as you progress, you will have options. This first die set I am using is new to Tim Holtz’s collection. It is called “Labels” and I love the versatility of it! I made 5 samples and I could have just kept going!!! So here goes…
This is a very basic card with solid cardstock. I added a few specks of distress paint and some brads to spread out the color. A sentiment stamp completed the card. Now the next card uses the distress inks, some water and watercolor paper.

You can also make flowers from the dies simply by layering. I picked a black and white background to pop the color.

I applied a Texture Fades folder to the watercolor background and added vintage photo distress ink to pop the images. Additionally, I die-cut more of the circle labels and placed them on the card using pop-dots. Again, a stamped sentiment finished the card.

Lastly, I just used the die to create a shabby-chic look. This is really my love, although I certainly don’t like to be boxed in to any particular art style. I love art in all different media forms. I feel very fortunate to be able to create all day long!!