TIM HOLTZ STYLE - MY DISTRESSED CANVAS CLASS

My finished piece

Now I've got my wonderful new camera (with face recognition, camera shake correction etc etc) I'm a lot braver about taking photographs - and thought you'd like to see the results of the Tim Holtz Style class I taught at Rainbow Silks last Saturday (12 March).

This was as far as I got in class - I wasn't that happy: I felt it needed... something....  I regretted placing the cartouche over the original stamped image (Claudine Hellmuth's 2-piece set of foam stamps & outline stamps). The whole piece felt kind of straggly...

The finished piece - I removed the clock face & cartouche (bottom right) which I'd stuck over my original red torso stamp, and cut the image from the cartouch and re-attached them over a horizontal strip of lace.

Distress crackle in Rock Candy over the clock face and cog wheel. The snap fasteners were as I bought them, apart from a little light distressing with an ink pad to kill the orange slightly.

I used ruler tape just under the torn paper edging the top, then added a Tim Holtz ticket stamped with my own Beret Girl stamp design (from Blade Rubber Stamps if anyone is interested) and lightly tinted cheeks, eyes & lips with Distress inks.

I over-wrote the stamped lettering (Dawn Houser Shoe Fits stamp) with Lumiere ink and a very fine nozzle.

I thought you might like to see the 'before' and 'after' - it's not often I think to actually photograph any changes!

THE RAINBOW SILKS CANVASES

I had the pleasure of teaching a great bunch, who all did some wonderful work. Two ladies had to rush off so I didn't get photos of their canvases - so 7 out of 9 ain't bad - and if they read this, maybe they'd send me scans?

I lost my crib list of who was sitting where, so re the wonderful work you see here - please contact me so that I can credit you!

THE SPECTRE'S BRIDE - CONFIGURATION BOX

I have just finished another Configuration Box - this one is the smallest size available, so just shows it doesn't have to be big to be beautiful!

Closeup - the red torso is actually a mould and UTEE!

I had this brilliant vintage sheet music titled 'The Spectre's Bride' - so that was the inspiration for this piece.

Detail of the top - a large key acts as a handle

A little spooky, it isn't intended to be for Halloween or anything like that - more Phantom of the Opera, if anything.

I found the strange Gothic Queen Elizabeth I skull piece in a charity shop of all places: modern, resin, I treated it to several coats of Tim Holtz Crackle Paint in Rock Candy, which gave it a German glass glittter effect and aged it down, without needing to 'grunge' it up with paints or dyes.

 I hope you like it.

ART PIECE FROM THE LEANDRA/LIN CLASS

Finally! Here are the pix from the project at the Leadra/Lin class (see post below this one):

Grungeboard hinges painted iwht metallics

Rather a nice metal project - the tree was debossed into metal, then a paint effect applied. Much fun!

The design is meant to have a pitched roof - I hated it, so folded mine down instead

This post is a bit brief as the computer crashed yet again - it's getting very unstable due to age (aren't we all, lol) and the abuse I put it through (FAR too much 'stuff' on it). So, having battled with it all day (decluttering, defragmenting, doing a full virus check) I've basically had enough!

HAPPY PINK ME & TIM HOLTZ PIX

Happy Pink Saturday to everyone! 

Camera envy! O how I love this one!

My first pic is another shot of my wonderful new camera: metallic pink, and a rather nice muted raspberry at that. I already posted one pic of it, but I'm so pleased with my new toy that one is not enough! I can actually operate and was able to use the zoom lens (which is more than I can say for that last disaster).

1st shot of my Configuration Box - this is the one I started at the Tim Holtz gig last week, but didn't have time to completely finish

Closeup detail (yes, I actually managed to operate a zoom lens)

A 2nd zoom closeup shot, just to prove it wasn't a fluke

And a 3rd closeup (yes, now I'm just showing off)

And my box in all its glory again (different shot, just to prove I COULD, lol)

I finished my Configuration Box today, and these are the very first pictures I took with the new camera - lovely and sharp, no wobble. I amazed myself!

TOTALLY IN THE PINK: PIX WITH TIM HOLTZ

Tim with the Blade Rubber Design Team - Sue on the far left, then me, Tim, Chris and Liz. Did you notice Tim had his hand on my shoulder! My little claim to fame - be still my beating heart etc, lol lol lol

In fact I'm so overcome I have my head on his shoulder. And he's STILL smiling. That man has the patience of a saint, seriously.

Me with Mario - who also has unfailing patience (and remembered me from last week at Birmingham, and said he liked my hair). A thousand blessings upon him. I so admire a man with taste, lol.  (Shame I don't look nicer - I wasn't ready for the shot. And in case you were asking, it's a Mickey Mouse Tshirt.)

My friends have all sent their 'Tim' pix, so I'll be editing them over the weekend and posting them for everyone to drool over ASAP. So although technically these photos aren't pink, we're all feeling 'in the pink' so I say they qualify!

Now you've finished drooling over my pix, do go and take a look at How Sweet the Sound to see how the rest of Beverly's gang are doing. Happy Pinks, folks!

TIM HOLTZ FRIDAY & A VERY UP-AND-DOWN SATURDAY

I'm happy to announce that on Tuesday I got my hair hacked off again (I'm just amazed my hairdresser didn't use gardening shears, lol).

Me with Tim last Saturday- old hair - I look like my own mother!

Me with Lin Brown on Friday - after haircut: I look 15 years younger, 1 chin less and 10lb thinner!

First, just to let you know, my camera failed me and I only managed to take around 10 photographs at the Tim Holtz gig.

So I am waiting on my three friends to forward me theirs as soon as they get a chance (we're all v. tired after our couple of days away). As our morning session was with Lin Brown (LB Crafts) and Leandra Franich (PaperArtsy) doing a really fun project - of which, more later...  I only have some of those photos - and none of the afternoon session with Tim! I could have cried...

The camera has been acting up, and it just died - with the viewfinder extended open. I had to recharge it just to get the camera to shut down again. Then it wouldn't work at all. I've only had it 18 months - so yesterday morning (Saturday) I took it straight back to Currys. The manager tested it, and it froze on him as well, so he me an IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT! So, for once, the extended insurance cover paid off.

Much as I love the design, I could have done without the 'girly pink' - red would have been great!  I didn't dare say anything, though,  being as the manager was being so helpful and even loaded the memory card for me.

So back went the Samsung and I now am the proud possessor of the Canon Ixus 105, and as I got a full credit for what I'd already paid (plus the 8mg memory card from the Samsung is compatible with the Canon) it only cost me another tenner! You'll see Amazon (the above link, so you can see pix & reviews) is offering the camera half list price - I paid The Exact Same Price at Currys!

So I'm even more pleased, as I see I got double the value I thought I'd got, and have by some miracle gotten an upgrade. Plus: the manager promised me this one is idiot-proof AND very easy to use. I noticed it comes with a Very Short instruction manual (more of a booklet) which immediately filled me with confidence. I never got off the auto setting on the other one - which did not come with a manual, only a 135-page downloadable pdf, which did NOT thrill me. I started reading, the eyes glazed, the brain hurt and I gave up, and just set onto Auto. I am not a good photographer - I'm stricly point&shoot. It's the digital manipulation (Photoshop, Serif Craft Artist Platinum etc) that I enjoy.

My with Dyan last Saturday at the NEC - in spite of blow drying, some product and finished with a little wax, the hair has gone vertical (but in a very strange way) and is dull and frazzled.

Me - new haircut - with my PaperArtsy/LB Craft painted metal 'bits' prior to a bit of sanding. Ta Daaaah!

Having seen my photos at the NEC gig (scroll down to read that post) I looked like my own mother. So one haircut later, I have (according to my husband, two friends and my mirror) lost 15 years, 1 chin and around 10 pounds - not bad for a £35 haircut!  I feel 'myself' again. I was trying to go for a bob, having got bored with having it so short - but I'm now resigned to it (I used have it long and wear it up in a pleat or French plait) but since it went grey the texture has changed so much that it just doesn't handle the same any more. And it grows so fast I need a trim around every 4 weeks, so colour is out the question (roots really noticeable after 2 weeks, and I look EVIL with blonde streaks...) plus I'm quite happy with the grey.

I think it looks distinguished, plus my glasses make me look vaguely intelligent. On the other hand, what do I know? I just hope this cut doesn't go out of fashion... then I'll be really stuffed... Hair is SO important. If it doesn't look right, I don't feel right.

Enough digression! Back to the Tim Holtz Event:  it was wonderful, 'nuff said, and I shall post in detail later - when I get the other the pix sent through. I got back very late Friday night having travelled with Sue (Designated Driver, with spiffy red car) and Liz (fellow traveller, who also lives in London).

Happy Post Day

Saturday (yesterday) was Happy Post Day - my Vagabond arrived, along with my Tickets, Film Strip and Vintage Market plates!

 

I have various other dies (Tattered Flower, Birdcage etc) and have been using them with my purple Wizard (Spellbinders) but have been wanting to Go Electric for ages and have been waiting and waiting and waiting for this machine! Even Peter (my very long-suffering husband) has agreed the Vagabond is a Very Smart piece of kit which he's quite happy I leave out on display (I have a desk in the corner of the living room). It comes with a sheet of stickers so you can decorate it - or not - as you see fit.

BRAG TIME: At the gig, Tim gave us some fabulous goodie bags, and included was a special commemorative sticker - made especially for this event - for the Vagabond. And I got mine autographed as well! So I'll have to dither around now, deciding on placement of stickers - could take weeks! Decisions, decisions, lol...

That wasn't all on Happy Post Day ... I also got my free book:

If you buy Galaxy chocolate in the special wrapper, eat your chocolate then look in the wrapper - then go online, type in your details and their code ... you get a free paperback! I applied on Tuesday and yesterday got Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger - the author of The Time Traveller's Wife! With a free bookmark - fantastic or what? (And how FAST - and I love the chocolate)!

So, once I get all the photos sent to me, I'll do a proper post with full rundown on Lin & Lendra's project, plus Tim's Construction Boxes.

I'M OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD - AGAIN!

You'll all be eaten up with jealousy now... I'm off for another Tim Holtz workshop! And another stay in a hotel, which is exciting in itself (I don't get out much).

I have just finished my next piece for Craft Stamper, so only have to proof-read it in the morning and then post it ... rush home and get packing ... then I'm on my way again. 

I made journals for the three friends I'm going with (each one different) in case we need to make notes. And it's nice to have one even if we don't need to make notes. I'll photograph these and post them when I get back.

Rumour has it we'll be doing the Configuration Boxes - so the camera will be working overtime. I'll make sure it's fully charged!

TIM HOLTZ TIME & BACKSTAGE AT THE SHOW

Me and Tim

I had a great time at the 'Ranger On The Road' gig for retailers, teachers etc, at the Birmingham NEC on Saturday.

Tim's & Dyan's samples for the workshop - copyright Tim Holtz

My three, done in the workshop - copyright Susie Jefferson

In 3 hours, we all decorated (and finished) three canvases each, and I had a whale of a time playing with all the new products: sticky-back canvas, Distress inks, new Paint Dabbers, Claudine Hellmuth's paints, Perfect Pearls in 4 new colours...

Me with Tim

Me, Tim, and Chris McMillan

Tim in Real Life is a total sweetie, warm, very funny and has the patience of a saint! He also posed with me (and with Chris McMillan, one of the teachers at Blade Rubber Stamps, also on Blade's Design Team along with me) as did Mario - another total sweetie, and Dyan Reaveley from Art From The Heart, who is also a very fun person to get to know.

Closup of Tim's first project - using the new Distress Stains, sticky-back canvas and Tissue Tape

The wings are grungeboard, with Crackle Paint in Clear Rock Candy painted first, then the cracks emphasised with the new Distress Stains - I used Antique Linen.

Extra shadowing and antiquing added using Distress ink in Black Soot (very lightly) on the edges of the canvas torso, wheels, phrase and frame.

The background paper is treated so the print resists the Distress Stains - I used Antique Linen on the canvas torso of the dress model, and also on the quotation. I used Broken China all over the background paper (which is Grunge paper, so it's that natural brown - covered up really well, too). If you want more depth of colour, add more Stain.

Dyan Reaveley from Art From The Heart, who designed this project (and the stamps!)

This is my version!

Showing my doodling along the sides and top of the frame (using Perfect Pearls)

This project, designed and taught by Dyan, features a background using one of her own journal pages printed onto Sticky-back Canvas (using an inkjet printer) with Tim's Birdcage die, and Dyan's stamp designs (chicken and flowers - all painted with Perfect Pearls).

Me and Dyan

Dyan, Chris McMillan and me

She had the most amazing diamante skull pendant, which I lusted after...

I seem to be the only one who painted in their windows! My house has someone living upstairs...

I also stamped all over the sides, top, bottom, background....

As you can see: very dimensional, with the lolly sticks used to stir the paint repurposed (don't you love that word?) to form little trees, then buttons stuck on top for foliage - and a LOT of stamped and cut-out flowers.

The final project was the messiest (hence kept till last) where Tim featured Claudine Hellmuth's new stamp designs - a solid one, applied with her acrylic paints; and a line image which is stamped over the solid image. The line images are very loose, very sketchy, and not intended to index perfectly - so just let loose and allow the stamp to hit wherever it wants to!

Me and Mario - he's a little shy, very sweet - and has the most lovely smile

This is where someone nearly dropped my camera - Mario's laughing - I'm slightly panicky...

I then collared Mario for a photo opportunity - another great guy with the patience of a saint! How many middle-aged women run up to him and Tim begging for more photos and more photos... and Tim was stood there signing autographs (including some of the projects - so if you see any of these canvases on eBay, I can tell you they aren't Tim Originals!)

I have this awful feeling I've finally officially descended into Groupie-dom.  Nevertheless, off with a happy heart... Chris and I were sitting with another Chris (part of the Design Team for Your Touch of Craft) along with Kay (Your Touch of Craft) and Kay's daughter had a stand at the show selling WOW Embossing Powders - so Kay was able to sneak us in for a quick look around. There wasn't much to see as everything was being set up, so I didn't take more than a couple of pix...

Chris, me and Sara

You'll all recognise Sara Davies, owner of Crafter's Companion (and the inventor of those amazing embossing boards et al - National Business Person of the Year 2010, etc). Sara's now got her boards into the US (the US rep was there) and also Canada (Carmi represents her in Canada).

Me with Sheena

Sheena with Chris

Sheena has just gone solo, and this was her very first wholesale show as Sheena by Sheena Douglass. All the stamps you see are her design, she has a new DVD just out - and I rather think she'll have done very well somehow!

Work in progress...

I thought I'd finish this post with pix of works in progress at the workshop - these are Chris's and Kay's. You can see they are all the same - yet all a little different, too