Tim Holtz "12 Tags of Christmas"

Starting tomorrow you can follow and join the fun !!!!

Here is the scoop straight from Tim's blog

let the holiday season begin bloggers!  starting december 1st, for the 5th year in a row my "12 Tags of Christmas" will be kicking off all over again!  it seems the anticipation of this annual event gets more and more exciting.  i'm ready to share these creative festivities of the season with all of you once again.  of course another exciting thing about the 12 Tags are the 12 DAYS of GIVEAWAYS from my favorite companies.  for your chance to win, simply post a comment on each days blog post.  we'll randomly select winners (worldwide) and post the names on the following day's blog post.  remember to post a comment each day as you can win more than once.  so as the days count down to the tags i thought i would answer the questions i get asked every year about the 12 tags tradition...

Q: when are the tags posted?
A: the first tag will post at 12:01am PST on december 1st and 12:01am PS each following day

Q: do you actually create the tags for each day the night before?
A: yes i do, and i have until midnight to get it finished, photographed, instructions, and ready to post (i've always enjoy the creative challenge).  you can follow the behind the scenes aka "BTS" of each tag by following mario on twitter.

Q: do you have a supply list for 12 tags?
A: although i post a list of supplies on each day's tag, the idea behind 12 tags is to inspire you.  if you don't have the specific color, stamp, or embellishment i use, be creative and use what you have.

Q: where is the best place to buy products?
A: if the necessity to shop is inevitable, my advice is to check your local stores first.  my products can be found in many independent, chain, and online stores.  for those of you that don't have a local store, each day i will link the supplies i use at the bottom of the post to the online stores i shop at.

Q: is there a way to share the tag you've made with others?
A: great news!  this year i'll be adding that feature to the blog posts.  day 1 will explain more in detail how it works.  you'll be able to upload your tag each day to share with everyone.

Q: are there different "never before seen" techniques used each day?
A: not necessarily.  for me, these tags are just a fun way to share the holiday season, but you may learn a new tip, or trick you never know.

Q: is there a pdf version of the tags to print?
A: nope.  i do these tags specifically for my blog, and they remain on the blog.  the past years of 12 tags are located on the bottom left corner so they can be referenced anytime throughout the year.

Q: can i re-post your tag on another blog?
A: you are more than welcome to re-post the photo of the finished tag on your blog, but please do not post my instructions, i ask that you please link back to my blog.

Q: how do i post a comment for a chance to win a prize?
A: simply click the word "comment" at the end of that day's post to leave your comment. (note: your name will appear BELOW your comment when it posts).

Q: why do i get your blog email a day late?
A: unfortunately i have no control over the blog feed services.  my advice is to physically check the blog daily so you don't miss a thing.

once again i look forward to sharing this with all of you.  i wanted to re-post this letter i wrote to a distributor last year asking for a supply list for the tags.  since it's sincerely my heart-felt thoughts i feel it's worth posting again.  i say it every year, but i truly hope you'll remember to make time for a little creative holiday magic for yourself - after all, that's what this is all about ...t!m

"well here i sit trying to type out a supply list for the 12 tags and you know what?  i can't...


here's the deal - i use so many different products on the tags, that it's hard to suggest a specific product or color.  for example, if i said i was using crackle paint, then the questions would be what colors, how many tags will it be used on, etc?  if the stores order up on crackle and i only end up using a bit of it on a grungeboard snowflake - then what?  stores will be overstocked on products and i don't think anyone wants that.  i also don't want anyone to feel that the 12 tags are marketing motivated because they've never been.   the 12 tags started out as a way to give back to the people who have supported me all year and more importantly, a way for me to share my love for the holidays.  i know this has turned into a frenzy all it's own and i'm blessed for that - we all are, but it's still important that i don't lose sight of why i'm doing them in the first place.  i enjoy challenging myself creatively by doing the tags each night before i post them (which i've done the past 3 years since they started).   i love the excitement i feel when i have to finish each tag by midnight as eager people from all over the world wait to see it the moment it goes live. half of the fun is getting people inspired and challenge themselves to use what supplies they have.  it's also wonderful that stores are just as excited each day trying to gather up products in their stores and plan workshops and make & takes to share with their customers.  i understand that every once in a while there is that odd product that nobody expects me to use - even me, but it is what it is.  i feel that by committing to products now, i'm not only limiting myself creatively on what i would actually want to use and design, but it takes the magic out of this and i don't want to give that magic up.  honestly, i have no idea what i'm going to create this year, and i don't know exactly what products i'll be using, but i do know this - that in the end everyone will have enjoyed the 12 tags of christmas again - including me...
i hope you understand...tim"

CHECK OUT ALL THE 

TIM HOLTZ PRODUCTS AT

www.happynscrappin.com 

A Layout - Fancy Pants St. Nick's Collection

I have on of the three layouts you can create using the Fancy Pants St. Nick's Kit

The kit includes everything you need to create 3 layout -two 1 page layouts and one 2 page layout.
You can purchase at the STORE by clicking HERE

Today I will be showing you how I created the second one
or the one on the top right.

Click on picture above for closer look.
This are the instruction included in your kit.

My version with details I did not see included that might be helpful.
1- Trim the tab off all your papers needed as you go along so that you don't forget which on is which.
2- Place transparency on top of the solid side of the Noel paper.
Note: do not adhere transparency at this time, wait until you place all item on top so that you can "hide" the adhesive behind your embellishments or photo.
3-Cut from Strips paper the border with the polka dots including a bit of the blue border right below them. Adhere one inch from the bottom.
4-Cut a 1 1/2" x 12" off of the Joy stripes side paper ensuring the stripes are vertical. Adhere right above or overlapping just a bit on the polka dots strip.
Note: the included instruction ask that you trim/cut a 5x7 piece of Garland paper (the solid cream side) to use as your mat.  I decided to print my picture and sand a bit around it with my Tim Holtz sander, so I skipped this step (or went straight to using a picture instead).

5- Instead of cutting the card that reads "My Christmas wish has come true", I decided to trim the design instead...see below:

6- Add buttons and chipboard Embellishments stars as shown or embellish to taste
7-Finish up by adding adhesive behind you photo and transparency and or embellishments and adhere to base Noel piece of cardstock.

Hope this help you with your kit!

Supplies: (click on titles for links to the store)
Fancy Pants St. Nick Layout Kit
Tim Holtz distress ink - antique linen
Tim Holtz sander
 
Glad you stopped by - Will be back with the other two layouts in the kit!  ~Gaby

Stopping by with Fancy Pants St. Nick Collection

Hope everybody had a wonderful
Thanksgiving Celebration with family and friend!

I will be back this afternoon with a layout using this kit:
It is the Fancy Pants St. Nick Layout Kit

You can find it at the STORE on sale!

Hope many of you were able to take advantage of the great Black Friday - Cyber Monday Sale!!

While you are at the store checking the Fancy Pants St. Nick Layout Kit and collection, you might want to check all the new arrivals such as the Fancy Pants Winter Wonderland and Love Story collection!... and how about that Winter limited edition distress ink set from Tim Holtz, (you get 3 ink pads in one set) yes it's limited to quantities on hand!

See you back this afternoon!  ~Gaby

Thank You Card and Tutorial

Today I have a thank you card and a tutorial to share. The card was created using Fancy Pants Summer's End that you can find over at the STORE

Here is the card and the envelope

This is how I created the flower:

1-Cut four (4) 2" scalloped circles. (you can make them larger or smaller and do not have to use a punch, you can use an electronic cutting machine).

2- Fold in half  ( I don't know if you noticed, but I utilized the cover of the paper pad...call it thrifty, frugal, I call it utilizing all the beautiful paper!).

3- Fold in quarters. (repeat with all four).

4- Cut 1" circle from scraps or designer paper. (again if you do not have a punch you can use your electronic cutting machine).

5- Add adhesive to circle and adhere the scalloped circles folded in quarters like so.

6- Here is the "flower"

7- Ink with distress ink if desired.

8-For the center I created a button using my Imaginisce I-top (you can use a different brad or button, or?)

9-For the leaves, I cut 1 1/2" x 1 1/2 squares (if you prefer, you can make them smaller or larger by increasing or decreasing the size of your square of paper)

--  and followed this wonderful step by step tutorial

To finish up my card, I added some machine stitching.

Supplies: (click on picture for link)

InLinkz.com

Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY TO ALL OF YOU!!

I will be back next Tuesday with a layout using Fancy Pants Saint Nick's collection ~Gaby

Onesie Card with MME

Just stopping by with a quick baby card
using My Mind's Eye PP that you can find over at the STORE

I am entering this card over at She's A Sassy Lady Challenge.  The challenge is to use brown, bright green and at least one rhinestone (bling).  I started looking through my PP boxes and found the perfect paper super fast (first box I looked in --isn't great when that happens?)

Supplies used that you can find at the STORE (just click on picture for link)

InLinkz.com

Don't miss out on a super great sale on MME papers and embellishments! (just click on picture of paper or HERE!)

THANKS for visiting and leaving a comment!  ~Gaby

A Christmas Card and a Tag

Hi! this is Gaby with a Card and a Tag using the
Making Memories Twinkle Shimmer Die-cuts and other
items that you can find at the STORE

For the card-
White base, dry emboss with Cuttlebug folder and add embellishment using a 3D dot.

 A closer look at the embossing.

For the tag-
A plain tag for base, stamp with embossing ink, heat emboss with white embossing powder, ink with distress stains and inks, add piece of white cardstock (ripped for snow effect) at bottom, add embellishments, ribbon, twine and bell (I painted a red bell with acrylic brown paint to give it the rusted effect).

Items Used that You can Find at the STORE: (just click on picture)

InLinkz.com

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

We R Memory Keepers Albums Made Easy System

You can find everything to start your albums at 

HAPPY N SCRAPPIN

Click Here for

Page Protectors & Albums

Xmas Cards with MM Twinkle

Today I have two quick cards that are Easy to Make and to Mail
They fit on a regular envelope and require only one postage stamp.

The MM Twinkle collection has this package of 74 die-cuts that are glittery and gorgeous.
MM Twinkle is on sale right now over at the STORE!

 I just embossed a piece of 4.5" x 10" (embossed only 4.5" x 5" or the front) white and red cardstock-- any embossing folder you have will do and added embellishments from the MM Twinkle collection (on sale).

White - Stamped using the pens on my stamp before stamping, run through embossing machine, added the embellishments, pearls and twine. The pearls were from my collection, but you can find several brands at the STORE, just click on below link/picture.

Red - Run through embossing machine, inked with dabber, added embellishments and piece of ribbon.

Click on picture below for link to STORE

InLinkz.com

The Tim Holtz Winter Limited Edition Distress Ink pad set is available and on sale for a limited time!

CLICK HERE FOR LINK

And as always, Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment! ~Gaby