TIM HOLTZ' 12 TAGS OF 2014 MARCH TAG

I would like to present my entry for Tim Holtz' 12 tags of 2014 for March.  The interesting technique taught for the month of March and the beautiful work of Tim Holtz may be seen HERE.

Using Mr. H's instructions step-by-step, I started with the manila tag.  My bird's nest stamp is a little different; however, I cannot wait to receive the one Mr. H used in his demonstration.  I stamped the bird and nest using Black Soot DI.  I wanted it to really stand out.  Then, I smudged it a "little bit".  This was a challenge for me, as I am so used to "crisp" images.  I had an older TH stamp set that had the "cat tails" stamp and the ""IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE LIFE BIG" stamp.  I could not find a name or a number on the set.  I stamped the cat tails all along the side of the tag using the "multi-color technique" with Forest Moss and Vintage Photo.  I stamped the sentiment using Black Soot.

The next step was to color the background with the lighter color DI's.  I used Faded Jeans and Tattered Rose.  I then added a stencil layer using the Bubble layering stencil and Vintage Photo.

I added a book label at the bottom entitled "observations", and wrapped the natural jute around the tag.

The inking techniques that Mr. Holtz teaches are quite new for me.  I believe that the techniques take a lot of practice.  I prepared 4 tags before I was satisfied.  BUT, THEN, decided to try the "water flicking" technique to mottle the inks on that last and final tag.  That maneuver proved deadly to my sentiment.  I would definitely recommend lots and lots of water flicking practice before using that technique!

Thank you so much, Tim Holtz, for the demonstrations.  As always, they are inspired and unique. I appreciate the opportunity to enter this tag into the challenge.

Jayne