Key To My Heart Memory Frame

The picture on the left is taken from Tim Holtz’s Compendium of Curiosities.

The one on the right is my second attempt of a version of Tim Holtz memory frame pendant, this time I have used a Ranger 1” x 3” antique copper Memory Frame and a 1” x 3” Memory Capsule, all by Ranger.

I wasn’t too sure about the bulldog clip (too red) and the heart (too fancy) ….. so in the end I took them both off and turned the Memory Frame around, which is much more me and easier to wear.

I am really, really trying to resist buying too much of Tim’s paraphernalia, though I love it all dearly, I know I would be heading for a very expensive diversion ….. so with just a few key elements, I am holding myself back by making use of my own found treasures that I have collected over the years and will improvise with them instead.

Tim Holtz Inspired Brooch Pin

I was stroking the pages reading my copy of Tim Holtz’s “A Compendium of Curiosities” wishing I could make just one thing half as beautifully as he does. I love his style so much but whenever I try something it invariably turns out pants, then I leave it for ages until I find the courage va va vroom to try again! BUT I know I give up too easily and the only way to perfect my “art” is to persevere.

It was on Page 9 in a section about Ornate Plates that got me all inspired, I don’t have any as fancy as Tim’s but I remembered I do have some plain brass ones stashed away ….

My first slight error, was colouring the plate with a brown permanent pen (I think I should invest in some Alcohol Inks for another time), the finish could have been better, but I know I am super critical with myself whenever I try to “Do a Tim”.

Anyway, I stamped a tiny bird image onto a text paper and glued it onto the back of the bookplate with another stronger piece of black card over it. I then held my breath as I filled the centre with Ranger Glossy Accents!

While I waited for it to set I searched through a box of old jewellery bits my mum had given me …. and the black flower beads were perfect for what I had on mind. I stuck them on with E6000 glue (as recommended by Marc) and then I couldn’t help adding the two brass dragonflies and a few flat backed gems, for complete FiddleFart overkill!!

I must be pleased because I know will wear the brooch sometime this week and it is very much “my style”. However, I am going to have another go, substituting the birds, which I am not really sure about, with an old fashioned style Dymo label maker word and see how that looks.

Tim Holtz Tattered Florals and Leaves.

I am so guilty of desperately wanting Tim Holtz’s Tattered Florals and Leaves dies only to leave them unopened for several weeks in a corner of my craftroom  ….. if only I didn’t have to go to work!

But, I have finally been able to have a play, and I love them.  I have started out with a very simple idea, making some gift tags as I hate these horrid bow things!

I’ve used a variety of papers to see how patterns, thickness and textures work. This gold one is made from quite expensive embroidered gift wrapping  paper that I bought, only to find that it’s almost impossible to wrap with!  The centre is a snowflake brad with a clear flat back gem super glued in the middle.

My favourite is this red one.  I just love the paper. It came in my lovely parcel from Poundland in a sort of collage pack of bits and pieces.   It’s really thick spongy paper with the most fantastic texture. Unfortunately there wasn’t much of each colour, so I only made eight flowers like this. I am really hoping I can find some more similar paper on my travels, as I would love to make a Christmas wreath along the same lines.

Once the flowers/tags were made up, I put a piece of double sided  foam tape on the back so that they can be stuck on a parcel.

I’ve made up a box in various colours and papers and am curious to see if they take off when I put them in the staffroom.