Tim Holtz ATC Challenge # 2: 1-2-3 ATC

For this challenge, you will make ONE Tim Holtz-inspired ATC for ONE partner. This is sender’s choice in terms of theme and color so you can start your ATC now or wait to check your partner's color preferences and interests .
Then follow these 1-2-3- guidelines: 1) Use ONE (1) stencil (Tim's or any other in keeping with his style).

2) Use TWO (2) Tim Holtz Distress Inks using any technique.

3) Use THREE (3) words that either create a phrase or that work togeter in some way. For example: "Follow your dreams"; dream, Imagine, create"; "curiosity, imagination, creativity"; etc. If you don't have Tim's stamps, word stickers, etc., hand write them neatly or type them on your computer and print out.

Then add any stamped images, ephemera, textiles, ribbon, old photos, flowers, paints, etc. to complete your ATC.

Take a look at some vintage ATCs and some Tim Holtz ATCs on Pinterest to give your creativity a kick start for what you want to do with that blank ATC card. Or take a look at his tags from the past couple years on his website and use a tag idea to jump start ideas for your smaller ATC version.

Except for the two distress inks, feel free to use substitute items that are either genuine vintage (junk store vintage pen nibs, old photos, rusty keys, ribbon or lace stained with age, etc.) or the embellishments now available at Michaels and Hobby Lobby, etc. that look likeTim Holtz “knock-offs.”

One partner will receive one ATC that must be exactly 2-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches (or 6cm x 9 cm). Use a strong cardboard backing, not just paper or cardstock. I like to make the back of my ATCs neat by using a piece from my paper scraps stash that matches the color, size, and style of my ATC, but that is entirely optional. Be sure to include your Swap-Bot name, the date, and the name of the swap and Swap-Bot Group so your receiving partner can easily rate your treasure. If postage budget is important, keep your embellishments as flat as possible, but be sure your tag has a genuine Tim Holtz look and follows the 1-2-3 Rules listed above..

MANDATORY RULE: HAVE FUN making your ATC and make one you’d be proud to show to Tim himself! If the tag you receive meets the 1-2-3 rules for this challenge, it needs to be rated a 5. Add a heart based on your own discretion but not on the added extras, please. The rating is to be based on the quality of style, design, and careful attention to details and evidence of time and effort put into the swap item itself.

Sign up deadline is May 23; send deadline is June 8.

That’s it---contact me if you have questions, of course. If enough people are interested, I will make this a series of 8-10 ATCs that we can put together as a booklet if we wish.