Ode to Tim Holtz: My 12 x 12 Altered Canvas

Karen challenged me to design a 12 x 12 canvas using the new Tim Holtz image CDs. Paper Pals sells three different versions. Some are borders and frames. Others are clip art images. They all have a vintage-y feel.

I used some school-related images from the CD. I emphasized the face of one particular boy with a Heidi Swapp clock. Then I painted around the edges with black Ranger crackle paint. And I used both letter and number grunge board that I distressed with black ink (Ranger Distress ink, of course!).

The patchwork colors on the right-hand side are some Bazzill cardstock samples that Karen gave me. Whenever Bazzill comes out with new colors, she gets a new ring of sample papers, so the old ones were going into the garbage...and I couldn't let that happen :)

Then I added an antique celluloid baby doll that I got at Deluxe Goods antique store awhile back. There are pencils I've found while out on walks. I shaved down the back side of each pencil with an exacto knife so that they would fit flat on the canvas.

Finally, I edged the bottom with a colored ruler I found while out junking and added my very favorite piece: a pair of broken glasses, complete with the elastic head strap. For that, I have to thank A., who picked up the broken glasses in their case and knew I'd find a use for them in a collage some day--and I did!

Working on canvas can make ANYONE feel like an artist--you'll have to try it for yourself!