A (Tim)e for introspection

How can you choose just one?  That's what the Simon Says Stamp & Show design team is asking us to do with Tim Holtz's stamp line in this week's challenge.  I use several of his stamps quite a bit but that doesn't necessarily mean they are my favorite.  One that always makes me stop and think is 'It's not who you are that holds you back...'.  When contemplating my mojo (bet you thought I'd say navel, didn't you???) on any project I often think about what I want the piece to say, how it reflects on me, myself as an artist, and what the world percieves of my work.  Yeah, extra deep thinking this morning...don't know where it's coming from. 

Anyway, I chose this message for my tag.  I started out by stamping the sheet of paper from School Desk with watermark resist ink.  It's subtle, but there.  The lighting washed all the purples on the tag into more gray tones.  But I truly did use Milled Lavender, Stormy Sky and Dusty Concord before hitting it with mists of water.  The sentiment was stamped with black archival ink.

A scrap of musical* tissue tape lies across the bottom of the tag.  It was treated to a color bath of alcohol inks (Stonewashed, Pink Sherbet and Raspberry) along with blending solution to remove some of the color. 

*I tend to listen to classical music while in my art room; I don't want any lyrics to impact my work but lto et the music flow through me and let what happens happen. 

Enjoy the journey was stamped with Duo Embellishing Adhesive by USArtQuest and multi-colored metallic flakes were pressed onto the tacky adhesive.  I stamped my name (Inkadinkado) in black archival, creating shadows with Ranger's Inkssential White Gel Pen.  The black dots came out of the Black Enamel Accents bottle. 

I am enjoying my artistic journey.  I've grown, changed direction numerous times, and broadened my horizons with more mediums and products.  It's not about aquiring the goods, it's using them.  Thank you for helping me along the way.  Your comments make it all worth while.