‘Blog Hop’ Category

  1. Simon Says Stamp Halloween Blog Hop

    20th August, 2025 by iGirlZoe

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies
    Hello friends. Today I’m participating in the Simon Says Stamp Halloween Blog Hop featuring the newly released Simon Says Stamp exclusive coordinating dies to match Tim Holtz stamps. If you’d like to see and buy the Halloween coordinating dies, they are here HERE.

    I’m honored to be joining so many talented makers as one of the stops on this hop, you can see the list of hop participants at the end of this blog. You may have arrived from Sandi MacIver’s blog, but if not, you can start the hop on Simon Says Stamp blog.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies
    I am utterly OBSESSED with the coordinating die set to Tim’s Sketch Manor stamp set CMS408. Firstly, a confession, when I received this die set from Simon Says Stamp and pulled the coordinating stamp set out, it had never been inked!!! I’m proud to say that every stamp has now been used and I will be using it a lot going forward. So a BIG THANK YOU to Simon Says Stamp for inspiring me to use the toys in my toy box with this awesome new die set. Let’s get into the details…

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies
    I absolutely love the way the dies allow you to build layers on this haunted manor! I stamped the manor several times and then die cut using the different dies and watercolored using Distress ink ready to assemble. It’s not necessary to watecolor the parts that are going to be hidden by the next layer, but it was a good practice run to see that I liked the colours I had chosen. No surprise that it was browns! lol

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies
    The Simon Says Stamp 3D foam adhesive squares are a must for this. I have a nice stock pile of the black as they are my favourite of all 3D foam squares. The multi pack comes in small and large foam squares and in 2 different depths. For the layers I used the shallower of the squares with the deeper ones on the base of the manor to raise it up off the tag.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies
    You can see here how much depth the die cut layers give! And the dies take all the work out of this for you. Cool right?!

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies
    I really did use all the stamps in this set. Starting with an Etcetera Tag in the Mini size, I added Distress watercolor cardstock, which I inked with various Distress inks (listed at the end of the post). Once dry, I stamped directly onto the tag and watercolored, also with Distress inks. I stamped and die cut the moon with the new coordinating dies and added this to my tag.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies
    I then added the Manor to the tag and squealed a little with delight! I LOVE THIS DIE SET!!

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies
    I love how atmospheric the background stamps make this scene.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies
    I used a couple of stamps from the Field Notes stamp set CMS396 to create a banner. Adding a couple of idea-ology Hardware Heads with a little rust paste. I picked up this moss from Simon Says Stamp and it was perfect to add texture to the tag, which I added with a little hot glue.

    igirlzoe: tim holtz simon says stamp halloween coordinating dies
    Thanks for stopping by, the next stop on the hop is the talented Tina Smith.

    Let me know if you have any questions.
    Zoe

    Blog Hop Order:
    Simon Says Stamp Blog
    Nina-Marie Trapani
    Caly Person
    Stacy Hutchinson
    Nichol Spohr
    Tami Bastiaans
    Sandi MacIver
    Zoe Hillman (YOU ARE HERE)
    Tina Smith
    Jean Doeringsfeld
    Barb Engler


    The products used to create this project are listed below. Thank you for supporting me by using my affiliate links to shop, at no cost to you. I really appreciate it.


  2. Creativations 2019 – Tim Holtz Blog Hop

    5th February, 2019 by iGirlZoe

    Welcome to the Creativation 2019 – Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away, and welcome to my blog! I’m delighted to have been invited to join so many talented designers on this exciting blog hop hosted by Richele Christensen. If you’ve just come across from the very cool and brilliant Vicki Evans – [dig] that crazy chick blog, you’re right on track! …if you’re completely blog hopping lost, there is a full list of blog hop participants at the bottom of this post.

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    I was lucky enough to make a few samples for the idea-ology booth at this years Creativation with Tim Holtz wonderful new idea-ology pieces. Today I want to share a close-up look at the idea-ology assemblage clock that I altered.

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    I had a major “pinch me” moment this year when I attended Creativation for the first time, flying all the way from Copenhagen to Phoenix. Not only did I get to share a room with the very cool Vicki, [dig] that crazy chick, but I got to share a display box with her incredible industrial bee tag.

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019

    The details…

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    Dissassemble your clock. If it’s the first time, take note of what goes where as you take it apart. I recommend taking photos. The first time I altered an assemblage clock, I had several pieces left over! LOL

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    To create this salvaged stone look. Cover all of the pieces with plain collage paper, adhering with distress collage medium. Once dry add distress grit-paste to some areas, leaving some of the collage paper exposed. The areas without grit-paste will still have a textured look because of the collage paper.

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    Once completely dry, create a paint wash using frayed burlap distress paint and lots of water. Brush over all the surfaces and allow to dry.

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    Finally, to add contrast, use pumice stone distress crayon, mixed with water and apply to random areas using a paintbrush.

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    Use the back of the clock as a template and draw around it to create your background. I cut mine inside the lines as I wanted to push the background forward inside the clock. Run idea-ology metallic kraft stock through your die cutting machine with the Tim Holtz diamond plate texture fades folder and lightly sand to expose the kraft layer. Lightly sand the new idea-ology stencil chips and adhere over the top. I LOVE these, they look like metal and when I first received them, I was shocked that they are chipboard. You get a full alphabet and set of numbers in each pack! Cool right?!

    I also added an idea-ology measurements ruler and added the new idea-ology hardware heads to the top. To say I am obsessed with these hardware heads, doesn’t cover it! I won’t tell you how many packs I’ve pre-ordered!

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    With my base down and glued into place, I started to add gears. I added an assortment from the 3 packs of Tim Holtz idea-ology gears. I cannot get enough of these and probably buy and use more of these than anything in the idea-ology range, (until the hardware heads and date dials were released)! The hardware heads fit with the gears perfectly. I also used the long bolts from the idea-ology vignette hardware findings pack. You’ll see why further down.

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    I wanted the background to sit forward and closer to the glass in this clock as the lights at the show can create a shadow. I used layers of foam, adding a layer until I had the perfect height.

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    Before adding the final touches and the glass, I placed the clock structure over the background to see that it would leave enough room for the internal hardware. The background needs to sit below the holes in the clock casing (as pictured).

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    I picked up some fuses from a hardware store and wrapped these around the posts of the upturned bolts from the idea-ology vignette hardware findings pack. Put the glass into place and assembled the clock. Funny story… I carried this in my hand luggage and was mildly concerned that there were going to be some difficult questions about my carrying a clock containing gears and fuses onto an international flight! LOL

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    Hope you’ve enjoyed this stop on your blog hop. If you haven’t already, check out Tim’s Creativation 2019 recap and booth tours.

    iGirlZoe: Tim Holtz, idea-ology, assemblage clock, hardware heads, gears, stencil chip, baseboard dolls, grit paste, measure, creativation 2019
    Next on this blog hop is the very talented Audrey Pettit.

    Zoe x

    To be in with a chance of winning a prize. Just leave a comment on all the different blog hop posts for a chance to win! The more blogs you leave comments on, the better your chances of winning.

    Comments must be posted before midnight PST on Saturday, February 9th.

    Winners will be announced on Sunday, February 10th on Richele’s blog

    BLOG HOP PARTICIPANTS…

    Audrey Pettit
    Bobbi Smith
    Cathie Parreco
    Cheiron Brandon
    Debi Adams
    Emma Williams
    Jan Hobbins
    Jennalee Anderson
    Joy Kennedy
    Kath Stewart
    Mae Nazareth
    Mou Saha
    Paula Cheney
    Richele Christensen
    Stacy Hutchinson
    Tami Bastiaans
    Vicki Evans
    Zoe Hillman (you are here)



  3. Creativations 2018 – Tim Holtz Blog Hop

    2nd February, 2018 by iGirlZoe

    Welcome to the Creativations 2018 – Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away! …and welcome to my blog! I’m delighted to have been invited to join such a talented group of designers on this exciting blog hop hosted by Richele Christensen. If you’ve just come across from the lovely and talented Chelle Fowler’s blog, you’re right on track.

    iGirlZoe: Creativations 2018 - Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away
    I was lucky enough to make a few samples for the Stampers Anonymous booth at this years Creativation with Tim Holtz wonderful new stamps and stencils. Today I want to share a close-up look at the shaker card that I made.

    iGirlZoe: Creativations 2018 - Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away
    I used the new entomology stamp set (CMS328), one of my favourites from the new release, not least of all because of that background stamp! Can you believe how many stamps Stampers Anonymous crammed onto one stamp sheet?!

    iGirlZoe: Creativations 2018 - Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away
    I also used the new hive stencil (THS105)! I love the total lack of symmetry and organic look to it.

    iGirlZoe: Creativations 2018 - Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away
    I stamped the bee a bunch of times onto distress watercolor cardstock with black soot distress archival ink. Watercoloured fossilized amber over the body and a light wash of tumbled glass over the wings, using distress markers scribbled onto a non stick craft sheet and picked up with a water brush.

    iGirlZoe: Creativations 2018 - Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away
    Yes I fussy cut all these bees! I find fussy cutting so relaxing, it’s my jam (or honey in this case)!

    iGirlZoe: Creativations 2018 - Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away
    I created the background by stamping that gorgeous background stamp from the entomology set onto distress heavystock with hickory smoke distress archival ink and covering with a frayed burlap distress wash. Spread texture paste through the hive stencil, and once dry, blended in fossilized amber and brushed corduroy distress inks.

    iGirlZoe: Creativations 2018 - Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away
    I die cut a postage frame from idea-ology substrate sheet, adhered acetate to the underside with distress collage medium and mounted over strips of black adhesive foam. Using the new ornate trims stamps set (CMS326) to create a cute vintage border.

    iGirlZoe: Creativations 2018 - Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away
    Finally I mounted the shaker card over metallic and classic kraft stock (sanded of course). You can see the shaker card “shake it” over on my instagram.

    Next on this blog hop is the very lovely and talented Joy Kennedy.

    Hope you’ve enjoyed my shaker card and that this blog hop inspires you to create.
    Zoe x

     

    PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES!

    iGirlZoe: Creativations 2018 - Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away
    There are a few prizes to give away. Just leave a comment on all the different blog hop posts for a chance to win! The more blogs you leave comments on, the better your chances of winning.

    Comments must be posted by midnight PST on Tuesday, February 6th.

    Winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 7th on Richele’s blog

    BLOG HOP PARTICIPANTS…

    IDEA-OLOGY
    Paula Cheney
    Vicki Evans
    Emma Williams
    Cathie Parreco
    Kaz Hall
    Jan Hobbins
    Jenny Marples

    SIZZIX
    Tami Bastians
    Audrey Pettit
    Mou Saha
    Richele Christensen

    STAMPERS ANONYMOUS
    Kath Stewart
    Cheiron Brandon
    Stacy Hutchinson
    Chelle Fowler
    Zoe Hillman (you are here)
    Joy Kennedy
    Bobbie Smith