Tim Holtz ATC Challenge # 5: Spring Has Sprung!

For this challenge, you will make ONE Tim Holtz-inspired Spring-time ATC for ONE partner. This is sender’s choice in terms of this spring theme, so you can start your ATC now if you wish, or you can wait to read your partner’s profile when assignments are made—for favorite colors and interests.

HOWEVER: No matter what theme or topic you choose for your ATC, it MUST HAVE an obvious spring time theme (flowers, gardening, baby animals, rain, tulips, crocus in the snow, etc.).. Take a look at some vintage spring ATCs and some Tim Holtz ATCs on Pinterest to get your creativity a kick start on what you want to do with that blank ATC card. Or take a look at his April or May tags from the past couple years on his website (blog) and use a tag idea as a jump start idea for your smaller ATC version. Also PLEASE use at least 2 official Tim Holtz items: paper; alcohol inks; Distress inks, paints and stains; wet or dry embossing; embellishments; die cuts; stencils; etc. Then feel free to substitute with similar 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 Michael's and Hobby Lobby that look like Tim Holtz “knock-offs.” His stuff carries a pretty high price tag. I use seam binding and ink it the color I need instead of buying his crinkle ribbon, and I age new lace and light-colored ribbons, etc. by inking them to my desired color and “age.”

One partner will receive one ATC. An ATC 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 card stock. 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. Just be sure to include your Swap-Bot name, the date, and the name of the swap and Swap-Bot Group on the back of your ATC 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 uses at least 2 official Tim Holtz items listed above.

MANDATORY RULE: HAVE FUN making your ATC and make one you’d be proud to show to Tim himself! (I’m still working up the courage to submit one of my monthly tags for a prize and they aren't even chosen by quality but at random, or so they say.)

That’s it---contact me if you have questions, of course. ATC Challenge #6 is coming soon on a computer screen near you!