Tim Holtz Answers Fan Questions

Creativity Made Simple is all about finding the time do what you love when life gets busy. As part of the campaign, Tim Holtz selected five questions from fans to answer below. Thanks to everyone who took the time to post!

Check out Tim's guest blog post with a free cardmaking project, too! 

1. Redanne: If I could ask any question at all it would have to be - is he planning to do a Compendium of Curiosities Vol. 3 in the future (or maybe even as we speak!)?

Yes, I am currently working on volume III of a Compendium of Curiosities due to release in January 2014.

2. Debbie Judice Gordon Dunn: When starting out as a newby, I have collected your tools and Tim Holtz Sizzix Dies and such, but as far as the inks or paints and all of that, I am at a loss on where to start, there are just so many things it blows my mind!! Help!! ( I'm the type of person who plays with all the crayons in the box) LOL!!

My suggestion is to start with what interests you the most.  Since there are so many products and techniques to try, just jump in and enjoy the journey.  The best way to learn anything is by doing so my advice is to give things a try. There is plenty of inspiration at your fingertips.

3. Dale Kaplan: Tim, I use double sided card stock to upcycle cigar boxes and alter journals. After I add embellishments and finish the project should I spray shellac the entire surfaces? I want to make all my projects archival. I also use your foundation corners for my legs on the cigar boxes. But, sometimes I want to use draw knobs for feet. I want to glue them at each corner and not drill holes into the cigar boxes. What glue can I use to glue the knobs at each corner? 

I always like to use Ranger's Multi-Medium to adhere elements to mixed media projects.

4. Angie Reed Jackson: What steps should one take in order to become a professional designer in the craft industry?

My advice is to start a blog and share your work for others to see.  Plan a trip to the Craft and Hobby Association Show to meet and interact with the creative companies in which you would like to design for.

5. Renee Musgrave: What inspired you to begin crafting?

My inspiration began as a small child and growing up learning to make something from nothing. The imagination is a powerful tool and once you learn to trust it and embrace your imperfections, everything is creatively possible.

Tim Holtz is an author, designer and the Creative Director for Ranger Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of innovative inks, paints, and embossing products. He has teamed up with various key companies like Ranger, Advantus, Stampers Anonymous, Sizzix, Tonic Studios, and Core’dinations to bring unique products that work hand in hand with Ranger’s extensive lines.