Tim Holtz Day

Tomorrow is Tim Holtz Day.

I feel like a child who is anticipating a trip to Disney World. “I’m too excited to sleep!” or eat or do much else.

It doesn’t matter that my big toe has been causing me  immense pain for the past two days. I will stand in line for hours until I get the opportunity to meet Tim Holtz. I even have a few back-up plans in place, just in case. And, I’ve already packed my bag, complete with extra batteries for my camera.

So, you may be wondering, what is the big deal?

Well, Tim Holtz has been a huge part of my life for the past few years. Granted, he has no clue of my existence — unless he read my column in last week’s paper, but I seriously doubt that. No, I am pretty sure he has no idea I am alive, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t made a difference in my life.

Tim Holtz has given me the tools, inspiration and knowledge that has taken my scrapbooking to a whole new level. My pages are no longer just pictures decorated with stickers and pre-made embellishments. Many of them have become original works of art, thanks to Tim Holtz. He has challenged me to think outside of the box and to make more than just scrapbooks.

Since being introduced to Tim Holtz, via his products, I have learned how to make things exactly how I want them. I color ribbon, add ink to alter the color of paper, paint metal, add sparkle to flowers, … you name it, I change it.

Tim Holtz has also provided me with invaluable tools. He thinks of unique ways to improve the products we use every day. His ruler has tiny holes so you can place brads in a straight line. Grungeboard can handle water, paint, ink and more without falling apart like chipboard does. His sander is balanced so you can apply even pressure on your page. Every detail has been thought through to make my life easier, and for that, I am thankful.

Yesterday, I discovered his tiny attacher, with the smallest staples on the market, can easily staple through cardstock, Velcro, padding and a thin board that were used to make a shadow box I was covering. Not only did it go through it all, it did with ease — something a person with a bad elbow really appreciates.

So, tomorrow I will meet my hero and have the opportunity to thank him for the impact he has made on my life.

Perhaps I’ll go make him a card … if I can sit still long enough to do it. I can’t wait!