Tim and a Tutorial

I wanted to share with you a quick story about my drive home today....

In the old days when I was a kid (I was born and raised in Austin, Texas) we could get from Austin to Georgetown in, lets say, 20 minutes from my folks house in Northwest Austin.  Well, these days it's about an hour.  That's if it's not raining.  If anyone should even happen to spit on the asphalt, add in another 30 minutes to an hour!

On with the story...Sitting in my car completely stopped in I-35 traffic, I received an email from a friend that informed me that she had been in Hobby Lobby earlier in the day. That she had been privy to an event that might interest me.  The new Tim Holtz Idea-ology pieces were in and they were stocking the shelves with all these glorious gems that makes my heart flutter!

Folks, (Mom close you eyes and go to the next paragraph please!) I just want to tell you, I think of myself as a good driver.  I obey all the laws...kinda...and I haven't had a ticket since I was 25 when I got pulled over for going 96 mph in a 50 mph construction zone which in Texas means double fines.  This fine was the size of my entire bi-monthly salary!!  Just sayin'... Lesson learned!  Back to the tale...I didn't even get through the end of the email when the lines I had read hit me.  I completely turned into this wild man!  I was driving like I had a pregnant wife in the car and we were heading to the hospital!!  I found myself being that total jerk you wish the police were around to see!  I was cutting in front of other cars, driving on the shoulder, and hitting speeds my Honda speedometer stated it could do but I never believed!! LOL!  When I arrived at Hobby Lobby (Hitting a record time of 15 minutes!  HAHAHA) I really had no recollection of how I got into the store, I think there was running involved, possibly pushing people out of the way! :)

Finally, I heard angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus as I stood in front of the new idea-ology pieces!! Now most of these goodies hadn't been stocked yet, they were still in shopping baskets ready to be put on the shelves.  It was ugly...I was a mad man, tossing Prima flowers out of the way to get to the goods. Brads, Maya Road tags and other hardware flying through the air as I tossed them trying to get a glimpse of the faucet knobs, clock keys, gem clips, screw eyes, mini gears, label pulls, wire pins, word bands and distress markers!!! Cue the angels...I was in heaven!  Ahhhh!  They are finally here!  Hallelujah!  Now to make some cool new stuff!  Can't wait! 

OK, OK, I exaggerated a little but I'm a man and that's what we do!  HAHAHAHA!

The End!

OK, on with the tutorial.  I had received an email from a lady that was new to paper crafting and wanted to learn the basics of box construction.  So, thanks to Cait, we have the tutorial Du Jour...

 

Thank You All For Looking!  TWO DAYS TO GO!!!!!

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

 

Comments

[Cait]

Thank you soooo much for this tutorial. It looks so simple when you do it...LOL. The only question I have is what material are the structure strips made of? I am going to have so much fun with this!

I know it's hard to wait, but I am sure you will be getting some great news in a couple of days...keeping my fingers crossed.

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Cait,

Like I said this morning...You just have to laugh at my editing!  For
Goodness sake!  I had to tape and re-tape and cut and splice!  HAHAHA  I
swear I mentioned the structure strips but I guess I cut it out!  Sheesh!  Sorry!

The structure strips are made from card stock.  I like to use Kraft
card stock (its just heavier).  Cut it to 1 inch strips, score in the middle at 1/2 inch and
apply Scor-Tape to each side of the score line.

Once again sorry about that!  One day Im going to get good at this!  I hope!  :)

Thanks Cait again for the idea and the sweet words!  Much appreciated!

Jim

[Paul B]

I've saved the video for later, when I'm on my tea break :) Looking forward to it. And from reading the above, I think the stress of the last few weeks has finally gotten to you haha. Sounds like you had fun though. Pxx

[Kim]

I taught you every driving technique you know...I won't tell mom if you don't!! Cool box tutorial!!

[SannaS]

i'm laughing out loud here...what a fab story...i so can see myself doing just that if something similar tim-related would happen here... :D

fabulous tutorial!!
hugs, SannaS

[Heather]

Jim, I just loved reading this! You are too funny!

[Sheron N]

I was picturing the whole story in my head it was fantastic specially the angel chorus, I have a great imagination it was the funniest I'd seen all week.

[Cassandra]

OMG Jim! I soooo love reading your posts! I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of your mad man driving lol and running through the store pushing people hahahah! Brilliant, I basically did the same when the Tim Holtz hit the scrap store I work at yesterday lol.

Thank you Cait for requesting this box tutorial and thank you Jim for being kind enough to share you knowledge it was fantastic! At least your game enough to try doing video tutorials Jim, I am not yet lol. Ow and a question. I have never used a Xyron machine, but it looks very handy, what model do you have?

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Cassandra,

The Xyron I have is the Creatopia. Its the one that applies adhesive to a full 12 inch sheet of paper. I truly cannot say enough about it! Love it! I have the smaller ones too, but I find they are always stuck on the shelf. This only downside, the refills are not stocked at any store in my area. I have to buy them online at Amazon. However, they always have them. So nit a big deal.

Hope you are well. Thanks for your continued support Cassandra!

Jim

Sent from my iPad

[linda williamson]

Too funny! but I know how you feel,I get like that too. I hope you got some of those Timmy goodies. Have a great day and thanks for the laugh of the day.

[mary puskar]

Jim, what a great way to start the day!!! I am laughing so hard and I'm sure we can all relate to your story. What we won't do for NEW craft goodies! I just wanted to thank you for making my day!

Mary

[Sharon Y (sharona62)]

Oh Jim I almost peed my pants laughing! Thanks for the great story. And I thought I was the only one who hears angels sing when I see new goodies in the store. Thanks for the box tutorial. I haven't yet attempted any dimensional projects - this will be helpful when I do. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[Barbara Albrecht]

OMG...what did I do?!?!?! If I had known you were going to drive like a fool and knock old ladies down to get to the goodies, I would have told you to come to my house for some reason and THEN I could drive you over to HL....LOL!!

You painted a really funny picture and made me laugh...you KNOW I need that right now!!!

Thanks for the tutorial...you're getting better already.

[Zandra]

Love the tutorial! I especially, love the Easter Cart, so cute. I hope you at least said excuse me as you were knocking down those little old ladies...teehee.
Hugz, Z

[Kim]

You crack me up. I am glad I don't drive I35! Of course you probably looked like any normal Austin driver. And now that I know you have been to and cleaned out the HL in Georgetown, I will be safe going to the one in Leander this afternoon (and the S. Lamar store at lunch time). Geez, guy, you didn't even take a coupon with you I'm sure! I hear you on the Xyron refills. Makes me mad that I can't ever find refills. Thanks for the video on the box making. Now I can wonder no more! Time to practice, practice, practice.

[Cait]

Another question about box making...LOL. I don't have one of those wonderful "sticky" machines...what would you suggest using as an alternative for attaching the paper to the chipboard (decoupage is NOT an option: decoupage and I are NOT friends)...LOL
Thanks again for taking the time to answer all my questions...you truly are a gentleman.

[LoriC]

I am so glad we don't have HL here. Our lives would be in danger! No need to rush to M's. Job well done on the box tut! This is not how I thought they went together and why I haven't made one. BUT thanks to you, they aren't that intimidating. Glad you explained the structure strips, I would have been running all over town for them! Ha ha.

[Pat]

I'm new to your site and am happy to have found it. You have some products that I have not seen or heard of such as structure strips and also---what brand is your craft knife? It cuts like buttah! I am looking forward to seeing many more of your projects.

[Pamela Davis]

Thanks for the laugh. You have no idea how much I needed it this afternoon. I laughed out loud so hard that I had to read your post out loud to my whole office. We all loved it.

[Lynn Wild]

Another great tutorial Jim! I was going to ask you about the structure strips too, but Cait beat me to it!
We don't have Hobby Lobby or Michaels in the UK but I have just ordered some of Tim's new ideaology on line.Loads of Graphic 45 goodies fell into my cart at the same time (that's all your fault)! I know just what you mean about racing to get your hands on new craft stuff as I'm seriously addicted too!I loved reading about your drive to the craft shop - it really made me laugh.
Can't wait to hear your news tomorrow (I'm nearly as excited as you must be)!

Lynn

[Joy Smith]

Thank you so much for the tutorial and the laughs - thoroughly enjoyed both x joy

[Shawn]

Too funny Jim. I just may have to take the long way to work by way of HL and go in late!

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Lynn!

Hahaha!  I was telling another Kim, another friend that I met through my blog. who happens to live here in Austin too, that I had gone into another Hobby Lobby in Austin today to see if I had missed anything!  They didnt even have it out!  Somehow, I still came out of that stupid store with 2 bags full of stuff!  Good Lord!  I seriously need therapy!  HAHAHA

Dont you love Grapgic 45s staples?  They are so well made!  Love them!  Just quality all around!  Thank God that my local Archivers started stocking more of the staples this year!  Yahooo! 

Thanks Lynn!

Jim

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Lynn!

Hahaha!  I was telling another Kim, another friend that I
met through my blog. who happens to live here in Austin too, that I had
gone into another Hobby Lobby in Austin today to see if I had missed
anything!  They didnt even have it out!  Somehow, I still came out of
that stupid store with 2 bags full of stuff!  Good Lord!  I seriously
need therapy!  HAHAHA

Dont you love Graphic 45s staples?  They are so well made!  Love
them!  Just quality all around!  Thank God that my local Archivers
started stocking more of the staples this year!  Yahooo! 

Thanks Lynn!

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Pamela,

LOL!  Im so glad I could give you and your office a laugh!  Nobody believes this stuff really happens to me!  I had another crazy incident today, but I will save it!  We all might need a good laugh soon!  :)

Thanks Kindly!

Jim

[The Gentleman Crafter]

DO IT!!!  You only live once!  HAHAHA!  Drive Safely!

Jim

[Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor]

Great video Jim! I love how sturdy (and good looking) the box is. Thanks for the tips and ideas!

[Gloria Stengel]

Dude, that was my grandmother you shoved out of the way on you way to fame and glory...just sayin'!

j/k My gradmothers have all passed and they never lived in TX. hee hee But I hear you about rain. I live in San Diego. When it rains they are like, what is this wet coming from the sky?!

Tomorrow is the DAY! Are your toes crossed?

[Vicki]

I didn't have a chance to post this morning, but what a great way to start the day! Good cup of coffee and a very funny story and a great lesson in box making!! Thanks Jim!
I certainly hope the good folks at G45 announce early, I am excited and I know all your followers will be celebrating with you tomorrow Jim! Certainly hope you can sleep a little tonight, this is all so exciting!!

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Anytime!  I so glad you got a tip from me!

Thanks so much!

jim

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Gloria!  I cant stand it any longer!  HAHAHAHA!  I pray, pray, pray that Diane, Charee, Aimee and the other judges will think think that Im not totally off my rocker and think that I might somehow add to the goodness of Graphic 45!  You know if it doesnt happen, Im still totally in love with G45 and will always be so grateful to Charee for her genuine kindness to me.  Thats all it takes for me to love and want to support such an incredible company! 

I may not have 1000 followers like you and the others but, I offer the man side to crafting and am so blessed to finally find something to do with my hands that I love!  The followers will come!

Can you tell the ADD is kicking in?  I cant keep on topic!  I wish you luck, that you will obviously not need, and thank you so much for checking in on me!  Yes Honey, everything is crossed!  TRUST ME!  HEHEHEHE!~

Thanks so much Gloria!  Blessing to you!

Jimbo

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Oh pray that I get some sleep!  HahAHahaha!  I need it so badly!

Thanks Kindly Vicki!  Tomorrow....Its just another day!!!!  RIGHT!!!!???!!!

Jim

[Dena (Matter of Scrap)]

This post is hilarious! If you lived in my state it would have probably gone unnoticed since everyone drives like an idiot, not as bad as the people in Delaware (OMG THEY ARE CRAZY DRIVERS!) Glad you got there safely to rejoice in the Tim goodness! Can't wait until tomorrow! <3 Dena

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Hahhahaha!  Oh well, what will be will be...I sure would like to be
apart of the team, however, there are so many talented folks applying. 
Oh my Gosh, these folks are too incredible!  It gives a whole new
meaning to fussy cutting!  I almost feel like a big old bull in a china
cabinet!  All I know is that I love to make things, I love G45s paper
and staples, I think G45s team is real, honest and has always been so
kind to me.  Whatever the outcome, I am so proud that I at least tried! 
I would have hated myself if I didnt. 

That said, what will be will be...

Thanks so much Dena!  I so appreciate your kind words!

[Sara Jansen]

I was laughing so hard when I read this, I tried to explain the situation to my husband who, I could tell, didn't really get it. I TOTALLY understood. I want it all (and pretty much now have all the new stuff!)

[Steven]

Craft Road Rage, whatever next?! RPOFL

[Katina]

Hi Jim-
Congrats on getting picked by Graphic45 for the design team. I haven't had time to check out your tutorial but will later. As for the exaggeration: why let the truth interfere with a good story!!