Meet the Designer: Tim Holtz - Sizzix

Mixed-media marvel and Sizzix licensed designer, Tim Holtz, discusses his road to creative discoveries with a passion for crafting and an extreme enjoyment of life's journey. A lover of all things vintage and nostalgic, Tim shares the stories, travels and moments that go into creating his timeless designs. His love for eclectic vintage has inspired a career designing for various companies in the industry including Ranger: Distress & Alcohol Ink, Advantus: idea-ology & Assemblage, Stampers Anonymous, Sizzix, Tonic Studios and Free Spirit: Eclectic Elements.
North, Central and South America:
www.sizzix.com...
UK, Europe and Rest of the World:
www.sizzix.co....
About Sizzix:
From scrapbooking, cardmaking and papercrafting to fashion, quilting and home décor, and Education, Sizzix provides people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to express themselves in countless new ways.
Don’t miss out on any updates!
Sizzix Blog: www.sizzix.com...
Facebook: / sizzixlifestyle
Instagram: / sizzix
Pinterest: / sizzix
Twitter: / sizzix_official

[@ThelmaGrace1930]

I love this "interview" so much! I watch and rewatch Tim's livestreams and demos on a daily basis, in the evenings mainly. He's my entertainment as well as a fabulous teacher! I'm so happy to be alive during this wonderful man's journey!

[@Tindaloo76]

How modest... 'I'm just a guy who loves to craft'... think we all agree that he's a crafty genius.. the KING of vintage, distress and all things AWESOME! ♥

[@christinedavies336]

BUT that's exactly who he is Tindaloo76! There are absolutely NO airs & graces about him - or Mario for that. They are 100% nice down-to-earth guys. Tim's an inventor, he's a digger, he's a treasure hunter, he's a crafter, he's a maker, he's a thinker and he's a dreamer. He is also a great educator who applies what he knows directly to the crafter's / maker's studio/workshop and the classroom. But, most of all he is HUMAN and I thank the good Lord - and his Mum/Mom (and Father/Dad/Pop/Pa) for putting our Tim on planet earth. ~ C ~ xx

[@wordscrafter]

I've watched this several times and it always makes me smile. And also reminds me that one tiny decision can change your life. And you changed the world. My world. Thank you!!!!!!

[@lindabooker6584]

Thank you Tim for being a crafter in this world of mainly woman crafters. If this is what men crafters do we need more of them. Love all your ideas and products

[@sizzix]

L Booker We know!!! Isn't he just awesome?!

[@colbydeandre5284]

instablaster.

[@McScramper]

I love the way you think Tim. I recently found out at 59 yrs old that I was adopted from my mum two days before she died, and your "enjoy the journey" is now what I feel is my path in life. I new I was creative all my life but my mum didn't encourage this, thinking it was useless. I had a hard time trying to keep my inner creative self. I have but now I find I need to find the real me, start my journey to the real me. Thank you for this insight of yourself, I have always admired your talents and yes I have a great love for vintage for the same reasons you said. Again thank you ever so much for your encouragement and talent. xxx

[@sizzix]

McScramper Wow! That is a very special share, McScramper, and an interesting road! We're so happy you joined the world of creatives with us :)

[@surekhagalagoda4047]

Dear Tim So nice to listen to you and i never knew you that u are the person behind Tim Holtz. blessings to you and your family

[@jaytee2642]

A CPA??😳 The crafting world is SO fortunate that Tim's life took such a crazy detour.🔃⤴️↗️ It's painful to imagine him doing taxes rather than playing with inks and paints and stamps. He inspires his viewers to explore and experiment. His passion for his craft is infectious. This interview was truly fascinating. Thank you. ❤❤

[@cristinaljones]

I just love your mind, Tim!!! If I had the money, I would really buy, every single product with your name attatched!!! I have alot, but not all. thank you for being you!!

[@EmeralDQueenTV]

Tim Holtz has been a true inspiration in my life, love his crafting and love for Vintage thing. Very thankful to have come back to what I love the most which is Art and Crafts and I won't stop being creative in this wonderful journey!!! Thanks Tim :D

[@sandybright5979]

Tim -first of all you are the best- but you are the best looking, kindest, sweetest person, and you share such wonderful ideas. I have seen you at shows and just want to hug you. You are the kind of people I want to know because you are inspiring and most of all happy. don't ever stop because we all love you. sandy

[@sheilamarie9986]

So talented and inspiring. That photo of Tim when he was a boy, sooo darn cute!

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

Teachers hold an enormous responsibility. I wonder what would have happened if Tim had had an art teacher who told him his efforts were rubbish, he’d never be an artist, stop wasting time, etc etc. This happens more often than it should. That episode with the sawdust and glue clearly made a huge impression on a little boy, as did his upbringing, not having everything on demand. As kids in the 1950s we were also encouraged to make gifts and cards for family and friends, and these were always treasured much more than shop-bought ones. My godmother is a highly creative person and she passed this on to me, giving me gifts of things to make up. I still have the little leather purse that she gave me, which consisted of two pieces of leather ready cut, with holes pierced around the edges, and thong to make it up. These influences are soooo important!! Also, breaking the “rules of art” is great too. The great Kaffe Fasset once admitted that he had no colour theory. His motto is, “When in doubt, add 40 more colours”! I am in my late 60s and it was only last year that I began to look at the colour wheel and make sense of it. Up until then, I just did my own thing and I’ve always loved colour - whatever looks good to me is OK by me!

[@1CocoCookies]

I always loved Tim even though I don't know him personally, only through his designs and tools and the things that he lends his name too. Now after hearing this interview, I adore him. He is just so inspiring and awesome in so many ways. Who does not love his APP! Please continue to allow us to peek in on your journey from time to time. It makes me smile while I travel along mine!

[@dmaynardabu]

Great interview! I love your products. I have a 7 year old Granddaughter who absolutely loved your products as well. Her favorite products are the mini ink pads. They are the perfect size for her little hands. Her favorite color is Broken China. She loves to craft with me and read off the names of the ink pads. Thank you for just being you and sharing your creativity with us!

[@sizzix]

Denise Maynard That's a great way to learn names of colors!!

[@NancyLynn]

Man, am I ever happy I found this! Mr. Tim...if I ever was fortunate enough to run into you, I would straight up start crying....yeah, I don't think you'd appreciate a 61 yr old bawling her eyes out LOL! Seriously though, thank you, for all you do for us crafters!

[@DanaFergusonunirn]

I must admit to being a little tired of seeing your name everywhere in the craft world. Oh, there is something else created by Tim Holtz! I was watching some Sizzix videos and came across your video and I'm so glad I did. Putting a face on the creator made you so real for me. I must say now that I have a deep respect for all you do. My previous feelings were based,, I'm sure,, on jealousy. I've drawn all my life but never made a career out of it. I became a nurse instead, using art as a hobby instead. It's been good for me but I always wished I had done something with my art. I envy you and what you have done to encourage so many to become "makers". Please keep it up and THANKS!!

[@brindacoble8817]

Tim, thanks for sharing a little about yourself, that was very interesting! I saw you on a show years ago and I can't even remember what show it was, but at that moment, I was hooked. I love all of your ideas, products, and just your love for crafting! You are awesome!

[@KimboKreations]

so nice to get to know you Tim. Loved your memories of your art teacher, As a special education teacher I always hope I inspired my students in some way.

[@roxyfur]

"I could be doing your taxes" HA! I love this, it's like you read my diary. Our journeys are so similar, as I'm sure many of us could say the same. From growing up dollar poor (I remember making Christmas gift slippers out of wash clothes and pom poms) to trying to find direction after high school to collecting vintage for the imagination of it. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@Charlomer]

So nice to "meet" one of THE most intriguing paper craft designers out there. I have been in awe of Tim Holz's creations for a long time now. He inspires me. I just love the things he says about creativity & about Walt Disney. Funny & neat!

[@connieturner8604]

I met you in the late 9 ' s at a Chicago ACCI show. You were so warm an genuine and I never forgot that meeting. God bless you and know I love your work and philosophy...

[@marlenesmith-hall7084]

Tim you are a very creative person,I am very impressed with all of the knowledge you have in the field creative of beautiful design s that you not only create but show us the great results THAN YOU FOR SHOWING HOW IT WORKS. LIKE MAGIC. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. I AM A ART TEACHER FOR SENIOR CITIZENS , IT GREAT TO SHOW THEM NEW AND CREATIVE IDEAS GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS MARLENE S.H.

[@whyducks1]

What a wonderful interview.

[@rhondarushing447]

Love your craft journey, you tell it with so much passion, keep creating, we love you Tim Holtz, ❤️.

[@Squirrelfest2009]

I took a large group class from Tim Holtz a long time ago. It was at CKU in Provo and we embellished a mirror with painted, and crackled grunge board shapes and fragments. I was so excited because we got to use paint and crackle, and decorate an object with shapes like a key, textured hearts, or a skull, and the fragments with paper and glossy accents. I wasn't really a scrapbooker but went to CKU for some creative fun as I needed a creative vacation. The little class changed my life as well. After the Tim Holtz class I began using my supplies in different ways that I hadn't thought of before. I'm not sure what it was, but the class inspired me to create what I like with free abandon. I was also very impressed with the kits we received and the amount of time it must have taken to put together to make things easy for us. I was obsessed with the kit! Thanks for sharing the creativity with us!

[@artist4peace1]

I love you creative processes! You keep me inspired thanks Tim

[@kellymacdonell]

I had no idea he didn't start off in the craft industry! Tim, your Disney bedroom makes me feel a lot better about my Wizard of Oz bedroom (:

[@iamdawt]

Fantastic, Tim, I love what you do as well!

[@micheledickey4066]

SOOOOO LOVING THIS!!! A look inside the man. Love you so much Tim! You are such an inspiration to all of us. THANK YOU!!!

[@kimi6767]

I love you Tim, you are my inspiration, my teacher. I have found my passion in art and crafting all thanks to you and all the creative people out there. Art really is in my soul and it keeps me grounded and happy😊

[@Gg-rssystG8]

You still have that wonderful smile what's your having that picture of you as a child that's sweet you haven't lost the child in you 🤗

[@janicerobinson6803]

I was an art teacher before retirement and shared a similar philosophy as Tim and his elementary teacher. Since retirement, I have joined the world of card crafting and feel I have finally found my creative place. I often work late into the night being totally free and experimental with inks, paints, embossing, dies, etc. Tim Holtz, you have become my guru. Really enjoyed this interview with you! So glad you have not ended up doing my taxes.🙃

[@sizzix]

We loved reading your story! Thank you so much for your sweet comment :)

[@marymcdonough7398]

Very inspirational to those of us who are "self taught" or tend to go rogue. As a kid I did not have the money to spend on things other than the essentials. I was making my own clothes and couldn't afford buttons so all of my pants were closed with safety pins. From that I learned to make things using whatever I have or can find. I love putting things together to make something that did not exist before I got my hands on it. Thanks for helping to make it ok to "go rogue". Thanks too for providing imaginative products and techniques for us to use in our makings.

[@TCsPaperBlessingscrafts]

You rock.....I watch or read anything from you and I am running to the craft room with confidence. Thanks Tim

[@kattucker7791]

Amazing - that's what Tim is. I think this video captures the feeling you get when you have the opportunity to take classes with him. He's genuine, full of life and an all around rock star!

[@loris.2289]

Gotta Love Tim!! So inspiring ! And he seems like a genuine nice guy.

[@barbaradurgolo3133]

Ciao Tim, I love your creativity 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks for inspiring me 🤗

[@Heavenlyscrapbooking]

Ohhh wow!!!! Thank you so much Tim for sharing alittle piece of your life with us, it is so nice to hear how you got into this crazy little scrapbooking/crafting world we call life:) my plan one day is to meet you and Mario now that would be a dream come true!!!!!!

[@shirleylum2198]

Thanks for sharing "your story" and yes, you are just like us. Most of all, you give us that warm fuzzy feeling that "yes...you can" and the word "imperfection", well there is no such thing when it comes to creativity.

[@Briannak711]

I love this video about Tim Holt. He is so down to earth. I love his style and his products. Hope to meet him one day in person.

[@veronicaleggett5837]

Thanks for sharing your story, Tim. I love to "embrace imperfection"!!

[@lilialao7860]

Live Tim Holtz mottos and approach to creativity and life itself .... Yah Disney music makes me smile Thanks for inspiring us with your selfless ideas in crafting ..... Awesome products too IDEAlOgy

[@lilialao7860]

Love and thanks

[@letish41]

Your such an Inspiration to us all Tim. What an awesome interview thank you for sharing with us all. I haven't had the pleasure to meet you in person but do hope some day soon. But I do watch YT and bring you into my scrappy space, livinrm, bedroom you name it everywhere i can tag my Tablet along so everyday I enjoy all your creativity and imagine myself there with all those lucky ladies :) keep your inspections coming Tim you are AMAZING!! Warm and sweet man. Tfs Big Hugs Letty..

[@claireevans2336]

I am completely hooked - I totally love listening to you speak and what you have to share, love watching you craft, you are one amazing guy, thank goodness you took that course.

[@jelee5240]

What a wonderful man, so creative and modest and addictive

[@tammy5590]

truly an awesome person. Love some of his stuff and he makes crafting so much fun no matter what he is doing...Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@loriritchie7124]

Awesome watching this video Tim, you are an amazing man and sooooo talented! Good on you for staying true to yourself!

[@kellymae81]

I just love how down to earth you are! I ABSOLUTELY believe you should always stay true to who you are, no matter. I’m so glad that coworker made you go to that stamp class. Lol. Where would we be today without our Tim Holtz designs? Lol. I just love your style. I LOVE anything old, vintage, nostalgic, etc. I love things with a history. So your vibe totally gets me. Hehe. Keep on keeping on and I cant wait to see what you come up with next!!! By the way, I’d LOVE to meet you someday. You’re on my bucket list.

[@ladyinred2156]

I just ordered my sizzix,I love crafting and I can’t wait to have my new toy☺️nice to meet you

[@sizzix]

Thank you for your comment, we're so excited to see what you make with your new toy! Make sure to share with us on Instagram or Facebook by using the hashtag #sizzix.

[@ladyinred2156]

Sure I will ☺️✨

[@babescraftroom]

Who doesn't love Tim..? He is awesome. And now he is going to get so much Disney things from people.. lol... What a great video this is. thanks for sharing.

[@sizzix]

babescraftroom he visits Disneyland EVERY time he comes to visit us in California! Lucky guy!! :)

[@TR__3]

+sizzix I've seen them at Disneyland twice...both were after the Carson Stamp Shows. Couldn't bring myself to interrupt their fun, but it was exciting to see them!

[@MRVICTORCRAFTER]

A huge thank you for this video!!! I love the work of Tim and admire him. :)))!!!

[@leslieramsey7762]

Thank you for a glimpse into your life. I watch you on KZbin and can never comment. You truly are inspiring. DISNEY OH YEAH!!! I don't do social media so this was a nice way to get to know you. I love your products and enjoy seeing all the makes you share. Stiill how did Grunge ever meet up with Disney? A story for another day. Happy Crafting!!

[@nokiot9]

Doesn't that smile just make you happy 😊

[@bethanydavis1858]

Just came across your interview and it has intrigued me. I love your style. I love love vintage, I have always felt like I should have lived in a different era. I am a Capricorn as well and have always been obsessed with Disney. I have many antiques in my home. I have enjoyed learning more about you and will continue following your journey especially now. Thank you for what you do.

[@PamelaMillerKidder]

Thank you for being you. I am a beginner so I have a lot to learn and I'm enjoying the journey

[@kjones1785]

omg, Tim and Mario, they are just the best!

[@MashaSuralmasha878]

Such a talented person! Wow! Its a great life story! Very inspirational! Tfs, hugs, Masha

[@KRHarris9598]

So awesome! I am just discovering your products and LOVE them! Love your videos, so helpful! And you love Disney! Love you Tim!!! Thank you for sharing your creativity with us!

[@grayja100]

Aww, I love this. What a great guy. It is nice to learn more about him.

[@jennifervalenti658]

Oh my gosh, yourr a Disnerd too!!! That made my day! I wondered ahout that, because youve got some Disney inspired quotes in your stamps!

[@bakingdays101]

Amazing Teacher she obviously had a great impact on you, she would be proud to know you remember what she taught you.

[@bettiestrong4051]

Tim is AMAZING! Thanks for sharing this interview!!

[@Sherkie19]

what a wonderful into to you! you are so sweet and down to earth real with huge gifts of inspiration and talent. thank you for all the you do and all the fabulous products you bring to us.

[@Scorpiomary]

thanks for some background about you. I have seen a few men at the craft store now. keep on keeping on

[@tanyajuli4145]

what an incredible spirit.

[@KayMurphyWallace]

Thank you, this was a very personal insight into your life, I don't stamp but I am a professional artist and I do appreciate your what you do and how you got there.

[@rosesuenram6842]

Wonderful story! Thank you for sharing!

[@jonieisenberg2794]

Would you talk to my husband? He thinks the things in our house are crap and I think they're wonderful. I see the creativity in everything. I have just started alcohol inks and my mind is full of ideas that are absolutely crazy.

[@kich6172]

Such an inspiring video.

[@bronwyn117]

What an amazing story! You're such a fun person to listen to!

[@Sandrishify]

What an awesome interview! Interesting and so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your captivating stories.

[@lindaogburn7205]

I love this man such talent and so humble

[@janiethecraftprincess]

There is no room to write everything I want to say. But I will say that you inspire me and educate me. You are the person I admire most in the craft world. Whether you know it, think it, or feel it......I believe you are an artistic genius, and I hope to meet you some day. Tim....thank you for being you :) Hugs....Janie

[@yuyucom-ez1is]

Thank you so much to sharing your story! I am so impressed to you! I want to learn more so I will see you in your video class! Thank you again!!

[@Boopsie131]

Love him!!! He's so Awesome!!!! :)

[@Alliemoul]

HAHAHA, I made a mixed media canvas with the words 'embrace imperfection' from Tim's word stickers ( because the painting didn't turn out as I expected ), about a year ago, and now I just came across this video and within the first 40 seconds he says that phrase. And here I was thinking I was being original LOL.

[@bevbeach6801]

what a great interview..Mario was right you Aced this one...... funny how you said that you were in the restaurant business early in life.....I started when I was 16 first job and guess where I am still? you got it lol 20 years this past August.

[@RosemaryMarisArt]

Love this great philosophy

[@Gg-rssystG8]

I love imperfection I see beauty in it God made it all. So imperfection really isn't imperfect in art. Amen for good TEACHER.

[@beverleytremblay6025]

My first card teacher always said that if you want perfection buy Hallmark

[@lichazul]

perfect imperfect is great, hugs from Chile :)

[@wonderwhy708]

❤

[@tinamassey5549]

Thank you Tim , I'm new stamping and so far I love it . I finally broke down and bought me some Tim Holtz sorry it took so long but I fell in love with your Crazy Birds and had to have them and then when you came out with the dies to go with them they were under the Christmas tree now only if I could get blending down like your looks I be doing good. What to do you think I need to buy to get that look of yours. I stand in the store aisle and it's I'm going to have panic attack because I don't what to buy or how use do recommend what start out with ? I have always loved Sizzix and have alot of there dies so now it moving on to stamping . You and I have something Walt Disney . I think he was one of The Greats . John Wayne also mine....

[@Dear_Daria]

you are amazing and inspiring, i wish to meet and see you in person (here in the philippines)

[@mieliefishify]

such a sweet guy i hope to meet you one day too when you are in south africa again cxx

[@jonieisenberg2794]

I would love for you to come to North Carolina to our Arts Council in my small town. We all love your zest for the different. I would also like you to meet my son and daughter-n-law. My son is a professional golfer in North Myrtle Beach, SC and my daughter-in-law is an accountant. They go to Disney in Florida at least once a month. You would have a wonderful time with them, but I would have a good time probing your mind.

[@peggybines907]

nice video.

[@perfectionistist]

Hi Tim I love your alcohol inks, but I want to know can they be used on frosted white Lucite flowers. I want to make earrings but I am fed up with white so I want to give the flowers a more realistic look and seal them with a sealer that can be used with the alcohol inks. Can I please ask you for this information and I will let you know as soon as I have tried one.

[@laurieeierman6892]

where do I find the stamp shown on the card that refers to Pharmcists? its shown a few times and I have to have it !!

[@samderbyshire5434]

you rule xxxxx

[@russellrenneberg6578]

Disney I agree

[@Gg-rssystG8]

⛄🎄Merry Christmas! Love masculine spin on crafting. I want to suggest Longmire a Great Western it done New Mexico so pretty, his house is an actual land Mart. I think you might like.You like westerns right? me too it On Netflix. Mime is Valentine's Day. I love inperfection because I don't think there no such a thing I think what we would perceive as imperfection is part of God's design & it's perfect. Just have Look harder to see perfection. And Disney was GIFTED, him and his BUDDY I can't remember his name ANIMATION WAS INCREDIBLE & cartoons & stuff I grew up with. I went to Disneyland first time Orange county we're still orange groves an ocean, Disneyland was spacious & beautiful and has not been MARRED SCARRED or with the Holy dollar bill $$$$$. Do you ever think of your original ideas that way, EVER being changed by others, I don't mean NOT WHEN you're still alive. I mean the original Tim Holt design. The antique the imperfect The rusticness of it all.

[@v.c.g3246]

who's Mario?

[@kattucker7791]

Ummm Tim you can do my taxes anytime!!!