My Tim Holtz Twitter Prize and CCC #33

I was awarded one of 4 Tim Holtz Limited Edition CHA 2011 Messenger bags in a Twitter giveaway by Mario just before they left for the UK! I'm reading along on Twitter when I had to back up - wait - that's - - ME!!! Pretty Cool!          
                                      (to enlarge photos, right-click and open in a new window)

The shoulder strap was so long, the bag hung down past my knees! Well, me being me, I had to do something.

Some folds and quick cross stitches took up the strap and left a loop for my large, old split ring (from my Dad's stash) which holds the key from my first car (Ford Pinto!); a piece of old hardware on antique silver ball chain (don't know WHAT this thing is - but it has it's own green patina and threads on one end - also from my Dad's stash - thanks again Dad!); a TH "Journey" Philosophy tag on a large jump ring; a TH gear and timepiece on copper ball chain. All of these things have meaning for me and I will enjoy hearing them jingle.

The 4 and the 7 (lucky and significant numbers for me) are TH metal numbers and I used the CCC #33 challenge of Altered Metal Alcohol Inks on page 56 of the book on them. Colors used: Butterscotch, Caramel and Rust. Kind of sounds like a weird ice cream topping!

I even know how I'm going to use the bag. Yes, I am going to USE it! Why have it sitting in a box or a drawer?? It's a lovely bag and it wants to be used. I fell in love with Dyan Reaveley's Art Journal style when I saw some of the CHA videos of her demos. I have done altered books and I love the feel of the pages after they've been decorated - all thick and substantial and all. It's been a while since I've done any and now I can't wait to start a new book trying some of her techniques!
So - this means that I will carry the art journal-in-progress and the box of tools/materials in my TH Bag.
 
When I layed the bag on my work counter, my Vagabond tried to get in it! I caught it just in time.

Once again, Thank you Tim! Thank you Mario!