PageSage Product Review
An Altered Journey with Tim Holtz DVD
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| Randi's Review |
Andrea's Review |
Cathy's Review |
Kathleen's Review |
Melanie's Review |
Review by Randi
The educational DVD, "An Altered Journey" caught my attention immediately. After pressing the "play" button I heard the sound of a train and saw the still shot picture of a suitcase (in black and white). The suitcase is then opened and there we observe Tim Holtz talking to himself about what he must remember to take on his journey. He notices that everything is in black and white, and looks around puzzled, asking "What's wrong with this picture?" Then (as it did in the classic tale of the Wizard of Oz) color appears and he comments, "Well that's better!" And thus the tone is set for a lighthearted and fun two hour trip with Holtz into the world of inks and altering.
The entire DVD has the "journey" theme throughout as Holtz literally unpacks his bag with the needed supplies for each "leg of our journey." This is so much better than just a list as one can also SEE what supplies to gather. Note: the supplies are also listed on the DVD packaging so one can gather them ahead of time if desired.
Our journey progresses with stops at the following techniques as Holtz shows us step-by-step how to create these from ink and stamps:
- Brushless Watercolor
- Distressing With Ink
- Alcohol Agates
- Brayered Embossing
- Faux Batik
- Fragments from Clay
- Faux Soldering
- A Domino Diary
- Altered Scrapbooking
These techniques and projects are so "do-able." Keep your eyes open for some of the ideas in our own How-to Articles. In fact, I've already written one to share Holtz's ideas for Distressing Tags with Ink.
The demonstrations alone are worth the price of this educational DVD, but PageSage has given us even more! Be sure to spend some time in the "gallery" area. Not only are we treated to lots of additional projects made by Holtz, but as the projects are displayed on the screen he continues to talk. We are given, in essence, a pep talk about creativity and how to break through a block. This section was filled with additional tips, and is as enjoyable and informative as the demonstrations themselves. The bloopers are fun too, and I'm still wondering who ate his Snickers bar....
Holtz will be filming a second journey with PageSage later this year. I can hardly wait!
"An Altered Journey" was the first video or DVD to make it to the craftrends finals! Not only did it make the finals, it ended up winning the 2005 craftrends Award of Excellence. It is a winner in my eyes too. Holtz is a master and makes it look so easy! Now we can learn from the master at home, (and also take a refresher course whenver we like) for only $29.95. It is rare that I watch an educational DVD more than a couple of times. I have watched this one several times and have learned something new each time. This one is simply excellent. Highly recommended.
Review by Andrea
Educational DVD's can be on the boring side of life sometimes because it's the content rather than the performance for the purpose of the DVD. PageSage has hit both content and performance with this "wicked cool" DVD using Ranger's ink products and Tim Holtz, the most popular man in the crafting world today.
The DVD arrived in a standard plastic clamshell case with a full-color jacket describing the DVD and contents. The cover alerts you immediately that this DVD is a craftrends magazine 2005 winner in the Award of Excellence. The back has a description of the DVD's contents and a list of the projects covered. An Interactive Gallery is mentioned touting over 90 photographs of artwork. The run time is 127+ minutes. The inside of the case is where the in depth information is located about each project that is covered on the DVD. WOW! What a wealth of info! Each project is listed with a supply list - just terrific!! A couple other sections of the DVD are mentioned also: Gallery and Extras where the "housekeeping" type of details are contained. The DVD is chaptered allowing you to jump from one section to another with ease - a great feature.
There is not enough room in this review to describe all of the goodies contained in this DVD! From general crafting tips to detailed designing, Tim covers it all. The "feel" of the DVD is a very personable, easy-going and thorough one due to Tim's personality. He knows the products inside and out, offering suggestions for substitutions along the way. His method of teaching is easy to follow and not too fast that you would get lost. The camera coverage is good and allows the viewer to see the project clearly. The extra samples are terrific! I believe that a beginner crafter could watch this DVD and understand the content with little trouble. I also believe that an advanced crafter could watch it and glean many tips and new project ideas from it.
The first technique of "Brushless Watercolor" was fabulous and I had to try it! I had experimented with this technique before, but had not been 100% thrilled with the results. After watching Tim demonstrate and complete a couple projects using this technique, I was convinced that I could achieve the result that I was looking for in the completed project. Thanks Tim!
Title: Brushless Watercolor Thank You Card
Products used:
Paper (Prism Prismatics, White and Exclusives, Rosso & Avana)
Ink (Ranger Adirondack Dye Inks: Rust, Red Pepper, Ginger & Butterscotch)
Stamps (Inkadinkado and Stampin' Up!)
Ribbon (unknown)
Technique (Brushless Water: PageSage "An Altered Journey" DVD)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Glue Runner)
The variety of projects covered in the DVD was very good. It didn't seem like 2 hours had passed while watching it, but after reviewing my 6 pages of notes, I wasn't surprised! The variety of materials used was very interesting to see. Some were ones that I had worked with previously, so the projects presented by Tim were refreshingly welcome to see and revitalize my enthusiasm about those materials. It was great to see how Tim used the products across a range of interests - card making, scrapbooking and altered items. There was definitely something for everyone!
I am certain that I will refer to this DVD again and again for ideas. One small recommendation is to have a tone alert for the pop-up comments flashed on the screen during his demonstration. I found that I was so busy taking notes that I often missed them! Everything about this DVD is professional, fresh and stimulating to the creative mind. Find a way to get your hands on a copy, you won't be sorry.
Review by Cathy
I really enjoy taking classes and learning new techniques. Like most busy women today, I find myself pressed for time and wish I could take the teacher home with me. "An Altered Journey" with Tim Holtz allowed me to do just that. Tim came right into my family room and demonstrated his advanced techniques for me. The DVD is organized by subject, project and by gallery. The two hour DVD is action packed with advanced inking, stamping, distressing and altering techniques. Each section is well labled, extemely well organized and easy to follow.
Tim Holtz is my kind of teacher. He starts out each section by introducing each supply that is required to make a project. Tim gives alternatives when applicable. Next, Tim will guide you through each technique, giving pointers and tips with each demonstration. I learned a whole lot of techniques that I can apply to scrapbooking, rubber stamping, card making and altering objects. I received tips and a clear demonstration on using equipment necessary for completing these projects. For example, I learned how to use a bone folder with my paper trimmer to make perfect creases. I learned about different kinds of inks, how to use them, how to care for them and how to clean up. I was inspired by Tim's easy going attitude and the beautiful finished creations shown at the end of each section. I also was amazed at Tim's dexterity as he easily demonstrated sewing, dipping tiny objects into melted UTEE and using an iron.
My favorite section on the DVD was using detailed stamps and a "Brushless Watercolor" technique. I enjoyed watching Tim demonstrate how to create wonderful cards and scrapbook pages. His eye contact, voice and easy going manner was a pleasure to watch. He was organized and methodical, while infusing humor and tips in the demonstration.
Using distressing inks is something I was not familiar with. When I do distressing, I use regular stamp pads. Tim explains why Ranger Distress Inks are unique. I loved the distressing techniques and plan on using them. Working with Alcohol Inks, Brayered Embossing, Faux Batik, Clay, Faux Soldering, Dominos, and Altered Scrapbooking are all wonderfully presented. The DVD is a fantastic reference and learning tool for all of the above. Please check the gallery for my future projects using Tim Holtz's Techniques and wonderful products by Ranger.
I give this DVD my absolute highest rating. I loved learning from Tim Holtz and I will be sure to take a class in person from him, if I ever get the opportunity. He is a master craftsman and a wonderful teacher. The projects in the DVD are impressive and unique.
Review by Kathleen
I recently viewed the DVD released from PageSage titled ‘An Altered Journey’ featuring designer Tim Holtz. This DVD is amazing! I have watched it at least eight times and continue to learn something new each time. The production is very good and set up so that each segment is easy to follow. Tim Holtz creates some fabulous projects and shows the viewer interesting techniques. While the techniques are advanced, each segment has Tim giving you step by step instructions as well as demonstrating the technique so that even a beginner can achieve success.
There are nine segments in all as well as a Gallery menu option, a supply list menu option, and one of my favorites, a Bloopers menu option. I laughed so much when I watched the bloopers of this DVD. I think that this is a great addition.
The DVD is just over two hours in length, which actually surprised me when I looked up the information on the back of the packaging. In no way did it seem like it took two hours to watch this DVD. I can, at times, have a short attention span. I call it my “toddler-vision”, but I was engrossed the entire time.
As mentioned above, many of the techniques, but not all, are advanced. It was fun to learn how to do Brushless Watercolor using stamps, make faux stone using the Alcohol Ink Agates technique, and create a Domino Diary, to name a few. And the way each technique is presented makes even the most novice crafter feel like she can do it.
Another helpful feature is the packaging. When you open up the DVD case, the inside cover lists the technique and what supplies are needed. Even though Tim tells you at the beginning of each segment, it is helpful to have reference to look back on.
As the host of this DVD, Tim Holtz is easy going, knowledgeable, and fun to watch. I really think the producers at PageSage made an excellent choice by featuring him and the products he designed for Ranger Industries in the DVD. But even the best host can look terrible if the production is inadequate so it is great to see the producers at PageSage are top notch. The camera work is excellent and the set up is superb.
I would highly recommend this DVD for anyone who is interested in learning some of the popular distressing techniques or seeing new, innovative ways to use existing products. ‘An Altered Journey’ retails for $29.95, but is worth every penny. It is an educational tool you will watch over and over again. I only have one question for Tim Holtz and the people at PageSage: How on earth does Tim keep his hands so clean when he works with so much ink?!
Review by Melanie
I recently viewed the DVD "PageSage Presents an Altered Journey with Tim Holtz." The cover says "Discover the world of inks, papers and beyond." The DVD has over two hours of instruction and projects with Tim Holtz demonstrating his techniques using inks and stamps.
The DVD starts with a menu selection that includes: Play, Projects, Gallery and Extras. There is a short introduction from Tim before the various project sections. The projects start with Tim showing you which supplies you need as he takes them out of a vintage suitcase. As the supplies are introduced, Tim explains whether it is an item that you need a certain brand of, or if any brand will do. If you see an item that you are specifically interested in, a manufacture’s listing is provided at the end of the DVD. Tim demonstrates various techniques in such an informative and thorough way. My 3 year old daughter was even interested in watching some of the project instructions. Tim demonstrates each creation from start to finish. I was amazed at the information and instruction. I have heard that his classes are awesome, and I can see why.
The projects covered on the DVD include brushless watercolor, distressing with ink, alcohol ink agates, brayered embossing, faux batik, fragments from clay, faux soldering, domino diary, and altered scrapbooking. Things that I gleaned from the first viewing were the brushless watercolor technique and faux batik. That was the first viewing. I went back and walked through a mini-book project with Tim (using the pause button when needed) and also distressing with ink. I learned that Ranger’s Distressing Inks are different in that they stay moist and when you mist them with water, the color will run over your paper, and when you iron it (if you crumpled the paper first) the color won’t fade. There are so many more techniques that from this DVD that I have on my “learn to do this” list.
The Interactive Gallery is jammed packed with ideas. There are more than 90 photographs of gorgeous artwork, and what makes it even more interesting is that while you view the gallery, Tim is giving you tips on where he gets his inspiration. It’s as if he’s sitting there with you sharing his personal artistic secrets. The last section on the DVD is the Extras. This section has tips, bloopers (yes, bloopers!), metric conversions, sections on the stamps and the manufacturers used in the projects, credits and more DVDs from PageSage.
This is an excellent DVD. I can see why it is a craftrends 2005 Winner of the Award of Excellence. The instruction as well as the background, setting, and directing is top notch. Tim is a very interesting, informative teacher and makes the projects seem easy, although they look extremely complicated. A beginner will be able to make projects quite easily, yet an advanced crafter will be informed and learn new techniques. The projects are beautiful and offer tons of inspiration. The menu is well-laid out, easy to move around the DVD, and the vintage “journey” theme with the suitcase is carried throughout the DVD. I can’t say enough good things about this DVD. If you love working with ink and want to learn more - this is a must-have. Even if you have been fortunate enough to take a class with Tim, you will still want this DVD because it is MANY classes in one. It is well worth $29.95. If you were to take all these classes individually, you would spend over $100. What else can I say? Just pack your bags and hop on board because this journey is one you don’t want to miss. To see what the ScrapFriends Review Team learned from this DVD, visit the ScrapFriends Ranger Ink gallery .
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