Andrea's Review	Rachel's Review	Kathleen's Review	Melanie's Review	Lynn Anne's Review

Review by Andrea

The Journey Continues - indeed it does!

You know what they say about sequels, they're rarely as good as the original right? That is SO NOT the case with PageSage's newest DVD, The Journey Continues with Tim Holtz! Tim is in top form doing what he does best: playing with inks, powders and more. This sequel to An Altered Journey is just as good as the first, using the newest Distress Ink colors and Distress Embossing Powders in fun creative projects for cards, scrapbook pages, canvas and other paper crafts. The DVD is over 152 minutes long providing lots of techniques, tips, project ideas and of course, bloopers. The Gallery feature on the DVD is fantastic since you can zip right to that project from viewing the sample in the gallery. The "tips from projects" feature is terrific. The tips are alphabetized and just one click away from zipping to that part of the DVD too! Love this indexing capability!

The DVD comes in a clear case containing a full-color insert explaining the contents of the DVD and supply list for each project. I find this invaluable as a quick reference when I'm ready to try one of Tim's projects. The titles to some of the projects were quite cryptic: Fireless Raku, Glazed Mosaics and Dichroic Illusions. Hmmmmmm, I don't know what these are, but they have to be cool if Tim Holtz is doing it! I guess you can tell by now that I'm a Tim Holtz junkie, but you have to admit that he does really COOL stuff!

The quality of the DVD production was very good. The product shots and camera angles during the projects were better in this video. The camera was positioned over Tim's shoulder looking down which I found extremely helpful for demonstration purposes. A side view of the project during different phases of construction was helpful, but I really liked the view from over his shoulder the best. The audio quality was even throughout the production making it easy to play through each segment without volume adjustment.

The first project that I've completed using this DVD is from the Discovering Distress project. I've had some blank Junkitz Ruler Books for about 6 months now and haven't done much with them! I knew I would like them, but didn't quite know how to start. WELL, after watching that segment, I immediately went to my scrap area and completed one right away! I inked the inside pages just as Tim had done in the project on the DVD. Embellishing the outside was a breeze following his direction. See what you think:

Title: Memories Ruler Book
Products used: Patterned Paper (unknown)
Ruler Book (Junkitz)
Project Idea (PageSage, The Journey Continues DVD)
Distress Inks (Ranger: Walnut Stain, Peeled Paint, Mustard Seed & Tea Dye)
Twill & Ric Rac (Shoebox Trims)
Letter Stamps (Sugarloaf Products, See D's Distressed Alpha)
Other Stamps (Starving Artistamps)
Flowers & Brads (unknown)

Many of the projects used a tool called the Melting Pot. Ranger makes this and I happen to have one that hasn't gotten used a whole lot to be honest. Well, I have about 3 different projects to use this tool for now! From melting Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE) to baking polymer clay, I will be sure to use this tool a lot more from now on!

Tim works with UTEE and the new Distress Embossing Powders in the "Adventures in Embossing" segment; molds, pigments and clay in "Fireless Raku" (which is a type of pottery); alcohol ink, clear acrylic tiles and stamps in "Alcohol Ink Exploration"; shrink plastic, UTEE and alcohol inks in "Glazed Mosaics"; Cut-N-Dry felt and stamps in "Custom Correspondence"; tumbled glass, craft foil and embossing powders in "Dichroic Illusions"; and Distress ink, beeswax and canvas in "Expressions on Canvas". The $29.95 price tag for ALL of this and the ability to go back time and time again is WELL worth it. I'm sure that you could meet Tim at a convention somewhere and maybe take a class or two with him, but this DVD can be played in the comfort of your home with no crowds, no hassle and little cost at any time you want.

Put this DVD on your wish list immediately! You need it!

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Review by Rachel

Have you ever wanted to take a class from Tim Holtz? I have! I was even able to stand and watch him work at CHA in Chicago last year but I still have always wanted to just take a class and sit under his creative genius for just 45 minutes! Well, PageSage has once again hit a home run with “The Journey Continues: Inks, Powders & More with Tim Holtz.” This DVD is chocked full of ideas throughout the whole 2 ˝ hours. You can sit under Tim’s tutelage anytime, anywhere, and wearing your jammies!

In this DVD, Tim shows eight different techniques. Those techniques include:

Discovering Distress
Adventures in Embossing
Fireless Raku
Alcohol Ink Exploration
Glazed Mosaics
Custom Correspondence
Dichroic Illusions
Expressions on Canvas

Throughout these techniques, Tim guides you step by step through each of them. He also gives great tips and explains each step so that you know exactly what you need to do and how to proceed with the project. I have watched this DVD several times and learn something new every time. I would suggest not sitting down and watching it all at one time. This DVD can get overwhelming. I suggest picking a technique and watching them one at a time. I will tell you that the second time I watched it all the way through by the end I was giggling at the fact that sometimes it looks like there is just a talking pair of hands on the screen. Yes, I was watching it very late at night and was tired but hey, I was having fun!

This DVD has an interactive gallery which is wonderful. When you find something that catches your eye, you click on that project and it takes you right to the technique that you need to know to do that technique for yourself. PageSage is the only company that boasts the interactive gallery. I love it. There are two places that I usually visit first when watching a PageSage DVD and the first is the bloopers and the second is the interactive gallery!

There is also an Extras section on the DVD that includes Tips from all the projects, Bloopers (my favorite), Supplies used in Projects, a section on the other PageSage DVD’s available, Opening Sequence, and DVD credits.

You will also explore many other items including alcohol inks, working with Mold and Pour, clays, Micaceous Iron Oxide, Shrinky Dink material, Cut-N-Dry Foam, how to make your own custom color stamp surface using the Cut-N-Dry Felt, and working with canvas to create amazing looking wall hangings, wall décor and so much more.

One of my most favorite features of the PageSage DVD’s is the supply list that is included on the jacket cover of the DVD. You can pop open the DVD case and look at the list to see if you have everything on hand that you will need to complete a project. They also include a sample piece of artwork with every supply list giving you just enough to whet your appetite for more.

I used what I learned from “The Journey Continues” to work with alcohol inks and create the following card! I have been scared to use alcohol inks until I watched this DVD. I was amazed with the fast drying time and how much fun I had playing with the alcohol inks.

 

Petals
Products used:
Cardstock: Suede Brown Dark, Twilight Light – Prismatics and White Glossy – unknown
Patterned Paper: Chocolate Open Dot – Chatterbox
Flowers: Target
Brads: Walmart
Inks: Walnut Stain – Tim Holtz Distress Ink – Ranger
--Caramel, Latte, and Stonewashed – Alcohol Inks – Adirondacks
--Onyx Black – Versafine – Tsukineko
Fiber: Fibers by the Yard
Trimmer: Tonic Studios
Adhesive: Permanent Glue Runner – Adhesive Tech

This DVD retails for $29.95 and I think it is definitely worth every single penny! You basically get seven classes from Tim Holtz for $30. What a great deal! I think this DVD is excellent for those who want to learn more about distressing, embossing or more in depth techniques. I would suggest watching An Altered Journey if you are just beginning the journey of altering things but it really isn’t necessary. Tim is so good at guiding you through each step that beginner scrapbookers will be fine. Advanced scrapbookers will be inspired and learn many new techniques as well. PageSage has provided another DVD that inspires every scrapbooker’s and paper artist’s creative journey!

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Review by Kathleen

The gentle twang of a banjo and the clattering of an old time movie reel start us out on our continuing journey with Tim Holtz in his new DVD from PageSage, ‘The Journey Continues: Inks, powders, & more’.

Tim shows us, in a detailed manner, eight different techniques using various mediums and supplies. The emphasis is on Tim’s line of Distressing products but he also shows us how to use other craft products along with his products that will enhance their uses.

Each chapter of the journey starts out with a brief explanation of the coming projects and then a visual and verbal list of the supplies you will need to recreate the projects.

One distinct difference I noticed right away with this DVD, compared to the first Tim Holtz DVD, is the use of a microphone. The sound is much clearer and actually seems as though it is a voice over. I liked this change a lot, the quality seemed more professional.

The main project categories shown in this DVD are: discovering distress, adventures in embossing, fireless raku, alcohol ink exploration, glazed mosaics, custom correspondence, dichroic illusions, and expressions on canvas.

While there are many techniques I enjoyed watching and learning, too numerous to mention, some of my favorites were the chapters where Tim re-emphasizes the basics. With so many products on the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the choices and sometimes we forget how easy it is to use certain products. I appreciated that the chapters seemed to start off with a basic or beginner technique example and then later moves into more advanced uses and examples. It is with this DVD that I learned how to properly use Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powders.

One of my favorite techniques taught, in chapter one, is tinting a photograph with the Tim Holtz Distress Inks. I am usually pretty cautious about messing with my photographs, even copies, but this looked so fun that I had to give it a shot. I first picked out a photograph that I felt had a lot of contrast and then changed it to black and white. My first layer of color was pretty safe and I decided to step out of my safety zone and continue “distressing” my photo. At first I felt like I had messed up the photograph and was ready to throw it away, but I changed my mind and moved forward. After I felt satisfied with my inking, I used the Distress Embossing Powders as taught in the DVD. Further distressing and inking of my photo led me to a finished project that I am quite happy with.

One note, the DVD calls for the use of Cut-N-Dry nibs for tinting the photograph. I did not have these available and found that using a cotton swab worked just as well.

“(Secret) Garden”
Products used:
Ranger Industries – Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powders
Prism Paper – Prismatics cardstock
BasicGrey – Patterned papers (Urban Couture collection)
Zsiage – Alphastructures (Monica, Prim & Proper)
Other – white pencil, staples
Adhesive Tech – Glue Runner

In addition to the great content of the DVD from Tim Holtz, PageSage presents a highly professional product, as I have come to expect. From the moment you receive the DVD, you will see that attention to detail is on the top of their list. The DVD case itself is a fountain of information. When you open up the case, you will find each chapter or technique listed along with the list of needed products and a photo sample of the main project displayed.

With the detailed project chapters, you will also find an interactive gallery. The interactive gallery allows you to jump directly to the project demonstration when a project catches your eye. I found this an invaluable time saving feature. There is nothing worse than searching for a particular technique when it is one of many.

In the Extras chapter, you get tips from the projects. This was a great feature. I appreciated the condensed version of the many uses of certain products. And of course, one cannot forget the Bloopers, also in the Extras chapter. The bloopers are always fun to watch and it is nice to see the relaxed side of a person.

This DVD runs for 152 minutes (2 hours 32 minutes) and retails for $29.95. It is worth every penny. This DVD is full of fantastic projects, techniques, and clear step by step instructions. The gallery of projects is full of inspiration.

I am a true fan of PageSage educational DVDs. I admire that they pay so much attention to detail during production while selecting artists to showcase that are not only popular in the industry, but true artists who have so much to teach and share. This company and this DVD are aces in my book.

And on a personal note, I had a moment while watching the DVD when I felt like my prior review was truly read and acknowledged. I had asked a simple question at the end of my review: “How on earth does Tim keep his hands so clean when he works with so much ink?!” and in this DVD I was given the answer! And if you want to know, you will have to watch the ‘The Journey Continues’. Trust me, the journey is worth it.

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Review by Melanie

If you enjoyed the Page Sage DVD "An Altered Journey with Tim Holtz", buckle up because there is more. "The Journey Continues" (what better title for this) Inks, powders & more with Tim Holtz, by Page Sage is just that - more of Tim Holtz's wonderful instruction, demonstrations and creations.

This clearly labeled DVD packaging alerts you to the contents with "inks, powders and more", along with a thorough description and a list of projects contained on the DVD. The DVD is over 2.5 hours of instruction and ideas all presented by Tim Holtz. He demonstrates how to use ink and embossing powder with polymer clay, books, scrapbook pages and home decor. The project list inclused: Discovering Distress, Adventures in Embossing, Fireless Raku, Alcohol Ink Exploration, Glazed Mosaics, Custom Correspondence, Dichroic Illusions, and Expressions on Canvas. The DVD allows you to go straight to the project you want to view, or watch them all in sequence. There is an interactive gallery with more than 90 photographs of sample projects. The inside of the DVD case includes a supply list for each of the projects. This is extremely helpful and allows you to gather your materials ahead of time so you can "work" along with Tim while you view the DVD.

I experienced Tim's previous DVD "An Altered Journey" and loved it. "The Journey Continues" is of the same quality, both in content and production. Tim is an excellent instructor, easy to follow and has a unique style. There is so much information on this DVD, I couldn't absorb it all in the first 2 viewings, which means that each time I watch it I will learn something new. This is not "one or two" lessons on a DVD, this is a whole course in working with inks and other items. Some of the supplies used are rock salt, thick embossing powder, polymer clay, beeswax and more. This is just a sampling of the things you will use. In fact, I was only able to do a few of the techniques on this DVD - only because I did not have the supplies needed at the time of the viewing. I will, however, make a list of the items I would like to learn and when I have the necessary supplies, I will continue on this "journey" and learn even more.

My projects seem so pale in comparison to the creations Tim demonstrated on the DVD. I used some of Tim's distress inks on this mini-board book project I completed after watching the DVD. You may view the inside pages in the ScrapFriend's Ranger gallery.

Title: Give Thanks Mini Board Book
Supplies
Cardstock: Prism Papers (Suede Brown Dark)
Patterned Paper, ribbon, stickers: Crossed Paths
Board Book: Create and Treasure Publishing
Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Frayed Burlap) by Ranger
Adhesive:
- Adhesive Tech Permanent Glue Runner
- Adhesive Tech The Borderline Glue Stick

If you want to venture deeper into using inks, embossing powders and "more", then you will love this DVD. As in the previous production, this DVD also contains one of my favorite segments - the bloopers. I highly recommend this educational DVD by PageSage. I found it online for $29.95, and it's well worth it. If you were to take classes for this instruction - you would pay more than triple the price. Continue the journey - you won't be disappointed.

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Review by Lynn Anne

Attaching the name Tim Holtz to any venture is immediate cause for high expectations. Holtz is a brand-name celebrity in the worlds of altering and papercrafting. His popular product lines, produced by powerhouse Ranger Industries, enjoy wide acclaim. In addition, the PageSage website proudly trumpets that his first DVD, An Altered Journey with Tim Holtz, is "the first and only craft video or DVD to win a major industry award" - the 2005 Craftrends Award of Excellence. In an effort to offer even more of a Good Thing, PageSage has rolled out a DVD sequel entitled, The Journey Continues with Tim Holtz. This 152-minute production is packed with techniques, tips, projects to try - and lots and lots of Tim Holtz brand products.

When I first sat down to watch this DVD, my entire Tim Holtz product collection comprised of one pad of Distress Ink. I never did get into inking and distressing the way everybody else seemed to! I realized in short order that although Holtz does discuss some techniques that aren't product-specific, most are. Projects requiring ink require Tim Holtz Distress Ink, because of the way it's formulated to react with water for particular effects. Projects requiring embossing powder require Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powder, because it's the only powder with the specific properties that give these the intended distressed looks. Watching this DVD will be most helpful for those who own these products already, or who are willing to head out and pick some up in order to do the projects. I'll tell you something, though. By my second watching of this DVD, I had received samples of distress inks and powders for review that would have enabled me to complete several of these projects with no other purchases on my part. But after seeing some of the beautiful projects later in the DVD, I made sure to get my hands on some of the alcohol inks as well. There's very little in this DVD I don't want to try after seeing Holtz's projects. So budgeters, beware!

The Journey Continues is 152+ minutes of instruction including a good variety of projects using various products and techniques, a project gallery, an interactive glossary, and even a bloopers segment. The bloopers segment draws attention to a format departure this DVD takes from other PageSage titles. Instead of beginning with an introductory section on "Tools of the Trade," Holtz digs right into project instruction after a very brief introduction. Instruction appeals to a wide variety of experience and skill levels. Projects are divided into eight themed segments. Some segments (Discovering Distress, Adventures in Embossing, Alcohol Ink Exploration, Custom Correspondence) include less complicated techniques, and others require more specialized tools and supplies, and provide more advanced instruction (Fireless Raku, Glazed Mosaics, Dichroic Illusions, Expressions on Canvas). Given my past disinterest in most things distressed, I was surprised to find how drawn I was to everything from basic use of Distress embossing powders, to creating custom molds for use with a mock version an ancient pottery technique called Raku. Tim Holtz's selection of projects and ideas is beautiful and truly inspiring.

I recently began work on an altered book containing Hebrew blessings. Watching this DVD inspired my work on the cover piece in a number of ways. Edges of the cover were stamped and embossed with Distress Embossing Powder. As the DVD explains in more detail, Distress Powder is a matte finish embossing powder with additional fillers that enable parts of an image to be rubbed off (randomly!) after embossing. I found this to be interesting to use as a background texture technique as well. Holtz also uses UTEE with abandon in portions of The Journey Continues, and even though I don't own the hot pot necessary for his projects, I still found myself pulling out a jar and adding colorants to use it for this project.

Supplies:
Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powder by Ranger
Tim Holtz Embossing Ink by Ranger
Tim Holtz Distress Ink by Ranger
UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel)
Pigment Powder by LuminArte
Stamps by Ruth's Jewish Stamps (Jewish Collage, Chanukah Border)
StazOn Ink
Pigment Ink by Stampin' Up!
Foam Letters by Rite Lite
18 kt gold leafing pen by Krylon
Red Shimmer leafing pen by Krylon
Index Card wheel by Real Simple
Israeli coin

In addition to project instructions, The Journey Continues features two interactive segments to help bring viewers to specific areas of interest quickly. The project gallery, a slideshow of sorts that showcases various projects as Holtz adds audio commentary, enables viewers to transport directly back specific DVD segments with the press of a button. One of my favorite sections is a glossary that will bring you directly to discussion of any number of indexed topics. Other DVD 'extras' include information on supplies used in the DVD and a few minutes of bloopers that reveal Holtz's sillier side (and the revelation that the planned "Tools of the Trade" segment went straight to the cutting floor!)

For excellent instruction and inspiration, this $29.95 DVD is a great place to begin distressing, pick up technique tips, or learn how to create more artsy, specialized distressed effects. The Journey Continues also works as an effective advertisement for Holtz's own lines, in no small part because those are the products needed to create many of the striking effects featured. And of course, for those who already own a number of Tim Holtz products, this DVD will be a wonderful way to learn how to get the most out of your collection.

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