let the holiday season begin bloggers! starting december 1st, for the 5th year in a row my "12 Tags of Christmas" will be kicking off all over again! it seems the anticipation of this annual event gets more and more exciting. i'm ready to share these creative festivities of the season with all of you once again. of course another exciting thing about the 12 Tags are the 12 DAYS of GIVEAWAYS from my favorite companies. for your chance to win, simply post a comment on each days blog post. we'll randomly select winners (worldwide) and post the names on the following day's blog post. remember to post a comment each day as you can win more than once. so as the days count down to the tags i thought i would answer the questions i get asked every year about the 12 tags tradition… (i hope you enjoyed the little video trailer i made for this year's tags – if you haven't seen last year's video check it out here.)
Q: when are the tags posted?
A: the first tag will post at 12:01am PST on december 1st and 12:01am PS each following day
Q: do you actually create the tags for each day the night before?
A: yes i do, and i have until midnight to get it finished, photographed, instructions, and ready to post (i've always enjoy the creative challenge). you can follow the behind the scenes aka "BTS" of each tag by following mario on twitter.
Q: do you have a supply list for 12 tags?
A: although i post a list of supplies on each day's tag, the idea behind 12 tags is to inspire you. if you don't have the specific color, stamp, or embellishment i use, be creative and use what you have.
Q: where is the best place to buy products?
A: if the necessity to shop is inevitable, my advice is to check your local stores first. my products can be found in many independent, chain, and online stores. for those of you that don't have a local store, each day i will link the supplies i use at the bottom of the post to the online stores i shop at.
Q: is there a way to share the tag you've made with others?
A: great news! this year i'll be adding that feature to the blog posts. day 1 will explain more in detail how it works. you'll be able to upload your tag each day to share with everyone.
Q: are there different "never before seen" techniques used each day?
A: not necessarily. for me, these tags are just a fun way to share the holiday season, but you may learn a new tip, or trick you never know.
Q: is there a pdf version of the tags to print?
A: nope. i do these tags specifically for my blog, and they remain on the blog. the past years of 12 tags are located on the bottom left corner so they can be referenced anytime throughout the year.
Q: can i re-post your tag on another blog?
A: you are more than welcome to re-post the photo of the finished tag on your blog, but please do not post my instructions, i ask that you please link back to my blog.
Q: how do i post a comment for a chance to win a prize?
A: if you're visiting the blog from the main page, simply click the word "comment" at the end of that day's post to leave your comment….OR….if you're visiting the blog from a facebook, twitter, or other link there is no "comment" word, simply scroll to the bottom of the page to see the comment box to post your comment (note: your name will appear BELOW your comment when it posts).
Q: why do i get your blog email a day late?
A: unfortunately i have no control over the blog feed services. my advice is to physically check the blog daily so you don't miss a thing.
once again i look forward to sharing this with all of you. i wanted to re-post this letter i wrote to a distributor last year asking for a supply list for the tags. since it's sincerely my heart-felt thoughts i feel it's worth posting again. i say it every year, but i truly hope you'll remember to make time for a little creative holiday magic for yourself – after all, that's what this is all about …t!m
"well here i sit trying to type out a supply list for the 12 tags and you know what? i can't…
here's the deal – i use so many different products on the tags, that it's hard to suggest a specific product or color. for example, if i said i was using crackle paint, then the questions would be what colors, how many tags will it be used on, etc? if the stores order up on crackle and i only end up using a bit of it on a grungeboard snowflake – then what? stores will be overstocked on products and i don't think anyone wants that. i also don't want anyone to feel that the 12 tags are marketing motivated because they've never been. the 12 tags started out as a way to give back to the people who have supported me all year and more importantly, a way for me to share my love for the holidays. i know this has turned into a frenzy all it's own and i'm blessed for that – we all are, but it's still important that i don't lose sight of why i'm doing them in the first place. i enjoy challenging myself creatively by doing the tags each night before i post them (which i've done the past 3 years since they started). i love the excitement i feel when i have to finish each tag by midnight as eager people from all over the world wait to see it the moment it goes live. half of the fun is getting people inspired and challenge themselves to use what supplies they have. it's also wonderful that stores are just as excited each day trying to gather up products in their stores and plan workshops and make & takes to share with their customers. i understand that every once in a while there is that odd product that nobody expects me to use – even me, but it is what it is. i feel that by committing to products now, i'm not only limiting myself creatively on what i would actually want to use and design, but it takes the magic out of this and i don't want to give that magic up. honestly, i have no idea what i'm going to create this year, and i don't know exactly what products i'll be using, but i do know this – that in the end everyone will have enjoyed the 12 tags of christmas again – including me…
i hope you understand…tim"
