I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Wednesday 18 September 2013

Autumn or Winter?

Hello and welcome everyone!  Thank you all so much for your amazing comments and support through last week's busy business - it makes all the work (okay, play - but pretty all-consuming play at times) worth it!

It's a big Artistic Outpost day today, with not one but two brand new releases... one very much Autumn-based, and one on the Christmas end of things.  I'll give you a quick look at what I've been making with each of them, and then you'll get to see the projects in more detail over the next days and weeks.

And there's lots more inspiration from the rest of the Artistic Outpost Design Team, all well worth a visit.  Here's the full itinerary of the hop:

So here's what I've been doing with the fabulous Hayride plate - perfect for the autumnal crafting colours (and with a vine stamp that's gone straight into my top 10 favourite stamps!)...


And I seem to be in a neutrals mode for Christmas - this is what Christmas Chalk inspired me to create...


The two plates are full of gorgeous images and wording, and - as always - they mix and match beautifully with other Artistic Outpost stamp sets.  Christmas Chalk, especially, offers up some lovely Christmas sentiments and decorations which can be combined with any Christmas stamps you already have.


So, for today, I'll just share one of each set of creations with you, so that you can have a closer look at some of these great new images.




Going in to bat for Autumn, we have this set of tags.  I really wanted just to have a bit of a play with the stamps, to explore them a bit, and this was where it took me. 


I had great fun playing with the backgrounds: some wrinkle-free distress, some spritzing and flicking, some stencilling, some inking and distressing.


Pretty much without meaning to, I realised I was creating progressively darker, more detailed backgrounds, ending up with this monochrome rainbow effect!





Each one started with the same basic stamping, done in either Potting Soil or Sepia Archival ink, or a bit of both.












I stamped the pumpkins and then stamped them again on some book paper (nice and thin) to create a mask so that the vine could creep "behind" them. 

This is the simplest tag with just some gentle inking around the edges. 




Can you see why I'm completely in love with this vine - it definitely joins my all-time favourite floral flourishes.

This is the full-on wrinkle-free distress tag, with all the stamping done in Potting Soil.







And I love the little sign too.  As you can see in the stamp plate pictures, the sign itself is blank, so that you can add words over the top to create a number of different notices.  

Here the sign is stamped in Sepia, and the words in Potting Soil, so that they stand out well.

Had a little play with one of my new Tim Holtz stencils here too!






There are three possible sets of word on the Hayride plate, but I know there are sentiments within my stamp collection which will also sit there really nicely!

I think this spritzed and flicked background may be my favourite of the four...






The little pail of apples is another delicious image - delicious apples too, I'd guess.








I could have used the Hayride sentiment from this set, but all the time I'd been playing the Simplify Simplify words from the Old Grist Mill plate had been revolving in my head, so I gave in and grabbed that one instead!












And I inked up the twine and raffia in progressively darker colours too, so that the monochrome rainbow continues onto the tag toppings...








In the Winter corner, we have a tag set created with the Christmas Chalk stamps - though these gift tags are considerably smaller!













I started with some paper from the It's Christmas Time paper pad by Maja Design.

I handcut the tag shapes to fit the words.












Since we're using Christmas Chalk, I stamped in a chalk ink - Versamagic in Jumbo Java.

I do like the matte finish it gives.




I love the lettering - especially those fabulous textured letters of the word Christmas on this one, and the Let It Snows on the first one.










And the reverse side of the paper has this rather smart stripe to it, where I've stamped the To: and From: stamps... making this a really quick make - a lovely way to smarten up your Christmas gift-wrapping with very little effort!







As most of you know, I have a hard time with Christmas crafting before at least November, so I have to finish off back in Autumn, with the glowing September sunshine on the Hayride tags...





Thanks so much for stopping by today... If you want to see more of these amazing new stamps, do have a hop round and see what my amazing team-mates have been creating - you won't regret it!  If you lose your way, you'll find all the details here.  

A quick real life update: a deposit has gone down on a rental property (having seen 20 houses in the space of four days last week) so at least we won't be homeless in four weeks.  And the clearing, sorting and packing goes on...  Hope you're all having a great week, and - if I get the chance - I'll see you out there in Craftyblogland!

I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.
Henry David Thoreau

Three phrases that sum up Christmas are: Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, and Batteries not Included.
Anonymous

55 comments:

Shilpa Nagaonkar said...

Beautiful tags, Alison

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow Alison what an amazing bunch of great cards I really love the way you stamped them and made them look very old and romantic!!!I really love your Christmascards with the christmas chalk , really wonderfull!!

Greetings
Maria

Shirley said...

Beautiful neutral mode Alison very Christmas meets vintage. Good idea just to explore the stamps and see where they took you on the tags. All look delicious.

Crafty hugs from Shirl x x

Astrid Maclean said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous makes Alison, love the progression of tones on those tags and am now very, very tempted by that Autumn set. You do those spritz and flick backgrounds so well and those wonderful Autumnal browns really suit them so well! Great inspiration here and it looks as if you had a lot of fun playing!

chrissie said...

Wonderful ideas as always Alison and Love the autumn colours you have used.

The Christmas ideas are very different and will stand out I'm sure with the more neutral shades you have chosen.

Have a great day

Love Chrissie x

Helen said...

Gorgeous new stamps, love the makes!! Good luck with the move...

Brenda Brown said...

Such a fabulous array of projects my friend. I really believe you don't get any sleep at all.. I just love the vintaged tags, they really appeal to me. Good luck with getting the house sorted and the move into the new house.
hugs {brenda} x0x

Maggie said...

Gorgeous makes Alison loving these stamps off to click on the links to have a look around thanks for sharing

MaggieH

Paper Profusion said...

These look wonderful Alison - especially love all the aged warmth from the autumn ones.

Good luck on the 'home' front - very testing times for you. Well done on continuing to craft. Nicola xx

brenda said...

It's more than evident that you have had great enjoyment using these new stamps Alison. I especially love the tags with the warm Autumnal feel to them.

B x

Inkypinkycraft said...

Wow you have been busy , bless you sending hugs x Love the makes you have made and the Hayride plate looks gorgeous ....so on my wish list!!! Xx hugs trace x

Redanne said...

Loving all the wonderful autumnal tones Alison, makes me want to go out and buy that set of stamps......

Hope the packing and moving all go well, I really feel for you, but hopefully in 4 weeks it will all be behind you. Hugs, Anne x

Deborah said...

Autumn and Christmas all in one day - and all with the Butterfly twist! They look amazing, Alison, and I'm looking forward to seeing them all in more detail.

Smile_Art said...

Your tags are so lovely! :)

Suzanne C said...

Yummy rusty warm colors on the Hayride tags! The Christmas collection is beautiful and elegant.

Hettie said...

Wow! These are both wonderful sets of stamps - NEEEEEED both! I do love Autumn (except when it is raining) and as you know I LOVE Christmas.
The way you have used your Mill stamp and Let it Snow is wonderful and something I will bear in mind for my cards. That vine stamp is adorable.
Want them! NOW!!
Hugs
xx

Gerrie Johnnic said...

Great Fall feeling to your tags, mellow colors are great. Your tags are outstanding GF.

Terry said...

Alison, your Autumn tags are gorgeous! Love the subtle colors and images blending right in! The Christmas tags are wonderful and like you, I make all my Christmas gift tags and these stamps are perfect for that! Gorgeous art as always!

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Fabulous array of tags, love the smart stripe on the subtle tags and the stamping on the rustic tags is wonderful, love how you have used the vine. Wonderful warm feel to these. Tracy x

Dorthe said...

Dear Alison,
These are so beautiful... all the effects you have created on the background of the autumnal tags are wow- love the splatterings and inking -and the 2 inks for stamping are giving wonderful results!!
The little winter tags looks wonderful with the Maja paper background-and so like a snowfilled day!!
Alison thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blogpost,it is so very apriciated dear,-- I`m back home, but have to wait for answer till next wednesday!!
Hugs, Dorthe

Jennie Atkinson said...

Beautiful and diverse - I love the tone on tone colours you created for Autumn and the chalk stamping for the Christmas tags is wonderful. I really want these stamps now!

Good luck with the packing!

Netty said...

Good to hear you have found some accommodation Alison and am sure you are sighing with relief.
Wow you have been busy with all these beautiful projects, Annette x

Rita said...

Fabulous creations Alison and they all look so beautiful in Autumn colours. Hugs Rita xxx

Julie Lee said...

Fabulous new stamps! Terrific interpretations! I am definitely investing in some Potting Shed sometime soon and the vine stamp certainly does look like a 'must have'! Julie Ann xx

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow, you've been very creative, wonderful pieces of art.

Kate Yetter said...

Lovely collection of pieces Alison. I really love all those fall cards and tags. Such a great way to use those stamps and still keeping with your neutral theme. Love it!
Kate

Candy C said...

Wow Alison! These are such lovely stamp sets and you have shown them off beautifully here with your lovely tags. As always, gorgeous work! <3 Candy

Sue said...

A beautiful set of hangings and tags Alison. I always love anything Christmas, but these Autumn stamps are wonderful too. With all these gorgeous new stamps I'll never be able to retire lol :-) x

MagsB said...

These are all wonderful! What beautiful autumnal colours!

love Mags B x

Anonymous said...

Your productivity alone is inspiring me Alison, what an incredible array of art.
So many beautiful creations are catching my eye.
Wishes
Lynne

House of Bears said...

Reading your blog is like opening a favourite magazine, lots of lovely anticipation and plenty of loveliness to look at. Our favourite season is autumn so seeing all the autumn colours has made us feel all warm and cosy inside. Well, apart from Cedric, who is still waiting for the okay to jump in bed!

Nan G said...

Beautiful tags, butterfly! Really like how the autumnal tags grew darker with each progression. So the finality of moving is fast approaching, hey? All the best with the clean out, sorting and packing. Do hope you have a lovely garden for picture taking. :) Hugs

Chrissy said...

What a spectacular assortment of tags and colours and love the sentiments..especially "Our life is fritted away by detail"...so true.Love the neutral Christmas tags...fantastic Alison.

luv CHRISSYxx

barbarayaya62 said...

FAb post! Christmas tags are so wonderful! Hugs BArbarayaya

Mary Elizabeth said...

Ooooooo! Love these stamps!!!!!! And of course your works shows them off to perfection. The autumn tags with the raffia toppers are amazing. Really love the graduated coloring. So much eye candy to look at. I'm really in an Autumn frame of mind these days so I think my favorite is the hanging made with the greeting stamp and the vine border (I absolutely adore the vine stamp too!!). Just wonderful makes!!!

Thanks for your incredibly nice comments on my last post. You are an awesome friend. Wishing you the best with the move. I can empathize. I've had my share of moves. I still have unpacked boxes. Sigh.

cathylynn said...

Fabulous variety of tags Alison!! I love the fall colors and the stamps are great too! But... you know how to out them together to create beautiful art! Love them all!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Dianne said...

Excellent, excellent, excellent, I could go on about all you have shown us but just say,HAT OFF TO YOU, standing ovation,for you my dear Alison,I'm going back for a better look see and drool some more, thanks for making my day, wings together, head bowed , Namaste. Hope you have a wonderful weekend a wee bit of rest in you busy life... Big hugs..

May said...

Love this post full of wonderful tags...Love the fall tags & the Christmas ones... These plates are Fabulous...Good news on the rental front.... Hugs May x x x

Anonymous said...

Wow Alison you've certainly been busy ! Fabulous projects with some seriously gorgeous new stamps ! I definitely need to make a start on Christmas too ! Sue C x

Keren Tamir said...

beautiful tag set!! I just love the deep earthy colours and the stamped images!! sorry, I've been so busy and haven't been around. please forgive lol!!

hazel said...

Wonderful projects Alison - gorgeous colours and great inspiration.
xxx Hazel.

Sandy said...

I can't help it but I love the Christmas makes most of all. That's what I say "Let it snow!"
Sandy

Michelle said...

Alison, your work is always beautiful. And so inspiring too! Seeing all of your lovely tags makes me want to create also! Good luck with your move. I know it can be tiring. Have a great weekend. ~Michelle

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

Your samples are gorgeous, Alison! I especially love the warm sepia hues of the autumn tags. Love the way you have stamped the vine flourish style behind the pumpkin pile - I agree that is one fabulous stamp! Your rustic looking Christmas tags are super too.

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,
Linda

Cocofolies said...

Wow, wow, WOW !!!! What could I say more... You did a fatastic and fabulous work, I love these new plates also, and I love Autumn too, especially on your artworks ! Happy we Alison. Coco xxx

Maelchen said...

Thanks so much for your motivating comment on my blog again, dear Alison. You know that your judgement means a lot to me. You yourself have been so busy lately, I really don't know how you can press so much in such little time. All the more as there is a lot going on in your life, not only on the creative side. Anyway,I am never disappointed from visiting you here. You know that I always scroll down in search for your inspirative quotations? Having read them I slowly go through your pictures and words to take everything in. And once again, I admire your work! Thanks so much for sharing!
Have a quiet and peaceful, yet creative weekend!
Hugs, Manu

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

You've been busy! These are all fabulous! Love the images on the fall tags!

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Of my crafty goodness! So much eye candy here today and you sure have been busy. How do you manage to keep your mojo in top form with everything you've got going on just amazes me! Beautiful makes Alison! hope all the sorting out for the move goes well! Hugs xxx

Margaret said...

Oh, I absolutely LOVE the gorgeous colors and images on the fall pieces, especially the rusty corrugated one!!
The neutrals palette on the Christmas creations looks fantastic too!

Unknown said...

I love this autumnal colors a lot! The tags are awesome in orange with that rafia & twine distressed - perfect! :)
Have a great day...

Mrs.B said...

Gorgeous makes Alison and I can see why you like the vine stamp!
Avril xx

Lisa Somerville said...

Fabulous vintage projects using the new plates! Love the added colors on your cards, and wonderfully distressed tags!

Kelly said...

Wow I can tell you love your work!! So many beautiful creations and all of them just as lovely as the next. I love the tags, they are beautiful, fun, and can be used anywhere. I also adore the hangings you did with the stamps too, oh so pretty and well done!!!
Hugs Kelly

Kezzy said...

Wow I so love all the autumn colours in your first pic, and these tags are brilliant, I love how they go from light to dark just as leaves do and the stamps are awesome. I love the crimbo one's, I'm a bit like you regarding crimbo makes but I am trying to start earlier this year :-) Kezzy xxx

Kjersti said...

Beautiful, every one of them!
Hugs:)