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...

Friday 6 December 2013

A Joyful Christmas Tag




Hello everyone and welcome, with an especially big welcome to the newest followers - lovely to have you on board.

Hope you've had a lovely week, and are looking forward to a great weekend doing whatever makes you happy...

I'm back with another Funkie Junkie inspired tag.

Yes, slowly but surely I'm making my way through Linda Coughlin's fabulous 12 Tags of Christmas... just not in the right order.

For my fourth contribution, I've leapt forward to Linda's number 9 which you can see here.













If I manage to get all 12 done by the 22nd December, I'll qualify for the prize draw sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique.  You can find all the details and rules here.

And this one was a sheer joy to make from beginning to end.  Again, I haven't travelled far from Linda's original, but there are some variations to keep you posted on.











I loved Linda's background so stuck to that pretty closely, using an Artistic Outpost snowflake from the Snowy Woods set for my silver embossing.










Something was going on with the sizes of the tag, the baroque plaque and the sentiment stamp.  I seem to have either smaller or larger versions of each, so it all meant the overall look of the tag has altered somewhat.











I cut the music from a card of Bach's manuscript so it has a slightly shiny finish which was slightly reluctant to take the ink I edged it with until I added some gesso on too.

I notice from these close-ups that I seem to have stuck it on upside down.  Imperfection, I embrace thee!









I didn't have any kind of large snowflake to hand, but I did have a small wooden dove, part of a set of decorations from the Czech Republic.

I painted him, added a silver snowflake and then, since I don't have any Distress Glitter in any other colours, I got out the Rock Candy Dry Glitter to zhuzh him up.






My sentiment was embossed onto another plaque, but it was way too large and my lovely background was fast disappearing.






I trimmed it down by hand at either side, and gave it a good inking with lots of the dark brown Distress inks.













I found myself wanting some more music around, so I added a bit more to the background using a Tim Holtz stamp (where the music is actually backwards - but we're embracing imperfection, eh?).



















Another major departure from the inspiration tag was to change the fir branches for flourishes.

























And I decided I didn't want to make them all glittery like Linda's branches.  I like them too much in their natural wood state, so all they've had is a little touch of gesso.

















And a happy side effect of that decision is that this tag will fit nicely into Simon Says Stamp's Monday Challenge this week, With A Flourish.











The paper roses have also been gesso'd, and then I used Treasure Gold in Pewter to give the very edges a bit of silvery shine.














The tiny pine cone needed a smattering of gesso/snow too, and I wound a little piece of fine twine around and about for extra interest.












My heart started out as another of the Czech wooden ornaments (like the golden tree on the last tag).  I gave it a coat or two of paint, then added some silver snowflakes to replace the ones I'd painted over.














I added Rock Candy Dry Glitter again to give it a touch of sparkle.

What's great about the Distress Glitters is that you can ink over the top of them, so I was able to add a touch of Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain around the edges for definition.










And another tiny touch of music too... Christmas should be filled with music.















The topping is some paper ribbon, splayed and frayed, and another of the little pine cones, all bound together with some more fine twine.









Really, really happy with this one (hence all the photos) - and it gave me such pleasure to create it - so thank you yet again, Linda, for a wonderful piece of inspiration.  

I'm starting to think I might stick with this blue and brown colour theme for the rest of my tags... what, blue and brown?  Me?  Surely not?!

I'd like to enter this in the following:
As my Tag 9 in Linda Coughlin's 12 Tags of Christmas sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique
At the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge the theme this week is With a Flourish
At The Ribbon Girl they are having a Ho Ho Ho Christmas Challenge
And there's also an Anything Goes month at the Stampotique Designers Challenge


Your destiny is to fulfil those things upon which you focus most intently. So choose to keep your focus on that which is truly magnificent, beautiful, uplifting and joyful. Your life is always moving toward something.
Ralph Marston

67 comments:

Shilpa Nagaonkar said...

awesome ! as always, Alison

Helen said...

your tag is just beautiful! One day I will get round to buying that stamp set with the sentiment on, I love it!

May said...

WOW...Fabulous tag Alison... simply Beautiful... the added additions are perfect...Love the sentiment & heart....Hugs May x x x

Netty said...

Another gorgeous tag Alison. Sometimes I think you must craft from morning til night........hugs Annette x

Almo said...

This is a beautiful take on Lindas tag Alison, I love the heart. I have more catching up than you as I am only up to number 2! but I am having fun making them. Hugs Mo x

Amanda said...

This tag has so many elements of Christmas time, fabulous!
Love
Amanda x

froebelsternchen said...

just AWESOME ... also the one below! You make this all with so much love and such unique talent!
fantastic Alison!

Dagmar said...

Your tag is so beautiful! a dream of christmas!!!

Fliss said...

Absolutely gorgeous in detail Alison. Fabulous colour palette too.
Have a lovely weekend yourself.
Hugs, Fliss xx

sam21ski said...

Gorgeous tag Alison

Sam xx

Ink Art Designs said...

Hi Alison. I love how you have brought this altogether. The added music to the tag is a great touch! And I am so glad you showed a pic of the background (gorgeous!)
Dot x

Terry said...

Lovely grouping of elements to create such a gorgeous Christmas tag! Love the pretty tie and maybe one day, I will find those tiny pinecones! Have a fabulous weekend! Hugs!

Gio said...

A very joyful tag, Alison!

Have a creative weekend :-)

Jenny Marples said...

As ever it's your attention to the smallest of details that produces superb quality work here Alison. I love this take on Linda's tag, even with the mix of sizes. Jenny x

Hettie said...

This is fantabulous Alison! Love he colour palette here. A tag of sheen rather than shine! Love it.
Hugs
xx

Julie Lee said...

I love this, Alison! It is just exquisite. I adore the dove, the music and the tiny pine cone and all that lovely natural wood. This is my favourite so far, I think. I am about to start my third! Will I make it to 12??? Julie Ann xx

Marci said...

Beautiful again! I love the color and those tiny pine cones. The whole tag, really.

Marci said...

Beautiful again! I love the color and those tiny pine cones. The whole tag, really.

Brenda Brown said...

Lovely to see you producing such gorgeous pieces from Linda's tags. This one is stunning.
hugs {brenda} x0x

Margaret said...

This is beautiful! The music made me smile and I love that you didn't let it interfere with your creative process! I can not believe that the gorgeous shabby heart started as such a simple piece!

barbarayaya62 said...

I'm in love with yhis tag! I love the stamp " a joyful christmas" , all in this card is fabulous! BARbarayaya

Chrissy said...

Such a beautiful tag Alison..I love the silver sentimen..beautiful font and swirls..love the flourish and the tiny pinecone..gorgeous.

Luv CHRISSYxx

Astrid Maclean said...

Wonderful take on the original Alison, gorgeous colours and wow, I love that little dove!

Cocofolies said...

Wonderful tag Alison, so sweet and beautiful!!! The flourish and all the embellishments are awesome... Love it. Hugs Coco xx

Dorthe said...

Dear Alison, this is the most beautiful christmas tag,--- filled with joy, music, love and piece !
Love the rusted swirl, and the symbols of christmas.
Hugs from Dorthe

Paper Profusion said...

This looks wonderful Alison. You've reminded me I have that sentiment thank-you. Happy Weekend! Nicola x

Meihsia Liu said...

Such a gorgeous holiday tag! Alison. I love those beautiful textures and the cute embellishments. Thank you so much for always sharing fantastic creations with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. :)

crealinedance said...

Hallo mooie tag geworden.gr.Nel

Mona Pendleton said...

Wowza Alison! What an incredibly beautiful project! I love all the embossing, texture and shimmery goodness! Thanks for joining along with Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!

Anonymous said...

Stunning tag, really beautiful. I love how you transformed the heart.

Unknown said...

Love the tag, think the heart is fab.

Kasia said...

Your tag is absolutely beautiful :) It is gorgeous in details!

Ribbon Girl said...

Fabulous work Alison! Thank you for joining in with The Ribbon Girl Ho Ho Ho Christmas Challenge – please check back on 15th December to find out who won! Mary x

Anonymous said...

I so love that pine cone and heart - a beautiful tag.
Wishes
Lynne

Elise said...

Wowwww! What an amazing tag! I so love the colors and all of your details on there! Wow wow wow .. GORGEOUS!

Thank you so much for your comment on my blog. :)

Sending Warm Hugs,
Elise

Shirley said...

What another stunner Alison. I very very rarely use hearts on my projects (only around Valentines day) but this one really looks so soft and pretty. After seeing this gorgeous make I just might start using them.

Only said might though.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

Anna-Karin said...

Gorgeous tag Alison! Love how you altered those wood ornaments and the glitter is perfect here. Beautiful earthy colours. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog!!

Francesca said...

Hi Alison, What a lovely tag, just love the colours and everything.
Hugs Francesca xxx

Martina said...

Oh Alison, you have again made quite fantastic artwork! This tag is really adorable!

Ana K. said...

It ’s great how you combine all together Alison...and really beautiful heart makeover....your favourite colour combination blue and brown is more and more close to me...

maj. said...

What a wonderful tag, Alison!!!!

Sandy said...

Such a gorgeous tag Alison and of course you would know that I covet the Czech wooden heart. It really is a glorious piece. Your whole that is outstanding. Love the little pine cones with just a touch of snow. I agree - The Christmas season should be filled with beautiful Christmas music. Beautifully done Alison!!
sandy

Sandy said...

What did I mean by "Your Whole?" - Your whole tag? Your whole blog? Your whole write up? Well let's just go with it all!
Sandy

Anjas-Artefaktotum said...

Awesome tag creation, love the whole design, textures, colors and all the details.
Big hugs Anja

Nan G said...

Wow! One fabulous tag, Alison.

Unknown said...

Another lovely tag, Alison! Such inspiration from both you and Linda! Love the both of you!! The heart is my favorite element! I love how it turned out--very cute ornament idea! XOXO-Shari

cathylynn said...

Gorgeous, beautiful, fabulous, magnificent. Yep that pretty much sums this tag up. You've created another beauty!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Shelby said...

Another stunningly gorgeous creation. I love the soft blues and whites with a bit of tan. Love it

Shelby

maria's knutselplezier said...

An amazing project as always!!!Love all your beautiful details on a great background!!!

Greetings
Maria

Candy C said...

Alison....absolutely gorgeous Christmas tag. I so love the soft, white washed blue-ish background. The silver and brown accents are exquisite on this tag! I also love all of the die cut shapes that you've added....WOW! THIS really is such a lovely piece. Thanks for sharing it with all of us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. <3 Candy

Chris said...

Oh so beautiful Alison and great that it gave you such pleasure to create! I'm hoping to join in with this again this year, it really makes me get my tags done and is so worth it as everyone loves to receive the on their gifts. I'll be on a major catch up as I've to started yet! Have a lovely evening. Chris xx

Sue said...

Oh Alison this is beautiful, so many gorgeous elements, I love your wooden ornaments and the flourishes are perfect xx

Annie said...

This is such a beautiful tag Alison x I so love the composition and that Rock Candy Glitter is stunning. Must add it to my wish list x

Just had a quick browse at several of your previous posts/crafty projects and I am in awe.

Dont have to time to comment individually but they are beautiful.

Sending you my best wishes

Annie x

Kate Yetter said...

A gorgeous tag! I love the background with the snowflakes. Its stunning!

Jools Robertson said...

Stunning, love the colours and details
The heart is amazing, looks like a piece of carved ice

Hugs

Jools x

toni said...

I can certainly see why you like this ! It's gorgeous,, wish I'd joined in with Linda's challenge, I've just been so pushed for time lately ! X

Kelly said...

This one caught my eye immediately, love the blue and brown tones, the papers and embellishing is so elegant and artsy. This one is my favorite, I love it and I am glad it brought you joy to make, it is glorious!
Hugs Kelly

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

Oh my goodness, this is totally delightful, Alison! Love your variations - yes that flourish is gorgeous in its natural state and I love the wooden heart. Your alterations turned something ordinary into a spectacular embellishment. Super take on Tag #9! So glad you are playing along again this year!!!

Hugs,
Linda

Janeen said...

a gorgeous creation. yay for you to be featured on Simon!

Astrid Maclean said...

Yay, well done, another winner (and well deserved:))!! Happy Saturday

Lisa Minckler said...

Dadgum girl!!! This about stopped my ticker...it's FANTASTIC. My gosh, so gorgeous and rich with texture and beauty. Amazing job. :)
hugs,
me again

klistersøster said...


Hi Alison

It's a great tag you made with lovely cool colors. Congratulations to you too on SSS. I did not realize that Linda had a 12 week Christmas Tag challenge, if she has one in 2014, I will certainly be with - I've seen the tags through you and Linda have made and there is a lot of inspiration. You have always given me good feedback on my blog, and for that I am tremendous happy.
Love and hugs
Susan

Candy C said...

Yay Alison! Congratulations for being selected again for our Designer Spotlight. Your tag was fabulous and I'm so happy that the other members of the DT thought so, too. Your work is just amazing! <3 Candy

Kay Wallace said...

Alison, if I could have a tree filled with nothing but your tags and a spotlight, that would be perfect! Your heart here is just amazing!! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such kind words today!

Kaz said...

Very pretty, I love how you adapted the heart. Thanks for joining us again at Stampotique.

*Arwen* said...

Wonderful tag! I love your style :)

xx Arwen

http://blog.timetocreate.com.au/ said...

ALison yet more loveliness that has slid by in the madness of December! Enjoy your new home this season!