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...

Sunday 19 January 2014

Mirror, mirror...

Hello everyone!  I know it's been a busy few days here at Words and Pictures (if you've missed anything - my rusty rustic Calico Crafts debut is here, my glossy steampunk PaperArtsy Guest project is here, and my pink - yes, pink - Artistic Outpost mini-canvas is here), but I'm back again - doing the double today - with maybe my favourite make of this busy time: my take on Tim Holtz's absolutely brilliant January tag.







I'm so happy Tim's offering us 12 Tags of 2014 and, wow, what a start to the year this tag is - I fell in love with it... to the extent that I was a bit stumped about how to even begin my own version.  

But then my Spring Greenery Decorative Strip Die arrived, and suddenly my brain began to whirr.

Regulars will know of my thing about ivy (see what the tag is surrounded by in the photos!) so I knew this die was an absolute must-have the moment I saw it...

















And when I'd cut my first few strands of ivy out of the dark green Shattered Kraft-Core, I found myself in faerie-tale land - a place I love to be.
















I don't have the pocket watch die (yet - it's coming!) so had been mulling over what I might use instead, and when the faerie-tale appeared it all dropped into place.  The Ornate Frame was the perfect magic Mirror Mirror.











It needed a faerie-tale look, so it's had layers of black paint, Pewter Perfect Pearls Mist, Black Soot Distress Embossing Powder and some Aged Silver Frantage.  











This is a mirror which has been on the wall of a secret tower room in a stone castle for hundreds and hundreds of years.  

(Check out those volcanic craters from heating the Frantage for ages!)












And the centre of my Mirror Mirror is revealing its internal workings as it performs its magic, summoning up visions and prophecies.








The background was one of the other things I loved about Tim's tag (all his tutorial details are here so I won't go over them again)... mine has a bit more Walnut Stain about it for that look of old parchment recording the ancient story.  

The clocks are perfect for summoning up time past, and "Once upon a time..."













... and the effect of the sanded rub-ons is just beyond cool.  The man's a genius!!












Have I mentioned that I love, love, love this ivy?!  You'll be seeing this a lot...










I had an almost disaster when I stuck the mirror just a little too high to start with - it wasn't until I was taking photos that I realised it was annoying me enough to have to change it.  

Heart in mouth as I tried to unstick it without ripping the whole thing to pieces... but it was worth it to get the positioning right.











I used my little £1 alphabet to stamp the words of the spell (they still get my heart pumping with the thrill of black magic).










Lovely Idea-ology linen ribbon at the top, and the M of the type charm could be Magical or Mirror or Mystery... 













I'm fascinated that the ChitChat stickers always seem to have just the words you need!











I had so much fun making this - pure joy - thank you, Tim, yet again... (though I fear my bank manager won't be thanking you when all the new CHA releases reach the UK!)

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of them all?

Mirror, mirror, here I stand,
Who is the fairest in the land?
Traditional variations

I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.
Mae West

I'd like to enter this as my January tag in Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of 2014





P.S. Yay - the sun finally came out (but after I'd given up and written the post)... so I'm adding just one photo with that slightly warmer glow to it!

Thanks for stopping by everyone - and for your amazing support and comments over the last few days.  As always, I'm blown away, and so grateful.

And on the subjects of light and thanks, a bonus quote for today, which seems appropriate for a TH post:

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being.  Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.
Albert Schweitzer

70 comments:

Helen said...

Tim's tag was great, but I absolutely love yours Alison!! My greenery die is on the way too... yippee!

Nan G said...

Cool tag! Love the gears in your mirror! Oh my how did I miss that greenery die?! Well my purge sale is in two weeks so maybe I'll be getting a new die. ;)

mark gould said...

A beautiful take on Tim's tag, love the vine running through the tag x

Julia said...

I love what you have done with that frame and the leaves look so real, it is just lovely. Great idea to use "mirror, mirror" too - I love it!

Amanda said...

What a fantastic interpretation of Tims tag, absolutely stunning piece, and using the mirror stroke of genius.
Love
Amanda x

Willy said...

What a beautiful tag, love the steampunk element!!

sally said...

Mirror, mirror...what a great idea you have followed through for this months tag!

Sally

Annie said...

stunning take on Tim's tag Alison
:-)
Love the colours and the wonderful ivy.

hope you are having a relaxing evening X

Annie x

Danielle Champagne said...

I absolutely love your tag Allison. not only is it beautiful, but it has a meaning. thanks for the quote of Albert Schweitzer. I shall keep it in memory. You did light up my day today! xox

Candy C said...

Alison...I know I've said this before but I truly mean it...your creativity never ceases to amaze me because it has no boundaries. Everything you do is done with such skill. I love them all! I also wanted to thank you so much for the very sweet comment you left on my blog regarding my departure from the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. It's bittersweet but I am so excited about what may lie ahead. Having the freedom to just PLAY and experiment will be so much fun! Here's to an inspiring 2014! <3 Candy

Astrid Maclean said...

Fabulous adaptation of the original Alison, love your cogs inside that beautiful frame! The addition of the leaves and other elements you have added make it look wonderful and so typically you, - love it!

Deborah said...

What a beautiful interpretation of the Jan tag! The magic mirror with its internal workings on show is just brilliant. And I can see why you had to have the greenery die (it's on my list).

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

Gorgeous tag, yummie ivy, great ornament...lovely in total Alison

Evil Edna said...

wow that is great. I wish to stroke it!! EE

Fliss said...

A really stunning variation on Sir Tim's tag Alison and love the mirror idea and the ivy decoration.
Congratulations on your news too - well deserved.
Fliss xx

Gio said...

Fantastic interpretation, Alison! Love that mirror!

Rita said...

Wonderful Tag Alison. I do love that mirror. Fanulous creation. Hugs Rita xxx

Hettie said...

This is gorgeous Alison. I love the Ivy. Need that die due to where I live!! It is divine!
Hugs
xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Genious take on Tim's tag! Just love the ivy(your ivy!) Truly magical! Chrisx
ps don't mind the pinning-as long as it doesn't hurt!!!

Brenda Brown said...

A wonderful fairy take take on Tim's tag Alison, it has worked beautifully with the frame as a mirror. My greenery strip die has just arrived too, can't wait to use it.
Have a great week.
hugs {Brenda} x0x

Unni A said...

Wow! Great tag, fantastic!
hugs, Unni

2amscrapper said...

all of the elements are wonderful but I'm especially taken by the "mirror". I love your interpretation.

Chrissy said...

That 'mirror' is gorgeous Alison..I love the thickness and layers and the cogs working away in the centre...gorgeous.Love the ivy die and I know what you mean when something new arrives it stirs up the imagination and we can go again..fabulous work.

luv CHRISSYxx

mytawnyinspirations said...

WOW!!!!! This is gorgeous. Love the ivy die (jealousing big time!), love your 'mirror, mirror' theme. My faeries would adore this tag! Fab-u-lous!!!! Cheers, Dixx

Marci said...

Darn and drat!! I was trying to resist that greenery die! Oh, well. LOVE this tag. Magic happens when your imagination takes over. The whole post is great. The Einstein quote, too.

Marci said...

And I've never been tempted by the shattered paper, till now. What a great idea to use it for the ivy!

Mona Pendleton said...

Beautiful tag Alison! Love all the texture and grunge!

barbarayaya62 said...

Wow alison! This is a wonderful tag! Amazing interpretation on Tim's work! BArbarayaya

Inkypinkycraft said...

a great take on the tag and love the look of the mirror! You will love the pocket watch its fab xx

toni said...

Wonderful take on Tim's tag ! Love the fairy tale theme and your very creative use of the frame die and the greenery. Lovely work Alison x

chrissie said...

Stunning! Can't believe how much beauty you can fit onto a tag.

Love Chrissie x

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Fantastic tag Alison! The embossed 'mirror' looks spectacular! xx

Cocofolies said...

What a marvelous tag and post once again... Love ALL Alison, your amazing mirror, your new ivy die, all the beautiful details on this... and your wonderful writing style and words!! I often learn new words and expressions thanks to you, and I LOVE that too! Have a great day, big hugs. Coco xx

Julie Lee said...

I think this might be my favourite thing that you have ever done, Alison! I don't know where to begin to comment on something so captivating! All I can say is 'Thank You' for sharing something so beautiful and imaginative. By the way our cottage is covered in ivy! Julie Ann xx

Jennie Atkinson said...

Stunning take on the wonderful January tag Alison. The mirror is amazing! and I love the softness of the colours with the metal. Just gorgeous x

May said...

Gorgeous take on Tim's tag Alison... I adore the vine & the mirror...great background too... Hugs May x x x

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Alison, it looks glorious in the sunshine, what a BRILLIANT take on Tim's tag, in a WORDS AND Picture way, just fantastic, I always wondered how that mirror work,looooooove your vine, this is fantastic, thanks so much for sharing this, have a wonderful week..

Sandy said...

This just came up on my computer this morning and would you look at all the people that got here before I did. I guess when you live way back in the mountains it takes a while for the air mail to get here.
Love your tag so much. The ivy die now is a must have for me - really pretty. I too love ivy - it always seems to be growing around something old and cherished. I think it's pretty exciting not to have what Tim has because you have to become really creative to fit the challenge. Maybe it's best that my order did not go through yesterday - now I can order that ivy die. I'm so bad.
Beautiful and creative tag. Your clock is a lady's wall clock and not a big ole' pocket watch! Or it could be a broach.
Sandy xx

Maggie said...

Gorgeous take on Tim's tag I love the metal mirror and textures,

MaggieH

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

So cool - what a clever take on Tim's tag! Haven't used my new spring greenery die - now I'm inspired!

Hugs,
Linda

cathylynn said...

What a fabulous take on Tim's tag and I too love that ivy!!! Oh I must get me that die!!! Your tag is totally awesome!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Redanne said...

I love your take on Tim's tag, the vine leaves are a wonderful addition and I love the beautiful frame. Great words too. I share your view of the Bank Manager.... Hugs, Anne x

Connie Fossenier said...

Hey Alison, this is awesome...love the depth of silver look...keep em coming..
connie

Martina said...

Dear Alison, your tag is a sensation!!!!! So beautifully created. I love it more than the original by Tim (hopefully he does not read this:-))

Dorthe said...

Beautiful leaves, I`m with you Alison...love Ivy!!!
Wonderful creation,-- the mirror frame is stunning, and your background so goegeous !!
Hugs from Dorthe

Silvia(Barnie) said...

That's an amazing take on Tim's tag, great details.

Jools Robertson said...

Really lovely unique take on this tag, gorgeous colours and the ivy leaves are beautiful x

Margie said...

Such a fab tag Alison. I love that greenery die and hadn't seen it before and the mirror idea is just brilliant. Margie xx

Kjersti said...

Another gorgeous tag Alison, so many wonderful details… the mirror is stunning and so is the colors, the leafs and the colors!
Have a nice week!
Hugs Kjersti:)

Kate Yetter said...

I love your crazy awesome textured mirror. I love your tag!!

Almo said...

Hi Alison, I think your M definitly stands for Magical. What a lovely very original take on Mr Tims tag. Love the Vines, I await the delivery of this die. Hugs Mo x

Anonymous said...

This is so elegant, a beautiful mix of elements on your tag.
Alison, thank your for your sweet comments especially about The Stampers' Sampler. I was over the moon to see so many cards (and a hanging) make this publication especially as the Cowgirl and Tattooed Ladies collection had been submitted to its sister publication, Take Ten.
Have a great week.
Wishes
Lynne

Anonymous said...

Wow!! That is a gorgeous version of Tim's tag, the ivy looks great.

massofhair said...

Awesome Tag, love the ivy die cut can see why it is a must have, so useful!

You have worked very hard on your Tag and love the story that runs through your Blog :-) xxx

Kim Dellow said...

Ooo! Just love it! Gorgeous tag. Kim

froebelsternchen said...

this is MAGICAL Alison..fabulous !

Jenny Marples said...

Loving this totally unique take on Tim's tag Alison. The frame is a joy to behold and I can see why you love the ivy. Jenny x

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Rocking awesome! What a take!!! Love the ivy and frame! Excellent!

Evelyn Walter said...

Looks great, Alison! The frame of the mirror is adorable, such a wonderful idea. And the touch of green is perfect.
Hugs Evelyn

Terry said...

This is such a clever take on Tim's January tag! Love it all, but framing the gears in the mirror - brilliant!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Hmmm... don't tell Tim but I like your tag better. Honestly it wasn't until I really looked your tag over that I even got the Tim influence out of it. That isn't bad at all, mind you, you do great work on your own. I love ivy too and I really like it on your tag. It softens the mechanical parts of you tag. Awesome work!

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

WOw!

Sue said...

A truly beautiful tag Alison, the frantage is amazing, and I love the use of the Kraft-Core xx

Margaret said...

From pretty in pink to a bit of black magic! You have completely captured the beauty of a fairy tale! The rustic mirror frame with its time worn workings, the famous magical words, and even the ivy creeping along covering the tag with a hint of mystery work together to tell the story. I think I loved the Mae West quote almost as much as the tag!

sara j said...

What a fabulous take on this amazing tag Alison. I love the effect you were able to achieve with the mirror....hhhhmmmmm RIGHT AWAY. How cool it looks. Just a wonderful rendition. !!!

sara j said...

Whoops. A sentence seems to have dropped from my comment. It was something to the effect that the ivy die is perfect!! I need one Right Away.
LOL.

It is always a pleasure to visit your blog!

sara j said...

Greenery Ordered!!!

Mary Elizabeth said...

I've looked at this posting multiple times. In fact I've scrolled through the comments twice to make sure I didn't leave a previous comment :) Sigh ... such is my life these days. Ok ... Looooooooove this tag Alison!!! The ivy is fantastic in Shattered Kraft-Core and that finish you put on the mirror frame is genius. So glad the mirror placement mishap didn't cause any permanent damage!! The "M" is definitely for magic because magic happened on this tag. Simply amazing!!! Hugs to you my dear friend!! (Thanks for your kind words on my snowflake piece.) -- Mary Elizabeth

Kasia said...

WOW! This is amazing! Love this mirror :) Fabulous tag!

Kezzy said...

Wow absolutely awesome take on Tims tag. I really love the story of snow White and this tag has got to be one of my favourites. I love the frantage on the mirror, I love how heat embossing gives such texture and depth :-) Kezzy xxx