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...

Thursday 6 February 2014

A token gesture

Hello all, it's catch-up time here at Words and Pictures... a project which was originally shared over at The Artistic Stamper last summer.  I like to get everything "under one roof" when I can, so I'm squeezing in this quick post before the excitement kicks off this coming Friday evening (UPDATE - I got the day wrong - it's Saturday that will be exciting not Friday!!) - so if you commented the last time around, please don't feel you have to again!  Here's what I wrote then...





This is a little gift wallet, which could be used to insert a gift token or some money as a present.

Here's one side...
















And the other side, where you can insert the token, voucher or plain old cash!





I started by clear embossing some of the Journalling Words II onto a jumbo tag, and then inked with lots of Distress Inks to create a leathery depth of colour.  I did some watery spritzing and flicking to add extra texture to the background.





I folded the bottom of the tag to create a pocket, and cut it using the Brackets On the Edge die for a fancier look.












I added some stamping using Katy Fox's Carte Postale set, and also created a couple of bits of postal ephemera using the same set, which I clipped on using an Idea-ology hinge clip.












The inside is lined with paper from one of the Tim Holtz paper stashes - forgive me, I've forgotten which now, and I'm not at home to check.  I'm sure one of you will be able to identify it!













And I created two internal tags on which you could write a greeting or clip the token/money to.

The first is simply stamped with the Carte Postale stamps, inked and distressed for an aged look.










The second got the same inky treatment as the outside of the wallet, and then I stamped the fabulous rulers from the Tim Holtz Artful Tools set using Distress Paint.














A couple of Idea-ology mini-clips are there to help out with adding the money/token.











And, of course, no tag (even a gift wallet) would be complete without its topping.

So there's some Distress Stain dyed seam binding to tone in with the tag colours, and tied with twine.





Back in the present day now - thanks so much for stopping by.  I'll take the chance to remind you about the February challenge over at The Artistic Stamper... all you have to do is Use Distress - so shouldn't be too much of a challenge for most of you!!

If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.
Charles M. Schulz (creator of Peanuts, the greatest cartoon strip ever)

Ingredients used:
Artistic Stamper stamps: Katy Fox's Carte Postale, Journalling Words II
Stampers Anonymous stamps: Artful Tools
Distress Inks: Vintage Photo, Tea-Dye, Gathered Twigs, Walnut Stain
Distress Stains: Vintage Photo, Antique Linen
Tim Holtz Paper Stash - Lost and Found? Crowded Attic? ... you tell me!
Idea-ology - Hinge Clips, Mini Paper Clips

40 comments:

Clare Lloyd said...

I love this effect on the tag Alison it looks great!

Helen said...

love to see your catch up posts! the tag is fabulous, and so is the quote!!

Brenda Brown said...

Fabulous distressing and such a useful project to have in the box and bring out for the perfect gift. Love it xxx

Willy said...

Wow...what a beautiful gift tag and I love the quote!!

chrissie said...

Wonderful idea for a gift and great 'words' with a gift like no other for mankind.

Have a wonderful day Alison

Love Chrissie x

brenda said...

Can't remember yesterday Alison, let alone last Summer so who know if I commented then.

The little pocket is so effective and great fusion of inks and colours which you do so well.

Sorry I've missed a few posts, not such a good week, but have to mention that beauty below, love it.

B x

Amanda said...

What a wonderful way to give a gift card, great effects on the tag, lovely.
Love
Amanda x

Anneke said...

Wonderful and thanks for your explanation. Anneke.

froebelsternchen said...

This looks great Alison... fabulous creation !

Rita said...

Good Morning Alison. I love this and the fact it becomes a useful way to combine a greeting and gift card together. Enjoy your Day. Hugs Rita xxx

House of Bears said...

This is a bearrilliant idea and one we will be adapting to use in our new journal. We're thinking of adding tickets and other ephemera of days out in the pocket. Thank you for such fab inspiration. X

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

Both sides are so special, and this will be a great gift...the receiver will be very grateful, I guess!

Flo Langley said...

I never feel I "have" to comment. It is always a complete joy visiting your blog and seeing what you make. Love the effects of the clear embossing. Fantastic project.
Hugs Flo xx

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Alison, another gorgeous tag, and brilliant way to add the pocket, wow it looks like leather, love the white embossing, gorgeous make Missy, hope you have a wonderful weekend, ((( BIG HUGS)))..

Cocofolies said...

Really gorgeous and great idea for a gift enveloppe... I have to create urgently two mail-art kraft envelopes to offer, I think I could take yours in mind as a good example to gain time and create something beautiful simultaneously! :D Coco xxx

Candy C said...

Alison...I am loving your vintage sepia wallet....so gorgeous! All of the stamps you used are simply gorgeous...love them all! The manila base color of the tag peeking through all of the distressing really is effective! Your work always is so beautifully done! <3 Candy

Marci said...

The more I read, the more I remembered this post. Your words are as memorable as your art. Love the leathery look you have achieved, the use of the rulers stamp just the right touch. A fantastic gift holder!

Netty said...

Loved this beautiful wallet the first time round and still love it. Must have missed something because an exciting Friday evening.....daaah, no can remember. But whatever is happening, have fun. Hugs Annette x

Anonymous said...

Very clever idea & it looks great.

Redanne said...

I just knew that I got the inspiration to buy these word stamps from somewhere... now I remember! You work is always worth a second airing Alison. Anne x

Martina said...

I love the distress feel of your tag. Great job, dear Alison!

Sue said...

This is fabulous Alison, I thought you had used a MDF tag until I read your description. What a great way to give a gift token xx

Silvia(Barnie) said...

A gorgeous tag with many fabulous details. Love how you've incorporate the little pocket.

Astrid Maclean said...

I remember it well, - love the idea of the pocket and the tags inside look great too!

pearshapedcrafting said...

This is a wonderful example of your fantastic way with words, tags, inks and stamps - just as impressive the second time around! Chrisx

Geraldine said...

Gorgeous gift wallet, love the colours and the embossed words, now I feel that I want to make one and a bookmark to put inside it. If I remember next week I'll attempt one. Thanks for the inspiration.

Mona Pendleton said...

Beautiful project Alison! Love all the embossed detail!

Heather said...

A fabulous double sided tag Alison, I love the Journalling on the front and neat pocket on the back...such stunning embossing!!

hugs
Heather xx

Kay Wallace said...

This is just such a wonderful way to present a gift card, or, as yu say, CASH!! Love the idea of a tag within a tag! I have found that cards are often tossed aside at some point after the event for which they were sent, but, somehow, not so with tags. People keep them and they often end up being bookmarks or decorations. So well designed, Alison, with lots of yummy attention to detail!! Mwah! KayW

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is gorgeous, Alison, what a great idea!

Lucy x

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I hadn't seen this before. It is a wonderful piece. I love the rich colors that you've rubbed onto it. It really makes the embossed words pop. As usual there are so many fun details and additions to make it an awesome project.

cathylynn said...

What a clever way to give a gift! Your tag is fantastic. Great stamping and got to love the ribbon toppers. Another stunning creation Alison!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Jools Robertson said...

Beautiful, love the stamps, colours and all the lovely details
Really great design, yet another one for me to try to do!

Jools x

Elly said...

Ohoohhhhh...you're feeding my vintage soul (:o)I still have a giant tag book in mind and i think this technique would be very cool on the cover (:o)Have a nice weekend♥

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU for sharing the wise words of Charles M Schulz!
Now to say thank you for sharing more fabulous art (I am catching up).
What a wonderful idea for a gift card wallet/money.
Wishes
Lynne

Mary Elizabeth said...

Stunning gift tag Alison. I love the all of the vintage goodness that you packed into this one little packet. Love it! (Pinned!) Mary Elizabeth

Hettie said...

Brilliant Alison. Well done.
Hugs
xx

Neet said...

Love it! Well worth all the work you put into it. What a fabulous way to receive some money for a gift.
I need to get in touch with you to pick your brains - be back shortly.
Hugs, Neet (who has been in hospital since her return to UK)

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow truly stunning gift tag. I really love the simple resist, I love this technique and love how it makes the stamping pop. Simply gorgeous :-) Kezzy xxx

Margaret said...

This is fantastic! The clips go so well with the office theme papers!