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 7 March 2014

Come and play...

... with the inaugural challenge at A Vintage Journey!  We're kicking off with an easy one, revolving around the main creative inspiration behind this new challenge blog - Tim Holtz - so we'd like to see Anything Tim!  That vintage, retro, grunge style of his; any Tim techniques that you love; something made using any of his products... they're all welcome!

You'll find inspiration galore from my fantastic team-mates over at A Vintage Journey, as well as all the challenge details but, before you rush off, here's my offering for you.


It started from wanting to use the bargain dies I got in the Sizzix Mega-Sale, and everything else - including me chanelling my ancestry to come up with the words - just sort of happened.  It was an absolute joy to play with pure Tim Holtz and, as you'll see from the photo-heavy post that follows, I got a little carried away!



I began by covering a 10x12 inch canvas board with tissue wrap, wrinkling as I glued it down.

Then lots of Distress Paints, splodged on, spritzed to marble-ise, and tilted to let them run.

I love how the wrinkles give you defined areas of colour in places.

Next some stencilling through the Rays with Broken China Distress Ink, which I clear embossed.  And then some more stencilling with the Cargo alphabet.

By this point, I'd decided to use the retro telephone and typewriter dies, so for one corner of the canvas I used the letters from the Cargo stencil to go with the typewriter, and in the other corner the numbers to go with the telephone.



I'm trying to keep it condensed, but remember, you can click on any of these photos for a close-up view if you like.


I love the glossy embossing over the grungy paint, and with the tissue wrap showing through...






I die-cut my focal pieces out of black kraft core, scuffing it up for a distressed look, and did another pass with some pale card for the extra bits.














I replaced the cardboard telephone cord with a bit of bead chain.














Pewter Distress Stain was a useful way to get a metallic look on the paler card.












I added a coat of gloss glaze to the black to get a hint of the vintage Bakelite sheen.














There's a sheet of paper tucked into the typewriter - but see how aged it is - that's how long it's been sitting there!










It was while I was making the phone and typewriter that a bit of my own vintage heritage surfaced... my inner Jewish Momma came bubbling to the surface with the age-old accusation : "You never call, you never write!".












So there were my words - stamped using the fabulous Worn Text alphabet stamps.

You can see it's done on some card with one of my favourite Tim techniques - the trusty spritz and flick - and layered up on some paler card, all shabbied up with the Paper Distresser.











I needed more stamping, so I started adding extra layers onto the background. 

So there are pen nibs to (not) write with too...











...and clocks marking how much time passes without any phone calls or letters...











... not even a PostCard!

Once all the stamping was in place, I could start to glue stuff down.










I pulled out lots of Idea-ology bits to echo the themes... I'm hoping this Vintage Journey will encourage me to use rather than hoard them!

More clocks to beef up the sense of time tick-tocking away between communications.










The typewriter charms were an obvious choice.













And of course some little metal numbers - altered with Distress Paint and Enamelware embossing powder...

... just as a reminder, because, you know, maybe you just forgot the number to call!










And - finally! - some corners to finish the whole thing off... Tim Holtz overdose, you might think?  

Nope, once I'd finished, it just made me want to start playing all over again!




Do hop over and see what the rest of the team have been making over at A Vintage Journey, and we hope you'll come and play with Anything Tim too.  You have two weeks, and we can't wait to see what you create.

You never call, you never write!
Many, many mothers
(Not only Jewish ones - but look, there's even a book! Not to mention the genius of the BT Beattie ads...)

From one inaugural challenge to another - I'd like to enter this in the brand new That's Crafty! Challenge Blog where Anything Goes.
With my glossy rays gleaming in the sun, I'd also like to play along with Stencils and Texture over at Frilly and Funkie.
And with all those clocks measuring the time elapsed between calls, I'm popping it into Tick Tock at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge.

74 comments:

Redanne said...

You got carried away in such a good way though Alison, I love your gorgeous canvas, the story you tell and the words are perfect. So pleased to be on this amazing journey with you too! Anne xx

Candy C said...

Oh my gosh, Alison! This is absolutely gorgeous! I so love how your creative mind works! The background on your piece is layers of goodness! And your theme for your piece and all of the die cuts and sentiments you've combined to really give it life are perfection! Love it! <3 Candy

Astrid Maclean said...

Love the wonderful retro feel to this Alison, the way you have altered the typewriter is fantastic, love that touch of the chain! Great piece altogether!! This journey is going to be just so much fun!!

Brenda Brown said...

I just love the story that this fabulous piece of art tells and how you have it unfolding with every step you took to create this fabulous canvas. All the elements fit together so well and the attention and I marvel at your attention to detail right down to the beaded chain for the telephone cord. Thanks for all your help and support and this masterpiece in getting AVJ off the ground. xx

Terry said...

This is not only fabulous, but fun Alison! I love how you combined all the elements with the calling and writing theme or lack of! Wonderful canvas and details! So happy to be on another DT with you! Hugs!

dottielottie said...

Fabulous grungy canvas Alison, all your elements work so well together to illustrate the, you never call, you never write, text and the postcard in the background, brilliant.
I love that your piece "means" something to you which you manage so well to convey to me as a viewer.
Hugs Lottie x

Margaret said...

Matronly is the word that comes to mind! This is such an amazingly deep piece when we notice how all of the little details tie into the sentiments. I think this is universally a 'mom thing' and we can all relate to this piece either as a mother or child.
LOVE the wrinkled tissue effect on the canvas!

Rita said...

This a Fantastic piece for the start of A Vintage Journey. I love what a t you've done with the telephone stamps Alison. Looking forward to more on AVJ. Hugs Rita xxx

Nan G said...

Absolutely love this! What a playful and fun piece, Alison! And the techniques, well, they're just fab.

Mona Pendleton said...

Beautiful project Alison! Love all the textures and stamping goodness! Thanks for sharing your creative process!

Debi said...

brilliant creation Alison, love all the colours and textures, and it looks like you're going to have such a lot of fun at the new challenge, Debi xxxx

Helen said...

You've certainly embraced your inner Tim!! I've never really liked the vintage telephone/typewriter but wow you've made them look so good here... and your back story is as always fascinating!! Will be bookmarking this challenge and hoping to find time!!

Jenny Marples said...

I'm sure when he sees this Mr Holtz will be calling and writing! Your creativeness on this shines through and I love the way you've used the typewriter and phone on this gorgeous project Alison. So pleased to be sharing this journey with you. Jenny x

Shirley said...

This piece shouts follow me on my journey Alison. As Jenny says I am sure the big man himself will call or write to congratulate you on a beautiful piece.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

rachel said...

oh this is stunning - really love the whole canvas and the steps are very inspirational - can't wait to join in this challenge! Hugs rachel xx

Unknown said...

LOL! I soooo laughed when I saw this project - great words. A fabulous work of art Alison (as usual [g]). So glad to be journeying along with you. Have a great weekend, Chris xxx

Netty said...

Loving those famous words they certainly made me smile as have heard this so often.....Great canvas Alison, enjoy your new adventures.
Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

chrissie said...

Excellent first piece for the new 'Journey' Alison. Love the tissue wrap background and the way the colours blend so well together.

Chrissie x

Cestina said...

Ah well, at least I can't be accused of ever having said that ;-)

Brilliant....
Your mother xx

Julie Lee said...

I love this, Alison! Nice to know you've embraced your inner Jewish momma!They need a hug sometimes! I love those old Bakelite phones and what you've done with them here is fabulous!That background looks so much fun to do! The Worn Alphabet is one of my favourite things - I can't stop using it! It looks great with the colours you've chosen. I really want to join in, if I could maybe craft all night? This is so inspiring. Julie Ann xxx

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is gorgeous in every detail, Alison! Huge good luck with your new venture,

Lucy x

Inkypinkycraft said...

A gorgeous project with yummy textures, so glad to be part of this creative vintage journey with you xx
trace x

Sue said...

This is brilliant Alison, a work of art but also such a fun piece. Good luck with your new venture, it will be a great ride! xx

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

A great retro look Alison...although I never hope to receive the text :-)))
Have a nice weekend, Alie :-)

klistersøster said...

Hi Alison

You are so right, one even have to call to hear if they have received the text message *lol - really fun canvas and a great idea to use full Tim Holtz - love your canvas and the coloring - Congrats on the new blog - I'll join the Journey

Hugs
Susan

Hettie said...

This is brilliant Alison. I will be back later to take a closer look (it being my munchtime and I have to go out). I shall also pop over to the challenge too later as I want to join in!
Hugs
xx

Jennie Atkinson said...

Just amazing Alison! I love all those wonderful little details - the paper in the typewriter is just such a fabulous touch! Gorgeous colours too and what a fabulous way of using that sentiment. I am so thrilled to be part of this wonderful vintage journey with you x

Meggymay said...

A fantastic piece to begin the journey. All the layers and details are pure Tim.
Yvonne

cathylynn said...

Oh yes this is brilliant! I love this canvas top to bottom! Great design and your tutorial is a great inspiration!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Sandy said...

You never call - You never write but I must admit THAT'S A GOOD THING!!!!
Sandy xx

Margie said...

Amazing Alison! I love every bit of it and your words made me smile. Now I need to make one to send to a certain son of mine....... Love, Margie x

Kay Wallace said...

Since I am a huge vintage fan, Alison, I really like your canvas--and the work of the other artists over at The Vintage Journey! Off to a great start with this fun challenge. Good luck to all involved!

Unknown said...

What a fun piece, Alison! I just love the You Never Call, You Never Write sentiment! Uh, do we feel the guilt yet? :) I think I'm going to hop over to A Vintage Journey and join in on the fun, too :) I can't resist anything Tim Holtz! Thanks for the link! XOXO-Shari

Chrissy said...

FANtastic Alison..just brilliant.

luv CHRISSYxx

Dorthe said...

Dear Alison, what a gorgeous creation,- love the altered typewriter with it`s "old" paper sitting there, and the ball chain in the telephone is a great touch, too.
The textured background with all the bits and pieces you added is wonderful, too.
Hope your weekend will be lovely.
Hugs,Dorthe

Paper Profusion said...

What can I say in addition to all above?!?! It's a brilliant piece Alison and I can tell you loved making it. It really does inspire one to play. Hope the (guru) person gets in touch! Have a lovely weekend! Nicola x

Joanna Wiśniewska said...

Beautiful project. Love your stamping. Beautiful detail. Joanna

Jools Robertson said...

Such a beautiful project, love the newsprint background texture and the colours are lovely
Good look on you vintage journey, I'm sure lots will call and write

Jools x

Birscrea4fun said...

Hello Alison, This is absolutely gorgeous! Great Birgit

Unknown said...

Great project! Thanks for playing at That's Crafty :)

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oh my! This made me smile, then gape at the gorgeousness of it all - from beginning to end you really make me want to come and play-hope I can! Chrisx

Deborah said...

You've got to stop making me want to buy stuff, Alison :-) I'd previously dimissed the phone and typewriter dies but now I've see what you've done with them...Fantastic canvas.

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Alison, KABOOM, sorry did I scare you, you just blow my socks off..
I love you used a large board, more room for all that delicious goodness, your background eekkss its spectacular, those embellishments you created are fabulous, loooooove the old paper in the type writter, excellent bakelite, love it, those words freaking fantastic, all the special bits and bobs, this post was like going to the theater, so I'm standing applauding, cheering, what a post, full of inspiration, This Vintage journey is mind blowing,Miss Anne has a fabulous bomb in her post, thanks for sharing, have a wonderful weekend, ((( BIG HUGS)))..

Meihsia Liu said...

Wow... this is such a beautiful project. Love the pretty vintage color scheme. The textures on the background and all the details are gorgeous! :)

Marci said...

What a fun project. The typewriter and the telephone are so cute!

Paula Whittaker said...

A wonderful project. Many thanks for taking part in the 1st That's Crafty! Challenge.

Jenny Marples said...

Back again to thank you so much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie with this. Jenny x

snazzyoriginal said...

Absolutely stunning, so much texture and depth. My fave colour combo too xx

Kasia said...

So amazing! Love the telephone and typewriter :)

Sandra's Spot said...

Truly fabulous Alison love the textures, colours, depth wow. Hugs Sandra X

Anonymous said...

You are a genius! That is completely gorgeous, I love the wrinkled tissue & all the embellishments look wonderful.

massofhair said...

Can't tell you enjoyed this at all lol!!!

Love all the pictures and steps taken to achieve such perfection.

Everything about this piece is stunning, gorgeous and amazing, love all your Sizzix bargains and colour palette.

Beautiful ArT :-) xxx

Ana K. said...

How not to join you at Vintage Journey as you offer such a great inspiration! As I already mention on other places I love and admire your designer group, really a bunch of very talented ladies, including you my dear Alison! See you at Vintage Journey!

Cocofolies said...

Hahaha,love the words and your personal story, it reminds me something I've heard many times...:) Well Alison, this is a fabulous make for your new team and us, so much inspirational with many Tim bits and so gorgeous!!! Have a lovely Sunday, hugs Coco xx

Paula J Atkinson said...

Great textural background & I love the dies but especially the words. I immediately remembered the old BT adds with Maureen Lipman on seeing your piece!

Martina said...

A brilliant contribution to the new challenge, dear Alison! Really beautifully created!

Evelyn Walter said...

Great piece of art, dear Alison! I love the vintage touch that comes with the embellished phone and typewriter.
xxx Evelyn

Gio said...

A super lovely Tim's inspired piece, Alison!

Gorgeous background and details!

Mandy Chilvers said...

This is so gorgeous and i love the way you've shown how you've made your background! I am an avid background maker and I love what you've done. thanks for playing along with us at That's Crafty!

Anne-Elise said...

Another great creation, Alison! Just gorgeous!! Hugs

Andrea Ockey Parr said...

Alison!! I adore everything about this project! What an amazing background with the wrinkled wrap and I really love the addition of the Broken China-colored rays. Love that combo! You have such a knack for creating gorgeous backgrounds which are just as incredible as your focal points. What I also really liked about your project was that you highlighted one of those sentiments in life that we have all heard fifty billion times from parents and old acquaintances. It was just neat to see something...real instead of something sugary-sweet as a sentiment. Beautiful piece all the way around and I'm so glad that you shared it with us here on the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge blog!

Anonymous said...

Love it Alison! So fun to see the typewriter and telephone made up! TFS!

maria's knutselplezier said...

What do I say more?, You made a wonderful work!!!Congrats!! You are a real artiest!!

Greetings
Maria

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow absolutely gorgeous stunning canvas. I really love the way you have done your background. The stamping and die cuts are awesome and I love all the Mr Holtz amazing products :-) Kezzy xxx

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

This sounds like something my mother would say...lol! LOVE the sentiments here with the dies! So clever and whimsical yet so vintage yummy!

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Back from the stamping weekend I'm just catching up.
Wow - I really love this piece, it's wonderful.

Mary Elizabeth said...

THis is fabulous ... and you can never have too much of Tim Holtz:) Honestly ... don't you just love how his products just inspire you to create? The Distress Paint on the tissue paper ... amazing look. And then to put the embossed rays ... amazing background for this piece. So many fun elements for your sentiment. Made me smile! Love the new Challenge site too! Can't wait to play.

Thanks for the very sweet words regarding my Mom's birthday present. I loved every minute of that creative process and Mom was pretty happy too. Anyway ... your comments made my day Alison! Hugs!! -- Mary Elizabeth

Smile_Art said...

It's amazing work Alison! I'm totally in love ;)

craftytrog said...

Fabulous!!! Love that texture Alison! xxx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Just amazing! And even more amazing that you captured my mother's whining voice for this piece. *sigh* Yeah, so I never call.....
I just love all the details. And here are some numbers in case you've forgotten the number to call!

Minxy said...

Your piece brought a real smile to my face, from the choice of words to the wonderful background, this piece ticks all the boxes

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

This is just so cute and clever. Love the way you have created the book page background and the colors that you have used. Seriously cool sentiment too. This piece has me grinning ear to ear. What a great debut piece for A Vintage Challenge! Thanks so much for sharing it with us over at Frilly and Funkie too.

Hugs,
Linda

Ginger said...

I love this, thank you for joining in with the That@s Craft challenge. X

S@ndy Diller said...

When I saw this it made me chuckle. I just love it. It is so well done and who doesn't need a little chuckle now and then?