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Tuesday 1 July 2014

Autumn Flowerings




Hello all!  It's time for the new challenge at Our Creative Corner and this month it's hosted by the amazing Astrid.  She'd like to see Home Made Flowers and Hand Dyed Ribbons adorning your projects.

I don't usually make my own flowers (though it has been known!) so this was quite a challenge and, being an ornery type, when I saw the theme I decided to try to create something using Home Made Flowers and Hand Dyed Ribbons that wasn't girly!!

I think that's probably what took me into these colour tones - I really do seem to have hit an autumnal streak here at the moment.

Hopefully the weather will improve soon, and summer will return to Words and Pictures, but for now I seem to be wallowing in autumn melancholy.  (Witness my Autumn Leaves, my Urban Tapestry and even the Autumn Limitations of my June Tim tag if you don't believe me!!)




For help with the handmade flowers, I knew exactly where I was going - over to the fabulous flower tutorials of the lovely Jennie of Live the Dream.  

She makes utterly beautiful flowers, and you'll find links to her great tutorials in her sidebar - if they work for me, they'll work for anyone, trust me!  

All of these flowers are made using the Tattered Florals die.  I wanted that slightly blowsy overblown look of flowers at the end of summer, so I picked my tutorials carefully.





The large flower is based on Jennie's Cabbage Rose, and is made out of one of the grey sheets from Tim Holtz's Shabby Vintage papers.  

The plan was for a completely neutral palette, but as I sprayed the water on, the papers went slightly purply - it must be within the paper dye somewhere.










For the other flowers, I was using book pages to create some of the Vintage Roses from Jennie's tutorial.  Since we had that purple tone coming through on the large flower, I decided to add some hints of Milled Lavender and Shaded Lilac to the book page petals too.

Other than that, I used Rusty Hinge and Vintage Photo to add inky highlights and shading to the flowers.








I had to smile as so many of you commented how realistic the leaves looked on my Tim Tag - I already knew that this was coming up, with some actual leaves on it!  

Those weren't real, but these are!  I got a big box of them in Kik (the Czech cheapy shop) while I was away, and they seemed the perfect complement to my autumnal blooms.









I was definitely pretty happy with my flowers - for a first-time attempt at these recipes - but then there was the question of what to do with them all!

I had one of the large papier-mache icons sitting around on the table, and just popped the flowers onto it to keep them safe... and then I noticed they looked pretty good there!








I cut the Sizzix Pocket Watch out of some quite sturdy mountboard, and cut the centre out with a sized circle to create the frame.

I messed around with various embossing powders - UTEE, bronze, copper, Weathered White - until I liked the result... then I had to decide what would go inside that.









(You'll be noticing a pattern here... no planning ahead - just a leap and then a ponder, another leap, another ponder!)

While I was thinking about it and trying various options (a quote, a stamped image) I decided to get the background done.










I painted Raw Umber and Burnt Sienna paints onto the surface, added a layer of DecoArt Weathered Wood Crackle Glaze and then a coat of Warm White paint over the top.

I did a bit of gentle inking over the finished crackle, and especially around the edges and then clear-embossed that for a dewy look.







With the crackle in place, I decided this gentleman from the Found Relatives was the best option to go inside the frame...

He's rather dapper, which certainly helps with the "not-girlyness" of the whole thing!  And why shouldn't men have flowers?!







I dyed my ribbons in colours which would tone in with the flowers - mainly Shaded Lilac, Milled Lavender, Rusty Hinge and Vintage Photo.

The great thing about the pocket watch frame is it also has an obvious location for the ribbons to go.  They're secured in place with some rusty wire.











This being Words and Pictures, I really needed some words too, so I stamped this lovely sentiment onto card, layered it with some paper scraps which were hanging around and used one of my rusted Idea-ology Hinge Clips to hold them together.













Once I had that bit of rust, I wanted more.

So I added some rusted gears around the frame...











... and lots more curled rusty wire to the flower arrangements.







And I thought the Idea-ology corners made a good finishing touch, rusty or not!













So that's my offering for you for Astrid's lovely challenge.

If you want to see the beautiful inspiration from my fabulous team-mates, do hop over to Our Creative Corner - you won't be disappointed.  And we really hope that we'll see your Hand Made Flowers and Home Dyed Ribbons some time before the 28th of this month.  Be sure to check our rules to qualify for the prize draw, and come and play!





Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Hope the weather is looking up wherever you are - we're due to have some summery weather here tomorrow, so maybe that'll put a halt to all this autumnal melancholy... but don't count on it!


It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.
From The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may
Old time is still a-flying
And that same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying
From To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time by Robert Herrick

White is an absolute staple in my neutral makes so, with the Warm White Crackle, the Weathered White distressing on the frame, and the off-white book pages and papers, I'd like to enter this in W is for White at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge.
And at the Premium Craft Brands Challenge the theme is Roses are a Girl's Best Friend - or a man's too, I hope?!

73 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Fantastic piece Alison! Hugs, Valerie

Brenda Brown said...

Love your interpretation of the theme Alison, the flowers are beautifully textured and I love that dimensional pocket watch, oh and the crackly background, well everything about this glorious tag xx

Helen said...

This looks fabulous, Alison - love your big blousy flowers!!

Inkypinkycraft said...

Another gorgeous piece Alison, love how the gorgeous tones surround your gent . Your flowers are just yummy and this is packed full of vinatge yumminess!

Astrid Maclean said...

Ah well Alison, you certainly "rose" to the challenge with a bang...:o) The moment I saw your piece I guessed you had followed Jennie's tutorial and with brilliant result I may add. All the crackle and other textural pieces, make this into a new favourite I think! A really brilliant make, and who know, you may even turn into a maker of flowers, - you can put your capable hands to anything...

Claudia N. said...

Your flowers are definitely NOT girlie, but very feminine I'd think, Alison!

Love the "papery" feel to your make!

Claudia x

Deborah said...

The leaping and pondering way of creating works wonderfully here and the touches of mauve are just perfect.

froebelsternchen said...

This is just wonderful - a really glorious tag Alison! stunning!

xxx
Susi

Cestina said...

Oh I do like this. But I could have done without the Herrick - bit too apt for my liking! A salutary reminder though....

Like Astrid, I think this one could be a new favourite for me.
xxx

Julie Lee said...

This is just wonderful, Alison! I love the idea of non-girly flowers! Everything about this project inspires me: the lovely textures, the crackle, the curly wire, the rust, the images and that great shading, just a touch around the petal edges - fabulous! I love the sentiment too! Oh, and I almost forgot those leaves!!! Autumn, as I've probably said before, is a special season for me, bitter-sweet with a melancholy beauty and you have so captured that. One of my favourite songs is Autumn Song by Kurt Weill, sung by Lotte Lenya - it should be the signature tune of this lovely creation, I think! Julie Ann xxx

Kerstin F. said...

Gorgeous, beautiful old vintage colours and very pretty flowers. Hugs, Kerstin

May said...

WOW...Gorgeous tag, The detail is fantastic... Love the flowers & crackle... perfect image...Hugs May x x

Gitte said...

Wow beautiful project.

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

You really do create the most beautiful things Alison,I could gaze at this all day,it's beyond stunning yumminess!
Hugs
Donna x

rachel said...

wonderful piece Alison - so much to look at - this is just fabulous... you're so clever! Hugs rachel xx

Gio said...

You did magic, Alison! Only you can use flowers on a masculine theme. And it matches in heaven!

Redanne said...

Wow Alison, you certainly did a great job with Jennie's wonderful tutorial because your flowers are fantastic. Love the leaves too and the amazing background - in fact I just love it all! Anne xx

Nan G said...

Wow fab flowers! Definitely a blowsy end of summer feel to this piece. Love!

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Gorgeous tag Alison, I adore the warm rustic tones which work beautifully with the vintage image. Stunning flowers too and the leaves are a wonderful touch. Tracy x

Dorthe said...

You created a stunning piece,dear Alison, OH that rose, ..beautiful, beautiful,love the paper and colour , love the autumnal feeling I get, watching it. the handsome man the rusted hinge , and the gears, all so perfect !!!
Hugs, Dorthe

Julia S-W said...

Beautiful natural tones with that hint of colour here and there. I love the flowers which for me, still have that feminine feel! I too love the huge, blousy blooms of late summer with glorious faded tones of their original colour. Great use of those EP's too.
Julia xx

Unknown said...

I just wish I could see this in person Alison. It is stunning! I love the texture of the crackle, your gorgeous fluffy bloom and the way everything goes together perfectly. Another triumph for you! xx

cathylynn said...

I'm totally blown away by these recent posts. This is another gorgeous tag and you really should do flowers more often. These are top notch! This tag just took my breath away and I love it all!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Kay Wallace said...

Love the flowers, Alison, and, of course, those leave are sublime!! I also like that "leap and ponder" technique and plan to use it in the future! Love your blog!

Cocofolies said...

Ooh, your hand-made flowers are simply magnificent!!!... And I love the gorgeous embossing on your pocket watch, as well as every tiny detail you have put on this wonderful tag! Thank you for the step by step of your creative process, great and much appreciated. Hugs, Coco xxx

Silvia(Barnie) said...

I'm not very often at the computer these days and a bit short of time. You've been very creative and created fantastic projects...so wonderful :)

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

WOW!!! This plaque ROCKS Alison! LOVE every detail, and all the amazing neutral and grungy embellies! PINNING!

Julia Aston said...

well, my goodness Alison! I could hardly get past the pictures to the bottom here to add my comment - Each photo needs to be gone over again - love your flowers, the crackling, the rusting, the real leaves a marvelous creation!

Karin said...

wow you did a great job with these gorgeous flowers, a fabulous piece!
Groetjes Karin

sam21ski said...

Wow this looks fabulous Alison, so much detail

Sam xx

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

Great autumn melancholy Alison...again stunning result!
greetings, Alie :-)

Meggymay said...

A stunning project, all I can say is 'Wow, it looks amazing'.
Yvonne

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Butterfly, I'm loving the autumn theme stiiiiiill.. Eeekks that for Jennies link gorgeous flowers and I think I can make them with no die cuts kool.. they look brown to me and I love them perfect flowers for your tag and I do love book page flowers, I love the natural leaves, oh and the rusty wire, the frame is just fantastic, your tiny little note with the rusty clip, always the perfect topping this is a fabulously created tag, loooooove your creations, you might have even inspired me to play, I can't wait to see the other designers creations, thank for sharing have a wonderful day, it's Canada day, ((( BIG HUGS )))

Anonymous said...

I think I'm lost for words. That is a gorgeous creation Alison, really wonderful. The flowers are beautiful, thanks for the link to Jennie's blog, my attempts at paper flowers are usually rubbish, so I'll be having a go at Jennie's tutorials.

Ruth said...

An absolute stunner, loving you autumn phase! The colours, textures and composition....perfect!

Anonymous said...

How funny the timing for your post and my own.
Why shouldn't flowers work for masculine themed projects, I think it works perfectly well. LOL, after all, if I can freely add lace to masculine art then I see no reason for not working with flowers!
This is beautiful and I adore the warm white and also the touches of metal, such as the corners.
Wishes
Lynne

samantha wade said...

wow, a-maze-ing, love it, x

Unknown said...

Alison you work really stands out in so many ways... I love all the details, layers of goodies and warmth to you work... love it all... was surprised to see that some one else had made the flowers prior to me... will have to go check it out... I love that die and have taught so many classes with this die... we made these flowers about 4 years ago... I love them... never named them.. .but love them... thanks for giving me the heads up... I love your piece... super wonderful... in all ways... Love, Light and peace...Bonnie

Unknown said...

Just Awesome, Alison!! I love what you've done with your Tattered Florals die! And of course, I LOVE your rusted bits and pieces ;) Fabulous piece showcasing the OCC challenge theme and as always, such a treat for the eyes!! Can you stop out-crafting yourself now?! :) XOXO-Shari

Dan said...

A wonderful piece Alison, so many great details to admire. It's hard to single out just one part of it but I absolutely love the effect you achieved with the crackle glaze. Thanks for joining us for this week's Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!

craftytrog said...

Stunning blooms, and I love all the rusty bits Alison! xxx

hazel said...

A fabulous creation, there's so much to look at - the flowers are gorgeous.
xxx Hazel.

Hettie said...

This is beautiful Alison. I am surprised you don't make your own flowers...you make floors, ceilings and everything else!
I usually find the "leap and ponder" method of crafting the best!
Hugs
xx

JansArtyJunk said...

OMG this is wonderful Alison.... So detailed...and Love the flowers and all the rusty bits and pieces :) x x

Terry said...

Would not expect anything more that gorgeous over here and so it is again! Love your handmade flowers. So gorgeous is this tag! Hugs!

Andrea Ockey Parr said...

This is incredible! You always have such amazing attention to detail and I loved staring at all of the beautiful pictures of this piece. Those flowers are stunning and I thought it was so clever of you to combine those elegant flowers with the image of the stately gentleman! Your creativity truly knows no bounds and I am constantly in awe of what you dream up!

Unknown said...

Well there's no getting away from this one, it kinda leaps out and grabs you in the most gentle but positive way. Fabulous crackle at the base, gorgeous gentile vintage flowers and then a familiar male relative appears in direct contradiction. Love it! As for being ornery..... I can't say that's an adjective I'd have associated with you Alison, lol! Brilliant! Chris xxx

Marci said...

Great flowers and details!

Mona Pendleton said...

Gorgeous Alison! Love the beautiful blossoms and crackled detail!

Paper Profusion said...

Fabulous work Alison. This looks gorgeous. Nicola x

Heather said...

Hi Alison - worry I haven't been around - changing house/Country has taken pinched all my time!!!
Your tag is is stunning - I love vintage your design and colour scheme!!! Stunning elements and beautiful flowers!!!

hugs
Heather xx

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

What can I say but this is one gorgeous tag.
Happy crafting, Angela x

massofhair said...

AWESOME doesn't begin to describe your Tag Alison!!! Loving this months challenge and i think you have really rocked it! :-) xxx

Thanks for the link to the lady who makes the flowers, have followed her wonderful Blog :)xxx

Almo said...

Amazing tag Alison, how do you do it you always make me go wow! with every project. Love your flowers, making them look this good you should do more, you are a natural. I love all the rusty elements too. Mo x

toni said...

Wonderful panel Alison , love your 'not so girly' take on the challenge fabulous crackled background and gorgeous details , your flowers are lovely too ! Xx

Fliss said...

An absolutely stunning creation Alison and just love those wonderful Autumn tones.
Fliss xx (an Autumn girl :) )

Jenny Marples said...

Don't we all go to Jennie for flowers!! Love yours and the way you've taken a more male twist to this theme. Beautifully vintage and as ever perfectly executed. Jenny x

Dunja Trautmann said...

WOW Alison, your tag ist just gorgeous. i love everything about it, specially the handmade flowers by you. They are sooo beautiful. Great style!!

Happy weekend :)

Hugs, Dunja x

Claire said...

Wow Alison what a stunning project, gorgeous effect with the crackle and those flowers are lush
Claire xx

Martina said...

Great, amazing, awesome, beautiful ..... I can`t think of more superlatives! I am again thrilled by your wonderful works of art, dear Alison! Well done (as always)

barbarayaya62 said...

Alison as always you've made athe amazing works! Perfect interpretaion of the white color, together the neutral tones !!! I adore the touch of metal that you've put in the arrangement of flowers!!!! thanks for joining us on Simon says stamp Monday challenge!! BArbarayaya

Anna-Karin said...

Another super gorgeous piece Alison! Love the flowers you made and of course all the special details, and that gorgeous background. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!!

Neet said...

No words can do justice to this - it is just simply beautiful.
Hugs, Neet xx
ps you should have an exhibition of all your work, I'd try my best to get there

Evelyn Walter said...

I have so less time at the moment, but I must have a look at your new creations. Very beautiful hanging, dear Alison! I tried the roses from Jenni too, they are so shabby, I like them very much. Your male combination of them is gorgeous!
xxx Evelyn

Sandy said...

Just popping in to say hello - wonderful creation Alison - will save your post so I can go have a peek at the tutorial. My daughter comes in Saturday with her four and my husband and I leave Tuesday with her two oldest on a Western US adventure. Busy, busy summer but I try to peek when I can!!
Sandy xx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Wow! I think you charmed all the words out of me with this one. I love the flowers; I love that you considered them blowsy and overblown-the perfect description of them. Love your choice of found relative for inside the pocket watch frame. Perhaps a long lost love? The one that got away nestled amongst the faded flowers? Love the real leaves. I'll have to go check out the faux leaves and compare/contrast.

Margaret said...

Another fantastic tag! Your flowers are every bit as marvelous as Jennie's! I've yet to try making them and now that yours turned out so amazing the pressure is on!
Personally, I am loving your autumnal theme! Makes me look forward to cooler, less humid days!

Annie said...

This is beautiful Alison x fabulous background and the Found Relatives look amazing.

TFS and hugs
Annie x

lilyandthelotus.blogspot.com said...

This is GORGEOUS! wow! pure beauty..I love your art here.
hugs
susan s

Kasia said...

Oh, love this tag! Absolutely beautiful!

Kezzy said...

Wowser your flowers are amazing, they really look beautiful. The background is gorgeous, I really love the crackle paint effect, my favourite has to be the pocket watch, truly awesome with the ribbon and then the rust embellishments, stunning. Hugs Kezzy :-) xxx

Maelchen said...

Oh Alison, such a long time I've had no time to visit my favourite blogs.. You have done marvels again... I admire your work, your words, your tutorials... Thank you so much for sharing and making the internet a wonderful place!
Have a nice weekend!
Manu

Jennie Atkinson said...

Alison I missed this as I was away on my holidays!! What a fabulous masculine piece you have created. The background is wonderful and I love love your flowers in those gorgeous browns. Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Jennie x