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...

Wednesday 27 April 2016

Spring in my Step

There's certainly a spring in my step - I'm making the most of my last week in New York City, walking everywhere, exploring and savouring.  Spring is in full swing in this city, and the bright green leaves and blossoms line the streets as well as filling the parks.  So it's high time for some more springtime inspiration from me for Monika's lovely Spring theme at Country View Challenges.


I made these long ago, before my trip to China, and I think I was still on the "backgrounds" kick from the month before, as that's definitely my favourite thing about these two springtime tags!




In another boost to my not-resolution to make sure I use the hoarded stash crowding my craft space, I've finally inked up the gorgeous floral background stamp from the Dots and Floral set.

While I was at it, I tried it two different ways...








First of all, I did some wrinkle-free distress technique using Distress Paints.  I think there's Antique Linen, Mowed Lawn and Broken China on the mat here.











And here are the scrumptious results of repeated smooshing, spritzing, drying and dabbing.

Then on one I tried to stamp the florals in white pigment ink, but had my usual fail as far as that goes (just never enough coverage for my liking, but I'm always hopeful)...











.... so I quickly grabbed some Vanilla White embossing powder and slung that over the still wet ink.


There's more texture than there would have been with just ink, so I'm happy with that.  The florals stamp is for the "negative space", so my blossoms are revealed with the lovely paints underneath.












Then for the second tag I thought I'd go for a version where the negative space was darker than the blossoms, and preferably sky-coloured.

So I used Archival French Ultramarine, and I think the results are really pretty.  And pretty is fine by me in spring... that's what spring should be!













So there were my backgrounds, and I was really happy with them - and slightly reluctant to cover them up very much.

I dug out a couple of wooden hearts, part of a set picked up in the Christmas sale at The Range...













... and grabbed some deliciously delicate pre-cut spring flowers.

Now this is more hoard-clearing, so I can't be certain any longer where I got them from, but they make me happy!













There are also some lace and torn book page fragments from the stash (somehow, it's not getting any emptier in the craft room though).













And lace and twine toppers too...
















And what would springtime be without some butterflies?














I used the Tim Holtz punch to make these, and they're ready to flutter away fearlessly, living in the moment... 














... as recommended by the Small Talk stickers of course!








I hope you like this pair of tags, and that you'll be inspired to come and play along at Country View Challenges.  You've got just a few days left, and we'd love to see your Spring creations.  Happy Crafting all!





It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!
From Tom Sawyer, Detective by Mark Twain

I'd like to enter these tags in Anything Spring at the Southern Ridge Trading Company
And the Love To Create Challenge Blog is looking for Anything Creative/Mixed Media as usual

36 comments:

Inkypinkycraft said...

beautiful tags , dappled in sunlight xx hugs x

chrissie said...

Pleased you are having Spring Alison as we seem to be back to winter here with even snow flurries here and there.

Love the tags and would never have thought to sprinkle embossing powder onto the ink.Brilliant idea.

Have fun while you are still there

Love Chrissie xx

brenda said...

There is certainly a feel of Spring on our pretty tags Alison, lovely fresh zingy colours.

B x

craftytrog said...

Wonderful backgrounds, and I love the touch of lace and book page Alison!
Enjoy your last week! xx

Monika Gulyas said...

Lovely, soft and feminine! Really spring like - in contrast with here, it's snowing! I have to watch your tags to feel the sun and the spring time :-)

Marci said...

These are beautiful! Love your backgrounds, the colors are gorgeous.

Marci said...

These are beautiful! Love your backgrounds, the colors are gorgeous.

Dorthe said...

They are so beautiful, dear Alison, and the backgrounds so WONDERFUL,love them so much. also your fearless butterfly`s so very sweet and looking for flowers, to feed them :) - just adorable.
Sounds so lovely with your time off now to enjoy the last days in N.Y . have fun !!
Hug,
Dorthe

Astrid Maclean said...

The backgrounds are indeed lovely, both of them and I love the way you rescued the first.
The way you have finished them really shows a flavour of Spring, so sadly missing here in the UK. We had snow yesterday and hail the day before, - so enjoy that Springtime in New York while you can!!

Helen said...

Glad you're enjoying the New York Spring - as has been said, it's very cold here this week and yes, snow even in Surrey! (just flakes, but snow..) Gorgeous tags, love your backgrounds, as always.

pearshapedcrafting said...

Wow! Definitely Spring!! I loVe both of your tags - a good bit of hoard clearing I'd say!! I love the light covering of white! Hope you can continue to see more of the New York Spring! Hugs, Chrisx

Jane said...

What lovely tags Alison, a real breath of spring x

Redanne said...

I really like the result you got with the embossing powder, the texture looks brilliant. I also like the way you did not cover up the whole of your backgrounds, they are far too beautiful for that. Great tags Alison! Anne xx

Linda Walker said...

Your tags are just gorgeous! So is your weather....today is a bit warmer but I had to dig out the winter jammies last night, LOL!
Linda
mysewwhatblog

Meggymay said...

Beautiful springtime tags, those backgrounds look Fantastic.
Enjoy your time in New York, winter is back here in the UK.
Yvonne xx

Amanda said...

A beautiful glimpse of Spring, they are lovely. Wish your tags reflected the current reality of weather
Love
Amanda x

Mrs.B said...

Gorgeous tags Alison, love the fresh colours with the neutral embellishments.
Glad to hearing you're enjoying the spring weather, it's like winter here.
Avril xx

Anonymous said...

Incredibly beautiful and I love the play of shadows with those delightful wooden die cut flowers and also the butterflies. The butterflies look as though they are ready to be carried off in a passing breeze at any moment.
Alison, enjoy what remains of your time in NY.
Wishes
Lynne

Deb said...

Beautiful Alison, those backgrounds are scrumptious! I have the same issue with white inks, hope to get it right one day! Deb xo

Craftyfield said...

Both versions are gorgeous and that stamp makes beautiful backgrounds! Love the natural wood embellishments that you teamed up with the green, perfect for a spring theme.

Sophie said...

Wunderschöne und sehr elegante Tags.

Sophie x

Sue said...

These are really lovely Alison, I always like white embossing powder, but the blue background is so pretty too. Enjoy your last week in New York, and prepare for snow when you come home! x

maj. said...

Beautiful and delicate tags!!!

Heather said...

Beautiful tags Alison, gorgeous background papers with wonderful colours and embossing!! Your butterflies and dies are stunning, and beautiful wooden hearts with super lace tags - gorgeous!!!

hug
Heather xx

SewPaperPaint said...

These are truly beautiful! The backgrounds definitely are too pretty to cover up. so happy that you are cheery and alive these days - soaking it all in! Be safe and can't wait to see your new inspiration. Hugs, Autumn PS. thanks so much for the kind support and encouragement on my new DT! Yay!

Kasia said...

So beautiful! Love the background :)

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Just gorgeous and soft backgrounds...love the whole process!

Juliz Design Post said...

Beautiful tags Alison and a gorgeous mix of Spring colours.
Julie x

experiments in paper said...

I hope you have or had a wonderful last week in NY - and a belated happy birthday!! These tags are wonderful. I love the two applications with such different looks, but am especially taken with that embossing powder - that was brilliant! Love all the other touches as well - hello, Spring!! xxx Lynn

Paper Profusion said...

Oh these are truly gorgeous Alison, so prettily vibrant, I think those butterflies are enjoying themselves! Enjoy what is left of your NY adventure. Nicola x

Pawsitively Creative said...

What a way to turn something that didn't go exactly right into a stunning piece with the white EP. Both tags a luscious and lovely. Fantabulous design and details! Hope you are enjoying your trip! ~Niki

Lucy Edmondson said...

Gorgeous! I love the smooched colour with the white embossing!


Lucy x

Etsuko said...

wonderfully two cards!! Great each background and full of the April embellishments. So lovely! xx

Jackie PN said...

I just so love your art Alison- what more can I say! Stunning tags! xo

Julie Lee said...

These are wonderful backgrounds, Alison! Who wouldn't be reluctant to cover them, but they do look glorious topped with these embellishments. Lovely spring-time post. I've never been to New York: it must be amazing in the spring! xx

A Pink said...

Beautiful tags! Alison . Gorgeous colours and so glad you kept embellishments to a minimum- as you say shame to cover up such beauty .
hugs x