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Thursday 14 December 2017

The Snowflakes Come Down






Hello all!

I hope all your Christmas preparations are going well.  I'm squeezing some Christmas shopping and decorating in between the main task of the moment, completing the Funkie Junkie's 12 Tags of Christmas!

We're motoring on through, and we've made it as far as Tag 6 - halfway, yay!

There are some more tags done and dusted and awaiting blogging, so it's feeling good at the moment (Christmas shopping and decorating not quite so under control yet).

For this tag, I've taken just one main element of inspiration from Linda's elegant Tag 6 - the decorative pocket, perfect for a gift card or token.













Other than that, I've pretty much gone my own way... oh, with some snowflakes borrowed from Linda's version too, I guess, though mine sparkle in a different way.

I'm back on the patterned papers - this time one from my Jingle Christmas pad and one that I created myself.

I'm not usually much of a one for using design paper - don't get me wrong, I've got piles of the stuff, but it's mainly for stroking, it seems! - but when you're under time pressure it doesn't half help!











The soft green wood look paper has been cut with the On the Edge Tattered Doily to create my decorative edging - a lovely effect, I think.












And I altered it further with some more of the wonderful crackled stencilled stars used for Tag 2 - partly following Linda's method and partly following my fingers.













Again, I've used DecoArt Crackle Paint and, once it was dry, I laid the stencil down again and sponged on some PaperArtsy White Fire Fresco paint.













I used the same paint to stamp Tim's little starry snowflakes (I can never decide whether they are starry snowflakes or snowy stars) onto some plain white cardstock for my background layer.  I meant to take a photo before I covered it all up, but it didn't happen.













I did some very delicate inking with Bundled Sage DI, blended in from the edges, to help tie it in to the colour of the doily pocket.













I had this NOEL left over from an earlier tag when it went unused.  It's cut in the same soft green paper as the pocket, so I decided its turn had come.











My snowflakes are all just slightly inked around the edges with Walnut Stain, and then I brushed on some matte medium and dipped them into the fabulous Distress Dry Glitter.

I always forget how much I love the delicate shimmering crystals of Dry Glitter.  As far as I'm concerned, it really is a vast improvement on the traditional stuff we used to use as kids, both in appearance and in handling.










Some Christmas Clippings words, of course - where would Words and Pictures be without its words? - and that's really pretty much it...











... apart from some gentle Walnut Stain inking around all my edges, and the simple white twine to top it all off.

I think this would be such a lovely way to hand over a gift voucher or some money - making it that bit more special - a wonderful design, Linda, thank you.

Christmas; magnificent snowflakes snowing in your hope.
Kristian Goldmund Aumann

I'd like to share this as my Tag 6 for the Funkie Junkie's 12 Tags of Christmas, sponsored by the Funkie Junkie Boutique
I'd also like to play along at Stamps and Stencils where the theme is Festive Stamps AND Stencils - so for once you need to use both stamps and stencils - I've used a stencil for the crackled stars and the lovely starry snowflakes on my own decorative paper in the background

33 comments:

Helen said...

what a gorgeous tag! Just the way I like my snowflakes - in craft form!

Valerie-Jael said...

Gorgeous tag, love the vintage look, and I mu ch prefer my snowflakes on paper than coming down outside! Have a nice day, hugs, Valerie

Dortesjs said...

beautiful and very lovely tag ;O)) love the snowflakes ;O))

craftytrog said...

Absolutely stunning Alison!
We're both halfway there! ;-)
Alison xx

Marci said...

I love this tag! Elegant and beautiful.

My name is Erika. said...

This is so delicate Alison. very very pretty. :) Erika

Jackie PN said...

OMGos Alison, you make me giggle! The papers are mainly for stroking...I know what you mean, I have that"special" pile as well! heehee
Your tag is gorgeous!! You always know exactly what pieces and elements to combine and they always look so incredibly brilliant when done!
(hopefully flooring will arrive here today or tomorrow-so it might be an English Christmas here as well!)
Jackie xo

Patty O'Malley said...

Since I love snow, it's a given that I would love this tag, Alison!

Meggymay said...

Its a gorgeous way to use your papers and those snowflakes look beautiful on your tag.
Yvonne xx

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

Another beauty of a creation Alison, I adore the muted tones on this one so much
Hugs
Donna xx

Fliss said...

Gorgeous tag Alison with so much wonderful detail and love the hints of glimmer on there. Really sets off the soft tones.
Fliss xx

Julia Aston said...

Love the neutral colors on this Alison - the crackle and shine - a beautiful snowflake tag! Julia xx

maj. said...

What a glorious tag Alison! The colors are wonderful!!!!

Redanne said...

After our recent snowfalls, it is lovely to see your twinkly snowflakes over the beautiful starry background. Great soft colour tones too! Anne xx

SewPaperPaint said...

It would have never occurred to me to use this on the edge die for the border, but it is so very stunning! This was my fav tag of all and your version came out so much better than mine! I love the soft green and that oh so loved star stencil work. Beautiful and so peaceful! Hugs, Autumn

froebelsternchen said...

What a fantastic creation - a perfect tag Alison - you never cease to amaze with your style! Great snowflakes - you got the essence of snowflakes in this creation !
oxo Susi

Monika Gulyas said...

Wow, Alison!!! Stunning tag!!! I love the lacy edges of your green paper, brilliant idea of using the on the edge die!!! The crackled stars look amazing too!!! xx

Julia said...

A beautiful snowflake tag, love it.

Astrid Maclean said...

Gorgeous and I really prefer your lovely muted ble versions of the tags, - you are on a roll with them! That tattered doily never disappoints!
My Christmas prep is going well. I baked the Kipferln a couple of days ago and they are yummy!

Kate Yetter said...

I am loving all your tags Alison! This one has a beautiful background. I think your neutral color scheme is perfect for your rustic holiday tag.
Kate

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

So pretty.. I Love it's subtle tones Alison and it's super to be able to see all those delicate details up close. It would indeed make a fabulous gift card holder.. Warm Hugs Tracey xx

Mac Mable said...

Yes I am with you on patterned paper and just stroke it and admire it too. Great you've used it on this fabulous tag. Love the edging with the doily edge die and the dry glitter looks so pretty on the snowflake. I am not a fan of loose glitter but at Christmas it just has to be used and what a beautiful effect it is. Pretty layout and the crackled stencilled stars are wonderful x

maria's knutselplezier said...

What a great tag, I love the way your create the christmas spirit, with your white and light colours!!

HAve fun!!
Maria

Dorthe said...

Wow, Alison,
this is gorgeous. Totally love your crackled stars and the white glittering snowflakes -so lovely with the doily background, and the icy tones .
Hugs, Dorthe

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Natural and white...oh so gorgeous and invokes a vintage Christmas...fabulous!

Jannet said...

A stunning glittering snowflake tag! It is a gift in itself no need for a gift card.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas xx

rachel said...

stunningly gorgeous Alison - what a beautiful tag - I love the edged snowflakes - they are fabulous! Hugs rachel xx

Neet said...

That soft green paper is just the perfect foil for this tags snowflake elements. What a lovely idea to cut out a pocket with a fancy border like this - love it!
Hugs, Neet xx

Craftyfield said...

A great way to use these strokable papers... Gorgeous subtle colours as usual, Alison!

Mrs.B said...

A great idea to use the doily die - easier than hand cutting like me! Love the soft colour tones and those papers are really beautiful.
Avril xx

Marci said...

This tag is so subtle and beautiful. I love it.

SueC said...

Beautiful tag Alison, love the little crackled stars and the subtle green of the paper. I, like you, have alot of designer papers but never seem to be able to cut them up ! Thanks for joining us at Stamps and Stencils. Sue C x

pearshapedcrafting said...

Gorgeous and super elegant! Love those crackle snowflakes! Chrisxx