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...

Sunday 4 November 2012

G is for Gingham

Hello and welcome all, with an especially big welcome to the new followers; it's lovely to have you with us on the journey.



I'm sending up a big whoop as well as a big welcome, as I'm finally up to date with the Funkie Junkie's 12 Tags of Christmas.  Okay, I know Linda Coughlin (the FJ herself) will be giving us another new inspirational tag tomorrow, but I've caught up - hence the whoop.



If you've no idea what I'm talking about, you can check out all the details here, and since the inspirational tags Linda's creating every week are simply amazing, it's worth going along for a look anyway.  And the prize if you complete all 12 is sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique.



So, regular readers will know I've been having a bit of battle with tag number 4 - I somehow couldn't find my way round to it, despite loving Linda's original.  But I've finally got there, although I will admit I don't think it's my best work!  Still resisting Christmas too, you'll note...








It was the gingham that was tripping me up, I think, until I finally twigged where I'd seen some in my stash... the glorious Graphic 45 ABC Primer papers.  I knew there was gingham somewhere to be found!  Allow me to digress for a moment...










I got these papers in order to make a gift for my best friend when she had her baby.  Contrary to convention, she planned to keep the nursery in the cream and rust colours already there, so these papers were perfect for altering an Ikea Moppe drawer set to provide some storage.





I painted one side in blackboard paint, and attached a covered box of chalk, so that they can make notes of things required - nappies, ointments - what do I know of the needs of babies?!

There were of course leftovers... and so today I sought them out and pressed them into service.






So let's get back to the tag...

Somehow once I'd started on the papers, I couldn't stop, so having lined the tag with the gingham, I found myself cutting out book labels, and miniature school reports, and ABCs, and wooden rulers. 


But there are quite a lot of elements which have made it across from Linda's tag: she has got paper elements collaged onto hers too. 






And I've incorporated an embossed panel, as she has done, using one of the Tim Holtz embossing folders, and then inking it with Antique Linen and Vintage Photo DIs.  And I've "stitched" it on!  Sewing machines and I are not friends, so my stitches are just hand drawn for now.


I have bought a very cheap handheld sewing machine from The Works, but I'm guessing that won't last long, since  even very expensive sewing machines just break when I sit down at them.  It's very frustrating, as I love the look of stitching in paper-crafted cards and tags.

We'll see how we go with the stitching machine, but I'm not holding my breath!








The trimmings at the top are very strongly inspired by Linda's, as you'll see if you pop over to hers for a look.

I love this burlap ribbon (it's actually from Linda's shop, The Funkie Junkie Boutique, as it happens), and use it a lot.  Here, it's cut in half lengthwise, to get a narrower ribbon, and then the threads that frayed away have been used to knot the ribbons together in a bunch.









And when I saw that the tag still needed a little something, I took inspiration from her button to add a couple of my own, with added pennants, thereby using up almost the last of some East of India ribbon I bought about 10 years ago, and have had sitting around doing occasional service ever since.

Of course, everything's had a little touch of distressing - DIs, paper distresser, and sometimes both - because, frankly, I can't live without it these days!  

So, with this (and this and this in the last few days), I'm up to date - until Linda posts the next one tomorrow... but it feels good, anyway.  Don't panic, mind, you've got until December 17th, so ignore my gloating and go get on with it!  Have a great week, crafting or otherwise... and I'll see you again soon.

I love deadlines.  I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.
Douglas Adams

I'm entering this as Tag 4 in (come on, all together now) the Funkie Junkie's 12 Tags of Christmas

43 comments:

Deborah said...

I'm a big fan of gingham. Both tag and drawers are fantastic!

Brenda Brown said...

Mmmm love your tag and the great interpretation of Linda's one and the drawers are fabulous with the G45 papers too.
hugs {brenda} xox

Redanne said...

I love your interpretation of Linda's tag Alison, I think yours is really beautiful, slightly grungy, very vintage and very, very beautiful. Your drawers are fabulous too, love the blackboard and how lovely to include the chalk too! Crafty hugs, Anne x

Daniele said...

what a lovely gift, I should get round to covering all mine that line a wall in my craft room, yours are inspirational as is the tag
hugs

House of Bears said...

Well the tag is wonderful, but that box - oh my, we love it. We have an undecorated MDF box with drawers on our desk, and your creation is nudging us into decorating it. We've only had it about 5 years so it's about time.

Andrea Small said...

What is it about gingham that just makes me want to slap my thigh and sing songs from the shows? It' s so PERKY! Anyhoo, lovely tag and well caught-up x

sam21ski said...

Yay for G45 - fabby papers, wonderful tag and love your drawers

Sam xxx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oooh! I love gingham and you've made something so fabulous with it! It definitely gave my eyes something to linger on - Thanks! Chrisx

Netty said...

Great tag, but oooh those set of drawers are just gorgeous and am sure your friend was thrilled to bits with it. Annette xx

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow, so fantastic. The tag and also the drawers look fantastic.

Astrid Maclean said...

Oh Alison, I totally, utterly adore this tag!!! I'm not gingham's greatest friend either but I love that G45 paper!!! And I also adore how the ribbon matches the paper, and Gingham in rust and off white is actually very, very cool I think. Oh and the way you have done the buttons and twine etc. I think it is now actually one of my favourites of yours, LOVE IT!!!!

Astrid Maclean said...

Oops, meant to say, really love those Ikea drawers too!!!

May said...

Gorgeous tag Alison...I love the gingham! Graphic 45 papers are AmAzing.. wonderful project & the set of drawers are Beautiful... you deserve a big Whoop for catching up!! Hugs May x x x

craftimamma said...

This is fabulous Alison. I always love gingham whether it's bright and fresh or vintagey as it is here. Well done for getting over the hold up and with such style too.
The drawers are gorgeous as well and by coincidence when my son was born nearly 34.5 yrs ago we decorated his nursery in cream and rust. Those lovely drawers would have looked perfect, lol!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Bonnie Irvine said...

Fabulous tag and set of drawers. My G45 ABC Primer paper is in my hoard vault but you are tempting me to break it out! Love the gingham and the embossed section. Wonderful texture. Enjoyed the sweet ephemera.

Inkypinkycraft said...

A really great make ...and still avoiding the Chrismas thing!! I have given in!! Trace x

Claudia N. said...

Whoop, Alison!

Congrats on your catching up with the 12 Tags of Christmas! ;)

Love your gingham tag sooo much! The vintage look is absolutely fabulous!

Wishes,
Claudia xx

chrissie said...

Just love everything about this tag. Gingham always reminds me of school uniforms.

Love Chrissie xx

Francesca said...

Great tag, love the embossed bit underneath. Well done for catching up. Francesca

froebelsternchen said...

That´s a gorgeous tag and the drawer ist beautiful also! Adorable tags from the last days! I love them all! so ARTSY! you are so talented..GREAT!

Alison said...

A gorgeous tag Alison, well worth the wait! Looks like we're both ready for today's tag! ;o)
Alison x

Sophie said...

Meine Güte!
Was für eine tolle aufwendige Arbeit...
Wunderschön gemacht.

xx

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Fabulous tag, love the background - beautiful vintage feel. Love love, love it!!! xx

Nan G said...

Lovely gingham tag! You nailed the essence of the FJ tag.

Ntsisterz said...

Gingham was always been a favorite of mine and you showcased it beautifully on your tag. Love the touches of burlap.

Mrs.B said...

Love your interpretation of this tag, with all the little details.
Your decorated box using these papers is lovely, Im sure it will go on to hold more than nappies!
Avril xx

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Wow, you have inspired me Alison. Your tag and chest are making me want to use my ABC Primer paper that I have had for months and months and haven't cut it yet. I do love all of your work and always look forward to seeing what's on your desk and projects you are completing.

Olivia said...

What a beautiful box! The paper is beautiful and stylish...just like I like it ;-) And your tag is so cute!!

Kate Yetter said...

Lovely set! These papers are gorgeous and so vintage. Love the embossing and ledger on that tag! That box would be a great gift.
Kate

Lisa Minckler said...

Great Tag o' mighty!! This is sooooo way cool. A non gender specific decoration fitting for a baby's room and you NAILED the inspiration in tag 4. I'm unbelievably impressed. This mind blowing awesome!
Hugs to you Alison,
Lisa xx

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Gingham inspiration abounds here! Gorgeous! I love the tag of course, but your friends present is totally awesome! So fabulous!

Janny Jager said...

Fabulous Tag and Drawers Alison
A great inspiration.
Thanks.
Greetings Janny

Shelby said...

Cool use of gingham in this design and absolutely love the vintage feel you've given to this tag. Of course the altered drawers are simply amazing and I'm sure your bestie was thrilled with this!

Shelby

Jenny Marples said...

Oh well done you getting up to date on the tags. No pressure on me know!!
Love how you've used those beautiful G45 papers on both the tag and the chest of drawers. I bet those drawers will become an heirloom as they can't go out of fashion. Hugs, Buttons x

Sandy said...

Love your creations! I have just become a follower and now subscribe to your blog!!! Beautiful art work!
sandy

Anonymous said...

WOWZER!!! What an amazing project!! I just love your details on this hun!! HUGS

Lucy Edmondson said...

I absolutely love your drawers, Alison! Oooh no, that sounds dodgy! You have done a cracking job decorating them. I have a Moppe waiting to be decorated too; I seem to be able to get away with putting extra things in the trolley when we go to Ikea,

Lucy x

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

I love gingham and you have captured my heart with your beautiful altered drawer set and your tag! Fabulous textures and terrific stitching - just love the whole thing. The bits of ribbon, buttons and twine are the perfect finishers. Wonderful to see you are caught up - well, almost since I have posted #8. So glad to have you aboard the challenge this year!

Hugs,
Linda

Chrissy said...

Awesome...love the gingham...great set of drawers too, loving the papers.

Luv CHRISSYxx

Gio said...

Lovely tag...but the mini drawer I would die for, perfect!

Bärbel said...

Auch dieses Tag ist wunderbar, Alison, der geprägte Hintergrund, die Buchstaben, die Rechnung, das Karo-Band, das sind so liebevolle Details. Auch die mit den schönen Papieren bezogenen Kästen sehen toll aus.

Marjie Kemper said...

That partial print from the collage TF looks amazing with the stitching and soft coloring... what a wonderful tag, and your drawers are fabulous!

Kezzy said...

Gorgeous tag, I really love the papers they are beautiful. I really love the country gingham feel and the drawers you did for your best friend are amazing :-) Hugs Kerry xxx